- Using Control Panel
- Setting the Window Color
- Turning Off Aero
- Setting the Desktop Background
- Setting the Screen Saver
- Setting the Desktop Theme
- Configuring the Monitor
- Configuring the Mouse
- Configuring the Keyboard
- Configuring Sound and Audio Devices
- Setting the Date and Time
- Localizing Your System
- Accommodating Disabled Users
- Using Speech Recognition
- Using Alternative Mouse Behavior
- Conserving Power
- Managing Fonts
- Managing Visual Effects and Performance
- Getting General System Information
Turning Off Aero
Windows picks an interface for you based on your computer's memory, display hardware, and video card, but you can change it manually.
To set the interface:
- Choose Start > Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Personalization.
Select an interface (Table 4.1) in the theme list (Figure 4.8 and Figure 4.9). The themes are grouped in Aero and non-Aero categories.
Table 4.1. Windows Interfaces
Interface
Description
Aero
The top-tier display, with advanced visual effects like transparent-glass windows and Start menu; real-time thumbnails on taskbar buttons and in the Alt+Tab window switcher; Flip 3D (Windows logo key+Tab); subtle animations; dynamic reflections; drop shadows; and color gradients. This interface is available in the higher-end Windows editions and only with suitable display hardware.
Basic
Like Aero but without transparency, live thumbnails, Flip 3D, and other gee-whizzery. It has the same hardware requirements as Aero. If you're using a laptop, use Basic to save battery power.
Classic
Mimics the look of Windows 98/2000 , with minimal hardware requirements. It changes only appearance, not functionality; you still get Search boxes, column controls, and so on.
High Contrast
For people with vision problems. See also "Accommodating Disabled Users" later in this chapter.
Figure 4.8 The Windows Basic interface.
Figure 4.9 The Windows Classic interface.
- Click OK in each open dialog box.