While I keep XP on my desktop mainly for gaming and a few other things (yeah some time I work too), but it’s the Ubuntu ruling my desktop these days. There’s quite a bit of visual customization available that makes it interesting. I thought, I would show you how to get a Linux like look on your boring XP landscape. (oh I am sorry Mr. Gates that usual XP Visual Style is too old).
Download the pack via Rapidshare.com or else Use Mirrors Listed Below.
Mirror 1 - Megaupload.com
Mirror 2 - MediaFire.com
1. Preparations
Well before we go, the Windows need to be patched to allow loading of custom themes, get the patch by WindowsX at Softpedia or others may decide to use software like StyleXP etc. So here is a list of content you will get in the Ultimate Linux Transformation Pack.
2. Visual Styles
There are several custom styles available, following are the few which are the best and I would recommend installing all of them and decide whatever suites you best.
Clearlooks-
Human (Ubuntu) -
Plastik (KDE) -
These come as an archive in a folder. Extract the folder to C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes, not just the file but the folder too.
3. Icons
The next step is setting up icons. For this you will need the Tango Patcher. This will give your entire operating system a Tango feel. There is also the option to use the Tangerine theme from Ubuntu along with some special Tango themes such as the one from SUSE. Download and install that, picking the theme of your choice. You can preview the different themes here. This will require a restart, and you should immediately notice the difference.
4. Cursors
Don’t you want the pointer to be like Ubuntu style? If yes, then here we go! Shown above is a set of cursors you will get in the package.
5. Applications Skins
Some of the applications will need to be matched to the Tango feel to match the rest of the system, so where are some skins / themes for those:
- Firefox - https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/1565/
- Thunderbird - https://addons.mozilla.org/thunderbird/2258/
- uTorrent - http://vertigosity.benpbrown.com/?page=apps&app=utorrent
- Winamp - http://axidente.deviantart.com/art/Fuuh-Ubuntu-26039121
Let me know if any other application allows Tango (alike) theme, in your comments.
6. Wallpapers
This is really up to you. There’s no reason wallpapers will need a change too. But it’s here for the sake of completeness. Besides you may like something you see. Following are some locations you could get great wall papers.
- Deviantart.com - Every thing from Visual Styles to Dock Icons
- Gnome-look.org - Generally Gnome related
- KDE-look.org - Generally KDE related.
- Interfacelift.com - Tons of high-resolution, widescreen wallpapers.
- Google Images - Eh, why not?
- Deviantart.com - Great resource for all things graphic design.
- Belchfire.net - A Windows XP themes community.
Note: The First pack of our Transformation Series can be accessed Here.
(Special Thanks To Designer Kid For His Help)
Thanks for letting me know about rapidshare, i am gonna blog about it.
[...] You can read the first part of Ultimate Transformation Series (Leopard Transformation Pack) here. If you liked this pack, then please donate to support us [...]
Ok so I’ve been following instructions from several sites.
I’ve got the following:
- Apple Mac MSN skin for my WLM 9.0 BETA
- Mac-ish skin for Firefox (because most of the Mac skins are for actual Macs only)
- RKDock
- Leopard theme (from here)
- Mac cursors
Now what I want to do is, using ResourceHacker, hack into the System.exe images and replace ALL the Windows icons with Mac Icons of my choosing.
I’ve downloaded Mac Icons and using Axialis I’ve converted them from .icns to .ico so they will work with Windows.
However, whenever I try to Reshack, for example, one of the icons in System.exe, I succeed, but whenever I save the changes, Windows undoes the change and reverts the icon back to the Windows icon.
Someone told me about deleting some dll file or something to prevent Windows from undoing the changes, but he wasn’t very specific as to which file.
What would you suggest I do to fully complete the transition and get rid of all the Windows icons? (Even those little small ones in the Browse menus, I might have to find custom icons for those)
Oh, I forgot, once I’ve used Logonstudio to change the Login screen, is it safe to uninstall Logonstudio to conserve space on my laptop?
My laptop has Windows XP SP2 as far as I know.
hi buddy,
this is Arvind
Can u tell me how do DIGIT make their DVD of Softwares that run automatically when inserted.
Also how they categorize them?
I really don’t know which software they use to make that DVD. You can ask them at their forums.