The Difference Between Laptops and Notebooks

There is a small difference between laptops and notebooks. For the most part the difference is between manufacturers. Some call them laptops and some called them notebooks. The phrase notebook, which is really just a smaller and thinner laptop, is very appropriate for the portable, thin laptops that notebooks are.

MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAPTOP AND NOTEBOOKS:

LAPTOPS:
Laptops are usually larger than notebooks and will have a built-in CD/DVD ROM drives or a built-in bay that will accommodate a removable CD ROM drive. The display will be about 15 inches on a laptop when measured diagonally. For certain purposes a laptop is optimal because it provides more features and capabilities than notebooks.

NOTEBOOKS:
Notebooks generally allow you to attach a CD ROM via cable. Since this drive is not built in notebooks are smaller and lighter than laptops, and are referred to as ultra portables. Notebooks are appropriately named because they are often thin and resemble a real binder notebook.

If you are wondering how the differences between laptops and notebooks may impact your purchase choices, it is better not to focus on the tag of laptop vs notebook but to look at the features of individual laptops and or notebooks and pick the portable computer that best suits your needs, whether it's gaming, business, student use, home use, surfing the net or entertainment.

LAPTOP SECURITY DEVICE-HOW TO PROTECT YOUR LAPTOP FROM THIEVES!

Here are 9 tips to prevent your laptop from being stolen as well as an explanation of laptop security devices that ensure your laptop and data are protected. The main attraction of laptops is their portability and mobility. Laptop security devices are important to prevent your laptop from being stolen as well as to prevent the data from your laptop being retrieved and used in the event that your laptop is a victim of theft.

9 WAYS TO PREVENT LAPTOP THEFT

1. Don't use computer bags, while these maybe fashionable and comfortable they make it obvious that you are carrying a laptop. Try using a padded briefcase or suitcase instead.

2. Make sure your laptop is always with you. Do not check laptops in with your luggage while traveling. Never leave your laptop in your car in plain sight. Lock it in the trunk.

3. Keep your eye on your laptop. When you go through airport security don't lose sight of your bag. Hold your bag until the person in front of you has gone through the metal detector. Many bags look alike and yours can easily be lost in the shuffle.

4. Use a screen guard when in public. This prevents people from looking over your shoulder and seeing sensitive information. This is especially helpful when you're traveling or need to work in a crowded area.

5. Never leave access numbers or passwords in your carrying case. Keeping your password with your laptop is like keeping the keys in the car. Without your password or important access numbers it will be more difficult for a thief to access your personal and corporate information.

6. Avoid setting your laptop on the floor. Putting your laptop on the floor is an easy way to forget or lose track of it. If you have to set it down, try to place it between your feet or against your leg (so you're always aware it's there).

7. Do not leave your laptop unsecured in your hotel room. Things sometimes tend to get “lost” in hotel rooms and are never secure. If you must leave your laptop in the room then use a security cable to attach it to a stable object, such as the desk or bedpost. Another good thing to do is leave the "do not disturb" sign on the door.

8. Make sure that everything that can be labeled is labeled with the name of the individual or organization that owns it, and ensure that these labels are conspicuous. The potential theft value of a laptop or peripheral is reduced greatly when additional work is required to remove the identifying marks. Conspicuous identity labels also significantly increase the risk of a potential thief being caught in the act of theft. Visit Computer Security Products, Inc to learn more about an innovative and permanent labeling system. Resale of stolen items marked with their system is virtually impossible.

9. Buy a laptop security device. The next section details some options for laptop security devices.

LAPTOP SECURITY DEVICE:

Laptop Cable. One of the most inexpensive and effective laptop security devices is a security cable for laptop computer. Very much like a bicycle lock, this cable attaches to your laptop and allows you to lock it to a stationary object. The cable makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your laptop.

Laptop Tracing Programs. These programs work the same as LoJack for cars. It is a recovery service that enables law enforcement to retrieve stolen laptops by reporting the physical location of the stolen laptop.
To learn more about LoJack for Laptops please click here: LoJack for Laptops


Motion Sensors and Alarms: Unexpected loud noises make people wake up and take notice, something that aspiring thieves find very discouraging. Laptop security companies realize this and have created alarms for portable computers.
While the signaling mechanism of an alarm system is usually the same, the triggering mechanisms are both varied and specialized. TrackIt Corporation has a product available that creates a "maximum separation zone" around the user and the laptop. The idea is that if the user moves out of range of the device, or the laptop is moved out of range of the user, the alarm will sound. Thus, if someone tries to steal or remove the laptop, the alarm will blare creating a lot of attention.
Another possibility is to buy an alarm that relies on nothing more than movement of the object that it is attached to. Caveo provides a motion sensor alarm software. The sensor operates by detecting motion, analyzing it to determine whether a threat exists, and implementing responses. They are independent of the computer operating system and operate whether the laptop is on or off.
To learn more or purchase an alarm system please visit the Caveo website at: Caveo Laptop Security

LAPTOP SECURITY DEVICES for PROTECTING THE DATA ON A LAPTOP:
Security measures available in order to prevent access to data on your laptop in the event that it is taken.

