Hard Disk Failure and Data Recovery

Hard Disk: An Introduction

Hard disk is a non-volatile data storage device that stores electronic data on a magnetic surface layered onto hard disk platters. Word Hard is use to differentiate it from a soft, or floppy disk. Hard disks hold more data and can store from 10 to more than 100 gigabytes, whereas most floppies have a maximum storage capacity of 1.4 megabytes and in addition are faster too. Normally term hard disk is much familiar with computers only but it is widely used as network attached storage for large volume storage. Furthermore, appliance of hard disk drives spread out to video recorders, audio players, digital organizers, digital cameras, and even in latest cellular telephones.




Heart of hard disk consists of four basic components:

The Platters:
Platters are the actual disks inside the drive that store the magnetized data. Conventional platters are made of a light aluminum alloy and coated with magnetize-able material but latest technology uses glass or ceramic platters as they are thinner and also heat resisting. Most drives have at least two platters and the larger the storage capacity of the drive, the more platters there are.

The Spindle Motor:
Hard disk drive consists of a spindle on which the platters spin at a constant RPM. Moving along and between the platters on a common arm are read-write heads. The platters in a drive are divided by disk spacers and are clamped to a revolving spindle that turns all the platters in a uniform motion. The spindle motor is built right into the spindle and rotates the platters at a constant set rate ranging from 3,600 to 7,200 RPM.

The Read/Write Heads:
Read/write heads read and write data to the platters, and each head is fixed to a single actuator shaft so that all the heads move in harmony. Typically, only one of the heads is active at a time either reading or writing data. When not in use, the heads are inactive, but when in motion the spinning of the platters generate air pressure that lifts the heads off the platters. The space between the platter and the head is so minute that even one dust particle or a fingerprint could disable the spin. When the platters cease spinning the heads come to rest, at a preset position on the heads, called the landing zone.

The Head Actuator:
All the heads are attached to a single head actuator arm, which moves the heads around the platters. The Actuator arm moves the heads on an arc across the platters as they spin, allowing each hed to access almost the entire surface of the platter. Contemporary hard drives use a voice coil actuator, which controls the movement of a coil toward or away from a permanent magnet based on the amount of current flowing through it.

Fundamental structures of all hard disk are same, and are composed of the same physical features, but their performance depends on the quality of their inner components.

Hard Disk Failure:
Hard Disk Failure occurs when a hard disk drive malfunctions and the accumulate data cannot be accessed. It may happen in the course of normal operation due to an internal or external factor. Disk failure varies and the most common is "Head Crash" where the internal read and write head of a device touches a platter or magnetic storage surface often grinding away the magnetic surface. Head hover just micrometers from the platters plane which makes such collision a common one. This sort of crash usually invites severe data loss and unprofessional data recovery attempts results further damage to the remaining data. Hard drive also includes other controller electronics i.e., semiconductors, valves or electronic circuits, and major components such as Platters, Spindle Motor and Head Actuator. Failure of any these devices may cause a hard disk failure.

Factors causes disk failure are numerous, yet most common are power surges, voltage fluctuations, electronic malfunction, physical shock, wear and tear, corrosion, exposure to high magnetic waves, sharp impact, high temperature exposure etc.

The phenomena of hard disk failure is raising higher and higher; as to increase the read and write speed, today we have latest hard disk rotating amazingly faster and this immense revolving speed generates massive centrifugal force, a single adverse cause in the course of normal operation can cause severe hard disk failure.

Hard Disk Data Recovery:
Hard disk data recovery is the process of recovering the trapped data from the damage hard disk device, when it can not be accessed in normal circumstance. Several Techniques are used to retrieving data from damaged hard disk and techniques vary accordingly. It can be done by moving disk drive to a working CPU, or may have to open the disk drive and replace parts such as read/write heads, arms and chips and sometime the platters have to be removed and placed into another drive. Physical damage can not be repaired by the general users, as it requires clean and dust free lab environment, in addition proper hardware and technical expertise; where under microscopic examination with proper tool and techniques, the damage drive is put on to observation for data salvaging.

By Bharat Bista

Common Problems Why Hard Disks Crash

There are so many reasons why your hard disk may crashed:

(1) It may be caused by mechanical or physical problem such as the spindle motor system failure. This failure is usually caused by over-heating. The activity light flashing that you see on your CPU (central processing unit) indicates that its head moves to different tracks. If this movement fails, it can no longer read or write data. Remember, a hard disk is a hardware component, not a software. It is a magnetic device use to store data, it reads and writes data as it spins.

(2) Failure of logical system (the logical partitioned drives assigned as C, D, E, F, G) may be caused by and not limited to corrupt system files, corrupt firmware, registry components and virus infection. Spywares, adwares & all other malicious files may also cause your hard disk to crash.

HINTS:

(1) If you see the activity light flashing but the computer does not boot, the case may be, your files is still intact on the hard drive but becomes inaccessible -- this may be because of logical system failure. Try booting through a floppy disk or use the start-up disk that came with the system.

(2) If you don’t see any activity light flashing on the CPU and that the system can not start up (ofcourse after checking all power cables are “on”) then it is likely of mechanical problem. And notice that if the system BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) can no longer recognize the hard drive, then it is the physical/mechanical system that failed.

The good news is, sually, in today’s technology on hard disks, if this problem occurs it normally will alarm you and warn you before it will totally fails, so you could get that chance to immediately back up your files. And there are also many data recovery tools available in the market today. But at times, it is cheaper to replace the hard drive than to fix it (unfortunately).

TIPS & TRICKS TO AVOID THIS DISASTER TO HAPPEN:

1. Keep your hard drive healthy by performing defragmentation at least once a week (others prefers once every two weeks)

2. Run your anti-virus program everyday! Run spyware/adware removal tool at least once every week (there are many available free to download). Keep updates with all these tools and programs too! Turn on your firewall & pop-up blocker, it protects you from intruders!

3. Remove all unknown emails, clear your bulk and spam emails immediately.

4. Delete all internet temporary files (including all offline files)

5. Install all necessary updates on your computer

6. Be very careful in downloading files from different sites (firmware usually fails because of this)

7. The last but not the list – take “backing-up” your hard drive on a removable disk or tape as a serious task for you to do at least everyday or once a week especially if you are using it for business purposes!

Laptop Hard Drive Recovery

Our society now has become fast paced and individuals feel the need to cope up thus the popularity of laptops. These machines allow individuals to carry out their daily tasks even when they are not at home or in the office. Most companies nowadays allow their employees to telecommute or bring their work at home. However, because laptops are mobile, the danger of data loss is higher compared to the desktop pc.

To avoid paying a lot of money and saving yourself from trouble of losing all your important data, backing up your files once a week is recommended. Back up your files using CD-RW or DVD-RW or you can backup your files online.

But if the worse has happened and you have already lost your files because you accidentally dropped your laptop, because of hard drive failure, accidental deletion, virus attacks and corruption, or physical damage from fire or other disasters, I suggest you seek professional help immediately.

Data Recovery Service
Contacting a data recovery service as soon as possible is the most logical thing to do. Trying to recover the data yourself may do more harm than good. Data recovery services are fast, reliable, and safe. You may research your neighborhood for data recovery service companies that specialize in laptop data recovery.

If you can’t find a laptop data recovery company in your local area, you can always search the internet. There are a lot of great companies that offer data retrieval services for laptops and they allow shipping of your laptop to their laboratories and once they have retrieved your data, your laptop and files will be sent back to you.

Data Recovery Process
Generally, data recovery proess for a desktop hard drive is rather the same compared to laptops. The only difference is quite obvious; a laptop’s hard drive is typically smaller and a bit more difficult to handle. Engineers would have to be more careful because one wrong move may bring all those important data down the drain.

Once you have contacted a data recovery service that would retrieve your files, their engineers or technicians will assist you and ask you a series of questions regarding the problem. You will then have to send your laptop to their laboratories or if you choose to have an on-site service, meaning they will be the ones who will come to your home or office, you could do so but usually for an additional fee. They will then evaluate your laptop’s case and suggest what kind of data recovery you will need.

Cost
Data recovery service for laptops usually won’t cost you anything if the data recovery attempt is not successful. Evaluation of your laptop is also usually free and if they are confident that they can retrieve your data, they will give you a quote on how much you are going to pay.

During urgent situations, these laptop data recovery companies can also do an emergency data retrieval for your laptop. This process usually lasts between 24 to 48 hours.

Data recovery for your laptop can be really expensive. Companies charge depending on how severely damaged your laptop is or how long it will take them to retrieve your files.

However, the amount that you are going to pay them is worthwhile if the data stored in your laptop are important especially if these data are work related.

Laptop Hard Drives

Now a days managing files and folders on PCs seems to be a critical task for network administrators and data storage managers due to huge capacity hard disks and millions of files and folders.
1. Understand the disk space allocation and wastage.
2. Understand how to manage your disk space.

Topics covered
1. What is File Allocation Table (FAT) ?
2. Disk Efficiency and FAT.
3. What is Wasted Space. ?
4. Solution.

What is File Allocation Table
The FAT is a roadmap, or index, that points to the location where all the information in files is stored on a floppy disk or hard drive. The FAT is extremely important because the system uses it to store and retrieve files containing information.

