Friday, March 28, 2008
Clean up your notebook
In this project, we'll show you how to get inside and clean the guts of your laptop, and how to keep it looking spiffy on the outside, too.
An occasional cleaning will keep your laptop fans spinning effectively for years. But before you can clean them, you'll have to find them. Fortunately, in most cases, they're near the vents that are located around the edges of your case; these slats let cool air in and hot air out. Don't worry if they're covered in dust and lint, we'll get to that. Now you'll need to open up the laptop case.
Look for a few sets of screws, underneath the laptop near the vents. Remove the panel and look for the fans--they're circular and plastic, usually about the size of a quarter, with a small propeller inside. Again, it may be covered with dust and lint.
Start at the fan, then work your way to the ducts and vents. Look under the ribbon cables, around the hard drive, and near the tiny circuit boards. Grime can hide in the oddest places, like the processor's copper-colored heat sink, so make sure you explore all the laptop's nooks and crannies.
When wiping down the screen, stay away from tissue that leave lint behind or rough fabrics that may scratch the display. We recommend Kimwipes lint-free cleaning cloths, a soft cotton chamois or a microfiber cloth.
Clean up your notebook
• Hardware: Flashlight, can of compressed air, microfiber cloth, small Phillips head screwdriver, glass cleaner, and lint-free wipes
• Software: Microsoft Windows
In this project, we'll show you how to get inside and clean the guts of your laptop, and how to keep it looking spiffy on the outside, too.
Step 1: Keep your coolComputer components--processors, graphics cards, and the like--get hot when they run. To mitigate this, laptop makers put in elaborate heat sinks that absorb the heat generated by the processor. In addition, all but the tiniest models have at least a single fan; some bigger systems have two or even three. When the temperature rises above a certain level, the fans automatically come on to keep the laptop out of the red zone. Unfortunately, like all fans, the ones in your laptop will eventually end up covered in dust and dirt, and that could spell trouble.
An occasional cleaning will keep your laptop fans spinning effectively for years. But before you can clean them, you'll have to find them. Fortunately, in most cases, they're near the vents that are located around the edges of your case; these slats let cool air in and hot air out. Don't worry if they're covered in dust and lint, we'll get to that. Now you'll need to open up the laptop case.
Look for a few sets of screws, underneath the laptop near the vents. Remove the panel and look for the fans--they're circular and plastic, usually about the size of a quarter, with a small propeller inside. Again, it may be covered with dust and lint.
Step 2: Dust bunny patrolNow that you're inside the laptop, use a flashlight to look around for built-up dust and dirt. Using the eraser-end of a pencil or tweezers, pick off any nasty deposits you come across.
Start at the fan, then work your way to the ducts and vents. Look under the ribbon cables, around the hard drive, and near the tiny circuit boards. Grime can hide in the oddest places, like the processor's copper-colored heat sink, so make sure you explore all the laptop's nooks and crannies.
Step 3: Air it all outYou've done the detail work, and now it's time to go big. Put on a dust mask, if you have one. Grab the can of compressed air and spray down the inside of your laptop. Go nuts. Blow out all the dust you can find. It won't be pretty, and you might want to have a vacuum cleaner running nearby to grab all the junk it as it comes out. Don't be surprised if a lot comes out of that little laptop.
Step 4: Shake, rattle, and rollNow that you've made your first pass at cleaning out the inside, give your laptop a little shake to dislodge any particularly resilient dust and grime. Keep cleaning and shaking until nothing more comes out.
Step 5: Key to the crumb highwayNow that the inside of your laptop is as clean as a whistle, it's time to tidy up that nasty keyboard. Don't be embarrassed by what you find: Most keyboards have enough crumbs to feed a flock of pigeons for weeks. Use the can of compressed air to blow it clean, but be careful not to break any keys off.
Step 6: Tighten upWhile you've still got the laptop open, give each of the major components a quick look to see if any are loose. A loose motherboard or hard drive can cause damage in the long run, so make sure all of the screws are tight and all of the cables are well connected. When tightening the screws, be careful not to overdo it--gently tighten until you feel some resistance. When you're done, reconnect the access panels on the underside of your laptop.
Step 7: Clean your screenAll laptop screens are susceptible to nicks and scratches, and the latest glossy, high-contrast displays show off fingerprints that even Columbo couldn't miss. We like to give our screens a quick rubdown about once a week. You can use any brand of window cleaner so long as it doesn't contain ammonia or any harsh detergents. We're partial to Sprayway, because it gets all foamy and doesn't leave annoying streaks; unfortunately, Sprayway can be hard to find in some places, and you may have to make a special trip to a glass or mirror store to find it.
When wiping down the screen, stay away from tissue that leave lint behind or rough fabrics that may scratch the display. We recommend Kimwipes lint-free cleaning cloths, a soft cotton chamois or a microfiber cloth.
Laptop Safety
It is important that you understand that a laptop has the ability to actually overheat. When you are not using your laptop, it is very important that you shut it down properly. If you use the laptop a lot throughout the day, you may want to purchase a cooling pad to ensure that it stays cool while you are using it. You can generally purchase an effective cooling pad for under $30.00 at any electronics stores. You may also want to ensure that you use the laptop in a cool area of your home to ensure that the temperature of the laptop does not exceed safe levels. If you discover that your laptop still seems to experience issues with overheating, you may want to check and see if the fan in your laptop is working properly. If it is not, you should have the fan replaced by a professional.
When you travel with your laptop, it is essential that you use a carrying case that is made for the laptop. Most of these carrying cases come equipped with extra padding to ensure that the laptop is kept safe while traveling. It is important to ensure that the carrying case for the laptop is sturdy and keeps the laptop secure in one area. Constant moving around, bumping, and other movements can result in internal damage of the components in the laptop.
If you use very peripherals on your laptop, such as printers, external hard drives, and similar devices, you should unplug these items when you are not using them. Even though you may not be using the items, it can result in unnecessary strain on the laptop. Additionally, if you experience any type of power surge with any of these extra components, it can overflow into the laptop and cause serious malfunctions.
You should ensure that you limit the number of files that you place on your laptop. Normally, a laptop has a smaller storage unit than that of a regular desktop pc. This is one of the many reasons that people usually buy zip drives and external hard drives when they have a laptop. You must also ensure that you optimize your internet explorer and other browsers consistently to ensure that you keep space cleared up on your laptop.
There are many things that you can do to ensure that you are keeping your laptop safe. It is important to keep a watchful eye on your laptop and do everything that you are able to in order to keep it maintained and in proper working order.
5 Steps to Setting Up Your New Laptop
Set Up Your New Laptop Wisely
You have a brand new laptop and you're ready to get working and checking out all the great things that your new laptop can do. Before you jump in and start downloading like crazy and installing all your programs, take a few minutes to review these steps to setting up your laptop.
Set aside a block of time when you can work uninterrupted and then start setting up your new laptop.
- Install a firewall and anti-virus program. Update all settings and run a scan on your laptop.
- Update the OS. If there is more than one update available, only select one at a time. Install the selected update and then re-boot your laptop.
- Install any programs or additional drivers that shipped with your laptop. Again, install one at a time and re-boot after each installation.
- Go to the manufacturer's web site to check for any software updates for your laptop. Install one at a time, if there is more than one available and re-boot before you install the next update.
- Install all your other programs that you need. Remember you should re-boot after each installation. When you have installed the programs, check for updates.
Last, but not least…sit back with your favourite hot or cold beverage and enjoy some music or perhaps even a movie on your new laptop. It will be time to work soon enough.
NOTES:
Why Install One at a Time?
It is much easier to troubleshoot problems if you have only installed one update at a time. This process does take longer but it worth it in the long run and will make it easier to keep track of what updates you have made to your laptop.
Program Updates:
For most program updates you should save the .exe file to your hard drive and run it from there. Once you have updated your laptop, copy these updates to a CD, DVD or portable hard drive, this way you have them for future use.
