BAMSMART

At the same time, notebook and desktop users alike are increasingly downloading storage-hungry media files. When a single episode of Lost downloaded from Apple iTunes consumes 198MB, well, you can see how quickly your notebook hard drive can fill up.

So what can you do about it? You could buy a new notebook with a larger hard drive, but that's an expensive solution. Buying an external hard drive for extra storage is another option. But then you've got to carry the external drive on trips, too, if you want access to the files on it. Plus you'll need to back up the contents of that drive, too.

That leaves two other options: One, remove as much unneeded stuff as possible to free up hard drive space; two, upgrade your notebook's hard drive to one with higher capacity. This week I tell you how to clean up your notebook's hard drive. Next week I'll focus on upgrading to a new hard drive. (James A. Martin)

Back Up Before Deleting
You could free up enough storage capacity to postpone the need for a hard drive upgrade for a few months--or more, depending on how much you can clear off. This is worthwhile because hard drive prices drop steadily: If you can wait for a few months, you'll likely get a larger drive for your money.

Before you delete anything, however, back up any files you may possibly need later to DVDs, CDs, or other external storage. Ideally, you should do a complete backup of everything on your hard drive before starting any system cleanup procedure.
Make sure you have the installation discs for any applications you want to remove. Also, you'll want to burn onto a DVD the installation files required for any applications you downloaded. (I put everything I download into a folder called Downloads so I can easily back up the folder to DVD.)

After backing up everything, remove the applications you don't use. In Windows XP, go to Start, Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs. (All the Windows steps I describe below pertain to Windows XP.)

Use Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is a standard Windows tool that scans your hard drive for files you probably don't need, such as temporary Internet files and files sitting in your Recycle Bin. It typically reclaims disk space in modest amounts. Disk Cleanup has a "More Options" tab that lets you easily remove optional Windows components and old system restore files.

Before it goes to work, the utility tells you how much disk space you can reclaim by deleting the suggested list of file types.
To activate Disk Cleanup, go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup.

Delete Temporary Files
In my experience, the Disk Cleanup tool doesn't find every temporary file. So in addition to using Disk Cleanup, you should do a systemwide search for any files ending with ".tmp" (that's the file extension for temporary files).

In Windows XP, go to Start, Search, and select "All files and folders" under "What do you want to search for?" In the subsequent dialog box, under "All or part of the file name," type .tmp. Under "Look in," make sure your internal hard drive (usually the C: drive) is selected. Then click the Search button. You'll soon get a list of all temporary files on your hard drive. Press Ctrl-A to select all of the files, then press Delete to remove them.

Chances are you won't need any of these files again. However, I've heard some tales of woe that began with, "If only I hadn't deleted that file." So to play it safe, before you delete any of these files, make sure Windows isn't configured to automatically delete files without moving them into the Recycle Bin.

Right-click the Recycle Bin icon and select Properties. Look for a check mark next to the option "Do not move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted." (This option is not checked by default).

If there is a check mark, remove it. From now on, when you delete files they'll be sent to the Recycle Bin, and you can retrieve them later if necessary. After sending .tmp files to the Recycle Bin, restart your computer. If you've deleted a .tmp file that one or more of your applications requires, you'll most likely encounter problems after a restart. If you do encounter a problem, such as an application not loading properly, you'll still have the file in the Recycle Bin.

After restarting a few times without incident, empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking it and choosing Empty Recycle Bin from the menu.

Delete Your Old E-Mails
Your e-mail program's data file can grow pretty large over time, especially if you hold on to the majority of your e-mails. My Microsoft Outlook data file is currently 865MB, but I've seen them grow much bigger.

But before you delete any messages, back up your e-mail data file to CD or DVD to preserve all of your e-mails. You can also make your e-mail data file smaller by compressing it. For example, in Outlook 2003, go to File, Data File Management, Settings, then click the "Compact Now" button. Reducing the data file size can also improve performance. (James A. Martin)

Next, consider all the options and find the one that best suits your needs. Remember, it's your needs that have to be fulfilled. Don't let a pushy salesperson talk you into buying something you will never need or use. At the same time, make sure you buy a notebook that has all the options that will complete all the tasks you throw at it.

