For Seniors: Connect a Printer to Your Laptop
Connect a printer to your laptop whenever you need to print out a document or photo. To use a printer with your laptop, you have to install software — called a printer driver — and tell your laptop how to find the printer and what to print.
If you have a wireless printer, you connect it to your laptop in a slightly different way.
Start by reading the instructions that came with your printer. Some printers require that you manually install software before connecting them, but others install the needed software automatically and can be connected right away. After reading the instructions, turn on your laptop and then follow the option that fits your needs:
If your printer is a Plug and Play device, connect it and power it on; Windows installs what it needs automatically.
Insert the disc that came with the printer and follow the onscreen instructions.
If none of those options are suitable, you'll need to manually install the printer and perform the setup.
Choose Start→Devices and Printers.
The Devices and Printers window appears.
Click the Add a Printer link.
The Add Printer Wizard appears.
Click the Add a Local Printer option and click Next.
The Choose a Printer Port dialog box appears.
Click the down arrow on the Use an Existing Port field and select a port.
You can also just use the recommended port setting that Windows selects for you. Click Next. The Install the Printer Driver dialog box appears.
Choose a manufacturer and then choose a printer.
You have two options:
If you have the manufacturer’s disc, insert it in the appropriate CD or DVD drive now and click the Have Disk button. Click Next.
If you don’t have the manufacturer’s disc, click the Windows Update button to see a list of printer drivers that you can download from the Microsoft website. Click Next.
The Type a Printer Name dialog box appears.
Enter a printer name and click Next.
The final dialog box appears; click Finish to complete the Add Printer Wizard.
If you need to print on the go, consider a portable printer. These lightweight (5 pounds or less) units don’t offer the best print quality, but for quick, on-the-fly printing, they can be useful.
Windows 7 GlossaryInternet Explorer 8–compatible add-ins that provide quick links to needed additional information on the spot without requiring a whole bunch more browsing.
Windows 7 GlossaryWindows 7 uses the Action Center to keep you informed of security and maintenance issues that need attention.
Windows 7 GlossaryAn account for the manager of a computer or network. An Administrator account offers significantly more privileges in managing the PC compared to a Standard account.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows color scheme that changes the way Windows itself looks and behaves on your screen.
Windows 7 GlossaryA combination of the Aero color scheme and the Glass effect that creates a transparent effect in Windows
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows 7 tool that allows you to quickly view all open windows and programs in either thumbnail or full screen mode.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows 7 feature that minimizes all windows except the one. Click on the title bar of the window you want to keep open and then drag it back and forth quickly.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows 7 feature that lets you resize a window to half size just by dragging it to a side of the screen.
Windows 7 GlossaryA test that Microsoft uses to determine how quickly a computer's graphics card can blend colors.
Windows 7 GlossaryA kind of software used for productivity or to create things (the software that does the work).
Windows 7 GlossaryA file that piggybacks onto an e-mail message.
Windows 7 GlossaryAppears when you plug a memory card into your PC.
Windows 7 GlossaryMicrosoft's term for large-network business clients who qualify to receive upgraded support.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe speed at which the cursor blinks on-screen.
Windows 7 GlossaryA wireless technology for adding devices to your computer.
Windows 7 GlossaryRecording content to a CD or DVD.
Windows 7 GlossaryAlso known as the temporary Internet files, the cache contains all Web pages and their components that are downloaded when you subscribe to Web sites or channels.
Windows 7 GlossaryAn Internet browser developed by Google.
Windows 7 GlossaryA special anti-aliasing tool developed by Microsoft to improve the appearance of fonts in high-resolution LCD flat-screen monitors.
Windows 7 GlossaryA small program that converts data from one form to another so that the data can be played on a media player.
Windows 7 GlossaryA traditional DOS-like text interface that allows you to input instructions to the computer.
Windows 7 GlossaryA program option that allows you to trick an older program into thinking it is running in a previous version of Windows.
Windows 7 GlossaryA folder containing multiple files that have been packed in such a way that all excess space is eliminated.
Windows 7 GlossaryIn Windows Explorer, these files are shown one right after another.
Windows 7 GlossaryTiny files that are used by Web sites to track your online activity and recognize you whenever you access the site.
Windows 7 GlossaryTo choose a portion of an existing photo and make that portion into the entire photo, omitting the rest of the photo.
