Overview
• With a generous dash of humor and fun, bestselling author Dan Gookin shows people how to select the right machine and tackle typical laptop challenges
• Laptop sales recently surpassed those of desktop machines-a trend that seems likely to continue
• A must for laptop newbies as well as road warriors who need to get the most out of their machines
• Covers synchronizing with the desktop, accessing the desktop remotely, coordinating e-mail pickup between two machines, wireless networking, managing power, and securing a laptop
Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble ReviewBuying a Windows notebook PC? Get the right one. Already own one? Make the most of it. Dan Gookin's Laptops for Dummies, Second Edition shows you how -- and you'll have more than a little fun along the way.
This Second Edition covers both today's WinXP and tomorrow's Windows Vista notebooks, so it'll work for you even if you upgrade or buy a new computer. Among the updates: new information on connecting notebooks with MP3 players, digital cameras, and other A/V goodies; revamped information on networking and Wi-Fi connectivity; and today's latest, best add-ons and accessories.
One thing hasn't changed: This is the same Dan Gookin whose legendary DOS for Dummies proved that computer books could be fun, all those years ago. In his inimitable voice, he'll show you how to sweet-talk your battery into lasting through that movie. How to make sure your presentations go perfectly the first time (no struggling to output video from that projector!) How to keep your laptop and desktop in sync. Which tweaks could make your email account work better on the road. There's even a chapter on trip preparation (including the dreaded airport laptop inspection).
Especially important: Gookin's detailed coverage of security. Yes, firewalls, anti-virus, anti-spyware software, and so forth. But folks often overlook the obvious: Notebooks are ridiculously easy to steal. So there's a full chapter on protecting yourself: marking and registering notebooks, password-protecting critical data, using locks and other physical safeguards. Gookin even covers secret software that'll tell your notebook to phone home and reveal its location the first time it's connected to the Internet after it's stolen. Just one of the things you didn't know it could do! Bill Camarda, from the October 2006 Read Only