When you save a file in Windows, it is stored in multiple pieces (in clusters made up of multiple sectors) on the disk. Windows also saves the roadmap, or index, that points to these clusters in two copies of the FAT (File Allocation Table). The FAT contains the directions to all the pieces of your files, so that applications can find them again later

Disk Efficiency and FAT.
Every file on your system is stored in clusters in your hard drive, the maximum of one file can be stored in a particular cluster, so this results in wastage if the file is under the cluster size. The current FAT version (FAT16) organises files in 32K clusters in drives over 1.2gig, while FAT32 will use a minimum cluster size of 4K. This means that a 3K file wastes only 1K of disk space on FAT32, while it wastes 29K of space on a standard FAT system. This wastage can result in over 50% of a 2gig drive being wasted. See the table below.

What's a cluster and why does cluster size matter?
The whole problem of wasted space arises from the fact that DOS allocates file space in "clusters". Clusters are sequentially numbered on the disk, starting at 0, and cluster numbers are used both in the FAT (file allocation table) and in the individual directory entry for each file.

Allocation by clusters means some space on the disk will be wasted. Regardless of the actual length of a file as reported by the DIR command, the file will actually occupy a whole number of clusters on the disk. So a 1-byte file will actually use a whole cluster, a file that's 1 cluster plus 1 byte long will use 2 clusters, and so on.

Is this serious? It can be, depending on the pattern of file sizes on your disk. For instance, if you have an 2GB disk with 5,000 files on it, about 100 MB of your disk is being wasted. And the figures can be much worse, depending on the pattern of your usage. One user reported copying 450 MB of files to a 1.6 GB disk and having them take up 600 MB! As your disk approaches being full, you may wish you could squeeze some extra space out of it instead of buying a new disk

How does cluster size depends on hard-disk size?
As mentioned above in the table the cluster size for various partition sizes so that you can make intelligent choices about how to partition your hard disk.

From the above table we see that even 2.1 GB drive is over the 1023 kilo-byte limit for 16 KB clusters and therefore its cluster size (unpartitioned) is 32 KB. With a 32 KB cluster, even a 1-byte file will use 32 KB of disk space. A file whose length is 32,769 to 65,536 bytes will likewise use two clusters (64 KB), and so on for higher file sizes.

Even so, you may be inclined to think this is no big deal. But think about it: if you have a 2.1 GB drive with 5,000 files, you're probably wasting about 160 MB.

How are cluster sizes determined?
Clusters are always some power of 2 times 512 bytes, but just which power of 2 depends on the disk size. Why should this be so? I mentioned above that clusters are numbered sequentially. The problem is that the directory structure and the FAT have room for only 16 bits for a cluster number. Since the largest unsigned number that will fit into a 16-bit field is 2^16-1 = 65535, the disk can hold at most 2^16 = 65536 clusters. This gives the formula

disk sizecluster size = ---------, rounded up to a power of 265536
In general the wasted space per file will be half a cluster.

-----
What is Wasted Space?
Whenever a file is created, space will be allocated to the file in the form of clusters. A cluster can be of 8 KB , 16 KB or 32 KB depending upon your hard disk partition size. Following is the chart for cluster size.

FAT FAT32Partition Size Cluster Size Partition Size Cluster Size128 - 256 MB4 KB1 - 8 GB4 KB
257 - 512 MB8 KB8 - 16 GB8 KB
513 - 1024 MB16 KB16 - 32 GB16 KB
1025 - 2048 MB32 KB>32 GB32 KB

So the formula for wasted space is Wasted Space = Allocated Space - Actual File Size.
We will take an example of file which is of 900 bytes in size and your partition type is - FAT and its size is 1024 MB. So the allocated space for your file will be 16384 bytes or 16 KB whether you store 900 bytes or 1 byte in the file. So the wasted space in this case will be
Wasted Space = 16384 - 900 = 15484 bytes.

So the conclusion is : Lesser the file size, more the wasted space.

Solution
So to analyze how our disk space is being wasted we need a smart program which will show us the space hogging files and their locations.

The Mouse, Touchpad and other pointing devices

In the early days of laptops, trackballs were an option. However, if you’ve ever owned a trackball for your desktop system, you know they require continued maintenance. Specifically, all the contact with your hand – no matter how clean that hand – eventually gunk up the innards of the trackball, thus requiring you to partly disassemble the trackball for a serious debunking.

Since disassembly of any part of their laptop is an undesirable proposition for most users, the industry eventually drifted away from trackballs.

Today, you have two choices in built-in pointing devices
1. The touchpad
2. The pointing stick.
The touchpad was originally pioneered in Apple laptops, but quickly caught on throughout the industry. The touchpad is exactly what is seems to be from its name: a pad that you touch. It’s rectangular in shape and its dimensions approximate the proportions of your laptop display. You simply rest your finger on the touchpad and drag it from one point to another to move te mouse on the display. Depending on how you configure your touchpad, you can also optionally tap on it to perform a left-click.

Effective use of a touchpad does take a little practice. However, with no moving parts, there’s little chance of any mechanical malfunction. Also, studies show that a touchpad is very desirable from an ergonomic standpoint.

The name pointing stick isn’t nearly as descriptive as touchpad. That may explain why many people have taken to calling these pointing devices eraser nubs. That’s exactly what they look like: the eraser on the end of a pencil, sticking up slightly from the middle of your keyboard.

To move your mouse pointer, you simply nudge the eraser nub in the appropriate direction. This, of course, takes some getting used to. Too hard a nudge can send your mouse pointer sailing across the screen. However, once you are familiar with its use, precision movements become easy and routine

Laptop Cases

Laptops can be carried using a laptop backpack, using a laptop messenger bag or even using a laptop case. One thing is certain though, using a laptop case to carry your laptop or as storage is a very elegant. Unlike backpacks and messenger bags, laptop cases are very classy and very formal. You can bring them to functions and other formal business gatherings.

Using a laptop case to carry your laptop is a very wise choice because aside from them being classy and formal, they are also stylish and are very cool. Cases for laptops may be made of leather; they may be made of nylon and can be even of suede. These laptop computer cases also come in different colors and sizes to accommodate your laptop color and laptop size. There are even some laptop computer cases that come along with a stroller or a wheel for easier navigation. Laptop computer cases as with laptop bags also have added cushioning to protect your unit and they also have compartments to accommodate your laptop accessories and gadgets. What’s more is that when you are using a laptop case, you can also stuff your paperwork together with your laptop without worrying about creases and such things when you use other carrying bags for your laptop.

Here are some tips when buying laptop cases:

·Be sure to buy one that is well suited for the laptop you own. Size of the laptop and size of the of the laptop case should be compatible

·You should also buy one that is durable and nice to look at

·Also be aware that laptop notebook cases come in many different brands, colors and variety. Always choose the one that is well suited to your lifestyle, meets your standards and is not outdated.

·You should also remember that the first and foremost usage of a laptop case is to protect your laptop from the harshness of the world around it. Your laptop case should be able to amply protect your laptop against bumps and jostles, against hot or wet weather conditions, from theft etc.

·The weight of the laptop case should also be taken a look at. They should not weigh very heavy as it may only add inconvenience instead of protection.

Laptop DVD Burners

Laptop DVD Burner Drives are very useful, they allow you to play Compact Discs, MP3, DVDs and other multimedia files. Without these optical drives, you will only be limited to what is in your computer. But with them, you can now have the opportunity to view other files aside from the ones stored in your laptop or the files you have downloaded from the internet. With the optical CD/DVD drives, you can even turn your laptop into an entertainment system where you watch movies from a DVD or CD. But did you know that aside from that optical DVD and CD.

These DVD Burner Drives further enhances your laptop’s functionality. Now you cannot just view the contents of DVDs but you can also write your own DVD content. The applications for this new innovation are just endless. DVD burners can act as a tool for you to store more files outside of your hard drive. You can now write your e-books, your MP3 files, your movies, your presentation and a lot more so that it will not crowd your hard drive. Aside from that, you can also use the DVD writer to make copies of your files; it can be used s an added back-up if in case your hard drive crashes and all your important files may the chance to be erased. It can also be used as a tool for many other things such as writing DVD copies of the movies you have downloaded on the internet, you can also use it to burn or write installers of your favorite games. Ideal gift ideas for your kids or siblings.
DVDs are more advanced than compact discs mainly because of the storage capacity. Before Information were stored in Floppy disks, then onto Compact Discs or CD’s and then to DVDs. A DVD is capable of handling more data. Before an entire movie could not fit into a single compact disc but with a DVD all of the contents of one movie could very well fit into it. Indeed DVD has become a great advancement in data storage and more so with its integration with laptops. But this has been more enhanced with the rise of Laptop DVD Burner Drives.

GPS laptops

GPS
Certainly this is a new technology in laptops to revolutionalize the role and the usefulness of laptops in our lives. First, let us define GPS and why is it incorporated in our laptops. GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a satellite navigation system. There is even a sole device known as GPS and as new and new technologies are arising, GPS has been integrated into our everyday gadgets. It is already in cellphones to locate the owner of the cellphone or even to know the exact coordinates of a particular location. GPS are also built into cars so that they are easily traced and as an added protection against car theft. The laptop industry is not to be left behind too with the rise of GPS laptop computers.

