Non-Geek Computer Utilities and Helpers – Part 1
I am not a computer geek, but I must confess to being a bit of a software addict! What would we do without those nifty little software utilities to tweak our computers? Some tweaks are just fun, but others are very helpful. In this two-part article I will talk about some of my favourite “can’t-do-without” software utilities or helpers.
Windows Power Toys
You have probably heard of Tweak UI, which has been around since Windows 95, one of the Windows Power Toys. But there are also some other neat “toys” that are very helpful if you are using Windows XP. Windows Power Toys for XP has a lot of utilities you may want to take a look at, two of which are discussed further on in this article.
Vista does not use Power Toys, but rather has a sidebar with gadgets. There is a very comprehensive explanation of Vista Gadgets and also more gadgets you can download at the Vista Sidebars and Gadgets page that you may want to visit if you want more information on using the Vista sidebar.
ClearType
ClearType is an essential feature of XP (turned off by default) and Vista (turned on by default). If you have a LCD monitor or a notebook, you can see a dramatic difference when looking at your on-screen fonts. They’ll be razor sharp and clearer than ever before. It may or may not work with CRT monitors, but it is worth a try to see if it helps, if you are still using a CRT monitor.
How to change settings for ClearType:
- Right click in a blank space anywhere on the desktop.
- Select Properties/Appearance/Effects.
- Check “Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts”; select ClearType from the drop-down list.
- Click ok twice.
Fine Tuning ClearType
You can use the Clear Type Tuner directly from Internet Explorer to fine tune Clear Type or alternatively use the downloadable Clear Type Power Toy version of the tuner, both options available at Microsoft Clear type.
If you are using XP and if you want even more control over tweaking Clear Type, you may want to check out the free utility, Clear Tweak from Iolsland. It not only lets you tweak Clear Type but also gives you a quick way to turn clear type on and off if that becomes necessary. This utility only works with the XP platform of Windows.
Alt/Tab Replacement
The alt/tab replacement utility displays pictures of each window you have open. After installation it is very easy to use. Just hold down the ALT key and press the TAB key. A screen will appear displaying icons of all the open windows on the right and a screen shot of the window currently selected on the left. Keep pressing the TAB key until the application you wish to use is selected and then release both keys.
Note: I am in no way affiliated with any of the suggested sites or software, nor do I guarantee the results when using any downloaded software, but just offering suggestions for various computer hints, tips or web sites that I have found useful.
(Part 2 of this article will continue the list of my favourite utilities and software helpers).