As it frantically crunches numbers in the background, Windows XP tries to project a navel-gazing image of inner peace. Its menus and windows open and close with a slow fade; aesthetically pleasing shadows surround each menu and the mouse pointer. When a folder opens, Windows automatically chooses its appropriate task pane. Windows also organizes the Control Panel's icons into neat categories instead of presenting one folder crowded with icons.

All these extra visual decisions require extra calculations on Windows's part, however, slowing it down a bit. To change Windows' attitude from peaceful to performance, head for the Control Panel's Performance and Maintenance category and choose Visual Effects.

For fastest action, choose Adjust for Best Performance. Windows quickly strips away all the visuals and reverts to Classic Mode -- a faster way of working that mimics earlier, no-frills Windows versions. Choose Adjust for Best Appearance for a prettier, but slower, Windows.

To let Windows XP examine your computer's processing power and choose a balance between aesthetically pleasing and physically overburdened, select Let Windows Choose What's Best for My Computer.

Bored? Experiment with each visual setting by choosing Custom. Choose Apply after making each change; if you notice an unwelcome change in Windows XP's behavior, reverse your change and click Apply again.