6. RAM, or Random Access Memory: This is Short Term Memory of you computer. How much does a laptop need? The simple answer is about 32 megabytes, or MB, of RAM, but 64 is highly recommended. This is due to fact that laptops are difficult to upgrade. Because of this, you might as well get more then you’ll currently need, and look ahead.

7. The "brain" otherwise known as CPU: The Central Processing Unit contains all programs run on a computer. At least 233 MHz in processing speed for a laptop is suggested. There are many types of CPU's but just make sure laptop you choose has one.

8. Modems: The modem allows you to access Internet. This is important if laptop will be used to surf Web, and send email. There are two primary types of modems used with laptops. There’s Internal modem, and PC card-based modem. Internal modems are easier to hook up, and they’re becoming more and more common. PC card-based modems stick out of a computer. Their advantage is that they can be replaced if upgrades to a faster one are needed.

9. Ports: Ports are where peripherals are applied, such as microphones, cameras, and extra memory. What type of ports do most laptops have? Currently, all laptops feature a serial, a parallel, an infrared, and a universal serial bus (USB) port. The reason why there’re so many different types of ports is because peripheral equipment corresponds with different types of ports.

That's it. Those are 9 basics that you should consider when purchasing your next laptop. Utilizing above information, you’ll be able to make most informed decisions when acquiring a laptop with suitable features that meet all your needs.

Block anonymous Internet requests or pings.

On each computer having wireless network card, network connection properties should be configured to allow connection to Access Point Networks Only. Computer to Computer (peer to peer) Connection should not be allowed.

Enable MAC filtering. Deny association to wireless network for unspecified MAC addresses. Mac or Physical addresses are available through your computer device network connection setup and they are physically written on network cards. When adding new wireless cards / computer to network, their MAC addresses should be registered with router /access point.

Network router should have firewall features enabled and demilitarized zone (DMZ) feature disabled.

You can test your hardware and personal firewalls using Shields Up test available at http://www.grc.com

All computers should have a properly configured personal firewall in addition to a hardware firewall.

Update router/access point firmware when new versions become available.

Locate router/access point away from strangers so they cannot reset router/access point to default settings.

Locate router/access point in middle of building rather than near windows to limit signal coverage outside building.

While none of measure suggested above provides full protection as counter measures exist, a collection of suggested measures will act as a deterrent against attacker when other insecure networks represent easier targets.