A system fetches, parses, organizes and displays aggregated XML-based content, including—but not limited to—RSS feeds, XML feeds, ATOM feeds, RDF feeds, CDF feeds and Podcasts, embedding that information into a newsreader or aggregator format in the computer user's desktop wallpaper. This creates a fully interactive wallpaper system that pushes information the user desires to his desktop on a regular and continuing basis. In various embodiments, the newsreader can include a variety of content, including Internet search boxes, weather information, advertising and more. The newsreader includes “Hide” and “Show” buttons to allow the computer user to hide the interactive content from view. While the current embodiment is for the display of news information aggregated from Internet sources, the system can be used for many other applications, as well, including—but not limited to—intra—and interoffice communication, technical diagnostic display, document and media editing/management and instant messaging.