The free ClearType Tuner adds an option in Control Panel to remove pixelation and smooth font appearance in Windows XP.
Lifehacker reader Kevin writes in, "As a PC user, I have always been jealous of the way text displays on Mac OS X — it was always a smoother, more true representation of the font." The ClearType Tuner brings smooth fonts to the PC. "Once you see what you've been missing, I'd be surprised if anyone goes back," Kevin says.
See the image for what Lifehacker text looks like pre (left side) and post (right side) ClearType Tuner - or give it a go yourself. Free download from Papa Microsoft. Thanks, Kevin!
Update: my 'softie friend points out that the ClearType Tuner only worky on LCD monitors. Thanks Chris!
Update update: several readers point out that you can turn on clear type on any monitor from the Control Panel, Display -> Appearance -> Effects -> and then tick the "Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts" and select "ClearType". What the ClearType Tuner buys you is some extra contrast and striping settings for LCD monitors to "tune" your ClearType. Thanks Budi and Zac!
Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP [Microsoft]