Almost everyone owns a computer in one form or another either in the cell phone version or the computer it self and most of us knows how to operate it and how fast the machine can go. We also probably bought one so that we would not be lost in conversation when our friends or co workers started spouting off computer jargon but soon found it to be essential in our lives. Of course with a little exploring of the device we've figured out how it operates or have discovered the machine itself will teach you the basics on how to operate it's programs. So we've kept up with the preverbal “Jones” and now can speak the lingo.

However which is the better form of a computer, a desk top or a lap top? This question is most certainly always asked by the consumer to the store clerks, to the computer magazine editors or to the company representatives. Their first response to you would be to ask you the question, What would you want your computer for? Although it may go against what we have learned on not to answer a question with a question but it is something we should have asked ourselves before we went shopping for the computer in the first place. So what did we want the computer for? For the kids to use the internet, hopefully thinking they would use it to do their home work and not to go to chat rooms with strangers or to sit and play video games. And you wanted it to organize your recipes, finances or so you too could get on the internet without your boss catching you. So then the answer you would give the clerk is “I want it for my home.” However, you would then be asked if you want it for the family room or to take in any room? Although the laptops are lighter and more portable and they are an all in one package they are more expensive and easier to steal or lose. The battery life is measured in hours, and a little difficult to up grade. I, myself, in my unprofessional opinion find that the set up of the mouse, and keyboard makes its use difficult. And although the desk tops are less expensive and easier to up grade they do take up a lot of room, are heavier and are not as portable. However since you already have one and you just want to buy another one this question should be already answered. So should be the question of speed and up grade ability.

So which is the better form? The choice is really yours, I myself, like my big bulky desk top. My brother recently bought a laptop so that he could carry it around when he wants but most of the time he is at the dinning room table, and my father is determined to buy one too instead of his desk top. And he has let me use it on occasion when my desk top is fighting back and refusing to do simple tasks but in general I prefer it over his laptop. So you are the only one who could answer that question they both basically have the same programs and features.

Windows Vista has been a prey for many critics up until now.  There are more and more people who are very satisfied with their Windows Vista operating system.  I am one but I am not only talking about myself.  Many of my friends that have Windows Vista installed on a computer built for Windows Vista love it.  When I first used Windows Vista I ran into many problems as I was trying to perform the same tasks that I had performed when I used Windows XP.

I always preferred the 64 bit version of Windows XP.  Likewise, I would settle for anything less than the 64 bit version of Windows Vista.  Many times my computer would freeze up at first even with 1 GB of RAM.  Now it is as smooth as the come.  In many cases my 64 bit version of Windows Vista out performs my 64 bit version of Windows XP.  Even in the later stages of XP I have experience problems with the 64 bit version that do not occur in the 32 bit version of Windows XP.

With the release of new programs that are compatible with Windows Vista the new operating system is becoming the new king.  It is probably not going to happen as fast but support for Windows XP will eventually be discontinued just as Windows ME.  The new features allow Window Vista to dominate over Windows XP just as Windows XP dominated Windows ME.  Many people have grown accustomed to Windows XP so it will take them some time to weed out all the prejudice intent they have against new technology such as Windows Vista.  These are the type of people that give Windows Vista a bad name.  The over exaggerate simple problems they run into that probably occurred in Windows XP when it was first released.  This shows why you need to pay attention in your history classes.  History is taught so that we can learn from our past mistakes, but it seems inevitable that history will continue to repeat itself every time a new change comes around.

The only real issues now with Windows Vista are the ones about compatibility with really old software.  That is a problem that should be dealt with whoever is trying to feed their new computer old food.  For those who want to run older software they should invest time in finding a virtual pc program.  It allows you to run Windows XP while running Windows Vista.  It is an innovative program that solved just about every major problem with Windows Vista.

It's a whole lot easier to play games online with a desktop and mouse, atleast in my personal opinion it is.I will admit that laptops are very convenient and fun to use. Also my favorite laptop brand would have to be Apple. And my favorite deskop brand is definately dell. And right now I'm typing this article on a desktop and its a little bit harder to type on a desktop.

It's alot easier for me to type up articles on a laptop sitting in my favorite chair. When I'm typing log articles It's hard to sit in a chair and desk for up to hours. Also I spend hours starting discussions and commenting on My Lot. It takes up alot of my time. But it does benefit me quite alot.

Also if you want you can post a comment on which you have, and if you like or you would prefer something else.

Thank you for reading my article.

Xp had the nice decent Luna design. Windows Explorer had all the settings on the top with extra folder options to a sidebar on the left. That's all fine. Now comparing it to Vista's upgraded Windows Explorer. What the heck? On the top, you have the navigation and search bar? Where are the File, Settings, and other options? It just so happens to be under a button called Organize, although this may be changed. Honestly, that is the last place I would search. Where is the nice friendly design? I may be wrong but in XP, the search had that cute dog. Where is he now. It sure is user friendly to the younger audience. How about the people not familiar with keyboard shortcuts? Where is the Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, Delete, and Properties buttons. They have been taken away from their nice decent location.

