Most people put up with a number of little computing annoyances every day. If you don’t use a particular piece of software often, it may not be worth figuring out all the nuances. However, over time sometimes little annoyances can turn into big annoyances. Recently I received the following e-mail message from a reader:
"I have a question regarding the method (if one exists) of changing the font size for the default type size used in typing e-mail messages. Ours has a default size of 10. I would like to change it to 12 as I have difficulty in reading the smaller size as I type. If you can help me on this I would greatly appreciate it."
This question is a good one since type size is a personal thing. Changing the default type size depends on which e-mail program you are using. For example, in Outlook Express, you choose View|Text Size and choose a larger setting (such as Medium or Large, instead of Small or Smaller). Many other programs have a similar setting in their program options somewhere.
Some programs also have "stationery" or other similar templates you can use to add decorative touches to your e-mail. You generally can edit the stationery template using standard formatting commands to change how your e-mail looks when you are composing it. However, one thing a lot of folks don’t seem to understand is that just because you add those touches doesn’t mean that everyone will see them. Most e-mail programs have options you set to send and receive HTML e-mail or plain text e-mail. If the recipient does not have HTML e-mail turned on, they won’t see your nifty graphics and fonts.
In fact, I’m one of those die hards that sends and receives only plain text e-mail. So don’t bother with all the cool formatting; I won’t see it.