GPS Laptps
Some GPS laptop computers are laptops with a built in Global Positioning System in them and some of them use GPS receivers to come up with a live or real time feed. A laptop could turn into a GPS laptop by inserting a GPS system or a GPS receiver into the USB port of the laptop. After that your real time mobile positioning system is good to go. Other GPS laptopcomputers are dubbed as such because of the LXGPS software installed in them. Unlike the previous one where you still have to connect something a separate GPS system to the USB port of your laptop, when you already have GPS installed, Global positioning is so easy and very accessible.

GPS Laptops Uses
GPS laptops are useful for planning trips, especially for locating hot spots such as restaurants, hotels and other tourist attractions, The GPS would also be useful for knowing your exact location especially if you are on a foreign territory, it could also become handy in situations where you are lost because you can use them to plot your exact coordinates, A GPS notebook could also become handy when on cross country skiing trips, they are also useful for field scientist and researchers to get information such as mapping coral reefs, monitor traffic and other tasks that are better performed with the aid of a positioning system.

USB Cables

What are USB cables
USB cables are data cables used to connect a computer or laptop to an outside source of data such as digital cameras, video recorders, mobile phones and mp3 devices. These cables are compatible with the standard USB ports present in computers and laptops.

How to use
One end of a USB cable connects with the USB port present in the computer while the other end connects to an external device such as a digital camera. The cable enables direct data transfers from devices that are not a part of the computer. This saves precious time and effort and provides error free data transfers.

Today there is a USB cable available for every electronic device that requires data transfers. In most cases, companies manufacturing electronic devices like digital cameras sell these cables. A customer will need different cables for each device, as a cable for a camera may not be compatible with an mp3 device. A common eature among all types of USB cables is the presence of two power conductors and two signal conductors. The USB port in the computer provides automatic power and external power supply is needed only in some types of computers.

More and more people are opting for digital cameras and other electronic gadgets. This has increased the demand for USB cables. Earlier, USB ports were non-existent in computers, but now they have become standard equipment.

An USB cables is an important tool used to transfer electronic data. However, technology is changing very fast and customers are shifting to wireless technology. Innovations like Bluetooth and Infrared technology enable wireless data transfer. Modern day mobile phones use this technology for data transfer. These advanced methods may soon become a standard part of every electronic device, phasing out the USB cables.

Laptop Speakers

Laptop speakers, there are many kinds of laptop computer speakers available on the market today. And these speakers vary from brand to brand of laptops. Speakers may be built in speakers; they may also be those speakers that are clipped at the sides of the laptop.

built in laptop computer speakers
Let’s talk first about the built in laptop computer speakers. Some of them are ok and delivers great sound but some of them may not what you are looking for. They may not work properly and deliver a not too great sound. These built-in speakers for your laptop are small gadgets that are capable of amplifying sound. But you as a consumer cannot be sure of the real quality and real brand of the laptop speaker inside your laptop. One of the best ways to make sure that the built-in speaker for your laptop is working properly and is what you are looking for, you can first ask the sales agent where you plan to buy your laptop for a test if the speakers are working properly and are capable of delivering quality sound.

Laptop Outside Speakers
On the other hand, those outside speakers or the onesclipped at the sides of the laptops are easier to test, and you can even just purchase a trusted name in speakers and you can be assured of the quality right away, plus, they are more capable of delivering high quality sound because of their size. They are much bigger as compared with the built-in speakers.

The quality of sound that your speaker produces is essential in almost every application that you will run in your laptop. Laptop speakers are very useful especially when viewing movies. Your laptop speaker should be able to deliver a nice quality sound for you to enjoy your viewing experience more. Sound quality is also important in presentations. Presentations are mostly delivered to quite a number of audiences and your laptop must be able to cater to the demand of a high quality sound for them to be able to accurately grasp what you are lecturing about. Speakers are also essential when gaming. A good quality laptop should have a speaker that can keep up with the audio demands of a game. Any computer game played on your laptop cannot be fully appreciated if the sound delivered is not of high quality. Therefore, it is important that you choose the quality of speakers for your laptop well, may they be built-in speakers of separate outside speakers.

Laptop AC Power Adapters

An AC Power Adapter is an electronic device which produces a specific direct current from the mains with an Alternating Current (AC). Although actually a power supply it is popularly known as an AC Power Adapter or AC Adapter. Laptops along with most other portable devices use Direct Current (DC), this also applies to rechargeable batteries which power laptops. Direct Current has a constant flow of electric charge in one direction and flows from low to high potential. Connecting a laptop to AC is unsuitable and dangerous due to the varying magnitude and direction of the current, which can cause an internal component to fail and even result in fire.

The AC Adapter carries out the following steps to produce the correct current and voltage to power your laptop or charge your laptop battery:

• Converts the mains voltage to a lower voltage level
• Converts the AC voltage to a DC voltage by a process called rectification
• Smooths out any voltage ripple
• Converts the voltage to the required voltage to power the laptop

The other well-known name for an AC Power Adapter is battery charger or laptop battery charger. This is an important device providing you with laptop mobility and frees you of restriction from using the power cord. Check the link at the end of this article to find the correct AC Power Adapter for your laptop.

Car and Airplane Power Adapters
This is a particular design of a power adapter which accepts DC input and output DCvoltage required to power a laptop. Instead of a standard plug for a wall socket, these have a specific cable that plugs in the cigarette lighter. The 12V DC supplied through the cigarette lighter socket is converted to provide a different DC voltage. This power adapter can also be used in other vehicles with similar sockets i.e. Vans, trucks and even boats. Air or airplane adapters work in the same way.

Universal Laptop Power Adapters
Complying with most mains power supplies worldwide, a universal power adapter or power supply is able to accept an input voltage ranging from 100 - 240 V with a frequency range of 50 - 60Hz. A truly universal product. However, the term universal also applies to the array of laptops it can supply power to. Laptops are built to various specifications and the power consumption varies accordingly. Physical attributes also differ between laptops and are not limited to the power socket.

Manufacturers of universal laptop power adapters supply various connecting tips allowing the adapter to be connected to various laptops. These connecting tips help the power adapter detect the correct voltage to supply the laptop.

Universal power adapters are also available for cars and airplanes. Supplied with different types of plugs to fit a car cigarette lighter socket or the in-seat adapter on most airplanes, such power adapters truly allow the user to be mobile over great distances. The 2-Power Universal Car Air Power Adapter can power 98% of laptop computers.

Touchpad

A touchpad is an input device commonly used in laptop computers. They are used to move the cursor, using motions of the user's finger. They are a substitute for a computer mouse. Touchpads vary in size but are rarely made larger than 50 cm² (8 in²). They can also be found in PDAs.
Touchpads commonly operate by sensing the capacitance of a finger, or the capacitance between sensors. Capacitive sensors are laid out along the horizontal and vertical axis of the touchpad. The location of the finger is determined from the pattern of capacitance from these sensors. This is why they will not sense the tip of a pencil or other similar implement. Gloved fingers may be problematic (such as in a cleanroom environment) but can sometimes work. Moist or sweaty fingers can be problematic for those touchpads that rely on measuring the capacitance between the sensors.

Touchpads are relative motion devices. That is, there is no isomorphism from the screen to the touchpad. Instead, relative motion of the user's fingers causes relative motion of the cursor. The buttons below or above the pad serve as standard mouse buttons. Depending on the model of touchpad and drivers behind it, you may also click by tapping your finger on the touchpad, and drag with a tap folloing by a continuous pointing motion (a click-and-a-half).

Some touchpads also have "hotspots": locations on the touchpad that indicate user intentions other than pointing. For example, on certain touchpads, moving your finger along the right edge of the touch pad will control the scrollbar and scroll the window that has the focus vertically. Moving the finger on the bottom of the touchpad often scrolls in horizontal direction.

Some touchpads can emulate multiple mouse buttons by either tapping in a special corner of the pad, or by tapping with two or more fingers.

Touchpads are primarily used in portable laptop computers, because the usual mouse device requires a flat table adjacent to the keyboard not always available away from the office. But touchpads have some advantages over the mouse, particularly that the pad's position is fixed relative to the keyboard, and very short finger movements are required to move the cursor across the display screen. Some computer users prefer them for such reasons, and desktop keyboards with built-in touchpads are available from specialist manufacturers.

Top 10 Essential Laptop Accessories

Having the right laptop accessories available can make life much easier while traveling. It means you don't have to rely on outside sources for gear and you stay productive. Security gear is the most important laptop accessory you can get and you should be sure to have one if not two security cables available to use at all times. What laptop accessories do you have and which are you still needing?

1) Notebook Security Cables
Using a notebook security cable just may be one of the easiest methods of protecting your notebook against theft. Notebook security cables can be and should be used in any location where you may have to leave your laptop such as your hotel room or co-worker's office. Never leave a laptop, even when secured, in an unlocked room.

2) Laptop Lights
If you've ever tried to work on your laptop in dim or no light circumstances you will understand the importance of having a laptop light. Most run off the USB port and don't consume a great deal of power which makes them an even more valuable accessory for any mobile worker to have.

3) Wireless Laptop Mice
When you want a truly compact mouse when traveling, a wireless laptop mouse is a great accessory. Always keep spare batteries on hand and remember that shiny or reflective surfaces can interfere with optical mice.

