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Four Methods:Installing a DockAdding WidgetsInstalling maComfortAdding Other Features

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.

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Method 1 of 4: Installing a Dock

  1. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 1 Version 2.jpg
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    Remove all unused shortcuts and icons. 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.
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  2. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 2 Version 2.jpg
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    Download RKLauncher.
  3. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 3 Version 2.jpg
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    Install RKLauncher.
  4. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 4 Version 2.jpg
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    You should now have a bar on bottom of your desktop.
  5. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 5 Version 2.jpg
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    Hide your Windows task bar. Right click on the task bar and choose Properties.
  6. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 6 Version 2.jpg
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    Click on Auto-Hide the Task Bar, and select OK.

Method 2 of 4: Adding Widgets

  1. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 7 Version 2.jpg
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    Download and install Yahoo Widgets. Click on Setup and select Next.
  2. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 8 Version 2.jpg
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    Click Next again.
  3. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 9 Version 2.jpg
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    Click on Install.
  4. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 10 Version 2.jpg
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    Click on Close when installation is complete.
  5. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 11 Version 2.jpg
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    Accept the Yahoo Widgets License Agreement.
  6. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 12 Version 2.jpg
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    Arrange your widgets.

Method 3 of 4: Installing maComfort

  1. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 13 Version 2.jpg
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    Install maComfort for Quicklook, Spaces, Active Corners, and Mac hotkeys.
  2. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 14 Version 2.jpg
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    Choose the path, then click Next.
  3. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 15 Version 2.jpg
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    Click on Finish to complete the setup.
  4. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 16 Version 2.jpg
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    In Settings, choose your keyboard hotkeys and other options.

Method 4 of 4: Adding Other Features

  1. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 17 Version 2.jpg
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    Download the Apple Safari browser and run the installer.
  2. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 18 Version 2.jpg
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    Download the Shock 4 way 3D from http://www.docs.kr/entry/Download-Summary-Desktop-Utility-en .
  3. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 19 Version 2.jpg
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    Open the Shock 4Way 3d option menu from the Notification area. Choose any action to show the desktop in 3D.
  4. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 20 Version 2.jpg
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    Your desktop should look like the picture.
  5. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 21 Version 2.jpg
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    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. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 22 Version 2.jpg
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    Download the Windows Blind 7 and install it. Configure to the xpLeo_Rev theme.
  7. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 23 Version 2.jpg
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    Download the Mac OS X Leopard Visual Styler Theme and install it.
  8. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 24 Version 2.jpg
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    Install Mac Finder. Download Styler 1.401.
  9. Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop Step 25 Version 2.jpg
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    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.
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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.

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Sources and Citations

Article Info

Featured Article

Categories: Featured Articles | XP Instructions

In other languages:

Português: Como Personalizar seu Desktop do Windows XP para Parecer com um Mac, Español: Cómo hacer que tu escritorio de Windows XP se vea como un escritorio de Mac, Italiano: Come Risistemare il Proprio Desktop Windows XP perché Assomigli a un Desktop MAC, Русский: сделать рабочий стол Windows XP похожим на рабочий стол Mac OS

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