In other words, make sure it can do the job!
Keep that question in the back of your head as you read the rest of this article. Especially, keep it in mind, as you browse thru all these sleek models and makes of notebooks. Don't be dazzled by all that sexiness! Keep your eyes on the cursor! Keep asking yourself - what does my new notebook computer need in order for it to get the job done?
Lets take a closer look at all the options.

First, like anything sexy - notebooks come in all shapes and sizes.
SMALL - How small can they be? They can be as tiny as well - the small traditional paper notebooks - with 10-inch displays. There is even a sub catergory known as Tablet PCs - these are very small tablets where you enter the data using a stylus. Common in certain fields, like health care or real estate.

Up a step from there - are the 'Ultraportables'. You can easily take these anywhere - fit nicely in a handbag or carry on bag. These are used by fliers and travelers, they are light and small with 12 inch screens without internal CD or DVD drives - they don't match the performance of other larger notebooks.

LARGE - How large can they be? They can be as big as 6 or 7 pounds or more. Over an inch thick and come with 15 or 17-inch displays these are often refered to as 'Desktop Replacements' And just as their name states - these can replace your old desktop computer.

For most purposes, these notebooks can perform all the tasks of a regular pc, have large screens, big keyboards, combo drives and very large hard drives. But you have the handy option of moving these from room to room for wireless networking, or even for traveling.

MID-SIZE In between these two groups - we have the business class notebooks. These are often refered to as 'Thin-and-lights' - they offer the best all around convenience of performance, portability and the different features. Mostly prefered by the business traveler. They have 14-inch screens, CD-RW/DVD drives, wireless networking, because they are so versatile, these 'do-it-all' notebooks or laptops are becoming really popular.

Basic Rundown That's a basic overview or rundown on the different types of notebooks. But you have to compare and contrast the different features in a little more detail to get a better picture if you want to figure out the best notebook suited for your needs. It might be helpful to look at the similarilies of notebooks... despite all their different shapes and sizes most notebooks have the following features: Processor - The heart of your notebook or computer.

It does the processing and applications. Most people prefer Intel Pentium Processors the higher the number - the faster it will process! Go with Pentium 4 if you can. Intel Celeron is another choice.

Hard Drive - Obvious but some have fixed drives while others have drives you can swap. As for size - around 20GB for most notebook drives.

You'll need only a 20GB or 30GB for most tasks on your notebook. If you handle large graphics or large amount of files (dvd, M3Ps,etc.) you need more - 50 to 60GB or higher. Tip -- You might also want to check the rotational speed of your notebook's hard disk as it can affect performance a 5,400rpm notebook disk is much faster than a 4,200rpm model.

How fast the disk spins, will also determine the performance level of your notebook. Speed - This is how fast your computer can process data and perform your tasks. The faster the better! Latest models get up to a blazing 3.6 GHz.

Memory - How much do you need?
RAM (random-access memory). This is what the computer uses to run
applications and data on your operating system. It's generally agreed
that you need at least 256MB for Windows XP and Mac OS X. You will only
need 128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac.

CD-RW Drive - You will need a CD-ROM for installing. And a CD-RW drive for burning your own CDs if that's one of the tasks you want want your notebook to do. Keep in mind another option - many notebooks can access or use external drives for data storage, cd burning, etc.

LCD Displays - Most have LCD screens - this is different from your desktop CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor but most people are familiar with this type of displays - it's commonly found in digital cameras and camcorders. Usually, LCD screens range in size from 12 inches to 17 inches (diagonal).

Viewing is usually set at 1,024x768 resolution. Quality is almost standard in all these notebooks. But check them out at your dealers if picture quality is your main reason for buying a notebook.

