Laptops Today

A laptop computer is not cheap. So if you own a laptop, you should do everything you can to keep it in the best condition.

Aside from cleaning your screen and dusting the keyboard, however, you'll need to take a few extra steps to maintain your laptop's health:

1. Play it cool - A laptop computer generates a lot of heat, especially when running the latest high-powered software. Too much heat and you risk damaging the internal circuitry. Always try to keep your laptop in a well-ventilated, cool environment. And ensure you don't block the fan grills on the sides, back, or bottom of the machine at any time.

2. Handle the screen carefully - Avoid touching or playing with your LCD screen. Yes, it might be fun to watch the waves generated by your finger against the screen, but LCD displays are fragile devices that must be cared for. Take care when cleaning the screen too, and use only approved cleaning materials. You won't want to pay the money for screen repairs or, even worse - a new machine entirely.

3. Use Laptop Case - Laptop is meant to be carried around frequently. This increase the chances of your laptop being dropped or knocked.. So adding extra protection to your laptop is necessary. The best way is to use laptop case. Also, try to make sure the rubber feet underneath your laptop is in good condition and is still attached. This will prevent the device from sliding around accidentally, and thus decrease the chances of being dropped.

4. Don't spill your drinks on it - Many people have the habit of eating or drinking while working on their laptops. Unless your laptop is water-proof, you want to be extra careful when having drinks near your laptop. A few drops of liquid on the right spot of the laptop will easily kill the machine. It's especially important to keep your drinks away from the touchpad and keyboard.

5. Keep it away from viruses - Nowadays, new computer viruses are detected almost everyday. You need to protect your laptop from them with a proper anti-virus program. If you cannot afford to pay for one, get a free version. You can easily download a free Anti-virus program such as AVG from the Internet. And don't forget to turn on the auto-update feature of the anti-virus program to let it update the virus definition daily.

So there you go. Combine all of the above tactics and help your laptop enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle!

Related Reading:

The Laptop Repair Workbook: An Introduction to Troubleshooting and Repairing Laptop ComputersThe Laptop Repair Workbook includes twelve full page troubleshooting flowcharts for laptop hardware troubleshooting and explanatory text for every decision point. The book begins with an introduction to basic laptop terminology, troubleshooting procedures, and cost decisions. Supplementary illustrated tests and procedures are available on the publisher's website, www.fonerbooks.com. An ebook version is also available direct from the publisher.

Upgrading & Fixing Laptops For DummiesKeep your laptop on top of its game!

Find out how to care for your laptop, what can go wrong, and what you can fix

A laptop is much more than a PC that shrank. It has unique needs, and this book shows you how to meet them. You'll discover how to diagnose and fix common problems, replace parts, add external upgrades, and develop workarounds. You'll even get the lowdown on networks, and find out when to repair and when to replace your laptop.

Discover how to
* Treat your laptop properly
* Identify common problems
* Know when repair may not make economic sense
* Install a new operating system
* Troubleshoot CD and DVD drives
* Add cool peripherals

Laptops For Seniors For Dummies

Now's the time! Learn to pick a laptop, use Windows, and take advantage of the Internet

Tired of wondering what all the fuss is about? This book is written for people like you, who may not know much about computers but are ready to learn. In plain English, it tells you how to use a computer, the Windows operating system, and basic software; what to look for in a laptop; and how to get online to shop, e-mail, and chat — safely.

• Compare — understand the differences between standard "notebook" laptops, netbooks, mids or minis, and tablet PCs

• Choose wisely — consider weight, monitor size, price, how you'll connect to the Internet, processor speed, and memory

• All the details — charge the battery, set up user accounts, adjust settings, and manage power

• Learn what you can do — manage your finances, watch movies, research topics of interest, organize your photos, and create family newsletters

• Do Windows — log on and off, manage files and folders, and use accessibility features

• Communicate — set up an e-mail account and join a social networking site

• Be careful — learn about online risks, how to protect yourself, and how to recognize fraud and scams

• Simplify your life — shop, bank, and pay bills online

Open the book and find:

• How to keep your laptop running smoothly

• What you can do with built-in applications

• Advice on searching the Web

• Tips for protecting your privacy

• How to access the Internet when you travel

• How to use accessibility features for vision or hearing challenges

• Where to find help

• How to connect printers and other devices

Learn to:

• ? Choose the right laptop for you

• ? Work with the built-in touchpad or attach a wireless mouse

• ? Use Windows® 7 to manage files and optimize performance

• ? Safely send and receive e-mail and explore the Web

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