Windows centralizes the settings for many features that control the behavior and appearance of the computer. These settings are categorized in utilities, or small programs, found in the Control Panel, as shown in Figure 1. Adding or removing programs, changing network settings, and changing the security settings are some of the configuration options available in the Control Panel.
The names of various categories in the Control Panel differ slightly depending on the version of Windows installed. By default, icons are grouped into the following eight categories in Windows 7:
- System and Security - To configure system and security settings
- Network and Internet - To configure network connection types
- Hardware and Sound - To configure devices connected to the computer and settings for sound
- Programs - To remove, change, and repair applications
- User Accounts and Family Safety - To create and remove user accounts and set up parental controls
- Appearance and Personalization - To control the look and feel of the Windows GUI
- Clock, Language, and Region - To specify location and language
- Ease of Access - To configure Windows for vision, hearing, and mobility needs
In Windows you can change how the Control Panel is displayed. The view that you select determines which utilities are immediately accessible in the Control Panel. In Windows 7, the view options include:
- Category - Groups the Control Panel utilities into easy-to-navigate groups.
- Large Icons - Displays the utilities in alphabetical order using large icons.
- Small icons - Displays the utilities in alphabetical order using small icons.
NOTE: This course uses the large icon view, as shown in Figure 2.
In Windows Vista, there are two view options:
- Control Panel Home – Groups the Control Panel utilities into easy-to-navigate groups.
- Classic View – Displays all of the Control Panel utilities individually.
In Windows XP, there are two view options:
- Category - Groups the Control Panel utilities into easy-to-navigate groups.
- Classic View – Displays all of the Control Panel utilities individually.