© Undrey / Shutterstock.comMy laptop info
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
Important laptop info
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.)
Keyboard fun with your laptop's Fn key combinations
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 + _____
Laptop bag checklist
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
Tips and suggestions
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.
Battery-saving tips
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.
