Make Windows Look Like Mac OS X

If you use the default Windows desktop, chances are that you could use a "look and feel" overhaul. The Mac OS X desktop is widely considered to be cleaner and more intuitive. Some simple changes can have your Windows XP desktop looking like a Mac OS X in no time at all.

Steps

Installing a Dock Using RKLauncher

  1. Organize-Your-Desktop. Right click the desktop and go to "Arrange icons by" and uncheck "Show desktop icons". You should now have a completely clean desktop. Don’t be afraid. You can still access the My Computer, My Documents, and Recycle Bin from Windows Explorer.
  2. Download RKLauncher.
  3. Install RKLauncher.
  4. You should now have a bar on bottom of your desktop.
  5. Hide your Windows task bar. Right click on the task bar and choose Properties.
  6. Click on Auto-Hide the Task Bar, and select OK.

Adding Widgets from Yahoo!

  1. Download and install Yahoo Widgets. Click on Setup and select Next.
  2. Click Next again.
  3. Click on Install.
  4. Click on Close when installation is complete.
  5. Accept the Yahoo Widgets License Agreement.
  6. Arrange your widgets.

Installing maComfort

  1. Install maComfort for Quicklook, Spaces, Active Corners, and Mac hotkeys.
  2. Choose the path, then click Next.
  3. Click on Finish to complete the setup.
  4. In Settings, choose your keyboard hotkeys and other options.

Using Flyakite OS X

  1. The program that will make the boot screen, icons, cursors, login menu, etc. look like a Mac is Flyakite OS X
  2. Go to Flyakite OS X on the top bar menu, scroll down to download and click on any of the links to start the download.
  3. Run Flyakite OS X.
  4. Your computer might give a warning about some DLL (.dll) files are being replaced and tell you to put in the repair CD. Don't worry, it should do this (If it doesn't, it doesn't really matter).
  5. Reboot. You should be greeted with the Mac OS X login screen. If you don't, don't worry, OS X should come on in the next reboot you do.
  6. Login. You should see your computer looking mostly like a Mac.

Adding Other Features

  1. Download the Apple Safari browser and run the installer.
  2. Download the Shock 4 way 3D from http://www.docs.kr/entry/Download-Summary-Desktop-Utility-en .
  3. Open the Shock 4Way 3d option menu from the Notification area. Choose any action to show the desktop in 3D.
  4. Your desktop should look like the picture.
  5. Get cdEjectLoad. This small application lets you eject or insert the CD/DVD tray with a push of a key, similar to the Mac feature (which uses the special Eject key of a Mac keyboard). It even has the same visual feedback as the Mac.
    • Open the CD Tray Ejector/ Loader and chose the Hotkey for CD drive. In the example, the "Pause" key is chosen. Click on “Save” button to save your settings.
  6. Download the Windows Blind 7 and install it. Configure to the xpLeo_Rev theme.
  7. Download the Mac OS X Leopard Visual Styler Theme and install it.
  8. Install Mac Finder. Download Styler 1.401.
  9. Get software. You can also download some Mac OS software like iTunes, Quick Time player, iMovie, iCal, Address book, Mac Clock, volume control and Mac Games.

Tips

  • If RKLauncher doesn’t work well, an alternative to try is RocketDock. RocketDock is updated more often, and has more themes to choose from.
  • If you have enough money, an easier way would always be just to buy your own Mac, of course.
    • If you want to bootscreen, sound scheme and whatever, you should try Flyakite OS X.
  • For the simplest way, install this patch. It lets you access Windows XP's built in skinner. Then go to customize.org and download all the Window’s themes you want. This is a great OS X style theme.
  • Since installing OS X on a PC is illegal, you could also try installing Linux (Ubuntu Linux is the most popular Linux out there) on your PC. Since Linux is fully customizable you can use this guide to make it look like OS X.
  • You can also use the OS X Install DVD
    • If you have a recent OS X Install DVD (2005 and newer) that uses an x86 architecture, you can install OS X directly on your computer using InsanelyMac, which will circumvent the hardware detection used by the OS X install disc.
    • If you have an older OS X Install DVD (2004 and older) that uses a PowerPC architecture, you can emulate PowerPC's architecture using PearPC. PearPC is a tool which will allow you to run OS X in an x86 environment, without putting in any effort. The emulation method is much slower than the method using InsanelyMac above.
    • Do not resort to using OS X unless you are aware of the legal action Apple can take if they know you are using that software.

Warnings

  • Some OS X themes may be spyware or malware. Use caution when downloading.
  • Beware of legal issues with installing OS X onto a computer for which is not licensed. Though it is not illegal, it is breaking the EULA(End User License Agreement).

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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