Windows XP: ClearType font smoothing

Once upon a time, paper-based material such as books, magazines or newspapers used to be our only source of reading and learning new things. But now, reading material for almost any topic on earth can be found in electronic format over the Internet. We are reading more and more text each day from our computer screens be it at work or home. But how much thought have we put into making this reading experience go easy on our eyes? I think most of us have not given it much thought.

There are many font smoothing and anti-aliasing techniques that can make your screen font smoother, more clear and in turn much easier to read. These techniques will by far enhance your digital reading experience.

Microsoft includes a font smoothing technique in its Windows XP known as ClearType. One way to enable it is through your display properties. But there is a better way through which you can fine tune the settings for ClearType as per your liking. Microsoft has included the fine tuning of ClearType in its Power Toys for some time now. Those of you who do not wish to install a software and still want to experience what ClearType has to offer can visit the Microsoft's Online ClearType Tuner. The online wizard will help you enable ClearType on your computer and fine tune by showing you samples of texts from which you can select whichever seems most clear to you. Try it, it has sure made my digital reading experience better.