Couple of questions about my new Dell laptop and I don't have two hours to call their Dell-on-Call. Besides, just as much knowledge (maybe more) here on Mudcat!

Is there a way to adjust the contrast on the screen? I was in a backlit situation at the library and could barely see the screen.

Is there a way to adjust volume just during the boot, so the Welcome chimes don't disturb everyone around me?

Third, and this is for my desktop --sneaking this one in-- how can I find out what is running that causes an occasional white window to flash momentarily on the task bar and then go away before I can click on it to find out anything?