Windows 7: Alternatives to Aero?

I currently have a graphics card that is incompatible with the Windows 7 Aero theme. I really don't mind half the time. But recently I've been thinking it would be nice to add some nice zoom effects when i open, close, and minimize a window, and have some transperancy and coloring effects. I looked into WindowBlinds but I really don't feel like having them screw me over with their prices and subscriptions. I can't seem to find a suitable program to add some effects. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Can you post a screenshot of your WEI (Windows Experience Index) scores? What kind of scores does you graphics get?

A Guy

Here ya go. Everything but my video card seems to be pretty nice.

Unfortunately, you will need to upgrade your graphic card in order to fully use Aero... You may want to check out Winstep as a replacement... Winstep Software Technologies - Desktop Themes and Customizing Windows

If your windows version is 7 home basic, you may have a try
Enable Aero In Windows 7 Home Basic

Afraid its Ultimate. Its ok. I knew I had an incompatible graphics card, but I was looking for something similar to winstep or other alternatives. Just something to emulate the nice open and close effect in Aero.

Well, I had the same problem when I first got 7. I didn't get Aero, and I wanted it badly, so I tried basically all the tricks to get it working. None of them work for incompatible cards, they only work for ones that meet requirements but for some reason don't run it normally. So I made an app to get transparency on parts of the user interface, here it is.
[Link]
Try it out, see if you like it.

Cool app Prisoner, and nice help for the OP + Rep

A Guy

Thank you, A Guy. Just here to help.

Really nice app. I like it! Sorry it's taken me long to respond. Been busy with work. I really like how it minimizes my google chrome! Great job! Keep up the good work :)