Do you find yourself fighting the urge to press your nose against the screen because you can’t see text and images clearly?

If so, it might be time to check out some of the features in Windows and Internet Explorer that can improve your view.

Magnify your screen
Windows has a built in Magnifier that lets you magnify your computer screen. Magnifier is a lot like built-in bifocals you can adjust. You see two screens, one the way you’ve customized it, and one that shows the larger font.

You can move your mouse pointer anywhere on the non-magnified part of the page, and then type your changes in the magnified section. This is especially helpful when you have your font set to a smaller size to see everything on one screen but need to have an enlarged view for specific areas.

Here’s how to use Magnifier in Windows 7 or Windows Vista:

1.Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click Ease of Access, and then click Magnifier.

2.Move the pointer to the part of the screen that you want to magnify.

3.The Magnifier dialog box appears on the task bar. To close the magnifier, enlarge the dialog box, and click Close

Here’s how to use Magnifier in Windows XP:

1.Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, point to Accessibility, and then click Magnifier.

2.Move the pointer to the part of the screen that you want to magnify.

3.The Magnifier dialog box appears on the screen. You can minimize it so it’s on the taskbar. When you want to close the Magnifier, restore the dialog box, and click Exit

About Magnifier in Windows 7
Magnifier in Windows 7 includes full-screen and lens modes. Full-screen mode lets you magnify your entire screen and follow your mouse pointer. In lens mode, the area around the mouse pointer is magnified. When you move the mouse pointer, the area of the screen that is magnified moves along with it. Learn more about Magnifier in Windows 7.

Zoom in and see the Web more clearly
Internet Explorer Zoom lets you enlarge or reduce the view of a Web page. Unlike just changing the font size, Zoom enlarges or reduces everything on the page, including text and images. You can zoom from 10% to 1,000%.

1.Click the Start button, and then click Internet Explorer.

2.On the lower-right of the Internet Explorer screen, click the arrow next to the Change Zoom Level button .

3.To go to a predefined zoom level, click the percentage of enlargement or reduction you want.

4.To specify a custom level, click Custom. In the Percentage zoom box, type a zoom value, and then click OK.

Mice and keyboards with Zoom and Magnifier
Many Microsoft mice and keyboards come with built in Zoom and Magnifier features, making zooming and magnifying as easy as clicking a button.

The Zoom feature makes it a breeze to read small print in documents and spreadsheets and tiny text in e-mail and Web pages, such as disclaimers. The Zoom feature is as intuitive as adjusting the lighting in a room by using a dimmer. All you do is slide a lever on the keyboard to zoom in and zoom out. To learn more details, visit Microsoft keyboard products with Zoom.

The Microsoft mouse products that contain the Magnifier are like a magnifying glass that is held up to your computer screen. With a simple press and hold motion, the Magnifier enlarges the area of your screen that fits inside the lens. To learn more, visit Microsoft mouse products with Magnifier.

As much as the self proclaimed Gizmo Goddess loves the new marvels of modern technology, it is true that it is hard to get old dogs to do new tricks. Not that the Gizmo Goddess is a dog, but she was slow to jump on the iPhone bandwagon. Even though I was eligible for an upgrade a year ago, I was perfectly happy with my Cingular Pocket PC with touch screen, windows, slide out keyboard and my 100’s of ringtones. After all, every special person programmed in had their own special ringtone. Yes the phone was nearly the size of a brick compared to the iPhone, but I liked it and it worked.

Then one day last week, it did not work anymore. Actually it did, but it would no longer hold a charge. It was a great phone which traveled with me on many fun travels. Ok fine. I guess that is my sign to move on.
I was very surprised at how easy the iPhone was for Salvatore at the AT&T to set up for me. Ha Ha. He had no idea that he was setting up the Gizmo Goddess’s new cellular lifeline. I decided to keep the Gizmo Goddess undercover. After all, he was the expert on this new device. In just about an hour, I had the new iPhone with my contact all transferred from my old relic of a phone and my email set up. Although I was feeling pretty confident with the iPhone, I still needed to master the whole iTunes and Aps portion…Yikes.

I was extremely surprised at how easy it was to use iTunes, download applications, and sync with my Outlook calendar and contacts.

So after a week of iPhone use, I can honestly say that it was the best $100 I have ever spent.

I will be posting follow up reports on new aps, tricks, and other iPhone gems. So stay tuned!