Reference Guide
Table Of Contents
- Contents
- Finding Information
- Microsoft Windows Desktop
- Monitors and Displays
- Navigation Devices (Mouse, Keyboard, Touch Pad)
- Printers-Settings and Drivers
- Drives and Media
- Shutting Down Your Computer
- Windows Vista®
- Windows® XP
- Shutdown States
- Docking and Undocking Your Laptop Computer
- Shutting Down Your Computer When it Fails to Shut Down Normally
- Shutting Down a Computer When it Stops Responding and Displays a Solid Blue Screen
- Starting Your Computer in Safe Mode
- Restarting Your Computer After a Power Loss
- Files and Folders
- Managing Applications (Programs)
- Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security)
- Power (Power Settings, Power Protection Devices, and Batteries)
- Networks (LAN, Wireless, Mobile Broadband)
- Overview
- Local Area Networks (LAN)
- Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN)
- Ad Hoc Networks
- Mobile Broadband (or Wireless Wide Area Network) Networks
- WiMAX
- WPAN
- Managing Your Network
- Locating Networks With the Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator
- Managing Networked Computers With Intel® Active Management Technology
- Accessing the Internet
- Overview
- Setting up Your Internet Connection
- Troubleshooting Problems Connecting to the Internet
- Web Browser Settings
- Internet Security and Privacy
- Controlling Pop-ups
- Controlling Unwanted Toolbars
- Content Advisory/Parental Controls
- Bookmarking Favorite Websites
- Searching for Information on the Internet
- Changing the Internet Communications Protocol (TCP/IP) Settings
- Printing a Web Page
- Freeing up Space and Protecting Your Computer
- Maintaining Privacy by Blocking and Deleting Cookies
- Multimedia (CDs/DVDs, 5.1 Audio, MP3s, TVs, Digital Cameras, and Projectors)
- Overview
- CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Disc™ Media
- 5.1 Audio
- Laptop Media Devices (MP3 Players)
- Playing Media Using the Dell Travel Remote
- Adjusting the Volume on Your Computer
- Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio Through the Media Software
- Enabling S/PDIF Digital Audio in the Windows Audio Driver
- Setting up the Cyberlink (CL) Headphones
- Using a Digital Camera With Your Computer
- Using Windows Media Player
- Connecting Your Computer to a TV and Adjusting Display Settings
- Accessing a TV With Your Computer Using a TV Tuner Card
- Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device
- Physically Connecting Your Computer to a TV or Audio Device
- Performing the Basic Connection Steps
- Selecting the Correct Input Signal From the TV Menu
- Evaluating Suggested Connection Configurations
- Enabling the Display View for the Computer and the TV
- Configuring Display Settings
- Adjusting Display Settings With the Vendor Video Card Control Panel
- Using the Wizards
- Troubleshooting Display Settings
- Security and Privacy
- Protecting Your Computer-Using Administrator Rights, User Groups, and Passwords
- Smart Cards
- Fingerprint Readers
- Facial Recognition Software
- Using a Firewall to Secure Your Computer
- Encrypting Files and Folders
- Using Antivirus Software
- Maintaining Security When Using a Public Wireless Network
- Reducing the Risk of Getting Computer Viruses
- Dealing With Cookies
- Avoiding Spyware and Malware
- Microsoft®Windows® XP Pro Remote Desktop
- Restoring Your Operating System
- Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Tools
- Solving Problems
- Battery Problems
- Drive Problems
- Optical Drive Problems
- E-Mail, Modem, and Internet Problems
- Error Messages
- IEEE 1394 Device Problems
- Keyboard Problems for External Keyboards
- Lockups and Software Problems
- Memory Problems
- Mouse Problems
- Network Problems
- Power Problems
- Printer Problems
- Scanner Problems
- Sound and Speaker Problems
- Touch Pad or Mouse Problems for Laptop Computers
- Video and Monitor Problems
- Power Lights
- Dell Technical Update Service
- System Setup
- Ports
- Getting Help
- Glossary
Microsoft Windows Desktop 45
Accessing and Using the Control Panel
Customizing Your Computer Settings
1
Click
Start
or
→
Control Panel
.
2
Select a category. If you are not sure which category contains the necessary
tool, hold your cursor over the category to display its pop-up text box.
Managing Your Computer Performance
The Control Panel provides tools for you to manage and improve your
computer’s performance. Use options provided to free up the space on your
hard drive or rearrange items on your hard drive to make programs run faster,
and so on to enhance the performance of your computer.
See "Maintenance Tasks (Enhance Performance and Ensure Security)" on
page 125 for related information.
Windows Vista
1
Click
Start
→
Control Panel
→
System and Maintenance
→
Performance Information and Tools
.
2
Select one of the available options in the
Ta sk
area to monitor your
computer’s performance and make changes to enhance performance.
Windows XP
1
Click
Start
→
Control Panel
→
Performance and Maintenance
.
2
Select one of the options to evaluate system performance, view events,
monitor the performance log, or perform computer management.
Use the Device Manager to manage devices that are installed in or attached
to your computer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Windows desktop,
see “Windows Basics” in Windows Help and Support:
click
Start
or
→ Help and Support.