Working with Powershell and a Command Prompt using the Consolas Font Pack

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I have found the more time invested in Powershell for Exchange 2007 and Operations Manager 2007 Administration the more the reality of using a Command Windows that is viewable. I have invested in good quality Monitors and find myself sitting closer to the Monitor based solely on the Application in use. A number of months back (I know, I know, many months back) Bill Hill, Program Manager for the Internet Explorer Team posted a good article on why using the new Microsoft Consolas Font Pack is a good thing. After working with the Consolas Font Pack install on every Lab and Client Server available I have to admit it makes a big difference when prolonged reading of a Command Windows is necessary.

The big differences is using a mono-spaced font in a Command Window and how Cleartype renders that font. Don't take my word for it though, give it a try. There are just a couple of steps involved in configuration. Here they are:

Download and Install the Consolas Font Pack using the .MSI File Format.
Add the following Registry Key
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Console\TrueTypeFont" /v 00 /d Consolas
Logoff the Server or Workstation (my experience is a Reboot may be required for 'older' Operating Systems (WinXP).
Open a Command Window, Right Mouse Click then select 'Properties' of the Windows, then navigate to the 'Font' Tab, then select Consolas (if you don't see Consolas as a selectable Font the Registry Key was not written correctly).
Select a Size of 20 or higher.
Select the 'Colors' Tab and then the 'Screen Text' modal button, then select 'White' (for example).

Save the Settings then launch a new Command Window. You should see a much clearer font in a larger format onscreen. One of the added benefits of this Font Family is it can be used in any Command Window. So, the more 'Powershell-ing' you do the more you will want this clarity!