Turn your PC into a Mac
posted Jun 9th 2004 2:34PM
We've got a bonus how-to for you this week. After becoming obsessed with a story on Wired News from last month
about people getting their Windows PCs to have the same look and feel of Mac OS X, we convinced Aqua-Soft.org staff
member Kurt Williams to give us the lowdown on how we could do it ourselves:
So, you wanna make your ugly Windows XP interface look like Mac OS X, huh? It's really not all that difficult to do,
and with a little luck, you'll be able to convince all but the most die-hard Mac users that you run an Apple computer.
First, here's a list of the programs you'll need:
- StyleXP or WindowBlinds (skins the Graphical User Interface of your operating system)
- ObjectBar (the white Finder bar on the top of Macs; has File, Edit, View, etc. on it.)
- ObjectDock, YzDock (discontinued), or MobyDock (The dock on the bottom of a Mac that contains icons and shortcuts to programs)
- Trillian (chat program that can be skinned to resemble iChat)
- YzToolbar (skins the toolbar icons in your Windows windows)
- YzShadow (puts a lovely drop shadow under your windows á la Mac OS X)
- Rainlendar (popular skinable desktop calendar)
- Rainmeter (skinnable desktop system statistics)
- Samurize (like Konfabulator for the Mac; can display just about anything, such as clocks, uptime, and the weather)
- iTunes for Windows (self-explanatory)
- Icons (The pretty little pictures on your desktop that point you somewhere. There are millions out there, but try the link provided for over a 1,000 lifted from Mac OS X 10.3 aka Panther)
That's pretty much what you'll want for starters. You don't need all of these, and in fact, you really only need a few
to get a reasonably good looking OS X facsimile, but if you're gonna do this you might as well do it right. Now on to
the guide.
This guide assumes that you have either downloaded/purchased the programs listed and 0that you know your way around a
computer, at least to a reasonable extent.
1) I use StyleXP for my visual style, so that's what I'll detail here. WindowBlinds isn't that different, but if you
prefer it, be my guest. The first thing you'll need to do is download a skin. I recommend Kol's website,
StudioTwentyEight for some excellent skins, but feel free to look
around for any others that might interest you. Download your ZIP, and extract it to C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes. Open
up StyleXP and load up that baby. Your windows should now look like the skin you downloaded. If you chose Panther (an
excellent choice) then they should look somewhat like this:
2) Time to find a good ObjectBar skin. I'd suggest crni's website for some excellent themes. Download the one you like
best and extract it to your ObjectBar folder. Open the new folder in there (named something like the theme you
downloaded) and double-click the .OBTHEME icon. The top of your screen should now look something like this, depending
on your theme (Milk for me):
3) Next up is the dock. Open up whichever version you settled on downloading. This is pretty easy to set up.
Basically all you need to do is drag shortcuts or executables to the dock and ta da, you have a shortcut. To change
it's icon, right-click and select "change icon" or some variation. To get new icons to select, make sure you put them
in the icons subfolder (for YzDock) or the main dock folder (for ObjectDock). Easy as pie. When you have the icons and
programs you like, it should look something like this:
4) For those that don't know, Trillian is a
nifty chat program that sticks AIM, MSN, ICQ, and IRC into one program. If you don't use it, you should if for no other
reason that it can look a lot like iChat. You may or may not need the Pro version to get the skin to work. I've heard
mixed reports, but if it doesn't work right, I'd say you need the Pro version. An excellent choice for skins are
Danimator's iChat skins. Extract it to your Trillian skin
directory, open up Trillian's preferences, go to skins, and select the new skin you want to use. You can follow the
readme for some more precise directions to get it looking perfect. When you're done, it should look like this:
5) YzToolbar and YzShadow are pretty self-explanatory. Just install 'em and run 'em. You can find good YzToolbar skins
on the net: I'd recommend Aqua-Soft or AquaXP. Depending on skin (Milk, for me) and settings, it should look something
like this:
6) Rainlendar and Rainmeter are also pretty easy to install and set-up. Just run the installer, and find a good skin.
Again, there's many to choose from. I'd suggest searching the forums at the aforementioned Aqua-Soft and AquaXP. Here's
the Rainlender skin I use.
7) Samurize is a bit complicated, so if you're going to try
and use it, be forewarned that it can be a very big hassle, if it works at all. I'm not even going to try and explain
it in this brief overview, but if you are serious about it, check out the Samurize forums at
Aqua-Soft and AquaXP. Here's an example of
what it can do:
8) If you listen to music on your computer, no Aqua-fication can be complete without the authentic iTunes for Windows.
Apple provides plenty of documentation on how to install and use it, so I'll leave that part to them. If you want to
make it look more like iTunes for Macintosh, check out
localhost's multi-plugin.
And the final result:
So that's pretty much all there is to it. Good luck!
Kurt Williams
Very nice if you've got XP, but not everyone has. I understand that pre-XP Windows have a lot of different technology but surely someone could come up with a way around this? Not everyone uses XP so come on somebody. Please!