System Tweaks:
You don't need to adjust display settings or other system preferences immediately, wait and see how you work with your new laptop and make changes as needed based on your work habits.
Serial Numbers & Registration Details:
Make notes of all the serials numbers of your software programs and the details you used when registering your programs. Keep this information in a safe place and you should keep a copy of these details in an outside location.
Batteries - From Laptops to Motorcycles
What would you do without them? Seriously, if every single battery of every single type were suddenly zapped out of every single thing that it operated, what would any of us do?
Laptop computers, without a doubt, are the lifeblood of many a businessperson today. Portable, convenient, they allow us to work on the run and do more business. Laptop batteries are essential to keep this resource working, as it should.
The precursor to the laptop as we know it today was introduced by IBM back in 1986 and was called “The PC Convertible”. It weighed five and a half kilograms and cost around $3500.00.
As laptop computers have evolved, so too have laptop batteries.
• The first type of battery used in laptops was Nickel- Cadmium (NiCad). These can still be found in some older laptops. Their lifespan between recharges is about two hours, however, this decreases with each recharge. Also, if a NiCad laptop battery is charged for too long it may explode.
• The next type of laptop battery used was Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH). These laptop batteries last longer than NiCad batteries but their total lifespan is shorter.
• The current standard laptop battery is the Li-ion battery. As well as being light and having a long life span they can also be randomly charged and won’t overheat if charged for too long. Being thinner, the Li-ion battery is ideal as a notebook battery and can last for between 950 and 1200 recharges.
Perhaps even more crucial to our business life as well as our personal life is the cell phone. There are also three different types of cell phone batteries:
• Lithium-ion Batteries: these are the newest type of cell phone battery and, while having certain advantages over the older NIMH and NICD batteries, care must still be taken to ensure they perform at their best. For example, a new lithium-ion battery should be “conditioned”. What this basically means is that for the battery’s first three charge cycles, fully charge the battery overnight and allow it to fully discharge before charging it again. This will increase the life and effectiveness of the cell phone battery.
• NIMH Batteries: These batteries also should be conditioned in the same way as a Lithium-ion battery. It is important to remember that extensive overcharging (i.e.: on a battery charger for more than twenty-four hours) can damage these cell phone batteries.
• NICD Batteries: These are the oldest type of cell phone battery and, as is the case with the laptop computer, are less reliable than the newer types.
Okay, so we know we’d be sunk without our laptops and cell phones. But what about the car? Cars have batteries too. Perhaps you ride a Harley Davidson - not without a motorcycle battery! It’s interesting to think where we’d be if the afore-mentioned “zapping episode” took place. We know that our forefathers coped without batteries but could we?
Here’s a challenge: For one whole day leave everything containing a battery alone. No driving or riding, no cell phone or computer, completely “battery-bereft”. At the end of the day you’ll either feel tranquil and centred, at total peace with your surroundings or a nervous wreck, climbing the walls.
Which will you be?
How to Save Laptop Battery Power When You Really Need it
You’ve got a five-hour flight from Los Angeles to New York City, and one battery in your laptop. You’ve got work to do, DVDs to watch, and games to play. How are you going to get that battery to last? Well, hidden inside (and outside) your computer are lots of tricks to help you.
Dimming Your Screen
Your screen and hard drive use up more battery power than any other parts of your computer. You can dim down your screen to a point where your eyes still feel comfortable but you also save energy. On most laptops, you first dim the screen by holding down the “Fn” key (go ahead and find it because you may never have used it before). Then you look for a key on your laptop that either has a picture of a sun or a half-moon. (On my Sony Vaio that key happens to be F5.) If you find it, go ahead and hit it while still holding down the Fn key. A brightness adjustment box should show up on your screen. If you can’t find a key with a sun or half-moon on it, try hitting your various arrow keys while holding down Fn, to see if that works.
Turning Off Your Screen Altogether
If dimming your screen is good for saving battery life, turning it off when you’re not using it is even better. To turn off your screen, we’re going to have to go into some settings in the Control Panel. You’ll soon see these settings are not only good for turning off screens; they perform a whole host of battery saving functions.
Click on Start, then on Control Panel. If your Control Panel is shown in the “Category View,” click first on Performance and Maintenance, then on Power Options. If your Control Panel is in Classic View, simply click on the Power Options icon. Next click on the Power Schemes Tab. Underneath where it says Running on Batteries and across from where it says Turn Off Monitor, choose how quickly you’d like your monitor to shut off when you’re not actively using it.
That Power Options Properties box we just opened brings us to a whole host of other enticing options we can employ on our cross-country flight!
Choosing a Power Scheme
Windows XP offers two Power Schemes appropriate for laptops on the go. These are Portable/Laptop and Max Battery. They can both be chosen in the Power Schemes tab of the Power Options Properties box. Both power schemes conserve battery power. But Portable laptop adjusts what it conserves to the amount of power you need at the time, while Max Battery is much less flexible. It keeps your computer at a very low constant power rate no matter what you may be doing. So if you are planning on watching a DVD on that flight, which uses a lot of battery power, I don’t recommend using the Max Battery power scheme. It might not give you enough power.
Each power scheme also has its own settings for when the monitor and hard disks should be turned off. Remember that both are huge energy hogs, and that both the monitor and hard disk remain on longer under Portable/Laptop than they do under Max Battery.
The power scheme you choose also determines how long the computer will wait to go into Standby mode or Hibernate after remaining idle. Standby conserves energy because it turns off your hard disk and monitor. However, whatever you were working on at the time stays in memory (RAM) instead of being saved safely to your hard drive. The upside of Standby, though, is that when you press any key your computer will come out of the mode rather quickly.
Hibernation saves even more energy because it saves your work to the hard drive and then shuts your computer down almost all the way. Inherently, of course, this means it takes the computer longer to wake up to its normal state, but when everything does come back on, it looks the same as before. To switch your computer to Standby mode manually, click on Start, then on Turn off Computer, then on Standby. To make your computer Hibernate manually, click on Start and Turn off Computer again, but this time hold down the Shift key down afterward. The Standby key switches to “Hibernate.” Click it and your computer will go into Hibernation mode.
Creating Your Own Profiles
Maybe you don’t like the two power saving choices Windows gives you. Maybe you want to create custom ones to suit your own needs. You can do that! I created one for “Long Plane Rides.” I adjusted the settings in the Power Options Properties box. For instance, I indicated I wanted my monitor to turn off after only 2 minutes of idle time, and my hard disks after 3 minutes. Then I clicked on Save As, named my profile, and clicked OK. Now maybe the battery will last even longer on the flight.
Let’s go through some other choices in the Power Options Properties box. Under the Alarm tab, you can check boxes to either be alerted when your battery is low and/or when your battery is critical. You can even use the slider to make your own determination of just what is low and what is critical. Then you can click on Alarm Action to tell your computer to, for instance, sound an alarm or go into Standby mode when those moments are reached.
Under the Advanced tab, you can choose what you want your laptop to do when you close the lid. You can choose it to go into Standby mode, Hibernation, or even do nothing if you wish. You can also choose what you’d like the computer to do when you hit the power button.
If you’re interested in using your laptop’s Hibernation feature you should check the box under the Hibernation tab that says Enable Hibernation.
Turn Off Wireless Network Card
Your wireless card can also be a drain on your battery’s resources, so disable it if you don’t need it. (You don’t need it obviously on a plane, for instance.) If your laptop has a wireless card, simply take it out. If your laptop has wireless built-in, you can disable it in Windows XP by clicking on Start and going to your Control Panel. In Category View, click on Network and Internet Connections, then Network Connections. In Classic View, simply click on Network Connections. Once you’re there, right click on the wireless connection you’re using, and click on Disable. You can also disable your wireless network card through the Device Manager. Right click on My Computer and left click on Properties. Click on the Hardware tab and then the Device Manager button. Next, click on the small black cross next to where it says Network Adapters. Locate your wireless network adapter, right click on it, and left click on Disable.
