From the Windows operating system’s beginning, the desktop has been the soul of the platform. The operating system has moved from Windows 3.1 to Vista, improving upon core enhancements, functionality, stability, and how we can modify and enhance the desktop. The desktop provides easy access to documents and specific features, like network connections and the control panel. But it also allows us to customize the look and feel to support our individual personality. In this guide, we illustrate how to modify the Windows Vista desktop, customizing it to meet the casual and professional users’ needs.

Desktop basics

The Windows desktop can be as simple or as complex as you desire. Many desktops feature shortcuts to commonly used folders, access to the Control Panel, and shortcuts to commonly used programs. However, when Vista installs, the Control Panel, Network, and Computer icons do not appear. You have to configure the desktop to show these icons.

Configure the desktop to show basic PC icons

1. Right click the desktop and select Personalize.

2. Choose Change desktop icons from the tasks listed on the left hand side of the window.

3. Check the box next to each type of icon you want available on your Vista desktop. Options include: Computer, User’s Files, Network, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel.

4. Click OK and you are finished. The icons should immediately appear on the desktop.

After configuring your desktop to show the frequently accessed icons of your choice, it is time to begin exploring the aesthetics of the PC. The Windows desktop background may be the most basic and commonly altered piece of aesthetics on the operating system. The background allows us to personalize our Windows experience. This may be why Microsoft, with Windows, Vista, introduced the option to Personalize with a right click of the desktop. Let’s take a look at how we can change the desktop picture, and, for those with Windows Vista Ultimate, include a movie as the desktop.