You have several option on your laptop to do that.. I think you have the press the FN key and after a F? Key. It's in blue on your Keyboard. With That you can selected if you want the screen on your laptop and your tv, only laptop, or only TV!
Depending on your OS there will be connectivity options under the control panel somewhere. I think its under Mobility options on the wife's Vista powered Lappy. You should get a set up wizard