Desktop, notebook, or netbook? See what I choose hands down...

I get asked for computer advice all the time. The conversation usually starts like this..."I'm thinking about buying a new computer and I'm not sure what type I should buy..." They usually make this statement having already arrived at a conclusion that they want me to confirm or rubber-stamp by saying that I think they should buy a notebook too. My response usually catches them totally off-guard when I tell them that my advice would be to purchase a desktop and not a notebook or netbook and there are several reasons why:

1. It is far easier to type on a full sized keyboard. I will concede the fact that notebooks (laptop is a misnomer; more on that later) look cool and the screens are finally getting large enough to actually see what you're working on, but if you plan on actually using the computer to work a full sized keyboard will reduce fatigue in your fingers and decrease your chances of repetitive strain injuries like Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.

2. You get more for your money with a desktop. Because the manufacturer is not trying to cram all of those components into a small space you will pay a lower price for the larger size of a desktop. You even have some extra space in the desktop case to add a second hard drive, CD or DVD drive.

3. Heat kills. Many people make the mistake of placing the notebook computer on their lap (hence the term laptop). These machines were not designed to be placed on your lap or anywhere that the tiny vents on the bottom of the machine may be blocked. A notebook computer should be placed on a flat service such as a table or tray so that air from the internal fan can circulate. Blocking these vents can be a costly mistake when the CPU overheats. While I'm on the subject of heat, never leave your machine in a car. Treat them like you would your child or pet. Heat is not good for your computer and can kill it too.

Maybe patience is a virtue after all

I just read an excellent article on TechRepulic by Debra Littlejohn Shinder entitled, "10 dumb things users do that can mess up their computers". All 10 were good, but I especially like #7 Click on everything, and #10 Ignore the need for a backup and recovery plan.

This brings me to the point of this post. Too often when working with students, family members, or computers users in general we have an itchy trigger finger. Instead of reading what the question in the dialogue box, thinking about the source of the hyperlink that we're about to click, STOP! Wait for a moment and think about the possible consequences of that click. Resist the urge to click "Yes" or "No" until you've read the question.

Inadvertant clicks can cost you lost data, productivity, and potentially your computer. This brings me to my final point: backup your data on a regular basis. How often? I'm glad you asked! Backup your data at least once a month. You may need to back it up more often if you've got your memoirs, doctoral dissertation, or the cure for cancer on your hard drive. Back up your data and slow down...stop clicking so fast!

Back it up? Maybe you should...

I have countless horror stories that I could share of people who have lost data when their computer "lost its mind". Some of these stories are my own...Hard Drive crashes, viruses, new computer-old technology, etc. The causes are endless. The cure is to back up your important data early and often. I'll discuss two important questions when backing up data: How should my data be backed up and where should I store it?

Question #1: How should my data be backed up? You can back up your data to the computer you're using (I don't recommend this method), to external device such as an external Hard Drive or USB Drive, or to a CD. Windows XP has a backup data utility that is part of the Opertating System and works well for saving your settings including Desktop themes, Internet Explorer Favorites, etc.

Question #2: Where should I store it? You should store your data on a portable device that you keep in a SEPARATE location from your computer. The reason that I don't recommend backing up your data to the computer that you're using is that if something happens to that computer you're toast. Always back up your data to a device that you can take with you and store/use at a different location.

They're both free, which is better...

I'm a big fan of free...make that a HUGE fan of free. As you know, everything that is free isn't worth the cost in time, inconvenience, and headache. I'd like to discuss two applications that are free; Google Docs and Microsoft Office Live (beta). They're both free...which one is better?

I've tried both of them. I use Google Docs for my business to create, edit, and store files online. I just started using Microsoft Office Live a few weeks ago after I left my USB drive at home. My students will tell you that if you see me then you'll see my USB drive hanging from a lanyard around my neck. I use both applications, both are free. Which one do you think is better? They both have advantages and disadvantages.

Try them both. Which one do you like better? Why?

Will you upgrade to Windows 7?

Microsoft has announced the release of Windows 7 on October 22. The release date is three months earlier than the original release date. Some computer manufacturers have already begun shipping their computers with the replacement to the much maligned Vista OS. Do you plan to upgrade to Windows 7 or continue using your current operating system? Let us know your thoughts. I would especially like to hear from those of you who are using Linux, UNIX, Ubuntu or Solaris.