The main problem of Windows XP is that the "classic themes" are not perceived in them the same way as in Windows 95 and other 9x similar systems, due to lower 2D performance under absolutely equal conditions. That is why it is so pleasant to work in 9x systems. Since updating the interface elements is much faster and usually overlaps the screen refresh rate by one and a half to two, or even more than that! Of course, it’s possible to give a classic look to yourself, especially for Windows XP, and many enthusiasts can do it successfully, but so far no one has managed to restore the former performance of the graphic (2D) subsystem. And this, of course, is no less important task. Indeed, without normal 2D performance, any Windows 95 theme, no matter how outwardly close to the original, will not be perceived under Windows XP in the same way as in its native environment - Windows 9x.
Comparing XP and 9x 2D subsystem performance (all other things being equal) reveals a significant lag in XP!
Visually, this is very noticeable and very affects the perception of the interface (Fonts, icons, windows, visual effects, etc.), especially on modern display tools with a high refresh rate. After a session under 9x, for this reason, by the way, it’s not very comfortable to work in XP, although you get used to it over time, at least until the next session under Windows 9x 😀
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Windows 9x protects our eyes 😉