With the number of questions I get from people regarding what they need to do when they get a new laptop, I have decided to create this multi-part section detailing everything you need to know about your new laptop.  The parts will be organized as follows:

1. First things first- The single most important thing to do BEFORE you hook up to the Internet
2. Protect your computer - Anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware and more
3. Productivity software - word processing, spreadsheets and more

So, check out these topics to learn what you should do, how you can get quality software for no cash investment, and how to protect your new laptop.

I get a lot of questions as to whether or not you should leave you batter in your laptop when you have it plugged in.  If you remove the batter while the computer is plugged in, you get the following benefits:

1. Slow down the batter aging process

   The life of your lithium battery decreases with higher temperatures.  When you have the notebook plugged in, the battery heats up as some power is sent to it to keep it charged up.  By removing the battery, you extend the life of the battery by keeping it away from the heat experienced while installed in the laptop.

2. Preserves charge cycles

   Lithium ion batteries slowly discharge over time.  By leaving your battery in the notebook, the laptop will top-up the battery on a continuous basis, losing some of your charge cycles.  By removing the battery, you will save some of your charge cycles (typically a battery will have 300 to 800 charge cycles during its’ lifetime).

Along with the benefits, there are some negatives to having your battery out of your laptop.  Examples are:

1. Lose battery backup

   The battery in the laptop serves as a UPS (uninterruptible power supply.)  When you remove the battery, you no longer get the benefits that it has to offer such as protection from power outages and voltage drops.

2. Data loss

   If the power does go out while you are using your laptop due to a power outage, you run the risk of lost or corrupt data.  You need to be certain to save your work often to reduce the chance of lost data.

3. Need a UPS for backup power

   To help avoid data loss with your battery removed, consider plugging the laptop into a UPS (uninterruptible power supply.)  A good quality UPS can cost $100 or more, whereas you can buy a laptop battery for $50+.

With the introduction of Windows Vista, you no longer need to look at five different applications to keep your notebook under control.  Now you can use Windows Mobility Center to have access to the common controls you would use with your laptop in one place.

As you can see from the picture above, you have access to your volume, battery control, wireless, display, Bluetooth, etc.  Depending on the manufacturer, you may have additional options available.

How do you access the mobility center?

Hold down the Windows Key + X.

You may have spent a large amount of time researching what kind of notebook to buy. In your haste to get the laptop home you may have forgotten to purchase a laptop case. If you did indeed forget, here is a quick guide as to what to look for in a laptop case.

Why do you need a laptop case?

A laptop case serves three purposes:

1. Protects your notebook from damage
2. Stores your accessories and other items you will take with you on the road.
3. Disguises your laptop from thieves….

What to look for in a case:

1. Make sure that your laptop fits in the case. This also involves making sure that the case will close properly with the laptop in it. Though the case may fit most laptops, be sure it fits yours.
2. Be sure the case has room for all the stuff you will carry with you. Items such as your laptops’ AC adaptor, extra mouse, extra batteries, notebook cooler, folders, books, etc. Most bags come with compartments to hold these extra accessories. If you need a really large bag, get one with wheels and a retractable handle.
3. Look for a case with a handle or a shoulder strap. If you need your hands free, consider a backpack with a laptop compartment.
4. Look for a soft case. Soft cases tend to hold onto the computer better. If you do opt for a hard briefcase style, be sure that it has Velcro straps to secure the laptop from moving around in the case. This will prevent your notebook from being damaged while you carry it around.

Remember, your laptop case needs to hold your notebook safely, be able to hold all your laptop accessories and whatever other gear you need to carry with you. As long as you find a well-made case, bag, or backpack, you will be ready to take your laptop out into the real world.

Trying out a laptop in the store will give you an idea on how it works, what it looks like, and a good first impression to help you decide whether or not to buy it.  When you take it home it may be another story…

That is why you need to check out the return policy on your notebook purchase.

Different stores have different return policies.  Some only allow you to return the laptop within ten to fourteen days if it is unopened.  Others let you have thirty days to try it out, and if you don’t like it, even if you used it, you can bring it back.  I also know of one store that lets you have six months to figure out if there are any problems with it or if you don’t like it, and returning it is hassle free.

Be sure to ask about the return policy, and how it works.  Do they just take your word that it is broken, or do they require that they test it?  If they do test it, how long does that take?  Ask a lot of questions.  Below is a quick list of what you should ask about:

1. What is the return policy on a laptop or notebook?
2. How many days do I have to try it out?
3. Do I need a reason to return it, or can it be just because I don’t like it?
4. Can I return it even if it has been opened and used?
5. Do you need to check it before I can get my money back?  How long does that take?
6. If I have XX (substitute the number of days in their return policy) days, does that count days you are not open?
7. What if the price goes down during the time I am allowed to return it.  Do you offer any kind of price protection? 
8. Can I have a copy of your return policy in writing?

