As a web page designer, I put a lot of effort into making a site look professional, well laid out, and to have a sense of balance. It is often a surprise when I see the page on someone else's computer. It may take on a new look - and usually not for the better! What has happened? A web site will try and adapt to an individual's system and will vary in appearance and layout from computer to computer. There are several things that will affect the appearance of a web site and it's printed page - the make, model and age of the computer, the monitor's pitch and size, the screen resolution, the color settings, the browser and its version and settings, the computer's default settings, and the printer. If you feel your web site does not look its best, contact your designer and see what can be done. Here are some suggestions for a better view: Screen Resolution: In the past most pages were designed for a screen resolution of 800x600 pixels. Some older systems were set for 640x480 pixels which often resulted in having to scroll from left to right. An 800x600 resolution gave a better appearance and the web page more closely adapted to the original intent. The width of the gold bar above is 725 pixels - if you have to scroll to see the end, you probably have a 640x480 resolutions (or side tool bars, discussed below). If you are seeing a lot of white area, chances are your resolution is set for 1024x768 and the design is created for a lower resolution. Today 1024x768 is becoming the standard with sites being designed with 1024x768 in mind. To check or change your resolution, go to the Control Panel, select Display and then Settings. Make an adjustment if needed. Colors and Font, and Font Size: On the same Control Panel Screen you can also adjust the colors and font size. I have mine set at the highest color possible. You can play around with Font Size, but this can also be adjusted in your browser. The style of font can also affect your appearance - stay with a common font such as Time Roman or Arial. Web Browser: Unlike in the past, today almost everyone uses MS Internet Explorer as their web browser - use the latest version available unless you have a very old system. There are always new advances in web page design and many can be handled only by newer versions. Maximize Your Viewing Area: Often the default view on Explorer will display a number of top or side tool bars which takes away space from the web page. You can eliminate or reduce much of this, allowing you to view more of the web page without scrolling. The height of the gold bar on the left is 450 pixels. If you cannot see the entire bar - and you have an 800x600 screen resolution - then you may want to consider adjusting the tool bars. The exact procedure may vary depending on the browser version, but explore your menu options. MS Internet Explorer - You can make the above changes in Explorer. Either go to VIEW and try different settings or go to TOOLS, INTERNET OPTIONS, GENERAL and make changes. Printer: The layout of a web page on the screen will not necessarily be the way it prints - again, the site adapts itself to the system. Explore the PAGE SET up menu option and the Printer's Properties. In addition, you can select if you want the site's information to print - title, address, page number and date. Try different settings and select what you prefer - but realize that your selections will affect a site's appearance. If you have questions, contact - Dianne Parkerson Business Internet Pages

December 2006