Windows as You Like It
By: Sandy Berger Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-06-16 12:44:00-04:00
Most people don't make changes to their computer, but doing a little personalization can make your computer more comfortable and easier to use. The Microsoft Windows operating system is very customizable. You can change many of the backgrounds, colors, font type and size, and many other features. Here are a few things you can do to personalize your Windows operating system.
Change your Desktop Wallpaper
The wallpaper is what you see as the background of your computer screen (also known as the desktop). You don't have to look at clouds or the Dell or Gateway logo. To change your desktop wallpaper, simply right-click on any empty area of the desktop, then choose Properties. Click on the Desktop (or Background) tab and make your selection. In Windows XP, you will be able to see how it looks in the small monitor provided in the window you where you are changing the settings. You can also use any picture that you find on the Internet or have on your computer. Just right-click the picture and choose "Set as Background." Every time my daughter sends me a new picture of the grandchildren, I set it as my wallpaper so I can see the kid's smiling faces everyday when I work on my computer.
Change Windows Buttons, Colors and Font Size
Right-click on any empty area of the desktop, click on Properties, then choose the Appearance tab. You can change the style of the buttons, the color scheme, and the font size. In Windows XP you can see the changes right on the small monitor provided in the window you where you are changing the settings. If you click on the Advanced button withing the Appearance tab, you can change the colors, types, and sizes of many different Windows bars and boxes. Be sure to make note of any changes you make within the Advanced settings because there is no easy way to go back.
ClearType
If your running the Windows XP operating system, while you're in the Appearance tab, click on the Effects button. This is where you can turn on ClearType. ClearType is available only in Windows XP. It is a font-smoothing technology that can improve the readability and appearance of the text on the screen. If you are using a flat-panel monitor you will see an immediate improvement. Select ClearType from the drop-down box under "Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts." With Windows XP, the same window will give you a choice to use large icons.
Change Mouse Settings
The mouse can be made easier to use with just a few simple changes to its settings. Mouse settings are located under the Control Panel. You can open the Control Panel by clicking on Start (in the lower left of your screen), then selecting Control Panel. If Control Panel is not visible from your Start menu, it may be under Settings. Once you click on Control Panel, select Printers and Other Hardware, then click on Mouse. With Windows XP, you may be able to select Mouse from the initial Control Panel display. The Mouse Properties window will appear, and several operation options will be available. You can turn your mouse into a left-handed mouse by reversing the buttons, change the speed needed to double-click, and even change the mouse pointers. If you have a wheel on your mouse, the Wheel tab will let you adjust how many lines it will scroll at a time.
Change Icons
Your Windows desktop probably has a least a few shortcut icons that start various programs or open folders. Windows uses a default icon for each type of shortcut, but you can easily customize these icons. Just right-click on the shortcut icon (the ones with the little arrows), and choose Properties. Under the Shortcut tab, click on the Change Icon button and choose a different icon.
With a little exploring, you will find that you can create "Windows as you like it." Look around the Control Panel to change your keyboard settings (Keyboard), the sounds that your computer makes (Sounds and Audio Devices), and the way folders display information (Folder Options). It's fun and it's easy.
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