Configuring the Windows XP Desktop
We’ve covered the methods used to access the settings for modifying
the XP desktop. Now it’s time to look at each one of the screens in
detail. I know when I first started mucking around with XP I
resisted some of the new features. At one point, I went back to the
Windows Classic Desktop and Start menu. Perhaps it was just sensory
overload, but the point is use the settings in whatever way they
make you comfortable and productive. Change a few or all, but keep
an open mind and experiment. Just because a setting can be changed
doesn’t mean it should be, but just because you never changed it
before doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.
Display Properties
- The [Themes] Tab
Themes have been a part of Windows since the release of Windows 95.
Before Windows 95 we still developed our own user schemes by
fiddling with the colors and layout of our desktops, but 95 was
where this process took on a structured format. Every user has a
theme, whether it’s the standard one that ships with Windows XP or
one that contains at least one modification or variation from the
two default themes. Entire web sites have grown up around developing
themes which cover most any interest imaginable. As the [Themes] tab
(Fig. UI-12) states, “A theme is a background plus a set of sounds,
icons, and other elements to help you personalize your computer with
one click.” As you would expect, the default theme is called Windows
XP. To change to a different theme, click the drop down list box to
view the additional choices. (Fig. UI-13)
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Fig. UI-12 |
Fig. UI-13 |
I
was surprised to see that XP shipped with only two themes: Windows
XP and Windows Classic. Look at the drop down box selections and
you’ll see the two additional choices of [More themes online...] and
[Browse...].
The [More themes
online...] selection is a blatant, self-serving direct link
promotion of the Microsoft Plus! for Windows XP website. There
are no themes available on the site unless you are willing to
plunk down the cash for the Plus! program. My recommendation is
to avoid the [More themes online...] selection and instead do a
Google search for XP themes. No doubt you'll turn up a number of
sites offering a selection of free themes as well as replacement
logins, wallpapers and boot screens.
The [Browse...]
option is handy when looking for themes that are not located in
the default themes directory, especially useful if you’ve lost
track of some downloaded themes.
The [Save As]
button is used to save the current theme under a different name.
Use any of the installed themes you have as a starting point.
Make your modifications to the background, fonts, sounds, mouse
pointers, etc. When the modifications are done, return to the
[Theme] tab and the name of the theme you used originally will
now be shown as [Original Theme Name (Modified)]. Click the
[Save As] button and assign the modified theme a new name. See
Fig. UI-14 for a screenshot detailing exactly what will be saved
when you use the [Save As] command.
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Fig. UI-14 |
The [Delete] button
is the final option on the [Themes] tab. If you aren’t satisfied
with a theme creation select it from the drop down list and
click [Delete]. XP will only allow modified or additional themes
that have been added to be deleted. The default themes that
shipped with XP cannot be deleted, indicated by the [Delete]
button being grayed out.
Have
some fun and let your imagination soar. Whatever your interests,
it’s possible to incorporate them into a custom theme that is
uniquely yours. New sites appear almost daily on the web devoted to
theme customization. Run a search on
Google
if you are stuck for ideas and I’m sure you’ll find some
inspiration if not exactly what you are seeking to customize your
workspace.
Accessing Desktop and Taskbar Settings | Themes
Settings
Desktop Settings | Screensaver
Settings
Appearance Settings | Settings
Start Menu | Taskbar | Windows
Classic
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