HOME BACK

How to make your Windows computer look like Mac OS?

As of now, there are mainly 3 types of Operating Systems (OS) in the world namely ubiquitous Windows (XP, Vista etc.), pretty looking but niche Apple Mackintosh (or Mac in short) and Linux (for nerds).

If you have seen Mac desktop anywhere, then following picture will appear very familiar to you. Yes, it is similar to Mac OS X Leopard desktop! But it is not Mac - it is actually in Windows Vista!

So what is the secret? How can you make your Windows (Vista or XP) desktop look like Mac?

Ok, here are the steps.

  1. Download Rocket Dock from http://rocketdock.com/ and install it. This application is freeware!
  2. Start Rocket Dock. It may be placed at the bottom (as shown in picture) or top of screen - whatever you prefer.
  3. Right click on Rock Dock and add items - which are basically a shortcut for your applications. You can assign whatever icon (ICO or PNG files) you like for your applications.
  4. Configure your Dock how you want it to appear.
  5. If necessary, add Stack Docklets. These are special features of Rocket Dock where clicking on it brings out a sub menu (exactly in same way you find in Mac OS).
  6. For a more authentic Mac OS look, make your Windows taskbar "auto hide".
  7. Change your wallpaper if necessary - you may use a Mac like picture on desktop!
  8. If you want to install many docklets, it is better to give your "RocketDock" folder (in Program Files) full access for everyone. By default, in Vista, only administrators can write there.
  9. There you go! Your desktop should now look like the picture here. You have made your Windows look like Mac OS.

You can add several additional docklets on your launcher. Experiment with them and find out which one you like.

When you become bore, just close Rocket Dock and bring back your good old Windows Start menu!

If your search on Internet, you will find several resources for making your Windows PC look more like Mac.

If you don't like it, simply quit the application.

Features I wish for - It is possible to set up Rocket Dock so that minimized applications appear in its dock (as shown in the picture) rather than on Windows task bar. However, non-minimized icons do not appear on its dock. That's the only reason why I can't get rid of Windows Taskbar completely!

Enjoy!!!

Alternative Docks

There are some similar applications available like Object Dock, RK Launcher, Y'Z dock etc. Some of them are free some are not. These applications only make Windows desktop and start menu/taskbar look like Mac OS but nothing else. However, if you want to appear everything in Windows, then you need to use a much more elaborate program. One such application is "Fly a kite OS".  Another one is from "vistaosx.net". However, these applications install files at system level in your Windows computer. If you search on internet, you may find lots of other different alternatives.

Object Dock (www.stardock.com  ) needs a special mention. This is very similar to Rocket Dock. But it can show all running applications in its dock. So, this is truly a Taskbar replacement (well, almost). Object Dock has a free basic and paid version. However, even free version will serve your purpose.

What is Mac and should I use it?

It is highly unlikely that you don't know what a Mac is! However, if that is the case, then here are little details.

Category PC (Windows/Linux) Mac
Hardware Made by several vendors like IBM, HP, Sony, Toshiba, Acer, Dell etc. Hardware architecture is open to all. Made by Apple Inc. only! www.apple.com Uses Apple's proprietary hardware.
Operating System Microsoft Windows or Linux. In case of Linux, it can run from USB disk. Linux is usually free. Apple's Mac OS. Must be installed on hard disk.
Software Millions of commercial and free software available for all purposes imaginable for both Windows and Linux. Nearly all Linux applications are free. Most software are made by Apple. Availability of 3rd party software is few and far between. It is mainly the reason why Mac is not very popular.
Security Windows is prone to viruses (because it is so popular), Linux is far better on this aspect.. Virus can affect Mac as well - though not as frequently as in Windows. Mac OS originally descends from Unix. However, after so many years of evolution it is debatable how much flavor of Unix Mac OS retained.
Ease of use Both Windows and Linux are as easy to use as Mac. Mac is as easy to use as Windows or Linux.
Scale of use Both Windows and Linux can work as personal computer or as servers for large businesses. Mac is mainly notebook/desktop computer. Although Mac has a server edition, it is not prevalent in industry.
Cost Depending on configuration, you can buy a PC at any budget. Mac is comparatively expensive.

Why do people use Mac then?

Personally, I am highly unlikely to switch to Mac ever. I am happy with Windows and Linux. If you don't like Windows, then switch to Linux rather than Mac.

 

 

Written by Saikat Basak on Mar 2009