Back to Show your computer who's in charge
The Windows XP Control Panel
You can view the Windows XP Control Panel in one ot two ways: the Category View, with the icons listed in categories, or the Classic View, with each one listed separately.
The Category View Control Panel
Here's what you can find in the nine Control Panel options.
Appearance and ThemesChange your desktop background, screen saver, mouse pointer, theme, resolution, fonts, user account pictures, and display options.
Network and Internet Connections
Establish or change your Internet connection settings, set up or change your network, tweak modem, phone, and remote desktop options. Also gain access to printers, hardware, and My Network Places.
Add or Remove Programs
Remove programs and system components. A dialog box will walk you through the install/uninstall process.
Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices
Take care of everything to do with sound including your speakers, sound accessibility options, and volume.
Performance and Maintenance
This is where you find your Administrative Tools and system and power management options, and where you schedule system tasks.
Printers and Other Hardware
Set up your printer, fax, phone, scanner, camera, mouse, keyboard, and game controllers.
User Accounts
Set up a different account for every person who uses your computer, and set passwords.
Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options
Change the date and time as well as how numbers are presented. This is also where you add other languages to your system.
Accessibility Options
Adjust Windows settings for people who are blind, have trouble seeing, are deaf, are hearing impaired, or have trouble using a keyboard or mouse.