> I remember back with XP everyone was installing additional themes and gadgets to completely customise the look of their system.
That sounds a bit weird: Up to and including Windows 7, you could pretty completely customise the look of your system just using the built-in control panel.
A computer is part of the room. It's part of the furniture. It's part of the looks. I should be able to decorate the digital desktop, as much as I am able to decorate the surrounding desk and room.