Graphical User Interface
The term GUI (Graphical User Interface) refers to the interface that enables end-users to interact with computers via the operating system. This term is also applicable to other electronic gadgets such hand-held devices, gaming devices, home appliances and so on. It provides graphics based icons, menus and other visual aids to denote actions performed by the user and the information accessed by them. Earlier forms of user interfaces utilized text-based or command dependent interaction to aid end-users.
The added advantage of multimedia elements such as sound, voice and video has immensely improved the GUI experience and has made GUI based applications more user-friendly and interactive. Windows and Mac are probably the most well known examples of GUI based operating systems.
How to make Windows XP look like Windows Vista
Windows Vista is a series of Windows operating systems, which came after the Windows XP series, created for both home and business users. Windows Vista introduced a host of changes to the GUI and to other non-GUI areas as well.
Many users of Windows XP were impressed with the new GUI changes introduced with Vista; however, they were reluctant to completely transition to Windows Vista. Based on such requirements, a number of third-party software packages were created to replicate the Windows Vista GUI on Windows XP. Most of them are released both as free and paid versions. Some of these Third party software packages are:
VistaMizer
VistaMizer modifies the Windows XP system files to simulate the Windows Vista GUI. It provides a backup of the original system files incase users would like to revert to their previous settings. It also does not overwrite any system file that would expose the operating system to instability.
Vista Transformation Pack
The Vista Transformation Pack simulates the Windows Vista on Windows XP by adding themes that are similar to Vista, wallpapers, and visual styles. It does so by installing third-party programs to re-create some features of Windows Vista, and also by patching system files. The latest version of Vista Transformation Pack is VTP 9.0.
WindowsBlinds
WindowsBlinds is a software tool that applies various visual themes and styles to the complete Windows XP environment. After it is installed, users can apply either of the built-in visual themes or download themes from the WindowsBlinds gallery present online.
Msstyles files
There are many more third-party software packages available online for Windows XP, each one offering different levels of simulation. Another method that can be used to change the Windows XP theme to a Vista one is the usage of Msstyles files. Msstyles files contain the graphics and metadata used for the Windows XP skinning engine. Third-party styles can be used by manually replacing the existing Msstyles file with them, or automatically by creating executable files. A good example of such software is the freeware UXTheme Multi-Patcher. It allows users to install any third-party Msstyles on Windows XP by patching its own dll file. StyleXP and StyleBuilder are paid softwares that can be used to change or work with the Microsoft skinning engine.
