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XP's New Look

Windows XP's interface is nothing revolutionary. You get more control over how the OS looks and works, including whether icons appear on the desktop, how system folders such as the Control Panel appear, and what texture and color the windows and icons display. On the whole, the changes are good; the ones you don't like, you can disable in most cases.

One annoying feature you can't shut off at will is the balloon text that pops up periodically from several icons in the notification area (the system tray). We were particularly antagonized by one rather intrusive pitch to sign on to Microsoft's Passport authentication system, which you need only to log in to the Windows Messenger or MSN services. Be patient: It eventually fades away.

Windows XP includes new themes--collections of color settings and background images for windows--that have rounded corners, shading, and textured window frames and buttons. If you don't like Windows XP's blue, blobby windows (you can opt for olive green or silver, too), other themes should be available through a forthcoming Plus add-on pack, or from Microsoft's Web site. You can also revert to a classic look similar to that of Windows 98 or 2000.

The Look of XP: A Redecorated Desktop

The most significant interface changes are in the Start menu and the taskbar. The revised Start menu displays links to frequently used applications, essential system folders, and common tasks. It acts as a good personal portal to Windows XP, but if you dislike it, you can revert to the classic Start menu.

The taskbar sports two new space-saving features. Links to documents or windows for the same application (multiple Web browser windows or Word documents, for instance) now pop up vertically from a single taskbar button. And system tray icons that you seldom use disappear after a while (but you can locate them by clicking a button that expands the area).

Taskbar Clutter-Busters

Other changes in appearance--including drop shadows, richly colored see-through icons, and animated cursors and window movements--may tax your graphics board and CPU, but you can turn them off. We found them helpful in more easily differentiating one window from another, simplifying work with on-screen objects.

One screen innovation you'll want to try out if you have a portable computer or a desktop LCD monitor: ClearType. This font-smoothing technology is turned off by default; you can find it by clicking Control Panel's Display icon, selecting the Appearance tab, and then choosing Effects. ClearType refines your LCD's jagged pixels and makes the display easier on the eyes (see the illustrations below). Amen to that.

Cleartype: Cure for the LCD Jaggies

Before: Fonts on an LCD monitor or notebook display look jagged.

After: ClearType smoothes the type, making text easier on the eyes.

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