You can also left click on Properties instead (after you right click on your network adapter), click on the Power Management tab, and check the box that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
Some newer laptops with the Intel Mobile Pentium® chip have a button somewhere on the laptop itself, for instance on the front, to enable you to easily turn your wireless on or off. You may have to check your laptop’s manual to find out if you have a button and if so, where it is.
CPU Throttling
The Intel Mobile Pentium® laptops also sport a feature known as CPU Throttling (and named SpeedStep™ by Intel), that actually slows down your processor when you’re running on the battery. When you’re plugged into your AC, your processor runs full speed ahead. But when you unplug that cord, it shifts into a lower gear. A processor running at a lower speed and using less voltage saves your battery even that much more juice.
So now you have a number of tools to implement in order to save your computer’s precious battery power. But maybe instead on that next long distance flight, you might want to think ahead and book a seat with a power outlet.
Using a Laptop to Manage Your Life More Efficiently
Nowadays everyone needs a computer, especially if you’re a student. Academic life can be hell without a computer. Gone are the days when you could hand in handwritten papers. Also, in this fast-paced world typewriters are too slow and cumbersome. So, be it for writing essays, crunching mathematical calculations, researching the Web, or collaborating with fellow students via instant messaging and e-mail, no one can efficiently manage student life without a handy computer. So, if you’re one of those students wondering what sort of a computer to invest in, then you should seriously consider getting a laptop instead of a desktop.
There are many reasons why laptops are better than desktops. Laptops are now accessible with improved upgrade-ability, dazzling large LCD screens, powerful processors and multi-media features as advanced as those on any desktop. And laptops have the added advantage of mobility as well as the fact that they require less space. In fact that is their strong point. Laptops provide you advantages and privileges in learning and obtaining information everywhere. It doesn’t matter where you are, with a laptop the world of information is at your fingertips. You can take them with you to make power point presentations at seminars. This is not possible with a desktop. Just imagine lugging your desktop all the way to a seminar!
With a laptop you can work anywhere, not just in your room. So, if you suddenly feel like it, you can decide to get some work done at the park or while you’re in a train, car or airplane. Also laptops are a valuable investment because they’ll be a great help not only during your academic years but also later on when you start working. For example, in a situation where you’ve to take your office or vital data along with you on your business or personal trip, a desktop is useless. On the other hand, with a laptop you’ve no problems. A laptop is lightweight and easily fitted into the overhead storage bin of an airplane. That brings us to its next advantage, size.
Laptops come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs and purposes. However, depending on the size, the price of the laptop tends to vary. Also, many laptops come with impressive technical specifications that are better than most ordinary desktops. With hard drives of up to 100GB or more, with RAM up to 2MB or more supported by Intel Pentium 4, most notebooks are able to handle almost all computing applications and functions with ease. Also, the laptop can be used as a convenient backup for your vital files and programs. It’s a cheaper and safer way of protecting all your sensitive data.
So, laptops are the smarter option, not only if you travel a lot and you need the computer to be accessible to you at all times. However, it has its disadvantages as well. For example, laptops are very delicate and need regular care. Also, they’re not as durable as desktops that are made of stronger stuff. So, a desktop has the advantage over the laptop when it comes to pricing, durability, and ease of maintenance. However, nowadays, laptops are becoming cheaper by the minute. And as more and more notebooks are being sold, the price will drop even more. Even if the price is currently a little higher than a desktop, the gap is closing really quickly. When compared to all the other advantages that a laptop has over a desktop, I don’t think that it’s that difficult a choice to make.
Renting or Buying: Deciding Your Next Laptop
Finding the cash to upgrade or buy equipment is perhaps one of the greatest hurdles for businessmen on the verge of expanding their businesses. And it isn’t always a good idea to purchase computer hardware using up cash flow since it often stifles the growth of potential businesses. For such situations there is an ideal solution: rent a laptop.
The reason a company rents laptop or notebook computers is the small capital investment and the tax benefits involved.
Let’s look at the advantages, with accompanying reasons on why to rent a laptop computer:
• Upfront costs are minimal: There is a major benefit for businesses that can't afford big sum expenditure as one has little upfront costs. While using a typical laptop rental, little cost is incurred as compared to an outright purchase. All you need to pay is a monthly fee for the life of the rental.
• Predictable expenses: Predictable monthly costs like a monthly rental payment are preferred by many companies since it helps with cash flow management and budgeting.
• Replacement upon equipment failure: Upon failure of the equipment most rental companies provide full-replacement of laptops .You are therefore guaranteed to have a working equipment, for every day that you are renting .The long wait for days or weeks to be back in business is over. Even if your laptop fails the hard drive would still be working and you can take the new laptop given by the rental company and switch your hard drive into it. That way you don't lose any data and can keep your business going. The laptop rental company is also responsible for maintenance and servicing, should you encounter any difficulty while using it.
• Short-term Laptop requirements: It is best to rent a laptop if your usage is on a short-term basis or when needed in bulk for training sessions.
Laptop is also rented for temporary offices, traveling executives and temporary employees by business houses.
Cost effectivity of rentals for businesses
Using the laptop on a short-term basis? You might as well rent it. It’s advisable to try out the laptops before investing money in them. With most reliable dealers you have the flexibility of choosing specific requirements within your chosen period of usage. If your dealer does not allow such an option you better watch out as the dealer might not co-operate after the lease period is over if you face any difficulty.
Next important issue is the rent. Take the following factors into consideration while paying:
• How fast does whatever you are renting depreciate in value?
• Price of the item purchased
• Duration of your stay in business
• The rental source and credit rating
Rental companies often offer better terms and rates than the manufacturers themselves. However retailers and manufacturers offer special promotions like lower-interest financing etc. To know whether you get a better deal at any point of time, compare the terms.
Inquire about the amount and check if you can return the laptops within their rental period without penalty. Flexibility in renting is important. For example if you have a six-month contract and after 3 months of using a laptop, find out if it is possible to rent a newer model if you wish to. Always choose a plan wherein you can avail of newer technologies.
Finally, make sure you clearly understand all the terms & conditions of the contract and whom to contact for repairs or troubleshooting.
Find Your Laptop Drivers Easily!
Many people, especially beginners, struggle in finding drivers for their laptops. In this article, I will illustrate two ways to help you find your laptop drivers quickly, and easily.
The first method we will consider is to visit a company's website, and attempt to find a 'Drivers' or 'downloads' link. If a similar link is not immediately apparent, look for a search box. Most laptop companies have a search box somewhere on the homepage of their website. Type the model number of your laptop into the search box and click search. Typically, you will be sent to an overview of the model you have entered. Look for 'Downloads' or 'Drivers' links. Hopefully, if this link is available, you can follow it to find the necessary drivers for your laptop.
For example, say you have a Dell Latitude D600 laptop, for which you wish to locate updated drivers. The first step is to visit Dell's website. From the first page, click on the 'Drivers and Downloads' section.
After clicking on the 'Drivers and Downloads' link, we choose the required model. In our example, it is Latitude. Then we enter the model number (D600), followed by selecting our operating system. The Dell website will show a list of available drivers and software updates for your model. Select the driver you wish, and click 'Download'. What if you do not know the website of your laptop's manufacturer? Or, perhaps when visiting the website, you couldn't find the 'Downloads and Drivers' section? A second method for locating laptop drivers would be to visit Google (www.google.com), and entering, "Download (manufacturer) (model name and number) [type] driver" or "[type] driver for (manufacturer) (model name or number)" into the query box, substituting your own manufacturer, model name and number.
For example, if we wished to find the sound card for a Dell Latitude D600 laptop, we could go to Google. We would enter either of the following queries:
-"Download Dell Latitude D600 soundcard Drivers"
-"soundcard driver for Dell Latitude D600"
The driver download page for you laptop should appear near the top of the results returned by Google. Follow the link to the driver page, and proceed to download the drivers you need. These two methods should make it easy to locate the drivers you need for your laptop. Good Luck!
