my parents bought a new computer and...

[red_Marvin]

...it's running XP , well we might also install a linux copy
but I wonder: is there any way to skin it, I mean, those
gradient "things" the windows are made of?

[na_th_an]

You can access the screen control pannel (right click on desktop -> properties) and give it back the classic aspect,

_OR_

You can go to kazaa, download Windows Blinds (which integrates perfectly with Windoze XP) and then look for great skins all over the internet.

[Ninkazu]

Might I suggest downloading a Live CD, and rebooting into Linux without installing? That'd freak your parents out