Desktop Animation - Free Screen Mates characters and animals, for Windows 2000, XP and Vista. - http://www.desktopanimation.net/
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. - http://www.virtualcreatures.com/
FunBeta - Free Screen Mates and Message Mates. Screensavers, games and eye tricks are also available. - http://digilander.libero.it/betaonline/
Global Pets 2002 - A virtual pet simulation that includes an online community. - http://www.mezaman.com/globalpets/home.asp
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. - http://xpenguins.seul.org/
MP3 Dancers - Tiny video dancers on the desktop, a different one for each music style. - http://www.mp3dancer.com/
Oska DeskMates - Interactive characters for Windows. Reacts when touched and can be moved around the screen with the mouse. - http://www.oska.com/
DesktopMates - Animated characters as interactive companions, capable of speech and doing tasks, using Microsoft Agent Technology. - http://desktopmates.com/
inDesktop - Free, interactive, animated programs including television and movie themes. - http://www.screenmates.com/
TopDesktop - Screen Mates in the categories of animals, cartoons, holidays, people and sports. - http://www.topdesktop.com/mate1.htm