Ubuntu despite its 11.04 enhancements arguably does not match the elegance of the Windows 7 Aero Glass Look. If you are a Windows user who switched to Ubuntu or just a hardcore Linux fan who wants the Windows Aero Glass effect on your Ubuntu machine. Here is a guide to help you do just that.
Disclaimer: Before trying this skin pack, make sure that you have created a system back in case you wish to revert back to the previous Ubuntu appearance. Since the only alternative may be a wipe and load re-installation or a restoration from a backup file. You can check out these Linux Backup Tools for backing up your system files. WML Cloud and anyone associated to it will not be responsible in case of any issues which may occur due to the installation of this theme pack.
First of all, open the Terminal in Ubuntu (from Applications –> Accessories for users without Unity). After that, enter the following commands in the Terminal to download Windows 7 Theme package.
cd $HOME
sudo wget http://web.lib.sun.ac.za/ubuntu/files/help/theme/gnome/win7-setup.sh
sudo chmod 0755 $HOME/win7-setup.sh
$HOME/win7-setup.sh
Once the package is downloaded, you will see a prompt to start the Win7 theme installation. Click OK to continue.
This will launch the wizard, for most instance you will simply require clicking OK to continue. Make sure you install certain packages which you will be requested to install. For example, You will require installing Wine (when prompted), which is a Linux software for running Windows applications on Linux based operating systems.
Once the packages are installed, open the Terminal and enter this command:
setup-win7-theme
After that, Ubuntu will get the Windows 7 like look. Make sure, you Logout and Login for the changes to completely take effect.
Hope you enjoy your Windows 7 look for Ubuntu.
Please note that the new appearance will make many Ubuntu application appear like Windows 7 apps. It might take some time to get used to such changes. For instance, the Ubuntu Software Center will look like a window opened in Windows Explorer. Other apps will also inherit icons of Windows software (such as Windows Media Player).
It is to be noted that the new appearance might take some time to get use to, as the Ubuntu applications might start appearing unfamiliar because of the Windows 7 look that their interface will adopt. A good example is the Ubuntu Software center that will look much like a common directory opened in Windows explorer.
