Make my desktop pretty and my mic work

[Xenomonger]

I'm fairly new to using Linux. I just had a simple opinion based, question and one direct question: 1) What are some package options I can use to make my desktop environment prettier? I have Compiz Fusion installed, I use the cube and and Expo. I'd like to have background options for the expo and I'd like some better, Sci-FI-ish Themes under System>Preferences>Appearence. 2) As for what I need to know directly, I have a built in Microphone on my Laptop (Compaq 8510w) and I'm fairly sure I haven't installed a package or driver option to allow it to work for Skype ect... What might that/those package(s) be?

[Frogs Hair]

Read the sticky in Desktop Environments and here are some links.

Eye Candy:

http://gnome-look.org/

http://www.deviantart.com

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UbuntuEyeCandy

http://jootix.com/

http://customize.org/gtk

http://www.compiz.org/

http://wiki.compiz.org/EmeraldThemeManager

[Xenomonger]

Thanks, I'll be sure to check all this out

[Frogs Hair]

Thanks, I'll be sure to check all this out

I can't help with the mic. but there are a number of threads on the subject if you use the forum search.