Free Computer Tips and Tricks

You can change the appearance of desktop. The Windows operating system provides various options to customize the desktop environment. The background of the desktop can be changed by applying different colors or by using image as background. Similarly you can change the appearance of icons on the desktop. It is also possible for multiple users to share a single computer while maintaining unique, custom desktop appearances for them. You can customize the desktop by using the Display Properties dialog box.

To customize the desktop, follow these steps.

• Right click the mouse button on an empty space on the popup menu will appear.
• Choose the Properties from the menu; Display Properties appear as shown below.

Display Properties

When any user changes the appearance of desktop according to his own choice, it is saved under that user’s name. Whenever the user logs onto the computer, the Windows desktop is displayed according to his settings.

1. Changing Desktop Background

The background of the desktop can be changed using different colors or by using an image as background. When a image or picture is used as background, it is called the wallpaper.

To set the background of desktop, follow these steps:

• Right click the mouse on the empty space on the desktop, a shortcut menu appears.
• Select the Properties command from the menu. A Display Properties dialog box appears as shown below.
• Click the Background tab.
• Select the image from the wallpaper list box.

OR

• Click Pattern and choose the pattern to decorate your desktop.
• Click the Apply button to set the image as wallpaper.

2. Using Screen Saver

The computer screen may be damaged or burned-out when a static image is displayed for a long time. The Windows has screen saver programs used to prevent the monitor screen from burning. These are images that are automatically activated if the keyboard or mouse is not touched for a predetermined period of time. The screen saver image moves on the screen and disappears if any key is pressed. The screen saver protects the quality of the monitor.

To set the screen saver, follow these steps:

• Right click the mouse on the empty space on the desktop, a shortcut menu appears.
• Select the Properties command from the menu: A Display Properties dialog box appears.
• Click the Screen Saver tab.
• Select the screen saver from the Screen Saver drop down list box.
• Click the Apply button to set the Screen Saver.