Confusing Control Panel Layout

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bill G.
  • Start date Start date
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Bill G.

I just installed RC1 (5600) and all's really well. I'm impressed by Vista,
although it seems like only a GUI redesign and Linux-like security
restraints.

Anyway, the only complaint is the redesign of all the system settings. The
new Control Panel layout has become a bit confusing....with the different
dialogs and settings scattered around as tasks. XP was far more concise and
coherent as far as settings organization is concerned. And even though the
classic view seems to be a good workaround, some good old features have been
stripped away.

For example, remember the Display Options dialog from all previous versions
of Windows? Well, now each of those 5 tabs are available through
corresponding tasks in the Personalize window.....actually not! The
'Appearance' tab is completely inaccessible from anywhere! You, know, the
tab where you could change skins, window colors and control font smoothing
(standard or ClearType). It seems that no available task leads to that tab.
Though, it's still there. You can search for 'ClearType' and in the Help and
Support article that turns up, there's actually a link to that tab. Now, if
that's not frustrating, what is?

That was just a profound example, but as far as the Control Panel is
concerned, I think that there was only redesign for it's own sake, and not
functionality or ease. I hope the final release is actually more usable in
those terms. I actually sent them a feedback form on this, but I wonder if
someone will ever read that. Anyone with the same thoughts, so we can make
the trusty ol' MS notice a potential mistake?
 
Bill G. said:
I just installed RC1 (5600) and all's really well. I'm impressed by Vista,
although it seems like only a GUI redesign and Linux-like security
restraints.

Anyway, the only complaint is the redesign of all the system settings. The
new Control Panel layout has become a bit confusing....with the different
dialogs and settings scattered around as tasks. XP was far more concise and
coherent as far as settings organization is concerned. And even though the
classic view seems to be a good workaround, some good old features have been
stripped away.

For example, remember the Display Options dialog from all previous versions
of Windows? Well, now each of those 5 tabs are available through
corresponding tasks in the Personalize window.....actually not! The
'Appearance' tab is completely inaccessible from anywhere! You, know, the
tab where you could change skins, window colors and control font smoothing
(standard or ClearType). It seems that no available task leads to that tab.
Though, it's still there. You can search for 'ClearType' and in the Help and
Support article that turns up, there's actually a link to that tab. Now, if
that's not frustrating, what is?

That was just a profound example, but as far as the Control Panel is
concerned, I think that there was only redesign for it's own sake, and not
functionality or ease. I hope the final release is actually more usable in
those terms. I actually sent them a feedback form on this, but I wonder if
someone will ever read that. Anyone with the same thoughts, so we can make
the trusty ol' MS notice a potential mistake?
Click to expand...

I'm not so sure about that -- It was kind of difficult to get to it because
it was "new", but as you learn what goes where, it really does make sense,
and it's not really a problem. Like they've said here many times, if
everything's going to be the same as previous versions, then what's the
point of coming out with a new version?

Anyway - The UI settings you were referring to are found under
"Performance" I found this accidentally, but it does make sense, as all
these options do have an impact on the performance of your machine. For
those people who are not quite satisfied with the speed of the OS, they can
just go to this one place and uncheck all the "eye candy", etc and their
machine will be faster.

With XP, I always used "classic" -- With Vista, I am leaving all the
"grouping" and start menu options as default. I like them all better than
the "old" way.
 
For example, remember the Display Options dialog from all previous versions
of Windows? Well, now each of those 5 tabs are available through
corresponding tasks in the Personalize window.....actually not! The
'Appearance' tab is completely inaccessible from anywhere! You, know, the
tab where you could change skins, window colors and control font smoothing
(standard or ClearType). It seems that no available task leads to that tab.
Click to expand...

Hi Bill,
If you right-click on the desktop and choose Personalize, it takes you to
the Personalization control panel. Choose the "Window Color and Appearance"
link, at the very top. After this opens, choose the link "Open classic
appearance properties for more color options", towards the bottom of the
window. This opens the "Appearance Settings" tab in a new window.

Hope this helps,
Dean
 
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