Okay, I have a few tidbits of info to report on:

=====================================
Part 1:
In the "Links" thread (sticky-ed at the top of the page), I have a section devoted to software I really like. Everything posted in that thread by me is as bug free as you can imagine, and costs nothing to download.

I've been rather taken by the windows vista "aero" interface. I really do like it's look. It's about time that Microsoft gave us something other than a but-ugly OS. Sure it's a beasty hog on graphics and memory, but it is Microsoft after all.

I've been trying to get that look on Windows XP for some time. I've only found one solution out there that will do it for you, from a company called Stardock software. You can get their DesktopX software, but it will run you $20 to register it.

I've downloaded the trial, and I have to say it seems to work really well. It looks pretty. As far as I can tell, though, it "hides" the menu bar, and replaces it with another graphical interface bar. The replacement functions perfectly, but the software loses points for not actually changing the menu bar. This means that the little piece of code to make the menu bar is still running in the background. Sure, it's only a percent or so of your processing power, at most, but to me, everything counts.

I give it a "half-hearted" thumbs up, maybe 7.9 out of 10. A full shell-replacement would have been preferable, but alas, no dice here. (If you can find out otherwise, let me know, and I'll be glad to correct myself, I'm still waiting on an email back from Stardock with the details on exactly how the modifications are performed.) If the software was truly cost-free, then it would be a solid 9.0, maybe more.

If you're interested, it's solid, but it doesn't meet my criteria of being free to use.
Stardock - Your Edge In Software

================================================== =
Part 2:
Okay, so is there any way I can capture that feel?
Sort of. I found this interesting little proggie which really does a fantastic job, but it doesn't actually change windows. Vystal is the name of the project, and a simple executable file is downloded.

When you run the .exe file, it looks like nothing happens. However, from that point forwards, any "new" windows you open get controlled by Vystal. You see the window open briefly for a second, and then flicker out.

Vystal then re-launches, or re-skins that window, and you get, very nearly, an exact replica of what Aero Glass looks like. It's actually quite impressive.

Why am I not giving it a recommendation in the other thread then?
It is somewhat slow... you must wait for your window to launch, get taken control of, and re-skinned, on a per-window, or per-application basis. It adds a second or two to each window's opening.

It is however, free, so, kudos there. I'll give it an 8 out of 10 because it does work pretty well, and it is free, and it looks gorgeous. It's also still in development, they are still fine-tuning it, so it will get better, one assumes.

Vystal

==========================================
Part 3:
This brings me to another software package: "Vista Transformation Pack". I did something rather tragic, I left my antivirus turned on, and now my computer crashes randomly. The download and install directions clearly state that you should disable antivirus software for the install. I didn't believe them.

The program runs a powerful little routine to shut down some of the windows background tasks running on a normal system. This is because the software needs to overwrite some rather important system files. This powerful routine is usually identified as a "virus" by most antivirus software set-ups, and is disabled. However, if you don't let it run, it causes errors on your system, as the pack really needs to access some important files, and my install is somewhat broken by my own overconfidence. Still, that the problem exists at all indicates that you should create a restore point prior to installing this pack.

It includes a new log-on screen, new computer icons on the windows menus, and really does a great job of transforming your system to look like vista. Your drive icons are changed, default folder appearances, the "Up a directory" button on explorer windows is changed to the "back arrow" seen in vista.

It does not include the transparency effects provided by Vista's Aero interface, unless you purchase Stardock's software pack for the transparency.

The software loses points for not being free, and causing a few minor problems on my system (probably my fault, though). The biggest let down was the fact that I had thought I was going to get transparency... but I didn't. I can't find the uninstall yet, though. Kinda strange. It's in a directory somewhere, but Windows hasn't managed to figure out that it belongs in the control panel.

As an update to your User Interface, it works and looks great, and has taught me that I don't really want or need Vista. As I said, the re-skin is free, but my install didn't go perfectly smooth, plus it requires "paid-for" software for the full deal.

8.5 out of 10.

Downloadable from the developer's forum thread:
Vista Transformation Pack 7 - JCXP.net

__________________
Cameron's Classes for Operators!

Be A Sniper! - Drink Good Coffee! - Be Popular! - Free Great Stuff for your computer! Stuff (Not Great, but good)for your Computer.

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!