4) Wired Laptop Mice
Mobile professionals looking for a mouse suited to small environments will find that these mice fit the bill. Compact, easy to pack and most of all, these mice don't require a lot of space to use.

5) Headset Microphones
Headset microphones allow you the ability to control your output. You can adjust the microphone for optimum usage while having the mic in a comfortable position. If you are tight ondesk space, this could be your solution. Many headset microphones also have speakers combined with them.

6) Earbud Headphones
Earbud or in the ear microphones can make life easier for telecommuters. They are small and compact. They are able to filter out background noises while still providing good quality sound. There is no headset to worry about adjusting or getting in the way.

7) Laptop Power Adapters
universal laptop power adapter enables you to charge your laptop battery and keep working whether you are in the air or on the road. Make sure that the laptop power adapter you have chosen will have the right tip for your laptop. Try to get a laptop power adapter that will work with a variety of laptop models.

8) Laptop Speakers
While the internal speakers on your laptop may be great for listening to music, using external speakers is important when doing presentations. This way the entire room can hear the presentation. External laptop speakers are also handy when you are participating in a web conference and it's important to hear every participant clearly.

9) Presentation Devices
Nothing can be worse when trying to show a presentation is the fact that you are seen more than the slideshow. Avoid the limelight and stay out of the way by using a remote control presentation device.

10) Mobile Printers
One of the frustrations that working on the road can be trying to find a printer when you absolutely need one. Rather than worrying about finding a printer or setting up new printer profiles and installing printer drivers on the run - consider purchasing your own mobile printer.

Laptop Ports

Laptops, they are like mini, portable and convenient versions of your computer and they also work like your computer. There is an equivalent for the monitor of desktop computers which is the screen, an equivalent for the mouse which is the touchpad and many others. In addition, laptops also have ports known as laptop ports just like your desktop computers for easier connectivity to the outside world or in other words, for easier connectivity to other peripherals.

The ports in your laptop may be USB Ports (Universal Serial Bus) or they may be serial ports or other ports for connectivity. You may use these ports to extend the function of your laptop or to enable them to perform certain tasks such as printing. Modern printers connect to USB ports of computing devices to establish connection. These ports may they be serial or USB ports serve as good input or output devices for your computer. Through these ports, you may be able to send data to modems, printers, GPS systems, wireless connections, and others.

Port Replicators

There are also things called por replicators aside from the standard ports mentioned earlier. A port replicator is a device that contains the common ports in a PC such as serial ports and parallel ports that are not commonly found in a laptop. These ports were more visible in desktop computers. Port replicators have these serial and parallel ports to be able to connect with other peripherals such as a printer which does not have a USB port but instead has a parallel port. Using a port replicator you can then connect the printer onto your laptop via the port replicator connection.

Laptop ports are very useful for a laptop. They are your laptop’s gateway to performing better and giving you more features and advantages for your laptop. In case you might be wondering where these laptop computer ports can be found, they are mostly located at the back of your laptop, not at the back of screen but at the back where your network adapters slots can be found. In some laptop computer versions, these ports can be found on the sides of the laptop.

Laptop Accessories

So what are laptops accessories? They are things that enhance the look and feel and the functionalities of your laptop.

Examples of laptop accessories are:

Laptop lock with trap - these are laptop locks that would prevent an unauthorized user from accessing your laptop. This would especially go well for laptops with limited security features
Wireless LAN adapter –this could add a function to your laptops especially on the wireless network connectivity.

Wireless Car Adapter – especially useful for people who always use their laptops while on the road or are always on their cars

Fan – they are great for any kind of laptop as it would provide a cooling mechanism for your laptops especially when you use your laptops for long hours.

Optical Burner – some laptops have optical drives that are only capable of reading but luckily with an optical burner, you may not just view your CDs and DVDs but you can also write data on DVDs and CDs as well.

Laptop Batteries – they are considered as an accessory because your laptop already has a built in battery but when you purchase another as a spare battery; it is considered as an added accessory.

Laptop carrying case/bags – any laptop would be better protected and better carried when it is inside a laptop bag or case

USB/FireWire Cables – cables that are compatible with the USB and FireWire ports in your laptop

Bluetooth Adapter – Ideal for Bluetooth connections

Snake light - the most ideal lighting for your laptop as you can bend it to suit whatever angle you want to turn your laptop monitor

USB Wireless Mouse - not all laptop owners are comfortable using the touchpad in their laptops and are also not comfortable with the idea of lugging a mouse with cable along. A Wireless mouse could be a solution to that

GPS receiver – a tool so that your laptop can have real time Global Positioning locations

Flash Hard Drive – extra storage for your data

There are still many more Laptop Accessories available on the market today and mentioning all of them would surely take a while. One thing is certain though, these accessories can really enhance the performance as well as the appearance of your laptop.

Guide to Buying Hard Drives

Apart from being one of the most essential parts of your computer, hard drive storage is constantly updating, in terms of both capacity of disk space and in physical size. When it comes time to upgrade your disk storage, there are a number of factors for you to take into account. Once you've made basic decisions about size, connectivity, speed and data transfer rate, and whether you want an internal drive or external.

Hard Drives

How A Hard Drive Works
Your hard drive has a number of magnetized platters connected to a spindle. The spindle spins the platters at a very fast speed while a series of read/write heads scan over them both looking for and writing information. This information is transferred via a cable system, or through a wireless connection to a hard disk controller, which in most systems is built into the motherboard, or in some systems installed as an add-in card. The information that comes from your hard drive through its controller is then made available to the components of your computer. The effectiveness of your hard drive (its performance) depends on how much of its capacity remains unused, how well organised the data is (known as fragmentation) and its data transfer rate, which in turn is dependent on its connection type and the drive's spin rate.

Internal Hard Drives
Most computers from, the most basic home models up to the most powerful servers, have an internally installed hard drive. Technology today ensures that they are all generally fast, reliable, and offer dependable storage ability. Most modern computers have installation slots and cabling to enable you to install additional hard drive. This allows you to increase your storage capacity without giving up your existing hard drive.

External Hard Drives
These drives are essentially the same drives as ones installed inside computers, but cased inside a protective, portable case. This is a good solution for people who work remotely and need to transport large amounts of data. If an external hard drive is your choice, make sure your computer is compatible with the interface that the hard drive uses. An add-in card, such as a FireWire card can help to increase your computer's capabilities.

Laptop Hard Drives
There have been many advances in miniaturization of hardware components for laptop computing, and hard drive technology is not left out of this loop. Laptop hard drives function in exactly the same way as internal hard drives on other computers, only they are designed to provide maximum storage and efficiency in the smallest possible package. For added flexibility, some laptop computers come with removable hard drives that can be easily installed and removed. However, before you buy a hard drive for your portable computer, check that the hard drive's specifications will meet the standards of your computer, as many laptop hard drives are proprietary, and are not compatible with other brands and models.

Size
Your hard drive stores your operating system, its programs (games and applications), your working data, and your digital music and movies. Most new computer purchases have a minimum of 80 GB of hard disk space; many have considerably more. Hard drive space is one of those things, once you have it, you'll find ways to fill it soon enough. There is no real rule of thumb, but consider the cost per gigabyte of storage as a way to guide your purchase. If you work with large files, such as music, video and graphics, it pays to have a big storage space for your work. It may pay you to have two hard drives, one that houses all your programs and applications, and another for storing your work and projects.

You may want to compare the price of say a 160GB drive against two separate 80 GB drives. If one drive fails all is not lost. Today's hard drives however, are fairly robust pieces of equipment and providing they are not abuse, will serve you well for a long period of time.

up to 32 GB Hard Drives
32-64 GB Hard Drives
64-100 GB Hard Drives
100 GB and more Hard Drives

Interface
One key distinguishing factor between hard drives is the way in which they connect to your computer. There are a number of basic types of connection schemes used with hard drives. Each connection type has a range of differences in performance.

IDE (INTEGRATED DRIVE ELECTRONICS)
This is by the most common connection methods. Because the hard drive controller is on the drive itself rather than on the motherboard, it helps to keep costs down. There different IDE standards available. Mostly, you will want to purchase the fastest possible standard that your computer can support. Most computers will support a standard that is faster than what the computer currently supports, so you can buy a faster drive, and update your computer at a later time. The different IDE standards, in order from most basic to fastest, are:

ATA (Basic). Supports up to two hard drives and features a 16-bit interface, handling transfer speeds up to 8.3 MB per second.

ATA-2 or EIDE (Enhanced IDE). Supports transfer speeds up to 13.3 MB per second.

ATA-3. A minor upgrade to ATA-2 and offers transfer speeds up to 16.6 MB per second.

Ultra-ATA (Ultra-DMA, ATA-33 or DMA-33). Dramatic speed improvements, with transfer rates up to 33 MB per second.

ATA-66. A version of ATA that doubles transfer rates up to 66 MB per second.

ATA-100. An upgrade to the ATA standard supporting transfer rates up to 100 MB per second.

ATA-133. Found mostly in AMD-based systems (not supported by Intel), with transfer rates up to 133 MB per second.

