Tech Question

We very much want to add Power Point Presentation to our classes, I really don't want to have to invest in a multi media projector. I have been told by several that it would be no problem to hook my lap top into my 32 inch analog TV. They say just buy a cable, yeah right, I get a lot of blank stares at the stores I've gone to (Radio Shack , Best Buy, the computer zoo etc..)
The lap Top has VGA outlet, & the TV appears to have co-ax & RCA, it's a bit bulky to move to see what's back there. Anyone out there could give me some advice other than "just buy a cable" would be most helpful