Cairo Desktop

Since the old days of Windows 95, we are all used to the same style of desktop, if you're not counting all the face lifts. If you are looking for a different approach at how you work on your computer and not just a different theme, then you should have a look at Cairo Desktop. Not only does it change the looks of your desktop, but it also changes the way it works. Instead of a flashy design that only looks good, the software lays out your desktop in a functional manner. You can run your applications, explore folders and perform other operations comfortably, without having to think about the controls.

Cairo Desktop is compatible with Windows Vista and all later editions and it supports both 32 and 64-bit systems. Downloading and installing the software is a quick and effortless operation. There are no complex settings to go through and you don't have to watch out for unwanted applications or browser extensions. The hardware requirements are modest and there is no need to install any prerequisite tools or services.

When launched, the application will immediately change your desktop. The transition is almost instantaneous, so you don't have to wait for loading times or any progress bars to fill up. In a way, the new desktop resembles that of Mac OS X. A series of menus are placed on the upper edge of the screen, on which you can also find the system tray, clock and volume controls, in the upper-right corner.

Running applications and opened files and folders are still displayed on the lower edge of the screen, but in the center, like on OS X's dock. The top menus contain options for tweaking Cairo Desktop, running applications and opening various folders. Clicking the Documents and Downloads menus will display the contents of the folders with the same names in a ribbon, on the upper edge of the screen.

An interesting aspect of Cairo Desktop is how it lets you navigate through your local folders. While you can still browse through your files normally, on an Explorer window, you can also navigate through your folders directly on your desktop. You only need to select a folder in the Places menu or browse for one. This will display its contents on the desktop and you can interact with each file or folder by double clicking it. A control bar can be found in the lower-center part of the screen, with back and forward buttons, an option for jumping to specific folders, as well as a Home button.

Regularly used programs can be fond in their own menu, in which you can add new ones, without any effort. The software automatically detects all your installed applications and it lets you choose which ones you want in the Programs menu, by simply clicking and dragging their icons, from one column to another. What's more, the software lets you categorize these applications as well. When you open the Programs menu, you will see all icons in the same menu, but you can also filter them, if you wish to see Internet-related applications, accessories, media software or others.

The general design of Cairo Desktop is pleasant to look at. The software uses dark colors, which go easy on the eye. The best part is that everything is organized in a logical manner. The software doesn't do anything just so that it looks good, but it does everything to make your experience more comfortable.

Cairo Desktop changes the way you look at your desktop completely.