IntroductionTen years ago, notebook PCs were expensive and rela-tively rare machines, at least outside of the corporateenvironment. I was using a notebook 10 years ago, butI was also in the corporate world. At that time, manytraveling executives and most mobile salespeople hadnotebooks, but the typical office worker didn’t, neitherdid the average small businessperson or home com-puter user. The notebook PCs of that era were thick,heavy things, relatively underpowered and definitelyoverpriced. You could buy a good desktop PC for$1,500 or so, but the lowest-priced notebooks went for$2,500 or more—and offered far less processing power,memory, and storage capacity.

Today, the world is different. Notebook PCs are still alittle higher priced than comparable desktop models,but the price difference is just a few hundred dollars.Decent notebook PCs can be purchased for $700 orless, and their performance and capacity approachsimilarly priced desktop models.

Because of this evolution in notebook price and per-formance, notebook PCs now outsell their desktopbrethren. Notebook sales overtook desktop sales in2005 and continue to rise. Notebooks aren’t just forcorporate types anymore; today’s notebook owner isjust as likely to be a home user as it he is to be a trav-eling salesman.

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My personal experience verifies the statistics. Over the past nine months, myfriends and family have purchased eight new notebook PCs—and zero desktopmodels. Here are the most recent notebook purchases I’ve personally beeninvolved with, in chronological order:

■ My girlfriend’s youngest daughter, Amy, purchased a Toshiba notebookfor college.

■ My girlfriend’s oldest daughter, Kristi, purchased a Gateway notebookfor college.

■ My girlfriend’s middle daughter, Laura, received a Gateway tablet PCas part of her college’s laptop computer program.

■ My friend Orson purchased a Compaq notebook to go along with hisnew broadband Internet connection.

■ My sister-in-law Stephanie replaced her defunct Toshiba notebook witha new Gateway model.

■ My nephew Alec received a new Gateway notebook as a high schoolgraduation present.

■ My girlfriend’s eighth-grade son, Ben, received a relatively new hand-me-new Gateway notebook to replace his older Gateway that bit thedust after five years of operation.

■ I purchased myself a new Toshiba notebook to replace the Gatewaynotebook I gave to my girlfriend’s son.

That’s a lot of new notebooks—and a lot of new notebook users. For some ofthese users, the notebook was their first PC. For others, who had used desktopPCs before, these were their first notebooks. For a handful, the new notebookreplaced an existing notebook.

What all these users have in common is that they have to familiarize them-selves with a new type of computer—and, in many cases, a new operating sys-tem. Most new notebook PCs currently come with Windows Vista installed,and Vista is a lot different from the older Windows XP and Windows 2000operating systems, especially where notebook operation is concerned.

Every one of these users face a learning curve—the same learning curve youface if you’ve just purchased a new notebook PC. From opening the box andplugging everything in to learning how to operating Windows Vista to trans-ferring files and settings from your old PC to your new one, you have a lot tolearn about your new PC.

Even if you’re already familiar with desktop PCs, operating a notebook PC isquite a bit different. Do you know how to configure your system for optimal

2 Introduction

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battery operation? Do you know how to make the best use of limited harddrive space? Do you know how to connect to a public wireless hot spot? Doyou know how to safely use your notebook while you’re on the road? Theseare all issues you need to address if you’re using a notebook PC—issues younever had to face with a desktop system.

Because so many people are switching to notebook PCs, and because operat-ing a notebook is so much different from operating a desktop, I’ve written thisbook. Your First Notebook PC shows you how to get the most out of your newnotebook PC, from the moment you first open the box to when you’re sittingin Starbucks trying to send a file via email. There’s a lot to learn, and I’ve cov-ered it all within the covers of this book.

How This Book Is OrganizedYour First Notebook PC contains information of value to both new computersusers and more experienced users migrating to their first notebook. To makefinding the right information easier, this book is organized into five mainparts, each focusing on a particular topic:

■ PPaarrtt II,, ““GGeettttiinngg ttoo KKnnooww YYoouurr NNootteebbooookk PPCC,,”” provides an introduc-tion to portable computing, helps you choose the right notebook PC foryour particular needs, guides you through the setup process, shows youhow to use Windows on your new notebook, and provides step-by-stepinstructions for moving your existing files and programs from your oldPC to your new notebook.

■ PPaarrtt IIII,, ““UUssiinngg YYoouurr NNootteebbooookk iinn tthhee HHoommee,,”” is for the home PC userwith a new notebook. Here you find step-by-step instructions for con-necting your notebook to a wireless home network and the Internet,sharing files and peripherals with other computers on your home net-work, using your notebook with an iPod, digital camera, or video cam-era, and playing games on your notebook.

