HT Keep Laptop Cool

Laptop computers naturally run hot (or at least very warm), and if they stay hot for prolonged periods of time they may overheat and cause serious damage. Whether or not you're experiencing the warning signs and dangers of your laptop overheating, the simple and inexpensive protective measures below will help keep your laptop cooler and make it work more reliably.

1. Adjust your power settings from "high performance" to a more "balanced" or "power saver" plan. This will tell the system to only use the power required to run your applications, rather than always using the maximum processor speed; if you need to play games or other intensive work, you can switch back to the high performance plan as necessary.

2. Use dust remover spray to clean out of the laptop's vents. Dust can accumulate in and block the laptop's fan vents -- a problem easily solved with a can of compressed gas (~$10). Turn off your laptop and spray the vent to remove the dust.

3. Use a laptop cooling pad that has a fan or two. Laptop pads that have vents but no fans can also increase the air flow around your laptop and they're very portable, but for stronger cooling needs, a fan is the best way to go. For this test, I used a Belkin F5L055 (under $30), but there are also several others selected by this site's previous guide that you can explore or you could even custom build a laptop cooling system if you're so inclined.

4. Keep your working environment or computer room as comfortably cool as possible. Computers, like most people, work much better in air conditioned environments. Most server rooms or data centers operate at 70 degrees or below, according to Server Fault, and that seems like an ideal temperature recommendation for home offices as well.

5. Shut down your computer when not in use, and especially when you are not at home. The last thing you need when you get home is to find out your laptop was a fire hazard (one of the dangers of overheating laptops).

Taking the steps above brought down the internal temperature of an old and dangerously hot laptop from 181° Fahrenheit (83° Celsius) to 106° F (41° C) -- a difference of 41% after one hour of using the active laptop cooling pad and bringing the room temperature down to 68 degrees.

If you continue to experience laptop heat problems, contact your laptop vendor -- it may be a sign that the fan needs replacing, the BIOS program needs to be updated, or there is something else faulty with the system.

View the original article here

Laptop Standby Mode

When using Standby mode it is important to remember that you must save your work before using Standby. Standby mode does not save work to the hard drive.

There are three options to use for setting Standby on your laptop. Your decision on which method to use will be based on how often you plan to use Standby. Closing the Lid and Using the Power Button are both methods that stay until you change the settings again. Selecting Standby from the ShutDown menu is a when you need it option.

Start ] Control PanelDobule-click Power OptionsSelect the Advanced Tab in the Power Options PropertiesSelect Standby in the When I close the lid of my portable computer.Click OK or Apply and then close the lid of your laptop.
Start ] Control PanelDouble-click Power OptionsSelect the Advanced tabSelect Standby in the When I press the power button on my computer.Click OK or Apply and then press the Power button.Note: Clicking OK will save new settings and closes the dialog box. Clicking Apply will save new settings but not close the dialog box.
Start ] ShutdownFrom the Shutdown window select StandbyClick OK

In order to disable Standby, just repeate the first steps and then select the new power option you want to use.

View the original article here

Laptop History

A visitor has written in asking about the history of laptops, who designed the first one and why laptops were created.Answer: I'll answer this with the last question first. Laptops were designed and created so that workers could have a more portable way to work and work in different locations.
The early laptops did not resemble the laptop we know today in any way shape or form. They were very heavy, had very small displays, and lacked hard drives; everything ran from the RAM or floppy disks. Early laptops were very bulky and not sleek at all.

In 1981 the Osborne Computer Company released the Osborne 1, which when closed up, looked similar to a sewing machine case. It was powered by an electrical connection with an optional battery backup, used two 5 ¼" floppy drives (mounted to the right and left of the display), and included a modem port. The display was only 5-inches wide and could show only 52 characters per line. I think you could consider the Osborne to be the first rugged laptop.

Gavilan introduced the Gavilan Mobile Computer in 1983. It featured the clamshell design where the screen folded over the keyboard when closed, weighed in at 9 pounds, and could run on nickel-cadmium batteries for close to 9 hours.

Radio Shack released the TRS-80 Model 100 (also in 1983)and the TRS – 80 Model 200 in 1986. This later model was more compact, had a larger display and better battery power, and included built-in software. I remember using the TRS-80 (Trash 80) for creating simple documents and thinking this was pretty high tech at that time. It was certainly more fun than using a typewriter.

IBM released its version of a laptop computer - the 5155 Portable Personal Computer in 1984. It had two double-sided 5 ¼" drives and 640K RAM. Like all laptops to this point, the 5155 didn't support graphics and was used for text-based information processing only.

