Frustrated

I just got a new laptop....although it is a really nice one and I am happy about that, it is kind of frustrating while I am getting use to it.  I tried to use it for seminar, but I can not seem to get the typing text box to show up at the bottom so I was unable to type anything and I ended up having to use my desk top anyway.  Does anyone have this problem or know what I can do to get the full screen?