Despite Windows 8 approaching, with its dynamic new design, Windows 7 is still a solid operating system. If its interface is starting to grow old, consider changing things up with one of these five free Rainmeter skins. Changing the design of the taskbar is an easy way to reimagine the layout of your computer without an entire system design overhaul.
Rainmeter is one of several free tools for Windows customization, and can be used to completely replace your interface or just tweak a few features. Hundreds of skins are available to download, designed by its active user base.
Before you can install these skins, you’ll have to download Rainmeter at http://www.rainmeter.net.
The DEEP7 taskbar is a minimalistic, text-based design that replaces icons with folders. It’s available in a light and dark theme, and can be placed at either the top or bottom of the screen.
Razor is reminiscent of OS X with its centralized bar and isolated icons. Programs can be sorted into folders to reduce clutter.
If you’re excited about Windows 8, the Omnimo skin will provide a good test run. Do away with a typical task bar altogether and arrange Omnimo’s large program buttons on your screen instead. Change colors or make them transparent. Omnimo provides buttons for most common Windows programs.
i2 bar has a unique design, with its swooping angles and high contrast color scheme. This bar doesn’t provide the same program icon storing feature of a normal taskbar, but it offers clocks, weather indicators and more.
Enigma is a popular Rainmeter skin, known for its many widgets. Enigma’s taskbar replaces the large, colorful icons with a sleek black bar and white buttons. You can also add features like power and wifi buttons if you’re using a laptop.
What does your taskbar look like? Do you use Rainmeter? Or are you a Linux/Apple user?
