I currently use 800x600 resolution or whatever is close to that number, but I would like to use 1000x800 or something like that. However, when I put my resolution to a number like that, things get too small and make it hard to read. I have a 17" monitor right now, if I were to get a 21" monitor would 1000x800 resolution be easier to see?

Basically, yes. But there is no reason why you cannot use a greater resolution on a 17" monitor. I am using 1280*1024 on the same size monitor.

Right-click on the desktop, and select properties>settings>advanced, and select large fonts. That should help.

On a seventeen inch monitor you should be able to use 1024x768 with no problem
I don’t think you would / should need to use Large fonts with that resolution and monitor combo

Ok, I tried out what you said and it helps a bit. Some things are a bit odd though. For example, the text in my email messages are the new larger font size, but the message headers in my inbox are still their small size.

I am getting the same effect right now while I am righting. Everything on the screen is the new larger font size, except the words I am writing, they are still very small.

This also applies to games I play. The font on my computer is larger, but when I log into a game, it is still very small.

Yes a larger monitor will make things easier to see. Just for comparison, I have a 19" monitor, and I use 800x600 because I like to sit about 5' away from the screen, and my eyes aren't what they used to be.

You can also get a 17" flat panel LCD monitor which actually has screen area similar to a 19" CRT and gives a more crisp/clear picture than CRTs. I am using one set at a high resolution and generally can read things fairly well even with the type being small at times....