Screen Mates

Desktop Animation - Free Screen Mates characters and animals, for Windows 2000, XP and Vista.

DesktopMates - Animated characters as interactive companions, capable of speech and doing tasks, using Microsoft Agent Technology.

eSheep 2 - An animated sheep interacts on the desktop, including sticky note reminders and email notification.

Global Beach Limited Virtual Creatures - A tarantula and a MOPy fish, that can live on a PC as long as it is cared for and nurtured is offered. A free, limited run version is available.

Global Pets 2002 - A virtual pet simulation that includes an online community.

Happy House - Your Virtual Rodent - A hamster that will walk around, stuff its cheeks with food, unload the food, eat, sleep, groom itself and sleep. For Windows and Mac.

inDesktop - Free, interactive, animated programs including television and movie themes.

Oska DeskMates - Interactive characters for Windows that react when touched, and can be moved around the screen with the mouse.

TopDesktop - Screen Mates in the categories of animals, cartoons, holidays, people and sports.

Widgipedia - A Widgets resource that includes a gallery, samples, tutorials, and community.

XPenguins - Animated penguins run around the desktop and jump off open windows. WinPenguins or the Linux/Unix version available. Free, licensed under the GNU GPL.