Customizing Windows XP Using the Control Panel

ntroduction to the Control Panel

You don't have to be a computer genius to use Windows XP, but if you know something about how to set up some basic features and functions, it will do a lot more for you. Windows XP makes this easier than ever with the Control Panel. The Control Panel features a number of tools that will help you control how Windows XP features look and act. But first you must learn how to access the Control Panel.
To access the Control Panel:
  • Click Start.
  • Click Control Panel.
  • The Control Panel opens.
OR
  • Type Control Panel in the Address dialog box found on any Windows XP window.
OR
  • Many folders feature a link to the Control Panel in the See Also dialog box (only in XP view).
No matter how you get to the Control Panel, it will look like this upon first viewing:
Control Panel 

To switch to Classic View:
  • Click the Classic View link on the left side of your Control Panel.
  • Click the Switch to Category View link to switch back.
Switch to Classic View link
Switch to Category View link
Use the menubar and toolbar buttons to navigate and further explore Control Panel options.

Changing the Wallpaper

Wallpaper is the background image that appears on your desktop. Windows XP offers many wallpaper choices.
To change the wallpaper:
  • Open the Control Panel (located in Start menu).
  • Under Pick a Category, click Appearance and Themes.
  • Under Pick a Task, click Change the desktop background.
  • The Display Properties dialog box opens with the Desktop tab selected.
  • In the Background box, click or use the arrow keys to view the choices.
  • Use the drop down boxes to alter wallpaper position or color.
  • Click OK to close the dialog box.
Desktop Background dialog box
Advanced Users:
  • Click Browse to choose a picture from the My Pictures folder (or navigate to a picture located in another folder.)
  • Click the Customize Desktop button to alter your desktop icons or display a web page on your desktop.

Customizing the Taskbar

You already know about the Taskbar, but did you know you can customize its appearance?
To customize the Start menu:
  • Open the Control Panel (located in Start menu).
  • Under Pick a Category, click Appearance and Themes.
  • Under Pick a Control Panel icon, click Taskbar and Start Menu.
  • The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties dialog box opens with the Taskbar tab displayed.
  • Use the checkboxes to customize its appearance and click OK.
Taskbar dialog box
Click the Start Menu tab to switch between the XP Start menu and Classic Start menu. Classic Start menu is the Start menu featured in older versions of Windows.



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