How can I have the min, max and close buttons in mac style in I tunes? When I download and install itunes it are ugly grey windowish buttons...
thx
i love mac
You folks want a Macintosh so badly? Go out and get one. This way you don't have to go through the whole tedious process of "dressing up" your machine so that it appears like that which you desire..... You get what kinda looks like a Mac without any of the benefits. In fact you get to keep all the problems of your Windows machine.
That's like vegetarian bacon. Kinda looks like bacon, vaguely smells bacon-like, tastes like total garbage.
Ive had a very hard time convincing my m8s that os x beats xp easily. OSX is the best op ever. once you use a mac u will never go back and that is the truth!!!
Well, I've had limited expereince with OS X, and needless to say, I love it. But, due to whatever circumstances, I still appreciate certain characteristics of Windows -- like it's [unfortunate] prevelance in the commercial environment. I build PCs for a hobby and get a little extra income from it, and from what I hear, PC hardware runs faster. For whatever reason though, it seems that the Mac OS is a little sluggish by comparison, despite the fact that it seems to multi-task better. In general, however, it all seems to balance out when you've skinned your Windows to look like the Mac -- it slows Windows down to do so. But whatever, I still appreciate both systems.
You didn't mention what you're using for the weather. It looks nice. Is it Samurize that you're using for it?
I'd recommend using DesktopX for a lot of this stuff as well. DesktopX has a lot of excellent objects that fit nicely on the desktop.
I love mac but i dont own one, mainly cause lack of money for invest such a thing. But, before i will have those 2000 euros, i will be able to use 'Mac' as theme on my PC. And maybe get familiar with the Mac.
"You get what kinda looks like a Mac without any of the benefits. In fact you get to keep all the problems of your Windows machine."
True but, Mac has it's problems, like everyother operating system. Windows is just a bit famous with their problems.
Following your link above to the Panther icons, I downloaded the zip file, then unzipped but got 4 .rar files that I can't do anything with. Please help.
hahaha nice nice
Following your link above to the Panther icons, I downloaded the zip file, then unzipped but got 4 .rar files that I can't do anything with. Please help.
"You folks want a Macintosh so badly? Go out and get one."
Who said I want a Mac? I don't; I love my PC and I love the way Windows functions. At work I use a Mac and PC equally, and I still prefer the way Windows functions. The difference is that I also like the *look* of Mac-- all the prettiness of OS X, all the functionality of XP.
Anyone that wants to save a couple megs of RAM, think about using PatchXP to bypass the need for StyleXP. You can use the same themes and styles, just no need to run another program in the background.
ok well i downloaded panther and extracted it in C:windowsresourcesthemes folder. but when i double click the icon, display properties pop up but the style is still the windows style. what did i do wrong?
I have samurize but does anyone know where i can get the config for the clock used here?
can anyone tell me were i can dl this panther v 1:1 it wont let me dl it can anyone plz telll me
Well basically i find its pretty sad how people want to make over xp to look like OS X. Like dude its just stupid people bag out Macs so much and then here they are trying to forge their pc to be a mac. I know macs are expensive actually im switching to a mac from a pc and im gonna be spending about over 2 grand ($AUD) just to get a basic mac. See what turns people off getting macs is that you have to buy all the software for it.
Persoanlly i really reckon its sad if you want windows xp to look like Os x and dont want to spend that much money for it go ahead. But if you want a computer which is stable and doesnt have as many errors as windows does get a mac. Windows Xp and beyond will become freeware in the future its just really stuffed.
i want to download it please..
Anyone know the name of that Rainlender skin shown and how to get it?
If you could provide us with all links, like Milk theme, the other Objectbar Skin from crni’s website. Provide details man..
find so far
I did some digging around and found some links:
Milk Suite for Samurize: http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/sidat/Samurize/konfabulator_milk_suite_v3.htm
(Please follow the instructions closely. There is an update to the media plugin on the Samurize forum to fix a bug http://www.samurize.com/modules/ipboard/index.php?s=770deeaf94d637dcc838640d4aed7bc0&act=Attach&type=post&id=34928 )
If that link doesn't work, go to http://www.samurize.com/ then forum, support and AMPI support.
As for the Rainlendar skin, I found a similar one called frosted glass, but I lost the link... if someone wants it I can email it, or better still, I can upload the relevant files if someone can host them. I know how hard it is to find everything...
Here are some good links...
Iceman's Emulation Page (Jaguar visual style): http://www.jonmega.com/iceman/
Dock Extensions Docklets (for use with y'z dock and other docks):
http://dockex.com/index.php?pageId=docklets
InterfaceLIFT (great selection of icons):
http://interfacelift.com/
Hope that helps!
one more thing... that file (iTunesSamurizeInfo.dll) is to fix a bug in Samurize 1.55 regarding the iTunes plugin. This file should go into the iTunes plugin folder (typically C:Program FilesiTunesplug-ins). However, if you do not plan to use the media widget in the milk suite with iTunes, you don't have to bother.
How would i get my windows xp to look and act like mac os x? Like completly looking like it including icons, menus (disabling windows task bar), desktop, explorer, and the effects how it looks like the windows it stretching when you minimize and maximize them.
