Toshiba Satellite S50a Manual

61Getting Started
Using external display devices
Using external display devices
Your computer comes with a built-in display, but you can 
also connect the following types of external display devices 
to the video ports described below:
To locate your HDMI™ or RGB port, please refer to your 
Quick Start document.
❖An HDMI™-compatible television or external display 
device via the HDMI™ Out port*
❖An external monitor or projector via the RGB (monitor) 
port*
(Sample Illustration) Video ports on right side...

62Getting Started
Using external display devices
Connecting an external monitor or projector
You can easily attach an external monitor or projector to your 
computer if you need a larger screen. To do this:
1Read the directions that came with the monitor to see if 
you first need to install new software.
2Connect the monitor’s video cable to the RGB (monitor) 
port on the side of the computer.
3Connect the device’s power cable to a live electrical 
outlet.
4Turn on the external device.
Your computer will...

63Getting Started
Using external display devices
❖Extend
❖Second screen only
 (Sample Image) Display options window
The ( ) + P keys navigate through the options without 
activating a selection. Press 
ENTER to activate a 
selection.
You may also use the F4 key, and then press ENTER to 
activate a selection.
Adjusting the quality of the external display
To obtain the best picture quality from your television (or 
other video display device), you may need to adjust the 
video settings. See the video...

64Getting Started
Customizing your computer’s settings
Customizing your computer’s settings
There are several ways in which you can customize your 
computer to suit your particular requirements. You can go 
into your computer settings to make adjustments to your 
computer to suit your needs. 
From the Start or Desktop screen, move your pointer to the 
upper-right corner of the screen or swipe in from the right 
edge. When the Windows
® charms appear, click or touch the 
Settings ( ) charm, and then click...

65Getting Started
Caring for your computer
Moving the computer
Before moving your computer, even across the room, make 
sure all drive activity has ended (the internal storage drive 
and optical disc drive indicator lights stop glowing) and all 
external peripheral cables are disconnected.
Do not pick up the computer by its display panel or by 
the back. Doing so could damage the system.
Using a computer lock
You may want to secure your computer to a heavy object 
such as your desk. The easiest way to do...

66
Chapter 2
Learning the Basics
This chapter gives some computing tips and provides 
important information about basic features.
Computing tips
❖Save your work frequently.
Your work stays in the computer’s temporary memory 
until you save it to the internal storage drive. If the 
network you are using goes down and you must restart 
your computer to reconnect, or your battery runs out of 
charge while you are working, you will lose all work since 
you last saved.
See “Saving your work” on page 72 for...

67Learning the Basics
Using the keyboard
❖Back up your files to external media on a regular basis. 
Label the backup copies clearly and store them in a safe 
place.
It is easy to put off backing up because it takes time. 
However, if your internal storage drive suddenly fails, you 
will lose all the data on it unless you have a separate 
backup copy. For more information, see “Data and 
system configuration backup in the Windows® 
operating system” on page 144.
❖Use Error-checking and Disk Defragmenter...

68Learning the Basics
Using the keyboard
     (Sample Illustration) Keyboard
    (Sample Illustration) 10-key keyboard
(Available on certain models)
To capture a print screen of the entire screen, press the 
Fn + PRTSC key. (This only applies to models with a 
10-key keypad.)
To capture only the active window displayed, press 
Fn + ALT while simultaneously pressing the PRTSC key.
  (Sample Illustration) PRTSC key on the 10-key keyboard
Function keys
The function keys (not to be confused with the Fn key)...

69Learning the Basics
To u c h  s c r e e n
F1 through F12 are called function keys because they 
execute programmed functions when pressed. Used in 
combination with the 
Fn key, function keys marked with 
icons execute specific functions on the computer. For 
example, 
F5 turns the touch pad ON/OFF. For more 
information, see “TOSHIBA Function Keys” on page 152. 
Special Windows® keys 
    
(Sample Illustration) Special Windows® keys 
Your computer’s keyboard has one key and one button that 
have...

70Learning the Basics
Mouse properties
To u c h—Touch to activate items displayed on the screen, 
such as app and setting icons or on-screen buttons. Touch 
to type using the keyboard.
Touch & hold—Touch and hold an item on the screen by 
touching and holding the item in place until an action occurs.
Drag—Touch and hold an item for a moment and then, 
without lifting your finger, move the item until you reach the 
target position. For example, drag items on any app screen 
to reposition them.
Swipe or...