Windows 7 GlossaryA cable that allows two computers to connect to each other as a network without having to set up an actual Windows network.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe blinking icon on the computer screen that shows you where the characters you type appear; also called an insertion pointer.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe score that the Windows Experience Index gives to your computer's ability to replicate 3D images.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe primary printer that Windows uses automatically.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe process that your computer uses to rearrange the pieces of files and applications on your hard drive so that they are positioned next to each other on the drive, improving performance.
Windows 7 GlossaryWindows 7’s main screen that shows your program icons, the Start button, and the taskbar.
Windows 7 GlossaryA collection of settings that control the appearance and behavior of the various appearance settings in Windows.
Windows 7 GlossaryA small strip along the bottom of every folder that lists details about the item you’re currently viewing.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows tool that shows you the status of all the hardware elements on your PC.
Windows 7 GlossaryWindows 7 uses the Device Stage to gather all the information about installed devices into one central hub.
Windows 7 GlossaryDigital IDs are certificates that you can use to verify the identity of the person with whom you’re communicating.
Windows 7 GlossaryA computer that translates Internet addresses you can understand, such as www.dummies.com, into addresses that the Internet can understand, such as 208.215.179.139.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe speed at which you click your mouse button twice. This rate is set in the Mouse Properties dialog box.
Windows 7 GlossaryTo copy data (usually an entire file) from a main source to a peripheral device.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows 7 feature that can make a system-wide change to the size of fonts and icons.
Windows 7 GlossaryTo click and hold a mouse button while moving the mouse.
Windows 7 GlossaryTo place an item on the desktop or in a window, after dragging it, by releasing the mouse button.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe standard connection method for certain types of video display, such as LCD monitors.
Windows 7 GlossaryAn adapter that allows you to connect an older monitor to a newer computer or vice versa.
Windows 7 GlossaryMicrosoft's products that help assist people with physical limitations get full use of their computers.
Windows 7 GlossaryA file that is attached to an e-mail message.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe translation, or scrambling, of data into a secret code.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows tool that can examine a hard drive and fix many common drive errors.
Windows 7 GlossaryA local-area network (LAN) architecture developed by Xerox Corporation in cooperation with DEC and Intel in 1976.
Windows 7 GlossaryExternal devices such as peripheral hard drives, DVD drives, flash drives, or memory card readers.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows 7 feature that allows you to quickly switch between users.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe small icon next to a URL address in an Internet browser's address bar.
Windows 7 GlossaryA three- or four-digit suffix to a filename that tells Windows 7 what program should open the file.
Windows 7 GlossaryAn Internet browser developed by Mozilla.
Windows 7 GlossaryA software or hardware device designed to block unauthorized intruders from gaining entry to an individual computer or a network.
Windows 7 GlossaryA keychain-size storage unit that saves files on memory cards; you can plug it into your computer and access it like any other external hard drive.
Windows 7 GlossaryWhen the Aero color scheme is engaged, this tool allows you to visually scroll through all open applications.
Windows 7 GlossaryAn operating system object that can contain multiple files and other folders.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe combination of typeface and other qualities, such as size, pitch, and spacing, that can be applied to characters in a document.
Windows 7 GlossaryA state in which your PC does not respond to keyboard or mouse commands; also called locked or locked up.
Windows 7 GlossaryA little always-on Windows 7 desktop program, such as the Slide Show, Clock, and RSS Feeds.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows Appearance setting that gives your folders a nearly transparent look
Windows 7 GlossaryMenu options that are currently unavailable.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe technical term for when two or more pieces of electronic equipment, such as a cell phone and a Bluetooth adapter, first recognize each other.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows 7 Help and Support Center tool that runs you through the most common causes of hardware errors in a question and answer format.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows tool that can search for and add hardware to the system.
Windows 7 GlossaryA numbering system based on 16 digits that is often used for graphics.
Windows 7 GlossaryA computer function by which it saves all the computer’s memory (everything the system is doing), then turns the computer off.
Windows 7 GlossaryA type of Windows Registry entry that contains a number of other Registry entries.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe first page you see when you open Internet Explorer. You should set your home page to one of your favorite Web sites.
Windows 7 GlossaryWindows 7 computers use Homegroups to simplify networking.
Windows 7 GlossaryA keyboard shortcut that opens an application or performs a specific task.
Windows 7 GlossaryA common connection point for devices in a network.
Windows 7 GlossaryA small picture that represents an object or program.