Thanx
How do I make my windows xp have the same effects as mac os x, i mean how the windows stretch when you maximise them and ninamize them? Thanx e-mail me with reply :)
I can't understand why Mac fans have to always ruin these types of endeavours. I am a software tester by profession... I use all sorts of hardware/OS/software configurations... and let me tell you, OSX is just as troublesome as any other OS, and in my opinion, more so... I really do not enjoy working with Mac's (what is the deal with the one stubborn persistence to only 1 mouse button?)... that being said, I don't hate everything about it, I like that it's built on Unix technology, I like certain aspects of it's asthetics etc etc. (FYI, I run my system plain as can be, no themes nothing). To those Mac fans out there, get a life and quit being so biased... face the facts... windows borrows some things from Mac, Mac borrows from windows, and once Linux gets its ease of use and compatibility level up to windows standards (and hopefully beyond) it will definitely be the OS of choice for many more ppl.
I have the windowblinds AND StyleXP Mac OSX Panther skins applied, but it didn't do anything to the scrollbar. It's just ugly classic Windows grey. Please help me. Also, where can I find that ObjectBar skin?
"Following your link above to the Panther icons, I downloaded the zip file, then unzipped but got 4 .rar files that I can't do anything with. Please help."
You need to use a program called WinRar. It's like Winzip but it's native file system is the ".rar" file (and also, it compresses a bit more than winzip). Search for "Winrar" on Google or just download it at the link below.
http://www.download.com/WinRAR/3000-2250-10007677.html?part=dl-winrar&subj=dl&tag=button
I've been a Mac fan since '85 (pre-Windows) and have to use both platforms at home and at work and I have to say the Mac is definitely the more stable for day to day work, although I still get on well with Win2K as a decent stable server OS (provided it's left running 24/7 and not tasked too much - but then, to be fair, it's only a PIII 450). I don't think Mac fans intentionally TRY to spoil these things, I think it's just that we've been stuffed in a corner and told we're 'incompatible' (hehehehe... with what? a toaster?) for so long that it causes a knee-jerk reaction to anything even slightly anti-Mac. Both platforms have their pros and cons, their funky shareware, their security holes... blah blah blah, but in general I find the Mac faster to navigate and more pleasant to look at and anything that dresses up 'doze to look more Mac-like can only serve to make my life easier. The biggest pain in the arse is the head-blag of switching nav-styles and remembering keyboard shortcuts on 2 different platforms (3 if you include OS 9!!!).
Linux has a little way to go yet to reach the ease of set-up etc that the Mac currently has, but it's certainly making me think seriously for my next-gen PC server :)
End of the day - ALL platforms are shite in comparison with every other piece of household tech we use. Do we need to know how our washing machines wash our clothes to use them effectively? NO... so why should we need to know so much about computers to get the most out of them? Truth is, we shouldn't... and all the computer giants out there should have sorted this by now (they have enough cash for f***s sake).
Peace... and keep /.
http://free-st.htnet.hr/crni/ - Enjoy guys!
how to u make the ICONs work after unpacking them from the zip and rar's? where do u install them too..
I have StyleXP 2.11 but the icons don't seem to run thru that..
thx u for any help.
The only thing that the mac has, is that they're very good on visual stuffs, BUT THAT'S ALL!
my windows is compatible with every single program that i've downloaded from the internet...try that on a mac.
Since when is Windows compatible with EVERY program on the net. Freaking..retarded ass mo fo. And Macs are very good in more than visual stuff why would the FBI use it if itt's good for only "visual stuff" And that guy that complain about using a 1 button mouse. Why the hell did you use it in the first place...just get yourself a 2 button mouse. Not that hard.
I love what these tolls can do to XP.
But I got a question: what skin is the one you used for rainleander, cuz i cant find it.
thanks in advance
My question is that even with the skins, I'm not sure which font I should use to make it look like a MAC.
Thanks!
Is this guide compatible with Windows 2000?
I like the visual style of OS X over XP's but many programs I have on my computer are only compatible with windows. And my prefered OSX skin is OSXP NG by Judge. It's very nice looking and let's you put the x - + buttons on the left side because it's a windows blinds skin.
where can i get the YzToolbar for the mac look ive done everything else exepct for that
plz hlp
I took a look at this, the results look way too much like MacOS X. This is definitely a UI upgrade that I'm going for.
BTW, I notice that you have Safari and iDVD icons, and there aren't ports of those to Windows yet.
