It's All Clear To Me Now
I don't know how this simple tweak got past me for a year and a half since the new XP-loaded machine arrived. I've made more than a few customizations to my system to make it fit what I do and the way I do it. But few things have made such universally and immediately- noticable improvements in the appearance of my desktop applications as improving the sharpness of my fonts--that is, much clearer text in every application that uses words!
If you want background on this first--and customization--go here. If you just want the quick generic fix, it follows:
Right click on a blank area of the Desktop and choose [Properties]
Click on the Appearance Tab; Click Effects
Check the box: Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts
In the drop down box select: Clear Type
Some systems must reboot. I saw the change instantly. Your mileage may vary. But to my eyes, things just got a whole lot clearer.
And speaking of tweaks: I'd be very surprised if you couldn't find something helpful on this great page of tips and tweaks for XP. I have it bookmarked for future reference.
Comments
Thanks for the tip. It does make things much clearer.
Posted by: Claude | January 25, 2005 7:48 AM
Great Tweak! I saw the difference right away on my XP box too! I thank you and my eyes thank you too!
Posted by: Dewayne Mikkelson | January 25, 2005 9:44 AM
Fred, I took your tip about using the "Clear Font" setting to heart, but found that rather than than providing crisper text, the text was noticeably degraded. Hmmm. I've gone back to the "Standard" setting. I guess it just goes to show that one size does not fit all. Thanks for the "tips and tweaks" link. BTW: I, too, am running XP.
Posted by: Cop Car | January 25, 2005 11:45 AM
Windows XP in a Nutshell and Windows XP Annoyances by David Karp (O'Reilly Press) are IMO indespensible.
I tend to thumb through "Annoyances" more as it has the sort of tweaks you need/want in a hurry.
Nutshell is just that...everything and more you want to know about using, customizing and maintaining XP without being too geeky for the average user. Not saying you're average or anything. No sir, you're definately exceptional.
;^)
A terrific online Windows resource is Brian Livingston, he wrote the "Windows Manager" at InfoWorld magazine from 1991 through 2003. He has a website and a newsletter brimming with Windows tips. He's the go-to guy for Windows tweaks.
http://windowssecrets.com/050113/
Posted by: BJ | January 25, 2005 10:44 PM