Do you have difficulty seeing the computer screen?

Well, Windows 7 provides two ways to make it easier for you. The first methodis to use Windows Magnifier. However, this is only a temporary fix. As soon as you turn off the computer the Magnifier now longer is operational.

The second method is to use the Change Font Size option in the Fonts Windows. This is a more permanent option. You can change from the default setting, Smaller, to Medium or Larger. Once changed, they remain place until you switch to another setting.

Both features can make it easier for those with vision difficulties to make better use of the computer.

Method 1 Using the Windows Magnifier

Accessing the Magnifier

1. Click the Start button.
2. In the Search box, type Magnifier.
3. In the top of the Search windows, click Magnifier.

4. This opens the Magnifier dialog box.

Magnifier at Work
Here is the enlarged view (screen capture) of this document using the Magnifier.

To revert to the regular or normal view I clicked the Magnification class and the Magnifier dialog window re-opened. Then I clicked the button to revert to normal view.

Modifying the Magnifier 
When Magnifier is switched on but temporarily inactive, you’ll see a small magnification glass on the screen. Clicking it reactivates the Magnifier’s dialog box.

Changing the Magnifier Views

1. Click the down arrow button on Views in the toolbar.

2. The drop-down menu has options  Full Screen, Lens or Docked. Each has a keyboard shortcut.
3. Choose the option that suits.

Changing the Magnifier Options
You can also change the Magnifier’s Options. This is available on the Magnifier’s toolbar.

1. Click the Options button on the right of the Views button.
2. This opens a dialog box where there are several options.
3. Choose an option.
4. When finished, click the Ok button.

Method 2 Using the Change Font Size Feature

This is perhaps one of the most useful features of the Font window.

Now I know you can use the Magnifier option to make it easier to read but that is only a temporary fix. Using the Change Font Size option from the Fonts window is better for long term use.

Each setting, Medium or Larger, not only makes the print larger but all other features on the screen are easier to see, including the Taskbar.

1. In the Font window, select Change Font Size.
2. Select Medium or Larger.
3. Click the Apply button.

3. Windows then advises you to Log Off to re-set the computer.

4. Click Log off now.

5. Windows re-opens with the new setting.

In this illustration you can see the same Window screen in the three settings  Small (default), Medium and Larger.

I find one of the biggest pluses is the increase in the Size of the Start menu and the Taskbar.

In the smaller setting these are a bit hard to read. So it’s up to you to choose whether to use the Magnifier or Change the Font Size Options.

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