■ PPaarrtt IIIIII,, ““UUssiinngg YYoouurr NNootteebbooookk iinn tthhee OOffffiiccee,,”” is all about office useof a notebook PC. You learn how to connect your notebook to the officenetwork, use your notebook for business, and give presentations withyour notebook.

■ PPaarrtt IIVV,, ““UUssiinngg YYoouurr NNootteebbooookk oonn tthhee RRooaadd,,”” takes your notebookout of the office or house and into public. You learn how to connectyour notebook PC to a wireless Internet hot spot, send and receiveemail from the road, travel with your notebook (including how to

How This Book Is Organized 3

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breeze through airport security), play movies and music while youtravel, extend the life of your notebook’s battery, and make surenobody steals your notebook while you’re not looking.

■ PPaarrtt VV,, ““GGeettttiinngg tthhee MMoosstt OOuutt ooff YYoouurr NNootteebbooookk PPCC,,”” presents all thedifferent accessories and software utilities available for your notebook.You also learn how to use your notebook as a desktop PC, upgradeyour notebook’s hardware, and troubleshoot common problems.

You don’t have to read the book from front to back, of course; it’s perfectlyokay to read only those chapters that deal with particular issues of interest.It’s your call.

Who Can Use This BookThis book is written for notebook users of all levels, from beginners with theirfirst PCs to more experienced users moving from a desktop to a notebookmodel. I do focus on Windows PCs rather than Apple models, so if you’re aPowerBook user, there’s little here for you. (Using Apple computers is a wholeother book in itself… .) In addition, I focus primarily on notebooks runningWindows Vista, because most new notebooks sold today come with some ver-sion of Vista already installed. If you use an older notebook or a corporatemodel running Windows XP or Windows 2000, most of the information here isstill good, even if the particular instructions might differ somewhat.

Conventions Used in This BookI hope that this book is easy enough to figure out on its own, without requir-ing its own instruction manual. As you read through the pages, however, ithelps to know precisely how I’ve presented specific types of information.

Menu CommandsWindows presents an intuitive point-and-click interface. To indicate naviga-tion through Windows and various software programs, I use the followingnotation:

Main menu, Submenu, Submenu.

All you have to do is follow the instructions in order, using your mouse toclick through the various menus and submenus. For example, if I tell you toopen the Start menu and select All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, youknow to click the Start button and select the various menus and submenus inorder. It’s pretty easy.

4 Introduction

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Web Pages and Manufacturer InformationBecause we discuss notebook hardware, software, and accessories, there are alot of web page addresses in the book, like this one: www.molehillgroup.com.When you see one of these addresses (also known as a URL), you can go tothat web page by entering the URL into the address box in your web browser.I’ve made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the web addresses presentedhere, but given the ever-changing nature of the Web, don’t be surprised if yourun across an address or two that has changed. I apologize in advance.

Many of the web pages listed in this book deal with things you can buy foryour notebook. These listings are for your information only; just because Idescribe a particular item doesn’t mean I personally endorse it. (In manyinstances, comparable equipment from different manufacturers is equallydeserving.) Know that the prices mentioned in this book are current as of July 2007 and are retail prices suggested by the manufacturer; actual streetprices might be and probably are lower, depending on where you shop.

Special ElementsAs you read through this book, you’ll notice several special elements, presentedin what we in the publishing business call “margin notes.” There are differenttypes of margin notes for different types of information, as you see here.

Conventions Used in This Book 5

This is a note thatpresents some inter-

esting but not necessarily essentialinformation about a topic discussedin the surrounding text.

note

This is a tip that mightprove useful for what-

ever you’re in the process of doing.

tip

This is a caution that somethingyou might accidentally do couldhave undesirable results—so take care!

caution

7000xIN 9/7/07 9:20 AM Page 5

There’s More on the WebNow that you know how to use this book, it’s time to get to the heart of thematter. But when you’re ready to take a break from using your new notebookPC, you may also want to check out my personal website, located atwww.molehillgroup.com. Here you’ll find more information about all theother books I’ve written and am in the process of writing. I’ll also post anyupdates or corrections to this book, in the inevitable event that an error or twocreep into this text. (Hey, nobody’s perfect!)

In addition, know that I love to hear from readers of my books. If you want tocontact me, feel free to email me at notebook@molehillgroup.com. I can’tpromise that I’ll answer every message, but I do promise that I’ll read eachone!

But enough with the preliminaries. Turn the page and get ready to learn moreabout notebook computing!