Compaq broke the graphics barrier in 1988 when it introduced the SLT/286 Laptop. It weighed in at a hefty 14 pounds , and had a 1.44 floppy drive and 286 processor. NEC joined the party with the NEC UltraLite, which weighed just 4.4 pounds and had overall dimensions of 11.75" (W) X 1.4" (H) X 8.3" (D).

Macintosh came onto the laptop scene in 1989 with the Macintosh Portable. It weighed between 16 and 17 pounds (yikes!) and had a 9.8-inch 640 x 400 active matrix screen. Its best feature was an operation time of close to 10 hours on a lead-acid battery. These early laptops evolved into the PowerBook line and now the MacBook line.

The 1990s saw the release of faster, sleeker machines with more storage, more ports and connectors, improved displays, and a concentration on keeping the weight down. The Apple Macintosh PowerBook line and the IBM ThinkPads became major contenders of the times.

Companies now create new laptops with faster processors and more features packed in smaller packages and they are very different from the original portable computing solutions.

View the original article here

New Laptop Setup

You have a brand new laptop and you're ready to get working and you're 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 favorite 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.

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.

Just in case you thought these steps would get you up and running, here are further steps to set up your new laptop.

*** These steps apply equally to both PC-based laptops and Mac laptops.

View the original article here

4G on Laptop

It's increasingly becoming more important for us to have high-speed Internet access wherever we are--especially, for example, on our laptops when we're working on the go. Mobile broadband devices allow us to tap into a wireless carrier's 4G or 3G network from our laptops and other mobile devices for always-on connectivity. Here's an overview of the different ways you can get 4G or 3G Internet access on your laptop.

Most of the latest laptops, netbooks, and tablets offer a mobile broadband option, where you can have a 3G or even 4G card or chipset built into the laptop when you order it (for an additional cost). You'll have to sign up for mobile broadband service, but often you'll be able to select the wireless service provider.

Pros: Convenience of having mobile wireless connectivity already set up as soon as you get your laptop (no need to install your own mobile broadband device); less obtrusive than a USB 3G or 4G laptop stick.Cons: Not transferable to other laptops or devices.Example: In the configuration options for the HP EliteBook 2540p ultraportable laptop, for example, there's a drop-down option for HP Mobile Broadband that will add the "universal mobile broadband module" to your laptop for $125. The module works with Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and AT&T wireless data services.

If you don't already have a mobile broadband card built-in or want a separate device that you can use with more than one laptop, a 4G or 3G laptop stick or USB modem is easy to install (plug-and-play like most USB sticks) and typically costs under $100 for the device. You can buy the laptop stick and sign up for the mobile broadband plan from the wireless provider or retailers like Best Buy.

Mobile hotspots can be either hardware devices like the MiFi or a feature on your mobile device, like the iPhone 4's 3G mobile hotspot feature introduced with the Verizon iPhone 4 launch. You connect your laptop wirelessly to the 4G or 3G mobile hotspot, much like you would connect to a wi-fi network or wi-fi hotspot. As with the other options, you'll need to subscribe to a mobile data plan for your mobile hotspot device -- or if you may need to pay an extra "hotspot" fee to use the built-in hotspot feature on your smartphone. One major advantage of a mobile hotspot, however, is that you can typically connect more than one device to it for shared mobile Internet access.

Pros: Usually can connect up to 5 mobile devices.Cons: Have to carry around a separate device (though mobile hotspots tend to be pretty thin and small, about the size and width of a credit card).Example: The Palm Pre Plus and PixiPlus smartphones have a built-in mobile hotspot feature, and Verizon offered the hotspot service for free. The MiFi mobile hotspot made by Novatel is available on several wireless carriers.

Tethering is where you connect your cell phone to your laptop to use your cell phone's data service on the laptop. There are many tethering apps available to enable tethering via USB cable or bluetooth, including the popular PdaNet app. Although many people have been able to get around additional tethering charges by jailbreaking their smartphones, most wireless providers are charging extra for the priviledge of connecting your phone to your laptop.

Pros: May be able to use the data plan you're already paying for on your cell phone without extra charges (otherwise, tethering charges are between $15-20).Cons: Tethering can be slow and drain your phone's battery more quickly.Example: See How To Use Your Cell Phone as a Modem for tethering instructions for the major US wireless carriers.

Which option is best for you? Besides heading to a wi-fi hotspot or Internet cafe for free Internet access, tethering is the least expensive option for getting Internet access on your laptop when you're not at home. If you have multiple devices or want to share a mobile broadband connection, a mobile hotspot makes the most sense. 3G or 4G laptop sticks are also convenient and easy to use.

