The first thing most computer users want to change is the background image. Windows comes pre-installed with some nice images, but many want their own.
One service, John's Background Switcher, allows users to grab pictures from the computer or the Internet -- downloading images from Flickr, for example -- says Karsten Bunz of German computer magazine Chip.
Those pictures are then converted into a background slide show.
Other options allow changes to the actual functioning of the computer. Users of Windows 8 or 8.1 who miss the classic Start button and its full range of functions can get them back thanks to a variety of programs, says Andre Hessel of Computerbild, another magazine.
Options include Classic Shell, ViStart, Start Menu 8 or Power8.
Those who liked the Sidebars and Widgets of Vista and Windows 7 can also bring them back to their Windows 8 machine.
Bunz recommends 8GadgetPack, which can help return constant notices about new mail, the weather and CPU performance to the desktop.
Rainmeter also shows a lot of information and can change Windows' look. Bunz also recommends Outlook on the Desktop, which lets people keep their calendar and to-do list in the corner of the eye.
There are also a lot of tools out there to help declutter a desktop of files, shortcuts and start-up icons. Hesel points to Fences, which can set up multiple fields on a desktop where users can sort icons.
One field might be for text files, another for pictures and yet another for start-up icons, for example.
RocketDock also promises to help tidy up desktops and provide quick access to files.
It enhances Windows with a quick start-up dock,...