When you get a brand new laptop, its clean and uncluttered. Maybe even a little cold compared to your last one. Just like a new apartment, it’s time to decorate!
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Change your background. Usually the first thing you see when you log in is your background. Changing it to something you like will boost your mood. Your favorite band might make a good background. If you aren’t sure, search for “open source” desktop backgrounds to find ones that are free to use as you please.
Gadgets are fun too. If you have Windows 7 or Vista, you can place fun little gadgets on your desktop. From sticky notes to a language translator, you can browse online to find lots of playful and useful gadgets. If you don’t have a operating system that supports gadgets, download Google desktop. It imitates the side bar from Windows 7, allowing you to place gadgets inside it instead of on your desktop.
Another thing you always have to look at are your icons on your desktop. If you have a lot of them, you might want to consider downloading a new set to give them a fresh flavor. Places like Vista Icons have loads of icon sets to pick from, including some silly ones that turn your icons into fruit.
Of course, you can make your own backgrounds and icon sets if you’re feeling artistic. Places like Sherv.net’s Icon Maker allows you to pick a picture and convert it into a icon without having to draw anything.
