[sotd] ClearType Tuner - Software of the Month [September 28, 2007]

  • From: "The Site of the Day" <sotd@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: sotd@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2007 10:30:32 -0300

        Site of the Day for Friday, September 28, 2007 

        ClearType Tuner - Software of the Month

Even a cursory glance at an LCD monitor is enough to convince anyone of the
less than optimum quality of type on such displays. For those users of
Windows XP, who have long since made the transition to an LCD monitor, or
who toil unceasingly on their laptops, this little applet from the
Microsoft Power Toys collection, may be just the ticket. Almost
surprisingly, this utility, ClearType Tuner, does exactly what it claims to
do -- it allows the user to easily improve the clarity of text on an LCD
screen.

Working rather like a visit to the optometrist, the configuration dialog
box displays a series of text examples and asks the user to choose which
one appears to be the clearest, rather like procedure for determining the
best vision lenses. Upon completion of the configuration samples, the
utility then adjusts the appearance of the text on a system-wide basis, so
that browser text, dialogue boxes and the like are altered to the best
possible setting. Many users will find that this little program can make a
huge difference in overall legibility in any application which is primarily
text-based -- such as e-mail.

Unlike a new pair of specs, however, the settings can be instantly changed
if the user decides that the clarity of the text could still be improved or
the application can be turned off completely by simply unchecking a box..
The utility is installed as an applet in the Control Panel so that it's
conveniently available for any further user alterations. 

The download is a reasonable 2.4 MB but the installation, affecting type on
a system-wide basis, makes a number of registry changes. Particularly
cautious users, who are not entirely reassured by the Microsoft brand, may
feel more comfortable using a reliable uninstall application before adding
this little applet to their line-up of control panel utilities.

Pop over to the site for ClearType Tuner, located on the right side of page
at:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

  A.M. Holm
<admin-sotd@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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  • » [sotd] ClearType Tuner - Software of the Month [September 28, 2007]