Microsoft Windows 98 includes several tools and built-in features that make it easy to configure hardware and software on a computer.
Automatic hardware detection.
Hardware designed to work with Windows 98 is virtually self-configuring. When you run Windows 98 Setup, an automatic hardware detection routine determines the hardware components that are installed. Whether your system includes Plug and Play – compliant or legacy components, Windows 98 can automatically detect and configure them.
Configuration wizards.
Windows 98 includes wizards for installing new hardware; adding modems, infrared devices, scanners, digital cameras, and printers; installing applications; and tuning up your system. These tools lead you through the steps for configuring the new component on a computer.
Point and Print.
When you copy a printer icon from the server’s window to your Printers window or desktop, Windows 98 automatically installs the correct printer driver and configures the network connection to a network printer.
Control Panel options for system configuration.
Control Panel includes several tools for configuring various parts of your system. Table 23.1 describes some of these tools.
Note
The tools in Control Panel vary depending on the setup of your computer.
Table 23.1 Control Panel tools
| Icon | Description of tool |
|---|---|
|
Accessibility Options. Use this tool to adjust keyboard, sound, display, mouse, and general options to make Windows 98 easier to use for individuals with disabilities. For information, see Appendix H, "Accessibility." |
|
Add New Hardware. Use this wizard to configure newly installed hardware through detection or by selecting the corresponding driver from a list. For information, see Chapter 24, "Device Management." |
|
Add/Remove Programs. Use this wizard to install a program from a setup disk. You can also remove any application installed with this tool, add components from the Windows 98 compact disc, or create a new startup disk. For information, see Chapter 25, "Application Support." |
|
Date/Time. Use this tool to change date, time, and time zone settings for your computer. For information, see Help. |
|
Display. Use this tool to change background and screen saver choices. Modify settings for on-screen fonts, colors, color palette, active desktop, and so on. For information on configuring the display, see Chapter 24, "Device Management" and Chapter 30, "Hardware Management." |
|
Fonts. Use this tool to view installed fonts or install new fonts. For information, see Chapter 11, "Printing, Imaging, and Fonts." |
|
Game Controllers. Use this tool to add, remove, or change settings for game controllers. For information about game controllers, see Chapter 24, "Device Management," and Chapter 30, "Hardware Management." |
|
Infrared. Use this tool to configure and monitor infrared communication. (This is available to users who have infrared devices on their computers.) For information about Infrared devices, see Chapter 19, "Remote Networking and Mobile Computing." |
|
Internet. Use this tool to change your Internet settings. For information about the Internet, see Chapter 20, "Internet Access and Tools." |
|
Keyboard. Use this tool to change options for the style of keyboard you use and for the rate at which the characters you type are displayed. (The appearance of the icon might be different, depending on the type of keyboard used.) For information, see Help. |
|
Modems. Use this wizard to add a new modem. You can also use this tool to configure or diagnose installed modems. For information, see Chapter 21, "Modems and Communications Tools." |
|
Mouse. Use this tool to change mouse or pointer options. (The appearance of the icon might be different, depending on the type of mouse used.) For information, see Chapter 24, "Device Management." |
|
Multimedia. Use this tool to change options for audio playback and recording, MIDI output and schemes, and compact disc playback volume. Use the Advanced properties to install or configure multimedia hardware, drivers, and codecs. For information, see Chapter 12, "Multimedia." |
|
Network. Use this tool to configure network hardware and software. For information about networks, see Chapter 14, "Introduction to Networking Configuration." |
|
Passwords. Use this tool to change passwords and set security options. For information about passwords, see Chapter 9, "Security." |
|
Power Management. Use this tool to change power management settings. For information about power management, see Chapter 24, "Device Management." |
|
Printers. Use this tool to configure existing printers or add a new printer. For information, see Chapter 11, "Printing, Imaging, and Fonts." |
|
Regional Settings. Use this tool to change how numbers, currencies, dates, and times are displayed on your computer. For information, see Help. |
|
Scanners and Cameras. Use this tool to install, remove, or change properties for a scanner or a digital camera. (This is available to users who have scanners or digital cameras on their computers.) For information, see Help. |
|
Sounds. Use this tool to create or modify sound schemes. (This is available to users who have sound cards on their computers.) For information, see Help. |
|
System. Use this tool to view general information about your computer. Use Device Manager to list or configure hardware properties. You can also list, copy, or rename hardware profiles and view performance status settings. For information, see Chapter 24, "Device Management." |
|
Telephony. Use this tool to configure telephony drivers and dialing properties. For information about telephony, see Chapter 21, "Modems and Communications Tools." |
|
Users. Use this tool to set up and manage multiple users on your computer. For information, see Chapter 7, "User Profiles." |