3.2.3 Configuration

The operating system, like the lower level BIOS, is configurable. Each user works in a different way, with different demands and usage styles. The right configuration of the operating system can improve aesthetics, convenience, and performance. The configuration options described here are from the Windows NT 4.0 operating system, but similar features can be found in other Windows systems.

The most conspicuous operating system configurations are the aesthetic ones. In Windows, users can set preferences for the "look and feel" of the desktop and file system. It seems that no two desktops are alike. Views can be set to adjust how icons appear and what information appears within file listings, such as file sizes and types (under the Viewmenu of My Computer or of Explorer, click Folder Options...). The desktop itself can use a variety of color schemes and can even contain graphics in various layouts. To adjust the size of the viewing space, the monitor resolution can be set by right-clicking an empty spot of the desktop and then clicking Properties on the shortcut menu.

Toolbars appear at various places and are themselves customizable. Most toolbars contain buttons representing shortcuts, and some contain text fields in which Web addresses or even file system paths can be typed in order to navigate to those items quickly (right-click an empty spot on the taskbar and then click either Toolbars or Properties). Even the way numbers, time, and monetary values are represented can be customized (open the Control Panel and click Regional Settings).

Other elements like font styles and sizes can be changed to something more comfortable or pleasing. Some users set fonts large for easy viewing, while others enjoy strange fonts (right-click an empty spot on the desktop, then click Properties, and then click the Appearance tab). There is an array of sound themes to choose from, like jungle sounds and sounds from musical instruments (open the Control Panel and select Sounds).

For convenience, users can take advantage of the User Startup Folder, which is the first Startup folder that appears under Programs on the Start menu. Program icons, usually shortcuts, which appear in this folder, will be started automatically each time the user logs on. For example, users who read their mail first thing after logging on can place a shortcut to the email client in the Startup folder and have it start automatically after log on. Shortcuts themselves are a form of customization, allowing the user to invoke programs and represent files from a variety of places in the file system (right-click an icon and then click Create Shortcut). Things like mouse tracking properties (open the Control Panel and click Mouse) and keyboard repeat rates (open the Control Panel and click Keyboard) can also be set. Some users have a difficult time double-clicking quickly, and, therefore, these users adjust the speed at which double-clicking is accepted to be adjusted. Some mice and keyboards go further by allowing the user to attach functions to certain mouse buttons or keyboard keys. This functionality will be provided with the keyboard or mouse via accompanying software.

Performance can even be tweaked a little from within the operating system. By clicking System from the Control Panel, you can adjust the default search path, virtual memory parameters, and similar items. The search path tells the system what directories to look in to find an application. Rearranging the order of directories on the search path can speed up the time it takes to locate executables. Decreasing the amount of virtual memory provided will mean less memory is available to hold open files and running programs, but it also may increase system performance on those that remain. Such adjustments are usually left to advanced users, as the default settings are usually close to optimal for most configurations. Even reducing the number of displayable colors and the resolution may speed processes up, although this is not generally noticeable except in graphics-intensive games and applications.