How to Increase the Resolution on your computer screen:
 
1. Minimize all applications so that you have a clear view of your desktop.
2. Right-click an open area of the desktop - make sure you don't right-click an icon such as My Computer by mistake.
3. From the small menu that appears, click (left mouse button) on "Properties."
4. A "Display Properties" window will appear; click the "Settings" tab to bring it to the front.
5. In the lower right portion of that tab, find the section titled "Screen Area" with a slide bar going from left to right, or from "less" to "more."
6. With your mouse, slide the bar to the right, towards the "more" side.  As you slide the bar, you should see the word under it go from 800 X 600 to a higher resolution, such as 1024 X 768.
7. I recommend trying just one notch at a time.  Click "Apply" to test your new settings.  An informational message will appear, saying that you will have 15 seconds to test your new settings before they take effect.  
8. Click "OK" to test the new settings.  The screen will change to allow you to view it, and if you want to keep those settings, click "Yes" within 15 seconds.  To keep your old settings, click "No" or wait 15 seconds.
9. Repeat steps 6-8 until you have a setting that you are satisfied with. When you are done, click "OK" to make the Display Properties box disappear.

Tips:
 
1. Some video cards and/or monitors support fewer colors as the screen resolution increases.  It is up to you to decide which is more important.  The number of colors is to the left of the "Screen Area" section on the same tab.
2. Once you have your resolution set higher, try maximizing the window for various programs.  You may be surprised how much of a spreadsheet or webpage you can view on your screen!