Playing to win - how to find the best gaming laptop
The best gaming laptop crown seems to get passed around a lot—like every couple of months. The pace of technology is astounding. Then again, it can be pretty frustrating if you just bought what you thought what the king of gaming notebooks, only to have a new king appear on the market a few weeks later.
That's why it may be better to consider looking for certain qualities in a gaming computer, rather than a specific brand or model. Models get switched out every so often. Brands get hyped by the reporters and computer magazines one issue, only to have their reputations bashed in the next. Instead, hunt for consistent quality across the board instead of just a flash in the pixilated pan.
Nowadays, no matter what brand or model it is, the best gaming laptop must first and foremost come with Intel Centrino mobile technology. These new chipsets make sure that your notebook doesn't burn through its battery after only a few rounds of Doom III. All the while, this mobile technology maximizes the graphic output, making images and movement appear smooth and crisp, not choppy and blurred.
Of course, to properly appreciate these high-grade visuals, you need a large, potentially wide screen, display. Shoot for upwards of 14 or 15 inches, with wide angles and crystal clear imaging. The extra display size may make your laptop a bit more unwieldy, but you're there to play the computer, not lug it around.
Of course, to maximize Web gaming, you should shoot for a laptop with the finest in wireless technology, such as Bluetooth and Wi Fi connectivity. These will add the mobile to your mobile gaming, allowing you to challenge the competition in San Diego, California and San Juan, Costa Rica.
When comparing prices and models, it goes with out saying that you should maximize your hard drive space, RAM memory, and processor speed. After all, these components are the backbone of any computer system, let alone the best gaming laptop.
Written by: the Editor
Learn how to find cheap laptop computers on the internet
Cheap laptop computers are coming to a store near you. In fact, there are many there already. That's because, like any newfangled electronics device, laptop computers were once the cream of the computer crop, which made them super expensive. Nowadays, however, laptops are a dime a dozen. Held-held personal digital assistants and Bluetooth cell phone devices are the new rage. And so laptops are cheap.
This does not mean that they are cheaply made, though. Thanks to the wonders of the technological cycle, laptop computers are decreasing in price as their capabilities rise. Of course, there are the latest, greatest laptops out there—monsters made for gaming, for instance, or for high-powered multimedia applications—and these still cost a pretty penny.
But the average user can find themselves cheap laptop computers that provide all that they need in power, connectivity, and then some. Every major manufacturer out there, such as Dell, HD, and IBM, has their lower end and intermediate models that come with more than enough speed and usability.
The key to finding the right model for you is to figure out exactly what you need it for. Will you be using it mainly for surfing the Web or word processing? Do you need it to work from home or mainly to save your MP3s and digital pictures?
Then consider the different facets of computer, starting with its hard drive, memory, and processor. Your hard drive is essentially the brain of your computer, where all of your applications, files, and folders are saved. Your memory, or RAM, involves the "thought processes" of a computer, and gets used whenever you have a program open, such as Word or your Firewall. Your processor essentially does as its name suggests, processing the inner workings of how each program runs.
Some other aspects to consider for your computers are also the ports involved, which can connect your computer to your camera or music player. Many cheap laptop computers today also come with wireless and broadband connectivity.
Written by: the Editor
Choosing a Laptop Desk
When choosing a laptop desk, there are many options available. One of the best features about laptop desks, are they are as portable as your laptop. Ease of use, convenience, and mobility are great reasons to purchase a laptop desk. Whether you want to use your laptop while you are reclining on your sofa, lounging in your bed, or sitting in your favorite recliner chair, your desk will allow your laptop to remain sturdy and durable while you work. Unlike a full sized wall desk, when you are through using your laptop, you can easily roll the laptop desk out of the way for trouble free and convenient storage.
Décor designs are simple to choose from when looking for a laptop desk that will compliment your room's furnishings. Whether you prefer the look of dark wood such as Mahogany, Maple, or Cherry, or a lighter Pine there is certainly a laptop desk that will accentuate your home décor. There are plenty of options to choose from besides wood as well. There are also glass, aluminum, and other metal-based desks that will lend their sleek design to your interior decorating styles.
Organizing for efficiency is key when you are working from your home office. This is also true for those who work with laptops. There are many times when you will need to use your printer, and bringing your laptop into your main office may just seem troublesome. It is much easier to keep these accessories on your portable laptop desk that can easily be wheeled into the room where you are comfortably working. Using laptop desks is a great way to remain portable and mobile, yet have the stability of a desk setting when you need one.
Accessibility is the key to working with your laptop, and this is also true when you are in your vehicle. There are many portable laptop desks that are designed for use with the car, van, or Suv. These laptop desks come with a fully functional mounting kit. You can easily install the mount and have your laptop securely fastened next to your steering wheel, giving you easy access to your computer, Internet, and other data while you are on the road. However, remember to always use caution when using your laptop while driving your vehicle. Just like cell phones, you should limit Internet activity and make sure that when driving, you can completely focus your attention on driving.
Laptop desks vary in price. You can choose a stand up desk for anywhere between $100- $1,000. There are also many different accessories that you can purchase to enhance your laptop. Since laptops become very hot, it is important that your desk also allows for proper ventilation and cooling so that your laptop does not overheat. Some other feature that will improve your use includes slip proof surfaces, skid resistant pads, and a convenient carrying case to fold your laptop desk and take it with you on the go. Choosing a desk that is designed ergonomically will also ensure that you are provided with the most comfort during your computer use.
New Laptop Insurance and Computer Insurance: Does This Protect You?
Laptop insurance has historically covered mostly business customers. Now a new laptop protection and computer protection has just been released, particularly for those who don't want to sign up to a long term contract.
This can be found at http://www.2u.co.uk/laptop-insurance/
This is specifically designed to protect people who know their laptop or computer has high value but do not want to make a long term commitment. Instead people can protect their laptop or computer on a month by month basis.
Naturally, the value of a laptop or computer declines with age, and the cost of replacement tends to decline with time. So many people do not want to sign up for a long term contract. With this in mind, the latest laptop insurance and computer insurance policies have been developed, such as the 2U Laptop Insurance and 2U Computer Insurance policies.
Laptops Are Becoming Increasingly More Popular. But Why?
Laptops are becoming increasingly more popular, and have evolved so much that some business people and individuals are using them as their only computer. The reasons laptops are popular is that they are portable, they use far less power than desktop computers, and they make less noise. The disadvantages of laptops, however, are that they are usually slower than desktop models, have fewer graphics, and their power to process sound is not as robust. As laptops are upgraded, however, many of these differences are not substantial enough to even be noticeable to the average computer user.
Laptops are generally more costly than desktop computers, although that may not be the cost for much longer. The price of both is falling continually, with the price of laptops dropping more quickly. As of May 2005 more laptops were sold in the United States than desktop computers.
Laptops and desktops are actually quite similar in design, with the same basic software, hardware and operating systems. The basic difference between the two is in how these components are fitted together. Laptops, of course, of necessity, must have more compact components.
Desktop computers have motherboards, hard drives, video cards and their other hardware components assembled together and housed in a large case, commonly referred to as the CPU (central processing unit) or the tower. In a desktop model the keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer and other peripherals are connected to the tower by wire or through the newest technology are connected wirelessly. Each CPU or tower has plenty of extra internal space for additional cards, cables and the circulation of air.
A laptop, of course, is considerably smaller and lighter weight than the smallest tower for a desktop. Neither the mouse, keyboard nor monitors are peripherals, but rather part of the laptop unit itself. There isn’t a lot of extra space for circulation of air or addition of cards. Not only must laptop components be compact but their heat production must be considerably lower than that of desktop components, and they must conserve considerably more power. Thus the additional cost.
