There was a time, not so long ago, when building Web pages was a rather tricky process. It wasn't so much the lack of visual editors that was the problem, but more the fact that, of the relatively small number of people using the Web, few of them saw the need to upgrade to the latest browsers as they became available.

Because of this, new and cool features being introduced to Web browsers could not really be taken advantage of for fear that too many people would miss the action. The bells and whistles trickery of JavaScript and Dynamic HTML are good examples of things that Web developers were desperate to use but whose uptake was spread thinner than the butter on a railway sandwich.

However, the biggest revolution in the Web was to come in the form of Macromedia's Flash, the design and authoring environment that, together with the required browser enhancement, gives smooth, fast animation, games and an unprecedented level of interactivity.

The good news for developers is that the vast majority of people viewing the Web are now doing so on modern, up-to-date browsers capable of understanding JavaScript, Dynamic HTML and, of course, Flash.

There are many sites on the Web that showcase Flash content, but one of my favourites is to be found at www.linkdup.com, a veritable gallery of cool. If you're not 100 per cent familiar with exactly what Flash is capable of, or exactly what it is, a visit to this site will soon educate you.

The greatest features of Flash can also become its worst, especially when it is used unnecessarily, as it can sometimes be.

If you fancy seeing what all the fuss is about, Macromedia offer a free trial version of the Flash creation kit, found at www.macromedia.com/flash. Certain effects are only a few clicks away, but these are generally the ones you see everywhere. If you want to be a good Flash designer, be original, creative and - for Heaven's sake - know where and when not to use it.

Left to its own making, the standard appearance of the Windows operating system is boring. Its grey, pseudo-3D design has been around in one form or another for years, so it really is about time we could to look forward to something a little more snazzy. Fortunately, Windows XP - that's the next version of Windows due later this year in case you haven't been paying attention - features an enhanced UI (User Interface) that is entirely customisable, or 'skinnable'.

The even better news is that you don't have to wait for XP (even assuming that you intend to upgrade to it) in order to enjoy a customised UI. Head over to www.stardock.com and download Windows Blinds to open up a whole new world of interface design. Banish those grey buttons! Liven up that standard toolbar!

A vast array of different designs await your approval and applying them to your Windows environment is as easy as clicking a button. Some are better than others, but all will liven up your boring desktop.