Have you tried your XP ClearType text option?

Wiz Feinberg · Post by **Wiz Feinberg** » 10 Oct 2006 1:39 pm

If you have Windows XP and your browser displays text on web pages that appears a bit light and jagged, you have a tool built into Windows XP that will smooth your fonts and make text almost jump right out of the page. The text option is known as ClearType. To turn it on you have to open your Display Properties, by right-clicking (r-mouse button) on your Windows Desktop, in a blank space, and selecting Properties (left m-button), then clicking on the Appearance Tab. On the Appearance tab there are two buttons near the lower right. Click on the one labeled "Effects." When the Effects box opens click on the flyout option box labeled "Use the following method to smooth the edges of screen fonts." Select "ClearType" and click OK, then click on Apply on the bopttom of the main Display Properties box, and OK to close it. Your text should clear up and become bolder within a few seconds of clicking Apply.

Let me know if this tip helps you to view this website better, and others (like mine).

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Bob "Wiz" Feinberg
Moderator of the SGF Computers Forum
Visit my Wiztunes Steel Guitar website at: http://www.wiztunes.com/
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Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 10 Oct 2006 2:49 pm

Hey Wiz---I'm not real interested in doing a bunch of back & forth tests but it seems to me that I actually lose something with it. The cleartype seems to have lower contrast and maybe lower definition. The result is less distinct, less black, slightly greyer type. At least at my fairly small font size settings. See what you think on some of the copy in the threads here:
http://www.webervst.com/vstbbs/bbs.html

Like I said, I'm not really down for spending time with this but it's just an initial impression.

Wiz Feinberg · Post by **Wiz Feinberg** » 10 Oct 2006 9:40 pm

I have a Samsung SyncMaster 915 LCD monitor, running at 1024x768 pixels screensize, and unless I use ClearType all non-bold text looks thin and has jagged edges, making it hard to read. ClearType smooths the font edges and adds more contrast to the dark shades, making black text appear slightly bolded and the entire display becomes 100% easier for me to read. Your results may vary depending on your monitor type and it's age, and your screen size.

PS: I went to that forum and when I visited the Jokes and Off Topic sections without ClearType it was almost unreadable on my monitor; a strain on my eyes. ClearType makes text much easier for me to read.

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Bob "Wiz" Feinberg
Moderator of the SGF Computers Forum
Visit my Wiztunes Steel Guitar website at: http://www.wiztunes.com/
or my computer troubleshooting website: Wizcrafts Computer Services,
or my Webmaster Services webpage. Get Firefox Here.
Learn about current computer virus and security threats here.
Read Wiz's Blog for security news and update notices. My FAQs.

[This message was edited by Wiz Feinberg on 10 October 2006 at 10:43 PM.]

Michael Dene · Post by **Michael Dene** » 10 Oct 2006 10:17 pm

Wiz,

I've been using cleartype for about 3-4 months on my IBM ThinkPad and really think it's a big improvement. Trouble is I only appreciate it when I use my friend's laptop that doesn't use it!!
Michael

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 10 Oct 2006 10:50 pm

Just did it, WOW!!!

Papa Joe Pollick · Post by **Papa Joe Pollick** » 11 Oct 2006 12:46 am

By Jove,I think I got it.Thanks Wiz.

Chip Fossa · Post by **Chip Fossa** » 14 Oct 2006 4:43 pm

Thanks Wiz.

Yes, I see a big difference. Definitely sharper.

Not only do you know the "heavey" stuff, but all these little things. I just wouldn't have a clue what the difference would be, unless I started "messing" around - but I fear doing that, all the time. When you aren't sure what you're doing, you can get in trouble real quick. (I should know).

So you, being the Wiz, let's us less savvy users in on otherwise unknown/unfamiliar territory.

Big things do come in small packages.

Keep these little mystery options coming, for sure.

Thanks again, it's a nice touch.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 15 Oct 2006 3:38 am

I don't like it and have turned it off in I.E. 7. I have a 19" FP and on the Forum, with I.E.7 it's too much with the clear type on and actually looks slightly fuzzy.

Les Green · Post by **Les Green** » 15 Oct 2006 9:53 am

I just tried it. Works like a charm.

Robert Leaman · Post by **Robert Leaman** » 15 Oct 2006 6:44 pm

I have a Smasung SyncMaster 204B (20") and Clear Type is certainly less desireable than not. All text on the 204B is clear without jagged edges even when examined with a magnifying glass. The display monitor is driven, in digital mode, with an ATI All In Wonder X800 at 1024x768 pixel screensize.

Wiz Feinberg · Post by **Wiz Feinberg** » 16 Oct 2006 8:58 am

A word about LCD monitors is in order.

SOme people with LCD monitors will have jagged or out-of-focus text because they are running at less than optimum screen size. Most LCD monitors have a control to fix this. My Samsung 915n wants to be used at a resolution that is too hard for me to read, so I have set it up at 1024x768 pixels. This caused distortion to text when it crosses certain pixel locations that have been squeezed. The monitor features an automatic correction button and it seems to clear up the text, but not perfectly. By adding ClearType smoothing and contrast enhancement I am able to get my display to render sharp, easily readable text, which is not the case using the Standard Text option.

People using even smaller resolutions, like 800x600 will have even more distortion to correct. These issues did not affect CRT monitors and are side affects of the LCD technology.

------------------
Bob "Wiz" Feinberg
Moderator of the SGF Computers Forum
Visit my Wiztunes Steel Guitar website at: http://www.wiztunes.com/
or my computer troubleshooting website: Wizcrafts Computer Services,
or my Webmaster Services webpage. Get Firefox Here.
Learn about current computer virus and security threats here.
Read Wiz's Blog for security news and update notices. My FAQs.