Changing the Desktop s Visual Effects

Changing the Desktop's Visual Effects

Windows has a number of cute but inconsequential visual effects that create the illusion of motion or three-dimensionality on the desktop, like the thin shadow that surrounds the Start menu. You can control these effects from the Effects dialog box (shown earlier in Figure 12-11). To open this dialog box, first open the Personalization window by right-clicking any open space on the desktop and selecting Personalize from the shortcut menu. Click Window Color And Appearance to open the Appearance Settings dialog box (shown earlier in Figure 12-8). Then click the Effects button on the Appearance tab.

The check boxes in the Effects dialog box are self-explanatory. The effects themselves are harmless, so don't be afraid to experiment with them.