While you probably do eat and drink around it regardless, you will want to occasionally wipe down edges, keyboard, touchpad, and maybe even wipe down screen to keep any dirt from accumulating.

-- Just say no to viruses

Security wise, make sure you obtain an anti-virus program.

Secondly, keep it updated!

Buying an anti-virus one month and not updating it for next six really negates it purpose. Your laptop computer could be exposed to hundreds and thousands of new viruses every month if you don't update your virus definitions.

Most anti-virus programs have automatic update methods, eliminating need for you to have to remember to do it manually.

-- Avoid Popups

Pop-ups are particularly annoying on a laptop computer. Trying to close a bunch of windows without a regular mouse can be a nuisance.

You'll want a pop-up blocker, such as Google Toolbar (located at http:/ ools.google.com), to prevent these pop- up ads.

Many intrusive forms of advertising, and even some viruses, can install software on your machine by using various forms of pop-ups. It's best to get yourself a blocker and avoid situation entirely.

-- Use a firewall

Always utilize a firewall on your Internet or network- enabled laptop computer. Even if you use Windows XP's built- in firewall (or purchase one from such companies as Norton), your security will greatly benefit from it.

Blocking out all unnecessary ports and closing all loopholes will prevent a hacker or virus from freely entering your hard drive.

So there you go. Combine all of above tactics and help your laptop enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle!

“An issue has been identified that could allow an attacker to compromise a computer running Windows and gain complete control over it. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft.”

Still don’t believe? Then see for yourself, and go to www.windowsupdate, and view updates you haven’t installed. But wait, there’s more! You can order CD for FREE, totally free; no shipping charges. Where? Go to this website: http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/cd/order.asp

I still didn’t fully answer why consultants don’t tell their customers these updates exist. With each update, a client may experience a change or problem. For example, when we installed Security Update CD a few weeks ago, we could no longer open e-mail attachments. On web we discovered that when update installed, it also changed a setting in Outlook Express under Tools, Options, Security. The update put a checkmark on “Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus.” This little checkmark rendered several clients unable to work, because they could no longer open any attachments, On Microsoft’s website, this article appeared: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=329570

On another client’s machine, she could no longer open database in Versa Check Software. That company also had a patch to fix it. However, our clients had to pay for our research to find and fix problems updates created. Then it appears to a client, that their consultant has found a way to “once again” hit their pocketbook. We are no longer heroes in this industry. We have now become villains in league with Microsoft. This has led many consultants to a policy of “if they don’t ask, don’t tell.” But real truth is: If you do not do updates, then you become a bigger victim, via a virus, or an identity theft victim! It’s your choice!