Customizing the icon drop shadow effect

Customizing the icon drop shadow effect

One cool new feature of Windows XP is the Use Drop Shadows for Icon Labels on the
Desktop. This new effect really makes the icons stand out from your wallpaper and makes
them much easier to read when you are using a background, such as a photo, that has both
light and dark spots. Unfortunately, depending on your computer’s hardware configuration, you
may or may not be able to experience this cool new effect. If you have a newer computer that
has an average graphics card, you will have no problem using this feature. But if you have an
older graphics card, then you may be out of luck.
The Use Drop Shadows for Icon Labels on the Desktop can be turned on or off. Depending
on the wallpaper that you are using, you may like or dislike the feature. I really like the new
effect, but if you like having a clean and crisp interface, I recommend disabling the effect.

Follow these steps to turn the feature on or off:

1. Click the Start button, and select Run.
2. Key in sysdm.cpl and click OK to launch system properties.
3. Click the Advanced tab, and then click the Settings button under the Performance
section.
4. While on the Visual Effects tab, scroll down to the bottom of the box.
5. Locate Use Drop Shadows for Icon Labels on the Desktop, as shown in Figure 3-1, and
check or uncheck the value, depending on what you would like to do.
6. Click OK to save your changes.
7. Click OK once more to close the System Properties window.