As I use Win7 more and more, there are things that I notice it doesn’t do that linux did do. Virtual desktops, certain programs minimizing to the systray, clipboard history. Small things, things that you normally would take for granted if you had them, but things that become very noticeable when they’re suddenly missing. Fortunately, there are lots of little, independently developed programs that provide some of the little pieces of functionality that linux enthusiasts grow used to.
Before I begin listing off links, I feel the need to put a disclaimer. I realize that the title for this post will make many laugh. It makes me laugh. Why, after all, would you want to make Windows act like Linux when you can have the real deal for free? The answer is just that: Linux is not free, not in the modern sense. The switch from windows to linux is a shift in the way your world works. It’s often a shift for the better, but the shift itself almost always takes time — time to get used to a new ideology, time to figure things out, time to make things work just the way you want them to. Time that many people don’t have.
Truth is, there is simply no way to make Windows akin to Linux in any way, shape, or form. They are two different environments, two different philosophies. However, thanks to third-party developers and a fairly open distribution platform (I’m looking at you, Apple), it’s possible to bring some functionality to the Windows desktop. You can’t change its personality, but you can change its behavior. This list is meant to bring some linux-y goodness to those without the time to jump in head first.
Now, with that out of the way, the list:
- Clipboard history: something so small, so unnoticeable until you need it, and so nice to have when you do need it. ClipX; 131K download; 252K footprint (no plugins, 25 items, text only).
- Virtual desktops: Most linux distros come with virtual desktops or workspaces. Once you learn to work with them, you can’t work without them. VirtuaWin; 385K download; 1.3M footprint (four desktops). Won’t give you the Compiz cube, but you shouldn’t be expecting that anyways Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
. - Window snapping: a nice feature for those who like to work with non-maximized windows in the corners of their desktops. AllSnap; 69.4K download; just over 1M footprint (portable version via startup folder, desktop snapping only)
- Systray minimization: I got used to Amarok minimizing to the systray, and I wanted Windows Media Player to do the same. TrayIt!; 327K download; just over 1M footprint (one window rule for WMP).
- Launchy/Gnome-Do/Program Launcher: I never had much luck with launchy under linux, so I ended up using Gnome-Do for app launching. Win7, however, seems to do fine with its Start Menu searchbar. No download, native footprint.
- Wallpaper rotater: while not strictly functional, it is nice to be able to choose a number of images to auto-rotate through as a wallpaper. Win7 has this built in. No download, native footprint.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
