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Emulation Manual; For those crave the best mack look...
Topic Started: Dec 2 2007, 10:39 PM (4,675 Views)
Sparky
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Mac OS X, made by Apple, is one of the most technologically advanced operating systems out there, and easily the most visually pleasing. The use of soft edges, translucent colors, and mild pinstripes helps bring color and texture to the desktop, and enjoyment to the user experience–something Windows is sorely lacking in. This is the reason why so many Windows users desire to emulate OS X. Hopefully this guide will help you to do this as easily as possible.



By the end of this guide your desktop should go from this....


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into this....



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This transformation can be done easily by shareware, I have personally tried it with shareware and it looks great!! Each new post will be considered as a new chapter, this topic will be left closed but you can gain support for Mac emulation here[link needed]
Edited by Sparky, Dec 12 2007, 05:40 PM.
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Chapter 1 : The Apperance

There are two main ways to begin skinning XP–a native way nicknamed Msstyles, or through the use of other programs. Each person has their own favorite, but it’s widely regarded that the most complete way to emulate OS X is by using other programs. Listed below are a number of applications that you can use to move your Min-Max-Exit buttons to the left, to change your Explorer toolbar, and to change Explorer’s main GUI.

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1. WindowBlinds by Stardock - Shareware ; Buy Enhanced Version $19.95 ; Download Free Version

This application comes in two versions: Free, and Enhanced ($19.95). In the free distribution, some advanced features (such as changing toolbar icons and animations, and scrollbar skinning, among others) are disabled, whereas the advanced will have all these features unlocked and ready to use. If you have problems with WindowBlinds not working, be sure to check out the minimum requirements needed to run the application effectively, over at the Stardock website.



2. ShellWM - Freeware - Download

ShellWM is a lightweight and free application used to skin the titlebar only. Although the skin-base is not as large as WindowBlinds, several good skins are available. This small application more than carries its weight!



Listed below are a few recommended themes that you can use with the above-mentioned software



Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger for Window Blinds 4 by Steve Grenier - Freeware - Download


Aqua Borderless (Updated) For ShellWM Skins by Cassiel - Freeware - Download



More Mac OS X themes are available here



These files are also recommended downloads, in order to provide a more realistic OS X appearance:



Tiger Wallpapers - Freeware - Download
All of the Tiger Wallpapers, taken directly from a Macintosh!


Tiger User Pictures - Freeware - Download
This is an archive of the standard Tiger user pictures shown at login (and found at /Library/User Pictures). There are 30 in total, separated into five different folders: Animals, Flowers, Fun, Nature, and Sports. The images are in .tiff format.


OSX Cursor for windows - Freeware - Download
This cursor set for Windows is almost an exact replica of the Mac pointers–in fact, they were ported directly!

Edited by Sparky, Dec 6 2007, 07:01 PM.
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Chapter 2 : The Menu Bar

The menu bar is a vital component in Mac OS X. Though you can’t tell just by looking at it, the menu bar hosts many functions and commands so that you can more easily complete certain tasks. Additionally, this bar will “inherit” the menu of the active application–you know that all the menu options (of any app) will always appear at the top. Additionally, the menu bar also contains some icons on the right side, which enable quick access to Spotlight (Tiger’s new built-in Search capability, signified by the magnifying glass icon), and Volume Control, among other things. A single menu can have any number of submenus; performing tasks becomes as easy as *Click*!


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ObjectBar by Stardock -Shareware Buy Enhanced Version $19.95 | Download Free Trial

Without doubt, ObjectBar is the best program that can replace/extend the Windows taskbar. It provides all the functionality of the Start menu, but faster and with vastly more features. ObjectBar has so many skins and is so flexible that it can be made to look like any bar-type feature found on any OS. It could even be used to create entirely new menus, giving both corporate IT managers and end users the ability to design and implement a highly customized desktop interface. Improving user productivity and providing a level of personalization to the Windows desktop interface previously thought impossible, this software is regrettably shareware, but it’s a purchase you’ll not regret!




