Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Mobility > Ergonomics
Ergonomics: Ideally, for comfort, a computer's screen and keyboard should be separated. With laptops this is not the case. Laptops were not designed to be used for long periods of time. A laptop is best used on your lap.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Mobility > Ergonomics
Keyboard and mouse: If using the laptop on a desk, as though it were a desktop computer, use a separate keyboard and mouse which you can plug into the back of your laptop. Use a separate monitor as well if you can!
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Performance & maintenance
Conserve battery power: by dimming the screen, and by turning off automatic bluetooth and wireless network detection. Minimize use of the CD or DVD drive. Remove all PC cards from their slots when not in use. Use your laptop's built-in power management system and select low-power mode. "Suspend" rather than reboot if you're only taking a short break.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Mobility > Security
Secure your data: While you're out and about and on open wireless networks, make sure you've got a secure firewall installed on your laptop and that its settings are very restrictive.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Performance & maintenance
Back up your data: Portable computers deal with a lot more wear and tear than desktops, and this increases the risk of hard drive failure. So make sure you back up the data you keep on your laptop. If you've got a CD-R or DVD-R drive in your lappie, keep a few spare blanks or a USB drive for easy backup on the road.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Hardware
Useful extras: 1. A extra, charged-up battery. 2. A two to three prong electrical plug adaptor might help in places where your three prong plug needs to go into a two prong outlet. 3. An ethernet cable or phone cord or an extra mouse might be a helpful addition to your portable arsenal.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Hardware
No printer?: Use your electronic fax software to send a fax to the hotel fax machine. Then pick up your docs at the front desk.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Performance & maintenance
Overheating: Avoid placing your laptop on soft surfaces. This will block the air vents and overheat your system.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Mobility > Security
Airports: Never check your laptop computer as luggage on an airline, bus, etc. Always carry-on your laptop computer to avoid damage and theft. Keep your laptop in hand at all times when in public areas. Be extra careful in busy locations like airports, where many laptop computers are stolen.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Mobility
Long flights: sometimes there is a hot 110 Volt/AC outlet right in front of each exit door in the outside wall (eg, Boeing 747s) where you can plug in your notebook's A/C adapter and work/play the hours away without worrying about batteries.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Mobility
Receipt: Take your purchase receipt along if you're traveling to a foreign country. This way you can avoid paying import tax if a customs agent challenges you.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops
Serial number: Make a note of your laptop's serial number and store it in a safe place.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Mobility > Security
Security cable: Use a security cable lock (fits into the laptop's keyhole) and fix it to something sturdy and immovable anytime you're not with your laptop, or if you fall asleep in an airport lounge.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Performance & maintenance
Surge protector: Always use a surge protector when plugged into the mains.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops
Make it easy: Use keyboard commands whenever possible.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Mobility > Ergonomics
Avoid strains: Carry the laptop in a backpack instead of a shoulder or handbag.
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Performance & maintenance
To maximise speed of your laptop do these things:
1) Increase the RAM to the maximum allowable (usually 2-3GB, rarely 1GB). That is, buy more RAM chips but ensure they are compatible with your model by inserting them in the unit at the hardware vendor if they allow swapping parts without penalty.
2) Set your Virtual Memory to twice your physical memory (System Properties[Windows Flag Key+Pause/Break]->Advanced->Performance Settings->Advanced->Virtual Memory). Set initial and maximum in XP to the same value.
3) Defragment your hard drive, or better still use an SSD.
4) Ensure at least 15GB free space on your hard drive. If not, get a larger hard drive.
5) Check in Task Manager that you aren't running byte-hungry applications you don't need. Check your Startup folder for them also.
6) Replace drives older than three years if they have had steady use. Or newer drives with heavy use. Seek times decrease over time with drive wear.
myxlfidian (150)
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Main > Technology > Computers > Laptops > Performance & maintenance
Startup problems: Sometimes laptops don't start up at all. Try to take out the RAM chips (usually one at the back and one behind the keyboard at the front) and the hard drive. That often solves the problem. Also try another hard drive if you have one, if the previous steps have no effect. If it's a battery problem, discharge any residual power in the unit by removing the battery and unplugging the AC adapter, then holding in the power button for 7 seconds. Then try to start it with AC power only.
myxlfidian (150)
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