How to Get Cool Desktop Backgrounds for Windows XP Using Flickr

While the Windows XP operating system provides some very good images to use as desktop backgrounds, sometimes you want something a little different. You can find great desktop backgrounds using Flickr, an online photo management and sharing application. Browse countless photos and find one that suits your style and personalizes your computer.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Windows XP (any flavor)
• Internet connection

Instructions

1. 

   Go to Flickr's web site at <http://flickr.com/>.

2. 

   If you know what type of image you are looking for then search for it using keywords in the search box on the home page.

3. 

   Otherwise, simply navigate the web site and find an image that is appealing to you. The best way to do this is to click on the browse popular tags link or the browse interesting photos shared over the last 7 days link.

4. 

   Once you find an image you like, make sure that it displays the All Sizes icon with a magnifying glass above the image. Only images with this icon can be used for your Windows desktop background. Click on the icon.

5. 

   Select the image size that closest matches the display resolution of your Windows desktop. Right click on the image and choose Set as Background.

6. 

   Open your Display Properties from the Windows Control Panel and select the Desktop tab. Make sure that you select Stretch from the Position dropdown menu. This will expand the image to fill your entire screen and provide a great look.

Tips & Warnings

• Finding an image with a length to width ratio that is similar to your display resolution will produce the best backgrounds.

• Only images with the All Sizes icon can be downloaded as a desktop background.