1. Adding icons to desktop
2. Re-sizing icons
3. Adding and removing gadgets
4. Changing your background image
5. Creating a new folder on desktop
6. Changing the screen resolution
7. Change color of window borders
8. Using a screensaver
We'll start with the icons on the desktop.
Adding icons to desktop. By default the only icon on your desktop is the Recycle Bin. You can add icons of your favorite programs by simply dragging and dropping programs to your desktop. You can also add icons to your desktop by right clicking on a program, then clicking on Send to - Desktop (Create Shortcut). Your icons are shortcuts to the programs installed on your computer. Double clicking an icon on your desktop will launch the application. Here is a video tutorial on how to add icons to your desktop.
Re-sizing icons. If you need to make your icons appear larger or smaller on the screen, you can do that, by right clicking on the desktop, click on View, then choose between Large icons, Medium Icons and Small Icons.
Adding and removing gadgets. Gadgets are programs on your desktop that offer a quick refernce to system monitoring, weather alerts, news feeds and many more. You can enable gadgets by right clicking on the desktop and selecting gadgets. Then choose from the list of default gadgets or get more online.
Changing your background image. This feature allows you to add a unique touch to your desktop. You can choose from the various images that come default with your system, or you can use your own. Right click on the desktop and select Personalize. While on the Personalization screen, click on Desktop background on the bottom left. Then select the background image you want. You can also choose multiple images at once and choose a time interval to automatically change. Your selected images will shuffle through the desktop. To select your own, click on the Browse button on the top of the page, then navigate to the folder containing your personal picture. You can also select from the drop down menu of Picture Location: and choose Pictures Library. Click on Save Changes after you are done.
Creating a new folder on desktop. Your desktop will eventually get cluttered with many files. Keep them organized by creating a new folder and placing them in your new folder. Right click on the desktop and select New then select Folder. A new folder will be created. Give your new folder a name and hit enter.
Changing the screen resolution. Your monitor type might require you to adjust the resolution of your screen dislplay. Depending on your monitor type, CRT or LCD, the resolution on your screen might cause your icons or text to appear too small or too large. Windows will try to adjust the resolution of your screen on its own and choose the best resolution for your monitor, but that might not be the best for you. Adjust the screen resolution to the setting that feels comfortable to you. Right click on the desktop and select Screen Resolution. Then select from the resolution drop down menu and adjust accordingly. Click on Apply. Notice that your resolution has changed and you are greeted with a prompt asking to either Save changes or Revert. If you do not like the new settings, click on Revert, otherwise just click on Save changes and then click OK.
Change color of window borders. Now let's look at another cool feature to change the color of your window borders. Right click on the desktop, then select Personalize. Then go towards the bottom of the Personalization page and click on Window color. Choose from the colors listed and click on Save changes. This will change the color of your window borders, Start menu and taskbar.
Using a screensaver. Screensavers are good for 2 reasons. First, it helps prolong the life of your monitor screen. Second they can serve as a simple form of security to hide your desktop activity from prying eyes when you are not at your computer . Right click on your desktop and select Personalize. Then in the Personalization page go towards the bottom right of the page and click on Screensaver. The screen saver settings will appear. Choose a screensaver from the drop down menu and click on preview to get a glimpse of the screensaver. Cancel the screensaver preview by moving your mouse. You can also change the time in minutes that the screensaver will wait to activate, after detecting no activity on your desktop. Once you have picked the screensaver you like, click OK.
