Visual effects:

Windows XP:

1. On your desktop, right-click with your mouse on the "My Computer" icon and click on "Properties". The System Properties window appears.
2. Click on the "Advanced" tab.
3. Under the "Performance" heading, click on "Settings". A new window appears.
4. On the "Visual Effects" tab, select one of these options (default should be "Let Windows choose..."):
   • "Adjust for best appearance";
   • "Adjust for best performance"; or
   • "Custom", depending on your requirements.
5. Click on "OK".
6. Click on "OK" again.

Windows Vista:

1. On your desktop, right-click with your mouse on the "Computer" icon and click on "Properties". A new window appears.
2. Click on the "Advanced system settings" link on the left. The System Properties window appears.
3. Click on the "Advanced" tab.
4. Under the "Performance" heading, click on "Settings". A new window appears.
5. On the "Visual Effects" tab, select one of these options (default should be "Let Windows choose..."):
   • "Adjust for best appearance";
   • "Adjust for best performance"; or
   • "Custom", depending on your requirements.
6. Click on "OK".
7. Click on "OK" again.

(This article is a brief description of these tweaks ? for more in-depth explanations and instructions, visit this article for Windows XP and this one and this one for Windows Vista.)