How to make Windows look like OS X, Linux, or... Windows
Love it or hate it, Windows is still pretty much the dominant operating system in the world. And while your heart may be with OS X or Linux, there might be just a couple of programs that you have to run on a regular basis that keep you coming back to your Windows machine. But just because you're running Windows Vista or XP doesn't mean you can't pretend you're using your OS of choice.
We've covered transformation packs that let you change the look and feel of Windows in the past. But Makeuseof has found a few packs that we weren't aware of. For example, you can grab a Fedora or Ubuntu transformation pack that makes your desktop look like Linux. Each transformation pack includes desktops, program icons, and tools for customizing visual styles. You can also use transformation packs to make Windows look like OS X or make XP look like Vista.
We probably don't need to tell you that beauty is only skin deep. Under the hood, if your computer is running Windows, you still have all the usual goodies and frustrations from the Windows registry to the blue screen of death. But at least these transformation packs can make your PC a bit easier on the eyes.
We've covered transformation packs that let you change the look and feel of Windows in the past. But Makeuseof has found a few packs that we weren't aware of. For example, you can grab a Fedora or Ubuntu transformation pack that makes your desktop look like Linux. Each transformation pack includes desktops, program icons, and tools for customizing visual styles. You can also use transformation packs to make Windows look like OS X or make XP look like Vista.
We probably don't need to tell you that beauty is only skin deep. Under the hood, if your computer is running Windows, you still have all the usual goodies and frustrations from the Windows registry to the blue screen of death. But at least these transformation packs can make your PC a bit easier on the eyes.













Comments
9
Subscribe to commentsGaryFeb 6th 2008 8:28AM
Do they work on Windows Vista?
Brad 'the bias' LinderJan 1st 2008 9:02PM
"...while your heart may be with OS X or Linux, there might be just a couple of programs that you have to run on a regular basis that keep you coming back to your Windows machine."
Yeah, I guess that whole 'usability' thing kinda trumps appearing like you're 'fighting teh evil m$ macheene', for some people, particularly those older than 14.
JhongerkongJan 1st 2008 9:17PM
Windowblinds FTW
kingkool68Jan 1st 2008 11:14PM
Xpize FTW -> http://www.xpize.net/
RobertJan 2nd 2008 8:14AM
Just an FYI, two of the transformation packs at your recommended site - makeuseof.com - actually have spyware characteristics. Both FlyakiteOSX and Fedora Transformation Pack, for instance, install keystroke tracking software and use MS Messenger to send info out in the background. Thought your readers might like to know that before visiting and perhaps downloading/installing any of those transformation packs. Also, once installed, they don't completely uninstall. You have to go in and further delete files/folders & software.
OtisJan 2nd 2008 11:39AM
Here's my question if you change to xxx can you change back to the original whenever you want to
VagabondodigitaleJan 2nd 2008 12:50PM
Very good review ;) Thx
eddJan 2nd 2008 10:26PM
how about blackbox for windows from www.bb4win.org ?
kde4Jan 22nd 2008 8:12PM
Uhh... KDE4 for windows, anyone?
http://windows.kde.org