How to Change a Computer Desktop Background

A sample desktop background

For many, the computer desktop background (also known as "wallpaper") is a great way to personalize a computer. As the backdrop for all programs and windows on the computer, the desktop background is frequently viewed while switching programs, minimizing windows and when the computer is not in use. Often, one might see a picture that would make an ideal background, so it is helpful to know how to overwrite an old background for a new one.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

For Macintosh OS X Users

1. Locate the picture you wish to make your desktop background.

2. Right-click the image and choose "Save Image As..."

3. Save the picture in Finder to the "Pictures" folder on your computer's main folder.

4. Right-click a point of unoccupied space on your current desktop and click "Change Desktop Background..."

5. Navigate to the Pictures folder and find your image.

6. Select the image in the Pictures folder that will become the desktop background.

7. Close or minimize all open windows and applications in order to view your new background.

For Windows XP Users

1. Access the Internet.

2. Navigate to the picture online that you wish to change to your desktop background.

3. Right-click the picture and select "Set as Desktop Background..."

4. Minimize or close the Internet browser and all other open windows and applications in order to view your new background.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to choose fairly large pictures for desktop backgrounds. If a small picture is used, it tends to appear stretched and blurry on the desktop.

• Be sure to only access sites that have pictures that are not expressly copyrighted. If a picture was not posted with the intention of sharing it, it is not a good idea to use it as a desktop background.