6 Introduction

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15C H A P T E R

Traveling with YourNotebookOne of the main reasons people of all types buy anotebook PC is because they can take it with themwhen they travel. Whether you’re a frequent busi-ness traveler or just want to check your email whileyou’re on your family vacation, it’s great to haveyour notebook with you.

However, this assumes that taking your notebookwith you doesn’t become a supreme hassle—whichit can, if you don’t do everything just right.

There are definite do’s and don’ts when it comes totaking your notebook on the road. Read on to learnwhat you need to do—and not do—to make travel-ing with your notebook a little easier.

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Accessorizing for TravelOne of the things you can do to maketraveling with your notebook a morepleasant experience is to take along theright accessories. After all, a notebook byitself is only so functional when you’reaway from home.

CasesWe’ll start with that most essential accessory for anyone traveling with a note-book PC, a notebook case. Although you can stuff some smaller notebooksinto a traditional briefcase or shoulder bag, you’re better off with a casedesigned specifically for notebook use. You can go with an over-the-shouldermodel or a backpack case; just make sureyou get a case big enough to hold yourparticular notebook. (Not all cases are bigenough to hold 17'' or larger widescreenmodels.) Also make sure that the case isadequately padded, so that your notebookis protected if you ever drop the case.

To limit the possibility of theft, some professionals recommend a case thatdoesn’t immediately look like a notebook case. The thinking is that a genericblack case will be less attractive to thieves than one that screams “Expensivenotebook inside!” I’m not sure this is a necessary protection, given that almostevery traveling businessperson is carrying a computer these days; it’s a goodguess that the accompanying case contains a notebook.

BatteriesThere’s nothing worse than being in the middle of an important documentand having your laptop battery go dead. (Unless, perhaps, it’s being in themiddle of a DVD movie during a long flight when the same thing happens.)For that reason, every serious road warrior needs to carry a spare notebookbattery.

Some notebooks make this easy by accept-ing a second battery in a modular inter-nal bay; when one battery runs down,your PC automatically shifts to thebackup battery. With other notebooks, you

246 CHAPTER 15 Traveling with Your Notebook

Learn more aboutthe many different

accessories available for your note-book in Chapter 20, “AccessorizingYour Notebook.”

note

I personally prefer abackpack if I’m carrying

a notebook over long distances,such as through large airport con-courses. It’s easier on my back andshoulders.

tip

Your PC’s manufacturershould sell replacement

and secondary batteries. You canalso find a good selection atBatteries.com (www.batteries.com).

tip

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have to shut down the machine and manually swap batteries to and from thesingle bay. In any case, you should definitely carry that second battery withyou on important trips—and make sure it’s fully charged in advance!

Power Cables and AdaptersYour laptop probably came with a single AC cable/adapter. Because you’llneed to take an AC adapter with you on the road, you might want to pur-chase a second adapter, so you can leave one hooked up at home and carrythe second one with you in your briefcase. You can purchase the originalequipment adapter direct from your PC’smanufacturer, or you can get a compati-ble unit from Targus (www.targus.com).

If you plan on connecting your PC to thecigarette lighter/DC adapter in a car,you’ll also need to purchase a DC auto/airpower adapter. Your best bet is to order aunit specific to your notebook from yourPC’s manufacturer, although third-partysuppliers also offer compatible adapters.(Different notebooks use different shaped and sized connectors.) In any case,make sure it’s the right model for your notebook.

To use your notebook on a plane, you want to be able to plug into the air-plane’s power ports. Some airlines use a standard DC jack, whereas othersrequire proprietary adapters. That means you might have to purchase a spe-cial power cable, or at least a connector to fit between your normal DCadapter and the airline’s power port. (For example, Continental uses theHypertronics connector, whereas Delta and United use the PowerExtender connector from EmPower.) Contact your airline to see if special adapters orconnectors are necessary.

There’s another option, particularly useful if you have multiple portabledevices and don’t want to buy multiple DC adapters. You can purchase a unitcalled a power inverter, which plugs into a DC power port but then provides anormal AC jack, into which you can plug any AC-powered device, includingyour notebook. For example, the Targus Auto/Air Power Inverter, shown inFigure 15.1, features dual outlets and runs $79.99.

Accessorizing for Travel 247

The Targus UniversalNotebook AC Adapter is

a nice way to go, because one unitcan work with a variety of laptopsfrom different manufacturers, usingthe various power tips suppliedwith the unit.

tip

FIGURE 15.1

The Targus

Auto/Air Power

Inverter

(www.targus.

com).

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Removable StorageTransferring data from your desktop PC to your notebook can be accom-plished in any number of ways. If both PCs are connected to the same net-work, it’s easy enough to copy a file from one machine to another. If bothmachines are connected to the Internet, you can email the files from one PCto another. Or you can copy your files to a removable storage device andphysically move the data in that fashion.