The CPU, also called the microprocessor, works with the laptop’s operating system to control the computer. This CPU is the brain for laptops. In a desktop computer a CPU generates a considerable amount of heat, so it must have a fan and a heat sink. The heat sink is made up of plates, channels and radiator fins that work systematically to draw heat away from the processor.
Laptops have CPUs that run at lower clock speeds and voltage. The heat is reduced, and power is not consumed as greatly, but the processor is slower as a result. Most laptops will run faster and at a voltage that is higher when they run on electricity than when they run on batteries.
Laptop processors don’t use pins to mount to their motherboard, which saves room. The two alternatives are for the processors to mount right to the laptop motherboard without any socket, or to use a micro-FCBGA (Flip Chip Ball Grid Array.) The latter replaces pins with balls. The disadvantage of this, however, is that the owner cannot replace or upgrade the processor because it can’t be removed from the motherboard.
Laptops have slow-down, hibernation or sleep modes. These reduce the speed of the CPU when the laptop is not in use. One Macintosh processor actually prioritizes its data to help minimize the drain on its battery.
Some laptops use CPUs made for desktops, but that are designed to run at slower clock speed. Performance is improved in these laptops but they tend to run considerably hotter than other laptops, and their battery life is reduced a great deal.
Acer Laptops Captivates Many Customers
Among their products is Acer laptops which are useful for both the home user that has space constraints and the business user who desires mobility. These days, laptops have many features and functions than desktops.
There are four main series of laptops and various accessories in the range. Both the Acer TravelMate series and the Acer TravelMate Tabletseries have been designed for professional and business users. The tablet laptop in particular captivates many people with its interesting features and its 360 degrees screen which can be rotated and be directly written on.
There is another Acer laptop series that is a result of collaborative efforts between Acer and the Ferrari Formula 1 Racing Team. The product is branded Acer Ferrari 4000 laptop and contains sophisticated technology which includes AMD Turion 64 processors and integrated Bluetooth.
The Acer Aspire series has many different models that will appeal to both the home user and small business user, and as a result of their efficiency, these Acer laptops have been adjudged to the among the best around and have garnered several awards from the computer media. The 5600 series contains an Intel Core Duo processing and a choice of optical drives. And for those interested in specification details, the display screen goes from 14.1 inches to 15.4 inches widescreen.
While the 1600 series comes with a choice of Intel Pentium M processor and a two-channel memory. The AMD PowerNow technology and a 15.4 inches widescreen display are the characteristic features of the 3000 series. While its 3100 series counterpart has a blutooth and wireless options, in addition to the latest optical drives. The 3610 series is famed for its very compact and but portable size, but it also comes with a widescreen.
For those who desire a long battery life and high speed, the 5000 series is the unit they should go for. The next series is the 5100 and it has a 64 bit technology and 1 gigabyte of memory. A unique 17 inch screen and many multimedia applications is what distinguishes the 7100 series from the rest, while the 9100 series come with an Intel Centurion double mobile technology and TV tuner option.
A 17 inch crystalbrite widescreen and a dual lamp option are the most prominent features of the 9500 series. The last series in the range is the 9800 series and this has an integrated video camera and a jumbo 20 inch widescreen display. All the Acer laptops that falls into the Aspire series are specifically designed to provide different applications and price range.
Besides the sales of computers, the organization also produces a range of accessories for the Acer laptops. Among the accessories are mice, carry cases, docking stations, keyboards, global positioning systems, and audio players.
Laptop Insurance - The Vital Elements
But you cannot. It is incredibly frustrating. Many people have been in this situation.
Your laptop might be lost, stolen, damaged or just plain not working. How soon would it be before you are back with a functioning laptop, and how much is it going to cost you to get there?
Laptop Insurance is recognised as the necessary tool to help you through this, but how do you know if you are getting good cover at a price that represents good value to you?
To answer that, first you need to define exactly what is important to you. What are your likely risks?
For example, if you never travel with your laptop - maybe you just use it at home, sometimes in the lounge, sometimes in the study - then you are probably not going to need international cover as part of your laptop insurance. In this instance you are probably not going to need loss cover either (a laptop is not something you are likely to lose down the back of the sofa).
What if you just drop your laptop? You need your laptop insurance to be able to protect you for this. You do NOT want to have to commit insurance fraud (and thereby break the law) by lying in your claims process, you would want to make sure that you are covered for accidental damage.
So outline what elements of cover you think you will need. For example …
* Will you need Extended Warranty in case it just breaks down?
* Will you need loss cover?
* Will you need international cover?
* Will you need water damage cover?
* Will you need accidental damage cover?
* Will you need theft cover?
It may seem obvious to you that you need certain elements of cover, and maybe not others, but just consider the list above. Some people might feel more at risk of theft than water damage, while others might be the other way around.
For example, compare a travelling businessman with a Hydrological Consultant (who might be planning river system controls). The latter would obviously seem more at risk of water damage than theft.
Let's look at each in turn …
Extended Warranty:
Bizarrely, very few companies offer Extended Warranties as part of Laptop Insurance. The only main provider that does is www.2u.co.uk/laptop-insurance/ . If you want to be covered for your laptop simply going wrong or breaking down, you need to be covered for this.
Loss Cover:
It would appear that almost no provider offers loss cover. It is most likely deemed to be too risky to insure.
International Cover:
Many providers will protect you for up to 60 days per year outside of the UK.
Water Damage:
This is not a common element of cover in many laptop insurance company's policies, but it IS a common killer of laptops! How many times has that cup of tea or class of orange juice been dangerously close to spilling over your laptop keyboard?
Accidental Damage Cover:
Again, this is a common need for laptop insurance. You are walking along, maybe in a crown, and your laptop bag gets knocked out of you hand … and smacks down on the concrete. This is a relatively common element of laptop insurance.
Theft Cover:
This is the most obvious risk for your laptop. You laptop is a very portable, high value item. Anything that is worth a lot and can be carried while running away is a prime target for thieves. Consequently, this is the most common element of most laptop insurance policies.
On analysis of the market, if you need all of the different elements of cover, then the 2U Laptop Insurance is, to the knowledge of this author, the only laptop insurance policy available on the market that will meet all of your wants and needs.
If you do not need to protect yourself for all of these eventualities, you can find slimmed down levels of protection for your laptop with your local insurance broker, or in your search engine.
Backup Data On Your Laptop
To put it in simple terms, nothing in the computer industry is fool proof. Hard drives can crash, the laptop can get stolen, or it can even be dropped and rendered useless. To ensure that we are never left without our precious data, we should always create a backup of our information.
There is no mistaken the fact that over a million laptops have been stolen over the years in the United States alone. Anytime a laptop is stolen, chances are that it won’t be recovered. If the information wasn’t backed up, then the owner will be left with no laptop - but more importantly - no backed up data either.
Just like you can with desktop computers, you can also create a backup of the data on your laptop as well. You can use online services, back it up remotely, or use several other methods to ensure that you keep all of your data. Preserving your data is something you should really look into, especially if you have business material on your laptop.
The best way to go about backing up your data and files is to burn them to a data CD. Data CDs can hold up to 700 MB (Mega Bytes) of data, which means a lot of files. To back things up this way, all you need is a CD/RW burner in your laptop, which most of the newer ones come with.
The only drawback to laptops is the fact that they don’t offer near as much storage or security measures as a desktop PC. Desktop computers have a lot more power, and they can also do things (including backups) in a fraction of the time.
The laptop computer was designed for on the go use, which is the main reason why people don’t really think about backing up their data. When the thought finally does come to mind, it is normally too late to do anything about it.
As mentioned above, the easiest and quickest way to backup your laptop data is to use an online backup service. Depending on your connection to the Internet, it can take anywhere from several minutes to several hours. Although it may take you a little bit of time, you’ll have the satisfaction in knowing that your data is there if something should happen.
Whether it’s for your business or personal use, you can’t go wrong backing up your data. You should always create a backup of your data at least once a month, even more than that if you have a lot of important information that you add to your laptop on a frequent basis.