FinderBar by Landvermesser - Freeware Download

Considering he’s a one-man team, Landervermesser has done pretty well for himself (and a favor for the entire community), allowing you to add a Mac OS X style drop-down menu to your Windows Taskbar. The latest version has custom submenus support, and Italian localisation…plus it’s free!



McBar by Rimmer - Freeware Download

McBar, by RIMMER, is yet another program that can give Windows users a menu bar clone. Designed to increase usability, this bar is another one of the many free menu bar options out there.




WinMac by WinMac Team - Freeware Download

WinMac is a free program, written in Visual Basic v5.0 by Michael Mallory, that allows Windows 95, 98, NT4, 2000, Me, and XP users to add a Macintosh-style menu bar to their system. It is currently capable of mimicking System 7, Mac OS 8 and 9, Mac OS X Server, and Mac OS X Aqua menu bars. Additionally, it includes a user-requested custom Mac OS Brushed Metal bar. One of the few programs out there that works on older Windows OS’s, this app is a must-download for those desiring a more Classic look!



Listed below are some recommeded themes for the above downloads


Tiger Theme for ObjectBar - Freeware Download


mcbar Tiger theme by Applemaker - Freeware Download
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Chapter 3 : The Finder

Finder is the default file-management application for the Mac, responsible for overall computer use, especially concerning the opening and viewing of files, disks, network volumes and the launching of other applications. As such, the Finder can be compared to the shell on other (Unix-based) operating systems, but with a GUI. Introduced in the very first Macintosh computer, and acting as part of GS/OS on the Apple II GS, it underwent a complete rewrite with Apple’s switch to UNIX-based OS X.


The Finder is the very first application a user interacts with after booting a Mac; it creates a valuable first impression, and is responsible for the general look and feel of the machine. Though it�s not the entire GUI of the Mac, it is the default application.

The Finder creates a file system view using the desktop metaphor - that is, the files and folders are represented with respective icons, volumes are displayed on the desktop, and a trash can is used for the deletion of files.

Since the Finder is such a huge part of Mac OS X, many developers have devoted time and effort to make Finder clones for Windows. The three best ones are as follows (stay tuned for an in-depth review of each Finder).


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NeXPlorer by vneumann - Freeware Download

NeXplorer can be used concurrently with Explorer, or as a complete replacement

Making shortcuts is an extremely simple process–just drag a directory from the folder view onto the shortcut box on the left. A dialog box will pop up asking for a name and preferred icon file. Even if you don�t assign an icon, the system will provide one�the default drive icon for drives, the default folder one for folders, etc.

Without doubt, NeXplorer is the best finder clone for Windows; unfortunately, various shortcomings prevent it from being a 100% windows explorer replacement (try it, and form your own opinion!)



iFinder by neo_osx- Freeware Download

The roll-up button works like it does in OS X! The application labels and links are actually done in HTML (the same language that web pages are written in), so editing is done can be accomplished with FrontPage, Dreamweaver, or even Notepad.



Looca by pantoni - Freeware

Looca is another finder clone, with a very large skin base! Some report it as being the most useful, and actually the easiest to produce skins for.



You can find more Finder clones for windows here

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Chapter 4 - The Icons

Your emulated Mac will never be complete if you do not have Mac-style icons (made according to �Aqua� guidelines). In this tutorial, I will show you how to change the default Windows icons to Mac OS X icons. The following applications will help in this journey.

Your icons will go from this:

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to this:

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Icon Packager by - Stardock [Buy Enhanced Version|Download Free Version
IconPackager is a program that allows users to change nearly all of their Windows icons at once by applying whole “packages” of icons to the computer. These packages contain replacement icons for all XP�s common icons: from My Computer and My Documents, to specific file format icons such as.doc and .xls files.



IconTweaker by - Freeware Download
IconTweaker is a freeware application that allows you to customize all your Windows icons

Using the IconTweaker theme system, designers can share their icons with other people. IconTweaker has an open XML-based theme format that can be extended using plug-ins. If you created an IconTweaker theme for your icons, you can be sure they can be used by everyone. The program comes with several included themes full of beautiful icons,



IconX by - Stardock Shareware [Buy Enhanced Version|Download Free Version
IconX enhances your existing Windows desktop icons with effects such as shadows, enhanced icon labels, mouse-over effects, and much more.

