Market Like You Mean It

“Oh the media monkeys and the junkie-junkies will invite you to the plastic pantomime.”

I just discovered this hilarious show on HBO called, Flight of the Conchords. It’s about a couple of New Zealanders (Brett and Jermaine) who want to be rock stars. Check out episode 6: David Bowie Dream where David Bowie (who looks remarkably like Jermaine) comes to visit Brett in his sleep.

I’ll admit, Vista looks slick. But I don’t want to deal with all the compatibility issues. Not to mention, I don’t feel like dropping several hundred bucks for those issues. So…I’ve tweaked XP to simulate Vista. And if I may say so myself, I think I’ve done a pretty good job.

Instructions are below:

1. Skin Windows. Do a Google search for “Windows XP Zune theme” (or just download it here) and install the theme. It’ll give your computer that cool glossy black look. And since it’s from Microsoft, it’ll integrate very nicely into your system.
2. Get the Alt-Tab PowerToy. Also from Microsoft, this little tweak will make your alt-tabiness much more useful. Instead of just seeing a vague program icon, you’ll actually see a screenshot of each application. You can download it from Microsoft’s website.
3. Put a Vista-like Wallpaper on your Desktop. Search for “Windows Vista Desktop Wallpaper“, pick the one you like, and use it. (Note: try to find a reputable looking site though. There are a lot out there that I wouldn’t download anything from.)
4. Get Yahoo! Widgets. Use this little program to put a nice analog clock, PC performance monitors, photo frame, newsreader, stock-ticker, etc. on your desktop, and much more. Very slick.

Bonus: If you’ve ever used Linux or Mac and like the idea of having multiple desktops, have no fear…you can do that with Windows too! This little known download comes from Microsoft and, although it’s a bit slow, adds valuable functionality to your OS.

Got other suggestions? Add them in the comments. I’ll put the best ones here.

UPDATE: I’ve added a new follow-up post on how to pimp your PC to work like a Mac.

Nothing tells you the time better than a bunch of Japanese girls doing hand puppet dance moves. This is one of the coolest projects I think I’ve ever seen. This world-clock has catchy music and entertaining video clips to keep you watching…and coming back.