Teach Yourself VISUALLY™ Laptops

Teach Yourself VISUALLY™ Laptops

Released November 2007
Publisher(s): Visual
ISBN: 9780470171110

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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

  1. Copyright
  2. Praise for Visual Books
  3. Credits
  4. About the Author
  5. Author's Acknowledgments
  6. How To Use This Book
  7. 1. Introducing the Laptop
    1. 1.1. Explore a Laptop
    2. 1.2. How a Laptop Differs from a Desktop
    3. 1.3. Types of Laptops
    4. 1.4. Discover Slots and Ports
    5. 1.5. Understanding Hard Drives
    6. 1.6. Using Data Storage
    7. 1.7. Understanding Power Options
    8. 1.8. Understanding Microprocessors
  8. 2. Choosing Laptop Peripherals and Accessories
    1. 2.1. Get Extra Connectors
    2. 2.2. Add Input Devices
    3. 2.3. Buy a Laptop Case
    4. 2.4. Types of External Data Storage
    5. 2.5. Save to a Data Storage Device
    6. 2.6. Add PC Cards
    7. 2.7. Connect to a Printer
    8. 2.8. Add Security
    9. 2.9. Use Cooling Pads and Docking Stations
    10. 2.10. Take Along Power Accessories
    11. 2.11. Add Headphones
    12. 2.12. Connect and Test a Microphone
  9. 3. Buying Your Laptop
    1. 3.1. Choose an Operating System
    2. 3.2. Select a Price Range
    3. 3.3. Select the Right Weight
    4. 3.4. Look at Wireless Capabilities
    5. 3.5. Understanding Battery Life
    6. 3.6. Choose the Best Battery
    7. 3.7. Choose a Monitor
    8. 3.8. Determine Memory and Storage Needs
    9. 3.9. Select a Microprocessor
    10. 3.10. Review Graphics Capabilities
    11. 3.11. Examine the Keyboard and Mouse
    12. 3.12. Consider Final Details
  10. 4. Setting Up Your New Laptop
    1. 4.1. Examine the Laptop
    2. 4.2. Connect Cables and Peripherals
    3. 4.3. Charge the Battery
    4. 4.4. Turn the Laptop On and Off
    5. 4.5. Install a Program
    6. 4.6. Use a Touchpad or Button Mouse
    7. 4.7. Input with a Tablet PC
    8. 4.8. Use a Wireless Mouse
    9. 4.9. Get to Know the Keyboard
    10. 4.10. Work with the Embedded Numeric Keypad
    11. 4.11. Adjust Screen Brightness
  11. 5. Working with a Macintosh
    1. 5.1. Buy Your Mac Laptop
    2. 5.2. Set Up Your Mac
    3. 5.3. Explore the Mac Desktop
    4. 5.4. Work with the Dock
    5. 5.5. Explore the Finder
    6. 5.6. Work with the Keyboard and Trackpad
    7. 5.7. Manage Windows with Exposé
    8. 5.8. Work with Widgets
    9. 5.9. Explore the Internet with Safari
    10. 5.10. Work with Power Management
  12. 6. Exploring Windows Vista
    1. 6.1. Get to Know the Desktop
    2. 6.2. Access the Start Menu
    3. 6.3. Add a Desktop Shortcut
    4. 6.4. Work with the Recycle Bin
    5. 6.5. Adjust System Volume
    6. 6.6. Display and Close the Sidebar
    7. 6.7. Work with Gadgets
    8. 6.8. Work with Windows Explorer
    9. 6.9. Change the Screen Resolution
    10. 6.10. Change the Desktop Background
    11. 6.11. Get Help
    12. 6.12. Ask for Remote Assistance
  13. 7. File Management Basics
    1. 7.1. Create a New Folder
    2. 7.2. Copy a File
    3. 7.3. Move a File
    4. 7.4. Rename a File
    5. 7.5. Compress Files
    6. 7.6. Work with File Formats
    7. 7.7. Save Files