Here is a big change to Windows and that is the visual style. Windows Vista uses the new Aero design while Xp uses the Luna design. The Luna design offers a few colors and is a big improvement to the overall design of Windows. Windows Aero takes it to the next level. The Aero design offers a customized color. Aero offers a totally new addition to the UI. Transparency gives it the nice sleek and glassy look to Vista. A huge let down is how much RAM it uses. Sure it looks nice but it puts a lot on the computer not to mention kills batteries on laptops. My laptop runs 40 minutes longer with the sidebar and Aero disabled.

Next is some of the new software offered in Vista. Windows defender is a decent antivirus program but it is also pretty bad. It is probably a good idea to find an antivirus online and disable Defender. Windows Media Player 11 on Vista is significantly different then WMP on Xp. The design is transparent like Aero and changes its color to the assigned on Aero. Plus, the logo is different. Windows Movie Maker is significantly different. It runs better on Vista and freezes/holds less than on Xp. Strangely; the version of Movie Maker on Xp is 2 while the version on Vista is 6 which is a large difference. The Vista move Maker offers new transitions and support for HD devices and video formats. Another new piece of software is the sidebar. The sidebar offers widgets that are able to be taken off the bar and placed all around the desktop. The bar can be set to be on top of all other windows of behind. An alternative for XP is Google Desktop which offers its own widgets. Like Aero, this program also uses a load of RAM. More new programs and upgrades are added to the start menu, Windows Mail (formerly Outlook), Windows Calendar, Photo Gallery, Windows DVD Maker, Windows Media Center, Windows Mobility Center, and Games Explorer.

These are only a few of the major differences found between Vista and XP. Be sure to find out what you are getting before you actually get it.

1. Utilize the software: Both Macs and Windows-based laptops have inbuilt power-management software. Set it for “power save” mode.
2. Screen Brightness: Conversion of electricity to light uses power. Reduce your screen’s brightness to a comfortable minimum. This will save your battery’s those extra timings that would have lost while giving you a bright screen, so, will help you later in a better way.
3. Run fewer programs at a time: You may simultaneously have Photoshop, Excel, MS Word and more programs open when all you need is MS Word only. Quit all the other programs that you do not require, especially the DVD. Switch off Wi-Fi; Bluetooth and LAN card if not in use. They do consume that extra energy from your battery that can make your laptop run even for few hours.
4. Reduce attachments: How many USB ports are being used? Take care of this thing also. Unplug all unnecessary attachments, including any mouse and use the touchpad instead. Laser mouse does consume more power.
5. Discharge: With older Nickel-based batteries let it discharge fully at times. Sometimes, too much charging without the actual discharging of batteries can also cause their shelf life to be reduced.

However, since 2005 the price of laptops, compared to PCs has fallen dramatically and consistently. Many companies now - especially in the US - are in the process of replacing their old desktop computer with laptops. With this shift has come change in the way that work is done - and indeed where it is done.

Laptop screens all used to be lit by fluorescent lamp technology. Newer models, however, are now offering light-emitting-diode backlighting. This LED alternative gives around thirty percent more brightness (many had previously complained that laptop screens were dull and could not be seen properly unless you were directly in front of them). Another advantage of LED is that it consumes less power (very green and you don't have to recharge as often) but it also meant that manufacturers could produce even lighter laptops than before. That was because LED allows thinner lids and with that comes a reduction in weight. Laptops really can sit in the lap comfortably these days!

In view of this trend, change is happening inside and outside of the traditional work space. For example, the idea of working in cubicles (a kind of closed off open plan!) is with us for keeps. However, the reduction in space needed by bulky PCs and their base units has meant that companies have been able to reduce their cubicle space - they are getting shorter and smaller) but have been able to increase their open space in which medium to large sized groups of people can on occasion work together (often with their laptops with them).

The trend here is not so much to reduce office space but to use it for newer, more modern ways of working. Communication can be primarily through email and a shared wiki space but the ability to meet in the open can increase the productivity of employees. However, with this increased portability due to the use of laptops, changes can be made on the spot, emails sent and wikis updated while the meeting progresses. When a contact is needed, mobile phones can come out and issues can be resolved before the meeting is over.

The use of laptops has also brought the concept of hot-desking in to the twenty first century. This is effectively sharing a desk (not “your” desk) with other employees at different times. There had traditionally been a lot of resistance to this as people like their own territory. However, laptops can be “owned” by the individual worker and they can move anywhere and everywhere with that one person. This removes the threat of people laying claim to their own little bit of space for computing reasons. It also helps make the workforce more flexible.

With increased use of laptops companies are evolving the way that they use space. One idea that is coming to the fore is the idea of “touch-down” space. These are places where people can connect their laptops for short periods of time when the office is really busy. More and more meeting areas which were previously computer free are now being equipped for laptop usage. Don't be surprised if the company you go to work for has a canteen which is also used as “touch-down” space!

