Q: My old laptop's screen backlight has blown out ... try hitting the Command and F1 keys to switch OS X back to mirroring the built-in screen. You could also use a standard computer monitor for this ...

If you want to keep your laptop closed and use only the monitor, you can turn your laptop into a compact desktop setup with a few quick settings tweaks.

If I am in regular habit of shutting down my machine and then turning the switch off at the power point is it better to turn my monitor of before this or it doesnt matter if I leave it on and turn ...

Laptops are convenient tools, but sometimes you need a bigger screen without the distraction and clutter of a dual-monitor setup.

Connect your preferred keyboard and mouse to the computer as you normally would. Your laptop is now ready for closed-lid use. Go ahead and plug in your external monitor.