Conventions Used in This Book

I want to get a few more ground rules out of the way so you can get going with your Tablet PC.

First off, Tablet PC technology is still new, and I suspect that its lingo hasn't quite gelled yet. You may see the terms click and right-click for performing actions with a pen that emulate mouse operations - even though what you're really doing is tapping or double-tapping with the pen.

Web site addresses, also known as URLs, are highlighted by setting them in a special computer font, which looks like this:

 www.microsoft.com 

Menu commands are shown with arrows that lead from one to the next in the order that you choose them, for example, 'Choose ViewðToolbarsðReviewing.'

Options in dialog boxes use initial caps, even though they are lowercase on your screen. The idea is to make the names of the fields that appear in dialog boxes easier to identify if you're scanning the book. (For example, the field named 'Provide feedback with sound' in a dialog box will appear as 'Provide Feedback with Sound' in this book.)

Oh, one more thing. Some Tablet PCs come with keyboards, and some don't. But all Tablet PCs have an Input Panel that simulates a keyboard. When I use the word Keyboard, I'm talking about the electronic simulation of a computer or laptop keyboard.

Icons Used in This Book

In case you wonder what those icons to the left of the text are for, here's a rundown:

Remember When you see this icon, it's pointing out a handy bit of information you're likely to need later on, or something to keep in mind while you're following a particular instruction.

Warning! When you see this icon, watch out - there's a shark lurking around in the water. Okay, not literally. But you get my point, don't you? You'd be advised to take a look at the information here, lest you end up having a Really Bad Day instead of enjoying your Tablet PC computing experience.

Technical Stuff This icon gives you a peek behind the glamorous exterior of your Tablet PC, to see why it does what it does. (Those of you who prefer to think of computers as the equivalent of Aladdin's lamp - 'I give it input, I get output, who cares what happens in-between?' - can skip ahead.)

Tip This icon calls your attention to handy shortcuts, practical advice, and nuggets of wisdom to enhance your Tablet PC experience.