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Toshiba L305 S5875 Toshiba User's Guide for Satellite L305/L305D Series - Page 87

Computing tips, The Windows

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Learning the Basics 87 Computing tips ❖ Back up your files to disks (or other removable media) on a regular basis. Label the backup copies clearly and store them in a safe place. It is easy to put off backing up because it takes time. However, if your internal storage drive suddenly fails, you will lose all the data on it unless you have a separate backup copy. For more information, see "Data and system configuration backup in the Windows® operating system" on page 186. ❖ Use Error-checking and Disk Defragmenter regularly to check and optimize disk space and improve performance. ❖ Scan all new files for viruses. This precaution is especially important for files you receive via diskette, email, or download from the Internet. ❖ Take frequent breaks to avoid repetitive-motion injuries and eyestrain. ❖ Do not turn off the computer if a drive indicator light indicates a drive is active. Turning off the computer while it is reading from or writing to a disk may damage the disk, the drive, or both. ❖ Before turning off the computer, use the Shut Down command or Sleep command. See "Using and configuring Sleep mode" on page 81 to learn more about Sleep. NOTE The Windows® operating system records information, such as your desktop setup, during its shutdown procedure. If you do not let the Windows® operating system shut down normally, details such as new icon positions may be lost.

Section	Page
Satellite® L300 Series User's Guide	1
Contents	28
Introduction	35
This guide	37
Safety icons	38
Other icons used	38
Other documentation	39
Service options	39
Chapter 1: Getting Started	40
Selecting a place to work	40
Setting up a work environment	40
Keeping yourself comfortable	41
Precautions	41
Important information on your computer’s cooling fan	43
Setting up your computer	43
Setting up your software	44
Registering your computer with Toshiba	45
Adding optional external devices	45
Connecting to a power source	46
Charging the main battery	48
Using the computer for the first time	49
Opening the display panel	49
Your computer’s features and specifications	50
Turning on the power	50
Adding memory (optional)	51
Installing a memory module	52
Removing a memory module	57
Checking total memory	59
Hard Drive Recovery Utilities	60
Creating Recovery DVDs	60
Hard Disk Drive Recovery options	61
Hard Disk Drive Recovery using the Recovery media	66
Installing drivers and applications	67
Using the TouchPad™	67
Scrolling with the TouchPad™	68
Control buttons	68
Disabling or enabling the TouchPad™	68
Using external display devices	69
Directing the display output when you turn on the computer	69
Adjusting the quality of the external display	70
Using an external keyboard	70
Using a mouse	71
Connecting a printer	71
Setting up a printer	72
Connecting an optional external diskette drive	72
Turning off the computer	73
Options for turning off the computer	73
Using the Shut Down command	76
Using and configuring Hibernation mode	78
Using and configuring Sleep mode	81
Closing the display panel	83
Customizing your computer’s settings	84
Caring for your computer	84
Cleaning the computer	84
Moving the computer	84
Using a computer lock	85
Chapter 2: Learning the Basics	86
Computing tips	86
Using the keyboard	88
Character keys	88
Making your keyboard emulate a full-size keyboard	88
Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys	89
Function keys	89
Special Windows® keys	89
Overlay keys	90
Using the overlay to type numeric data	90
Starting a program	91
Starting a program from the Start menu	91
Starting a program from Windows® Explorer	92
Starting a program using the Start Search field	93
Saving your work	93
Printing your work	95
Backing up your work	96
Restoring your work	96
Using the optical drive	97
Optical drive components	97
Media control buttons	98
Inserting an optical disc	99
Playing an audio CD	101
Playing optical media	101
Recording optical media	101
Removing a disc with the computer on	102
Removing a disc with the computer off	102
Caring for optical discs	103
Toshiba’s online resources	103
Chapter 3: Mobile Computing	104
Toshiba’s energy-saver design	104
Running the computer on battery power	105
Battery Notice	105
Power management	106
Using additional batteries	106
Charging batteries	107
Charging the main battery	107
Charging the RTC battery	108
Monitoring main battery power	109
Determining remaining battery power	110
What to do when the main battery runs low	111
Setting battery notifications	111
Conserving battery power	112
Power Plans	113
Using a hot key to set the Power Plan	114
Changing the main battery	115
Removing the battery from the computer	115
Inserting a charged battery	117
Taking care of your battery	118
Safety precautions	118
Maintaining your battery	119
Disposing of used batteries	120
Traveling tips	121
Chapter 4: Exploring Your Computer’s Features	122
Exploring the desktop	122
Finding your way around the desktop	123
Setting up for communications	125
Connecting your computer to a network	125
Connecting a modem to a telephone line	126
An overview of using the Internet	128
The Internet	128
The World Wide Web	128
Internet Service Providers	128
Connecting to the Internet	129
Surfing the Internet	129
Internet features	129
Uploading to, and downloading files from, the Internet	130
Exploring audio features	130
Recording sounds	130
Using external speakers or headphones	131
Web Camera	132
Using PC Cards	132
Inserting a PC Card	133
Removing a PC Card	133
Setting up a PC Card for your computer	134
Using an ExpressCard®	134
Inserting an ExpressCard®	134
Removing an ExpressCard®	135
Using the Bridge Media Adapter Slot	136
Inserting memory media	136
Removing memory media	137
Chapter 5: Utilities	138
TOSHIBA Assist	139
Connect	140
Secure	141
Protect & Fix	142
Optimize	143
TOSHIBA Application Installer	144
Setting passwords	145
Using an instant password	145
Using a supervisor password	146
Using a user password	147
Deleting a user password	148
TOSHIBA PC Diagnostic Tool Utility	149
Mouse Utility	150
TOSHIBA Hardware Setup	151
TOSHIBA Zooming Utility	153
CD/DVD Drive Acoustic Silencer	154
TOSHIBA Accessibility	155
ConfigFree®	156
Getting Started	156
ConfigFree® Utilities	157
Chapter 6: If Something Goes Wrong	160
Problems that are easy to fix	160
Problems when you turn on the computer	161
The Windows® operating system is not working	164
Using Startup options to fix problems	164
Internet problems	165
The Windows® operating system can help you	166
Resolving a hardware conflict	166
A plan of action	166
Fixing a problem with Device Manager	167
Memory problems	168
Power and the batteries	169
Keyboard problems	170
Display problems	171
Disk or internal storage drive problems	173
Optical drive problems	175
Sound system problems	176
PC Card problems	176
ExpressCard® problems	178
Printer problems	180
Modem problems	181
Wireless networking problems	182
DVD operating problems	184
Develop good computing habits	185
Data and system configuration backup in the Windows® operating system	186
If you need further assistance	190
Before you contact Toshiba	190
Contacting Toshiba	191
Other Toshiba Internet Web sites	191
Toshiba’s worldwide offices	192
Appendix A: Hot Keys/TOSHIBA Cards	194
Hot Key Cards	194
Using the Hot Key Cards	195
Application Cards	196
Using the Application Cards	197
Card Case	197
Hot key functions	198
Volume Mute	198
Lock (Instant security)	199
Power plan	200
Sleep mode	201
Hibernation mode	202
Output (Display switch)	203
Display brightness	204
Disabling or enabling wireless devices	205
Disabling or enabling the TouchPad™	206
Zoom (Display resolution)	207
Keyboard hot key functions	208
Appendix B: Power Cord/Cable Connectors	209
Glossary	210