Solo Technology

Every 6 months or so, I “re-discover” the Windows XP PowerToys all over again.  There’s some great stuff here if you’re still running XP (as I am).

Of them all, there’s really only one that I consider essential:  That’s the ClearType tuner.  On my LCD displays (laptop and desktop) I find it indespensible:

This PowerToy lets you use ClearType technology to make it easier to read text on your screen, and installs in the Control Panel for easy access.

SyncToy is another one that I used to use a lot. I don’t use it nearly as much, but it can still be very helpful to have around (previous mentions of SyncToy). Definitely more approachable than xcopy or robocopy.  Learn a lot more about SyncToy at this MS Digital Photography page.

Check out Virtual Desktop Manager and Alt-Tab Replacement if you’re looking for some visual flash.  Check out Tweak UI if you want control over an immense amount of “hidden” settings.  Powerful and maybe just a bit overwhelming.

More good stuff there too. Anyone have favorites?

5 Responses to “Remember PowerToys?”

1. MN Web Design on May 21st, 2007 10:58 pm
   

   For a second I thought that you were referring to Power Wheels, in which case I would have told you all about my secret obsession with them as a child! But, really, I have Win XP right now on my laptop and on my desktops. I do not think that I have ever used PowerToys, unfortunately. Sounds pretty interesting though!

2. Chris on May 21st, 2007 11:06 pm
   

   Power Wheels obsession? Do tell! (oh, and thanks for stopping by)

3. Light & Dark on May 22nd, 2007 3:00 pm
   

   Image Resizer Powertoy. Hands down the fastest, easiest way to show a new blogger how to prepare oversized images for posting to their blog.

   I show it to many co-workers who are in the habit of sending 15 meg tiff images for publication review because they don’t know how to use office’s image resizing functions.

   As for tuning Cleartype. the Microsoft tool is fine, but you might want to check out Cleartweak - lots more functionality than Microsoft’s tool, and to my eyes does a better job on a variety of monitors - especially my laptop.

   http://www.ioisland.com/cleartweak/

   No affiliation - just good, free software!

   Paul

4. Chris on May 22nd, 2007 8:03 pm
   

   Hey Paul - Great stuff! I’ve never even looked at the Image Resizer one, but now I think I’ll install at my parents next time we’re visiting…

   I’ll give cleartweak a look soon. I’d never heard of it so thanks for the tip.

5. Light & Dark on May 22nd, 2007 9:42 pm
   

   Glad you found it worthwhile!

   And thanks for a great blog - keep finding interesting tidbits here myself.

   Paul

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