IDE / EIDE Hard Drives

Serial ATA Hard Drives

Ultra DMA 100 Hard Drives

SCSI (SMALL COMPUTER SYSTEM INTERFACE)
This is the hard drive interface standard used by many high-end PCs, networks and servers, and Apple Macintosh computers, except for the earliest Macs and the newer iMacs. While some systems support SCSI controllers on their motherboards, most feature a SCSI controller add-in card. SCSI drives are usually faster and more reliable, and the SCSI interface supports the connection of many more drives than IDE. While SCSI drives come in may different standards, many of them are not compatible with one another. So it's important be know that your computer supports the drive you plan to install.

The different SCSI connections are:

SCSI-1. A basic connection using a 25-pin connector, supporting transfer rates up to 4 MB per second.

SCSI-2. Uses a 50-pin connector and supports multiple devices with a transfer rate of 4MB per second.

Wide SCSI. These drives have a wider cable and a 68-pin connection that supports 16-bit data transfers.

Fast SCSI. Uses an 8-bit bus but transfers data at 10 MB Per second.

Fast Wide SCSI. Doubles both the bus (16-bit) and the data transfer rate (20 MB per second).
Ultra SCSI or Ultra Wide SCSI. Uses an 8-bit bus and transfers data at 20 MB per second.
SCSI-3. Features a 16-bit bus and transfers data at 40 MB per second.

Ultra2 SCSI. Uses an 8-bit bus and transfer data at a rate of 40 MB per second.

Wide Ultra2 SCSI. Uses a 16-bit bus and supports data transfer rates of 80 MB per second.

SCSI Hard Drives

Ultra320 SCSI Hard Drives

FIREWIRE (IEEE 1394)

The FireWire standard is becoming popular in portable hard drives because it can be connected and removed without having to reboot the computer. It supports data transfer rates of 50 MB per second, which means it is ideal for video, audio and multimedia applications. FireWire requires a dedicated add-in card and the hard drives in use require an external power source, but the interface can support up to 63 devices simultaneously.

FireWire Hard Drives
USB 1.1 (UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS)
Pretty much all computers today include USB ports on their motherboards. (On older model, you can install an add-in card.) USB controllers can be used to connect external hard drives, and can support as many as 127 devices simultaneously either through USB port hubs or linked in a daisy chain fashion. USB controllers do delivery power to devices connected to them, but many hard drives still use an external power source. USB is limited by its data transfer speed, the maximum rate being about at 1.5 MB per second.

USB Hard Drives
USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED USB)
A more recently introduced and far better connection standard that offers backward compatibility and data transfer rates of up to 60 MB per second. USB 1.1 system can use a USB 2.0 device; it will need a USB 2.0 controller card to achieve the higher transfer rates.

USB 2.0 Hard Drives
FIBRE CHANNEL
Fibre Cabling is mainly used for high-bandwidth network servers and workstations, providing very fast data transfer rates (up to 106MB per second), and connection at long cabled distances, although it is expensive and you need to install a special interface card.

Spin rate
Data transfer rate is crucial to how well your computer performs for you. Apart from the connection types above, the performance of your hard drive depends on its spin rate, measured in RPM. Higher RPM generally means faster data transfer rate. The lowest spin speed that is acceptable in computing today is 5400 RPM. The common standard at present is 7200 RPM. But higher speeds are available in SCSI drives, and it is one area of computer system technology that is constantly being developed.

3600 RPM Hard Drives
4200 RPM Hard Drives
5400 RPM Hard Drives
7200 RPM Hard Drives
10000 RPM Hard Drives
15000 RPM Hard Drives

A larger capacity hard drive will not necessarily make your system function any faster unless you are low on available disk space with your existing drive. But a drive with Ultra ATA/100 or ATA/133 and a 7200 RPM spin rate will pretty much guarantee an improved hard drive performance.

Other considerations
CACHE
Cache (pronounces 'cash') is additional temporary memory that acts as a buffer between the system and the drive. Frequently accessed data is stored in the cache for quick access. Cache sizes vary from 512 KB up to 16 MB on some SCSI drives. The larger cache you have on your drive, the faster your drive will transfer data. If you are working with large files, such as video, images and audio files, it pays to have the largest cache you can get (8MB or more).

SEEK TIME
The data on your disk is stored in tracks and sectors and when you instruct your hard drive controller to retrieve some data, it goes looking. The seek time is a measure of how long it takes the hard drive to find a specific track on a disk. Seek times can vary slightly from disk to disk and a drive with a faster seek time will always perform better.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TRANSFER RATES
These two rates tell how fast a drive actually reads the data and passes it along to the system. Internal Transfer Rate refers to the time it takes for a drives heads to read data from the platter and pass it to the drive's cache. The External Transfer Rate (sometimes called the Transfer Rate or the Burst Transfer Rate) is a measure of the time it takes to send the data from the cache all the way to the computer's memory. Naturally faster transfer rates provide better performance.

S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology)
This is a nice built-in feature in some hard drives that can help alert you to a potential hardware problem. Your computer's BIOS must support this in order for the SMART function it to work, however the drive itself will still work in a system without it.

10 Tips to Finding the Best Laptop

Taking the time to review laptops is time well spent especially when wanting to have the best working laptop for all your specific needs.

When reviewing consider these things;

1. Screen - What are you looking for in the Screen., is it resolution, size, definition.

2. Portability - Are you carrying it around a campus or is it mainly home and hotel?

3. Speed - Laptops are generally 20-30% slower that Stationary Computer with the same features. If speed is a necessity be sure to check out details such as; CPUs, motherboards, hard drives, and video systems. These all contribute to the speed loss.

4. Upgradability - Likely there will not be a lot that You can upgrade on your laptop so it is good to know what you need for the long run. Upgrades can be pricey and some almost not worth getting when You could just get a whole new laptop…so get a good one to start.

5. Memory – This is So Important! Most lower-priced laptops are sold with 128 MB of system memory (RAM). That is not enough for running applications efficiently under Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. If you use your laptop for occasional typing and web surfing you could get along with 128 MB of RAM but you are likely to be much happier with 256 MB. As well Power users would benefit from a notebook with at least 512 MB or more.

6. Batteries - Lithium batteries are superior to others.

7. Hard Drives - 20 GB is a minimum. Of course as they say, larger is better.

8. Hardware - (DVD/MPEG-2) - All DVD drives rely on MPEG graphics compression to display video. The present standard is called MPEG-2.

9. MPEG-2 compression can be provided by software which is slow or by hardware which is fast. Needless to say, hardware MPEG-2 is more desirable, and will provide a smoother playback. Hardware MPEG-2 is a video chip function in laptops.

10. Expense - Laptop computers can cost almost twice as much as similarly equipped desktops. You can actually purchase two comparably equipped desktops for the price of one laptop. So if you have to have a computer in two separate places, you would be better off with two desktops. As well if they were reasonably close together you could connect them together in a wired or wireless local area network (LAN). Buying a laptop is great if you are on the go. The more you need in it the more you’ll pay but it will be worth it!

How to Buy a Cheap Laptop Computer

When planning to buy a cheap laptop computer, you need to consider factors that go well beyond performance and memory. You need to consider many factors like size, weight, screen dimensions, battery life, keyboard quality, built-in memory, and also certain other options like wireless connectivity.

Let us now consider some key features you need to consider when buying your laptop.

•Processor:
Choosing the right processor is a very important task because the processor determines how quickly a laptop can run applications and perform on-screen tasks. Don’t settle for anything less than 1.4 GHz. This is enough for everyday work-word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail etc. Pentium M processors are good for this purpose. These processors are fast and allow for long battery life.

•System memory:
The more memory your laptop has, the more applications you can run at once and the better your laptop will perform. Do not settle for anything less than 128 MB. However note that upgrading memory in laptops is not as easy as in the case of desktop computers.

•Screen size:
The size of a laptop’s LCD screen is quoted as a diagonal measurement. The larger the screen, the higher the maximum resolution and the more information you can view at once. For cheap laptops, choosing a 12.1 inches screen is a good option.

•Battery:
Thanks to the Pentium M processors. Laptops now have very good battery life when compared to the old ones. Battery life in the units equipped with these chips range roughly from 3 to 7 hours. Choosing a lithium ion rechargeable battery is a good option.

•Hard drive:
The larger the hard drive, the more data you can keep on your laptop. For a cheaplaptop, it is better to choose hard drives with 20GB or 40GB capacity depending on the usage.

•Keyboard:
Laptop keyboards are quite different from the keyboards we use with the desktop computers. The keys are quite small and closely packed. Get hands-on with the laptop keyboard before you actually buy it.

•Pointing device:
Opt for a touchpad or pointing stick built into the laptop. This is much more useful than connecting a mouse via a USB port.

•Optical drives:
Many manufacturers offer laptops with re-writable DVD drives. However for a budget laptop, a single CD-RW drive is more than sufficient.

•USB ports:
Two USB ports are enough for a budget laptop. If you need much more ports, you can always use an external USB hub. A hub usually consists of four or more USB ports and connects to one of your laptop’s USB ports.

•Weight:
Your laptop should weigh anywhere between 4 and 10 pounds. If you still want to reduce weight, use can use external floppy and CD drives.

•Communications:
Do not opt for serial ports, PS/2 ports and infrared ports as they are becoming rare. Opt for a built-in Ethernet instead.
You’ll probably spend a lot of time with your new laptop. Therefore research a lot before buying any particular brand. Check for user’s stories, consumer opinions, reviews and more. This will help you to get your dream laptop at a low cost.

