requite that your laptop support Component video (Y-Pr-Pb) for this type of cable to work. Otherwise you need a transcoder in the mix. If your laptop does support component video, there should be a function key on the laptop that switches the display from the laptop screen to the external connection. On some laptops there are actually three settings: laptop screen display, external screen display, and both displays active (same screen image on both). On most laptops the key combination is the laptop-specific "Function" key plus one of the "F" function keys. You may also have to tune the TV channel to it's Auxillary Input

If your TV has a VGA input and your computer has a VGA output, you need just a cable to connect both together. If there isn't a match of video inputs to outputs, it might still be possible to make a connection, but more about that later.

Let's start with the computer connection first. Examine the back of your computer for available monitor connections. Depending on your computer's graphic capabilities, you should be able to identify one or more of the following: a 15-pin VGA output, a DVI connection, or an S-Video output. Your computer could support one, two, or all of the connections listed. If you are unsure, refer to the video section of your computer's user manual.

Next, you will need to identify the type of television you have. It will be either an analog or digital TV. If you own an analog television, look for an S-Video input. If you own a digital television, look for an S-Video, 15-pin VGA, component video, or DVI input. Many of the newer televisions, such as Plasma, DLP, or LCD, should have a PC compatible 15-pin VGA input.

Finally, we need to find a matching connection between the two. If you have a VGA or DVI match, use that for the best image quality and performance. If you have a component connection on your TV and a VGA output on your computer, choose those connections. Use S-Video as a last resort if you have no other choice, or are not as concerned about the video quality of your connection.

Before you begin, download and install the latest drivers for your computers video card. The newest software has options for making this project easier than it used to be. The most common graphics cards are the following:
* Cards based on the nVIDIA platform. Drivers are available at http://www.nvidia.com/
* Cards based on the ATI platform. Drivers available at http://www.ati.com/
* Cards based on the Intel Extreme Graphics platform. Drivers available at http://www.intel.com/

Always refer to your computer or video card manufacturer's website or before installing any software. Sometimes, drivers are available there. Do not download drivers for a graphics chip different from what your computer uses.

This site might prove helpful:
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/howto-pc-tv.html

Having said all this, I do feel obligated to tell you that graphics will usually be fine but at any resolution above 640 X 480 text will be REALLY BAD! (and it won't be real good even at that low resolution)