Tablet PC Tutorials

The tutorial screen shown in Figure 1.4 usually comes up when you boot up your Tablet PC unless you check the Do not show me this again check box to disable it. From this screen, you can access various quick tutorials that walk you through a few of the features that come with the Tablet PC. I recommend that you watch these video tutorials before reading further; doing so will give you the big picture of what can be done with the Tablet PC, and will help you get more out of the following chapters.

Figure 1.4. The Tablet PC tutorials help you learn how to use the Tablet PC effectively. I recommend you go through them in addition to reading this book.

If you do not see the Tutorials page when you start your Tablet PC, tap the Start button, tap Help and Support, and then tap Tablet PC Tutorials. If you can't find the tutorials there, you can reach them through the file system by opening the file C:\Windows\help\latute.hta.

Tip

Play the Tablet PC tutorials. They're a great way to get up to speed with the basics quickly. When you're finished with them, come back to this book for more depth in each of the areas.

The Tablet PC tutorials use videos, which help deliver the content in a richer way than just this book. Together, the tutorials and this book will help you get the most out of your Tablet PC.

Tablet PC Tutorial

This tutorial gives an overview of the different input methods and capabilities of the Tablet PC, which is helpful as you move forward in this book. I will repeat most of what is covered in the tutorial in this book, as repetition is one of the keys to learning.

Windows Journal Tutorial

Windows Journal is one of the cornerstone applications of the Tablet PC, which is why it is important to understand how to use it effectively. This is going to be one of your primary note-taking applications. Although I recommend Microsoft OneNote over Windows Journal in many circumstances, Windows Journal is still a powerful tool if you just need note-taking, sketching, and annotation capabilities. When you're finished with the Windows Journal tutorial, you can find more information about the application in Chapters 6, "Using Windows Journal," and 7, "Advanced Windows Journal," where I'll cover almost every aspect of the program.

Input Panel Tutorial

The Input Panel is another key application for the Tablet PC. With it, you can enter hand-written text into any application, including DOS boxes/command prompts. Use this tutorial to get up to speed on the Input Panel; for more in-depth coverage of this great tool, see Chapter 8, "Using the Tablet PC Input Panel."

Speech Tutorial

Speech is a less frequently used input method on the Tablet PC, but one of the most powerful. Windows XP Tablet PC Edition has a good recognition engine that allows you to speak naturally and still be understood. It will be helpful for you to understand at least the basics of using speech input, and the Speech tutorial is a great way to learn. After you've finished the Speech tutorial, you can get more information about speech input in Chapter 9, "Speech Recognition and Voice Control."

Getting Help

There is a fair amount of help available with your Tablet PC. The tutorials just mentioned are one form of help. Another form of help is the Help system included with Windows XP. Just tap Start, then tap Help and Support, and enter your search criteria.

Tip

The Help system in Windows XP is great. Understand how to use it effectively.

The Help and Support dialog box also has additional options for support, and may even include manufacturer-specific support tools. This is a great way to learn more about your Tablet PC if you're not in a rush.