Why People Go Laptop Computers Shopping
The reason why people go laptop computers shopping at a retail website that is located at a web address on the Internet is because there are great discounts to be found there, that are not offered by laptop computer merchants in their own hometowns.
In fact, many merchants who operate online storefronts, also have stores that are made of brick, aluminum or any other building material, and they still do not offer the same discounts as they do at their online stores. That is one reason why people go laptop computers shopping by using the online merchant locations.
There are multiples reasons why people go laptop computers shopping on the Internet. One person might think it is because they can use discount coupons to receive further discounts than the listed sale price that is posted on the laptop computer on the website. This is possible because they may have earned that discount opportunity through previous purchases they have made online.
The rewards people receive when they make any purchase at an online retailer is another reason why people go laptop computer shopping on the Internet. If the purchase meets a certain dollar amount, then the merchant will give them a dollar amount to take off their next order.
People can find discount codes to use online for purchasing laptop computers, and receive a 5% or 10% discount off the purchase price. These discount codes could give the laptop computer buyer the option to purchase a printer at a low price. Additional accessories and printer discounts are good reasons why people go laptop computers shopping at an online retail merchant location.
Computer enthusiasts know why people go laptop computers shopping on the Internet. They are routinely online, and make it a point to visit the various merchants to find out what the latest crazes are in computer gaming Industry.
Staying current with their computer technology minded buddies is why people go laptop computer shopping on the Internet.
These laptop oriented computer gaming people also prefer to have more than one laptop computer in their home that they can use strictly for their accelerated speed demon games. The opportunity to purchase discounted computer laptops with free shipping, and fast processor speeds at a good price, is why computer oriented people go laptop computer shopping at an online gaming retailer.
Top Gamers Laptops from Alienware
Functioning under the tagline of "build it as if it were your own," Alienware has earned numerous awards for excellence and has become a respected brand name worldwide with systems on hand direct within the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. That point is that Alienware has confirmed them as a counterculture alternative with high quality, considerable performance hardware that is packaged in a creative way.
Computers
Since high-end game hardware was not widely distributed, the company's founders formed an OEM that sold pcs with the highest performing hardware and settings according to benchmarks. You receive to buy the peripherals and accessories you require including monitors, games, game controllers, keyboards, mice, and more. They also sell all kinds of computer parts and PC components like monitors, printers, CPUs, memory, graphics cards, motherboards, modems, CD drives, DVD drives, and hard drives, power supplies, video cards, sound cards and wireless networking hardware. Alienware is arguably the sexiest computer manufacturer in the greater OEM area.
Laptops
Alienware has done it again, bringing those who love gaming on their laptops yet another powerhouse in the form of the m7950. After all, these aren't ordinary word processing laptops but respectable gaming machines. I also recommend this laptop to computer enthusiasts who multi task programs, game occasionally, and surf the net regularly. Regardless of rumours of degraded quality of Alienware's product quality since their merge with Dell Pc's, I decided it was still the best way to receive the most quality, highest performing laptop, without "crapware"; useless pre-installed programs, etc.
Intel
Intel� Core 2 Duo is built with Advanced power gating (apg) to optimize performance per watt even while being overclocked by shutting down certain parts of the cores. Intel has subsequently started selling x86 chips that are 64 bit, and that use multiple cores. As things currently stand, Dell exclusively uses Intel CPUs in its systems, but Alienware use both Intel and AMD, so what happens next, we have to wait and see.
Graphics
The Alienware M9750 has dual Nvidia 7950GTX graphics cards, just like the Sager NP9260 does, so you are going to receive extreme gaming performance. With the capability of configuring dual Nvidia graphics cards, it is capable of handling a lot. The graphics cards are admirable choices for gamers and those who work with 3D apps. All are PCI Express and have 256 megs of graphics memory.
Alienware computers and Alienware notebooks are ideal for those that play games, use extensive graphics or require high performance systems. The whole reason why gamers go to companies like Alienware is to exclusively can have the best PC gamer product possible.
IBM Refurbished Laptops
When investigating IBM refurbished laptops, ask questions at your local computer store and from online web sites or friends who are familiar with the various computer models. When it comes to deciding on which particular IBM refurbished laptops to purchase you can never ask too many questions. It is important that you are aware of your options so that you can make the most intelligent decision upon purchasing. After all, you want your laptops to last for several years before you need to replace them.
Discount laptops are affordable laptops and so are often an ideal choice for a family or a small business who needs more than one. You must shop around however, and do some research before purchasing. Don't let the idea of a refurbished laptop at a discount price scare you either; most are in good working condition and have been completely refurbished and reloaded.
The most important thing to remember when you buy IBM refurbished laptops is that they need to be portable enough for your lifestyle so you need to ensure you can also buy a bag and batteries for the models you opt for. Otherwise, no matter what the discount, the purchase will not be worth the money paid as it will be able to offer little or no portability. Overall, discount laptops will save you money and offer you the same fine quality found in a brand new laptop computer without the cost.
Used Computers (Desktops/Laptops)– What To Look For?
Suppliers replace their computers on average every 6 months and companies frequently upgrade their equipment. Buying one of these used or refurbished computers can save you a lot of money while still using a quite up to date technology. This is even more relevant if you are not a heavy user (i.e. most of your time on a computer is spent online, you may use a few standard applications once in a while). Even modestly priced computers will more than suffice for these types of demand.
Thinking about buying a used or refurbished desktop or laptop?
Buying a computer is not at all an easy job, one has look get detailed information of the available computers of good and reputed brands. One must take into consideration the size, color, configurations, features etc… While your computer should correspond to your personality and lifestyle, you should always keep in mind the reputation of the brand in the market. Brand counts a lot; you can render good service by the manufacturer if your computer is damaged.
Important handy Tips before buying a computer...
* Verify if the brand is reputed and always buy a good reputed brand. Read about customer service experience for that specific computer issues
* Check the warranty/guarantee of the computer (seek out computers which still have warranty/guarantee remaining)
* Compare the price of the new model in the market with what price your buying your used computer, try to get the best bargain. i.e. a two year old computer should not be bought for more than half of its original price.
* Check if the computer is outdated (if out of production it is difficult to get spare parts)
* Is the operating system current (Windows Vista/Windows Xp). Earlier versions probably run slower (windows 2000) and would not be advisable unless your needs are limited (i.e. web surfing, Word...). In any event, stay away with computers running on Windows 98 (granted you don't find many anymore). Also be aware of Windows Vista. Many users are reverting back to XP and that is even more obvious in the corporate world. Why? Vista looks nice but doesn't bring many technical improvements; therefore IT managers are not willing to implement something new when what they have works just fine. Some domestic users just don't like the new way of navigation within the Vista Operating System.
* Check if the configuration of the computer you are buying is good.
* Check the speed of the processor. If possible start the computer and see how long it takes to fully turn on. If its slow just turning on, imagine the lack of speed once you start adding software..
Additional Tips for laptops
* Is the battery life good? (search for the computers with a very good battery backup (2 hours minimum).
* Check for the screen size of the computer your buying and see to it that it is not exceeding the Normal (normally the screen size should be between 15-17). Less than that generally translates in older computers and increases the chance of age failure. Once the screen breaks, you are often better of changing the whole computer.
* Review the connectivity of the computer (Network, USB, Video, Audio…) look to it that it has a good connectivity including wireless
* Check out the weight. Ensure the computer is light enough for you to carry (light 7pounds)
Where to buy used computers:
* Online auctions. Pro: Often offer the best prices. Cons: Cannot validate the accuracy of the described item. No warranty. Tip 1: Some companies will offer warranty for up to two years, the cost is about 12 of the purchase price. Tip2: Buy from sellers with great feedback, do not hesitate to contact the seller with questions prior to bidding
* Online marketplaces: Pro: Set prices and quantities - Sometime warranty is available. Cons: Prices can vary a lot, do your homework
* Craiglist.com Contacting sellers on Craiglist.com in your local area gives you a chance to meet with the owner and physically test the computer before the purchase
Where to buy refurbished computers:
Refurbished computers can be a great way to buy as they have warranties and are generally sold by manufacturers or companies affiliated with them.