The most common removable storage device today is the so-called USB drive.This isn’t a hard drive, per se, but rather a form of random access memorycalled flash memory that functions like a removable disk. As you can see inFigure 15.2, these devices are small enough to be carried in your pocket orhung on your keychain, and they plug directly into an open USB port on yourcomputer. When connected, one of these devices is instantly recognized as anew disk drive by your computer; no special installation is necessary.

248 CHAPTER 15 Traveling with Your Notebook

FIGURE 15.2

A USB flash

memory drive

from SanDisk

(www.sandisk.

com).Of course, you can also burn your data to a recordable CD or DVD, usingyour computer’s built-in CD/DVD drive. And if that isn’t enough storage, con-sider attaching an external hard drive to your PC. These portable hard drivescan be purchased with over 200GB of storage capacity, at prices under $100.Buy one that connects via USB for the easiest hookup; I particularly like theWD Passport portable hard drives from Western Digital, such as the oneshown in Figure 15.3, which are small enough to fit in any notebook bag—or your shirt pocket.

FIGURE 15.3

Western Digital’s

WD Passport

portable hard

drive (www.

westerndigital.

com).

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Essential SoftwareBefore you head out on the road, you need to make sure that your notebook isloaded with all the applications you plan to use while you’re gone. For mostusers, this means installing the same software on their notebook that they useon their desktop PC—in particular, the key Microsoft Office programs (Word,Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint). You should also make sure you have InternetExplorer or some similar web browser installed, as well as any propriety appli-cations used by your company. In addition, if you plan on managing yourpersonal finances from your hotel room, make sure you have a copy ofQuicken or Microsoft Money installed.

Flying with Your NotebookIf you’re flying to your destination, your life just got a bit more complex.That’s because plane travel in the post-9/11 era involves heightened securityprocedures—which can complicate traveling with electronic devices, yournotebook PC included.

That said, here are some tips that can help you get more quickly through theairport and onto the plane with your notebook:

■ CCaarrrryy iitt oonn.. Thinking of checking your notebook as normal luggage?Don’t. Baggage handlers will not treat your notebook as a fragileobject, and damage is likely. Instead, your notebook should go withyou on the flight as carry-on baggage.

■ BBee rreeaaddyy ffoorr sseeccuurriittyy.. Security personnel will inspect your notebook,along with the rest of your carry-onitems. Be prepared; remove yournotebook from its case and place itin a separate tray on the securityconveyor belt. And make sure thebattery has a bit of charge, assome security personnel may wantto you to turn it on and demon-strate that it’s actually a workingnotebook, and not something else.

■ KKeeeepp iitt iinn ssiigghhtt.. The one place where your notebook is briefly out ofyour possession is on the security conveyor belt. Keep a close eye onyour notebook as it passes down the line and as you pass through themetal detector. It’s possible for canny thieves to take advantage of themomentary confusion and make off with your notebook as it comes offthe conveyor belt. Don’t let this happen.

Flying with Your Notebook 249

Some travelersworry about the

security’s x-ray equipment damag-ing their notebooks. Not to worry;the weak magnetic field generatedisn’t strong enough to erase datafrom your notebook’s hard drive.

note

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■ KKeeeepp aa llooww pprrooffiillee.. If you want to use your notebook while in the ter-minal, go ahead—but be cautious. Pick an area where you’ll havesome privacy and won’t have to worry about anyone looking over yourshoulder. Whatever you do, don’t flaunt your notebook, and don’tleave your notebook unattended; you don’t want to advertise to poten-tial thieves that you have a notebook to steal.

■ KKeeeepp iitt lloocckkeedd.. When your notebook is in its case, lock the case (if itlocks). This not only prevents others from taking the notebook from thecase when you’re not looking, but it also keeps them from putting any-thing else (such as a bomb) into your case. Both in the terminal andon the plane, keep your case locked.

■ KKeeeepp iitt wwiitthh yyoouu.. When you’re on the plane, don’t be tempted to placeyour notebook in the overhead storage area; it can easily get knockedaround or even stolen by your fellow travelers. Instead, store it underthe seat in front of you, where it’s always in sight.

