Bill Myers - January 22, 2010

Here's the quick and easy way to significantly enhance th readability of your computer screen (and screencasts you record), without spending a penny. Only takes a minute or two, and the results are immediate.

If you spend much time on your computer, you probably know that no matter how big your monitor is or how powerful a graphics card you have installed, text displayed on computer screens simply isn't as readible as text on paper.

Yes, your eyes will adjust to this kind of text, but if you spend long hours on your computer, you will pay the price in eyestrain and headaches.

The good news is, if you are running any version of Windows, there's a easy way to significantly enhance the quality of computer screen text display, without spending a penny.

To do that, use the free Window ClearType Tuner.

This free tool, developed by Microsoft, is designed to optimize computer screen text to match your computer screen, your graphics card and your eyes.

To use ClearType Tuner, visit http://www.microsoft.com/typography/ClearType/tuner/tune.aspx , accept the small download from Microsoft, and then put a check in the 'turn on cleartype' box.

Then click 'next', and choose the settings that produce the best looking text on your computer.

It's easy to do, and can make almost all text on your computer screen easier to read.

If you are using screen capture programs to create videos like I do, you'll definitely want to use the ClearType Tuner so that the text on your captured screens is sharp and easy to read.

Again, ClearTypeTuner is a free tool from Microsoft. Find it at http://www.microsoft.com/typography/ClearType/tuner/tune.aspx

Note that the ClearTypeTuner can only be adjusted while using Microsoft Internet Explorer browser, but the results will be apparent in all browsers.