How to Make Your Computer Look & Sound Like Movie Computers Do

Life can imitate art.

Computers in movies look and sound "cooler" than ones out of the box. With a few tweaks, research and imagination you can turn your bland PC into a Hollywood-style computer that looks and sounds like the computers that you see in the movies.

Things You'll Need

• Personal computer
• Windows operating system
• Computer monitor
• Keyboard (old IBM type)
• Mouse
• Internet access

Instructions

Converting a PC to a movie computer

1. 

   Use an old Model M keyboard.

   Downgrade your keyboard. In the movies, keyboards have a loud tactile and auditory feedback from every stroke. This effect was normal in the old IBM and IBM-compatible keyboards (commonly known as Model Ms) from the early 1990s, which were constructed with springs under each key. Procure one of these, and for a small price you can have this effect. Note that you will need a PS port to USB converter in order to use an older tactile keyboard.

2. 

   Customize your desktop.

   Change the look. Your monitor will look more stylish immediately if you find the right wallpaper. Look around the web (and the resource section below) to find a wallpaper that looks out of the ordinary, and that suits your needs for a specific look. The best way to achieve this is to use the Google search option, type in a search word, for example "hacker screen" and to select "images" on the left side menu. When you find the image that you want to use, right click with your mouse and select "set as background."

3. 

   Change the way Windows looks and sounds.

   Customize and add themes to Windows. These can affect sounds, icons and special effects. These effects include sounds that are played when certain actions are made, such as double-clicking an icon. See the resource section for a good free customization website. Download the desired theme and double click to install.

Tips & Warnings

• Some modifications for a "steampunk" or "future-retro" look for monitors call for the removal of a CRT monitor's case in order to expose the inner mechanisms. This is very dangerous and creates a risk of electrocution and fire.

References

• Customizing windows

Resources

• Search engine
• Windows customization