{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:46:51+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-24T22:02:03+00:00","timestamp":"2022-06-22T19:37:18+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Computers","_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33513"},"slug":"computers","categoryId":33513},{"name":"Basic Skills","_links":{"self":"//dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33514"},"slug":"basic-skills","categoryId":33514}],"title":"Laptops For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"laptops for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"laptops-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Document your laptop's vital statistics, learn about the Fn key combinations, figure out what to carry in your bag, and explore usage tips.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Nothing is more liberating than having a computer you can take with you. A laptop offers you full computer power, a decently sized keyboard, a nice-looking display, and the ability to go wireless — not to mention how cool you look checking email and Facebook at Starbucks.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275770\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]
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: _______________________________________________ Brand name:_________________________________________________ Make:_________________________________________________ Serial number:_______________________________________________ My laptop battery’s make and model: _______________________________ RAM: ____________ MB Storage [drive] capacity: ___________ GB
[The name given in Windows, the Network name, or a pet name]
[The manufacturer, such as Asus or Lenovo]
[The model name or number]
[Look on the bottom of the laptop, or on the box]
[Look on the battery, providing it’s removable.]
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!
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:
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: