MuralPix

Windows XP or earlier versions do not include any features for changing the wallpaper automatically, so you have to select one manually, each time you want a new picture on your desktop. MuralPix can change your desktop wallpaper automatically, just like in Windows Vista or Windows 7. Furthermore, the software comes with a large number of features, which can be used on later Windows editions as well, to extend their functionalities.

MuralPix is donationware, which means that you don't have to pay for it, unless you want to make a donation. It is designed for Windows 98, ME, Windows 2000 and XP, but you can use it on later versions as well. The installation package includes about 50 sample images and you can decide how many to copy to the software's library.

The application comes with a compact interface, on which you can add image folders. The wallpaper can be changed on demand or automatically. If you wish to change it yourself, you just need to click a button, on the main interface and the application will use an image, from a loaded folder. Alternatively, you can bring up an image browser, on a separate window, on which you can preview your pictures, set them as the new wallpaper or exclude them.

The general settings menu is where you can set up a timetable, for the automatic wallpaper exchange feature. MuralPix can be set to change the wallpaper after midnight, when you restart your computer, every hour, half hour or quarter hour, every 10 minutes or after a certain number of minutes, which you can specify. You can make many more adjustments, in the same settings menu. The software can display a calendar on your desktop, the current picture's name, align the wallpaper according to your preferences and much more.