I'm interested in giving new life to an old G3 iMac by replacing its internals with a mini-PC, but I want to keep using the CRT monitor. I've been exploring Linux as a way to visually replicate the classic Mac OS 9 look, focusing purely on aesthetic changes rather than functionality. I've been a Windows user for about 15 years, so this is all new to me! While I've heard Linux Mint could be a good option, I'm not sure how customizable it is. What beginner-friendly Linux distributions can help me achieve the Mac OS 9 vibe? How easy is it to create or apply a theme, and are some distros better than others for this purpose? I came across a theme called "Platinum 9," but I don't know what XFCE is or what I'll need to get started. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Just a heads up, the kernel is the core system of Linux, whereas the desktop environment (like XFCE or GNOME) is what you'll interact with. Mint is a solid option because it’s very user-friendly and does offer XFCE. That’s perfect for applying themes like the one you found. Getting used to Linux will take time, but it sounds like you're on an exciting path!
You totally don't need to master the terminal for this. Just pick any distro that supports a graphical user interface like GNOME or XFCE. Once you install it, you can add themes by downloading them — for example, the gnome environment has a lot of potential for customization!
Ah, Mac OS 9 brings back memories! I've been dabbling with XFCE, which is super customizable and can definitely help achieve that look you're going for. It’s a great choice for a project like this! Just keep in mind, you might want to allocate some time to learn the ropes. If you can, try to explore XFCE’s theme capabilities while customizing things to your preference.
Thanks for clarifying! I appreciate the breakdown. I'm learning all these terms as I go.