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If you're using Ubuntu Linux and want to experience the Windows 7 interface on your computer without installing Win 7, check out the method to transform Ubuntu Linux into Windows 7 in the article below from Mytour.
Transforming Ubuntu Linux into Windows 7
To have the Windows 7 interface on your Ubuntu computer, you can install the Windows 7 theme on Ubuntu Linux. Open the Terminal window and enter the following commands:
cd -/
sudo wget http://web.lib.sun.ac.za/ubuntu/files/help/theme/gnome/win7-setup.sh
sudo chmod 0755 -/win7-setup.sh
-/win7-setup.sh
The command above is used to download the script file, which informs the computer about the downloaded files to complete the installation of the Windows 7 theme package. After the process is completed, a notification window will appear on the screen, letting you know that the installation will start now—simply click OK.
A window will appear asking if you want to proceed; select Yes to continue. Now, the Terminal will begin downloading and installing the theme. The installation process will take some time, depending on your internet connection speed. A window like the one below will be displayed on the screen:
Click OK, then return to the Terminal window and enter the following command:
setup-win7-theme
This command will set up the Windows 7 theme, instantly transforming your Ubuntu computer into the Windows 7 interface. Wait for a few seconds, and a window will prompt you to log out and log back in. Here's what you'll see:
Now, you have successfully turned Ubuntu Linux into Windows 7. Additionally, you can right-click on the Start button and select Properties to customize the Start Menu.
If you wish, you can install an Internet Explorer-like theme for the Firefox browser. Alternatively, use a Windows 7 wallpaper for your Ubuntu computer to evoke the familiarity of a genuine Windows 7 experience.
Uninstalling the Windows 7 theme
During the setup of the Windows 7 theme script, a backup of the previous Gnome settings is stored in the Home directory. If you find the theme unsatisfactory or too dull, you can uninstall the theme and revert to the previous Gnome state. The only drawback is that it doesn't uninstall automatically.
Removing the installation is straightforward. Open the Home directory and locate the file named 'win7-uninstall.tar.gz'. Open that file in an extraction program, and you'll find your Home directory. Double-click on it, and you'll see usernames; continue by double-clicking on the username. Extract the '.gconf' file in your Home directory.
Log out and log back in again. The theme will now return to the normal Gnome state, provided there are no issues or problems.
Forced Uninstallation
In some instances, when uninstalling themes, they may not be completely removed, leaving behind icons or Windows 7 desktop backgrounds. In such cases, you are forced to uninstall the theme by manually deleting files.
Simply open a Terminal window and enter the following command, then press Enter:
rm -rf .gnome .gnome2 .gconf .gconfd .metacity
Important Note: This action will restore your Gnome settings to default, just like the first time you installed Ubuntu.
Here, Mytour has just guided you on transforming Ubuntu Linux into Windows 7. The steps are quite simple and easy to understand. If you want to experiment with Ubuntu, you can choose to install Ubuntu in VMWare, installing Ubuntu on the VMware virtual machine. Don't forget to share your opinions with Mytour!
