LiteStep

I've heard about LiteStep but am not entirely sure of it's benefits. It's forums/wikis/websites seem all clique-y and full of DeviantArt fags.

Anyone feel like explaining it to me?

I used litestep about 5 years ago. I'm not sure if it's compatible with windows XP, but it was just a seperate shell for the windows kernel.  All things considered, it was neat, but not practical.  Most configurations are done through editing the .ini files and whatnot.  It has support for multiple desktops and instead of a start menu you had a graphically enhanced version of a shortcuts menu.  I wouldn't really recommend it.

www.geoshell.com

Most configurations are done through editing the .ini files and whatnot.
I.e. the right way?

If want a certain look for your desktop, Litestep would almost certainly help you get it. If you want specific functionality, you need to invest a bit of to get it done. Otherwise, its a pretty nice way to change the look of your destop if that's your sort of thing