2006-07-18 14:00:51 · 5 answers · asked by olddad1264 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Skins are custom graphical appearances that can be applied to certain software and websites. (wikipedia.com)
In a nutshell, XP's operating system runs with visual settings that you see (like the border outlining the windows you can open and close, the start menu, default font styles for unambiguous computer text). Skins provide an alternative visual appearance for different "skinnable programs" including the previously mentioned parts of the Windows XP OS (operating system).
Changing skins on XP is comparable to you simply changing into a different shirt. None of the primary programming or processes are changed with skins, only the appearance is changed. There are default skins programmed into XP's properties menu which can be reached by right clicking on the desktop. In addition, Microsoft has official XP skins that can be purchased from their website. There are also some random third-party or non-professional skins that can be downloaded off the internet but those XP skins sometimes require a specific program to express them on the XP visual interface.
That's the more general answer for skins. I included my source if you have any other questions.
2006-07-18 14:45:17 · answer #1 · answered by Shortstuff71 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Skins are different customizable layouts and looks that can be applied to different programs and applications. A skin is pretty much like clothes for a program. The functions of the program are still there, but it just looks different. A skin for Windows XP would change the way the toolbar looks, the colors of the toolbar and start menu, the fonts, pretty much just about everything.
2006-07-18 14:07:12 · answer #2 · answered by tfeng8 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Skins are alternate interfaces for a program. They can change the size, position of buttons, shape, and, most commonly, color and design of the program window.
As for Windows XP, it has no skins. Instead, they're called "Visual Styles," and they're usually found in files with the extension .msstyles. There are also themes, which usually include a visual style and a wallpaper, along with any of a number of other features, including screensavers, sound schemes, icons, etc...
2006-07-18 14:12:20 · answer #3 · answered by Finch 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They replace the windows GUI with something [usually] a bit more interesting. I'm using the free Vista Inspirat Bricopack.
2006-07-18 14:08:43 · answer #4 · answered by Austin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they change the way things look
2006-07-18 14:01:57 · answer #5 · answered by livingforjesus231 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