How can I make Windows work like a Mac

[askIllustrator]

I have a few issues with XP I was hoping someone could clear up for me. Could you please suggest some Windows equivilents to the Mac meathods described below. (sorry about the length, thanks for reading)

things to keep in mind: All Mac examples are from Mac OS9 since I switched to PC before OSX had a working AI and PS. I'm from the school of thought were the computer should to the work for you and eliminate anything repetitive. These complaints seem petty but they can disrupt trains of thought, workflow, and even a good grooove that I might be in.
[ul][li]Function keys for navitgation through Windows open/save dialoge windows:[/li][/ul]
[ol][li]On a Macintosh you can press command+up arrow to go up one level, the up and down keys will always highlight one list item at a time and of course hitting enter will launch it. Command+right arrow will expand (explore) any folder listed inside the dialoge without actually opening that folder so you can stay in one directory. So for example if I just scanned an image in photoshop that I intended for an AI placement, upon hitting save my scans directory is already there just waiting for me to type file name. I would then hit the F-key I assigned to AI (instead of having to alt-tab through every open app and folder) and hit my assigned hot key for Place. Low and behold, theres my scan directory listed in Last Modified so I tap the down arrow once to grab the top file (my scan) hit enter and I havnt had to take my hands away from the keys once. There are a few more steps I would normally perform inside AI but those work on Windows so I wont list them.[/li]
[li]On a PC the only way to navigate via the keyboard is through lots of tabbing and lots of jogging with the arrow keys. Using the same example, hitting save would bring up the last directory Photoshop visited no matter if it was an open, or a save, (the save for web remembers). Now I have to grab the mouse and click the Up One Level button until I get high enough so I can dig back down to my scan folder. (I separate my finished client jobs from working files) Even worse the window is defaulted to List view which I hate because I only wanna see the last file added to it. If I could get it to default to Details that would be a big help. Now I alt-tab til find AI, hit place, and AI shows me the last directory IT saw so I'm back on the mouse.[/li][/ol]
[ul][li]Shortcuts for jumping to frequently accessed folders::[/li][/ul]
[ol][li]Lets say on a Mac I'm in Outlook Express and someone sends a picture for me to trace. I choose to save the attachment to my scans folder, OE pops open a save as...and if it's not already showing my scans folder I can just click on the favorites drop down that exists in every open/save dialoge throughout the OS and it will jump right to it. Thats cool that you can redirect the My Docs folder but what I really need is to able to add additional locations of my choosing at will.[/li]
[li]On a PC, outlook would just show me my My Documents folder again defaulted to List view again. Then lets say I turn around and send a .jpg out for approval. I click on the attach button and once again I'm looking at My Docs. OE is more annoying than say photoshop becuase it will only remember the last place you were at during that session, relaunching OE would show my My Docs again. I realize I can right click on the .jpg and choose Send To.. Mail Recipient but I'm trying to cut down on the amout of navigation I have to do for mundane tasks and since I'm already in OE, a folder defaulted to the right location would be faster and less clicks. I do email out of a couple of different folders so again, being able to quickly jump between these is important.[/li][/ol] I'd buy a Mac if I could afford one.

 

[askIllustrator]

*bump* I'd buy a Mac if I could afford one.

 

[askIllustrator]

I either confused the issue completely or I've stumped ya. My money is on the latter. If I were to get a reply I imagine it sounding like this, "There is no way to do that on windows." - translated - "The Mac is easier to use." I'd buy a Mac if I could afford one.

 

[pdxphx]

I think I might have an answer for you on the shortcuts for jumping to frequently accessed folders:

1. Follow the link below to download X-teq UI...it's a registry tweeker:

http://www.superiorsoft.com/xteq/download/

You have to scroll down this page about half way and click on one of the links under "Download From:"

2. Install and start the program...once started, click on X-Setup Default UI for Power Users.

3. Navigate to Appearance, System, Open/Save Dialog, Open/Save Dialog Places Bar. On the Right hand side, there will 5 places that you can define....define the 5 folders you use the most in here, including your "My Documents" folder....entering anything in here will clear the familiar buttons that show up under the Places Bar.

4. Reboot

Good Luck

 

[skiflyer]

I think the answer is... you confused the issue, I can't make myself read all that text to answer your questions...

but let me answer what I could get out of it...

Up one level... backspace key

The save/open issues... I don't know, but if they're not working as you want, this is Photoshop not making a proper dialog, harp on them for a feature request... same comments on OE (look into Eudora).

If you don't like alt-tab.... give the WindowButton-tab, then enter trick... it's a little easier, and lets you pause without losing your place.

Other than that, I got lost in the negativity ... good luck, it's not great, but it's not so bad either.

I'd also suggesting learning shortcuts, displaying the full path in the address bar combined with the alt-d key combo, and of course, my all time favorite... figure out the command line.

-Rob

 

[pritska]

There is also a useful thing called power toys for XP which you can download from micro$oft's site. ONe of the useful utils is the alt+tab enhancer, it shows you the content of the window you are switchin through...useful if you have multiple instances of browser open for example.

I agree that Macs are better ,but until they make it possible to clone machines with MacOS, they will remain in the non main stream of computer use.

" Windows 95 is MacOS 87!"

 

[jessiem25]

First, give people some time to sort through your ranting and understand your questions.

Second, windows has a lot of shortcut keys that don't disrupt your "groove". The appearance settings can be changed to meet your needs.

I hope you find the answers you need!


-J


Quit yer whining, save up your money and buy a mac.

 

[askIllustrator]

Thanks for the replys, gonna check those links out and get back to ya. I'd buy a Mac if I could afford one.

 

[askIllustrator]

Well that X-setup app looks pretty powerful and sleek. The two main features I'm looking for is a way to add a favorites button to all of my open and save dialoges and a hotkey for going both up and down levels. Backspace only works if you have the address highlighted. Also, I would like them to default to details view rather than List as well as list the folders alphabetically among the files. Most of your sugestions are for working with open folders/browsers and not open/save dialoges although I like the full path name and alt+d suggestion. Can't think of a way to take advantage of it just yet but I'm sure there is some benefit. Does anyone know off hand if X-setup does the 2 things I meantioned as I did not see them in the feature list and I didnt wanna add stuff to my system until I know it does what I want. Although I appologized and thanked you guys before hand, thanks again for responding. I'd buy a Mac if I could afford one.