Best app(s) for WinXP desktop shell replacement & enhancement?

[Imyourzero]

I've never really tried any software of this kind, but would like to as the default XP layout is growing a bit old. I would like some advice on seperating the best from the rest.

BTW, I should mention that the most important features to me are stability, functionality, and speed. I don't care how good it looks if it is very resource-hungry and slows my system to a crawl.

Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[HomerSapien]

I like the UXTheme patcher. I dont have a link on hand, but you could find it by searching the forums. So far it has been stable and hasnt been a resource hog.