Perhaps the best-unknown feature of Windows XP or Vista is ClearType technology. If you're not familiar with ClearType, it's a font technology from Microsoft that enhances the readability of text. The goal was to make computer text as sharp as printed text. And according to Jakob Nielson, the technology could improve people's reading speeds between 10% and 15%.

ClearType results do vary based on your monitor. As example, I find the feature more useful on my notebook computer than my desktop. Microsoft even acknowledges the technology works better on flat panel displays than CRTs. This may be why some manufacturers opted not to turn the feature on for users.

There are two ways to turn the feature on, but the best way is through the Microsoft site using Internet Explorer. After the feature is enabled, they have a quick tuner to further refine your settings.

• Cost: Free
• URL: http://www.microsoft.com/typography/ClearType/tuner/tune.aspx
• URL: Jakob Nielsen Usability site