Hrrm. 'Beauty' is in the eyes of the beholder. Regarding XP I can't stand its default look, which can only be called 'teletubbified' or 'Fisher-priced'. Switched back to classic Win2000 appearance it's more bearable, but the colors are still fugly.

The general handling is OK, though I tended to put the taskbar to the top.

I think it's possible to easily reach something ergonomic and unobtrusive with actual Plasma/KDE, without distracting Bling! Bling!, while still being easy on the eyes.

The keywords are 'Breeze'(light) for the widget style, window decorations, and icons.

If you'd take the time to go through the settings, there are several options to tone all animations, wobbling and such down. Not at one single place, but not more than a hand full or a dozen, either.

'Start menu'-> System -> System Settings -> Quick Settings

It's all available from there, or whereever Bizarrian reordered it to be in their menus ;->

> uptime 22:57:54 up 94 days, 8:58, 1 user, load average: 0,22, 0,37, 0,41

Do this once, even if it takes time, and be done with it.

Instead of arranging with constant irritations.