Laptops For Dummies

The latest on getting the most from laptops and tablets

Not that long ago, laptops were seen as luxuries. Now they're practically an essential for many people, and—as faster computing power and super-sharp displays make many of them the equal of a desktop—the new wave of lightweight laptops is increasingly replacing the home PC with its bulky tower and multiple cords. Plus, you can use your laptop when chilling on the couch or venturing out for a quick coffee!

In this fully updated edition of Laptops For Dummies, bestselling tech writer Dan Gookin takes a friendly walk through everything you need to know, from the basics (if you're new to laptops) all the way up to the latest hardware and tech updates—including the recent release of Windows 10. Along the way you'll learn how to synchronize your laptop with other machines, coordinate email pickup across devices, and beef up your security. You'll also learn how to

• Choose the right laptop
• Check out tablet options
• Troubleshoot problems
• Maintain and upgrade

Whether you're choosing a new laptop or want to maximize what you're getting from the one you have, Laptops For Dummies has you covered, wherever you want to work—or play!

Introduction 1

Part 1: This Laptop Thing 5

Chapter 1: The Portable Computing Quest 7

Chapter 2: A Laptop of Your Own 21

Part 2: Say Hello to Your Laptop 31

Chapter 3: From Laptop Box to Lap 33

Chapter 4: To Turn On a Laptop 43

Chapter 5: To Turn Off a Laptop 55

Chapter 6: Traditional Laptop Tour 67

Chapter 7: The Tablet PC Tour 81

Chapter 8: Your Laptop and Windows 95

Part 3: Out and About with Mr. Laptop 109

Chapter 9: You and Your Laptop 111

Chapter 10: Portable Power 127

Chapter 11: The Printing Chapter 137

Chapter 12: Expanding Your Laptop’s Universe 149

Chapter 13: O the Places You’ll Go 161

Chapter 14: Presentation Information 171

Chapter 15: A Laptop at Play 181

Part 4: Laptop Networking 197

Chapter 16: The Networking Thing 199

Chapter 17: Network Life in Laptop Land 209

Chapter 18: Your Files from Afar 223

Part 5: Security and Maintenance 231

Chapter 19: Internet Safety 233

Chapter 20: A More Secure Laptop 247

Chapter 21: Laptop Troubleshooting 263

Chapter 22: Laptop Maintenance and Upgrading 271

Part 6: The Part of Tens 277

Chapter 23: Ten Battery Tips and Tricks 279

Chapter 24: Ten Handy Laptop Accessories 287

Chapter 25: Ten Things to Throw in Your Laptop Bag 293

Index 297

Dan Gookin combined his love of writing with his gizmo fetish nearly 30 years ago, and has written more than 170 books explaining technology in a fun, non-threatening way. In 1991 he penned DOS For Dummies, launching the entire For Dummies franchise. Dan's books have 12 million copies in print and have been translated into more than 30 languages.

• Add Windows 10 security and privacy features
• Squeeze more life from your laptop's battery
• Discover must-have laptop accessories

Dear laptop — how can I live without you?

Laptop computers are just about as essential as a toothbrush these days. They keep us connected, let us work outside the office, entertain us, and do it all from just about anywhere we happen to be. So the ever-resourceful Dan Gookin, who started the whole For Dummies thing, wrote this new edition of Laptops For Dummies to get you up to speed on the latest software, networking issues, new wireless devices, and much more. What, you're buying your very first laptop? Here's everything you need to know, too!

Inside...

• Choose your ideal laptop
• Keep it maintained and updated
• Synchronize with a desktop
• Manage power consumption
• Troubleshoot problems
• Learn to use Windows 10
• Beef up laptop security
• Handle remote access