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NewsHow the Default Windows 7 Wallpaper and Login Screen Design Became So Iconic

Artist Chuck Anderson has found immense success at the ripe old age of 24. If you’ve installed the Windows 7 RC or final version, you’ve seen his artwork. Chuck designed the login screen and default wallpaper for Redmond’s new OS.

Microsoft contacted him in December 2008. They started off showing him the crazy background themes they were bundling with Windows 7. This may have put the young independent artist at ease knowing he had a lot of leeway in his designs.

The designs were done with pencil and paper first, and then transferred to Photoshop for refining. The entire process took about four months. In the process of designing the login screen, Chuck and Microsoft noticed an early version had a series of seven lines at the bottom. They started repeating that in the final design. If you look at his work, you’ll see there are seven branches, seven leaves, and seven flower petals in a few places.

Microsoft managed to collaborate well with a talented young artist, and our new Windows is much more attractive for it. Hit the story link for some work in progress images of the background and login screen.

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FeaturesWindows 7 Feature Focus: Working with Displays and Projectors

Windows 7's display configuration settings have gone through some of the biggest transformations from previous editions, including Windows Vista. And, the changes are more than skin-deep. With improved support for portrait displays, better ways to detect and manage multiple monitors, easy projector connections, and better theme controls, Windows 7 makes it easier than ever before to make the visual components of Windows work the way you want them to. Join us after the jump for all the details.

Windows 7 adds new display controls

 

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NewsFinally, More Windows Ultimate Extras [Updated]

It's taken a loooong time, but Microsoft has finally rewarded Vista Ultimate users with more Ultimate Extras. We take them for a test drive.

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NewsDreamScene Arrives on Vista Ultimate Desktops

Wake up your Windows Vista Ultimate desktop with DreamScene - and learn how to create your own animated wallpapers.

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NewsHow to make a multi-monitor compatible wallpaper

You've got two (or more) monitors, they sport different resolutions, Your wallpaper looks bad spread across both screens. Will Smith shows you how to make multimon-friendly wallpaper.

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FROM THE ARCHIVEMaximum PC Desktop Backgrounds

Don't have enough Maximum PC-approved computer porn on your desktop? We've created three new wallpapers for overclockers, media rippers, and system builders!

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