Connecting laptop to lcd tv

[Jimbowong]

Okay, I recently purchased a new dell laptop... I have a few questions and was wondering if someone could help.

I'm looking to purchase a new LCD tv, and I was wondering if it was possible to;

a) Connect it to the laptop and if so what is the simplest way to do so.. (what type of wire is required)
b) Have the LCD screen and the laptop screen being used for two screens/ tasks etc...

Thanks