This is just a sample list of questions.  I would suggest asking more than one salesperson these questions to ensure that you are getting consistent answers.  Talk to your friends that have used the store as well to get their feedback on their return policy.  If for any reason you feel that their return policy doesn’t sound so good, don’t buy there.  Sometimes it is also worth paying a little more at a different store to get a more favorable return policy.  Just be comfortable with your decision before you buy.

I get many questions regarding what is covered in the warranty for your notebook.  People assume that everything should be covered, but that is not quite the case.  Typically, your warranty covers the following:

Hardware

Your laptop is covered from any hardware failures for the duration of the warranty.  An example would be if the hard drive failed - in this case, they would replace the hard drive for you.  This covers hardware failure, not you wearing out the machine.  Most warranties are parts and labor - that is they will replace the defective part and install it for you for no charge.

What your warranty does not cover:

1. Neglect

   If you do not take adequate care of the laptop, your warranty does not apply.  Examples such as dropping the laptop on the floor, smashing the screen, and leaving the laptop out in the rain are instances where your warranty does not apply.
   

2. Batteries

   Even though your computer comes with a battery, it is only covered for manufacturing defects.  If you do wear out the battery during your warranty coverage, it will not be replaced under warranty - if you read the fine print in your warranty agreement, it does not include consumable items - which is what your battery is.
   

3. Dead pixels, hot pixels, or stuck pixels

   On LCD screens, you can get dead pixels, hot pixels, or stuck pixels.  Your screen is made up of pixels or dots of light.  Over time, you will get some dead pixels  (a pixel that remains unlit), hot pixels (a permanently lit white pixel), or stuck pixels (a pixel that stays a solid color - either red, green or blue.)  Be sure to read your warranty details as to what the coverage is for your screen - some will cover replacement of the screen depending on the number of problem pixels, but most do not cover problems with the pixels on your screen.

Just like any other agreement, be sure to read what your warranty covers and what it does not.  What has been discussed in this article should not be taken as absolute, rather it highlights the items that are commonly not covered under your notebook’s warranty.

Many gamers try to squeeze better performance from their computers.  This can also breathe some new life in older hardware by making the notebook able to play newer games.  Overclocking is an option.

Overclocking is the process of making your computer running faster than its original specifications.  You can get better performance out of your machine at the cost of more heat, and the reduction of its operating life.  You can think of overclocking as similar to the race cars in the Fast and the Furious:  when they add NOS to their motor, their cars increase speed, but at the same time they may blow the engine.  Many overclockers feel that the rewards outweigh the risks.

Overclocking laptop components is even more dangerous than desktop machines.  Usually notebooks are already running hotter than their desktop counterparts and they do not handle the extra heat very well.  In this case either extra cooling is required, either a custom solution or using a notebook cooling pad.  Also, if you do manage to damage any internal component in the laptop, be prepared for the large repair bill:  the components inside the notebook are more expensive than a desktop machine.

If you do decide to try overclocking your notebook, try out the following utility:  Speedfan.  It will help you to watch the temperature on your computer and let you know when it is running too hot.  Hopefully that will help save your computer from damage.

Many laptop and notebook owners plug their laptops into a surge bar while at home.  This offers the laptop protection from power surges that can damage or ruin the electrical components inside.  However, have you ever brought any kind of surge protection with you when you are out and about?

Probably not.

I realize that surges are usually few and far between (unless you live out in the country) but it is still a risk.  You can think of it to be similar as to looking both ways before you cross the street – you probably will not get hit by a car, but you take the precaution (looking both ways) before crossing to minimize your risk.

An example of what they look like is below:

Think of them as not only protection for your notebook, but also as an insurance policy.  Most travel surge protectors come with a equipment guarantee:  if the surge protector fails to protect what you have plugged into it, your equipment will be covered to a certain dollar value of replacement.

So, protect that investment you have made in your notebook:  buy a travel surge protector and use it wherever you plug in your laptop. 

p.s.  I forgot to mention prices.  You can get them as cheap as about $5.00.  Check your local computer store or any online auction site.

Most of us have a wireless router at home.  This allows us to roam around our house with our notebook or laptop and enjoy being able to access the internet and our network safe from hackers.  Unfortunately, many of us take this protection for granted - and forget about it when we connect to wireless networks outside our home.

Prime examples of this behavior would be taking your notebook to school, going out for coffee to do your work, or sitting in the park connecting to your city’s free wireless internet.  It is these situations where one forgets about the firewall at home and runs the risk of their computer being hacked.

If you do take your notebook out of your home, be sure to install firewall software on your computer.  Examples of software available are Zone Alarm (there is a free version available), Norton Internet Security and others.  Basically the firewall will protect your computer from outside attackers and keep your data safe when you are both at and out of your home.  A firewall is like a parka in winter - you wouldn’t go outside at -40C naked - give your laptop the same consideration.