View the original article here

Select a Laptop

How you plan to use your laptop will certainly help you determine which style of laptop is best suited for your needs. Laptops were originally created for inputting text, and they functioned mainly as word processors and number crunchers. As new software programs were created and more powerful components could be built into smaller designs, users realized that laptops could do more than create documents.

My first laptop was an old IBM ThinkPad, and my sole reason for getting a laptop was so that I could take advantage of my home network and work in more comfortable locations. This IBM ThinkPad had only a 512 MB hard drive, 16 MB of RAM, and floppy drive. It worked great for my needs at the time, and it still runs.

Based on my work habits and the type of work that I do, the best laptop style to meet my needs is a desktop replacement model. I also use a MacBook, so that I can work with both the Windows environment and the Mac environment. Not everyone needs two laptops, but in some instances it may be necessary.

After you have listed the uses that you envision for a laptop, it is time to find out more about the different styles of laptops available. That way, you can make an informed decision about which laptop can help you work wherever you want with greater ease and flexibility.

Just as there are different styles of laptops available, it is important that you take time to assess your needs and what you hope to accomplish with a laptop. Doing this helps you determine which laptop style is best suited to you. Keep in mind what your budget is and what computing options you can't afford to live without.

Make a list of what you plan to do with your laptop and what things you could like to do if you had a new laptop. I make a list of what I know I will be using my laptop for and what I want to be able to use it for down the road. Understand how I will work with the laptop now.Consideration the software programs I use on a regular basis.Working with large documents on an ultra portable laptop that only has a 13.3” display is not the smartest way to work nor the most comfortable.

Comfort is another important factor to keep in mind. If you plan to travel and take your laptop with you, then you want to keep in mind the weight factor and how long you may have to carry your laptop. Other comfort features are the size of display and keyboard.

What other things would you like to be able to do with your laptop? Jot down all ideas you have:
Work with your music collection?Create video masterpieces?Store your digital photos?Now that you have decided how you'd like to use your new laptop, you can move on to learning more about the different models of laptops available in this Introduction to Laptop Models.

source from about.com

Backpacks for Your Laptop

Laptop backpacks are a casual looking and easy way to carry your laptop and other mobile gear hands-free. They provide plenty of storage space and using the adjustable shoulder straps will ensure a secure and bounce free way to carry your laptop. A laptop backpack with an included laptop sleeve is especially good to have, and increases the security and safety of your laptop.

1. Bumbakpak Streetflow Collection

The hybrid messenger/backpack laptop bag from Bumbakpak is an innovative take on design for those of us who need and have to carry our laptops for any length of time or over any distance. The design of these laptop bags enable the user to carry this case in backpack mode and keep their hands free and when they need to look more "professional" and "grown-up" as a single strap messenger style bag.

source from about.com

Monthly Laptop Care

Along with weekly laptop computer maintenance, mobile professionals must also do monthly laptop maintenance tasks to ensure the smooth operation of their laptops and to keep their data protected. The better care you take of your laptop, the longer it will last and you will stay more productive with less downtime due to problems.

1. Clean Your Hard Drive

Over the course of a month it is easy to accumulate a lot of unnecessary files on your laptop hard drive. Take the time once a month to go through your hard drive and examine the files there. Determine which should be saved elsewhere for future reference and which can be trashed. If you download programs on a regular basis to try new things or just to have access to new programs for projects, properly un-install those programs when no longer needed. A cleaner hard drive runs smoother.

2. Defrag Your Hard Drive

Defragging your hard drive is another step to ensuring your laptop will run more efficiently. Taking the time to defrag once a month will allow your programs to run more quickly and make better use of the space on your hard drive. When you defrag your laptop hard drive on a monthly basis you should notice fewer software crashes or freeze ups and programs will run better.

3. Keep Your Laptop Clean

Cleaning your laptop helps prevent overheating and those nasty dust bunnies from building up inside your laptop fans and exposed ports. Cleaning the screen also means you'll always view your data clearly and it's much easier on the eyes. Keeping your case free of dust and dirt buildup will help your laptop by preventing that dirt from getting inside the laptop.

More: Cleaning a Laptop

4. Full Back-Up

Full back-ups should be conducted on a monthly basis and you should have a secure, fire-proof location to store your back-up. There are a variety of software and hardware options available. You should chose the method that is easy and can be done without fuss on a monthly basis. It may require trying different methods before you find the best back-up system for your needs.

