PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition

Setting Font Size

Windows uses Small Fonts by default, but allows you to select predefined Large Fonts, or to specify a custom font size by choosing Other. The font size setting you select provides a “baseline” value from which the size of vector-based fonts used in applications is calculated. Choosing one of the predefined settings also installs a set of raster fonts that are used for such things as icon labels. A common reason for using Large Fonts is when you run higher than standard resolution—e.g., 1024x768 on a 15-inch monitor, where using Large Fonts or a custom font size allows you to make the text large enough to be readable. Be cautious, however. Many applications do not display properly using anything except Small Fonts. Note that instead of changing font size directly (Display Properties → Settings → Advanced → General), you can achieve similar results by selecting a different Scheme in the Appearance page of the Display Properties dialog.