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• Transferring information from your old computer to your new one »
• Maximise your battery performance »
• Burning CDs and DVDs »
• Installing and using a memory card »
• 2 steps to install your memory card »
• Protect your laptop with Windows automatic updates »
• How do I turn on automatic updates for Windows Vista? »

Back to top »Transferring information from your old computer to your new one

You can transfer the following information from one computer to another:

• E-mails
• Toolbar settings
• Window sizes
• Internet bookmarks

There are a number of methods you can use:

• Windows Easy Transfer wizard, an Easy Transfer Cable, and a USB port
• Over a network
• Removable media, such as a writable CD

Using Windows Easy Transfer:

1. Click Start » All Programs » Accessories » System Tools » Windows Easy Transfer
2. In the User Account Control dialog box, click Continue
3. Click Next
4. Click Start a new transfer or Continue a transfer in progress
5. Follow the instructions in the Windows Easy Transfer wizard

Back to top »Maximise your battery performance

For optimal computer performance and to help preserve BIOS settings, operate your Dell™ portable computer with the main battery installed at all times.

Your battery operating time will vary depending how you are using your computer - it’s best to keep it plugged in to a power supply if you can. The following activities will use up your battery fairly quickly:

• Using optical drives. (CD/DVD)
• Using wireless communications devices, Express Cards, memory cards, or
• USB devices
• Using high-brightness display settings, 3D screen savers, or other power intensive programs such as complex 3D graphics applications.
• Running the computer in maximum performance mode

Back to top »Burning CDs and DVDs

If you love music and film, theses tips will be really useful - so read on.

Click start, then all programs and go to ’Start Roxio Creator.’ Open a Creator project. Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to drag and drop files to a CD-R or CD-RW.

Remember: Never burn a blank CD-R or CD-RW to its maximum capacity; for example, do not copy a 650-MB file to a blank 650-MB CD. The CD-RW drive needs 1 - 2 MB of the blank space to finalise recording.

Use CD-RWs to burn music CDs that you want to play in regular stereos. CD-RWs don’t play in most car stereos, use CDR instead.

Music MP3 files can only be played on MP3 players or on computers that have MP3 software installed.

Use a blank CD-RW to practice CD recording until you are familiar with CD recording techniques. If you make a mistake, you can erase the data on the CD-RW and try again. You can also use blank CD-RWs to test music file projects before you record the project to a blank CD-R permanently.

You cannot create audio DVDs with Roxio Creator.

Commercially available DVD players used in home cinema systems may not support all available DVD formats. For a list of formats supported by your DVD player, see the documentation provided with your DVD player or contact the manufacturer.

Back to top »Installing and using a memory card

The memory card reader provides you with a fast, convenient way to view and share all your digital photos, music and videos.

The 8-in-1 memory card reader on your laptop reads the following memory cards:

• Secure Digital (SD)
• SDIO
• Multimedia Card (MMC)
• Memory Stick
• Memory Stick PRO
• XD-Picture Card
• Hi Speed-SD
• Hi Density-SD

You can install a memory card in your computer whilst it’s running - your computer will detect it automatically.

Memory cards are generally marked with a symbol (such as a triangle or an arrow), or a label to indicate which end to insert into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion.

Back to top »2 steps to install your memory card

1. Hold the card with the top side facing up.
2. Slide the card into the memory card reader slot until it is completely seated in its connector.

That’s it!(If you encounter resistance, do not force the card. Check the card is the right way up and try again.

Your computer will recognize the memory card and automatically load the device driver. If you receive a message telling you to load the manufacturer’s drivers, refer to the documentation that came with the memory card.

Back to top »Protect your laptop with Windows automatic updates

It’s incredibly simple to do. Make sure your computer stays up-to-date and secure - let your Microsoft Windows operating system scan for updates automatically.

To avoid interrupting your work, you can run the updates whenever you like - day or night. As long as your computer is turned on, it will update when you set it to, automatically.

Back to top »How do I turn on automatic updates for Windows Vista?

1. Click the Start button, then click Control Panel
2. Double click the Windows Update icon
3. Click the Change Settings link
4. Click on the recommended Install updates automatically option
5. Tick the recommended updates when downloading, installing or notifying me about updates box
6. Click OK