* Manufacturers websites will tell you how to buy directly from them or from their authorized sellers. Pros: Warranty, established companies. Cons: Prices are higher than regular auctions (you pay more for peace of mind)
Buying a used or refurbished computer can be a great way to save money. If you use some of the advice discussed above you can avoid many pitfalls. One last thing concerning laptops, make sure you have a good bag to protect your computer from a fatal accident. Your bag should be big enough for a 17 inch screen computer as it is rapidly becoming the norm, you will probably change your computer within a few years, the bag you may keep a lot longer.
Earn your income with IBM laptops
IBM laptops have always had the reputation of being the computers for business folk. Maybe it is because IBM has such the reputation as a buttoned-down blue suit sort of corporation. After all, it was IBM that passed on the user friendly technology that would eventually be bought up later by a young nerd named Bill Gates.
Nowadays, this reputation isn't such a bad thing, as many of the world's biggest corporations rely on IBM to power their computer and wireless networks. With the help of other IT giants like Cisco, IBM has designed safe and secure networks for multinationals to protect them and their workers from viruses, hackers, spam, and other pitfalls of modern technology.
An essential part of any of these massive computer networks are some of IBM's finest products, their IBM laptops. After all, today's business world is a mobile and fast-paced environment where workers streak across the globe for business meetings while planning next week's meetings by e-mail and instant messaging.
One of IBM's finest new notebooks is the IBM ThinkPad R52. It weights in at less than 6 pounds, so a day's worth of travel with it won't wear down your shoulder all that much. As with other IBM computers, it's just a sleek, sophisticated design that shouts that you're are upwardly mobile on the ladder of labor. And as with other IBM notebooks, it comes with the latest in protection from drops and collisions, which are bound to occur in today's hustle and bustle business world.
Possibly the best facet of this computer, though, is it's wireless technology. After all, the prime feature of a laptop is it's mobility. And this notebook's technology makes it one of most mobile, and powerful, out there. That's because the computer has the latest in Intel Centrino technology. This ensures maximum battery life, lightening fast function, and wireless connectivity for these IBM laptops.
Written by: the Editor
The rise of storage security
With significant growth in data retention comes a need to take a fresh look at data security and ensuring stored information is kept safe and secure at all times.Posted Ron Condon at 3:41PM, 18th February 2008
Anyone who has had their hard drive die on them, only to discover their last back-up was made 18 months ago, has learned one important aspect of storage security. But back-ups are only part of an increasingly complex picture.
Our data now resides on a variety of media and devices - from the desktop PC, to the PDA, the email server, the USB drive and even a mobile phone. It also gets transferred across networks both inside and outside the organisation that owns it. The challenge is not only to ensure the data is not lost or destroyed, but that it does not fall into the wrong hands.
As a number of recent high-profile cases have shown - at Nationwide, and Marks & Spencer, to name but two - a lost laptop computer can cause major panic if important or confidential data is sitting on its hard disk. It not only exposes personal data to potential theft, but it also makes the company in question look slapdash and unreliable.
More to the point, an increasing amount of regulation and legislation is forcing companies to protect and preserve data more effectively. The rules cover everything from personal data protection, the archiving of emails and activity logs in case of litigation, and the encryption of credit card details.
Add to that the risk of a thief or disgruntled employee copying valuable or secret information on to a USB device or even a harmless-looking iPod, and the need for a more serious approach to storage security is clear.
The role of encryption
In the wake of various security breaches, many companies have seen encryption as a silver bullet for all their ills. They believe that by forcing users to encrypt the whole of their hard disk solves the problem, which it does, but only up to a point.
For a start, encryption does not come without its own problems. It may slow down the system, and if the key is lost, the data is lost too. Key management comes with an administrative overhead which some companies may struggle to master.
"All the database vendors are building in encryption features," says Alex van Someren, the former chief executive of security vendor nCipher. "Oracle is doing it, and Windows Vista has the BitLocker feature, which allows you to scramble everything on your hard disk and then use a combination of a TPM chip and/or a USB stick as a sort of ignition key, to let you unlock the files.
"But for a big company, turning on disk encryption on every PC is a helpdesk nightmare. If you do that, it means that anyone who loses their key has effectively shredded all their data. Powerful tools have powerful risks."
Encryption also does not solve the problem of the legitimate user with a grudge who wants to leak information to a rival company, for example.
So how should a company approach the problem?
A good place to start is by classifying data in much the same way the military does it. Decide which information is confidential or top secret and treat it with more care, restricting who can see it.
However, very few companies do this, according to Chris Gale, head of European business for storage security firm Decru. "We can sometimes spend months explaining the need for classification and definition of policies and procedures," he says. "But in nine times out of 10, it will only be after they have had a business risk or an exposure that they'll come back to us and want a rapid deployment. That's not good for us or them."
Trying to force security into an existing infrastructure, often under pressure from senior management to do it quickly, does not yield the best results. He says the best time to do it is when you are doing a storage refresh, or changing the system architecture. "If you are upgrading your Fibre Channel fabric, for instance, deploying encryption and data security at that point and doing it all in one go, sizing it, knowing the throughputs, is a good thing," he says. "Forcing a few boxes into an existing infrastructure has a ripple effect through the business and presents other challenges to the IT folks." Understanding data The basic groundwork of classifying data need not be too onerous or even too detailed. It can start with a broad-brush approach, but it requires the security people and the business to work together to grade different applications or files, and to decide what is critical and what should be freely available. Having done that, the process of protecting the most valuable or mission-critical information becomes a lot easier, and job roles can be mapped against data security levels. It also means that efforts can be focused where they are most needed. By applying role-based access through Active Directory, for instance, it is then easy determine who can and cannot see 'company confidential' or 'top secret' data. The other key part of the strategy, as with all aspects of security, is to sort out people and processes. Security awareness programmes are probably one of the most effective ways of improving security and also the cheapest. Making all users realise why security is important can be worth more than a lot of technological fixes. Users also need to be guided by clear policies that they can understand and sign up to. If the policies are obscure, boring and have no relevance to the job of the person reading it, then enforcement of policy is always going to be a struggle. In the case of the Nationwide employee whose laptop was stolen, for instance, it has never been made clear whether he should have had a copy of the whole customer file on his PC, and whether that was covered by any policy. In most organisations, the policy will usually concentrate on what is acceptable usage - the websites users access, the amount of time they spend on recreational or personal usage, and the kind of language they use in emails - rather than on the way they manage files. With the new focus on information leakage (especially in industries where regulatory compliance is enforced), policies will need to outline how files and individual records should be properly handled in much more detail. And they will need the technology in place to flag up any policy breach. If proper data classification has taken place, then a customer file could be expected to be classed as 'company confidential' at least, and any large-scale copying should be either blocked, or should throw up an alert somewhere to ensure it is a permitted transaction. The key point to make is that storage security is not something you buy off the shelf, any more than other aspect of security. The technology is, of course, there to encrypt files, to manage encryption keys, to enforce the rules of your security policy, and even to spot suspicious behaviour on the network. Technology does not remove the need to think about what data to protect, and that means communicating with the business owners around the organisation, and coming to a joint decision about how to proceed. It also means communicating in clear terms with users to ensure they understand why any of this matters.
Virus danger from wireless hotspots could leave laptop users open to charges
Public laptop users could end up breaching the Computer Misuse Act if their laptops are used to spread viruses via a wireless botnet
Business laptop users are laying themselves wide open to the threat of wireless botnets hijacking and maliciously using their PC, a security expert has warned.
Ken Munro, managing director of network testing company Securetest, told IT Pro that unwary laptop users are spreading a trail of vulnerability behind them as they work in public places. This is leading, he said, to a new kind of threat for which there could be serious consequences for the whole enterprise.
