Rainmeter

Windows is not a preferred OS for ricing, but Rainmeter is one of the handful of tools which make it possible, to a degree. It is a free and open source desktop customization program which uses skins to display information. Various skins can preform tasks such as displaying system resources, showing RSS feeds, launch programs, or controlling a music player. Depending on an individuals tastes, this can either increase functionality and aesthetic value, or be pointless clutter. 
Rainmeter Homepage