■ UUssee iitt iinn fflliigghhtt——iiff yyoouu ccaann.. A lot of mobile professionals like to get alittle work done on a long flight. Other travelers like to use their note-books to watch DVD movies or listen to music. It’s all good, if you havethe room to open and use your notebook. If you’re traveling first orbusiness class, this shouldn’t be a problem. But if you use a widescreennotebook in coach class, be prepared for some major ergonomic diffi-culties. In fact, I find it next to impossible to open the notebookenough to see the screen when flying, especially when the person infront of me reclines his seat more than a half-inch or so. The seatbacktray table just isn’t big enough and there’s not enough vertical space toprovide a comfortable viewing or typing arrangement. One possiblesolution to this is the Aviator Laptop Stand, shown in Figure 15.4,which positions your notebook at an angle to make the most of theavailable space. But even with that, some airlines simply don’t allowenough space to use a notebook comfortably.

250 CHAPTER 15 Traveling with Your Notebook

FIGURE 15.4

Keynamics’

Aviator Laptop

Stand, for com-

puting in

cramped cabins

(www.

keynamics.com).

7000x15 9/6/07 12:08 PM Page 250

Flying with Your Notebook 251

■ GGeettttiinngg ppoowweerr iinn fflliigghhtt.. In most instances, you’ll have to run yournotebook on battery power while flying. However, some long-haulflights—especially overseas flights—provide power ports that supply15V direct current to power your notebook and other devices. (Your bestbets for finding such power ports are on cross-country and interna-tional flights on American, Delta, United, and US Airways.) To use apower port, you’ll need a compatible DC auto/air power adapter. Thesecords can be purchased at most electronics stores, at LaptopLane out-lets (www.regus.com/files/html/laptoplane/), or from Targus andother power cord manufacturers.Keep in mind that power adaptersare device and model specific—although you can always go withthe iGo Juice power cord, shown inFigure 15.5, which is an all-in-onepower adapter that connects yourdevice to any AC or DC power source.

If you’re flying interna-tionally on a Boeing

747, ask for an emergency exitseat. On most airlines, there is alive 110V AC outlet directly in frontof each exit door, into which youcan plug your notebook, noadapter required.

tip

FIGURE 15.5

The iGo Juice

power auto/air

power adapter

(www.igo.com).

■ TTuurrnn iitt ooffff wwhheenn aasskkeedd.. Frequent travelers are familiar with airlinerestrictions regarding the use of personal electronic devices, includingnotebook PCs. The concern is that electronic devices may cause electro-magnetic interference with cockpit navigation or communications sys-tems during ground operations and while the aircraft is flying below10,000 feet. When the aircraft is above 10,000 feet, you can use yournotebook and other devices.

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252 CHAPTER 15 Traveling with Your Notebook

Driving with Your NotebookHere’s the first thing to know about driving with your notebook PC—don’t useyour notebook while driving! That said, here are a few things you might wantto consider when taking your notebook on a road trip:

■ UUssee aa DDCC ppoowweerr aaddaapptteerr.. Using your notebook in the car is a greatidea for everyone except the driver (while you’re driving, anyway). Forlong road trips, however, a single battery charge won’t cut it. Instead,invest in a power adapter that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter. (Apower inverter will also work.) This way you can get constant currentwhile you’re cruising down the highway.

■ GGeett aa nnootteebbooookk ddeesskk.. If you’re a mobile professional who likes tocheck in during driving breaks, consider investing in a mobile note-book desk that provides a good resting surface for your notebook. Someof these mounts (such as the one in Figure 15.6) attach to your steeringwheel, some (such as the one in Figure 15.7) attach to the passengerseat, some mount permanently to the front floor of your car, and oth-ers just sit on your lap.

FIGURE 15.6

The Wheelmate

notebook desk

mounts to your

car’s steering

wheel (www.

nudell.com/

road.htm).

FIGURE 15.7

The LapTraveler

Execudesk lap-

top seat mount

(www.

laptraveler.com).

7000x15 9/6/07 12:08 PM Page 252

Driving with Your Notebook 253

■ UUssee aa cceelllluullaarr ddaattaa ccaarrdd ffoorr rroovviinngg IInntteerrnneett aacccceessss.. You’ll find lots ofWi-Fi hot spots when you stop your car, in rest areas and hotel parkinglots, but that doesn’t help when you want to go online while you’redriving I-94 between Madison andMinneapolis. For connecting fromanywhere you get cellular phoneservice, invest in a broadband cel-lular data card for your notebook,and the accompanying data service.

■ UUssee yyoouurr nnootteebbooookk ffoorr mmaappss aanndd ddiirreeccttiioonnss.. If you can get Internetservice, there’s no reason not to use your notebook to help you navi-gate—and to find gas stations, restaurants, and hotels on the road. Ilike to use Google Maps (maps.google.com) for these tasks, althoughany general-purpose mapping site will do the trick.

