How to make Windows look like OS X, Linux, or... Windows

by Brad Linder Jan 1st 2008

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.

Tags: fedora, os-x, transformation-pack, ubuntu, vista

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Brad 'the bias' Linder said 9:02PM on 1-01-2008

"...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.

Jhongerkong said 9:17PM on 1-01-2008

Windowblinds FTW

kingkool68 said 11:14PM on 1-01-2008

Xpize FTW -> http://www.xpize.net/

Robert said 8:14AM on 1-02-2008

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.

Otis said 11:39AM on 1-02-2008

Here's my question if you change to xxx can you change back to the original whenever you want to

Vagabondodigitale said 12:50PM on 1-02-2008

Very good review ;) Thx

edd said 10:26PM on 1-02-2008

how about blackbox for windows from www.bb4win.org ?

kde4 said 8:12PM on 1-22-2008

Uhh... KDE4 for windows, anyone?

http://windows.kde.org

Gary said 8:28AM on 2-06-2008

Do they work on Windows Vista?

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