[codywalton]

I just started a new graphic design/multimedia job. (yea for me!). Only it's an all Windows office, and it will be quite a while before I can acquire a powerbook to take to work with me. In the meantime I want to theme my work PC to look like OS X. I know lots of PC designers/themers read this forum, so what I need from you GUI gurus are some links to user-friendly FAQ's on XP themeing. OR some quick simple answers to the following questions.

Preferably I'd like to use only free apps. If Possible.

What's the difference between Windowblinds themes and XP Visual Styles? Windowblinds is a pay app, while VS's are free, right? I've heard you have to do a little "hack" to make VS's work, is that right? How do I do that? Where can I get a good WB or VS theme of OS X Panther?

What about the icons? IS there an XP equivalent to CandyBar?

I don't want to put a lot of time into this, so if it's going to be a huge pain, I may opt to just leave Luna unaltered.

Thanks.

[voo]

Well I personally use WindowBlinds for GUI and Icon Packager but both you have to purchase if you want all the features.

But to make up your own mind...

WindowBlinds info: http://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/
Icon Packager info: http://www.stardock.com/products/iconpackager/

Should you wish to go the free route Uxtheme patcher for MSStyles http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=140707

ObjectDock info: http://www.stardock.com/products/objectdock/
ObjecyDock Plus has all the extra features

The OS X like themes for WindowBlinds which are more complete and true to the proper look:
http://www.wincustomize.com/skins.as...=1&SkinID=4392
http://www.wincustomize.com/skins.as...=1&SkinID=3393

Icon Packager themes, SnowE and crystal: http://www.wincustomize.com/skins.as...ding&library=2

OS X similar style themes for Uxtheme/MSStyles the most well done like themes will be done by KoL
http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/8615977/
http://-kol.deviantart.com/gallery/
http://www.studiotwentyeight.com/

Myths & Facts about WindowBlinds: http://www.wincustomize.com/msgboard...=264655#267661

[codywalton]

Originally posted by voo:
Well I personally use WindowBlinds for GUI and Icon Packager but both you have to purchase if you want all the features.

But to make up your own mind...

Thanks! I'm sure those links will be quite useful.

[silencedge]

And be sure to check out these few sites...

Aqua-Soft - For up to date, and the most forefront news in the Windows theming community. More aqua based.
AquaXP - Sister site to AS.
Aero-Soft - Another sister site but dedicated to the XP-related themes.
OSX-E - For an extensive collection of files and downloads.

Enjoy.

[kmkkid]

^ what they said. But why would you want windows to look like OS X? It can't pull off the look completely, and there are so many better themes than aqua on the windows side. Just try a few


Chris

[voo]

Originally posted by kmkkid:
But why would you want windows to look like OS X? It can't pull off the look completely

The same reason why people mod their Nova's into souped up/Touring cars, usually the die hard fanatics but you get the idea. What people can't have mod it till its a working replica.

[codywalton]

Originally posted by kmkkid:
But why would you want windows to look like OS X?

Because if it looks familiar, then it will make work easier. that simple. Of course i'm going to check out some original themes while I'm at it, but Aqua is the main reason.

[codywalton]

Thanks for all the tips.

Here's the update. Quick and easy (and free), I installed UXtheme with KOL's Tiger visual style. Combined with a nice default Panther desktop pic, it will be enough to keep me from going insane in an all windows world (at least for a while, until I can afford a powerbook to keep me company).

Thanks again.