Are
you getting tired of that standard background color that came with your computer?
Microsoft Windows allows you to personalize your computer by changing the settings
in Display Properties to suit your needs.
You can be creative and change your desktop wallpaper, screen saver or color scheme.
Right click anywhere on your desktop background and select properties. The display
properties screen will appear where you can change your look to match your mood.
We'll talk about three tabs today, the background tab, which customizes your desktop,
the appearance tab which changes your color scheme and the settings tabs which
changes your resolution.
Let's start with the background tab. This allows you to choose from a variety
of background wallpapers and patterns. You can even change the standard pattern
designs and create your own. To customize your look even further you can select
Browse and pick any popular graphic file that is in your machine (.BMP or .JPG,
for example). Have your favorite family photo appear each time you start your
computer. Be careful though, if you are using an older machine, your memory size
may limit your creativity. If your machine slows down to a snails pace, limit
your creations to patterns and standard colors - no photos.
If you're looking for new color in your menus, taskbars or application select
the Appearance tab. Under schemes select the black down arrow and you can try
out a variety of colors and styles. There's even a small display that will show
you the effect in advance. You can further customize your scheme by changing the
color or style of specific items. Just below schemes you'll find item - this will
let change the size of your icon, color of your desktop and much more. When you're
happy with your creation, hit save and give it a name.
Finally, the settings tab allows you to change your resolution (how much information
can appear on your screen). The lower the resolution, the larger the images and
the clearer the information will appear. Higher resolutions let you display more
information at once, however, those icons can get pretty hard to see. Keep in
mind that your monitor and video card determines if these resolutions can be changed.
Under the settings tab you'll see screen area, change the setting and see what
you think. Don't let information window that will popup bother you, just say okay
and watch the screen. Windows will ask you if you'd like the change to be permanent.
By the way, one of the most frequently asked questions I get is: "What's
the difference between OK and Apply?" Apply allows your change to be seen
immediately in the background without closing the window. OK will apply the change
and close the window.
Display Properties allows for a variety of customization. Try it out! Be creative
and express yourself!