■ LLeett yyoouurr kkiiddss uussee yyoouurr nnootteebbooookk ffoorr iinn--ccaarr eenntteerrttaaiinnmmeenntt.. If youhave kids with you on your trip, your notebook PC can also function asa mobile game player and a portable DVD player. Just stock up withthe latest PC games and DVD movies,and you won’t hear a peep from thepeeps in the backseat. (And for longtrips, you may want to consider arear seatback notebook mount, suchas the one in Figure 15.8.)

Learn more aboutcellular data service

in Chapter 14, “Connecting to anInternet Hot Spot.”

note

Learn more aboutusing your note-

book as a portable DVD player inChapter 16, “Playing Movies onYour Notebook.”

note

FIGURE 15.8

The RAM Rear

Seat Laptop

Mount (www.

ram-mount.

com).

7000x15 9/6/07 12:08 PM Page 253

254 CHAPTER 15 Traveling with Your Notebook

Boating with Your NotebookIf you do a lot of boating, you can use your notebook PC as both an enter-tainment and navigation device. Here are some tips to consider for nauticalnotebooking:

■ NNaavviiggaattee wwiitthh eelleeccttrroonniicc cchhaarrttss.. Instead of carrying paper charts,your notebook lets you use electronic charts on CD-ROM or down-loaded from the Internet. Electronic charts are more convenient thanpaper ones and easily updated online. Charts are available fromMapMedia (www.mapmedia.com), Navionics (www.navionics.com),Passport (www.nobeltec.com), and other companies.

■ UUssee GGPPSS nnaavviiggaattiioonn.. Add a GPS card or external GPS device to yournotebook, install the necessary navigation program, and you can useyour notebook to pinpoint your position on the open sea. You can findGPS cards and devices from Garmin (www.garmin.com), MightyGPS(www.mightygps.com/pccard.htm), and other companies. Popular nav-igation programs include Chart Navigator Pro (www.maptech.com/water/chartNavigatorPro/), EasyNav (www.easynav.com), and NavPak(www.globenav.com); you can also get similar functionality from con-necting GPS functionality to Google Earth Plus (earth.google.com).

■ RReecceeiivvee mmaarriinnee wweeaatthheerr ffaaxxeess. It’s important to keep informed ofchanging weather conditions. To that end, you can connect your note-book to your single-sideband radio and receive marine weather faxeswhile you’re at sea.

■ CCoonnnneecctt aatt tthhee mmaarriinnaa.. When you need to send and receive email,you can find wireless Internet access when you put to port. That’s right,most major marinas are Wi-Fi hot spots; just log on and get online.

■ CCoonnnneecctt aatt sseeaa.. If you’re near enough to shore to get cellular recep-tion, you can use a cellular data card to provide Internet access to yournotebook. Further out, consider a satellite Internet system, such asthose offered by KVH (www.kvh.com/kvhinternet/) and VSAT Systems(www.vsat-systems.com/mobile-satellite-internet/).

■ SSeeccuurree yyoouurr nnootteebbooookk.. You don’t want your notebook PC to be tooportable when you’re at sea. Rough weather can send an unsecurednotebook flying overboard, so make sure your PC is strapped downappropriately.

■ PPrrootteecctt aaggaaiinnsstt ppoowweerr ssuurrggeess.. Onboard power isn’t always steady;neither is power at some marinas. To protect against damaging power

7000x15 9/6/07 12:08 PM Page 254

sags and spikes, invest in a heavy-duty surge protector for your notebook.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg—although it’s probably not a good thing totalk about icebergs while boating. Lots of boating-specific programs are avail-able for your notebook, including software that lets you keep logs, managemaintenance records, and track your parts inventories. And let’s not forgetthat your notebook can do double-duty as a DVD player and game device,providing entertainment for your ship’s crew and passengers.

Traveling OverseasTraveling with your notebook outside the United States presents a whole otherset of issues. You have to deal with customs issues, power issues, connectionissues—you name it.

The first thing you have to deal with is customs; you don’t want a customsofficer telling you that your old notebook is a new purchase and that youhave to pay customs on it. For that reason, it’s a good idea to carry proof ofpurchase with you, in the form of a copy of the original store receipt. If you’reusing a company-issued notebook, ask for a letter signed by a company officercertifying you to carry company property internationally. Without such proofof ownership, you may be forced to pay a duty on your notebook.

Then there’s the issue of restricted information. Believe it or not, the UnitedStates has laws against exporting certain technologies and technical data—and the fines are quite severe. This typically isn’t a problem, unless your note-book contains files dealing with technicaldesigns, manufacturing processes, andproduct specifications. (Certain encryptionprograms may also be in violation ofsecurity regulations in some countries.)Unless you absolutely need these files forbusiness while you’re abroad, it’s best todelete them before you leave, just in case.