Set a BIOS password
Most laptops offer protection by allowing the owner to set a boot password. Typically most will prompt the user three times to enter a password, then refuse to boot if there are three failures.

Set a Login Password
To successfully login to the computer, you must provide a login name and password. If the information entered is incorrect, the operating system will refuse to allow entry.

Encryption
One of the best laptop security devices are file encryption programs, which, encrypt files on your laptop. A private unlock key is provided to the user, and as long as your private key is kept safe, no one but you and your intended recipients will be able to view your data. Here are a couple of links for file encryption programs. Please click to learn more:
Alert Boot Data Encryption
CE Secure Encryption Software

Biometric Fingerprint Readers
Another great laptop security device is the Biometric Reader. The idea behind biometrics is to use the uniqueness of certain features of a user, such as retinal pattern, fingerprints, and even typing characteristics, to accurately identify and authorize persons. This type of laptop security device would provide a hardware level of authentication that would require authentication before the machine would even boot up. To browse low price biometric readers click here: Laptop Security Device - Biometric Reader

For greatest deals on laptop cables, biometric readers and laptop security device please click here: Laptop Security Device

HOW TO SPEED UP COMPUTER

6 tips for HOW TO SPEED UP COMPUTER.

1. INCREASE VIRTUAL MEMORY
Virtual memory is the space your computer uses when it's short of RAM (Random Access Memory), which is the memory used when running programs like Office Suites. Resetting the virtual memory usage on your computer, also referred to as pagination, is great way speed up computer. DO NOT exceed the limit given in the properties box of your windows system.

To access and reset the Virtual Memory:
On the Start menu, click My Computer. The My Computer window is displayed.
Click View system information. The Systems Properties dialog box is displayed.
In the Systems Properties dialog box click the Advanced tab.
Under Performance, click Settings. The Performance Options dialog box is displayed.
In the Performance Options dialog box, click the Advanced tab.
Find the Virtual memory area. Click Change. The Virtual Memory dialog box is displayed. Here you can change the pagination file to add more memory and speed up computer.

2. STORING FILES ON THE MAIN DRIVE
Do not store lots of data on the main drive, which is where you install your windows operating system. Storing software like games, finance programs and other software on another drive of your computer is another way to speed up computer performance.

3. RESETTING START UP MENU
The speed with which your computer boots depends on the amount of programs that are set to be started automatically at booting. Removing unnecessary and unwanted programs from the start up process can greatly speed up computers at the start up level.

4. TURN OFF SYSTEM RESTORE:
Having the system restore option on takes a lot of space from the hard drive. Freeing up a lot of physical memory by turning off system restore can significantly speed up computer.
To access System Restore:
click START
click ACCESSORIES
click SYSTEM TOOLS
click SYSTEM RESTORE
Once there you can edit settings and then turn off the system restore option.

5. CLEANING INTERNET CACHE AND COOKIES:
Temporary Internet files affect browser speed, as well as, computer speed in general. Regularly cleaning the cache and cookies will make your browser and computer perform at a faster speed.

To Clean Internet Cache and Cookies:
click Tools from your browser toolbar
click Internet Options to delete and clear cache and cookies.
This should be done on a regular basis to ensure ongoing improvement of computer speed.

6. DEFRAGMENTING THE DISK
Regularly defragmenting the disk drive will speed up computer. This tool can be accessed from the Start Menu then Accessories then System Tools

To learn many more valuable tools as well as a step-by-step guide that will automatically perform all these tasks to speed up computer please CLICK HERE!

CLEANING LCD SCREENS---EASY CLEANING OF LAPTOP MONITORS

This simple guide provides an inexpensive, easy, and very effective homemade solution to cleaning LCD screens and important warnings for cleaning computer LCD monitors. Cleaning computer LCD monitors can greatly enhance your laptop experience, it's amazing what a clean screen can do.

A laptop screen is called an LCD (liquid crystal display) and LCD screens are especially susceptible to scratches so they require some extra care and attention.
Warning: You should NEVER put your bare fingers on the screen while cleaning LCD monitors or at anytime as this can burn out the pixels and damage your screen.

When cleaning your LCD screens you can leave your screen on but if you turn it off you will be able to see the smears and smudges much better.

LCD Monitor Dry Dust Cleaning:
If your monitor is not too dirty you can just use a plain SOFT cotton cloth. Wipe (without pressure) from the top of the monitor to the bottom by going in the same direction.
Warning: Do not use cheap paper towels, towels, rags as they may scratch the surface.

LCD Screen Cleaning Solution:
If your monitor is really dirty then you can use a cleaning solution for a deep cleaning.
Warning: Do not use products any products that contain ethyl alcohol, ammonia, acetone, toluene, ethyl acid, or methyl chloride based cleaners these will yellow your screen.

You can go to the store and buy a cleaner especially made for LCD screens there are plenty of those. If you don't want to spend extra money there is a homemade solution.

Homemade Cleaning Solution for LCD Screens:
Ingredients:
Isopropyl Alcohol
Distilled Water (Do not use tap water because it contains salts that can whiten your screen)

Mix equal parts distilled water to isopropyl alcohol (example: 1/4 cup water to 1/4 cup isopropyl alcohol)
Make sure to use only isopropyl alcohol, which is just regular rubbing alcohol.

Always use a soft cloth, cotton preferably or those special electrostatic cloths used to clean eyeglasses.
Do not use a rag, paper towel or napkins as these can scratch the surface of your monitor.

Apply a very small amount of the solution ONTO THE CLOTH and very gently (without pressure) wipe the laptop screen in one direction from the top of the screen to the bottom.
Warning: Never pour or spray any cleaning solution onto an LCD screen as this can short circuit the monitor.

Now that your LCD screen is clean and shiny you should see a noticeable difference and enjoy a much better viewing experience.

BEST LAPTOP DESKS -- UNDER $30

Also known as notebook tables, trays, stand and pads

What are laptop computer desks you might ask?

Laptop Computer Desks are very cheap accessories that make a big difference by providing ergonomic comfort, cooling and protection for your laptop and your lap.

Desks for a laptop computer are designed to protect your lap and laptop from excessive heat and provide comfort.

With use laptops do heat up and the more the laptop heats up the more unbearable it will become to keep it on your lap.

But I never use my laptop on my lap?
Laptop desks are proven to significantly reduce heat build-up in your notebook and serve as a cooling unit and even though you may not use your lap, using these desks greatly enhances your laptop health.When a laptop does not receive airflow as is the case when it sits on your lap, floor, bed, couch or desk the notebook will start to overheat. Once it reaches the max heat (depends on the model) the laptop heat sensor will cause it to shut down and without warning, without a chance to save your work. This can be at best annoying and at worst a serious ongoing problem, which eventually can lead to your laptop motherboard being burnt out completely, which is very expensive to replace.

Where would you need a laptop desk? Virtually anywhere you use your laptop!
Home
Subway
Car
Beach
Park
Work

For under $30 you can protect your laptop as well as your lap.

The best deals are at LapWorks:
LAPTOP DESK FUTURA, LAPTOP DESK ULTRA LITE, LAPTOP DESK 2.0, LAPTOP DESK 1.0 are all under $30 and you get a free trial!

TOP TEN LAPTOPS REVIEWED - BEST LAPTOP AND USES

TOSHIBA OOSMIO G35..............Most Loaded
Best-in-class multimedia experience that features state of the art components, including the Intel Core Duo chip set. Loaded with every possible feature, including an HD-DVD drive and 0ne of the best 17-inch wide-screen displays, an integrated TV tuner, a full set of ports and connections, a jamming set of stereo speakers and the best set of multimedia controls.

SONY VAIO SZ...............Best Balance Between Portability & Usability
Sony managed to create a laptop that has a perfect balance of portability without sacrificing a readable screen or a very user-friendly keyboard. In addition the VAIO SZ features all the components, which a business requires, from a Web cam for videoconferencing to an integrated microphone to a fingerprint scanner for security. On top of all this you get an Intel Core Duo processor and a NVIDIA graphics card.

LENOVO ThinkPad X60s..................Best ultra portable for business
Best features are built in WWAN connectivity and the latest Intel Core Duo processor. Includes the fantastic ThinkPad keyboard, which makes this notebook a better choice if comfortable typing is more important than watching DVD's. This laptop does not have a built -in optical drive and yet it still brings a best-in-class balance of performance, battery life,portability and comfort.

