We All Like A Little Of Our Own Personality In Our Surroundings!
 
We all like a little of our own personality in our surroundings, at home and at work. Microsoft Windows XP makes it easy to personalize your computer. Add color, patterns, pictures, and even sounds to enhance your screen's appearance. Customize your mouse to make it easier to control. Set up your computer to load favorite programs automatically so they're ready when you are. And more. Personalizing your PC is one of the fun things you can do with your computer. You'll also increase your work efficiency and enjoy computing more!
 
Here's an easy way to start: Customize your desktop's background! You can repaint it any color of the rainbow, or fill it with a pattern, image, or favorite photo. Windows XP contains a selection of backgrounds to choose from. You can also capture photos and other graphics on the Web. Here's how to give your desktop a fresh look:
 
Customize your desktop's background!
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Appearance and Themes.
3. Under Pick a task, click Change the desktop background.
4. On the Desktop tab, do one or more of the following:
- In the Color box, select a color.
- In the Background list, click a background picture. In the Position list, click Center, Tile, or Stretch to define how your picture will be displayed.
- Click Browse to search for a background picture in other folders or on other drives. You can use files with the following extensions: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .dib, .png, or .htm. In the Position list, click Center, Tile, or Stretch to define how your picture will be displayed, and then click OK or Apply.
- If you want to use a picture from a Web site, on the site, right-click the image, and then click Set as Desktop Background.
 
To see a colored background you must select none from the Background drop-down menu. Also, if you choose an .htm document as your background picture, the Position options are unavailable; instead, the .htm document automatically stretches to fill the entire background.

Gary Chambers

Add A Colorful Screen Saver With Windows XP!
 
Brighten your work area when your computer is idle by adding a colorful screen saver. Windows XP contains a large selection.
 
Choose a screen saver
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Appearance and Themes.
3. Under Pick a task, click Choose a screen saver.
4. On the Screen Saver tab, in the Screen saver list, click the screen saver you want.
5. Click Preview to view the screen saver for a few seconds (move your mouse or press any key to end the preview), and then click Settings to customize its behavior.
 
When you are satisfied with your choice, click OK.

Gary Chambers

Think About Your Desktop Theme In Windows XP!

It's also easy to change the look of other desktop elements such as text boxes, title bars, and other selected items. Windows XP contains a range of color-coordinated themes. Or customize each element individually.

Select A Theme:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Appearance and Themes.
3. Under Pick a task, click Change the desktop background to go to the Display Properties dialog box.
4. On the Themes tab, in the Theme list, click the theme you want, and then OK.

To change desktop elements individually, go to the Display Properties dialog box as described above. Then:
1. On the Appearance tab, choose elements to customize from the drop-down menus and modify them by clicking the Effects button to open windows containing further instructions.

When you are satisfied, click OK.

Gary Chambers