For the money you will spend, ObjectDesktop is the best choice when it comes to value.  It has the neecessary programs that will make customizeing the desktop easy.  You will just have to choose which level.  You won't have to become a skinner to realize the value of ObjectDesktop Ultimate.

I would also consider getting a subscription to WinCustomize which will give you unlimited downloads from the WinCustomize Gallery Libraries.

Both subscription are for a year and you get updates all through the year.  If you decide to stop your subscription you can still use the programs and the skins/themes that you have downloaded.  The benefit in renewing is discounts are offered, at times unannounced.

Just to make sure there's no misunderstanding, purchasing an OD subscription gives you unlimited access during the scubscription period. Purchasing a Wincustomize subscription has it's own perks. See HERE

Lastly .  if you want to go the easy way of just buying a package that appeals to yoru son (no Vista look-alikes though) you can buy a MyColors theme.  It allows you to "skin" your PC with very little effort with stunning results.

The main page: https://www.stardock.com/products/mycolors/index.asp (and because I think it's so cool, the Harley Raw theme: https://www.stardock.com/products/mycolors/gallery.asp?p=harleydavidsonraw&c=rides)

There are many to choose from.  Each one is a stand-alone product with a stand-alone price.  You can give it a test rund here: https://www.stardock.com/products/mycolors/gallery.asp?p=diamond&c=free

With the Wincustomise subscription you get unlimited acess for a year to download anything you want out of the gallerys, you also get free master skins every so often that normally you would have to pay for....not having the subscritption entitles  you to download some skins, but only a few, then you need the subscritption to download more, although there is sites where you can go and download skins for windowblinds, without having the subscription, but I'd say it is well worth getting a subscritption just for the peace of mind that you are on and part of the best customisation site in the world, the subscritption also allows you access to the forum where you have unlimited access to the fellows for answers to your querys, and the communtiy side, whoooooeeeeeeee it is the best place to be, the friends you make there are unbelieveable.......so ja the subscritption is pretty handy....I hope that answers your question....bye....the Thug

Please see here: ODNT 

It will include a year of free downloads from Wincustomize. Membership on the site can be purchased separately as can the various products.

If you'd like to actually talk to someone and get real-time answers you can call Stardock Sales: 1.888.STARDOCK.

There are many products/programs...you should spend some time at Stardock.com and read about each product and decide what you want...you can always talk to the folks at Stardock during business hours.

If you spend time first reading about the various programs, and talk to the folks at Stardock sales, there may be package deals that I don't know about.

In any event, you'll need Impulse to download and keep your program/s updated.

WARNING: This stuff is highly addictive. Once you start you really won't want to quit!

I'll have to look.  I only did it on my computer, not his.  His is just fine.  He tried loading linux on his computer last week, ran into some problems and then reinstalled XP over the weekend.  He has a nice fresh install to work with.

I'm the one with hack problems.  But I'll deal with those later when I have time to look up exactly which files were altered/replaced.

Just think everyone, a future skinner! It's definitely worth getting ObjectDesktop for him. It's addictive, but it's a very healthy and creative way to spend time on the computer - and this community keeps it pretty clean and respectful in the forums.

These guys have pretty much said it all!  All I can add is this:   I have been addicted to Stardock since day 1. I honestly can say that losing Stardock products would be, to me, like going back to MSDOS.

Like going back to dial up after having a 16MB/s internet connection.

Well, you are a Stardock People AND A part of the community. Maybe even one of the good ones...lol.  

You're ZubaZ. In case you forget, it posts your name next to the things you write.  That way, you can read it and remember who you are!

Ain't technology grand? ...

Oh, and judging from the replies to this thread, I'd say you've got a really interesting group of people here.  Interesting in a good way.