Though it can�t change the icons themselves, you can add cool styling to existing desktop icons.


Download icons listed below to change entire windows system by using applications above or by doing it manually.


Mac OS X Panther Icons for Icon Packager by Mntnbkr1065 - Freeware Download

Panther Icons by GillBates - Freeware Download

1400 Tiger PNGs - Freeware Download
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Chapter 5 - The Dock

The OS X Dock is that extremely popular bar of icons that sits at the bottom of the Mac screen. Providing easy access to several Mac applications (such as Mail, Safari, iTunes, Address Book, and QuickTime Player), the dock displays the currently-running applications (and the Trash icon, which looks like a waste basket), and holds minimized windows. Additionally, you can add your own applications, files, and folders to the Dock.

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There are also several docks for Windows, similar to the OS X dock.


RK Launcher by Radulking - Download
RK Launcher is an application that will allow the user to have a visually pleasing bar at the side of the screen, used to quickly launch shortcuts. With support for themes, PNG and ICO icons, and with smooth amazing animations, RK Launcher is a versatile and great taskbar replacement.


Object Dock by Stardock - Download
ObjectDock is a shareware program for Microsoft Windows 2000/XP that lets users have a highly customizable dock on their desktop. It features a variety of available responses to mouse-over events, including zooming, gentle rocking and glowing, among other effects. With a unique icon zooming system that provides smooth mouse-over effects (it�s debatable which is better�Object Dock�s or RK Launcher�s magnification algorithm), and a distinctive �tabs� feature, Object Dock is one of the most popular docks available!
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Chapter 6 - The Dashboard

Dashboard is the new Tiger app that provides quick access to widgets: mini-applications that let you perform common tasks and provide you with fast access to information. With a single click, Dashboard appears, complete with these widgets that provide a world of information real-time weather, stock tickers, flight information and more instantly. Dashboard disappears just as easily, so you can get back to what you were doing. Interestingly enough, the following applications all preceded Dashboard, some by over a year.

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You will need to have one of the following applications to use the Dashboard:

Konfabulator by Pixoria Inc.-Freeware Download
Konfabulator is a JavaScript runtime engine for Windows and Mac OS X that lets you small .kon files that can pretty much do whatever you want them to. Widgets can be alarm clocks, calculators, WiFi signal strength indicators, stock quotes for preferred companies, and even local weather reports.

Kapsules by Andrew Powell, Carbon 6 Software - Freeware Download
Kapsules is another desktop widget engine for Microsoft Windows. Miniature applications that rest on your desktop, these widgets can show you the current weather conditions, display news from your favorite website, or even check your email for you.


Avedesk by Andreas Verhoeven - Donationware Download
AveDesk 1.2 will enhance your desktop experience and make your desktop more visually pleasing by adding interactive icons and tools, called desklets. These desklets are changeable in size, and can also be alpha-blended (with transparent parts), like on Mac OS X


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Chapter 7:The Applications

The Finder is not the only application in Mac OS X�similarly, Finder clones are not the only apps that have been emulated. Some are beta-level software, but some are fully working, and indistinguishable from their Macintosh counterparts!

Address Book for Windows by Jib - Freeware [Download]
Address Book for Windows is an advanced contacts manager, which offers the look and feel of Panther’s Address Book.

Calendar by Haulden - Freeware [Download]
Calendar is an iCal clone, complete with different color-coded calendars that can be added or deleted as the user wishes. Students could have different calendars for classes, parents different calendars for different children�the possibilities are endless! New items and appointments are easily addable.