"This poses a far greater danger to mobile communications than any other type of mobile hijacking, including blu-snarfing," he warned.
"This is because the wot-net (wireless botnet) harnesses together disparate laptops and instructs them to rebroadcast a signal without the knowledge of the user. In effect, this triggers the laptop to pass on the connection like a virus and places the end-user in breach of the Computer Misuse Act."
Munro explained that an attack works when an attacker within the vicinity of a laptop starts an 'ad-hoc' or 'peer-to-peer' wireless network connection.
"Any wireless client in proximity can view this, so in a wireless hotspot area, there's a significant chance a user trying to find the hotspot may inadvertently select this," he said.
"The attacker client device will be in the same class B subnet as the target [169.254.X.X], so he has simply to run a 'pingsweep' and detect the target device before then giving himself a static address in the correct range. The attacker now has a trusted wireless connection to the target. The target device then begins sending out 'probe' packets looking for the attacker's ad-hoc connection, even when out of range."
Munro warned that any other wireless clients in the vicinity of the 'infected' client device can also see the ad-hoc connection being broadcast. Users looking for a hotspot who go through the same process can select the wrong connection and 'infect' themselves with the connection before then broadcasting it too.
"It's amazing how badly prepared a lot of laptop security is," said Munro. "Their anti-virus software wouldn't see the problem. SSL certificates don't help as anyone can serve one."
He said the solution for network managers is fairly simple: "When deploying new laptops, make sure they are configured not to broadcast ad hoc connections. When existing laptops come into the office, do the same. Wireless can be very secure if implemented properly. There's no reason for enterprises to be scared of it."
Wireless botnets are a bona fide threat, says Rob Bamforth, senior analyst with research firm Quocirca.
"This isn't one of those things security companies come up with to scare people," he said.
"And it's more than a 'theoretical possibility', like some virus warnings. It's a loophole that may very well already have been exploited."
Royal Cornwall Hospital laptop theft prompts ID theft concerns
Laptop contained names, addresses and bank account details of 10,000 NHS workers.
A laptop containing the personal and financial information of 10,000 NHS staff has been stolen from a hospital in Cornwall.
The computer, which stored staff names, addresses and bank details was taken from the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust. The Trust handles the payroll for thousands of NHS workers across the country. The laptop was stolen from locked and alarmed premises on the site of the hospital in Truro, it is not thought to have contained patient data.
A spokesman for the Trust said that staff had been warned to alert their banks about the theft.
"Although it is believed the theft was opportunistic and not for the purpose of obtaining the information stored on the computer, as a precaution staff have been advised to contact their banks to advise them of the theft and to consider registration with a fraud prevention service," the spokesman said in a statement.
Security experts said that organisations need to take more care in guarding sensitive information from theft.
"What is becoming increasingly clear today is that the British public are crying out for organisations to be more responsible with their personal data," said Jamie Cowper, European marketing director at PGP.
"However, what this particular case shows is that - while laptop thefts will inevitably continue to occur - organisations are now beginning to realise the benefits of being upfront about data breaches when they happen."
He said that the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust should be commended for its swift response and notification to employees.
"It's good to see organisations starting to view this as the best course of action, even though they are still under no legal obligation to do so," said Cowper.
Laptop theft poses identity theft risk to M&S staff
Laptop with 26,000 names, addresses and National Insurance numbers of workers at Marks and Spencers is stolen from printing firm.
Marks and Spencers has written to 26,000 employees telling they may be at risk of identity theft after a laptop containing salary details, addresses, dates of birth, National Insurance and phone numbers of staff was stolen.
The news comes just days after IT PRO reported a laptop stolen from a hospital in Cornwall.
The retailer warned workers they were at risk if criminals accessed and used the data on the laptop, which was stolen from a printing firm on 18 April. The printers were given the laptop with the staff details could it could print letters informing M&S employees about pension changes.
Staff affected by the theft have been offered free credit checks by the retailer. It is thought that the laptop was stolen for its own value rather than the information stored on it.
Experts said that regardless of the motive for the theft, if the data was only protected by a simple password, data could easily be compromised.
"Staff and customers are increasingly concerned about the possibility of identity theft, and the offending company suffers not only high financial costs, but also risks enormous damage to their brand in the aftermath of a breach," said Jamie Cowper, European marketing director at PGP.
First Look: Lenovo ThinkPad X300
Lenovo's buttoned-up Thinkpad X300 ultraportable notebook computer may not have the MacBook Air's superslim Spartan style, but after firing up the X300, it's hard to not love this laptop. From rock-solid construction to piled-in perks, this biz-centric beast provides just about everything that matters to the modern road warrior.
The Air and X300 do have some similarities. They both have crisp 13.3-inch displays (although the X300 has a higher resolution--1440-by-900 pixels vs. 1280-by-800), and both offer 64GB solid state drives (An SSD comes standard with Lenovo's machine, but tacks about $1,000 onto the Air's price tag; if you equip them similarly, the notebooks cost about the same).
Whether you're afraid of dropping your laptop at the airport or accidentally spilling some coffee on the case, the X300 is built like--and resembles--a black box recorder. The keyboard is spill resistant, and the textured carbon- and glass-fiber exterior is supposed to protect the innards; it feels good to the touch, too.
Now, technically, the X300 is a little chunky side for a true ultralight-a little over an inch thick and 3.4 pounds (4 pounds with AC adapter) as opposed to the Air's 3-pound heft. Then again, you can pop a disc in the ThinkPad's paper-thin, three-ounce DVD drive and actually watch movies as opposed to trying to stuff an external drive in with the Air in that manila envelope. (You CAN remove the drive, which leaves you with a machine weighing just 3.1 pounds)
The X300 has a decent amount of power for an ultralight notebook--in fact, it scored surprisingly well against other ultralights. With a 1.2GHz Core 2 Duo L7100 processor and 2GB of RAM, it scored a 64, outpacing the MacBook Air by a healthy 7 points in WorldBench 6 Beta 2 tests. On the other hand, the X300's performance is exactly average compared to the broad field of ultraportables we've tested. It posted an average score in our battery life tests too, lasting 4 hours and 22 minutes on a charge.
Another thumb in Apple's eye is the X300's many features. Here you have a notebook not much thicker than Air but, not only does it manage to slot in a DVD drive, it also has three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA-out port for an external display, a webcam, headphone and microphone jacks, and an ethernet port. The Air has a webcam, but it has only one USB port, and you have to use an optional adapter to connect via ethernet.
Speaking of options, the X300 is probably the only ultraportable PC that gives you both a touchpoint and a trackpad. Obviously it boils down to personal preference, but at least you can choose. As is often the case with ThinkPads, the keyboard feels great. There's enough tactile feedback on the full-sized keys to allow quick, accurate typing.
To make life even easier is the one shortcut key to rule them all--the ThinkVantage button. Most notebooks have some sort of shortcut to helpful utilities or a "For Dummies..." version of the control panel. However, this is by far the most helpful, complete, and concise collection of them. You can use the button to access a backup utility, to set security protocols, or to find a wireless data connection, and if your computer won't boot, the button will make the computer boot a small non-Windows OS from a hidden hard drive partition, after which you can diagnose problems and even download drivers, if necessary.
And when you do start searching for wireless connectivity options, you are fully covered with the X300. Among the highlights, this notebook has built-in support for 802.11a/b/g/n, Wireless WAN, Wireless USB, Bluetooth, and the "gee-whiz" feature of the month: GPS (an army of travelling salesmen are cheering somewhere with that addition).
I have one minor concern: The hidden OS and drive image for bringing it back to factory defaults reside on the notebook's hard drive. The X300's meager 64GB solid-state drive will probably fill up quick, and between Windows, your applications, and the hidden image, you're left with precious little room for your files.
But otherwise, while it does cost a fair amount, Lenovo proves that you can cram everything you need into a tiny package.