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
140 Power (Power Settings, Power Protection Devices, and Batteries)
Power Protection Devices
Interference or fluctuations in the power supplied to your computer can cause
crashes and sometimes permanent damage to your computer. Surge
protectors, power line conditioners, uninterruptible power supplies provide
protection for your computer.
Surge Protector
Plug your computer power line into a surge protector or power strip equipped
with surge protection to help prevent damage to your computer from voltage
spikes that can occur during electrical storms or after power interruptions.
Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain
types of damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge
protector. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection. Compare
joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different devices.
NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or
power interruptions caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in
your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and
disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.
Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the
surge protector documentation for modem connection instructions.
NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the
network cable from the network wall jack during electrical storms.
Power Line Conditioner
NOTICE: Power line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.
surge protector
power line conditioner uninterruptible
power supply