Savanna by Mr Aqua - Freeware [Download]
This Safari clone uses Internet Explorer�s rendering engine, but it has some of Safari�s cooler features, such as tab browsing and a neat, brushed skin.
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Chapter 8:The Installer

Ask any GUI-modding enthusiast what some of the most frustrating aspects of modifying Windows� user interface are, and you�re bound to hear complaints about stubborn toolbar icons, tacky system tray glyphs, and those darned file transfer animations. A variety of tools and applications are available online from one source or another that promise to rid you of your GUI woes with just one click. But while you may be able to change the icons on Explorer�s toolbar, or get rid of that annoying Windows throbber, no single utility can do it all. None, that is, until now with the release of Flyakite OSX


Ever since Flyakite released FlyakiteSP1, it has become a household name in the world of Aqua modding. The stability, quality, and support that flyakite (the author) offered were quite simply overwhelming, and soon FlyakiteSP1 (and later FlyakiteSP2) became the default system modification packs for the majority of Aqua-wannabes.
However, due to the complexity of the packs and the way they were applied, maintaining the mods and releasing different versions for different localizations (languages) was a programmer�s nightmare. And so FlyakiteOS Xv1.0 was born, in early December 2004. The second version was released soon after, proving even better than the first. It completely overhauls Windows XP as much as possible, regardless of service pack or language. Though it doesn’t work in Windows 2000 or earlier, it supports Windows Server 2003, Windows Media Center, and all the variations of XP.

FlyakiteOS X is basically a transformation pack. It will transform the look of an ordinary Windows XP system to resemble the look of Mac OS X. The installer simply automates the process of replacing critical system files, setting registry tweaks, and installing extras such as cursors, sounds, visual styles, etc.

In case you are not happy with the results of FlyakiteOSX, everything is completely removable. Just run the uninstaller from the Start Menu or from Add/Remove Programs.

FlyakiteOSX does not contain any spyware or ad-ware of any kind. All files needed for FlyakiteOSX are stored in the Windows directory in a folder named ‘FlyakiteOSX’ that is hidden by default. All registry values for FlyakiteOSX are written to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\FlyakiteOSX.

Aside from containing all the previous mods from older versions as well as bug fixes, FlyakiteOSX v2.0 also comes with a Settings Utility, which allows the user to change several per-user settings, including theme, icon size, and startup programs. Additionally, it offers a new registry tweak (hiding the recycle bin from the desktop), additional programs inside (e.g. WinRoll, RK Launcher, et. al.), new dialogs, and many other amazing features. For a further list of changes, please see below.

[INSTALLER FEATURES]
- Universal. Works on all languages and OS versions XP+ (64 bit NOT supported!)
- Option to create System Restore Point
- Windows File Protection is completely bypassed
- Installation directories for programs like WinRAR are detected
- Custom MSN skin selection page including live skin previews
- Everything is completely uninstallable through the uninstaller

[SYSTEM FILES]
- Universal UXTheme Patcher
- DLL Files - 68
- EXE Files - 36
- CPL Files - 20
- 3rd Party CPL Files - 15
- Office 2003 Files - 7
- Outlook Express Files - 8

[EXTRAS]
- Boot Screen
- Logon Screen
- Flurry ScreenSaver � Matt Ginzton
- Wallpaper
- Cursors
- Iceman’s Sound Scheme

[SKINS]
- Panther Visual Style � KoL
- Tiger Visual Style � KoL
- Tiger WindowBlinds skin � KoL
- Mac OS X Tiger WindowBlinds skin � Steve Grenier
- AquaX MSN 6 Skin � JabInc
- MacMSN MSN 7 Skin � theunknown
- Brushed MSN 6 Skin � theunknown
- Panther MSN 6 Skin � theunknown
- Kamaized MSN 7 Skin � mariuz
- QCD Player 4.x
- WinRar 3.x
- PowerDVD 4/5/6 iVid Skin � aquagrl
- WinDVD 6 iDVD Skin � Danimator
- PicasaOSX Skin � LiquidBrain & iStatic

[REGISTRY TWEAKS]
- Simultaneous Downloads
- Show ‘My Computer’ first on desktop
- Remove Shortcut Arrows
- Hide Drive Letters
- Remove ‘Recent Documents’ from Places
- Sort Start Menu Alphabetically
- Hide Recycle Bin

To change your entire windows system with a single mouse click, download Flyakite OSX 3.5 now.

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And your done!!

Your Xp should now look like a mac!!

If you feel we have left something out and it needs to be included in the emulation manual then please let us know and we can get right on it, otherwise enjoy your new apple mac feel.

Do you need support for anything in this emulation manual? You can find fully dedicated support in this thread:

[link]
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