WHICH VERSION OF WINDOWS 7 SHOULD YOU PICK?

As we all know, Windows 7 has been released to the market place and it will be fun getting to know a new operating system. The newest version of Windows is a much improved version of the Windows operating system and comes with a lot of high praise. This might be because of the very low user ratings that Windows Vista received during its initial release and run. I have tried Windows 7 and I will say that it is a much better user experience than the previous Windows operating systems. The one thing that I am not a fan of, in this latest OS release, is the fact that it comes with so many versions of the operating system. There is the home basic version, the home premium version, the starter version, the professional version, the ultimate version, and the enterprise version. And this is without including the different versions that come in the x86 or the x64 flavor. This can confusing to the average person who is not too familiar with such a protocol so we will walk you through which versions the average person should pick.

We will start with the versions that the average person will not be interested in. This will help narrow down your choices while giving you an ideal of what versions are out there in case your need to upgrade or maybe even downgrade. Most people are not going to be satisfied with the starter version of Windows 7. This is meant for the new netbooks that you may have seen advertised on TV. This is a strip down version of windows 7 and will not suit most of your needs. On the opposite end of the spectrum you have the Windows 7 enterprise version. This is meant for business and IT users and the average user will not get much use out of it. I would suggest staying away from this as well. Now lets go to the versions that you may want to choose from.

On the first level you have windows home basic and premium versions. When it comes to Windows Basic, most users in what is considered a first world country, will not have to worry about. Windows Home Basic is meant to be used by users in a third world or emerging market country. So for most people Windows Home premium would be considered the starter pack. If you are a user who does not do heavy computing and most of your time on the computer contains the activities of surfing the Internet and watching movies, then this is the edition for you. It's price tag makes it suitable for people who are far from heavy computer users.

The next level of Windows 7 is the Windows 7 professional versions. Most people who make a living using their computer rather heavily will want to invest in this version. People who also use their computer for gaming and other recreational activities will want to chose this version as well. This version comes with easy back up compatibility as well as easier features that will allow you to connect with your work network. The price point begins at $200, so it is a little more pricey than the Home version. If you are a heavy computer user then it is worth it.

Along the same level of Windows 7 professional is the other version, Windows Ultimate. This has similar features to Windows professional except it cost $30 more and it comes with BitLocker capability. BitLocker is the security feature that was introduced in Windows Vista that allows you to encrypt your hard drive. Also Windows 7 Ultimate will allow you to use any language that you choose to work in and not just with the default language that you picked while doing the install. If you are a person that works and travels with your computer a lot, then this is the version that I would recommend. If you were to lose your laptop then your work secrets would still be safe.

We have given you the different variations of the new Windows 7 and told you what would be best for the average type of user. Hopefully this will help you when you have to make the decision on what version you would like.

WHO SHOULD BUY A RUGGED LAPTOP

Rugged laptops are the best choice for people whose work environments are less than ideal. Most rugged laptops are costlier than regular commercial laptops and do not offer the same configurations as a commercial grade laptop, but they allow you to work in a wide variety of environments.

Features of rugged laptops

Rugged laptops will be able to survive exposure to rain, snow, sand, hail, wind, extreme temperatures and humidity. They are water proof and come with sealed keyboards and casing that wouldn’t let water or other liquids enter the internal compartments of the laptop. Ports will usually have protective coverings. You can use a rugged laptop in wet and damp conditions without having to worry about losing your data.

Harder casings
Rugged laptops have stronger casings. They will easily survive a fall off your table or other high surfaces. Rugged laptops are also protected against shocks and vibrations.

Electromagnetic emissions
While ordinary laptops can’t work properly in areas where they are exposed to electromagnetic emissions, rugged laptops can easily withstand emissions from radio and power terminals.

WHY ALL BLOGGERS SHOULD USE A LAPTOP INSTEAD OF A DESKTOP PC

I am a professional blogger and website designer. I spend countless hours in front of a computer trying to earn my money. And for as long as I can remember I have always used the traditional Desktop PC to do my work. But everything changed at Christmas last year when I opened a big box to find that my geek kid brother had built me a super fast and "blogger-ready" LG P1 Express Dual with all the trimmings.

I was shocked!

Was this the end of my love affair with the Desktop PC?

It sure was.

In this post I am going to show you why all bloggers should switch to using a Laptop instead of the traditional Desktop PC. I have been a laptop man for nearly a year now and doubt I will ever go back.

1. You can take a Laptop anywhere
Yesterday I spent the whole day blogging in the Chinatown markets. I had food stalls around me, fresh vegetable juice and delicious Asian delicacies to try. Today I stayed at home. Tomorrow I might go to the park. Can you do this with a Desktop PC?

A lap top is versatile. You can take them anywhere. This is a fantastic way to stay motivated if you are a blogger because you get a much needed change of scenery. Taking your laptop to the local markets or park might be just the thing you need.

