Windows might be the most popular operating system for desktop computers and notebooks out there, but there are certain areas where Apple’s OS X leaves the Redmond offering biting the dust. While the list is rather large (system stability, quality of applications, notification center and the device ecosystem, just to name a few), top of the list is the aesthetics of the operating system itself. Every element of the OS, be it buttons, navigation/scroll bars or any other area, is beautifully crafted and gives a pleasing environment to work with. It may be just my personal opinion and preference, but even if you look at just how OS X takes a snapshot, you’ll see what I mean.
That being said, there is also no denying the fact that Windows has a user base far and wide as compared to OS X, and for that reason, has a wider variety of available applications and programs for all intents and purposes. Hence, the best of both worlds only comes in the form of combining OS X’s aesthetics with Windows’ larger functionality and developer support. The folks over at DeviantArt have been really active at bringing several skin packs for Windows that merge different elements from other platforms, but the downside there has always been the side effects; disruptions in several areas of the OS is nothing new to the users of such customization packs. Now, however, Peter Rollar has brought a new concept to the market, making it possible to get only the OS X Mountain Lion logon screen on Windows 7.
There are certain limitations to this logon screen skin. While it will work with both 32-bit and 64-bit variants of Windows 7, the method will only work for Windows 7 SP 1, and no other versions are supported. Also, since it involves playing around with certain DLL files on your machine, the risk of something getting messed up is always there. Basically, to get the skin, you need to replace a couple of DLLs and BMPs with those that you get with the OS X Logon Screen package for Windows 7, and hence, you need to have a certain level of know-how. The instructions provided by the developer, nevertheless, are pretty easy to follow, and will simplify the whole process.
OS X Logon Screen for Windows 7 can be obtained at the DeviantArt source link below. Make sure you follow the instructions as they are, and you should be fine. Further support and customization instructions are also provided.
(Source: DeviantArt)
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