Tech Spotlight

Windows Vista includes a graphical desktop video program called DreamScene.  This feature was highly tauted before Vista was ever released as a great new display engine.  To put it in perspective, DreamScene is nothing more than a small video tool that allows users to play any video in a transparent mode on their desktop background.  While it does look pretty neat if you find the right video, it is nothing more than a waste of CPU cycles.

Since Windows Vista was released to consumers over a year and a half ago, Microsoft has also sent several Content Packs to its users via Windows Update.  There are a total of 14 different videos by default now.  Remember, you can use any video, not just the ones Microsoft offers.  To implement DreamScene on your Vista machine follow the steps below.

1. Right click on the desktop and select “Personalize.”
2. Click on “Desktop Background.”
3. From the drop down tab, select “Windows DreamScene Content.”
4. Now choose a default one or click “Browse” to select one of your own videos.
5. Click OK.

The first time you see DreamScene in action, it does look cool, but it will wear off soon.  DreamScene does effect system performance somewhat and after the “awe factor” of the video playing in the background, you will most likely turn it off and choose a personal favorite desktop background.

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