Next [Steering Column]

Tech Talk

With Jarrett Carter & Brandon Locke

Make Windows XP Beautiful!

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Two beautiful operating systems have come out in the past 12 months that have had the media buzzing. On the left side we have Microsoft’s Windows Vista which came about over a year ago. Its “Aero” effect has won the hearts of many, but many bug reports, compatibility problems, and security concerns have left some people wondering if upgrading is such a wise idea. On the right side, we have Apple’s Macintosh Leopard (v 10.5). While its sleek new interface has people jumping, the idea of switching to a Mac continues to evoke fear in die-hard Microsoft users. Moreover, the price of upgrading has scared some off as well. Given the problems of both Leopard and Vista, a few companies now give customers the option to buy their computers with Windows XP.

So here’s the problem: you crave the look and feel of Vista or Leopard but you’re clinging tight to Windows XP. No fear! Today in Tech Talk, you, my friend, are going to learn how to skin your operating system, even the boot up screen, in such a way that will fool even the most die hard geeks out there  And since you’re learning it from Tech Talk, you can count on the fact that it will be easy,  even for the most computer illiterate! I have enlisted the help of former NSAer Brandon Locke.

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DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ! [click to open and close] Although previously tested, the information that follows is left completely up to you, the reader’s, discretion. Neither the writers of this article nor NSA are liable for damages that may occur to your computer upon the implementation of our suggestions.” We have included precautions in our steps thus it is very crucial that you follow them if you do decide to follow our suggestions. Also, because this will change the way your entire operating system looks, it is a good idea to gain consent from the other users of your computer before continuing. Please note that if you follow the steps described in this article, the end result should be easily reversible if you want to go back to your original layout. Another thing to remember is that you must have a computer running Windows XP SP2 in order for the steps we describe to work properly.

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VISTA EMULATION 101 - For PC Users

Program(s) used: Vista Transformation Pack The transparent look of Windows Vista Aero has won many over, and you are about to learn how to get that look for free on Windows XP. Are you ready? Here we go! First, we want to play it safe and create a restore point on our computer should something go wrong. To get there, open the start menu and on the right panel, select the Control Panel. Once that opens, click “Performance & Maintenance,” then look to the left and select “System Restore.” Follow the wizard to create a restore point and name it something obvious (ie- “pre-transformation”). The computer will create the restore point and you will be all done with that step! Finally! Now that we got all that out of the way, point your web browser to Vista Tranformation Pack’s website. I recommend strolling the website to find out more about this powerful software. Now when you download the software, you will need to unzip (decompress) it; look on the left toolbar on the folder and unzip it. The secret to unzipping without contracting an error message is to install it in safe mode, here’s how: Shut down your computer Power your computer up Press F8 BEFORE you see the Windows logo (basically you want to push F8 the second your computer turns on). Use the arrow and enter keys to select “Safe mode.” You will notice that when the computer boots up, it will look akin to Windows 2000, don’t worry…everything is alright. Now try opening up the installation file; it should work. Make sure that no other programs are open while you are installing. This is a very crucial installation and we don’t want anything to go wrong! During the installation you will have to make selections on what you want installed and how you want it installed (ie- widescreen?). You can’t really go wrong as long as you DO NOT select “Use Windowblinds Skin.” I’ll explain WindowBlinds later but for now just leave that unchecked.

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MAC EMULATION 101 - For Mac Users

Part I: Flyakite OS X -Download Flyakite OS X 1. Proceed through the installation until you get to the screen to choose components 2. Check the ‘Create Restore Point’ 3. Check System Files 4. In Extras – Check Everything BUT Default Screen Saver and Flurry Screensaver.  Jarrett and I had differing opinions about the boot screen. While Jarrett was able to use the boot screen with no problem, it messed up my computer, so we’ll leave the decision up to you. 5. Check Skins, Software, and Tweaks IMPORTANT: Under Tweaks- the ‘Default Icon’ box may not be reversible without the use of a restore point.

6. In the next screen, choose 48*48 icon size; bigger icons will slow down your computer. 7. If your screen is widescreen, choose widescreen boot screen 8. Unlock your taskbar before you click install When you reboot your computer, there is still some configuration to be done. 9. Click Start - All Programs - FlyakiteOSX - Tools - Current User Settings 10. Unless you plan on using a Window Blinds skin, check 'Tiger Visual Style' 11. Uncheck Flurry Screeensaver 12. Wallpaper is optional; Leopard wallpaper (space, grass) is easily found at Google Images 13. Check Object Dock and uncheck RK Launcher. Object Dock is a better dock than RK Launcher 14. Y's Shadow is optional; it gives shadows to menus and can make them transparent. It looks nice, but may slow down your computer. 15. WinRoll is optional; it simply collapses windows when you right-click the topbar to show only the topbar (Like on a Mac). It doesn't slow down your computer, but I personally don't find it very useful. 16. Ubericon is strongly recommended. It adds echo effects when you double click an icon. It doesn't slow down your computer. Directions on use will follow: 16a. Uncheck Alt+Q Hotkey Tool 16b. Uncheck 'System Files Updater' 17. Reboot

What to Check and What Not to Check

DIY: WINDOWBLINDS Are you one of those people who cringe at the thought of the computer doing all of the design work? Do you want more control on every last detail? Windowblinds may be the software for you. You have to remember that these are just modds (files that alter your computer) and cannot possibly mask every last trace of Windows, but Windowblinds comes pretty darn close. I will lay down the pros and cons of Windowblinds and basic instructions: Pros: Very customizable Puts “traffic light” icons on the Mac to the left where they belong Easy to find new and updated skins Takes up less RAM Most realistic Cons: Costs $20 (USD) Does not come with basics such as icons and wallpaper You have to be careful where you get skins from because they can be infected Basic Instructions: Download and install Windowblinds Go to Stardock’s website and look up themes Follow the instructions to install theme Do a search to find other items that will make your fake OS look more realistic (ie- dock for Mac, sidebar for Vista)

Windowblinds doesn’t just do OS masking, they have tons of free skins like the Christmas one!

Windowblinds offers a free trial and I suggest everyone try it out! I have it, and I have to say that it is very cool.

 

CONCLUSION Now you don’t have to pay extra for the sleek looks of Vista and Leopard! How close can you match the OS? Brandon and I have both fooled some hardcore Mac and Vista users though I’m sure if they used it for a while, they would figure it out. How far can you take it? Plenty! The internet makes it so easy to find extras to add that “special touch” to make it look even more realistic. How much is too much? This picture explains it all… Yes, I actually took one of those Apple stickers that come with iPods and stuck it on top of the Dell logo on my laptop. Clever, eh? I would like to wish everyone on Northstar Academy a wonderful and Christ-filled Christmas and a prosperous New Year! INTRODUCING BACKCHAT! Back-chat is where you, the reader, write me! Think of it as a “letter to the editor” column. You can write me concerning anything tech related or about my previous articles. I cannot guarantee they will all appear here but it just may! Simply email me at jarrettc@northstar-adademy.org with “Tech Talk” in the subject. Have a question about something I said? Did I say something completely incorrect? Did I miss a point in an article you thought was important? Now is the time to let me know! I am also accepting “tech advice” messages (i.e. what kind of digital camera should I get? Or what is HTML?). Finally, I will leave a “community sound off.” I ask a question, and you all write me back with your answers.   You get the idea? I look forward to hearing from you!

 

COMMUNITY SOUNDOFF! 2007 has just about drawn to a close; what do you think the most important tech product for this year was? What do you predict for 2008?