How to use laptop for beginners

Whether you’re talking to tech support or buying a new toy for your laptop, you should have the following details about your laptop on hand.  Print this page and fill in the information.

Laptop Name: _______________________________________________
(The name given in Windows, the Network name, or a pet name)

Brand name:_________________________________________________
(The manufacturer, such as Asus or Lenovo)

Make:_________________________________________________
(The model name or number)

Serial number:_______________________________________________
(Look on the bottom of the laptop, or on the box)

My laptop battery’s make and model: _______________________________
(Look on the battery, providing it’s removable.)

RAM: ____________ MB

Storage (drive) capacity: ___________ GB

Print this page, fill in the blanks, and keep this information near your computer for those dire moments when things go wrong.

My laptop computer dealer:______________________________________

Dealer’s phone number:_________________________________________

Dealer’s e-mail:_______________________________________________

Tech support phone line:________________________________________

Tech support e-mail:___________________________________________

Internet provider name:_________________________________________

Internet provider tech support line:_________________________________

Internet provider web page:______________________________________

Internet provider e-mail:________________________________________

Internet provider’s domain name:__________________________________

Internet provider POP3 e-mail server name:__________________________

Internet provider SMTP e-mail name:_______________________________

My Internet login name:________________________________________

(Save Internet password elsewhere.)

My e-mail address:____________________________________________

(Save e-mail password elsewhere.)

Look on your laptop’s keyboard to match the Fn key with its various functions. Those other keys are color-coded with the Fn key. Their function may be marked with text or an icon. Write down the appropriate Fn key combination in this list:

To activate Num Lock: Fn + ________________

Volume Up: Fn +_________________

Volume Down: Fn +_________________

Mute: Fn +_________________

Activate external monitor: Fn +_________________

Hibernate: Fn +_________________

Standby: Fn +_________________

Monitor brightness: Fn +_________________

Monitor contrast: Fn +_________________

Enter airplane mode (disable Wi-Fi):________________ Fn + _____

Here’s a smattering of items you might want to stuff into your laptop case or backpack. Beware: the more you pack, the heavier the bag!

• Laptop
• Power cord and adapter
• Extra battery
• External mouse
• External storage
• Ethernet cable
• Pens, paper, sticky notes
• Screen wipes
• Headphones
• A copy of your presentation
• Media cards and flash drive(s)
• Lock or cable
• Tiny toolkit
• Cooling fan
• Business cards
• Snacks
• Laptops For Dummies

Nothing beats tips and suggestions, especially when you’re starting out with something new and different, like a laptop computer. Here are some things I highly recommend:

• Restart Windows. This fixes many common problems.
• Ensure that the power cable is properly connected and the battery fully charged.
• Changes cause problems. Upgrading software or hardware or changing the settings in Windows usually causes whatever new problems your laptop encounters.
• Activate and use antivirus software.
• Put a personal label or asset-tracking sticker on your laptop.
• Hunt down those AC power outlets when you’re out on the road!
• Keep Windows 10 up to date.

Perhaps the most vital tips I can offer concern your laptop battery. Here are some suggestions to make your battery last as long as possible:

• Dim the screen.
• Mute the speaker.
• Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Run only necessary programs.
• Set a solid-color desktop.
• Enable low-battery warnings.
• Use a spare battery.
• Close unused programs.
• Customize the power management scheme.