Introduction

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Navigate the Control Panel
• Set the time and date
• Customize the screen with a screensaver and wallpaper
• Customize the screen resolution
• Customize the taskbar

Introduction to the Control Panel

You don't have to be a computer genius to use Windows XP, but if you know something about how to set up some basic features and functions it will do a lot more for you. Windows XP makes this easier than ever with the Control Panel. The Control Panel features a number of tools that will help you control how Windows XP features look and act. But first you must learn how to access the Control Panel.

To access the Control Panel:

1. Click Start.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. The Control Panel opens.

OR

• Type Control Panel in the Address dialog box found on any Windows XP window.

OR

• Many folders feature a link to the Control Panel in the See Also dialog box (only in XP view).

No matter how you get to the Control Panel, it will look like this upon first viewing:

Navigate the Control Panel

If you're used to a previous version of Windows, you'll notice that the Control Panel in Windows XP looks different.

The Windows XP Control Panel is divided into Categories. If you click a category, the window presents a List of Tasks and related Control Panel icons.

Note: Task and Control Panel icons perform basically the same functions. For example, notice that you can "Choose a screen saver" in the Pick a Task list. Clicking this link opens the Display Properties dialog box. However, if you were to choose the Display icon, the Display Properties dialog box opens.

If you look at the left side of the window, you'll notice that the See Also and Troubleshooters dialog boxes provides several more related options.

The Windows XP Control Panel is designed to provide multiple ways to do something, thereby making it more user friendly. However, the new Control Panel design doesn't provide you with access to every available Control Panel tool—it only provides you with access to the most commonly used tools.

To access ALL of your Control Panel tools, you must switch to Classic view.

To switch to Classic view:

• Click the Classic View link on the left side of your Control Panel.
• Click the Switch to Category View link to switch back.

Use the menu bar and toolbar buttons to navigate and further explore Control Panel options.

Set the time and date

In the following pages, we'll explain how to perform some common Control Panel tools.

To change the time and date:

1. Open the Control Panel (located in Start menu).
2. Under Pick a Category, click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options.
3. Under Pick a Task, click Change the date and time.
4. The Date and Time Properties dialog box opens.
5. Use the drop-down box to set the month and year.
6. Click the correct date on the calendar.
7. Click and select the current time to make a change.
8. If necessary, click the Time Zone tab and use the drop-down box to change the time zone.
9. Click OK to close the dialog box.

OR

1. Right-click the time in the lower-right on your desktop.
2. Choose Adjust Date/Time.
3. The Date and Time Properties dialog box opens.
4. Follow steps 5-9 from above.

Challenge!

• If necessary, adjust the date and time on your computer.
• Choose a new wallpaper and screensaver for your desktop.