LCD Dead Pixels:
LCD, Liquid Crystal Display or Liquid Crystal on Silicon,
has been around for some time. This technology can be
commonly found in popular HDTVs, computer or laptop monitors
and Sony's new PSP. But the downside to LCD screens is
the dreaded "dead pixel" or "hot pixel"
phenomenon. Dead pixels or "hot pixels" are
defined as "a pixel on an LCD monitor that remains
unlit, or black, when it should be activated and displaying
a color.
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How To Take Care Of Your Laptop
Computer
by Joe Chianese
As the proud owner of a laptop computer, you'll
want to keep your machine in the best possible condition.
Aside from cleaning your screen and dusting the
keyboard, however, you'll need to take a few extra
steps to maintain your laptop's health:
Play it cool
A laptop computer generates a lot of heat, especially
when running the latest high-powered software. Too
much heat and you risk damaging the internal circuitry.
Always try to keep your laptop in a well-ventilated,
cool environment. And ensure you don't block the
fan grills on the sides, back, or bottom of the
machine at any time.
Handle the screen carefully
Avoid touching or playing with your LCD screen.
Yes, it might be fun to watch the waves generated
by your finger against the screen, but LCD displays
are fragile devices that must be cared for. Take
care when cleaning the screen too, and use only
approved cleaning materials. You won't want to pay
the money for screen repairs or, even
worse - a new machine entirely.
Don't drop it
Whatever you do, don't drop your laptop computer!
Keep it safe inside of a carrying case when moving
around or traveling. Don't leave it on the edge
of a table or on an unstable support of some kind.
One ill fated drop to the floor could spell death
for your mobile office. Try to make sure the rubber
feet underneath are in good condition and are still
attached. This will prevent the device from sliding
around accidentally.
Be careful with those drinks
If you need to have a drink while working or playing,
be careful not to spill it. Your laptop computer
could suffer the consequences from just a few drops
of liquid poured in the right places. While you
probably do eat and drink around it regardless,
you will want to occasionally wipe down the edges,
the keyboard, the touchpad, and maybe even wipe
down the screen to keep any dirt from accumulating.
Just say no to viruses
Security wise, make sure you obtain an anti-virus
program. Secondly, keep it updated! Buying an anti-virus
one month and not updating it for the next six really
negates it purpose. Your laptop computer could be
exposed to hundreds and thousands of new viruses
every month if you don't update your virus definitions.
Most anti-virus programs have automatic update methods,
eliminating the need for you to have to remember
to do it manually.
Avoid Popups
Pop-ups are particularly annoying on a laptop computer.
Trying to close a bunch of windows without a regular
mouse can be a nuisance. You'll want a pop-up blocker,
such as the Google Toolbar (located at http:/ ools.google.com),
to prevent these pop-up ads.
Many intrusive forms of advertising, and even some
viruses, can install software on your machine by
using various forms of pop-ups. It's best to get
yourself a blocker and avoid
the situation entirely.
Use a firewall
Always utilize a firewall on your Internet or network-enabled
laptop computer. Even if you use Windows XP's built-in
firewall (or purchase one from such companies as
Norton),
your security will greatly benefit from it. Blocking
out all the unnecessary ports and closing all the
loopholes will prevent a hacker or virus from freely
entering your hard drive.
So there you go. Combine all of the above tactics
and help your laptop enjoy a happier and healthier
lifestyle!
About the Author
Joe Chianese is a technical writer and frequent
contributor to HowToBuyALaptop.com. For advice on
how to find the right laptop computer for you, visit:
http://HowToBuyALaptop.com |
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