How to make XP look and act like Windows 7

No, you can't turn XP into Win7; you can't even do a direct upgrade. However, if you like the sleek look of 7 but aren't ready to start over with a new OS, you can give your XP computer much the same look, and you can also download programs that will provide some of the same functionality as new Windows 7 features.

1. Install the Windows 7 Taskbar iconizer to make the taskbar icons look more like those in 7.
2. Install AeroPeek and Visual Task Tips to allow you to view thumbnails of open windows and highlight the active window while making all the other windows transparent (requires .NET Framework 3.5)
3. Install AeroSnap to make windows automatically resize to fill half the screen when dragged to the side of the monitor.
4. Download and run AeroShake to minimize all inactive windows by shaking with your mouse.
   

You can find links to download all of these programs, along with screenshots and more instructions, at make-windows-xp-vista-like-windows