Magnifier Basics

• A magnifier program such as XP Magnifier or ZoomText makes portions of your computer screen larger for easier readability. The amount of zoom can be adjusted depending on your visual needs, and the programs include other accessibility options such as contrast adjustment.
  
  

Scope

• XP Magnifier self describes as a program that can “provide a minimum level of functionality for users with slight visual impairments.” Microsoft recommends that users in need of regular magnification use a third-party program. ZoomText includes many more features than XP Magnifier, with highly customizable options designed for constant use.
  
  

Features

• XP Magnifier gives users a magnification window of variable size that fills a portion of the screen. The window can track mouse movements and other inputs and can scale magnification up to nine times the normal pixel size. ZoomText features magnification up to 36 times normal pixel size. At higher magnification settings, it uses a proprietary “xFont” enlarging system to enhance readability. Users can magnify all or a specific portion of the screen, as well as access options for magnifying the mouse cursor. ZoomText also includes complete brightness, color and contrast controls to further aid screen viewing.
  
  

Cost

• XP Magnifier has no cost beyond the cost of Windows XP, as the application comes with each copy of the operating system. A single license of ZoomText costs $395, though the cost may decrease if upgrading from an older version, or purchasing multiple copies for several users or systems.
  
  

Other Options

• The Windows Accessibility Options, accessible from the Control Panel, contain high contrast features for easing eyestrain, and the Display Properties options allow you to change Windows’ basic font sizes. Other third-party magnification software is also available, such as Iconico’s Magnifier and Freedom Scientific’s Magic Screen software.