How to Use a Laptop Like a GPS

Whether you are taking a family road trip, mapping coral reefs at sea, or traveling in an RV and logging information at the same time, you can turn your laptop into a GPS navigation system and make traveling more exciting, convenient and comfortable. A simple receiver and street-mapping software will have you saying goodbye to a glove box full of maps and directions and hello to the convenience of technology.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Street and Tips GPS reviewer and disc
• USB cable

Instructions

1. Insert the Microsoft Street and Trips disc into your CD-ROM, then run setup and installation. Follow the setup instructions for downloading your drivers and installing the Street and Trips application.

2. Plug one end of the USB cable into your GPS and the other end into your laptop and wait for your system to detect.

3. To change your laptop power options, click "Start," then "Control Panel." Double-click the "Power Option" icon. Under the "Power Option Properties" in your new window, change the "Power Schemes" option to "Portable/Laptop."

   Change the "Turn Off Monitor" times as you desire. Click "Save As" in the power scheme and name it "Travel," then click "OK." Click "Hibernation." Check the box to "Enable Hibernation." Click "OK" to save all the changes. These settings manage your power efficiently during long trips.

4. To create a route, double-click the "Street & Trips" icon on your desktop to launch the application.

   Select "Route Planner" from the standard toolbar. Enter your starting address, then click "Add." Enter your destination name and address, then click "Add." Click "Preferences" to change options like gas, then click "Get Directions."

   To reverse your route, select the"Start GPS Tracking" box in the GPS pane, then select the "Create GPS Trail" box. Save the map and the trail.

5. To set your program to voice driving guidance mode, click the "Driving Guidance" icon on your standard toolbar, then press "F3" to repeat the previous function or the last direction. Press "F7" to toggle the voice instruction on or off.To set your screen to full navigation, press "F11" on your keyboard or click the "Full screen map view" on the standard toolbar. To close full-screen mode, press "F11" again.

Tips & Warnings

• Install the Microsoft Street and Trips disc before you plug in your GPS receiver. Refer to your manual for advanced features and setup options.

Resources

• Microsoft Street and Tips download
• Adjusting your laptop power functions
• Navigation instructions