is there a program that replaces explorer.exe?

[12Leonardo]

I noticed that i can close explorer.exe and my computer still runs, there just isnt a program to handle the icons or to organize the open programs. Is there some kind of program that replaces this and maybe has more features, like a mac style or something? Just wondering because i know there is style XP which just changes how the PC looks. Thanks.

[hue_jass]

there are many styles that change your "explorer" options like WinXPTweak
or hotXP. I dont know if those programs are available anymore, but just do a simple google search for XP tricks or fixes or enhancements. there are a lot of those out there, some free some you have to pay for. Honestly what I do is just end explorer.exe if its like using up too much CPU, then go play my game via Alt+Tab keys and then when I want my icons/start menu I just press CTL+ALT+DEL and goto new process and type explorer.exe

Simple, Effective, and it works if u dont like all the extra RAM being used.

[liljim]

Theres one called litestep that i like to switch to sometimes that does exactly what your asking about. Explorer is known in pc terms as a shell, litestep is also a shell. I will not post a link to the site nor will i offer support for it because there are always risk involved with changing the windows shell. I havent had any problems with it myself, It uses way less memory and its nice to have a different gui from time to time just for the hell of it. You have to be careful with the themes, if the theme manager doesnt show a preview then dont apply it. You can google it if you want to check into it but i believe you will have to register to get in the site. Its free.