Install OSX features on Windows XP for free
The point of this post is to persuade Windows users switch to Macs, by testing out its features on XP. But If you say “hey if I can have cool stuff on Windows why don’t I just stick to it?”, I’m happy for you either way. The Windows alternatives may not be exactly the same, but they do the job.
iTunes
Not everybody is a fan of iTunes but I’m happy with it. You also get pretty much all the features on the Windows installation as on the OS X version.
Rocketdock for Dock
The time-tested navigation system that graced Mac screens for years. Now with Rocketdock you can savor that on your PC. It does not look exactly the same but it functions just as well.
DExposE2 for Expose
On a Mac, you can see all open windows on your screen with a push of a button with Expose. This way you do not have to cycle through Alt-Tab to find your destination. DExposE2 brings this handy trick to Windows.
Executor for Quicksilver
Quicksilver is not exactly an OS X feature, but its a Mac application that I have known and loved. Its a file launcher that (almost) eliminates the need to browse Finder. Executor will do just that.
Window clippings for Grab
Grab takes screenshots of the entire screen, a particular window, or a custom selection. Window clippings will do the pretty much do the same thing for XP.
Password Corral for Keychain
I never knew how useful Keychain is until I somehow accumulated a ton of passwords. XP does not save passwords for you, except in Internet Explorer. Perhaps Password Corral can help.
Google Gadgets for Dashboard
With the push of the F12 button, you can summon widgets to appear on your Mac. Vista has a similar thing on the sidebar but what about XP? Try Google Gadgets.
Locate32 or Windows Search 4 for Spotlight
There has to be a better search tool on XP, right? Locate32 offers speedier searches by indexing all your files. Or you can try Microsoft’s very own improvements.
Cfont Pro for Fontbook
Wouldn’t you like to view your fonts rather than just faceless files on your Fonts folder? Try Cfont Pro.
RGS-CardMaster for Address Book
Allegedly the easiest address manager and phonebook in the world. Address Book is easy enough in my opinion, too bad it can’t be ported to XP. RGS-CardMaster would have to do for now.
You can also check out cross-platform applications, they work on both OS X Leopard and XP.
Now that you have the features, change your desktop to Leopard’s shell, using the transformation pack on xp or on vista. But in the end, you can’t beat OS X.
Can you think of any others?
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07 Jan 2009 5:18 pm
Not all the above-mentioned are linked. Maybe turn the subtitles into links? also, why not refer to engadget’s old article? http://features.engadget.com/2004/06/09/turn-your-pc-into-a-mac Instead of Google Gadgets, i would also try Yahoo! Widgets, as it seems to have a much better selection (and are usually prettier).
07 Jan 2009 5:24 pm
I would also suggest linking words like “Exposé” (and other Mac related words) either to Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expos%C3%A9_(Mac_OS_X) or a page on Apple.com that explains what it is.
For searching, i prefer Google Desktop’s search.
p.s. could you merge my comments?
07 Jan 2009 5:31 pm
May I also mentioned you can view font files in Vista? it has a built-in previewer.
Yes I know this article focuses on XP, but some Vista should be mentioned, since the conversion has begun.
15 Feb 2009 3:01 pm
so what about software that is windows only and no mac version. no, sorry, still windows is a king.