laptop knowledge

Jul. 18, 2008 - Parking a PC Card on Your Laptop

You have your laptop, and you have a PC Card that you want to use in your laptop. So how do the two connect?

Locate on your laptop the spot where you can insert PC Cards. This spot may be an open hole on the side of the laptop, you may have a tiny "garage door" covering the hole, or you may find the hole hidden behind a removable panel.

Some laptops sport a garage for two PC Cards, stacked one atop the other. Other laptops have room for only one PC Card.

You insert PC Cards into the slot, "holy" end first. In fact, they fit in only one way. Push the card in all the way until it fully docks with the connectors deep down inside the laptop.

To remove the card, locate the eject button along side the slot, right next to the door. Press the eject button all the way in, and the card pops out a little bit. You can then pinch the card between your thumb and forefinger, pulling it out the rest of the way.

Each PC Card slot comes with its own eject button. These eject buttons appear alongside the spots where the Cards slide in.

Be sure to read the instructions for your PC Card before inserting it into the slot for the first time. Some cards may require that you turn off the laptop before inserting the card.

Note that some of the eject buttons pop out a ways from the laptop's case. Remember to push them back into the case when you're done with the PC Card. That way, the knob doesn't snag on anything and possibly break off.

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Jul. 14, 2008 - Considering Laptop Expansion Options

Laptops use a special expansion card system no longer called PCMCIA (or Personal Computer Memory Card International Association). You may still hear PCMCIA bandied about. But because no one can remember PCMCIA, let alone what it stands for, PCMCIA was changed back in the 1990s, renamed to PC Card.

The PCMCIA, er, PC Card system uses special expansion slots and cards for adding options to your laptop. These cards are about the size of a credit card, though thicker (and without revolving debt). They slide into a special slot on the laptop's side, which you can use to add special options to your laptop. The options include a memory card reader, networking abilities, more storage, and so on.

Laptops may also use an exchangeable disk system. For example, you may be able to remove the CD-ROM or DVD drive and replace it with a second hard drive or a floppy drive. This type of drive-swapping is usually specific to certain laptop models; you generally can't swap drives between two laptops from different manufacturers, unless you're just incredibly lucky.

Rather than getting the swappable drive option, you simply need to know exactly what you need in a laptop in the first place. You can buy a laptop with non-swappable disk drives for less cash.
Why you may need expansion slots

Expansion slots let you add new options or features to those that come with a standard computer. They simply increase the flexibility of your computer system.

Some low-end laptops are designed for people who need only the basics and, therefore, probably don't need expansion slots. If you need expansion slots, however, steer clear of those systems.

For example, if you want to add a network card, a satellite modem, a FireWire adapter, a port, an improved sound card, or any of a number of options, your computer needs expansion slots.

Expansion cards usually ensure that you can upgrade and improve your laptop in the years to come.
Types of expansion slots

As with everything else, a computer can't have just one typical expansion slot. For historical and evolutionary reasons, most computers have several different types of expansion slots. Sure, some slots are better than others. Still, you may want a mixture of several types to keep your options open. Here are the popular types of expansion slots:

* PCI: The PCI expansion slot connects directly to the computer's microprocessor, which makes it very fast. PCI stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect, just in case that question comes up on Jeopardy!

* AGP: This special slot is designed specifically for video adapters - the Accelerated Graphics Port, or AGP, slot. Although you can find PCI video adapters, if your laptop has an AGP port, you're better off buying and using an AGP video adapter.

* ISA: The original slot found on the first IBM PC is still around, mostly because you still come across an ISA expansion card from time to time. In fact, ISA isn't really an acronym for anything; it stands for Industry Standard Architecture, which is just a TLA (three-letter acronym) for "what everyone uses."

Which type of expansion slots should you have? Well, supposing that you want a laptop with plenty of expansion slots, you may want to go for three to five (or more) PCI slots. You may also want one or two ISA slots for backward compatibility. And you may find having an AGP slot nice if you want to use the latest, greatest video adapters.

Computer scientist types refer to the expansion slots as the bus, so they use the term PCI bus rather than PCI slot. Same difference.

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Jul. 12, 2008 - Welcoming Windows on Your PC Laptop

When your laptop starts, you see some initial messages, maybe a logo or graphic, then the computer's operating system - its main program - comes to life. For PC laptops, this program is Windows.