GATEWAY NC100X..............Best Budget Model & Ultra Portable Design
The "poor mans" dream notebook delivers a sleek look with brushed aluminum details and dark blue status lights. With a low bottom line the NX100X costs significantly less than competitors models. The sacrifices for a lower price is of course minimal features including the lack of a built-in optical drive. But if you need a very portable and stylish economic notebook the Gateway NX100X is for you.

HP COMPAQ PRESARIO V500 Z............Most Affordable Laptop
One of the cheapest priced based model laptops available that does not compromise quality. Ideal all-around laptop for a student or home user who needs good performance and a fair set of basic features which includes, a LightScribe double layer optical drive and a multi-format media-card reader.

DELL XPS M1710...................Best Gaming Notebook
For the serious gamer, Dell still remains the leader in laptop gaming units. 17-inch wide screen, Intel Core platform and NVIDIA's new top shelf GEForce Go 7900 GTX GRPU video card are the star features of the XPS M1710. While this is a high price system it is the best of the best for the serious gamers.


PANASONIC TOUGHBOOK 74...............Best Notebook for the Klutzy Klutz
Designed to be abused this laptop can withstand lots and lots of abuse. With drops, bangs and spills it keeps running. The ToughBook 74 used military-grade laptop design principals and incorporated them into a consumer-friendly "rough and tough" model that is built for abuse.

SONY VAIO UX...................Best Micro Tablet
This tiny unit has a 4.5-inch (diagonal) wide-screen display that slides up to reveal a QWERTY keypad. Even though it's small the UX runs on a full-fledged laptop CPU, a full version of Windows XP and a touch-screen interface. Weighing only 1.2 pounds this laptop has a 1024x600 resolution display and comes with modest components and lots of network connections. Considering its tiny size it is amazing that Sony managed to add two cameras, a biometric fingerprint scanner, mic jacks and headphone, USB port and Memory Stick slot.

APPPLE MACBOOK PRO...............Best Laptop Design
Apple hasn't radically redesigned the PowerBook factor with this model and thank goodness for that. This MacBook is sleek in aluminum, wider, thinner and lighter that the 15-inch PowerBook making a successful compromise between portable and usable. Top attributes include unparalleled style and solid set of features and software. Only a few transitional performance issues keep this laptop from rivaling the most powerful of laptops.

DELL XPS M2010....................Best Notebook that's Not One
The perfect combination of the in between of desktop and notebook designs this piece features a foldout 20-inch screen, detachable Bluetooth keyboard, top set of components and most of the features of a modern Media Center PC, including a great sound system, a pop-up slot-loading DVD player, and integrated video camera and microphone for videoconferencing. Impressive in style and performance and definitely not cheap.

LAPTOP BUYING GUIDE---BUYING TIPS FOR LAPTOP COMPUTER

Here is an laptop buying guide written for those who cannot stand techie jargon, because let's face it life is just too short. Also please look for laptop buying tips in assisting you to pick the right laptop the first time.

Processor:
The processor of a laptop determines how fast a computer and the speed is given in GHz.

Best: Intel Core Duo processor.
With the release of the Core 2 Duo E6700 Intel takes the crown from AMD and their dominant dual-core chips by creating a processor which provides superior performance and better power efficiency. for half the cost.

1.73 GHz processor is more than sufficient for everyday work like word processing, spreadsheets, email and internet surfing. The Core Duo provides a strong performance and great battery life.

Other processors...
Pentium M
Pentium Celeron
Pentium 4
Athlon
AMD

Memory (RAM):
RAM refers to the amount of programs you can run on your computer without running into slow downs and causing your laptop to drag. 512MB RAM is the optimal amount of memory and the best option for gaming and if you plan to use 3-D graphics. Anything over 1GB is probably a waste of money since RAM upgrades are very affordable.
Laptop Buying Tip: The RAM the laptop supports tells you the most memory you will be able to upgrade to.

Hard drive:
40-80 GB hard drive is more than sufficient unless you plan to generate multimegabyte music or data files or you want to install more than one office suite. Do not spend extra money on a bigger hard drive as a laptops internal hard drive is inexpensive and easy to replace if you ever needed to and external drives are very inexpensive and can always be added later.

All-in-one design. Unless you really need a lightweight laptop, choose one with an internal bay for the optical drive. This type of design lets you to swap in other devices, such as an extra hard drive or a second battery.

Condition:
NIB- refers to New in Box, brand-new never opened and never used. Factory Sealed New- This usually means refurbished in that it not new, fixed, checked and brought to new condition. This could include store displays, or an open box item that was never used. Used- A laptop that is being sold by an individual and has been previously used.

Used Laptop Computers Cheap:
The advantage of buying a used laptop computers is that you could save a lot of money. Checking the feedback rating of a seller is an important determining factor in creating confidence in buying a used item.

