Teach Yourself Visually Laptops -- Table of Contents -- Chapter 1 Introducing the Laptop -- Explore a Laptop -- How a Laptop Differs from a Desktop -- Types of Laptops -- Discover Slots and Ports -- Understanding Hard Drives -- Using Data Storage -- Understanding Power Options -- Understanding Microprocessors -- Chapter 2 Choosing Laptop Peripherals and Accessories -- Get Extra Connectors -- Add Input Devices -- Buy a Laptop Case -- Types of External Data Storage -- Save to a Data Storage Device -- Add PC Cards -- Connect to a Printer -- Add Security -- Use Cooling Pads and Docking Stations -- Take Along Power Accessories -- Add Headphones -- Connect and Test a Microphone -- Chapter 3 Buying Your Laptop -- Choose an Operating System -- Select a Price Range -- Select the Right Weight -- Look at Wireless Capabilities -- Understanding Battery Life -- Choose the Best Battery -- Choose a Monitor -- Determine Memory and Storage Needs -- Select a Microprocessor -- Review Graphics Capabilities -- Examine the Keyboard and Mouse -- Consider Final Details -- Chapter 4 Setting Up Your New Laptop -- Examine the Laptop -- Connect Cables and Peripherals -- Charge the Battery -- Turn the Laptop On and Off -- Install a Program -- Use a Touchpad or Button Mouse -- Input with a Tablet PC -- Use a Wireless Mouse -- Get to Know the Keyboard -- Work with the Embedded Numeric Keypad -- Adjust Screen Brightness -- Chapter 5 Working with a Macintosh -- Buy Your Mac Laptop -- Set Up Your Mac -- Explore the Mac Desktop -- Work with the Dock -- Explore the Finder -- Work with the Keyboard and Trackpad -- Manage Windows with Exposé -- Work with Widgets -- Explore the Internet with Safari -- Work with Power Management -- Chapter 6 Exploring Windows Vista -- Get to Know the Desktop -- Access the Start Menu -- Add a Desktop Shortcut -- Work with the Recycle Bin.

Adjust System Volume -- Display and Close the Sidebar -- Work with Gadgets -- Work with Windows Explorer -- Change the Screen Resolution -- Change the Desktop Background -- Get Help -- Ask for Remote Assistance -- Chapter 7 File Management Basics -- Create a New Folder -- Copy a File -- Move a File -- Rename a File -- Compress Files -- Work with File Formats -- Save Files -- Back Up Files -- Delete Files -- Burn Files to a CD/DVD -- Search for Files and Folders -- Open Recently Used Files -- Chapter 8 Software Basics -- Install a Program -- Open a Program -- Switch between Programs -- Open a Document -- Explore a Program Window -- Select a Command from a Menu -- Select a Command from a Toolbar -- Tour Office 2007 -- Select Options from Dialog Boxes -- Using Dialog Box Controls -- Save a Document with a Different Name -- Print a Document -- Uninstall a Program -- Chapter 9 Using Software -- Create Word Processing Documents -- Work with Numbers in a Spreadsheet -- Build Presentations -- Organize Information in a Database -- Insert and Manipulate Images -- Design Documents with Desktop Publishing Software -- Play Sounds and Music -- Play Games -- Chapter 10 Connecting to a Network -- Understanding Computer Networks -- Discover Network Devices -- Understanding Wireless Computing -- Set Up a Wireless Connection -- Connect and Disconnect from a Network -- Chapter 11 Exploring the Internet -- Introduction to the Internet -- Connect to the Internet -- Make Your Connection Secure -- Introduction to the World Wide Web -- Learn about Web Browsers -- Web Browser Features -- Search Online -- Read News -- Research Online -- Buy and Sell on the Internet -- Bookmark Favorite Sites -- Chapter 12 Communicating Online -- Understanding E-mail -- Discover E-mail Addresses -- Features of an E-mail Program -- Create and Send Messages -- Receive and Forward Messages.

Work with Attachments -- E-mail Etiquette -- Communicate with Instant Messaging -- Make Online Phone Calls with VoIP -- Participate in Blogs and Social Sites -- Chapter 13 Managing Power -- Discover Power Management -- Choose a Power Plan -- Adjust Screen Brightness -- Using Batteries Efficiently -- Adjust Low Battery Notification Settings -- Manage Power with Windows Vista -- Chapter 14 Maintaining Your Laptop -- Update Windows Vista -- Check Your Hard Drive for Errors -- Defragment a Hard Drive -- Free Disk Space -- Clean the Keyboard -- Protect and Clean Your Screen -- Chapter 15 Computer Security -- Understanding Computer Security -- Protect Yourself Online -- Protect Your Laptop on the Road -- Understand and Use Password Protection -- Stay Safe from Viruses -- Reduce E-mail Spam -- Improve E-mail Privacy -- Keep Kids Safe Online -- WEP and WPA -- Block Malware -- Protect Your Laptop with Windows Security Center -- Make Settings for Windows Defender -- Index.