Windows 7 GlossaryA form of backup that makes a copy of all the information on a drive, including programs, data, and custom settings.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe blinking icon that appears on your computer screen at the location where characters you type appear; also called a cursor.
Windows 7 GlossaryA company that provides access to the Internet.
Windows 7 GlossaryAn identifier for a computer or device on a TCP/IP network.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe device you type on; it’s the primary way you communicate with the computer, with input.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe Microsoft online help tool that contains information regarding Windows problems and errors
Windows 7 GlossaryA portable computer.
Windows 7 GlossaryLibraries enable you to group related folders and files together. Windows 7 has four default libraries: Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos.
Windows 7 GlossaryWhen burning CDs and DVDs, this file system allows you to add and remove files as if the disc were another hard drive.
Windows 7 GlossaryA computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most LANs are confined to a single building or group of buildings.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe command on the Shutdown menu that suspends computer operations and presents the login screen, but without actually logging off.
Windows 7 GlossaryA state in which your PC does not respond to keyboard or mouse commands; also called frozen.
Windows 7 GlossaryTo identify yourself on a computer by entering a user name and password.
Windows 7 GlossaryTo tell Windows that you’re done using the computer without actually turning off the computer; you must log in to use it again.
Windows 7 GlossaryTo identify yourself on a computer by entering a user name and password.
Windows 7 GlossaryTo tell Windows that you’re done using the computer without actually turning off the computer; you must log in to use it again.
Windows 7 GlossaryShort for Media Access Control address, a hardware address that uniquely identifies each node of a network.
Windows 7 GlossaryA type of application that is designed to cause problems (such as file corruption and stealing personal information) to computer systems.
Windows 7 GlossaryDigital information "cards" you send to trusted Web sites; they contain all the credit card and other personal identity information that you supply them in the course of doing business.
Windows 7 GlossaryWhen burning CDs and DVDs, this setting allows the disc to be read by most computers and players, but it does restrict you to only adding files one time.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe portion of the hard drive that contains the operating system.
Windows 7 GlossaryA piece of hardware used for making your media libraries accessible to non-computers on your home network, such as Xbox 360 and SmartMedia televisions.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows tool that lets you set up networks on the fly without a hub or a router by skipping among wireless cards.
Windows 7 GlossaryTemporary computer information storage which is emptied when you turn off the computer; also called RAM. The term "memory" also refers to the physical chips capable of holding data.
Windows 7 GlossaryA full-featured instant messaging tool — now a part of the Windows Live Essentials pack — that works with any version of Windows as well as Yahoo! messenger.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Microsoft-proprietary “Web archive” file format.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe Mobility Center contains all the main laptop settings: adjusting brightness, changing the sound volume, saving battery power, connecting to wireless networks, and setting up external displays or projectors.
Windows 7 GlossaryModem is a contraction of modulator-demodulator. A device that converts digital data from a computer into analog data for transmission over telephone lines by modulating it into waves. At the other end, a modem converts the analog data back into digital form by demodulating it. Cable modems also convert data but that information may stay in digital form.
Windows 7 GlossaryTo change the location of a file, deleting the file from its original location.
Windows 7 GlossaryMicrosoft's video-editing tool, which is now a part of the Windows Live Essentials pack.
Windows 7 GlossaryA pane in Windows 7 that contains your most frequently used items. The top portion is Favorite Links; the bottom part is Folders.
Windows 7 GlossaryAn ultralight laptop built for on-the-road Internet access and word processing.
Windows 7 GlossaryA group of two or more computer systems linked together. Components of a network include a networking adapter, cables, and a hub.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe window from which you control most of your network settings.
Windows 7 GlossaryOn the Windows 7 desktop, the collection of icons down near the clock.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe keypad that allows you to type numbers when the Num Lock key is on.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe Windows system uses a paging volume to expand the RAM and increase performance.
Windows 7 GlossaryLet you dictate what a person can and can’t do on the Internet.
Windows 7 GlossaryA drive partition is a way that Windows virtually separates parts of a drive.
Windows 7 GlossaryA disk that records your authority to access your user account — if you forget your password, you can use this disk to access the system.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe primary options button on the far left in the Scenic Ribbon.
Windows 7 GlossaryA device, such as a CD-ROM drive or printer, that is not part of the console. Peripheral devices can be external — such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor, or scanner — or internal, such as a CD-ROM drive, CD-R drive, or internal modem.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information.