Laptop Buying TIP: Shop safe at Laptop Best Buys where we pride ourselves on providing buyers with extensive feedback comments and ratings from previous customers. Whether you are looking for used, new or refurbished laptops we have a large selection of all brands and models.

Warranty:
A laptop with a warranty can save money down the road.
Laptop Buying TIP: If the laptop you wish to purchase comes with a warranty check to see if they cover shipping charges in the event you need to send it in for repair. There are also warranties that cover an in-home repair.

Screen size:
A screen larger than 14 is best to avoid strain on the eyes. The screen size dimension is measured diagonally across the screen. Larger screens or wide screens result in heavier laptops and are more bulky but do provide a more comfortable experience whether you’re surfing the net or watching movies. A smaller screen can be more beneficial for word-processing type of activity.

Screen Viewing:
An anti-glare feature is very beneficial when you don’t want to have part of your screen invisible due to a light source. Outside-readable screens are made to use in very bright light (outside) and are very costly. Wide Screen viewing angle is important if you don’t like decreased visibility when you move your head to the side.

Weight:
A 5 or 6 pound laptop is best. Ultra light laptops, below 4 pounds have cramped keyboards, less speed and memory, and usually no CD or DVD drive and smaller screens. If you buy an ultra-light laptop, its performance may be so compromised that after all of the accessories you carry with it are added up (a CD drive, a larger battery, a better keyboard, etc...) it may weigh as much as a regular 5 or 6 lb laptop. The better features and benefits of a 5 or 6 pound laptop outweigh the weight issue. Higher capacity hard drives and batteries add to laptop weight.

Battery:
Watt-hours determine the life of a battery. Lithium laptop batteries use cells to determine life, more cells equals more life. Usually a laptop needs a new battery every 1 to 5 years.
The way you determine battery consumption depends on how you use the laptop, most battery ratings are given for a computer running minimal processes which does not include Internet usage, graphics, power-save mode etc.
Latpop Buying TIP: If you want more more freedom from the outlet buy a notebook that has a modular bay capable of holding a supplementary power pack.

Wireless:
Wireless Internet Capability or Wi-Fi is necessary if you'd like to surf the net without being tied to a wire. Wireless cards are easily installed into most laptops. LAN Internet comes in three types: A, B and G. B being the slowest and A and G are the same speed. Wireless cards are written as 802.11 followed by a, b or g or a combination of such. Optimal is 802.11g and 802.11a/b/g is even better.

Keyboard:
The keyboard should be full size or it will take some time to adjust.
Laptop Buying TIP: Look for the % of full size when looking at the keyboard features of a laptop.

Mouse Options:
Option 1 is a touch screen, which is controlled with finger movements on a pad. Option 2 is a knob feature that lets you control the mouse by moving the finger in only one spot. This feature is harder to adjust and unless you have a preference get the touch panel, or both if possible. Option 3 is get both a touch screen and knob on your laptop.
Laptop Buying TIP: you can always hook up a standard mouse to your laptop.

Ports:
The more ports the more variety you will have. At least one USB (multipurpose, very useful port) and at least one VGA (video connection to external monitor/ projector) are very important. An Ethernet port for wired Internet. Headphone and microphone ports.

Other ports include:
FireWire port (generally used with Apple products such as iPods) S-video port for video output. Printer port for most printers. PC card slots (card bus), which provide a large variety of functions. You can usually buy a PC card to replace any type of port.

Audio:
Media Centers have higher quality speakers built-in. Computers that save weight and space will have small speakers which gives just an OK sound quality and quiet music.

Video/ graphics:
This is important for playing and editing movies and is crucial for 3D gaming. Dedicated memory usually comes with a graphics card (ATI Radeon, GeForce, etc...) and has its own memory in MB which includes 32MB, 64MB, and 128MB.If video is important to you pick the highest one you can afford.
Laptop Buying TIP: To get an idea of what you might need you can refer to the back of your games or media software CD-case or manual to see the “system requirements” for the video memory requirements.

Skins:
Personalize and dress up your laptop with decorative skins!

Laptop Case, Bag and Backpack:
A variety of bags are available for carrying your laptop, including "with wheels." Whether you like business leather, or bright pink suede there's a laptop case for you.

Tablet PC:
These are laptops that allow you to write on the screen. They also have detachable keyboards and a screen you can move to lay upside-down on your keyboard. These types of laptops are more expensive and usually these characteristics are not necessary for the average retailer.

Hopefully this Laptop Buying Guide was helpful and now you are an expert in how to buy a laptop computer!