Can someone do me a favor? I cant download all the files so can someone zip a folder with all the files an email it to monkeyboy_zak@hotmail.com thanks
http://beverlyhills.web.infoseek.co.jp/vs.html (very good place for VS and other MAC2XP stuff)
Y'z Shadow and Toolbar http://www2.ueda.ne.jp/~higuchi/htm/Download-e.htm
The Rainlender skin shown by Kurt Williams(u'll have to tweak the colours and background a bit to make it look exactly the same):
http://beverlyhills.web.infoseek.co.jp/others.html
{Select
Plus, if you dont want to try Rainmeter, try SystemMeter:
http://ta2027.plala.jp/SystemMeter.htm
and this skin for it, which looks a bit like the Samurize Digital clock shown above...
http://beverlyhills.web.infoseek.co.jp/systemmeter.html
(select the Digiclock skin :D )
Place for icons, themes and wallpapers:
http://interfacelift.com/
http://www.rad-e8.com/downloads/icons/
Docklets to add to Y'z Dock:
http://dockex.com/index.php?pageId=docklets
If you want to convert Firefox for winXP to Safari for Mac OSX:
http://www.deviantart.com/view/8437801/
plus
http://beverlyhills.web.infoseek.co.jp/themes.html(for more 'Safarifox' themes)
More help plus full guide available at:
http://www.osx-e.com/articles.php?action=show&id=4&perpage=1&pagenum=1
I don't see why. Just because 'all your downloaded apps are windows compatible'? Maybe it's because of the fact you only download windows compatible apps! Why should I try to run a Windows-app on a Mac or v.v. in the first place?
Since we introduced a XServe into our Mac/Windows environment to replace our Windows 2000 server, it runs for over 2,5 years, without one restart, or one virus-attack. Out of the box, it took me 4 hours to get it up and running, and the Pc's in our network have no trouble at all communicating with it.
I used pc's for years, but I never seem to be 'in control' of them. I am when it comes to my Apple. Yes, sometimes a problem occurs, but they are very rare.
I don't find Windows-users retarded as I read in an earlier posting, neither do I find Mac-users superior to Windows-users. But I'll never switch back to Windows again, ever. It's the same with the 'battle' between Quark's XPress and Adobe's InDesign. Even though Quark is the best selling pagelayout application, there's no doubt what is the best application.
By the way - Mac's aren't expensive at all. After buying a pc, and upgrading it to 'your' standards, you've spend more bucks than a macuser. I know that for sure.
when i said "Plus, if you dont want to try Rainmeter, try SystemMeter", i actually wanted to say Samuraize, not Rainmeter...sorry about that folks.
Adding the Digiclock skin (link given in above post) to SystemMeter:
unzip the Digiclock folder and copy it to the "Skins > meter" folder in the main System Meter folder.
Here are the details on how to configure the konfab_clone skin for Rainlendar (link given in prev post) to make it look like the Rainlendar shown in the scrn shot:
After uve installed the skin, right click and select Skins > Edit current skin. Then for each item such as weekdays, month and year, change the default bitmap to a bitmap with a similar name, but with 'white' at the end...(the bitmaps are located in the Program Files > Rainlendar > Skins > Konfab_clone folder )If you did everything right, it should look quite similar to the scrnshot shown by kurt williams.
why dosent anyone make stuff ofr the Aqua Dock??? i cant find anything to go along with it.
plz hlp
i found yztoolbar but i cant find any skins point me in direction plz
hlp me
Hey, can anyone who has the milk theme for y'z toolbar please e-mail it to me
deans1@telkomsa.net
thanks a bunch :>
One of the features i like is when u go to the top right/top left in osx it will either cascade or hide. Is this emulated at all?
is it possible to change the apple logo the small on on top left on taskbar with an win one ? how ?
look, u mac fans r weird, macs are not at all more stable, i use them time to time and never swore more since the time i got a processor with bent pins!
the mac interface is a lot nicer than windows with all the animations and the way it works.
the reason macs are so stable is because most windows users will once in their lives use some porly written program for windows that will cause these errors, mac users may never since not many people write progs for macs. windows has the majority of the market, which is also why macs are so expensive! i would be more than happy to use a mac if there was the programs and the general stability of windows behind it but there just isnt.
just a little thought, mac programmers managed to get windows emulated on mac before win programmers got mac emulated on a pc, now to me thats saying the mac users are desperate for windows.
win users generally like the interface of mac but not all the features, and are willing to lower performence to a mac standard to get it!!! (had to say that) all operating systems are as shit as each other, mac osx is as stable as windows me, and thats sad, windows is just famous for its errors, mac is not, although mac can be a pain in the backside sometimes.
now will all u little insecure mac people just shut up because the macs are slow poor performers for gaming and most other tasks.
...as long as the fruit that Eve gave Adam doesn't give it the smack down.
Why doctor XP run the real thing!
Visit http://pearpc.sourceforge.net/
zadow,
I run a network of mac os x.2/3 machines. There has not been a single system crash on the network in over a year. I kind of doubt this is true for any windows network. say what you want, we got unix now.
mac osx is and always will be the best because of its carefree environment.
Thanks, that hit the spot! In regards to the comments about "why not just go get a mac instead," I think that the purpose of this is to change the look of your operating system, not the functionality. There is no doubt that Apple has a great looking OS, but hey, I work in the real-world, so switching to a Mac ain't gonna happen.
If you would like to be able to use themes without having to install yet another 3rd party program (which basically does what XP should do out of the box anyway) go grab the Neowin's UXTheme Multipatcher 2.0.