2. A Laptop is a giant USB
I remember being in college and having to email my assignments to myself and then print them out at University. Half the time the formatting would go all crazy and I would be stuck a few minutes before the deadline re-working the whole thing.

A laptop solves this problem as you can just take it with you. You write everything on the laptop and then you just take it to school with you and plug it in to the printer. Solves problems of lost USB drives, email formatting and power outs. Plus I think laptops make you look kind of cool around campus.

3. A Laptop reduces stress
Yep. That's right. A Laptop reduces your stress levels! If you work in front of a computer all day I highly encourage you to try switching to a laptop for a while. Literally, it will help get rid of stress.

Firstly, as I already mentioned, the laptop can be taken anywhere. This reduces stress by getting you out of the office (or house) and changing your workplace. Secondly, a laptop is much more compact and leaves your office looking neater. A messy office is a sure-fire way to produce stress and de-cluttering is a great way to make your head feel more relaxed.

4. Laptops use less power
If you are a human being living on planet Earth and you are not slightly concerned about the environment then perhaps you should have your head checked. One compelling reason to switch to a laptop is that they use less power. And this means less greenhouse gases.

Even if you are not interested in the environment there is one big reason as to why the power-saving argument should mean something to you. Money! Less power consumption means less digits on your electricity bill. And that is something everyone can identify with. Especially pro-bloggers who are trying to keep expenses as low as possible.

5. You can hide a laptop
A laptop might be an easier thing for a burglar to carry out of your house in a stripy sack but it is also a lot easier to hide than a giant 64 inch LCD screen.

A few years ago my computer got stolen. Why? Because I had a window behind my desk and
everyone could see my massive blogging screen buzzing away. Easy target. Now I have a laptop and whenever I go out I can just slip it into my lockable filing cabinet. Much safer than leaving it out and about and another reason why a laptop is more convenient.

6. Laptops know how to sleep
When you buy a laptop you will see how well it goes to sleep. You get a really complete list of options that can save you time and money. For example, on my laptop I have a sleep, hibernate, switch off and screensaver mode as well as being able to adjust the screen brightness, power usage, battery output, etc. These options can be really handy if you are out and about or if you are trying to cut down on the electricity bill.

7. You can use the internet anywhere
Have you ever been out and about and wanted to check your email? With a laptop you can. What about house or job hunting? Ever seen an advertisement while in your car and wanted to look up the details on the internet? Most laptops now come with a built in wireless card which allows you to browse the internet wherever you go. A blogger who constantly needs to check comments and Adsense statistics will know how important this can be.

Conclusion
I truly enjoy using my laptop. I can work on the couch or in my office. I can go to the park or the markets and still get work done. I have also been saving money on my power bills and doing a little tiny bit to help the environment. If you have been thinking about switching from a Desktop PC to a laptop I sincerely hope you give it a try. As stupid as it may sound I have had a lot of fun with my new laptop and feel as though the quality of my life has dramatically improved.

SHOULD I PURCHASE A NEW LAPTOP OR REPLACE THE BROKEN SCREEN

In today’s busy world we are rushed daylight to dark. In all the hustle and bustle it is very easy to drop ones laptop, breaking the screen. If this happens there will be a serious decision which will need to be made, replace the screen or purchase a new laptop.

A few things to take into consideration are the age of your laptop and whether the warranty is expired. As an example the Dell 9300 costs about $1800.00 dollars fully loaded and to replace just the screen before installation is about $600.00 dollars. It will cost between 2 and 3 hundred to have the new screen put on the laptop, so one would be spending close to $1000.00 dollars just to keep their old computer.

It is very important to do your research before making a final decision on which option to choose. Search the internet as well as browsing through the retail stores to get the best price.

At the rate technology changes it would be more feasible to buy a new laptop than to stick with one that will soon be out-of-date. Of course there is nothing wrong with keeping and repairing your current note book if you feel it is a great asset and you are not ready to change to a new laptop.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT EXTENDED WARRANTY ON A LAPTOP

When purchasing a laptop there are so many options for insurance and extended warranty. Selecting the right warranty can seem over whelming, however it doesn’t have to be like this if you have a few tips.

First you would want to know exactly what the warranty covers. For instance, does it cover the screen and the entire keyboard, or is it a limited warranty that wont replace the laptop until it has been serviced two or more times. By that time your computer could be out dated so they would have to give you a different computer altogether. Would that computer be of the same value as the original one you purchased, maybe not. Would you be prepared to let them choose a new computer for you?

Secondly you have to make sure that the maintenance people are reputable. This will insure you’re not getting a raw deal. For example; say your USB port is broken and you send off the laptop to be repaired and the maintenance company says you need a $300.00 dollar mother board. Do your home work so you don’t get taken advantage of.

Finally, balance the cost of the extended repair service over a three year period of ownership and potential risk factors to see if the value of the policy is to your benefit.