• A Brief Foray into Windows
  

A Brief Foray into Windows

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

The laptop’s Setup program All modern PCs, laptops included, have a special Startup or Setup program. This program is not a part of your computer’s operating system (Windows). Instead, it’s built in to the computer’s circuitry, or chipset, and it might also be referred to as the BIOS Setup program. What the setup program does is to configure your laptop’s hardware. It keeps track of such things as how much memory (RAM) is installed, the type of hard drive, whether or not you have a CD-ROM or DVD drive, plus other hardware options. The Setup program also keeps track of the time with the computer’s internal clock, as well as other random things. Be sure you know how to get into your laptop’s Setup program. This is usually done by pressing one or more keys just after turning the computer on (and before Windows starts). On most laptops, the Del or F1 key is used to interrupt normal startup and get into the Setup program. (If your laptop uses a different key, be sure to make a note of it on this book’s Cheat Sheet.) One important item to know about in the Setup program is the security system, which usually includes a password. I don’t recommend setting that password at this time (when you’re just getting used to your laptop). Instead, see Chapter 17, which covers laptop security, for more information.

The version of Windows used on laptops is identical to the one used on desktop computers. There are some extra options included for laptops, specifically for power management and battery monitoring, plus there may be some other utilities and fun junk installed by the laptop manufacturer. Otherwise, it’s the same Windows you know and despise.

The following sections cover a few of the places in Windows that laptop computer owners should be familiar with.

• For this book, the current version of Windows is Windows XP.



• For more information on Windows, refer to a bookstore near you and purchase a good Windows XP book. (The last time I looked, there were no books specific to Windows on laptops.)

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. You’ll be asked certain questions, such as which time zone you live in and your name and company name. This is designed to finish the installation of Windows, which was begun back at the factory before your laptop shipped.

Passwords Windows lets you slap a password on your account, requiring you to type the password before you can use Windows. This is optional for an individual user, and completely unnecessary if you don’t plan on using Windows in an environment where others can pick up your computer and snoop around. But for the office or school, I highly recommend creating an account with a password. Because I’m the only one in my office, I use the same password on all my computers: none. That’s considered an insecure password, but I use it because I’m the only one here, and it’s easy to remember. If you’re in a similar situation, consider a similarly simple password. For situations where others could use your system, set a password that contains a combination of numbers and letters. For example, if you once lived at 4870 Elsa Road then elsa4870 would be a suitable password. Another technique is to use two obnoxiously unrelated words and connected them with a number, such as stinky7teeth. See Chapter 16 for more information on passwords and Windows XP security issues. Whatever you do, make sure that you do not forget whatever password you’ve chosen! There is no way to recover Windows when you’ve lost or forgotten a password! I can’t help you, Microsoft can’t help you. Basically, you’re screwed.

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

When you’re asked to create user accounts, just create 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, and then only if other people really need to use the computer.

• The name you enter as the administrator is used by Windows in various places.



• Do not forget the administrator’s password! Refer to the sidebar, “Passwords,” for more information.



• You don’t have to use your own name for your account in Windows XP. For example, I type in the name I’ve given the computer instead of my own name. It really doesn’t make any difference.



• Entering an Organization name is optional, though it’s fun to specify fictitious organizations or something juvenile like “U.S. Department of Agriculture.”