Aqua Ultimo (Mac) Notes

Please read the following notes on Aqua Ultimo.  Even if you know how
to install and use the files, this information will be very useful.

1.  If you like this theme, BUY A MAC!  Windows simply can't display Aqua
	in its true form, it crashes more, the file structure is pathetic,
	programs like the upcoming Office for Mac OS X are superior in 
	every way to their windows counterparts, and lets face it, using
	a Mac is widely held as a joyous experience.  If you are left with
	no choice but to go on using a windows based PC, as I am, then 
	read on for information on how to take advantage of Aqua Ultimo;
	including background, icons, cursors, pointers, and sounds!

2.  To Install:  after unzipping, place the 'Aqua.Theme' file and 'Aqua'
	folder (both found in the 'Aqua Ultimo - Theme Files' folder)
	into the 'C:\Program Files\Plus!\Themes' folder.  This
	will place the Aqua theme program file and the Aqua folder with
	all of the individual theme files (for easy reference and deletion
	if you wish) in the correct location for windows to utilize them.
	From the 'Desktop Themes' Control Panel, or 'Desktop Architect'
	(see below), select Aqua from the drop down list, check all
	'Settings' boxes to apply all aspects of the theme, then click
	apply.  After applying the Aqua theme, return to the desktop and
	drag the 'Taskbar' (thats the bar at the bottom of the screen with
	the 'Start' button on it) to the top of the screen.  Then move
	your default desktop icons to the right side of the screen and
	enjoy.

    In the Aqua folder I have included a sub folder called 'Dock' which
	includes shortcuts for the Control Panel, Printer Folder, Windows
	Explorer, and an invisible 'Separator' used to separate like
	files.  To enable the 'Dock' you must have Internet Explorer
	version 5.0 or higher installed.  Right click the 'Taskbar',
	select 'Toolbars - New Toolbars', then navigate the popup window
	to 'C:\Program Files\Plus!\Themes\Aqua\Dock' and select OK.  The
	Dock toolbar will open in the 'Taskbar'.  Drag it out of the
	Taskbar onto the desktop and resize it so that the icons are in a
	vertical or horizontal line.  Right click on the toolbar, select
	'View - Large Icons'.  Right click again and uncheck 'Show Text'.
	By placing the 'Dock' horizontally at the bottom of the screen or
	vertically on the left side of the screen you will now have a Dock
	similar to that which comes standard in Max OS X.  You may drag
	any files you like into the 'Dock'.  For additional separators,
	simply copy and paste the 'Separator' file and drag to the correct
	position within the 'Dock'.  I also close the 'Desktop' toolbar
	which is placed by default on the 'Taskbar' by right clicking on
	the 'Taskbar', selecting Toolbars, then unchecking 'Desktop' - if
	you use the 'Dock' the Desktop toolbar is redundant and takes up
	space on the 'Taskbar' from your open and minimized programs.

    Set Control Panel 'Display Settings' to at least a screen resolution
	of 1024 x 768 pixels with the highest possible color depth - True
	Color (32 bit) is highly recommended.  While this theme makes all
	versions of Windows more enjoyable to use, Windows simply isn't
	capable of displaying all of the wonderful characteristics of 
	Mac OS X - the trash being the best example (I have included
	the windows Recycle Bin because windows just doesn't do the new
	Mac metal wire mesh trashcan justice).  If you don't use the
	higher display settings then the background image, shading of
	window borders, etc. will not display correctly (they'll work
	fine, but you won't see all off the special nuance I have added).

3.  In the icons folder a number of additional icons were included for
	your enjoyment.  Changing my default selections will require a
	desktop theme program such as 'Desktop Architect' (see below).
	You may also choose to replace shortcut icons with any of the
	included icons by right clicking the shortcut icon, select 
	properties, select shortcut tab, click change icon, and browse to
	the Aqua icons folder at 'C:\Program Files\Plus!\Themes\Aqua\Aqua
	Icons'- I do this with the included 'Aqua Windows Explorer' icon
	for the 'Start' menu and 'Dock' 'Windows Explorer' icons which do
	not change automatically when you apply the theme.

4.  Desktop Architect (www.desktoparchitect.com) is a free program which
	extends the abilities of Microsoft Plus!.  Most notably, it gives
	you the ability to selectively choose which icons you would like
	to use for your theme - among the extra's I have included or your
	own; it strips the rectangular background shading off your desktop
	icons if you so choose, which looks great with the Aqua theme (I
	have done my best to make an agreeable blue background for the
	text, but no background is nicest); and it allows you to easily
	make your own themes!

    IconForge (www.cursorarts.com) is a very useful program for making
	your own icons.  It takes some getting use to, but once you
	understand the process, it really is quite good.  One word of
	caution though, it tends to crash a lot - so save often.

    WindowBlinds (www.stardock.com) is a fantastic program which
	completely alters the windows environment in a way that no
	theme manager can.  With skins such as 'WinAqua' you get true
	Aqua styling and interaction including bubbleized scroll bars and
	buttons.  Its free with limited functionality, but for a few bucks
	I highly recommend that you get the full version.  Unfortunately,
	many IT managers may prevent you from using a third party program
	like WindowBlinds, in which case Aqua Ultimo is your best bet 
	because it takes advantage of Microsoft Plus! theme manager, 
	a standard in windows since Windows 98 was released.  One extra
	note: you can use the Aqua Ultimo theme and WindowBlinds 'Win
	Aqua' skin together, as WindowBlinds by itself does not change
	cursors, pointers, icons, or sounds - all of which you get with
	the Aqua Ultimo theme.

5.  Lastly, Aqua Ultimo includes various files from other Mac themes
	available on the internet in addition to the many files and
	desktop improvements I have created.  Unfortunately these themes
	usually left out individual components of a fully implemented
	theme (for example including a background and icons, but not
	cursors or sounds).  Hopefully Aqua Ultimo will set a new standard
	for Mac	themes.  Many thanks to those who have contributed, feel
	free to	take what I have done here and make it better!