Finally, there’s the power issue. Electricity is electricity, but power standards andoutlets differ around the globe. You may need a power adapter (step-downtransformer) to convert other countries’ 240V power to the U.S. 110V standard.In addition, different countries use different power plugs and outlets; there arenine different plugs in use in various parts of the world. Make sure you havethe correct adapters for the countries in which you’ll be traveling.

Traveling Overseas 255

Find out more aboutwhat you can and can’t

carry abroad from the U.S. Customsand Border Protection publication,“Know Before You Go,” available atwww.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/.

tip

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Emailing from the RoadGrabbing your email when you’re on the road should be a simple matter—and it can be, if you prepare in advance.

Configuring Your Email ProgramThe first thing you need to do is configure the email program on your note-book with the Internet addresses of your ISP’s or company’s incoming and out-going email servers. You can obtain this information directly from your ISP orcompany tech support department, or just look in the options or setup dialogbox of your email program.

For example, in Microsoft Outlook 2007, you add a new email account byselecting Tools, Account Settings. When the Account Settings window appears,select the Email tab and click New. You’re now asked to choose the type ofservice (typically the first option: Microsoft Exchange, POP3, IMAP, or HTTP)and are then prompted for your name, email address, and password. Outlookwill then attempt to find your email server and enter the correct information;if it can’t do this automatically, you’re prompted to manually enter your set-tings, as shown in Figure 15.9.

256 CHAPTER 15 Traveling with Your Notebook

FIGURE 15.9

Setting up your

email account in

Microsoft

Outlook.

Saving Email Messages on Your ServerIf your notebook isn’t your main PC, you may want to configure your emailprogram to not delete the original messages on your email server. This waythe messages will still be available to download to your desktop PC when youget back to the office.

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Emailing from the Road 257

In Microsoft Outlook 2007, you do this by selecting Tools, Account Settings toopen the Account Settings window. Double-click the name of your emailaccount; when the Change E-Mail Account window appears, click MoreSettings. When the Internet E-Mail Settings dialog box appears, select theAdvanced tab, as shown in Figure 15.10. Check the Leave a Copy of Messageson the Server option and then click OK.

FIGURE 15.10

Configuring

your email to

leave a copy of

all messages on

your main

server.

Using a Web-Based Email ServiceInstead of trying to configure your normal email program for on-the-roadaccess, you can instead open a free web-based email account at Gmail(mail.google.com), Windows Live Hotmail (mail.live.com), or Yahoo! Mail(mail.yahoo.com). This is a particularly good option if you’re not technicallyastute, because you don’t have to do any configuring at all. Just use your webbrowser—from any location anywhere in the world—to access the Gmail,Hotmail, or Yahoo! Mail website, and then read and write email to yourheart’s content. You can even, with a little work, configure these services toretrieve messages from your normal email account while you’re on the road.

Dealing with Blocked Outgoing EmailAlthough you might use your email program to access your normal emailinbox to retrieve new messages, you may have trouble sending email fromsome remote locations. That’s because many companies and some ISPs blockaccess to their outgoing mail servers from users connecting from outside their

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networks. (It’s a security matter, to keep spammers and crackers out of the sys-tem.) You’ll know this is an issue if you can receive email messages but get anerror message when you try to send a message.

A good workaround is to use Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo! Mail for your travel-ing email, as just discussed. You can also configure your normal email pro-gram to use one of these web-based services for all your outbound messages.You do this by creating a new email account for the web-based email serviceand using that account to send all your messages from your email program.You still receive messages using your standard account.

You may not need to go to that trouble, however, if your ISP offers its ownweb-based email service. If available, this service lets you use your webbrowser (not your normal email program) to access your email inbox andsend outgoing messages. Check with your ISP to see whether this service isavailable.

Some hotel-based Internet services work around the blocked outgoing mailproblem by automatically routing your outbound email through their ownoutgoing mail servers. You don’t have to reconfigure anything; any messagesyou send from your notebook are routed to the service’s mail server and sentfrom there over the Internet. Incoming messages still arrive through your nor-mal mail server.

Note that similar issues apply if you try to connect to your company’s internalnetwork or virtual private network (VPN) through a hotel or wireless network.For security reasons, some VPNs may notallow access from the Internet outsidetheir network; you may be required to usea dedicated dial-up connection instead.Consult with your company’s technicalsupport staff for specific instructions.

Printing from the RoadIt’s easy enough to work on a Microsoft Word document from any location,but how do you print your documents when you’re out of the office?

