Want Windows 7 for free? Legally?

You said both to yes? Well then move over to Kubuntu (the KDE variant of Ubuntu), and get the latest one (right now it’s 8.10).

If you have a fairly recent machine, chances are that you will be able to run the equivalent of Windows’ Aero, you know, translucent titlebars and everything. Also the rest like the signature Desktop Cube, wobbly windows, all of that.

Once you got everything installed and set up your way, you should quickly upgrade to KDE 4.2. You can do that in the Adept Package manager by enabling unsupported updates. This will re-index all available software and tell you that updates for KDE are downloadable. Download all of them, reboot. Welcome to KDE 4.2

Then, install this little Plasmoid: STasks. With over 90% one of the highest rated KDE add-ons ever, it gives you what Windows users still wait for: it effectively transforms your taskbar into Windows 7′s Superbar.

And with everything done, you can have a desktop like this:

KDE 4.2, on Kubuntu 8.10 with STasks. Emulates Windows 7′s Superbar in the last detail