Windows 7 GlossaryWindows 7's redesigned photo handling tool, which is now a part of the Windows Live Essentials pack.
Windows 7 GlossaryA group of songs with a particular theme, often created using Windows Media Player.
Windows 7 GlossaryA technology that Windows uses to automate hardware installation.
Windows 7 GlossaryA software module that adds a specific feature or service so that you can view a Web site.
Windows 7 GlossaryA window that suddenly appears (pops up) when you select an option with a mouse or press a special function key in Internet Explorer.
Windows 7 GlossaryA type of firewall exception that gives the program in question complete access to your system.
Windows 7 GlossaryA feature of the operating system that slows or shuts down your computer after a period of inactivity to save power and extend the PC’s life.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe lineup of documents waiting to be output by your printer.
Windows 7 GlossaryA tool that enables you to record exactly what your computer is doing so that you can show whoever you’ve asked for help.
Windows 7 GlossaryA computer component that allows you to store data.
Windows 7 GlossaryA technology that allows your computer to augment its memory using a flash memory drive
Windows 7 GlossaryReadyDrive takes advantage of “hybrid” hard drives — the drives with significant amounts of integrated flash memory — to boot faster.
Windows 7 GlossaryTo restart your computer.
Windows 7 GlossaryA folder on the hard drive where Windows places the files that you delete. Until you empty the Recycle Bin, deleted files can be restored.
Windows 7 GlossaryThis condition is visible in a photo when, instead of seeing a black pupil, the camera catches the blood-red retina in the back of the eye.
Windows 7 GlossaryA file that contains a backup of Windows Registry entries
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows tool that allows you to manually modify the Windows Registry.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows tool that you can use to allow a user on another computer to have access your computer so that they can help you correct errors.
Windows 7 GlossarySoftware within Windows that lets you access a PC from a remote location.
Windows 7 GlossaryStorage media, such as a CD, DVD, or flash drive, that can be taken away from your PC.
Windows 7 GlossaryWhen pressing a keyboard key, this is the pause before the key repeats itself on-screen.
Windows 7 GlossaryWhen pressing a keyboard key, this is the speed at which the key’s character (or function) repeats.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows 7 tool that tracks how all your system's components are being used, focusing primarily on the RAM and processor.
Windows 7 GlossaryA snapshot of your hard drive’s important settings that can be used for a System Restore.
Windows 7 GlossaryTo copy music from a CD to your PC. This is often accomplished using Windows Media Player.
Windows 7 GlossaryEntries in the Windows Registry.
Windows 7 GlossaryAutomatically updated content that can be viewed with an RSS feed reader.
Windows 7 GlossaryA way of entering Windows, primarily for diagnostics and repairs, that bypasses many of the drivers that can cause Windows failures.
Windows 7 GlossarySerial Advanced Technology Attachment: A storage technology that tends to run faster and cooler with simpler connections.
Windows 7 GlossaryA tab-based interface for Microsoft-based applications, such as WordPad, that contains all the primary commands.
Windows 7 GlossarySignifies the number of dots (pixels) on the entire screen.
Windows 7 GlossaryA program that searches documents or the Internet for specified keywords and returns a list of the documents or Web pages where the keywords were found.
Windows 7 GlossaryLists Windows 7’s four main security defenses, tells you whether they’re activated, and provides handy “On” switches to activate any that may be turned off.
Windows 7 GlossaryA 32-character unique identifier attached to the header of packets sent over a network that acts as a password when a mobile device tries to connect the network.
Windows 7 GlossaryA type of backup file that automatically saves all previous versions of files.
Windows 7 GlossaryAn icon push button, typically placed on your desktop, that allows you to quickly access a program, file, or folder.
Windows 7 GlossaryA topic-specific pop-up menu that appears when you right-click an item.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe command on the Shutdown menu that powers off the computer.
Windows 7 GlossaryAn area along the side of your screen that displays gadgets. These gadgets tell you the time, show pictures, convert money, and feed you the news, among other things.
Windows 7 GlossaryA visual interface applied to Windows Media Player.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe command on the Shutdown menu that places the computer into a special, power-saving mode.
Windows 7 GlossaryWindows' built-in tool for creating screen shots.
Windows 7 GlossaryA tool within Windows Defender that can be used to control which applications run during the Windows start up process.
Windows 7 GlossaryAny unsolicited e-mail.