    8. 7.8. Back Up Files
    9. 7.9. Delete Files
    10. 7.10. Burn Files to a CD/DVD
    11. 7.11. Search for Files and Folders
    12. 7.12. Open Recently Used Files
  14. 8. Software Basics
    1. 8.1. Install a Program
    2. 8.2. Open a Program
    3. 8.3. Switch between Programs
    4. 8.4. Open a Document
    5. 8.5. Explore a Program Window
    6. 8.6. Select a Command from a Menu
    7. 8.7. Select a Command from a Toolbar
    8. 8.8. Tour Office 2007
    9. 8.9. Select Options from Dialog Boxes
    10. 8.10. Using Dialog Box Controls
    11. 8.11. Save a Document with a Different Name
    12. 8.12. Print a Document
    13. 8.13. Uninstall a Program
  15. 9. Using Software
    1. 9.1. Create Word Processing Documents
    2. 9.2. Work with Numbers in a Spreadsheet
    3. 9.3. Build Presentations
    4. 9.4. Organize Information in a Database
    5. 9.5. Insert and Manipulate Images
    6. 9.6. Design Documents with Desktop Publishing Software
    7. 9.7. Play Sounds and Music
    8. 9.8. Play Games
  16. 10. Connecting to a Network
    1. 10.1. Understanding Computer Networks
    2. 10.2. Discover Network Devices
    3. 10.3. Understanding Wireless Computing
    4. 10.4. Set Up a Wireless Connection
    5. 10.5. Connect and Disconnect from a Network
  17. 11. Exploring the Internet
    1. 11.1. Introduction to the Internet
    2. 11.2. Connect to the Internet
    3. 11.3. Make Your Connection Secure
    4. 11.4. Introduction to the World Wide Web
    5. 11.5. Learn about Web Browsers
    6. 11.6. Web Browser Features
    7. 11.7. Search Online
    8. 11.8. Read News
    9. 11.9. Research Online
    10. 11.10. Buy and Sell on the Internet
    11. 11.11. Bookmark Favorite Sites
  18. 12. Communicating Online
    1. 12.1. Understanding E-mail
    2. 12.2. Discover E-mail Addresses
    3. 12.3. Features of an E-mail Program
    4. 12.4. Create and Send Messages
    5. 12.5. Receive and Forward Messages
    6. 12.6. Work with Attachments
    7. 12.7. E-mail Etiquette
    8. 12.8. Communicate with Instant Messaging
    9. 12.9. Make Online Phone Calls with VoIP
    10. 12.10. Participate in Blogs and Social Sites
  19. 13. Managing Power
    1. 13.1. Discover Power Management
    2. 13.2. Choose a Power Plan
    3. 13.3. Adjust Screen Brightness
    4. 13.4. Using Batteries Efficiently
    5. 13.5. Adjust Low Battery Notification Settings
    6. 13.6. Manage Power with Windows Vista
  20. 14. Maintaining Your Laptop
    1. 14.1. Update Windows Vista
    2. 14.2. Check Your Hard Drive for Errors
    3. 14.3. Defragment a Hard Drive
    4. 14.4. Free Disk Space
    5. 14.5. Clean the Keyboard
    6. 14.6. Protect and Clean Your Screen
  21. 15. Computer Security
    1. 15.1. Understanding Computer Security
    2. 15.2. Protect Yourself Online
    3. 15.3. Protect Your Laptop on the Road
    4. 15.4. Understand and Use Password Protection
    5. 15.5. Stay Safe from Viruses
    6. 15.6. Reduce E-mail Spam
    7. 15.7. Improve E-mail Privacy
    8. 15.8. Keep Kids Safe Online
    9. 15.9. WEP and WPA
    10. 15.10. Block Malware
    11. 15.11. Protect Your Laptop with Windows Security Center
    12. 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