All it does is patch your uxtheme.dll to allow non-microsoft themes. The patcher can be found here:
http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?s=91e0a429e00aaa399c16d223faa196ea&showtopic=140707
if you use WB and you have the old crappy windows scrool bar, go to http://www.studiotwentyeight.com/vstyles.htm
and look for the StyleXP thingy and go from there.
good luck
I'm a Mac OS X user, and I wouldn't trade it for the world, but after using OS X since before the public beta was even released, the shine has worn off the default OS X themes for me.
I can truly relate to XP users who are sick the blue and silver XP themes, just like I'm sick of graphite and aqua. Sometimes I grow a beard, then I get sick of it and go clean shaven, sometimes I let my hair get long, sometimes I crop it short.
And to the Mac users whining about people making XP look like OS X, what are you afraid of? PC users getting into your exclusive club? Getting tricked into buying an Athlon 64 in a drilled Lian-Li case instead of a G5? Live and let live... don't tell people how to do their hair, dress, or theme their desktops. This isn't queer eye, and no one wants to hear your fashion tips.
if there was i would get it, and have a dual boot pc, windows and linux(mac). but i dont really see the point in making a pc look like a mac to slow it down. the novelty will run out after a week and then you will have to get rid of the software which is slowing your pc.
if there was i would get it, and have a dual boot pc, windows and linux(mac). but i dont really see the point in making a pc look like a mac to slow it down. the novelty will run out after a week and then you will have to get rid of the software which is slowing your pc.
Jesus people this has turned into a windows versus mac thing, when that wasn't the point at all. There are good things about both systems, but this article was about having a system the way YOU want it. take it in the spirit it was intended and have fun customizing your system. And take a look at www.wincustomize.com for skins. It has most of the skins mentioned here, divided into sections by program.
Glad you all like the article. lol, looking back at the screenshot it looks kinda bad. I've sorta revamped my desktop since then, but anyway. Thanks to all the people who posted other tips here in the comments thread. I didn't realize there was a comments thing down here until today ;) Anyways, thanks again for the comments and good luck with the modding.
- Kurt
PS: here's a more recent screenshot: http://www.deviantart.com/view/10694125/
nice styling to play with :)
my only problem is the bar that MacOSX uses... the only way to have it is trough ObjectBar? :S
There once lived a man who became the leader of millions, and as such, this man was subjected to the scrutiny of millions. As the years past and the man was put through test after test of his wisdom, it became apparent that he was not perfect. It was not long before many of his people were aware of one flaw or another.
A handful of people began to look down upon their leader because of his imperfections. They elected a new leader who had almost no known flaws. But this new man had never been the leader of millions. This new man was thus never under the scutiny of millions. And this new man had never been put to the sheer volume of tests that the current leader had endured. His name was Mac.
why would anyone want to make the awsome windows XP theme look like that dark, dungeon-like Mac OS X theme, it's just dumb, windows is a much better OS, and I'm not just saying that, I use both Windows and Mac, all day every day, I'm an Admin, and in the past 5 years, mac has crashed over 14 times, from complications with it's own Mac server, Windows crashed 3 times, it shared servers with both mac and PC, the PC's worked better with a Mac sever than the Mac's did
longing for the cool Expos?indow re-arrangment shortcuts on OS X i found:
http://www.winplosion.com/
Kurt, your desktop (recent version) from devintart looks different from what you specified.
How do you get to see how many documents are in the folder to get it to show?
if you like the the way macOSX looks that much that you are tweeking you ugly winXP machine to act and look like a mac (what will never ever work like an real one) than why dont buy a real mac????
and dont start with te incompatibillity problem. (There is no)
for every PC program is a mac version or solution.
And if ites 2 expensive than you can find all teh software on the net, just like PC softaware
At the end of the day, PC's have advantges, Macs have advantages, I have both, The PC is functional, the Mac I look forward to using, personal opinion, simple as that.
My 2 year experience of using both is that trying to do digital media work with my Windows XP PC is tiresome i.e. update drivers, windowsupdates, anti-virus software slowing the system, just a pain in the ass, the Mac handles digital media work out of the box, even my mother was able to get some home movies onto DVD (believe me there is NO way if she tried doing it on a PC), point is Macs work out of the box for most general computing needs, if your a computer nerd then PC's are probably your thing, the argument that gets used the most against Macs is that if they were subject to the same customer base then they would have the same problems, this just displays ignorance regarding OSX and it functionality and inherent UNIX derived security, a number of 'proof of concept' security flaws were discovered in OSX recently, Apple was quick to fix them, yes if there was a bigger user base then more bugs and issues would arise for OSX but no-where near the scale of Windows, this is simple to explain, Mac hardware (in this day and age this means processor ans m/board) and OSX are designed to go together, they don't have as many issues to consider (although legacy is one i.e. OS9) therefore the system is more stable, FACT, people who experience problems with Macs are unlucky and/or have not updated or maintained as they should, also it must be said OSX is at its best when on a G4 upwards, on a PC you can do all the maintenace and updates you like and then one bloody app will overright a DLL and bingo crash city.