Note- Fujitsu LifeBook P ultraportable series has the smallest displays 10.6 inches. The Apple PowerBook has one of the largest at 17-inches. Modems - Most if not all notebooks have 56Kbps-modems and Ethernet connections. As well as connections (ports)for printers, VGA for external monitor and there should be one or more USB ports for keyboards, drives, MP3's and digital cameras. Antennas - Most notebooks have built-in antennas for wireless networking and portability. But check before you buy!

Now Assess Your Computer Needs? Finally, we come to the main question that determines which notebook is right for you. (If money is no barrier!) WHAT DO YOU NEED THE COMPUTER FOR? WHAT JOB OR TASKS DO YOU WANT THE COMPUTER TO PERFORM? If you want something small to carry on a plane, or if you travel a lot, then go with an utralight - often called ultraportables - these are the lightest and smallest notebooks, about the size of spiral-bound notebook and weighing less than four pounds.

If you're a student and need something light weight but also a little sturdy with a large hard drive (hold MP3s) you might want to check out the 'thin and light' notebooks. If you want to replace your main desktop with something more portable - go with a 'mainstream' or 'desktop replacements'. If you want something you can use at home, work and traveling around then you need 'thin and light.' If you want an 'all-around' 'all-in-one' 'do-it-all' notebook ... then buy a notebook of this type. Because it's so flexible, and covers most of your computing needs; this is the one that's becoming the most popular.

Buying A Notebook Computer may be confusing!
Since there are so many types and varieties of notebooks; not to mention so many technical requirements - buying a notebook can sometimes be confusing. And for some people downright worrisome! Will the notebook you choose get the job done? Will it be able to do the applications, or tasks you want it to perform? Ease your Burden - Make a Checklist! If you don't want to be disappointed, here's a quick 'ChecklList' of the features you want to check before you buy your notebook computer. * Disc Space - how large a disc space do you need. If do you do ordinary tasks on a computer, email, browsing 20GB - 30GB should do the job. If you download and store large amounts of graphics, pictures, dvd, movies MP3s, etc. then get the largest hard drives available or that you can afford.

* Ram Memory - if you're going to be working with a lot of graphics, or large files - you will need a lot of RAM - get 256 MB or higher. Again, whatever your budget will allow. But you do need 256MB for Windows XP and Mac OS X. 128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac.

* Drives - CD-ROM for installing and a CD-RW drive for burning your own CDs. Before you buy check to see if you can swap drives if that is a concern.

*Speed - How fast do you want it? Some of these notebooks are very fast - up to 1.33 GHz or more.

* Screen Size - you have to consider what size LCD display you want. If you're going to be viewing a lot of pictures or movies on your notebook - a large 15 or 17 inch would be better suited for your needs.

* Portability - might sound like a strange question to ask about notebooks. Not really, most notebooks are very portable, easy to carry - what they were designed for. However; larger notebooks like the 'desktop replacemets' with 17 inch screens and weighing over 7 pounds might not be the best choice for the heavy traveller. For example the new HP Pavilion zd8000 weights a whopping 12 lbs!

*Accessories - Lastly, you should look at some accessories that you might need with your notebook computer. Many come with a Docking station or port replicator - somewhere to store and access your computer. Check on the functions of each before you buy.

You might consider buying an extra battery - especially if you're buying your laptop mainly for traveling and in the field work. Laptop bag is another accessory you should definitely consider buying. Again, notebooks might seem lightweight and small but if you have to lug it around all day - you're going to wish you had bought that carrying bag.

That's it - JUDGMENT TIME! You have considered most of the facts about buying a notebook computer. Now weight your options. Think about the tasks you will be doing with your notebook. Look at the checklist and check out the specs. Is everything covered. Will the one you choose - have the features to do the job? Keep that question in your mind. It's the most important. If you're considered all these points - buying your notebook should be just a little bit easier. In no time at all, you may be walking around with one of those sleek, svelte - dare we say sexy - accessories tucked under your arm.

Thank's anda Goodluck...