Your desktop is definitely a utility, but there's nothing that says it can't also be something that inspires you, or is at least fun to look at, and spacescapes are definitely fun to look at. Flickr user De Mango agrees, and put together this stunning desktop with a fictional space scene, tiny ships streaking past in the background, application icons at the bottom of the screen, and the time, date, and system stats hovering in space like they belong there.


The best part is that none of the widgets or icons are terribly out of place, and when it's time to get to work, they're not distracting. Want the same look for your Windows desktop? Here's what you'll need:

If nothing else, the wallpaper is worth downloading on its own, but the whole desktop is easy to configure and set up. Want to give it a shot, but not sure how to get started with Rainmeter? We have a great getting started guide to Rainmeter that can help you out, or you can drop by De Mango's Flickr page to ask your questions (and don't forget to compliment his work!)


If you're a Mac user, you can definitely get the same look with GeekTool and our guide to using it. Linux user? You can get much of the same with Conky for the desktop widgets and Docky for the dock, if your favorite flavor of Linux doesn't have a dock already.

Doyou have a beautiful, productive, and informative desktop you'd like to see featured at Lifehacker? Post it to the Lifehacker Desktop Show and Tell Flickr Group! Please include a description of how you made it. You never know, it may be the next featured desktop!


Space_1 | Flickr