So be careful with what you download. Read product reviews and find out if other people got headaches from using it

Visiting ad-heavy sites If you visit a site and you’re immediately bombarded with pop-up ads, leave immediately. You might click on an ad that activates an automatic download of malicious software to your computer. Here is a list of activities which you should be doing instead

Invest in good antivirus software. Going online without protection of antivirus software is like going out naked in snow. That’s just how vulnerable an unprotected computer is.

Most antivirus software packages include an internet security program (also known as firewall). A firewall acts as a barricade between you and unwanted content from internet.

When buying antivirus software, it’s better to shell out for internet security as well

Once antivirus software is installed in your computer, keep it updated always so it can recognize and remove newly released viruses

Whatever browser you are using, check that its security settings are all in default unless you really know what you are doing.

Periodically delete files that you no longer use

Download spyware- and adware-removal tools and run them at least once a week. Be warned that many of these removal programs are a scam, so make sure that what you download is reliable. You can easily search for product reviews to check if program is legitimate or otherwise

Back up all your important files all time

If possible, have two computers at home. One will be used to connect to internet, and other should not be connected at all. The second computer will act as storage of all your important files so that even if first one crashes, your life won’t be in ruins.

Don’t be dependent on removal tools and antivirus software packages, though. A bit of prevention is always worth a megabyte of cure.

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.