Laptops in easy steps

Laptops in Easy Steps starts by covering the important factors to consider when buying a laptop. Includes the ergonomic issues surrounding laptops and shows how to be as comfortable as possible when using them and transporting them. It then gives an overview of the workings of laptops, including the software (such as Windows Vista, Excel and Word) that is provided with them. Issues such as using your laptop on the move and sharing it with colleagues or other family members, to show how laptops are versatile. The author even addresses laptop-battery issues.

Extensive coverage is also devoted to networking and using a laptop wirelessly, with particular attention given to accessing the Internet from wireless locations (Hot Spots) such as airports, coffee shops and libraries.

An indispensible guide for all newbies to the world of mobile computing; and a useful tool for those already initiated but want to get more out of their laptop.

Nick Vandome is an IT writer and trainer who specialises in digital imaging and web authoring subjects. In addition to his writing, he also works designing websites and runs training courses. Before he started working with computers he wrote books about working and travelling abroad.

1. Choosing a laptop
   • A brief history of laptops
   • Laptops v. desktops
   • Types of laptops
   • Laptop jargon explained
   • Size and weight
   • Getting comfortable
   • Carrying a laptop
   • Keyboard and mouse
   • Using an external mouse
   • Ports and slots
   • The wonder of wireless
   • Cleaning a laptop
   • Choosing a carry case
   • Spares and accessories
2. Around a laptop
   • Opening up
   • Turning on
   • Start button
   • Start Menu
   • Shutting down and sleeping
   • Mobility Center
   • Adjusting screen resolution
   • Adjusting text
   • Adjusting volume
   • Loading CDs and DVDs
   • Connecting a printer
   • Scanners and cameras
   • Pen drives
3. Battery issues
   • Types of battery
   • Power consumption
   • Battery management
   • Charging the battery
   • Removing the battery
   • Dead and spare batteries
   • Battery troubleshooting
4. Laptop software
   • Around Windows Vista
   • Aero experience
   • Using Vista Basic
   • Welcome Center
   • Sidebar and gadgets
   • Windows Media Center
   • Windows Media Player
   • Introducing Word
   • Creating a spreadsheet
   • Viewing photos
   • Editing photos
   • Downloading music
   • Managing music
   • Downloading home movies
5. Internet and email
   • Connecting to the Internet
   • Downloading new browsers
   • Around the Web
   • Shopping on your laptop
   • Booking a vacation
   • Researching family history
   • Using email
6. Sharing with your family
   • About multiple users
   • Managing your own account
   • Adding family users
   • Parental Controls
7. Being mobile
   • Transporting your laptop
   • Keeping your laptop safe
   • Temperature extremes
   • Dealing with water
   • Power sockets
   • Airport security
   • Mobile working
   • Connecting on the road
   • Virtual Private Network
   • Connecting in the office
   • Downloading on the road
   • Making telephone calls
8. Laptop networking
   • What is a network?
   • Network and Sharing Center
   • Joining two computers
   • Hardware for a network
   • Creating a cable network
   • Connecting more computers
   • Viewing a network
   • Viewing computers
   • Sharing a network
   • File sharing
   • Saving files
   • Sharing a printer
   • Network security
   • Networking with XP
9. Going wireless
   • Going wireless
   • Equipping your laptop
   • Setting up a wireless router
   • Connecting to the Internet
   • Connecting to a network
   • Wi-Fi networking
   • About hotspots
10. Troubleshooting
    • Protecting against viruses
    • Using a firewall
    • Windows Defender
    • User Account Controls
    • Security Center
    • Updating software
    • Backing up
    • Restoring files
    • System Restore