Multiple questions about customizing Vista

Hey

First time on the forum here so please correct me if this is in the wrong place or that this topic is already existing and I couldn't find it

Anyway I'll just start asking away

My first question would be about the login screen. How much slower does this make your computer? I really like making the interface of my computer better looking, but I don't want to loose too much speed. Also does this force me to download a program to fullfill this or can it be done without? And does changing your login screen affect your "logout screen" too? Cause I'm only aiming at changing the logout screen, does that need the same procedure?

Secondly I want to change my startmenu. Normaly if you push the flag on the taskbar you get left the programs you used last or most and on the right listed items. To go to your programs you need to push >All Programs.
What I want to have is no list of the programs I used last (already got that done, now I just got a white list >.>). I want to see my programlist right away without needing to push anything. Is this possible?
Also how can I add files to my list? I want to add downloads between User, Documents, etc. How do I get this done?

I think this would be all, hope I can get everything answered

Thnx in advance