On-Screen Fonts Easier to Read
For Windows, Microsoft offers ClearType, a technology that attempts to improve the readability of on-screen fonts. If you’re using Windows Vista, you’re all set, ClearType is turned on by default. In Windows XP, however, you will have to turn it on. It’s worth the effort, particularly if you’re using a flat screen monitor. The technology works by manipulating subpixel brightness (subpixels are essentially the small points of red, green, and blue that make a single pixel on the screen) to “smooth” the edges of on-screen fonts.
To turn on ClearType, right-click an empty area on your Desktop and choose the Properties option. In the Display Properties dialog box, click the tab labeled Appearance. From there, click the Effects… button. In the Effects window, check the second option entitled, “Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts,” and choose ClearType from the pulldown menu. When you’re done, click OK to return to the Display Properties dialog box, then click OK again to return to your desktop.
The smoothing is subtle, but you’ll notice fewer “jaggies” and slightly softer, easier to read fonts. Enjoy!