Book description
Visual learners will find clear, step-by-step screen shots that show how to tackle more than 150 tasks related to using a laptop. Each task-based spread includes easy, visual directions for such operations as comparing different laptop models, using the keyboard and touchpad, connecting to a wireless network, adding PC cards and input devices, securing an Internet connection, setting up a low-battery alarm, and more. Helpful sidebars offer practical tips and tricks, while full-color screen shots demonstrate each task.
Table of contents
- Copyright
- Praise for Visual Books
- Credits
- About the Author
- Author's Acknowledgments
- How To Use This Book
- 1. Introducing the Laptop
-
2. Choosing Laptop Peripherals and Accessories
- 2.1. Get Extra Connectors
- 2.2. Add Input Devices
- 2.3. Buy a Laptop Case
- 2.4. Types of External Data Storage
- 2.5. Save to a Data Storage Device
- 2.6. Add PC Cards
- 2.7. Connect to a Printer
- 2.8. Add Security
- 2.9. Use Cooling Pads and Docking Stations
- 2.10. Take Along Power Accessories
- 2.11. Add Headphones
- 2.12. Connect and Test a Microphone
-
3. Buying Your Laptop
- 3.1. Choose an Operating System
- 3.2. Select a Price Range
- 3.3. Select the Right Weight
- 3.4. Look at Wireless Capabilities
- 3.5. Understanding Battery Life
- 3.6. Choose the Best Battery
- 3.7. Choose a Monitor
- 3.8. Determine Memory and Storage Needs
- 3.9. Select a Microprocessor
- 3.10. Review Graphics Capabilities
- 3.11. Examine the Keyboard and Mouse
- 3.12. Consider Final Details
-
4. Setting Up Your New Laptop
- 4.1. Examine the Laptop
- 4.2. Connect Cables and Peripherals
- 4.3. Charge the Battery
- 4.4. Turn the Laptop On and Off
- 4.5. Install a Program
- 4.6. Use a Touchpad or Button Mouse
- 4.7. Input with a Tablet PC
- 4.8. Use a Wireless Mouse
- 4.9. Get to Know the Keyboard
- 4.10. Work with the Embedded Numeric Keypad
- 4.11. Adjust Screen Brightness
- 5. Working with a Macintosh
-
6. Exploring Windows Vista
- 6.1. Get to Know the Desktop
- 6.2. Access the Start Menu
- 6.3. Add a Desktop Shortcut
- 6.4. Work with the Recycle Bin
- 6.5. Adjust System Volume
- 6.6. Display and Close the Sidebar
- 6.7. Work with Gadgets
- 6.8. Work with Windows Explorer
- 6.9. Change the Screen Resolution
- 6.10. Change the Desktop Background
- 6.11. Get Help
- 6.12. Ask for Remote Assistance
- 7. File Management Basics
-
8. Software Basics
- 8.1. Install a Program
- 8.2. Open a Program
- 8.3. Switch between Programs
- 8.4. Open a Document
- 8.5. Explore a Program Window
- 8.6. Select a Command from a Menu
- 8.7. Select a Command from a Toolbar
- 8.8. Tour Office 2007
- 8.9. Select Options from Dialog Boxes
- 8.10. Using Dialog Box Controls
- 8.11. Save a Document with a Different Name
- 8.12. Print a Document
- 8.13. Uninstall a Program
- 9. Using Software
- 10. Connecting to a Network
-
11. Exploring the Internet
- 11.1. Introduction to the Internet
- 11.2. Connect to the Internet
- 11.3. Make Your Connection Secure
- 11.4. Introduction to the World Wide Web
- 11.5. Learn about Web Browsers
- 11.6. Web Browser Features
- 11.7. Search Online
- 11.8. Read News
- 11.9. Research Online
- 11.10. Buy and Sell on the Internet
- 11.11. Bookmark Favorite Sites
-
12. Communicating Online
- 12.1. Understanding E-mail
- 12.2. Discover E-mail Addresses
- 12.3. Features of an E-mail Program
- 12.4. Create and Send Messages
- 12.5. Receive and Forward Messages
- 12.6. Work with Attachments
- 12.7. E-mail Etiquette
- 12.8. Communicate with Instant Messaging
- 12.9. Make Online Phone Calls with VoIP
- 12.10. Participate in Blogs and Social Sites
- 13. Managing Power
- 14. Maintaining Your Laptop
-
15. Computer Security
- 15.1. Understanding Computer Security
- 15.2. Protect Yourself Online
- 15.3. Protect Your Laptop on the Road
- 15.4. Understand and Use Password Protection
- 15.5. Stay Safe from Viruses
- 15.6. Reduce E-mail Spam
- 15.7. Improve E-mail Privacy
- 15.8. Keep Kids Safe Online
- 15.9. WEP and WPA
- 15.10. Block Malware
- 15.11. Protect Your Laptop with Windows Security Center
- 15.12. Make Settings for Windows Defender
Product information
- Title: Teach Yourself VISUALLY™ Laptops
- Author(s):
- Release date: November 2007
- Publisher(s): Visual
- ISBN: 9780470171110
You might also like
book
Laptops For Dummies, 7th Edition
The latest on getting the most from laptops and tablets Not that long ago, laptops were …
book
Anywhere Computing with Laptops: Making Mobile Easier
You bought your Centrino laptop computer because of its ease-of-use and portability. But are you using …
book
Upgrading and Repairing Laptops, Second Edition
Scott Mueller has gone where no computer book author has gone before — right past all …
book
Microsoft® Computer Dictionary
Over 10,000 entries! The Fifth Edition of this award-winning dictionary has been fully updated with the …