FIG 1

In the General tab, there are 3 sections to change. The top section affects how My Computer and Windows Explorer display their windows. Open either and make the switch and see the difference.

The middle section affects what happens when you open a new window in My Computer and Windows Explorer. Try the different settings.

The bottom section sets clicking for single or double. Try each.

Note that you can return to the Windows defaults anytime.

FIG 2

The View tab has numerous settings. Space does not allow for discussion of each item. The most important ones are allowing Hidden files to show or not and hiding extensions.

This page has a discussion of the advantages of not hiding file extensions.

Again you can restore defaut settings.

FIG 3

Scrolling down the list provides additional settings. A description of each can be displayed by right clicking on any item and choose "What's This?"

FIG 4

When you first open File types, it shows the flashlight looking for current associations. For a detailed discussion of file extensions, click here.

FIG 5

After the search stops, you will see a list of all registered associations in your computer.

Scroll down and look through the list. Each association lists the program that will open the file.

FIG 6

Here is the example for jpg associations. In my computer, the jpg files are associated with Microsoft Photo editor.

This page provides info on changing associations.

Another way is to just delete the extension. The next time you try to open that type of file, it will ask you to pick a program from a list.

FIG 7

This last tab is new to XP. It is self explanatory. I followed the instructions to turn off FUS & the results are displayed in the next figure.

FIG 8

It starts like this. I checked the box to enable it and got the next figure.

FIG 9

The choices here are pretty much self explanatory. Again you can get an explanation by using the What's This from a right click or the question mark at the top.