Windows XP design

[Gerri Shin]

hello everyone, I'm Gerri, and I'm just crazy about digital Design. I currently do alot of work with Adobe Photoshop and I'm slowly learning how to use Illustrator and Dreamweaver.
I've notice lately, that alot of people who use Windows XP are still using the basic User interface that XP ships with. I've also noticed many people complaining about how much better Windows Vista and MAC OS X look in comparison.
well I'm here to tell you that there is a wonderful way to get That great Vista/Tiger/Leopard look right there on your Windows XP computer, and the best part is that its perfectly Legal to do.
Now I'm not saying its Completely free, there are some parts that are free, but the main tool is not, but only costs $20. thats not a bad price for visual Freedom, eh?
Ok so let's start off with a list of what programs/ resources will help you out here.

THe main tools I use for any GUI customization
Stardock WindowBlinds
DeviantArt is a great resource for themes
Wincustomize.com, another great themesite you can also find sound schemes, cursors and more here

Now lets get to GUI customizing, shall we?
Windows XP/Vista transform
I'll begin with the Ingredients'
Stardock WindowBlinds
Here's a link to Maeroris' Setup guide. this is a more in depth guide to installing VTP8 than I can explain.

now that I've listed the ingredients I'll give you a general rundown to install it. (for more detailed info please click the third ingredient)

Step 1 : ok so you've downloaded the VTP8 installer now what?

well now, I reccommend setting a restore point for you system and make sure you have your XP install/reinstall disc somewhere nearby.
(this is just as a precuation, in case you don;t like it, you can always restore your computers original settings.)
you may need to Unzip the installer from a .RAR file so have Winrar handy, you can get a copy by gogling WINRAR and looking for the Download.com link.
after the installer is extacted, just run it.

Step 2 : ok so its been installed, now what?
well now your system should be looking vista-ish. If not you may need to open WindowBlinds or you display properties and change the style to Vista Aero.
If your wondering where to get the thumbnail window previews you would have needed to install VistualTooltips, which came with VTP8, and uncheck the "Keep stability and performance as top priority"
anyway, that's all I got for Vista, I used it for about a month and got tired of it. please refer to Maeroris' guide for detailed instructions.
now if you're like me, and either don't want the Vista look, think Vista's overrated, or simply prefer the sleek look of Mac, then you will find this next Gui transform very intreguing.

Mac OS X Tiger/Leopard transform

Ingredients
Fly a Kite Transpak (free)
Stardock WindowBlinds
Neodesktop's Leopard Glass v2 theme for Windowblinds

Baking Instructions!
Step 1 : Let's get started!
the first thing you should install to get a desktop like Mine (pictured in attachments)
is the Fly A Kite package. this will outfit your system to look like tiger.
Now if all you want is the Tiger look you can stop here and use your system as is, but If you want Leopard look, then continue on to step 2

Step 2 : My Pet Leopard!
ok so now that you have a very Tiger is look, we just need to update it a little.
Download Neodesktop's Leopard Glass v2 WindowBlinds style. Once installed you should be able to get that Silver taskbar.

Step 3 : What's Up Dock
ok now we customize the dock. Now, I use Stardock ObjectDock (free), but you can feel free to use RkLauncher or Rocket dock if you'd like.
for a true leopad look youneed to find, or make, Icons with a reflection. its very easy to do in Photoshop* (see bottom of post)
RkLauncher comes with some fantastic reflected Icons, however not every Icon you may need.

What's Leopard with out its new Signature Stacks? well that's been taken care of.
simply download Matonga's StacksDocklet and Unzip it to the Docklet's folder in your dock. then its just a matter of sticking it on the dock and cutomizing it with the folder of your choice.

Step 4 : Final Options
ok so now you have a good Leopard look, but you just need that final step to make it truely Leopard like.
well you can always download Leopard/Apple wallpapers (google is your friend), an even get safari. Apple has released the public beta 3 of their Safari for windows.



Credits
the Fly a Kite crew, who ever they are
Stardock, for making wonderful software
Neodesktop, for making an awesome Leopard theme
Steve Grenier, for making an awesome Tiger theme
Matonga, for making stacks' Usefulness available for Windows Users
TSA Element for creating a great Leopard style for OD
Maeroris for making a Most excellent guide for VTP8
WindowsX for making the most complete Vista trasformation pack out there
Adobe for making Photoshop, which I used to make some of the Icons' reflections.
The Pokecommunity for allowing me to write this and share it with you all
and last but certainly not least YOU! for taking the time to read this!
I do not take any liability for any loss of data or damage to anyone's computer except my own.
*if you'd like I can post a tutorial on how to create the reflective Icons in the Graphics and Photography section

 

[Red1530]

As a free alternative to WindowBlind to use third party skins is Uxtheme Multi - patcher which can be downloaded here.

 

[Gerri Shin]

As a free alternative to WindowBlind to use third party skins is Uxtheme Multi - patcher which can be downloaded here.

ah yes good point, thanks.
however UXtheme MultiPatcher only patches the DLL that restricts you from using any Visual Styles other than Windows CLassic, Luna, and Media Center edition. the real reason I suggest people use WindowBlinds is that it also incorporates the needed software to change not only the window borders, but also to apply transparency, new buttons, as well as new folder animations. plus it has a cool feature to change your wallpaper periodically.
( I have it set to change every day)
So while it may cost $20 its well worth it.

 

[DMNT]

Oh yes, I remember the days when I used to be customizing the XP interface too. Be warned, if your computer has outdated/slow hardware, running all of these extra programs may noticeably slow down the speed of your computer.

 

[Gerri Shin]

quite true, everyone should be aware that these programs do take system resources, but not too much. if you have a 1.8GHz CPU and at least 512Mb of RAM you should be fine.
(I know I am since I'm running 2 3.40GHz CPUs and 2Gb RAM)

 

[takaharu]

Oh yes, I remember the days when I used to be customizing the XP interface too. Be warned, if your computer has outdated/slow hardware, running all of these extra programs may noticeably slow down the speed of your computer.

Also be warned that things like Flyakite Transformation change various system files which can lead to system instability. Trust me, I've had it happen to me!

Just go buy a Mac ;)

 

[Gerri Shin]

While it is true that transformation packs like Fly a Kite and the Vista Transformation packs do patch system files, I do not believe it will cause system instability. some of the third party applications that come bundled with the transformation packs might, but the patching if the system files will not.
I also agree that if you really want a mac experience you should go buy a Mac, however I still recommend these if they want the look but have limitations that hinder them from getting a Mac. (ei: can't afford, work requires windows, etc..)

 

[Virtual Chatot]

Awesome Gerri, now I can make my old XP look so much better.

 

[Red1530]

Also be warned that things like Flyakite Transformation change various system files which can lead to system instability. Trust me, I've had it happen to me!

Just go buy a Mac ;)

Odd, I recently used it without any problems.