You can even choose the font you see. To change a column's width move your mouse over the column's border unitl the pointer turns into bi-directional arrow, as in this screen shot. Then click and drag. As you begin to drag it your mouse turns into a grabbing hand and dotted lines appear to show you where the column will land when you release the mouse. With List Views less is more.
Fewer columns equal more speed.
For every column of information you request from the Finder, the Finder has to do more work. To Each His Own When using List View for a window, all folders you view from within that window provide the same information. Now click the arrow next to a folder within that window to reveal the inner folder's contents. Notice that the info you see in the revealed folder matches its parent window. Next double-click to open that inner folder and set its own custom views.