I wanted to highlight a great guide and some wonderful free (no catch, really) software from a fellow named Andrew Escobar. He’s put together a Mac app that will enable your computer to install Front Row even if it didn’t come pre-installed.

As you know, Apple’s Front Row software is now available for download right from Apple’s website. However, if you try to install it on your computer, and it didn’t come with an Apple Remote Control, the installation will not go through. I think it’s high time for Apple to make Front Row available to everyone. Why they continue to snub users of older Macs when this app will run just fine on their computers is a mystery to me. Front Row is a wonderful app, it’s simple to use, and lots of people would enjoy its functionality. Apple, if you’re listening, please make this app play nice with all Macs.

At any rate, until Apple gets on the ball, Andrew’s written an application which he calls Enabler, that will modify system settings to allow you to install Front Row and manipulate it just like one of the folks with newer Macs. The nice thing about his application is that it will automatically adjust system settings, without the need for you to go messing around stuff you’d rather not touch.

The whole process is very simple. You download Front Row, then Enabler. First you run Enabler, reboot, then run Front Row, then reboot. Then you run Enabler again, and do a final reboot. After that, you’re free to use Front Row to your heart’s content. You’ll be able to modify its settings through System Preferences, etc. It’s a thing of beauty, and you’ll really like it.

So, if you’ve been wondering how to hack Front Row to use it on your Mac, wonder no more. Andrew’s made it really simple.