Chapter 7 – Managing Windows XP

Control Panel The main tool for configuring your system. Most of the tools to configure the system come with the normal installation of Windows. However, others are placed in the Control Panel by other software or hardware installation programs. To access the Control Panel: –Click the Start button and select Control Panel from the Start Menu Or, –From Windows Explorer, click on the Control Panel folder located under My Computer, or, –If you are using the Classic desktop, select Settings from the Start Menu and then Control Panel.

Control Panel – Classic View

Control Panel – Category View (Default XP view)

Standard Tools of the Control Panel The Accessibility Options offers you ways to modify the appearance and behavior of Windows to aid users with disabilities, such as hearing or vision impairments. Accessibility Options

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Installs Windows XP programs or services; or removes currently installed software. Adding and Removing Programs

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Adds or troubleshoots your hardware. Add Hardware

Standard Tools of the Control Panel sets the system date, time and time zone Date and Time

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Configures your video card, desktop and display settings Display

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Customizes the way folders and files are displayed, file associations and the overall look and feel of your folder windows. Folder Options

Standard Tools of the Control Panel configures the settings for your Internet connection and the behavior of Microsoft Internet Explorer Internet Options

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Fonts - manages the fonts installed on your system

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Keyboard - customizes your keyboard settings Mouse - configures your mouse settings, such as the type of pointer, motion control and click speed.

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Network Connections - configures settings for current network connections and adds or removes connections, adapters and services.

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Phone and Modem options - customizes your telephone and modem options. Power Options - customizes energy saving options to suit your needsyoure your hardwares capabilities

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Printers and Faxes - adds or removes printers or fax devices; or changes your current settings.

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Regional and Language Options - changes settings for languages, date, time, currency and number displays.

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Scanners and Cameras - adds, removes or configures scanners or digital cameras attached to your system.

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Sounds and Audio Devices - configures the settings for your systems sound card or other audio devices. Taskbar and Start Menu - modifies the performance and behavior of the Start Menu and Taskbar

Standard Tools of the Control Panel System - displays and changes the settings of your hardware, Windows memory and performance management, or the system Update and Restore features.

Standard Tools of the Control Panel User Accounts – adds, removes or modifies user accounts and passwords

Standard Tools of the Control Panel Administrative Tools

Standard Tools of the Control Panel There are three ways to access XP System Information: From the Start Menu select All Programs. Select Accessories, and then System Tools. From the System Tools submenu, select System Information. Or, Right Click on the My Computer icon on the desktop, From the shortcut menu, select System Information. Or, From the Start Menu Select Run. In the Open text box, enter msinfo32.exe, press OK. System Information