More: Prevent Data Loss

5. Software Updates

Just as you keep your anti-virus and firewall software up-to-date, you should also keep your software programs updated. For many programs the updates will address security issues which help keep your laptop and data protected while on the road.

source from about.com

HT Keep Laptop Cool

Laptop computers naturally run hot (or at least very warm), and if they stay hot for prolonged periods of time they may overheat and cause serious damage. Whether or not you're experiencing the warning signs and dangers of your laptop overheating, the simple and inexpensive protective measures below will help keep your laptop cooler and make it work more reliably.

1. Adjust your power settings from "high performance" to a more "balanced" or "power saver" plan. This will tell the system to only use the power required to run your applications, rather than always using the maximum processor speed; if you need to play games or other intensive work, you can switch back to the high performance plan as necessary.

2. Use dust remover spray to clean out of the laptop's vents. Dust can accumulate in and block the laptop's fan vents -- a problem easily solved with a can of compressed gas (~$10). Turn off your laptop and spray the vent to remove the dust.

3. Use a laptop cooling pad that has a fan or two. Laptop pads that have vents but no fans can also increase the air flow around your laptop and they're very portable, but for stronger cooling needs, a fan is the best way to go. For this test, I used a Belkin F5L055 (under $30), but there are also several others selected by this site's previous guide that you can explore or you could even custom build a laptop cooling system if you're so inclined.

4. Keep your working environment or computer room as comfortably cool as possible. Computers, like most people, work much better in air conditioned environments. Most server rooms or data centers operate at 70 degrees or below, according to Server Fault, and that seems like an ideal temperature recommendation for home offices as well.

5. Shut down your computer when not in use, and especially when you are not at home. The last thing you need when you get home is to find out your laptop was a fire hazard (one of the dangers of overheating laptops).

Taking the steps above brought down the internal temperature of an old and dangerously hot laptop from 181° Fahrenheit (83° Celsius) to 106° F (41° C) -- a difference of 41% after one hour of using the active laptop cooling pad and bringing the room temperature down to 68 degrees.

If you continue to experience laptop heat problems, contact your laptop vendor -- it may be a sign that the fan needs replacing, the BIOS program needs to be updated, or there is something else faulty with the system.

source from about.com

Laptop Models

Laptops originally had one purpose – to enable the user to work from a wider variety of locations with ease. Once manufacturers found that more than just business people were interested in purchasing laptops, the interest in improved designs and more variety in the types of laptops available increased. Laptop development and improvements make it easy for anyone to select a laptop to match their needs.

source from about.com

Test Laptop Temperature

Answer: Using a free monitoring program, you can check your laptop's internal temperature to see if it's running too hot and in danger of overheating.

The biggest clue that your laptop is not running at an ideal temperature is if you're experiencing any symptoms of overheating. But most laptops naturally run hot, so a system utility that can access your laptop's internal temperature sensors can help you decide if you need to take steps to cool your laptop down further.

You can look up temperature specifications for your specific laptop's Intel or AMD processor, but most CPUs' maximum temperatures are around 100° Celsius (212° Fahrenheit). Before you get to that upper limit, though, your laptop will likely have all sorts of performance problems and may be shutting down randomly on its own. Optimal operating temperature is 50° Celsius (122° Fahrenheit) or below, according to the SpeedFan temperature monitoring program, though newer processors may go comfortably higher to around 70° Celsius (158° Fahrenheit).
Sources: Intel, AMD, Kioskea.net

Several free temperature monitoring programs are available that can show you the CPU temperature as well as other system details like processor load, voltages, and more. Some of them can also automatically or manually adjust the speed of your laptop's fan for best performance. Here are a couple that I've used before:

SpeedFan: In addition to monitoring fan speeds, voltage, and processor temperatures using your laptop's internal sensors, SpeedFan can also access S.M.A.R.T. info to determine your hard disk's temperatures. The small application offers fan control, charting, and easy-to-understand graphics (like a flame next to each processor core that is over the recommended 50 degree Celsius mark). Windows PCs.
Real Temp: Real Temp is designed specifically to monitor temperature for all Intel single, dual, and quad core processors. In addition to showing the temperature and load of the processor, it also shows the CPU's "TjMax" or safe maximum operating temperature and how far from this maximum temp your processor is running at. Another interesting feature of Real Temp is its tracking of your highest and lowest temperatures since you opened the program. Unlike SpeedFan, however, Real Temp doesn't allow control of fan speeds. Windows PCs.

For Macs, there is a free Temerature Monitor application that's also available as a dashboard widget. Linux users can read the CPU temperature from a shell prompt.

source from about.com