However, like anything else there is a downside. For instance, what about all the information which is kept on these laptops rather than the company's network? Even if it is only for a short period of time, this information being off the network can pose a real security threat for companies.

In 2006 over 70,000 laptops were stolen in the UK. So, for example, what would happen if your Managing Director's laptop was stolen and the company was in the middle of negotiating a takeover? How much money is the information worth on the laptop of the Sales Director? If the laptop is stolen does tat mean the thief might have access to your company's network?

One answer is data encryption in storage as well as transmission (i.e. via email). Companies should also introduce a Risk Assessment for stolen laptops. So instead of just replacing the laptop the company needs to find out whether the information held on the laptop was sensitive or not. Also were the circumstances around the theft suspicious? Large organisations can opt to analyse how and from where laptops are being stolen and introduce security measure based on their findings. Last but not least, during holiday periods such as Christmas a simple strategy! Remind employees that this is the time of year when opportunistic thieves spot and take laptops when left unattended in the pub!

So, in order for organisations to move in to an age where the laptop is the primary IT tool for their employees they must ensure that their security measures are better than ever as well as just plain sensible!

Hmm. My program stopped working. Well maybe that would explain why it's no longer on my screen or in my little windows bar at the bottom. It's worse when you're in the middle of something important and you haven't clicked the save button as often as you should because you got lulled to sleep by XP's smooth seas and the program unexpectedly closes; while you pound your fists on the wall about lost data, Vista offers consolation in informing you the specifics of the problem - it stopped working.

It doesn't tell you about some kernel dump or some bad .dll file. It doesn't give you hexadecimal gibberish or even a little box that says that it's collecting your personal data to be sent off to Microsoft to keep you from doing that again. Instead, your desktop sits there in pristine condition while your computer works furiously as if you had just turned it on. (They just found a way to hide the blue screen of death.) It's got a killer quick start up time.

Another good thing about Vista is it's new. It's buggy. It's a challenge. It gives you a great excuse to be late.

I mentioned my Mac friends earlier. They're all really smart, so I'm sure there's something about Macs I don't get, but owning a Mac seems so pretentious unless you're a media artist, in which case, you are pretentious, but not for owning a Mac. I've used a Mac on several occasions and I can say I'm not impressed. First, it's buggy as hell. OS 10.Jaguar and that jungle kitten before it crashed for me as often as Windows 98 - the first edition. If you can find someone with Mac support you're still screwed because no one knows how to make a Mac not suck.

At least there's that desktop belt-buckle, now. Remember OS 9.2? You used to have to dig through hideous menus with few icons. Speaking of programs, when were you able to find Mac compatible programs? They're still not that common, but they were on the brink of extinction just a few years ago. I digress, Mac blows.

It all comes down to your personality type. If you're forty or older or have the computer skills of a sorority sister ("Why is there a dollar sign in front of that word?") you should stick to XP. If you're pretentious and/or trendy, just go for the Mac; it can only increase your pretentious/trendiness. Finally, if you enjoy a fair challenge in bettering the world for the next generations of Windows users while staying on top of the real future of computing, Vista beckons.

Author's note: No one needing advice on which OS to use would benefit from using Linux.

Intel has come up with the new idea of creating spill-proof laptops just for this simple reason. May be they are spending time at local bar and understood the importance this. Whatever may be the reason a spill-proof laptop is near in the future and will not only protect one from injuries in case of disaster but also saves one from buying another laptop.

It is very tough to work on laptop without spilling some liquid on it if some liquid being taken while working on it.

Now what these people are trying to do is to use a semi-porous material which allows only air to go in and out while the liquid cannot breach through it. This will allow the laptop to get cooled by transporting air in and out while at the same time saves from spilling of liquids.

But if you are up on third floor of a building and explaining some project to your colleague or a customer and lose the grip, you will never forget the situation again. Having said this now some one posted a video on YouTube demonstrating a laptop's free fall from a considerable height and how it counters gravity.

Thought the technology was unclear the laptop has some attached objects inside it which come out and act like lifters when the laptop approaches the ground. How this is done is not clear. Nor is it clear whether this technology is for real. It may be possible to counter gravity by using electromagnetic generated by the battery in the laptop but who will reveal the technology to public. Everything is for money.

If you want to have a look at this anti-gravity laptop's working compared to an ordinary laptop's, then go to this link and watch the video for yourself:

Some people complain of headaches and nausea after a few hours of laptop use. This is not due to radiation however. It is like if you stare at a television screen for hours on end. You would get the same affect. My advice, go out and get some vitamins from that place your body misses, the Great Outdoors. It will do wonders in relieving your headaches and nausea.

I hope this article serves it's purpose. I hope it helps to inform readers, but also to alleviate any undue stress over the issue. Your laptop is safe, but it would not hurt to give it a rest now and then.