Practical Tips For Buying Your New Laptop

So you want to buy a laptop but don't know where to start. You're not alone. Buying a new laptop can present many challenges, especially if you're unfamiliar with laptops or notebook computers.

Mainly because a whole new generation of notebook technology comes around every two years or less; probably much less when you consider all the new advances made recently. It can even be a little overwhelming even for someone like myself who runs an online Laptop Guide and who has a keen interest in all things laptop.

Regardless of all these fancy new improvements, devices and notebook technology, you must remember you're buying a new laptop for you and you alone.

First, what to ask from yourself
- You must first decide if all this new stuff is important to you?

- Do you really need all this new notebook technology?

- But most of all before you can consider that question you must first figure out WHY you want a laptop?

- Why are you buying a laptop?

- What chores or tasks do you want the laptop to perform?

- If you just want a laptop for simple web browsing and emailing, a laptop made five years ago will do the job nicely and cost you a heck of lot less.

- So what do you need the laptop for?

Do you need a lightweight portable laptop for business trips or meetings? Do you need a student notebook for classes? Or do just want a desktop replacement computer that you can easily move around in your home?

Your answer will greatly determine which type of laptop you should buy.

* RAM
RAM is to computer what location is to real estate. RAM or Random Access Memory is perhaps the most important factor to consider when buying your laptop or any computer.

RAM will greatly determine the speed of your laptop or computer. How fast it will process your tasks and graphics. You must make sure you have enough for your needs. You can now find many laptops pre-loaded with 1 Gig of RAM and capable of upgrading to 4 Gigs or more.

Compared to yesterday's computers that's a lot of RAM. If you're not into gaming, handling large video files/editing, all that RAM is not needed but it will make your laptop run faster. Also, remember if you're into gaming, Video RAM will be important -- you need a top of the line (read expensive) Graphics Card and it will increase the cost of your laptop.

Also it may be wise to buy a laptop with upgradable memory - since new applications, multi windowed browsers, streaming video... of the very near future may place high demand on your laptop's RAM.

* Dual Core Processors
CPU or Computer Processing Unit is the heart of your laptop and in this case you have Two Hearts -- Intel Centrino Duo is the front runner in this area right now. However, AMD is giving Intel some stiff competition in the dual core battle with its Athlon™ 64 X2 dual core processor. Either one would be a wise choice.

* Hard Drive
The amount of space or size of laptop hard drives are steadily increasing, a 100 Gig laptop is now common. If you don't want a lot of storage, buying a smaller size hard drive will save you money.

Many laptop experts choose the SATA hard drive with a high 5400 or 7200 RPM.

* Weight or Size
Perhaps the majorreason you're considerng buying a laptop is its size or weight -- otherwise you're better of saving your money and buying a desktop computer instead. A laptop is portable, you can carry it anywhere... tuck it under your arm and cart it to class or your next business meeting. It is ideal for taking your information and work to wherever you want to go. This portability is the main selling feature of a laptop.

Obviously you must pick the best sized laptop to suit your needs. Laptops are divided into different categories, here's a quick rundown:

Tablet PC (smallest) Size of a paper tablet or notepad, less than 3 pounds.

Ultra Portable (small) <11">13" x >11" More than 1.5 inches, more than 7 pounds and up

Pick the size that suits your purpose and use.

* Price
Laptop prices are steadily falling, it is now possible to get a quality laptop for well under a $1000. Many are selling at the $500 - $600 range. High quality gaming laptops offered by such specialty laptop makers as Alienware, Rock, will still set you back 3 to 4 grand. Ouch!

* Warranties
Don't overlook this factor, if you're buying an expensive laptop, you might want to check out these extended warranties. If you do a lot of traveling, you might need to purchase insurance against thief and loss.

* Dead Pixels
If you can check your laptop for any dead pixels. A dead pixel will give you whitespots (pixels) on your LCD display screen. Most cases you're buying your laptop straight out of the box, booting up and finding you have dead pixels is not a pleasant experience. If you want to check your laptop screen for dead pixels, just do a search for the free 'Dead Pixel Buddy' software program and run it to check your laptop for dead pixels.

Make A List
It might prove helpful to create a list of the minimum requirements or features you want on your desired laptop:

Intel Duo 1 Gig of RAM 100 Gig Hard Drive 15 Inch Screen 4 or 5 Hours Battery Life Burn/Write DVDs...

* Kick The Tires
Like buying anything, it is always a good idea to fully check out your purchase. Sample the laptop's keyboard, does typing feel comfortable? Try the touchpad, is it responsive? Open your favorite programs and check the processing speed of your laptop. Bring along a DVD and sample the sound and graphics. Take note of any problems or irritations that may pop-up, in my case it was a small right shift key but this was so minor I knew I could get used to it and it didn't stop me from buying my desired laptop.

* Research Your Laptop
Use the Internet to research your desired laptop, know exactly what components it has and know what software is already preloaded. Be careful of salespeople who will try to charge you extra for configuring or installing programs on your laptop when these programs may already be preloaded at the factory stage!

If you consider most of the simple points and check out the factors listed above then making your own laptop purchase will not only be quite painless but it may even prove an enjoyable experience. Do a little homework and you will easily find the perfect laptop for you.

Buying Laptop

With the many different brands and models on the market, buying a laptop or notebook computer may at first seem confusing. But simply breaking down the process into a few key areas and to search for the most suitable features and pricing makes it much easier to access exactly the machine you're looking for.

How important to you is mobility?

Mobility in laptop computers is a combination of size, weight and battery life: how often you carry it around, and if you will be relying mainly on the notebook's battery, or whether you will access an external power source. Laptops can weigh from a little over 1 kg up to 6kg, depending on the model and features included. The screen, storage space and disc drive all affect the weight. Battery life is shortened by bigger screens and multiple disc drives. Manufacturers advertise the weight of the laptop in their specifications, but it is important to consider whether that specification includes batteries and other peripherals such as external drives that you may be lugging around. The most common battery type is Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), which can operate for one to three hours under normal working conditions. But many power saving options available and higher celled batteries can extend the discharge time considerably. Battery life deteriorates over time however, and as your laptop ages; the discharge rate of the battery will diminish. Sometimes it is worthwhile carrying an additional battery.

Application and cost

If mobility is of a lesser concern, then battery life and weight will be less important. You may be more inclined to have a bigger processor, screen size and memory capacity. The type of work you do can affect the screen size and type that is most suitable for you. For a lighter load, and less graphics intensive applications a 12-14in screen instead of 15 or 17in widescreen will be more suitable. If, on the other hand, the graphics capabilities and size of the screen are important then the best screen you can afford will be more of a priority. It may work out cheaper to buy a basic unit and add such things as an external TV card and DVD burner when the need arises. How much you need to spend is closely related to how you use your laptop. If you only want to access your e-mail, browse the Web and do word processing, then you can consider lower budget machines with smaller processors, screens and facilities. A medium-level user, perhaps playing games or working in multimedia applications, will need a powerful processor, graphics controller, storage space, and a bigger screen. The more features your laptop has, the more expensive it will be. Including a DVD-burner instead of DVD-ROM, hard drive capacity of more than 40GB, a 17in widescreen screen and wireless capabilities results in a more expensive machine. If you are not looking for high power and graphics capabilities, then you may find a suitable laptop for around $1500. The latest processor, full blown graphics capability, DVD burner, widescreen and wireless connectivity may cost over $4000.

Other key components

Having determined by what you will do with it, and how mobile you need to be that you are definitely buying a laptop, you now need to get down to the nitty gritty and find the specifications that will meet your needs. So, what to look for? Essentially, you are considering differences between the following components: display, graphics controller, memory (RAM), hard disk, removable storage, networking options, peripheral connectivity, sound and battery.

Display and Graphics

Notebooks now all feature LCD screens (Liquid Crystal Displays) presenting crisp text and reduced eyestrain. These screens display sharper text than standard CRT monitors, but are less capable of displaying well-rendered graphics If you will be using your notebook for graphics work, it may be worthwhile having a CRT monitor to connect to. Screen sizes for notebooks range from 12.1in to 17in (widescreen). A 15in display or 15.4in widescreen alternative is the most common in notebooks today. Widescreen is quickly becoming more common, partly to accommodate playback of DVDs and also because widescreen proportions make it is more durable. On-screen graphics are affected by both the size and type of screen as well as the graphics card. It is reasonably safe to assume that larger displays offer higher on-screen resolution. Screen brightness (measured in nits) is another specification that can vary between makes and models. Brighter screens impact less on eyes and can be more easily read in bright conditions. Some manufacturers have a glossy, reflective coating over the display improving contrast and colours. But, because it increases the reflectivity of the screen, it can show you reflected in the screen. Surface scratches may also show up more readily. Not all LCD screens have the same viewable angle, with some screens not easily viewed from a side angle. Graphics performance in laptops is still inferior to that of desktop machines. All graphic controllers easily render 2-D images and if you don't need more from your graphics, then an integrated graphics controller is ample. However, if you want to play the latest 3-D games at a decent resolution and frame rate or you're a CAD designer, then you'll need a discreet graphics controller with a dedicated DDR video memory.

