HOWTO: make MX look more like Windows 7

[nathan2423]

I installed this in 18.3, clicked on it, and it definitely seemed to work to convert theming to Windows style.
However when I clicked on it again to switch back, things seemed to freeze. I did an an altctrlbackspace and logged back in, and the old theme I had before seems to be intact, but thought I would post this as warning to be careful. I hope others will test and report.

[Fibogacci]

I installed this in 18.3, clicked on it, and it definitely seemed to work to convert theming to Windows style.
However when I clicked on it again to switch back, things seemed to freeze. I did an an altctrlbackspace and logged back in, and the old theme I had before seems to be intact, but thought I would post this as warning to be careful. I hope others will test and report.

I was testing it on MX 19 64 bit. Yes, there is a problem with coming back to original theme (after second use $ kali-undercover in terminal), but for me it was not freezing, just there was no change (actually only little changes - some details). So I had to do it manually with MX Tweak and panel backup. Also wallpaper must be restored manually.

I think the reason is that Xfce for MX is adjusted and modified (in comparison to pure Xfce). I didn't test it with pure Xfce, but I saw on some video, that on Manajaro Kali Undercover script works both ways. Probably I'll try it some day on antiX with Xfce.

I suppose that some modifications in script could be done (adjusting paths or something, I haven't yet time to look closer) and kali-undercover script could work fully in MX as well (at the moment it works only one-way).

[nathan2423]

It's interesting then that my experience was that the theme I was working with before executng the kali-undercover launcher came back exactly as before when I logged out. Maybe something wasn't yet saved at the time I exited.

I'll admit that some aspects (like what it does with Whisker) really are impressive, but I don't care for the overall look myself. However my wife regularly reminds me that she does not share my passion for discovery in linux, so I'll definitely use this on her computer to make it seem more familiar. :-)

[Fibogacci]

It's interesting then that my experience was that the theme I was working with before executng the kali-undercover launcher came back exactly as before when I logged out. Maybe something wasn't yet saved at the time I exited.

I don't really care for this look myself, but my wife regularly nags at me for twisting her arm to use MX, so I'll definitely use this on her computer. :-)

I was testing it on Live USB - not installed system. I don't know if it is a difference.

[nathan2423]

Mine was 18.3 installed, so definitely a possible difference there. I certainly would prefer to find a way to switch back and forth seamlessly and not lose the customizations, even though it may be only four or five settings. This definitely looks more modern than the older XP look.

I should add in my case I came out with a "lighter" variety of windows 10 rather than the darker whisker and panel shown in the link at linuxuprising. Not sure if that is changeable but would prefer the darker one.

Also: I see the video at linuxuprising launches the script from terminal. I launched it by clicking in the whisker menu, so maybe that would be a difference too.

[Fibogacci]

I should add in my case I came out with a "lighter" variety of windows 10 rather than the darker whisker and panel shown in the link at linuxuprising. Not sure if that is changeable but would prefer the darker one.

Also: I see the video at linuxuprising launches the script from terminal. I launched it by clicking in the whisker menu, so maybe that would be a difference too.

I suppose everything is changable, one must know how to do it

I think launcher in menu and typing script in terminal work the same.

If I find the way to 'fix' the switching - I will share. Anyway, it is cool feature to show someone. One click - Windows look, another click - MX (It would be the same 'coolness' like turning on and off transparency in MX Fluxbox - just with shortcut).

[tascoast]

Just go to the
MX Tools - Baby Wheels (I'm new from Windows)
button.

[Gordon Cooper]

I came to Linux several years ago - to get away from Windows. The last thing I would welcome is changing MX to make it seem like
the old plague.

[tascoast]

True Gordon, although Mepis was a unique system with a certain flavor.
I have sometimes missed certain file manager ergonomics and options but am otherwise very happy with Xfce, having explored a few options like flat drag and drop windows buttons on the panel and reversing the Whisker menu as horizontal.

Sorry about all the smoke and dirty glaciers cobber.
Mick

[Gordon Cooper]

Hi Mick,
Very little smoke here on NI east coast. Bottom of the South Island has copped most of it.
We are approaching drought conditions but nowhere near the problems you are having
across the ditch.

I have not modified MX at all but do find MX19 a bit less friendly than its predecessor.

Happy New Year,
Gordon