How to Pull Computer Pranks

Whether you're gearing up for April Fool's Day or just in the mood to stir up some mischief, computer pranks are the way to go. If you want to prank a friend, family member or co-worker but don't want to download anything on their computer, there are a few pranks that may initially make them frustrated and confused, but will probably leave them laughing along with you.

Instructions

1. Change the cursor to the hourglass icon. Go to his "Start" menu and find his "Settings" menu. Open his "Control Panel," go to the "Mouse options" and click on his "Pointers" tab. Select the hourglass icon for the cursor image and your prank victim will think their computer is chugging away on a task that never finishes.

2. Turn her screen topsy-turvy. Simultaneously hold down both the "Control" and "Alt" keys. While keeping these keys pressed, press the down arrow key. On most computers, this will turn the screen image upside-down. To switch it back to normal, press "Alt," "Control" and the "Up" arrow key.

3. Adjust the brightness level all the way up on the computer monitor and the contrast level all the way down. The screen will appear blank or broken and the prank victim will knock himself out trying to figure out what went wrong.

4. Mess with her mouse. Go to the "Start" menu and find the "Control Panel" option. Choose "Printers" and "Other Hardware." Click on the "Mouse" option and switch the settings from right-handed to left-handed or vice-versa. Your victim will think her mouse is broken or her computer has a virus.

Tips & Warnings

• Notify the person in charge of tech support before you pull a computer prank at work. It's good to give him a heads-up before he's promptly dispatched to a potentially irate colleague.

• Don't pull computer pranks on people already stressed out or in a hurry to meet a deadline. It's just cruel.

• Not everyone has the same sense of humor. Be prepared since your victim may get seriously upset over her computer's failure. If someone is truly distraught over the situation, let her in on the joke and apologize for her distress.