Tips for Using a Projector With a Laptop Computer

1. Know where your presentation files are. You might want to create a shortcut on your desktop so you can go right to it (browse to the file in "My Computer," right-click and choose "create shortcut"). Bring a backup disc!

2. Turn off your laptop's screensaver and energy saver, so your presentation will not be interrupted.

3. Bring your AC adaptor. Make sure the laptop is plugged in and not running on the battery. Batteries will always fail, and always at the worst possible moment.

4. Show up at least an hour early and test everything. Give yourself plenty of time to troubleshoot any problems.

5. Plug in the laptop to the projector while both devices are off. Turn on devices one at a time: first the projector, then the computer. Make sure one is fully up and running before turning on the other. Be patient; some projector bulbs take up to two minutes to warm up. If there is no image, turn them both off, turn them back on in the opposite order (first the computer, then the projector).

6. Make sure you have the proper cords to connect the computer to the projector. Make sure the connections are snug, and in the proper port.

7. Make sure the projector is set to the proper source, and at the proper resolution (how to do this will depend on the projector). Your laptop's resolution can be found by right-clicking on the desktop, choosing "Properties," then "Settings."

8. Know how to toggle between the projection and the screen. Usually, this is accomplished by pressing the the Fn key and one of the function keys (e.g. - F8), and will allow you to toggle between three states: the computer screen, the projector image, and both. You will most likely want to set it to "both" for your presentation. If you can't figure out how to toggle between states, there are many sites on the web that can tell you how; www.toshiba.com/taisisd/projectors/actchart/htm is one of many.

9. Still no image? PowerPoint has a "Connection Wizard" (Slide Show/Set Up Show/Projection Wizard) that will help the computer find the projector.

10. Have a backup plan, such as a back-up projector (admittedly a luxury), transparencies and an overhead projector, or the ability to print handouts (very easy with PowerPoint presentations, as long as you have access to a printer). In a pinch, you can use blank transparencies and a felt tip marker.