Configuring Windows Settings for Outlook

Although most of the settings you’ll need to configure for Outlook 2007 are configured through the program itself, some settings in the underlying operating system have an impact on the way Outlook 2007 functions and displays your data. This section offers an overview of the settings you might consider reviewing or modifying for use with Outlook 2007.

Display Settings

Because Outlook 2007 packs a lot of information into a relatively small amount of space, your display resolution has some impact on the application’s usefulness. You should configure your system for a screen resolution of at least a 1024 × 768 desktop, preferably larger, depending on the size of your monitor. This is particularly important if you’re using multiple Outlook 2007 windows at one time.

To configure properties for the display, you use the Display icon in Microsoft Windows® Control Panel. You can also right-click the desktop and choose Properties to open the Display dialog box.

Note

A handful of freeware and shareware applications are available that let you create multiple virtual desktops to expand your available desktop space. A search of your favorite shareware site should turn up at least one or two such utilities. An application we particularly like for managing multiple monitors is UltraMon, from www.ultramon.com.

Regional Settings

The regional settings on your computer determine how the operating system displays time, dates, currency, and other localized data. Because Outlook 2007 uses these types of data extensively, configuring your regional settings properly is an important step in setting up for Outlook 2007. This step is especially important for your calendar if you use multiple time zones. To configure regional settings, use the Regional Settings or Regional Options icon in Control Panel.

Time Synchronization

Much of your Outlook 2007 data is time-sensitive. For example, e-mail messages have sent and received times, and meetings are scheduled for specific periods. If your system’s clock isn’t accurate, some of that data won’t be accurate. You should make sure that your clock is set correctly and that the system maintains the accurate time. You can set the time either by using the Date/Time icon in Control Panel or by double-clicking the clock in the system tray.

You also can use synchronization tools to synchronize your computer with a time server. Such tools are available as third-party utilities for use with all Microsoft Windows platforms, and a search of your favorite download site should turn up a few. In addition, Windows XP clients can take advantage of the Windows Time Service (W32Time), which allows client computers to synchronize their time with domain controllers on their network. If you’re not familiar with W32Time, check with your system administrator for help in setting it up.

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