Many people are reluctant to use Vista, throwing away the money problem, Vista's configuration is a bit high, a bit flashy, a lot of software temporary Vista version and other reasons lead to many people prefer to use XP. XP is indeed Microsoft's best desktop system. But Vista also has a lot of great things, such as an improved resource manager, humanized renaming, and more. Is there any way to continue using XP and have these features for free? Have. LifeHacker gives the solution.
First, move Vista's excellent software to XP
1, better resource manager
Resource manager is one of Vista's improved programs. It provides better resource positioning, drop-down menus, and file preview capabilities.
XP users want to have a similar resource manager that can be considered to install a replacement version, Xplorer2, its function is very powerful, Windows next version of Windows7 also has similar Xplorer2 is a dual window function. You can also consider installing the QT TabBar.
As for the drop-down menu function, you can install Explorer Breadcrumbs.
2, encrypted partitions
Some versions of Vista, such as Ultimate has built-in partition encryption.
XP users can consider installing TrueCrypt to encrypt partitions.
3. Screen capture function
Vista has a built-in screen capture function that is superior to Print Screen. In fact, this screenshot feature is nothing compared to the relatively professional screenshot tool.
So XP users can consider installing some better screenshot tools, such as Screenshot Captor, Clip2Net, Jing and so on. More screenshot software comparison can be found here.
Second, the excellent features of Vista moved to XP
1, 3D window switch
Vista has not yet launched 3D window switching function was blown to the ceiling. This feature is very cool.
XP users can consider installing Shock Aero 3D or WinFlip for similar functions.
2, comprehensive search box
In the Vista start menu, you can enter the document or program name in the search box to quickly open or run.
In XP, you can install Vistart or Vista Start Menu to have the look and functionality of the Vista Start menu.
If you don't have any requirements for appearance, consider using Launchy or Google Desktop Search, or install the FingerTips mentioned earlier.
3, sidebar
Vista's sidebar integrates clocks, calendars and other gadgets, which are convenient for operation to a certain extent.
If you are interested in installing a sidebar, it is recommended to install Yahoo! Widget (what is a widget?) or Google Desktop.
4, picture preview
In Vista, the icon of the picture is replaced with a thumbnail of the picture (unlike the "thumbnail" way of browsing). Even with text files, Vista provides preview functionality.
If XP users want to have the same functionality, consider installing XentIEnt Thumbnails for image preview. To have other file preview features, consider installing InfoTag Magic.
5. Let U disk become memory
Vista uses Windows ReadyBoost to turn removable disk into system memory to improve performance.
In XP, you can install eBoostr to get similar functionality.
6, humanized renaming
People using XP must have such annoyance, when renaming files, the extension will also be selected by default (unless you choose not to display the extension), but Most of the time we don't need to change the extension. The renaming in Vista is much more user-friendly. By default, only the file name prefix is selected.
XP users want to have the same function is relatively simple, you can use Better Rename. In fact, the better resource manager Xplorer2 introduced at the beginning of the article has such a feature.
7, minimize window preview
In Vista, mouse over the minimized window will appear window preview. Just like the Firefox tab plugin Tab Scope.
XP users can install Visual Tooltip to have this feature.
Three, make a face change
When XP has the excellent features of Vista, the final step of converting XP into Vista is on the appearance of the modification.
On google you can search for many XP-like Vista themes.
If you want to get more Vista functionality at once, consider installing the Vista Transformation Pack, which integrates a lot of Vista features.