In work my PC is two years old, in that time 3 re-installs, the Mac 1 archive & install, Apples arn't perfect and many Apple users have their head up thier arse, but don't we all?, ie.e IBM PC users have thier share of W******, as do Dell users, Compaq etc, I would like to finish this though by saying don't forget its Apple who are the COMPUTER company here not Microsoft, Apple who are thinking about the future of computers not Microsoft, remember Microsoft want to take over your front room not provide you with computer innovation, they are interested in 'media' now, what will you all do when Microsoft abandons OS's?, pray for Linux, go on get on your knees!!
Hey ya guys,
do any of u, have a copy of the Yztoolbar software? I can't find it anywhere, including the ones recommanded in these forum. If u have please send it to me at eelmarksg@yahoo.com.sg
Here is an excellent site full of stuff to make xp (and previous versions of windows) look like os x.
http://www.osx-e.com/index.php
It has TONS of stuff to use. (finders and even the public beta of safari for windows)
I love windows xp, and i love the way it functions and how the more you understand it, the better you can make it run with a little time put into it. its just butt ugly and unskinnable on its own. terrible. mac os x looks gorgeous, who wouldnt want xp to look like os x? but who would want the flexibility of a mac either? xp is much more efficient if you as me. two machines with the same specs and the one with xp will come out on top, it just wont look that great doing it. the only problem i have with xp is that its so damn susceptible to attack by almost anything out there on the web. thats why u need sp2 and a very nice av prog, i use norton systemworks along with antivirus, ghost, etc. amazing.
I really laugh at the people who are mac try hards and have turned their xp into a mac basically - yet they still bag out macs. Honestly you are sad - that sad that you want your pc to look like a mac even though its not. Apple have always come up with original ideas and honestly you all are and to the software developers are just ripping off apple. I hope that apple get a lawsuit with all of the software developers for ripping off their ideas. Honestly if i was apple i would be dead set peeved. If you want your pc to look like a mac but still not good enough go buy a mac. Both xp and osx are both very good os's but osx comes out on top. I use both everyday and ive been using windows since 3.1 and mac for only 2 months - and i prefer mac. If apple let people liscense their software pc's nor xp would be in existance to this day, think about it apple really did start off the personal computer industry ages ago. Honeslty mate if you really want xp to look like osx you are completely and honestly just out of line, go and spend the money and enjoy a great computing experience better than xp without running all those apps to make it look like osx.
Hey,
I have been able to succesfully change my desktop to look like Kurt's...but. I don't know how to change the itunes to look like yours the windows buttons are still there. Also, can you prove you actually used XP. I just have a hard time believing that that is windows. So open my computer or something.
Very helpful
You can tell that its actually xp with a couple of things. One all the text isnt antialiased, two the ichat av if you look at the minimized version on the right hand side its different to osx. Three to my knowledge you cannot get the trash can out of the dock and have it on the desktop. Four if it was actually panther the menu bar would be different. Five in the dock if it was osx finder would have to have a triangle underneath it saying that it is running (in most cases) and six the itunes skin isnt the correct osx one when its in the mini player mode. Also once again if you want your pc to look liek a mac get a mac !
Love it! My PC looks wiked now. Thanks
Are you an idiot. Is there any proof that is the actual windows trah can, No. He could have easily selected create new foler than changed the title and the icon. And you didn't anwser my itunes comment. How did he make it look like the mac version and not the windows version with the windows buttons. When mini player it, it still has windows buttons. and i have an iBook G4 for school, I was just changing my parents PC becuase they loved the look of my ibook.
Joel. If you were reffering to me as an idiot i think you might have to look twice. I ment by the itunes skin that it isnt the correct one is because the edges around the skin isnt correct. But tell me are you trying to say that screenshot isnt actually osx? Because if you do think i think alot of people would dissagree. I hope you dont think that it is XP :P
That's pretty nice. I'm using the real thing (Mac OS X 10.3) and it looks pretty similar. But why would people just skin their Windows to look like Mac? Just switch to the real thing!!!
Yes it looks verry good. I think that a real alternave is the Linux Kde and it is more functional than Windows desktop. It looks fine on a pc. Try it.
I would like to use the real thing, the Panther to test it but I don't know where to get it.
I've instaled those softs on my pc and it looks a lot diferent than the ugly xp. I enjoy it.
I hope I will find a place to get the mac os x.
If you can give me a tip where I can get a Live Cd for my Pc or the full version, I would like to test it.
To find YzToolbar, go to google.com and search for
"y'z toolbar"
YzToolbar is technically a wrong spelling.
Can Mac run AutoCAD and 3D StudioMax? I suppose they can--with Virtual PC. But then some XP fans would say I was "sad" for not buying a PC to start with! Go figure.
If PowerBooks had two trackpad buttons, built-in CompactFlash card readers for my digicam, and could run CAD without training wheels, I'd get a Mac again. Yet when I switched from Mac to a PC to run CAD, I became convinced that XP was the better platform. (especially using Opera as your browser; it kills Safari.) Only now I've gotten bored with XP because its icon quality is so poor.
