|
Some old-timers don't like Windows XP because it looks, well, different than their older, classic versions of Windows. In its aim to please, Windows XP wears "classic" clothes so that it can look and act like older versions of Windows. Here's how:
- Switch to a Classic Start menu: Right-click the Start menu button, choose Properties, and then choose Classic Start Menu. That replaces XP's huge and rounded Start menu with the straight-edged look of the older versions.
- Switch to a Classic Desktop Theme: Right-click the desktop, choose Properties, and then choose Windows Classic from the Theme drop-down menu. Wham! Now your windows turn from rounded to square, and your rounded chartreuse Start button turns gray and square. Plus, the old familiar icons reappear on the desktop: My Computer, My Documents, My Network Places, and Internet Explorer.
- Turn back on the Shortcut keys: Older versions of Windows had underlined letters in their menus. Instead of clicking the mouse on menu items, you could press Alt and the underlined letter to activate that menu item — a shortcut key, if you will. Although Windows XP leaves them out, here's how to turn them back on: Right-click the Desktop, choose Properties, and click the Appearance tab. Click the Effects button and remove the check mark from the line, Hide Underlined Letters for Keyboard Navigation Until I Press The Alt Key. The underlines all appear, ready for shortcuts.
- Speeding up the menus: Windows XP sometimes sacrifices speed for looks. Menus fade in and out of place, for instance, looking cool, but slowing down the job. To dump the fashion and bring back the speed, try this: Right-click the My Computer icon, choose Properties, and click the Advanced tab. Click the Settings button in the Performance area and select Adjust For Best Performance. Click OK and enjoy that burst of speed.
|
