MacRecon > Taming Leopard, part 2

Continuing with what was started in the previous Taming Leopard post, there still are more tips you can use for customizing the big cat into an OS that’s 100% to your liking. In part two we have how to change Stacks into something more useful, how to easily change system icons, and more.

Image modified from “Universe” Wallpaper.

De-evolutionize Stacks. Whether Apple had the best intentions in mind for the Stacks feature or not, many users cannot help but feel that this is a very limited feature that’s just specialized in eye-candy. The truth is that the hierarchical menus from the previous OS iteration are missed. Fortunately, there is a solution: the aptly-named, HierarchicalDock. Although, it requires you to drag-and-drop the target folder you wish to add the functionality, so it may be construed as a minor flaw on the experience. On the plus side, the app is free, but donations are appreciated. If you’d prefer an integrated solution, there’s Quay, which so far, is the best solution (at €7).

Iconized for your amusement. Leopard brought some changes to default system icons, most notably by removing their aqua appearance. But if you’re still not satisfied with these icons, there’s an easy (and free!) way to change them: LiteIcon. With its really simple interface you’ll be changing your Finder’s icons in no time. Also, there’s a more “professional” alternative: the recently Leopard-ized, CandyBar 3 ($29). It has some nice bonuses, such as integration with Pixadex, a kind of iPhoto for your icons. But really, LiteIcon is more than enough for most of us.

Special FX — the easy way. On the previous Taming Leopard we talked about adding additional effects to both Photo Booth and iChat. Luckily, someone saw the appeal through all the cumbersome process, and simplified the installation of many effects with More iChat Effects.