Stardock LogonStudio 1.7

Stardock LogonStudio 1.7

License: Free, for personal-use only

Operating Systems: Windows 7 (32 bit), Windows 7 (64 bit), Windows Vista (32 bit), Windows Vista (64 bit), Windows XP

Requirements:
512MB RAM, 1024x768 minimum display

Languages: English

Considering how customisable Windows is, you might feel cheated having to stare at the same old boring welcome screen that appears when you come to log on. Once upon a time changing this screen involved meddling with key system files, a recipe for disaster, but Stardock has ridden to the rescue with this handy tool that does all the hard work for you.
Once installed, you can switch to dozens of alternatives, including pre-installed Windows wallpapers. Don’t like what’s on offer, download your own from the internet, or better still, select your own image.
This image needs to be the same aspect ratio as your display – 16:9 for widescreen or 4:3 for a traditional monitor, so crop it using an image editor first if necessary. Save it in JPG, PNG or BMP format, then switch to LogonStudio and click Create followed by Browse to select it. If you’re using a widescreen display, ignore the slightly squashed look in the thumbnail preview window. Change the name if necessary and click Save.
Preview your new background by selecting it and clicking Apply. You’ll go to the switch user screen – log back on and either close the program, choose another or select Windows Default and click Apply again to return to your original settings.
Once complete, you can save or upload your creation to the WinCustomize website to share with others (make sure you own the copyright on the image before doing so).
Verdict:
A quick, easy and safe way to change the Windows logon screen – what’s not to like?