Memory and Storage

In all computers RAM chips keep the CPU efficiently fed with data or instructions from programs on the hard drive. Notebook computers now commonly use DDR SDRAM (Double Date Rate SDRAM), the default standard, and DDR2 SDRAM which is a next-generation memory type offering considerable performance and power benefits over SDRAM. Either way, when it comes to RAM, more memory is better and you should consider 256MB as the absolute minimum. Upgrading memory can achieve better performance, and quite a number of vendors offer higher RAM configurations as a 'deal sweetener' at the time of purchase.The hard drive provides the long-term storage and is the centre of program control. There are two critical specifications of hard disks. One is disk speed, measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). Faster disks speeds provide quicker access for loading and saving and 'file swapping'. The other is storage capacity, and drives are now available for notebook computers with 120GB capacity. If you work with large file sizes, then you will probably want at least 40GB of hard drive space. You may also want to consider the type of removable storage such as a DVD writer, removable hard disks and media or 'flash' card systems that will suit your use best.

Networking and connectivity

Laptop computers now include 56Kbps modem (RJ-11) and 10/100 Ethernet (RJ-45) connections as standard features. Some feature an Infrared port and you can use it to connect your mobile phone. Other wireless technology for connecting mobile phones, printers and PDA devices includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing connection at certified public access points and home wireless networking. Most laptops use USB 2.0 or FireWire connection for connecting keyboard, mouse, printers, cameras and other peripherals. Nearly every new notebook will have around three USB 2.0 ports, and one FireWire port and a VGA-out port to connect an external monitor to.Notebook computers have traditionally been able to expand their capability through simple plug-in PC Cards. Recently a new standard has emerged called ExpressCard, a smaller, faster and more portable plug-in card to provide such things as expanded video and sound capacity.

Laptops – To Own Or Not To Own?

Keep in mind, advances are constantly occurring and the technology here will be outdated soon. Use this guide as a minimum starting point.

The First biggest concern or problem with a laptop has been its portability … portability meaning the battery is needed. You absolutely have to have a computer with Mobile Technology.

Second is where WiFi comes in. Of course you want your laptop to have the modem and cable adaptors, for online hookup, but it would be an absolute crime if you didn’t get WiFi capability. WiFi is nothing more than having a wireless Internet connection, thus no cables or plugs for the laptop.

Third, you want to have as light weight of a laptop as you can without sacrficing keyboard size. This makes it that much easier to carry around and you will find yourself carrying it around more frequently.

Fourth, you want a CD/DVD recorder on board and at least two USB ports. The CD/DVD player allows you to watch movies or backup important information. The USB ports allow you to hook up peripherals such as cameras, printers, etc.

Last, but not least, are the “other things” you need to make your laptop perform as good as its big brother. You want at least 256 RAM (I recommend 512), a 30 GB hard drive (I recommend 60 GB) and a screen and keyboard size that fits you.

Laptop audio and sound systems

One area of laptop computing that’s often overlooked is the audio. While it goes without saying that you’ll never get concert-hall quality from your laptop’s sound system, those with any interest in sound quality – for example, those who like to listen to MP3s or watch DVDs during their travels – are advised not to overlook this aspect of laptop computing.

The heart of any PC audio system is the sound card. On a laptop, however, audio is generally integrated into the main board. Your best clue to superior audio quality is a laptop that uses the word multimedia in its description. Any laptop specifically designed for multimedia is sure to have above-average audio capabilities.

Also consider the built-in speaker system. Often laptop manufacturers will boast brand-name speakers. Ths is another clue that some thought was put into that laptop’s audio capabilities. Advanced speaker capability is an obvious plus, too.

A great sound system won’t do you much good if it’s difficult to access. Look for the finer details, too. For example, where is the mini headphone jack (discussed later) located? Is it near the front of the laptop where it’s easily accessible, or is it on the back? Likewise, where are the speakers positioned? Some laptops have been known to position their speakers in front of the keyboard. This is okay when you’re sitting back to enjoy some tunes, not so good when you want to work to Kenny Chesney or Metallica and your hands are right on top of the speakers.

Dual Core Laptops - Sorting The Facts From The Fluff

Mobile computing technology is ever changing and the latest evolutionary step is the development of dual core processor laptops.

New CPU’s for notebooks.

The recent introduction of the NAPA Platform has shown some significant enhancements on the older Somona technology. The new NAPA platform offers a lot of significant advantages for a dual core laptop such as a 60% performance increase with its physically smaller dual core processor which can utilise memory more effectively whilst using less power as well.

What are the enhancements for laptops?

Performance Increases:
- Dual core processing with 667Mhz Front Side Bus- Latest Intel 945 Chipset- Generation 3.5 Intel Integrated Graphics- DDR2/667 Dual Channel Memory- Lower power consumption = Increased battery life- Latest IEEE 802.11 Standards

We've been playing with a couple of the latest Toshibas to see exactly what these developments have to offer a real world user.

Fingerprint Reader Technology.

New fingerprint technology will allow users to bypass multiple password entry with one swipe of the finger.
Bundled with some awesome software its owners can now utilise this technology to logon to Windows, access secure websites, secure files and folders and even logon to a laptop secured with a Bios password.
Laptops that have the fingerprint reader hardware have now got the software to match and utilise what the fingerprin reader hardware can do.

Software gives the user all of the following features and functions.

- Data encryption- Individual fingerprint application assignment- Multiple print storage- Fingerprint website access- Bios fingerprint authentication- Single touch boot feature

There's been a bit of misinformation floating around regarding these new dual core notebooks so we'd like to clear up a couple of points.

1. If a machine has a stated processor speed of 1.66GHz then that's across both cores, not 1.66GHz on each core, the advantage over a 1.66GHz single core processor would be improvements in performance and data handling.

2. The new dual core processors don't require software written specifically for the CPU, you would still see an improvement running all your existing software.

3. A dual core notebook will actually run cooler than it's single core counterpart, this is due to the fact that the processor is more efficient and uses less power. This is a welcome development in the world of mobile computing where overheating machines are a constant bugbear for users.

The evolution of dual core processors is big news in the laptop world, as they become more common in the marketplace it will be interesting to see how they cope with the multitude of applications that will be thrown at them.

Connecting a Laptop to Multiple Networks

Having a notebook or laptop provides the freedom to be truly mobile. You can work in many places and situations. But this brings an annoyance: if you move your notebook between various different networks, you always have to change network settings.

Recently my employer has issued me a brand new notebook. When I came home at the end of the day, I had to disable DHCP, set up an IP-address and DNS configuration. Next morning I needed to reverse my configuration to work at my office. The real headache began when I went to our customer site...

SWITCHING NETWORK SETTINGS ON THE FLY

There are three ways to switch a notebook between networks with one click.
First is to use a built-in windows feature of saving and loading network settings. This way is for experienced users.
Second is by using Windows XP "alternate configuration" feature.
The third way is to use third-party utilities like Net Profile Switch, IPSwitch etc.

WINDOWS "NETSH" UTILITY

Windos 2000 comes with the "netsh" utility that gives you the possibility to "dump" all network settings into a file which you can later use to restore your complete Network settings.
To Save the current Settings use "netsh -c interface dump >netset1.txt" To Load the Settings again use "netsh -f netset1.txt"

Create a dump file for every Network that you use (e.g.., netset2.txt, etc.) and create a desktop shortcut for every Network.

Pros: - Cons: hard for inexperienced users, does not deal with switching a proxy server in a web-browser, mapping network drives etc.

WINDOWS XP "ALTERNATE CONFIGURATION" FEATURE

Windows XP contains the "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) properties" dialog box, which has a tab "Alternate Configuration" in it. You can specify "alternative" settings, which would be used when the "default" settings are not accessible.

Types of laptops categorized

Most of us tend to think of laptops in the same way: a fairly small portable computer that can open and close like a suitcase, with all of the capabilities of a desktop. In fact, the term “laptop” is really very generic. There are currently four main styles of these portable PCs, each offering something a bit different, depending upon your specific needs.

Ultralights

Also known as sub-notebooks or ultraportables, this style of laptop weighs up to – but no more than – four pounds, making them ideal for travelers. The upside of an ultralight is that it doesn’t burden those who have to spend a lot of time carrying them with aching muscles, as its larger cousins often do. The downside, however, is that – in order to cut down on the size and weight – this type of laptop is so small that there’s no room for a network card or internal CD drive. In order to reap the benefits of these types of “attachments,” you’d have to bring an external CD drive and port replicator. Another negative in the scenario is that ultralights tend to be on the expensive end of the laptop spectrum.

Notebooks

This is basically just a regular laptop, but is slightly less heavy, weighing in at four to six pounds. While it’s heavier than the smaller ultralight, it also offers more options with less fuss. Offering the flexibility of a combo bay, notebooks are designed with a large opening on the side which allows the user to plug a CD drive, floppy disk or extra battery – allowing you to access the features that you need without the burden of making room for those that aren’t needed.

Standards

Commonly referred to as “regular laptops,” these weigh between six ad eight pounds and offer a full range of benefits. This technological pack-mule is the best buy – dollar for dollar – when you consider the cost/performance ratio. Due to their popularity, combined with their design and usability, it’s not uncommon to find discounts on these from major manufacturers. Other types of laptops, which fall into more specialized categories, tend to be in the higher price ranges. The bottom line is, of the four main types of laptops, the standard is the most economical for the most reasonable amount of money.