At the end of the day, I must admit I covet Macs because they're more sensual. Mac designers and engineers realize that, in addition to running apps, one of the functions of a computer is to delight its user. Imagine a Hyundai and a Mercedes both driving down the highway: both are perfoming the exact same function (transportation) with the same performance (55mph), yet I would rather be in the Mercedes smelling the leather, if you catch my drift.
I just had to chime in. Oh, and lastly, it's hilarious when people blast others and say "your an idiot" instead of "you're an idiot." Please, people! Pay attention! No amount of RAM and a slick GUI can help you if you can't spell and don't realize the difference.
Can Mac run AutoCAD and 3D StudioMax? I suppose they can--with Virtual PC. But then some XP fans would say I was "sad" for not buying a PC to start with! Go figure.
If PowerBooks had two trackpad buttons, built-in CompactFlash card readers for my digicam, and could run CAD without training wheels, I'd get a Mac again. Yet when I switched from Mac to a PC to run CAD, I became convinced that XP was the better platform. (especially using Opera as your browser; it kills Safari.) Only now I've gotten bored with XP because its icon quality is so poor.
At the end of the day, I must admit I covet Macs because they're more sensual. Mac designers and engineers realize that, in addition to running apps, one of the functions of a computer is to delight its user. Imagine a Hyundai and a Mercedes both driving down the highway: both are perfoming the exact same function (transportation) with the same performance (55mph), yet I would rather be in the Mercedes smelling the leather, if you catch my drift.
I just had to chime in. Oh, and lastly, it's hilarious when people blast others and say "your an idiot" instead of "you're an idiot." Please, people! Pay attention! No amount of RAM and a slick GUI can help you if you can't spell and don't realize the difference.
Wow... I might have to do this to my PC, although I already have two macs (^^)
I was raised with PC's, and converted over to macs about two years ago. I love 'em, but of course had to keep a PC around for the stuff that I just couldn't do with my Mac (Tivo type stuff). For those who think people should just get a Mac if they're going to do this, you have to realize 1. Not everyone can afford a Mac (Plus all the applications you'd have to buy to accommodate your PC files), and 2. Not all the programs people use on a PC have a counterpart on it's Macintosh brother. So if you think this is cool, and want the interface without the cost and headache of conversion, by all means do so. I already have two macs, and I may still do this to my PC!
Ok, now I have downloaded the Panther Icons, unzipped them, and unrarred them. Now, how do I configure them to work on my desktop and system fast, easy, and for free?
i only read like 1/2 of the posts but Apple has copywrighted all of the effects in Mac OS X so you will never get a true mac on a windows machine unless you use PearPC which is an awesome program!
hye i was just wondering how i get the recycle bin icopn off my desktop once i have the object bar up
Ummm . . XP better than Mac OS due, and I quote, "especially using Opera as your browser". Opera is a cross-platform browser, dude.
I HIGHLY reccommend this program to anyone who wants to emulate the expose on mac. Expose is the program on apples that allows you to see all open windows without minimizing each one. Just goto: http://www.entbloess.com/ and download it for a free 100 use trial. It just rocks. I've been looking for something like this for around 3 hours now, and just wanted to let everyone know where to get it. I tried winplosion, iex, and all those other ones too, but entbloess actually animates smoothly, dims the windows, and is just downright perfect. It's only around 7 bucks too, so it's affordable! For a screenshot on my comp, check this out... http://www.concordcomputerrepair.com/images/minimize.jpg
Oh, and did I mention it also has mouse hotspots and custom hot keys? (and if it looks like it's bad quality...it's really really crisp in reality, just that stupid image resizing built into your ie browser ;) ) Please do these guys a favor and buy this awesome software...I think their company is just run by two guys, and they have personal support, as well as forums, so check them out and try it!
how would you get the exit, minimize and maximize buttons on the right side like xp but still the round apple style buttons??
i have had a go at this 'dress-up' of a PC to make it's appearance seem like a Mac's, but in all fairness it's a complete waste of time.
Firstly, no matter what your GUI looks like, if it's a Windows PC it will still have Windows' problems with unreliability.
Secondly, the only true way to have both is to get a Mac and buy Virtual PC. But that's just a complete waste of money just to have a Windows OS and a Mac setup.
Finally verdict:
Just get a Mac - I recommend the iBook Combo with 14" screen and 1.33Ghz G4 processor. The Superdrive is just a tacky add-on.
Ohh, how sad.
If you have something like with Mac Look and Feel go www.apple.com . This stupid little programs like the dock and such things crashes the hole day, cost a lot of power from CPU and GPU.
If you ever have enjoy using a real Mac you will see that you can only steal the look, never the feel.
Here's my very cool desktop!: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v368/Kd527/winmac.jpg
It's a little outdated now, it's even better! This page helped me get started. I also found http://www.wincustomize.com/
BTW notice the buttons on the LEFT side and the rollup button on the right! :p
I hope to get a real Mac next year.
Nice tips, but the final photo is a fake.
The picture shown at the top to show the final result was taken from a real Macintosh system. Here's why.
1) There is no Safari for Windows.
