Hints & Tips

Connecting a laptop to an LCD TV

Connect either a VGA or HDMI cable from the laptop to the LCD TV. On the LCD TV, press the source button on the TV remote and select either VGA or HDMI depending on your type of connection. On the laptop, press and hold down the function / fn key then press the F4 key. This will cycle between various display options; select Duplicate.

Connecting a laptop to wireless internet

On the laptop, make sure the wireless is on. This is a physical button on most laptops. Then on the taskbar at the bottom right of the screen, double click on the wireless network icon. This will look either of the following:


Windows 10	Windows 7

A list of available wireless networks will appear. Select the one you want to connect to and enter the key for the network if necessary. This will be available by the person that set up the network.

Software updates

Computers work better and are more secure if you regularly run software updates. Getting the latest Microsoft updates depends on what version of Windows you are using:

Windows 10/11: click on Start > Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates

Windows 8: move mouse to top right side of screen > Control Panel > System & Security > Windows update > check for updates

Windows 7: click on Start > All Programs > Windows Update > Check for Updates

Manufacturers that may have other required updates include Intel, Adobe, Hewlett Packard and Apple.

Anti-Virus programs

All computers from PC Rentals will come with an anti-virus program installed. If your current computer does not have one installed there are many free choices available to install. You can choose from Microsoft Security Essentials, AVG, Avast and Avira to name but a few. If your PC / laptop does not have any kind of anti-virus program installed we highly suggest changing this as soon as possible.

I have a virus, what do I do?

In this situation, a good place to start is with a product like Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Its sole purpose is to wipe out viruses, Trojans, rootkits and different types of malware. It does not provide ongoing protection, so it is a program you would use after infection. To prevent infection, install an anti-virus program and make sure your Windows Security settings are active and up to date.

Boost your Wi-Fi signal

Often wi-fi networks will be using the same channel and interfere with providing a good wi-fi signal to your devices. In this case change the channel on your router to one that is not being used. There are many software programs such as "inSIDDer" available to check what wireless networks are transmitting in your immediate area, and what channel they're on. Refer to your Router's manufacturer for specific details on how to change the channel on your router.

Boost your Wi-Fi range

No matter how good the signal of your wireless router, the further you are from it the weaker it will get. A second wireless router can be set up in either access point or repeater mode, which when connected to the first will extend the signal. Check with the routers manufacturer for specific details on how to extend the wireless network.