For most people an operating system is simple a platform to launch their software of choice or simply a mechanism to perform their work. It shouldn’t and doesn’t do much more than enable you to get with a job. Boot your computer and then start your favourite applications. Your favourite applications shouldn’t be built in to the operating system.

However, Microsoft, Apple and others would have us believe that we should be upgrading every couple of years and they bring out a brand new operating system that will enable us to be more productive. But do they really make us more productive? When Vista was released, we had to spend thousands of pounds to upgrade our desktop software simply to make it Vista compatible. Surely that’s not right?

For this reason, there are still millions of users who have chosen to stay with Windows XP. There are many tools out there that will take your Windows XP and turn it in to a Vista-like operating system using themes and styles. Sure you don’t get some of the core functionality, but if you simply do not care about how your operating system will work, and only care about stability and appearance, then this could be an option.

ViOrb is a new start button for Windows XP users to turn this in to a Vista-style start button. Better still, it works with various styles, too. Use ViOrb in conjunction with ViStart for a Vista-style Start Menu.