The version of Windows that laptops use is identical to the one that desktop computers use. Laptops get some extra options, specifically for power management and battery monitoring, plus you may get some other utilities and fun junk that the laptop manufacturer installed. Otherwise, it's the same Windows that you know and despise.
Windows for the first time

When you first turn a brand-new laptop on, Windows goes through some gyrations and prompts designed to help you set up your computer. Windows asks you certain questions, such as which time zone you live in and your name and company name. These questions are designed to finish the installation of Windows, which began back at the factory before your laptop shipped out to you.

Heed the instructions on the screen! It's painless and over with quickly.

When the computer asks you to create user accounts, create just one for yourself. Don't bother creating one for each member of the whole fam-damily as well as your pets just yet. You can do that later if you really need to.

Keep these Windows tips in mind as you start it up on your computer:

* Windows uses the name that you enter as the administrator in various places.

Don't forget the administrator's password!

* You don't have to use your own name for your account in Windows XP. It really doesn't make any difference.

* You have the option to enter an Organization name, though you don't need to.

Special deal software

After setting up Windows for the first time, you may encounter some dealer- or manufacturer-specific program or registration routine. If you don't want to deal with this additional routine, just cancel out of the program.

You can always save registration for later. Generally, you find the registration program's icon either on the desktop or in the Start menu.

No, you don't have to sign up for AOL or EarthLink or MSN or NetZero or whatever other advertisements you find included with the laptop. Feel free to skip over those programs or just delete the icons if you don't care to find out what they're offering.
Windows every time

After the initial setup, and every time you start your laptop after that, the graphical fun and folly of the Windows operating system greets you. It may start right up, or you may have to log in first.

If you set up your account with a password, then the computer prompts you to enter the password before you enter Windows.

On laptops with multiple accounts, you have to choose your account name and then enter the password before you can behold the glory that is Windows.

Whatever, eventually the Windows desktop appears on your laptop's screen.

Here's a roundup of the important Windows features you can expect to see:

* The desktop: This is your home plate, the starting point for all your adventures in Windows.

* Wallpaper or background: You see this image on the desktop. You can change it through the Display icon in the Control Panel.

* Icons: These tiny pictures represent files, folders, or programs inside Windows.

* The mighty Start button: This button pops up a menu that contains options for controlling the computer or starting programs.

* The taskbar: This doohickey displays a host of buttons that you can use to switch between windows and programs that you have open on the desktop.

* The System Tray or Notification Area: This annoying little area contains teensy icons that can help you do things on the computer. It also alerts you to certain happenings and shows the time and day.

Take a moment to find each of these items on your laptop screen. Don't touch the display to point them out (unless you like gross finger marks on your screen)! Just find them and point. (Maybe even say, "Oh, there it is!")

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Jul. 11, 2008 - Setting Up Your Laptop

Features vary from laptop to laptop: Not every laptop has the same keyboard layout; the CD-ROM or DVD drive may eject forward, to the left, to the right, or may not even exist; connectors and holes may be on the sides, back, or both; and the power button? Well, it could be anywhere!

Beyond the differences, if you squint your eyes tight enough, all laptop computers look basically the same. Each laptop has a similar setup, so this article addresses issues that all laptop owners have to deal with.

If you find any specific instructions regarding setup inside the laptop box or - should you be so lucky - if you find a manual, heed its instructions first.
Do you need to charge the battery?

When setting up your laptop, the holiest piece of hardware is the battery. Om! It either came preinstalled (and perhaps even non-removable) inside the laptop, or it came separately and you have to install it.

Install or set up the battery. Fortunately, this is one of those things where you can find the instructions included with the laptop. The instructions may tell you how to install the battery, which doodad to remove to make the battery work, or other important battery preparations.

Keep these battery-related points in mind when dealing with your laptop:

* You can use your laptop without the battery, but you probably want to properly set up the battery just to make sure that it works.

* Some batteries come DOA - you have to charge them before you can use them. You normally charge a battery by installing it inside the laptop, then plugging the laptop's power brick both into the wall and into the laptop. Battery charging takes place automatically.

* Charging a laptop's battery usually takes a few hours. The exact time that you need depends on the type of battery, power management hardware, and whether or not you're using the laptop at the time.

* If the battery comes already charged, then simply install it, and you're ready to go! Literally!

* The manufacturer may claim that the battery is fully charged, but don't be surprised if it isn't. No big deal; just install the battery and plug in the laptop. It will charge.

* You can let your laptop's batteries charge overnight.

* Be sure to put any extra or spare batteries in storage when you're not using them.

Is some assembly required?

Beyond that battery, you may have to add some features to your laptop. Pray that such a thing doesn't happen to you! But some laptops have arrived without memory, disk drives, and other options installed. If your laptop isn't ready to go when you get it, you have to properly install the missing items. Best of luck!

