How do I Windowsfy Mac OS X?
January 13, 2008 1:01 AM Subscribe
There are lots of tutorials and software on how to Macify Windows but is there anything out there on how to Windowsfy a Mac?
I am looking to Windowsfy Mac OS X (Tiger). Some of the changes I would like to be able to do is move the window title bar buttons to the right, use the Apple menu more like the Windows Start menu, and an Explorer like replacement for the Finder.
I am looking for native Mac solutions, nothing which involves installing X Window System or compiling from source. I do not want solutions which involve dual-booting Windows, or running Windows either.
The reason why is because I help out teaching the over-50's on how to use a PC, the internet etc and one of them has been given a PowerBook with Mac OS X, and I would like to create a familiar environment on it to start her off with a Mac.
I am looking to Windowsfy Mac OS X (Tiger). Some of the changes I would like to be able to do is move the window title bar buttons to the right, use the Apple menu more like the Windows Start menu, and an Explorer like replacement for the Finder.
I am looking for native Mac solutions, nothing which involves installing X Window System or compiling from source. I do not want solutions which involve dual-booting Windows, or running Windows either.
The reason why is because I help out teaching the over-50's on how to use a PC, the internet etc and one of them has been given a PowerBook with Mac OS X, and I would like to create a familiar environment on it to start her off with a Mac.
Double Command allows you to inverse keys such as control and command, as well as do certain selections as in windows. Not the sort of thing that an over 50 person would use, but meets your criteria.
posted by furtive at 6:36 AM on January 13, 2008
posted by furtive at 6:36 AM on January 13, 2008
...one of them has been given a PowerBook with Mac OS X, and I would like to create a familiar environment on it to start her off with a Mac.
I'm not sure that your plan (to Windows-ize OSX) wouldn't confuse them even more. In the long run, it might be best to just teach them OSX cleanly.
posted by Thorzdad at 7:34 AM on January 13, 2008
I'm not sure that your plan (to Windows-ize OSX) wouldn't confuse them even more. In the long run, it might be best to just teach them OSX cleanly.
posted by Thorzdad at 7:34 AM on January 13, 2008
I'm 99% sure that moving the title bar buttons to the right is impossible. It's coded way too deep in the system to change, or to change without gigantic stability risks.
posted by tepidmonkey at 12:29 PM on January 13, 2008
posted by tepidmonkey at 12:29 PM on January 13, 2008
I think Thorzdad is right - better to make a chart or diagram saying 'Here is where things have moved to,' and try and teach better practices. e.g. Home folders are the same, the Desktop is the same, shortcuts are the same, and so forth. You might draw a simple directory tree, even, to show how the locations of your files might have sensibly changed.
Show 'em Spotlight and explain how that might help them find things when they're not sure where to look.
I sympathize with your situation. Should you have the older Mac user buy a mouse to go with his/her Macbook? Won't the trackpad drive him/her insane?
-wa.
posted by waxbanks at 1:34 PM on January 13, 2008
Show 'em Spotlight and explain how that might help them find things when they're not sure where to look.
I sympathize with your situation. Should you have the older Mac user buy a mouse to go with his/her Macbook? Won't the trackpad drive him/her insane?
-wa.
posted by waxbanks at 1:34 PM on January 13, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
Here are some of the results.
Mac OS X: Simulate Windows' "My Computer" on the Mac
Ask the Readers: Switching from Windows to the Mac? which links to 10 tips for new Mac users, switching from Windows...
Mac Tip: Add the Path button to Finder's toolbar
Thought I might find more, but seems like Mac people want nothing to do with Windows... Weird. Make sure you check out the comments section as there are usually a lot of good user submitted tips.
posted by B(oYo)BIES at 1:51 AM on January 13, 2008