2) Trillian does not call itself iChat when you skin it as so.
3) The 2nd symbol to the left of the clock stands for Airport, an Apple wireless Internet receiver.
4) Windows also does not have a "System Prefrences."
5) The 5th icon on the Menu stands for "Avalible" only on iChat.
I also noticed the image was Photoshoped in several places: on the menu, the dock, and iTunes. iChat buddy list was blanked out for reasons of reveiling names, however that is not what I am talking about.
If this is a windows image, good job on photoshopping it.
The image may be photo shopped in a couple of places, but it is an XP computer. First, if you go to osxe.com, there is a beta Safari version for Windows, and a couple System Preferences app's that closely emulate mac's system preferences. In addition, there is no power button on the dock, and the finder bar is nothing like the real mac finder bar.
In my personal opinion, Apple is better. It is faster, easier to use, uses much less memory, and manages it more efficiently, and it looks pretty.
If you mean mine, it's completely real Windoze. I don't even have Photoshop. If you mean his, it's very possible for it to look like that. You can name shortcuts whatever you want even if Windows doesn't have "System Preferences" or Safari, etc. ;) Stardock has some great programs like DesktopX which can put "widget" icons like that on the desktop.
BTW I don't have Safari right now, but I there's still an icon in my ObjectDock that looks like Safari. :)
And yes, Apple is by far the best!
What about making my XP sound like a mac. ie. boot up and shut down sounds - where can I find them
What about making my XP sound like a mac. ie. boot up and shut down sounds - where can I find them
Boy, me and my crappy 3.00 GHz windows comp. Well, I have to say, my computer suuuure must suck when I've got no viruses on it. And to think there are over 50,000 windows targeted viruses out there, as of October 2001.
Yep. Sure is a crappy life... being a windows user. Sure is.
No, actually, it isn't, mind you. I like having a computer that functions logically... and whenever there is a problem, I can fix it because it isn't some random or irrational problem like on Final Cut Pro. I also like how when I DO have a problem, I can go online to determine how best to fix it, or I can use a helpful troubleshooter to do so. If I can't fix it, at least I don't need to pay half a million dollars and my left arm for a computer specialist, PC mechanics are fruitful.
Ohhh yes... and about Windows XP vs. OS X. Wow. Those comments about OS X being the best thing ever are pretty dumb. What's more user friendly, "Finder" or "Start?"
Hmm. That's a toughie.
I'll simply continue moping along my way in my horrible shell of a windows based life... absolutely hating the fact that most programs are made compatible with my computer (with the exception of the ones that desperately try to keep afloat a computer company destined to manufacture computers for the sole purpose of throwing them off of buildings. Aren't those handles useful?), and I shall continue to remember that Bill Gates paid Apple 200 Million dollars just so that they wouldn't go under.
OUCH.
http://www.digitalvideoediting.com/2002/05_may/features/cw_aeshowdown.htm
http://www.digitalvideoediting.com/2002/07_jul/features/cw_macvspc23.htm
http://www.digitalvideoediting.com/2002/11_nov/reviews/cw_macvspciii.htm
Enjoy.
Hi
I downloaded all of mac look alike things, however my computer went really slow and got full of spyware. I've had to start again with my pc and I don't suggest that people download this anymore.
If you're that obsessed with a mac just buy one.
About Mac sounds, I just found some, you have to look around.
El, I don't think that it's the programs you got mentioned in the article. It's probably because you might use Internet Explorer instead of Firefox (http://www.getfirefox.com/) [which BTW is free].
I also now found some emulator programs that'll let you put OS X on a PC! I posted data on this thread here (thread has multiple pages) http://www.planetdescent.com/asp/forum_posts.asp?sectionid=1&forumid=1&topicid=5781
Just like to say Finder is more user friendly than start. OSX is by far more powerful than windows if not for any of the NextStep parts purely for its Unix based micro kernel. You cant compare two largely diffrent architectures MHz for MHz. A high end PC typically is a single processor while a High end Mac is dual processor. You can fix anything on a mac that you can fix on a pc, just because you personally don't know how too doesn't mean it cant be done.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86812
Get a book on becoming a Apple Care tech or Mac Genius (stupid title I agree). I personally believe OSX is far more logical than windows; but that is not a quantifiable measurement so its sort of irrelevant.
As for Virus's sure if you run a decent anti virus and keep it up to date and don't run Internet explorer or outlook and have macros turned off in your other office apps you can avoid most. Still it is a fair amount of overhead and even if you do have a completely updated avs a virus can come out and hit you overnight before you can update. Don't get me wrong I just like playing devils advocate.
Macs are not perfect but they are better. I personally would love to see a Linux/OSX virus to hit to shut up a bunch of the close minded morons who cant accept there operating system of choice is not perfect for every application. Microsoft has better management than Apple by all means but that doesn't mean that there technical expertise is better. I am a computer science student and programmer/hacker. I am a avid Linux user but would never recommend Linux to a average home user simply because X windows is buggy and difficult to manage. This is my primary reasons for recommending a Mac is you have all the power of Unix with a extremely easy to use GUI.