http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,289893,sid9_gci213718,00.html
On the Internet, a skin is a graphic or audio file used to change the appearance of the user interface to a program or for a game character. Skins can usually be downloaded at no charge from sites that provide them. The skin concept can be compared to the Xpress-On covers that snap to the front of the Nokia 3210 cell phone. These come in various colors and graphic designs such as Cyber Fish and Tribal Sign. The covers alter the appearance of the phone but not the phone itself. When using a skin, the appearance of the user interface changes, but not the functions available with the program.
Anyone know where I can find a history? Google just feeds me golf info.
Hopefully this wikipedia article would be helpful:
In computing, a theme is a preset package containing graphical appearance and functionality details. A theme usually comprises a set of shapes and colors for the graphical control elements, the window decoration and the window. Themes are used to customize the look and feel of a piece of computer software or of an operating system.
Also known as a skin (or visual style in Windows XP) it is a custom graphical appearance preset package achieved by the use of a graphical user interface (GUI) that c...
I think it started with Windows 95 allowing customisable themes, and then WinAmp lets you do it.
I know there have been problems with Marvel Comics complaining about people using Incredible Hulk skins (big guy, green skin, purple pants) without licensing rights: and EA had a problem with nude skins.
But otherwise there seems to be a dearth of information, or perhaps I’m just looking in the wrong places.
I believe what you want is more commonly called “textures”.