2-2 IBM Personal Computer User GuideControlling monitor settingsWhen you connected your monitor to your system unit and turned your computer onfor the first time, your computer automatically selected settings for monitorperformance. Depending on the monitor you have, you might want to change someof these settings for optimal performance. Using Windows, you can customize thescreen resolution, number of colors, the size of the screen, and other properties.Refer to the documentation that came with your monitor for model-specific monitorinformation and configuration settings.Getting the best performance from your monitorFollow these guidelines to get the best performance from your monitor:• Place your monitor away from sources of magnetic interference, such as othermonitors, unshielded speakers, and electric power lines. (If your computercame with speakers, those speakers are shielded.)• Keep the monitor screen clean by using a nonabrasive screen or glass cleaner.Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the screen.• Under some conditions, interference patterns, such as curved, shadowy linescan occur. If these patterns appear on your screen, change your softwareprogram's background color or design.• To extend the life of your monitor, turn it off at the end of each day.Note:If the image on your monitor screen is scrolling,blinking, or flashing the first time you turn on yourcomputer, read “Is anything displayed on themonitor?” on page 8-4 in the chapter “Diagnosingand recovering from problems”.