Flat Panel Monitor Clear Fonts

Q: I  have a new flat-panel monitor. The type on this monitor does not appear clear. However, the store insists that it is normal. Is this normally a problem with flat-panels?

A: Some people do have a problem when they view type on a flat-panel monitor. A process called anti-aliasing is used to smooth the edges of type. It doesn't work as well on flat-panels as on old-style CRT monitors.

Microsoft recognizes the problem, and includes in Windows XP a feature called ClearType. It can make the type on your flat-panel much more readable. The improvement may also be worthwhile on a CRT.

To access ClearType, press the Windows key and the letter "d" to go to the desktop. Right-click anywhere on an empty area of the desktop and click Properties. Select the Appearance tab and click Effects. Check the box marked "Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts." In the dropdown box, choose ClearType.

Next, ClearType has to be fine-tuned. You can do that on Microsoft's Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/typography/cleartype/tuner/1.htm

The site gives examples of type from which you must choose. Displays vary slightly among monitors, and selecting the type that looks best is an easy way to match ClearType to your monitor. To select the type, click the one that looks best to you.

People using Windows 98 and ME should be sure they have enabled the font-smoothing feature. To use it, right-click on the desktop and from the pop-up menu, select Properties. Click the Effects tab. Check the box next to "Smooth edges of screen fonts."