How to Configure a Dell 17-Inch Laptop

Dell has long been a leading name in the world of laptop computers, and these machines are popular choices for both home and business use. Laptop owners who want to customize their purchases to make them more useful and more user friendly have a number of choices at their disposal.

Things You'll Need

• Laptop
• Wireless mouse
• Docking station
• External monitor
• Keyboard
• Printer

Instructions

Add a Docking Station

1. Add a docking station to your Dell laptop to make it more useful. Be sure to purchase a docking station that is designed specifically for your laptop model - different models will use different connectors to attach the laptop to the docking station.

   With a docking station in place your laptop can instantly become a desktop replacement, complete with external monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer and more. Once the docking station is in place you can simply slide the computer into place and instantly have access to an external monitor, keyboard, mouse and any other peripherals that are connected to the dock.

2. Place your docking station on your desk and attach the external monitor, mouse, keyboard, card reader, printer and any other peripherals you wish to use.

3. Turn your laptop off and then slide it into the docking station. Make sure you have a good connection between the laptop and the docking station.

4. Click the power button on the docking station to turn it on. You will see your laptop start up and the laptop screen will display on the external monitor. Once the laptop has booted you will be able to use your external keyboard and mouse, as well as the printer and all other external devices that are connected to the docking station.

Change the Resolution

1. Change the resolution of your Dell laptop to reduce eye strain and make the display easier to read. When you first start up your laptop your operating system will attempt to configure your display to the optimal settings, but that may not be the best setting for your eyes.

2. Right-click on the desktop.

3. Click on the "Properties" tab and move the slider bar. The further to the left you move the slider the larger your display will be. The further to the right you move the smaller your screen will be.

Change Your Wallpaper

1. Change the appearance of your Dell laptop by adding your own custom wallpaper. Dell laptops come with Dell branded wallpaper, but many computer owners get tired of looking at the same old thing every day. You can use your own photographs to customize.

2. Right-click on the desktop and choose "Properties" from the menu.

3. Click on the "Desktop" tab and browse to the photograph you wish to use for your wallpaper.

4. Click "OK." You will see a preview of your wallpaper. Click "OK" to accept the setting.

References

• Dell support: user guide