Windows 7 GlossaryAny software that covertly gathers user information through the user’s Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe typical user account that is managed by an administrator.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe button in the lower-left corner of the Windows desktop. By clicking the Start button, you access the Start menu to start programs, adjust Windows settings, find help, and shut down your computer, among other things.
Windows 7 GlossaryAllows you to start programs, adjust Windows' settings, find help, and shut down your computer, among other things.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows 7 accessory that enables you to leave the electronic equivalent of good old-fashioned Post-It notes all over your Windows 7 desktop
Windows 7 GlossarySuperFetch keeps track of which applications are being used the most on your computer and tries to pre-load those applications so they’re available before you need them.
Windows 7 GlossaryIn networks, a device that filters and forwards packets between network segments.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe command on the Shutdown menu that allows another user on the same computer to access his or her account without logging off from your own account.
Windows 7 GlossaryA full-featured folder synchronizer that is included in the Windows Live Essentials pack.
Windows 7 GlossaryTo coordinate a single set of data between two or more devices, automatically copying changes back and forth.
Windows 7 GlossaryA backup file created using Backup and Recovery that can be used to restore the system to exactly the same as it was at the time the image was create — including programs, updates, drivers, and data.
Windows 7 GlossaryA disc you create that contains all the information your PC needs to boot to the System Recovery Screen, enabling you to access repair tools.
Windows 7 GlossaryUses restore points to return your PC to a point where it works properly.
Windows 7 GlossaryPart of a file's metadata in which you can give a file a reference name that can be used by Windows 7 and other programs to sort and retrieve files.
Windows 7 GlossaryWindows tool for keeping track of the programs and processes that are currently running.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows 7 theme controls all aspects of the visual workspace — wallpaper (desktop background), colors, icons, screen saver, mouse pointers, even custom sounds.
Windows 7 GlossaryAnother name for a flash drive, because many flash drives are about the size of a human thumb.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe thick blue bar that runs across the top of a window.
Windows 7 GlossaryHow movie clips are joined together.
Windows 7 GlossaryA power strip combined with a battery to keep your computer running when the power goes out.
Windows 7 GlossaryA computer connection that you can use to attach many different kinds of devices and peripherals to a computer.
Windows 7 GlossaryAn account that every 7 user must have on a given PC. The account defines the user’s privileges and allows the user to customize items, such as the desktop and file settings.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows safety option that protects you from accidentally making changes to your system that could have a negative effect on system performance or stability.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe name of your user account.
Windows 7 GlossaryA file that contains a person's personal contact information that can be sent to others via e-mail.
Windows 7 GlossaryA software creation that acts and operates like a separate computer within the primary computer.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe portion of your hard drive that Windows uses to expand the available RAM.
Windows 7 GlossaryVPNs are sophisticated encrypted networks that are far more secure than your average wireless connection.
Windows 7 GlossaryA program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes.
Windows 7 GlossaryMicrosoft's assessment tool that analyses the hardware on your PC and determines how efficiently your system will be able to handle Windows 7.
Windows 7 GlossaryWindows' limited outbound firewall interface.
Windows 7 GlossaryMicrosoft's software package that can be installed on a home computer or hard drive and that manages your home network for you.
Windows 7 GlossaryA group of applications that Microsoft created to go with Windows 7, including Mail, Messenger, Photo Gallery, and Movie Maker — along with seven new applications.
Windows 7 GlossaryMicrosoft's full-featured free e-mail service — now a part of the Windows Live Essentials pack.
Windows 7 GlossarySoftware that lets you collect, play, and share your music.
Windows 7 GlossarySoftware that lets you import your video and photos, edit them into a movie, and save your creation to your PC, a DVD, or a CD.
Windows 7 GlossarySoftware that lets you easily sort through your photos by clicking different words, dates, and ratings listed on the Navigation Pane.
Windows 7 GlossarySoftware that offers nearly as many options as the drugstore’s photo counter, printing full-page glossies, wallet prints, and nearly anything in between.
Windows 7 GlossaryA portion of the Windows system that contains a wide variety of information that instructs Windows how to handle registered applications.
Windows 7 GlossaryAllows Microsoft to automatically send you patches for Windows 7.
Windows 7 GlossaryA shell program that allows you to run Windows XP programs inside Windows 7.
Windows 7 GlossaryThe measurement tool that Windows 7 uses to assess your system's capabilities and to create the WEI index for your PC.
Windows 7 GlossaryA Windows tool that automates common processes, such as adding software or setting up a network.