Extra Large

Although this type of laptop doesn’t yet have a technical name, it’s best to simply refer to it as “extra large,” since they weigh between eight and ten pounds and have a screen that measures at least 17 inches. In addition, the keyboard is much larger than a standard laptop, making it a more comfortable fit for those who find the keyboard of the standard laptop rather inhibitive. There are a couple of downfalls to owning this type of unit, not the least of which includes its weight. There can be a four pound difference between the weight of a standard and an extra large laptop – and that’s quite a bit, when you think about lugging it around all day. The other negative factor is the cost of this type of laptop. It offers a price tag that’s every bit as hefty as its weight and size.

The purchase of a laptop comes down to personal preference, and there are enough styles in the laptop community to please just about everyone. For those who can’t decide and just want “a laptop,” then it’s probably better to stick to the standard model.

Laptop Care Guide and Spin-off

There are several easy steps that you can use to maximize the life of your laptop computer. By taking proper care of your laptop computer, you will insure that you have the computer for several years to come. Further, if you take good care of your laptop, when you decide to get another laptop, you will be able to sell your existing laptop for more money.

Below are some useful tips on how to care for your laptop computer properly.

First, you should clean your laptop regularly. You should never use water to do so, as it can get inside the computer and damage the internal components. It is recommended that you purchase and use special electronic cleaning products or, at minimum, use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or q-tip to clean the keys on the keyboard. You can also purchase cans of pressurized air to clean out all the dust particles that accumulate in between the keys. Finally, be sure to clean the computer screen on a regular basis with a soft cloth.

You should always carry your laptop computer ina protective case. The case will keep the computer from being exposed to too much sunlight or water when you are carrying it outside and it will also keep the computer partially insulated—especially, if it gets jarred around in your vehicle or the like. Further, it is better that you purchase a separate carrying case for your laptop: you don’t want to pack all of your belongings into one bag, only to have your belongings ruin your laptop by scratching it or crushing it beneath the weight of everything else you are carrying with you.

Finally, it is important to protect your laptop computer at all times. Never leave it in an area where it can be exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, don’t pick it up incorrectly, or slam the computer carrying bag down on a hard surface while the laptop is inside of the bag. In the end, taking the above necessary precautions will increase the lifespan of your laptop computer.

How To Choose The Best Student Laptop?

Merchants are singing those three magic words again, 'Back to School' and the fallout is everywhere!
Just as you're getting your deep dark pre-cancerous tan going -- you hear those words -- and it spells the end of summer. Once again we are bombarded with advertising, featuring the latest in 'teen ware' 'school ware' and 'metal detector ware'. Kidding!

Well, notebooks have come down in price, they have become more affordable, even for the modest student. Laptops have also come down in size, making them ideal for that school napsack, or dormroom. They have also become tougher and sturdier... better equipped to meet the hard/wear/tear that students give it.

With notebook technology changing every two years or so; notebooks can now handle most tasks students throw their way. These advanced notebooks can do the job. They also present a much stronger entertainment value to students, they can handle better graphics and gaming, but most students try to keep parents in the dark about this factor as they plead for a new laptop for college or school. All this pleading is further fueling the demand for laptops.

Then there is a little thing called the Internet. Throw in a wireless connection and the student laptop is coming into its own. Big Time!

Not having ready access to all this knowledge and information will put any student at a disadvantage with his peers. It's a very competitive world, in high school, in college and in the future job market; every student should have an even playing field.

That's where the little notebook computer enters stage right!

Laptops or notebooks have quickly become a school necessity. When? How? Why?...
It's the perfect learning tool for students:

* very portable, you can carry them anywhere, class, cafe, dorm, home...
* very convenient, you can take notes in class, type up assignments, print assignments, communicate home, access the Internet...
* very tough, many newer notebooks are designed to withstand a good pounding and keep on computing, ruggerized for sturdy use...
* very powerful, notebooks or laptops are catching up to their desktop cousins in computing speed, hard drive storage and performance...
* very affordable, prices have dropped and are falling even further, laptops are now outselling desktop PCs so this price will drop even further, there's a whole slew of used and refurbished laptops hitting the market...
If you're a parent, student, or guardian; here are some of the factors you should consider when buying the best student laptop or notebook:
* size, it must be small, lightweight and very portable, fit comfortably under the arm or in that backpack
* sturdy, it must be tough, sturdy, ruggerized, and able to take more than one hard knock because students are students
* connections, wireless connections should be offered, the Internet is such a valuable tool in itself - a student should be able to access it anywhere. Most notebooks have these connections but check -- a printer port, a 56Kbps-modem, a VGA port for an external monitor, and should have at least one USB port for external keyboard/mouse, digital cameras, drives, and MP3 players
* technical specs, it should have enough RAM, storage space (hard drive) and computing speed to do any job the student can throw at it
* battery life, make sure your student notebook has a reasonable battery life, 5 hours or more
* price, it should be reasonably priced, refurbished laptops may be an option for those on a strict budget
However, some words of wisdom, students or parents shouldn't skimp too much -- if you're spending 10's of thousands on an education, you should also provide for the best possible equipment in the form of a sturdy, lightweight high performance laptop. Besides, a high quality laptop will last for years... just imagine your son or daughter writing their resumes on it after they have finished college... keep this image in your mind as you go about buying that perfect student laptop.

By Titus Hoskins

Brief History of the Notebook Computer

The Whole Thing Started With Babbage!

However, computers are relatively new. The personal computer with video made it's first appearance in the early 1970's. It wasn't until the 80's and 90's that they became commonplace in our lives.

Charles Babbage's Difference Engine

Charles Babbage is considered by most to be the father of the computer. He invented a device called the Difference Engine in 1822. Babbage, who was an eccentric British mathematician used this device to perform computations or calculations -- and the modern day computer was given it's start! Long trek of time passed ... ....we jump to the early 1950's in the United States.

Here's some more interesting facts you might want to know about computers and notebooks:

Simon Electromechanical Personal Computer One of the first simple computers - the Electromechanical machine which could perform digital computations. It was invented by Edmund Berkeley in 1950.

First Fully Electronic Computer IBM a company that was incorporated in June 15, 1911 - produced the first fully electronic computer in 1952. It was called the IBM 701. This computer could read and write magnetic tape; only nineteen 701's were ever installed.

RCA Bizmac Computer Little known fact about RCA - it was once in the data processing field - competing with IBM. It produced a computer using 25,000 vacuum tubes in 1956. RCA withdrew from manufacturing computers in 1971.

IBM Introduces the Business Computer In 1964 IBM starts producing it's family of Business Mainframe Computers and starts to dominate this market.

The First Mouse The first computer mouse is introduced in 1968 by Douglas Engelbart at the Fall Joint Computer Expo in San Francisco.

The First PC - Is Released To The Public In 1975 - IBM released it's IBM 5100 which was the first PC. Six years later, it's distance cousin - Model 5150 is often referred to as the first PC. The IBM 5100 contained a tape drive for program storage and had only 16K to 64K of memory.

The First Successful Portable Computer One of the first portable computers was developed not by any of the major computer companies we know today but by Adam Osborne Osborne was a publisher of technical books when he introduced the Osborne Portable Computer in 1981. This computer had a small 5-inch CRT which displayed 52 characters of text. Physically, it bares little resemblance to the notebook or laptop computer of today but Osborne's heart was in the right direction -- Osborne wanted a computer that would fit under an airplane seat! The Osborne sold for $1795 and did good business selling 10,000 units a month. However, other larger companies jumped on the bandwagon - Most notably Compaq - and the Osborne computer company went bankrupt in 1983.

Compaq Portable The computer company Compaq, which gets it name from the word 'compact' introduced the first IBM Compatible computer in 1982. You only have to look at the Stats of the Compaq Portable to see how far notebook computers have advanced. Try getting your daily computer tasks done on 4.77 MHz with 128k of RAM and a 320k floppy disk --- viewed on a 9-inch monochrome screen. This Compaq Portable tipped the scales at 28 lbs!

We have come a long way! In comparison - the latest HP Pavilion zd8000 comes with a 3.6 GHz Intel Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, 17 inch monitor -- all weighting in at 12.1 lbs. It's a TV set, PVR, DVD player, stereo, and last but not least a computer!

The First Notebook Sized Computer

The first notebook to hit the market is generally believed to have been the Epson's HX-20. This was the world's first hand held computer and it was introduced in JULY 1982. It had only 16KB of RAM and weighted only 1.6 kg or roughly 3 and half pounds. It proved to be very popular - not only for personal use but also in factories where it could be used on the production line.

Here's other Facts about Computers You may or May not want to know: 1983 Tandy, Epson and NEC all enter the notebook market with the Tandy's model 100 becoming the most popular. Priced at $499. 1984 Dell Computer is founded May 3, 1984 in Austin Texas. 1985 Gateway 2000 is founded in Sioux City, Iowa. 1993 Intel releases the Pentium Processor. 1993 The Internet starts experiencing massive growth. With or without Al Gore's Help!! 1994 Microsoft releases Windows 95, beta code name Chicago. 1997 Bill Gates becomes the world's richest businessman. And on it goes....