Q & A: Separate ClearType settings possible

Q: I know you can adjust the ClearType settings in Windows 7 to make the type on the screen look sharper. But is it possible to save these settings and switch back and forth between two users with different sets of eyes and opinions about what looks best?

A: You can save separate ClearType settings for each individual user account on the same machine. Each person just needs to log into his or her personal account to see the preferred type display.

ClearType, for those who are unfamiliar with it, is Microsoft's technology for making text look better and easier to read on LCD screens. ClearType has been around for more than 10 years and basically works by tapping into the separate color elements of each screen pixel to ultimately increase the sharpness of the type on the display.

Windows 7 includes a ClearType Text Tuner program that guides you through a few screens meant to adjust the look of the screen text to your liking. From the Start menu, go to the Control Panel to Appearance and Personalization and click on “Adjust ClearType text.”

The ClearType Text Tuner works much like an exam in an eye doctor's office, where you choose your preference between several type samples. Windows will also check to make sure the screen display is set to its native resolution, as different monitor settings can affect the look of the screen text. The Clear-Type feature, for those who dislike it, can be turned off here as well.

Windows XP and Windows Vista users can also fine-tune their ClearType settings, either through a Web-based version of the Tuner or with ClearType Tuner PowerToy, a free bit of software available for download from Microsoft's Web site. Links to both the online version of the ClearType Tuner and the PowerToy can be found at microsoft.com/typography.

Q: If I buy a GPS unit for my car, do I get free map updates or do I have to pay?

A: Many companies that sell GPS (global positioning system) devices typically offer updates to the unit's preloaded maps, but the cost may vary based on the company. Depending on the GPS model, it may come with free lifetime updates for roadmaps and traffic conditions already included in the price. Other models may require a subscription fee for regular map updates or simply charge a set price for one map update.

You can usually find out map policies and prices on the Web sites of the major GPS manufacturers (like Garmin, TomTom, and Magellen) by clicking the Maps link on the home page. The descriptions of the individual GPS models offered often include information about map updates too.