The best solution is to make sure you stay at a hotel that offers a 24/7 business center. Most business centers offer access to printers, as well as photocopy and fax machines. You may be able to print from your room to the business center’s printer via the hotel’s network, or you may have to physi-cally connect your notebook to the printer to print. Check with the front deskfor instructions.

258 CHAPTER 15 Traveling with Your Notebook

For more advice ondefeating blocked

email servers, see Chapter 24,“Troubleshooting NetworkProblems.”

note

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You can also rent printer time at any local FedEx Kinko’s location. You’ll haveto connect your notebook to the printer at Kinko’s, install the proper printerdrivers (instructions should be nearby), and then do your printing.

Tips for Traveling with Your NotebookSo far in this chapter, we’ve covered a lot of ground in terms of how to besttravel with your notebook. There’s still more advice to be had, however, in theform of the following tips:

■ TTrraavveell lliigghhtt.. When you travel, you don’t have to take everything withyou. For example, if you’re not going to be taking pictures, don’t carryalong your external media card reader. The same goes with software;take only those programs and accompanying files that you’re going touse. The less you carry with you, the less you’ll lose if your notebookhappens to fall into the wrong hands. (This goes double for any confi-dential or sensitive files; delete them before you leave, unless youabsolutely, positively need them while you’ll be gone.)

■ BBaacckk uupp yyoouurr ddaattaa.. Minimize your potential losses by backing up allof your notebook’s data files before you leave. That way you canrestore you data to a new PC if your notebook gets stolen or breaksdown while you travel.

■ IIddeennttiiffyy yyoouurr nnootteebbooookk.. If your notebook gets stolen and subsequentlyfound, how can you identify it as yours? Try taping a business card tothe bottom of your notebook; it’s both unobtrusive and practical.

■ PPrriinntt oouutt wwhhaatt’’ss iimmppoorrttaanntt.. I also like to carry a hard copy printoutof important data—contacts, phone numbers, account numbers, andthe like—in addition to the electronic versions on my notebook. I carrythese printouts in a separate bag, so that if my notebook is stolen, Istill have this important information.

■ WWoorrkk iitt oouutt bbeeffoorree yyoouu ggoo.. A trip away from home is no place tolearn how to use a new notebook PC or software program. Get familiarwith your hardware and software before you depart and make surethat everything is working properly. (That includes doing a test connec-tion to a public Wi-Fi hot spot.) And, if you need to, take along the rel-evant instruction manuals—just in case.

■ CChhaarrggee tthhee nniigghhtt bbeeffoorree.. Make sure your notebook battery is fullycharged before you leave; otherwise, you might not be able to use yournotebook until you get to the next hotel.

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■ TTaakkee aann eexxttrraa bbaatttteerryy.. Along the same lines, it doesn’t hurt to travelwith a second fully charged battery. When your main battery runs out,replace it with the auxiliary battery.

■ CChheecckk oonn IInntteerrnneett aavvaaiillaabbiilliittyy.. If you’re like me, your choice of hotelis dependent on Internet availability. Some hotels offer Wi-Fi for free,others charge per night, and a rare few don’t yet offer any Internetconnection. If there’s no Internet in the hotel, check on the location ofthe nearest public Wi-Fi hot spot. (Starbucks are always good.)

■ DDoonn’’tt ddrriinnkk aanndd ttyyppee.. I know you’ll be using your notebook in a cof-feehouse or Internet café. Everyone does. But be careful when you’redrinking that venti mocha cappuccino with extra sprinkles; knock thatcup over and you could have a very wet and nonfunctioning notebook.Keep your drinks a fair distance from your notebook, and try very, veryhard not to spill anything on your keyboard.

■ UUssee aa pprriivvaaccyy ssccrreeeenn ffiilltteerr.. Want to keep your nosy seatmate or theguy at the next table from seeing what you’re typing? Invest in a pri-vacy screen filter, such as the one in Figure 15.11. This filter fits onyour notebook screen and uses microlouver technology to reduce off-angle viewing. You can see what’s onscreen, but people on your leftand right can’t.

260 CHAPTER 15 Traveling with Your Notebook

FIGURE 15.11

Keep your com-

puting private

with 3M’s Privacy

Filter (solutions.

3m.com/wps/

portal/3M/en_US/

ComputerFilter/

Home/).

■ TTuurrnn ddoowwnn tthhee ssoouunndd.. When you’re using your notebook in public,whether at a Starbucks or on a Boeing 767, turn down or mute thesound; you don’t want to disturb others nearby. Even better, use a set ofearbuds when you want to listen to music or a movie soundtrack.

In essence, when you travel with your notebook, you want to be cautious,courteous, and connected. It’s a matter of using common sense and of beingprepared for all contingencies. Are you ready to go?

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