I'm just getting into linux and I'm trying to decide on what distro to use as well as what desktop environment to use. I intend to use the linux box as a media file server (mp3, avi) and player. On my windows box, I use both DesktopX and WindowBlinds. I know you can get window border themes for GNOME, but I'm not sure about KDE. But what I really want to know is, are eiher or both of these environs capable of freeform windows (like winamp)? And is there a DesktopX-esque program to use in linux (or a way to duplicate the "full desktop customization" functionality)? I would really like to design my own desktop/shell skin for my linux box. Given that people design window border themes, I know this has got to be possible, but how easy would it be for a linux newbie to get into it? I like to use low profile, dark skins and I like to have a nice, consistent desktop with "buttons" rather than icons. Anyone have any reccomendations? Hate has a way of closing the eyes, the ears, and the hearts of men.

I don't know about the ease of themability of the WMs supplied with the two major DEs but you can replace them anyway. Enlightenment DR16 is probably the most attractive WM I've ever seen and it is very themable: you can make the window decorations look however you like given the necessary artistic skills and patience with the config files. You can see what is possible with Enlightenment, other WMs/DEs and various desktop enhancing programs like gDesklets at Lynucs.org

Err... sorry - they seem to be mostly E17 screenshots - freshmeat.net has plenty of old DR16 themes.

Freshmeat also has an article "How to Create and Use Themes" which you may find useful: http://themes.freshmeat.net/articles/view/465/