Most laptops come fully assembled. In fact, many laptops don't let you install extra features.

Fortunately, if you do have to install some options, you install options such as memory or a network adapter only once. Follow the directions closely. Read them over first before attempting the installation. In most cases, you can get the options installed smoothly. It also helps that you can insert most components in only one direction, so you can't goof things up too badly.

Beware of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). That tiny little spark that you generate on a dry day can permanently damage your laptop. When installing options, always keep one hand touching the laptop's case. This precaution helps lessen the potential of the dreaded ESD.

If your laptop came with a docking station or port replicator, don't worry about setting up this add-on or using it just yet. The laptop works fine without that optional feature, so you may want to use the laptop for a while before you mount the docking station or port replicator.

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pa3191u-4brs(4400mAh)
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pa3285u-1bas(4400mAh)
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Jul. 10, 2008 - Thinking Ahead to Prevent Laptop Theft

Any law enforcement official can tell you that a few extra steps of caution can avoid a disastrous theft. Thieves enjoy convenience just as any shopper does; if your laptop is more difficult to pinch than the next guy's, it's the next guy who loses.
Mark your laptop

Marking your laptop helps with the recovery of a stolen (or lost) laptop. Either engrave your information onto your laptop or use a tamper-resistant asset tag. After all, the best proof that something is yours is your name right there on the stolen item.

You can use an engraving tool to literally carve your name and contact information on your laptop.

Some clever folks merely write their names inside the laptop, either on the back of some removable door, inside the battery compartment, or other places a thief probably wouldn't think to check. Use a Sharpie or other indelible marker.

You can get asset tags from most print shops. The tags peel and stick like any sticker, but you can't easily remove or damage them.
Don't use an obvious laptop carrying case

That carrying case with the emblazoned Dell logo (or IBM logo, or what have you) isn't just a proud buyer appreciation/marketing gimmick. The custom laptop case tells the casual thief that something valuable lurks inside.

In contrast to a loud-and-proud custom laptop case, a non-descript, soft laptop case doesn't draw undo attention to your computer. Backpacks also make good places to store laptops.
Register the laptop and its software

Be sure to send in your laptop's registration card, as well as the registration for any software that you use. If someone steals the laptop, alert the manufacturer and software vendors. Hopefully, they care enough so that if someone using your stolen laptop ever tries to get the system fixed or upgraded, your registration information helps you locate the purloined laptop.

This trick assumes that the person fencing the laptop doesn't fully erase the hard drive.

Be sure to keep a copy of the laptop's serial number and other vital statistics with you, specifically in a place other than the laptop's carrying case. That way, you know which number to report to the police, as well as the manufacturer.
Be mindful of your environment

When you're out and about with your laptop, stay aware of where your computer is and who may have access to it. Watch your laptop!

For example, when dining out, put the laptop in its case beneath the table. If you need to leave the table, either take the laptop with you or ask your friends to keep an eye on it for you.

Be especially mindful of distractions! A commotion in front of you means that the thief about to take your laptop is behind you. A commotion behind you means the thief is in front of you. Thieves work in pairs or groups that way, using the commotion to distract you while they steal your stuff.
The old ball and chain

Your laptop probably comes with a hole or slot into which you can connect a security cable. That hole has an official name - the Universal Security Slot (or USS).

The USS is designed to be part of the laptop's case. A thief can't remove from the laptop any cable or security device that you thread through the USS; he or she can only cut (or unlock) the cable itself to free the laptop.

Obviously, the USS works best when you have the laptop in a stationery place. Like a bicycle lock, you have to park the laptop by something big and stable, then thread the cable through that big thing and the USS for the lock to work.

The best place to find a security cable for your laptop is in a computer or office supply store.

Some cables come with alarms. You can find alarms that sound when someone cuts the cable, plus alarms that sound when anyone moves the laptop.

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Jul. 8, 2008 - Accessorizing Your Laptop

One thing that's kept the computer industry alive for years and years is that the computer purchase never stops with the computer itself. First comes software. Then follows more hardware and even more hardware. Peripherals! Gizmos! Gadgets! And then you can get fun accessories like mouse pads and tchotchkes to sit atop the monitor. The computer is endlessly expandable.

Check out these fun or must-have items to expand your laptop universe:

* Laptop bag or travel case: Buy yourself and your laptop a handsome laptop bag.

* Spare battery: Nothing cries "freedom!" to the laptop road warrior more than an extra battery. Having a bonus battery doubles the time that you can compute without being tethered to an AC wall socket. Some laptops even let you hot swap from one battery to another while the laptop is still running, meaning that the total time you can use your battery greatly exceeds your capacity to do work.

