05+Configuring

= Configuring the Start Menu & Desktop = Windows XP Pro offers many options to help you configure your computer. Below is a step-by-step guide to the basics of configuring the Windows XP Pro start menu. 1. **Start menu display options** 
 * 1) Start menu display options
 * 2) Customizing the Start menu
 * 3) Customizing the taskbar
 * 4) Selecting a desktop theme
 * 5) Changing your desktop's appearance
 * 6) Selecting a screen saver
 * Place your cursor over the Start button, and **right-click** your mouse.
 * Select **Properties**. [[image:http://dell.co-nect.net/CoursesOnsite/Laptopsonsite/page_06_clip_image001.gif width="226" height="190"]]
 * Select the style of display that you prefer for the Start menu (XP's menu or the classic Windows menu). By clicking the radio buttons, you will be shown the display format of each option.
 * Click **Apply** and then **OK**.
 * 2. Customizing the Start menu**
 * 1) Place your cursor over the Start button, and **right-click** your mouse.
 * 2) Select **Properties**.
 * 3) Select the **Start Menu tab**, and then click **Customize**.
 * 4) Select an icon size (large or small) for programs that appear in the Start menu.
 * 5) Select the number of frequently used programs to appear on the Start menu.
 * 6) In the **Show on Start Menu**, select the programs you use to connect to the Internet and for e-mail.
 * 3. Customizing the taskbar**
 * 1) Place your cursor over the Start button, and right-click your mouse.
 * 2) Select **Properties**.
 * 3) Select where you would like your taskbar to appear under **Taskbar Appearance**.
 * 4) In the **Notification Area**, select whether you would like to see the clock and whether you would like to hide inactive icons.
 * 4. Selecting a desktop theme**
 * 1) Click **Start**.
 * 2) Select **Control Panel**, and then choose **Appearance and Themes**. (If you do not see **Appearance and Themes**, click the Control Panel link, and select **Switch to Category View**.)
 * 3) From the **Pick a Task** list, select **Change the computer's theme**.
 * 4) Click on the drop-down menu under Theme to see choices of themes. Highlight your theme preference.
 * 5) Click **Apply** and then **OK**.
 * 6) To preview a theme, highlight and then click the title.
 * 5. Changing your desktop's appearance**
 * 1) Click **Start**.
 * 2) Select **Control Panel**, and then choose **Appearance and Themes**. (If you do not see Appearance and Themes, click the Control Panel link, and select **Switch to Category View**.)
 * 3) From the **Pick a Task** list, select **Change the desktop background**.
 * 4) Scroll through the list of background choices, and then highlight your choice.
 * 5) Click **Apply** and then **OK**.
 * 6) To preview a background, highlight and then click the background.
 * 6. Selecting a screen saver**
 * 1) Click **Start**.
 * 2) Select **Control Panel,** and then choose **Appearance and Themes**. (If you do not see **Appearance and Themes**, click the Control Panel link, and select **Switch to Category View.** )
 * 3) From the **Pick a Task** list, select **Choose a screen saver**.
 * 4) Scroll through the list of screen savers, and then highlight your choice.
 * 5) Click **Apply** and then **OK**.
 * 6) To preview a screen saver, highlight it, and then select **Preview.**