VistaTweaker

VistaTweaker is a freeware Windows tool aimed at Windows Vista users who want to customize their operating system with no fuss.

The program’s GUI is one of the elements that really deserve to be praised because it relies on a tabbed layout, which means that users can quickly access the section they’re interesting in with just one click.

There are multiple customization categories available, such as system, Windows UI, Internet Explorer, software, network and miscellaneous.

Obviously, there are plenty of tweaks to choose from and a description field at the bottom of the only window shows more information on every selected feature. A help manual is however available, just in case more documentation is needed.

Despite the offered assistance, some of the tweaks aren’t quite aimed at beginners. For example, the “System” tab allows you to enable unsigned drivers and Verbose Status, disable UAC and set AutoUpdate to notify before installing updates.

On the other hand, some of the entries are pretty self-explanatory, such the ones in the “Windows UI” tab that enable you to disable file tooltips, show file extensions, remove desktop shortcut arrow overlay, enable Clear Type or show the Run box.

Most of the tweaks are aimed at Windows Vista users, but some of them also work on Windows XP.

On the bad side, VistaTweaker lacks backup features, which isn’t quite good news for users who wish to stay on the safe side all the time.

Overall, this piece of software does exactly what its name promises and doesn’t attempt to impress users with eye-candy or fancy looks. It serves its purpose with minimum effort and with plenty of helpful information.