Make sure that the spare battery is approved for your laptop, either coming directly from the manufacturer or from a reliable source that guarantees compatibility. Using the wrong battery in your laptop can meet with disastrous results.

* Docking station or port replicator: A docking station or port replicator helps immensely when it comes time for your laptop to serve desktop duty. A port replicator also gives your laptop more ports and more expandability options than the laptop may come with on its own.

* Cooling pad: The ideal accessory for any modern laptop is the laptop cooling pad. This is a device upon which your laptop sits. The device contains one or more fans and is either powered by the laptop's USB port or standard AA batteries. Your laptop sits upon the device, and the fans help draw away the heat that the battery and microprocessor generate. You get a cooler-running laptop, which keeps the laptop happy.

* Mini-vac: You may find the mini-vac handy for cleaning your laptop, especially the keyboard. You can find these wee vacuums in most office supply stores. You may be surprised (and disgusted) by the gunk that the mini-vac can suck from your laptop.

* USB lamp: Your laptop's LCD screen is illuminated, and you can even see it in the dark. Sadly, however, most laptop keyboards don't light up. To help you see the keyboard, as well as other important things around your laptop, in the dark, you can light things up with a USB-powered lamp.

The lamp plugs into a standard USB port on your laptop. It either has a stiff, bendable cord or a clamp so that you can position it. Flip the switch and let there be light!
•col2markFull-sized keyboard: Although you may not want to tote one around with you, you may find a certain pleasure when using a laptop with a comfy, full-sized keyboard. Especially if you rely on the numeric keypad, either for numbers or cursor control, it's a joy to use a full-sized keyboard with a laptop.

You don't need to do anything special to connect a full-sized keyboard to your laptop, but do note that most laptops don't sport a PC keyboard port. Instead, use the USB port, or if you have a port replicator or docking station, you can connect the full-sized keyboard to it, instead.
In addition to (or perhaps, instead of) a standard full-sized keyboard, you can select any of a number of fun and different keyboards for your laptop. You can find keyboards with special Internet buttons, ergonomically designed to make typing easier on the human bod, as well as wireless keyboards. Because your laptop didn't come with a full-sized keyboard, it's your buyer's paradise as far as choosing one for your laptop. Or if all you need is that numeric keypad, you can find special USB numeric keypads for your laptop.

* External mouse: As with a keyboard, you aren't limited in your choice of an external mouse for your laptop. You can get a basic mouse, one of those space-age optical glowing mice, a mouse with a lot of buttons, that weird mouse that you can hover in the air and use like a TV remote, wireless mice, trackball mice, those tiny laptop mice, and the list goes on and on.

* ID card or return service sticker: If your laptop wore underwear, you'd most likely want to write the laptop's name on the underwear. But since laptops don't require underwear, the next best thing is to create an ID card for your laptop.

You stick your name somewhere on your laptop not only to claim ownership of it, but also to pray that if you ever lose it (or someone steals it), some good citizen can recognize the laptop as your own and contact you.
A better solution is to use a return service and take advantage of its tamper-resistant asset tags.

* Theft prevention system: The perfect gift for the laptop that you love - either some type of cable to keep your laptop from walking off or one of those annoyingly loud my-laptop-has-been-moved alarms. Ease your fears, secure your laptop!

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Jul. 4, 2008 - Why would not my PowerBook or iBook battery charge?

If the battery in your PowerBook or iBook is not charging, try the following solutions:

Reset your computer's power manager.
Make sure your AC adapter is properly inserted into your PowerBook or iBook. You have to press the plug all the way into the power adapter port for it to charge.

Connect your computer to its AC adapter, shut it down, then let it charge overnight. If it does not charge, it's likely you have a hardware fault in your computer, battery, or adapter, and you should have it repaired. For information on where you can have your computer repaired at Indiana University Bloomington, see Where can I get my computer hardware repaired?

Test your AC outlet. See if your battery will charge if you plug it into a different outlet or see if another electrical device will work in your original outlet.

Test your AC adapter. Try connecting a different AC adapter to your computer and see if it recharges.

Test your battery. Try using a different battery with your computer and see if it will recharge.

In some of the early PowerBooks, the battery will not charge unless the computer is turned on. If you have an old PowerBook and your battery isn't charging while it's turned off, power it on, put it to sleep, then see if it recharges.
If you go through all of these steps and your battery still won't charge, or you haven't narrowed down the source of the problem, you will probably need to have your computer repaired.

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