Windows and ClearType
Most Mac based designers will tell you about the disparity between Mac and Windows type rendering. I was suprised to find this afternoon (while browsing Maratz.com), that Windows actually offers a solution, ClearType!
ClearType is a software technology developed by Microsoft that improves the readability of text on existing LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays), such as laptop screens, Pocket PC screens and flat panel monitors. With ClearType font technology, the words on your computer screen look almost as sharp and clear as those printed on a piece of paper.
Looks like you’re out of luck if you’re using a CRT. Well I decided to give this ClearType thing a whirl. It doesn’t appear to be part of the default installation, but you can download it for free. My first impression is everything looks a bit over aliased, almost to the point of blurry. This is still a massive improvement over the old text, though. With the ClearType Tuner Power Toy you can adjust these settings, so I think I can tone down the aliasing.
I don’t understand why Windows wouldn’t tout this to the design community unless they feel the only people designing on Windows are .NET developers. Now I don’t feel quite as behind, as the only designer I know using Windows.
I couldn’t agree more — Microsoft “hides” some really cool FREE software. I’m not spam nor selling anything, but I’ve listed all of Microsoft’s free software here!
http://spaces.msn.com/members/bhandler/Blog/cns!1pt1v0Q4vD8jSvNS4lqdAu ug!340.entry
Thanks Blake! I’ll be sure to check it out. Congrats, you broke my comments haha.
I’ve been using the ClearType feature since I got this laptop way back in 2002. You can turn on ClearType on any XP installation by right clicking on the desktop and going to Properties –> Appearance –> Effects (button) –> Use the “Clear Type” method to smooth edges of on-screen fonts.
It’s money! Windows bites ass (harder) without it!