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February 1, 2010
• Vol.7 Issue 2 Page(s) 37 in print issue | |
Security & Maintenance Keep Your Notebook Or Netbook Clean | |
 Notebook and netbooks don’t require a great deal of maintenance, but there are a few accessories and software investments that will keep your PC working properly, which can also greatly extend the life span of your notebook or netbook.  Stay Secure Antivirus and anti-malware software should be at the top of your PC security list, because it’s vital to keep hackers and intruders from reaching the personal information stored on your computer or destroying your files. At a basic level, antivirus software will prevent your computer from getting viruses, worms (programs that spread from PC to PC), and Trojan horses (apps that allow hackers to remotely access your PC). Most antivirus programs also include an antispyware component, which helps identify and remove malicious programs that are hidden on your PC and steal private information, such as your passwords, and monitor your Web habits. Both Trend Micro’s Anti-Virus + AntiSpyware 2010 ($39.95; us.trendmicro.com) and Webroot’s AntiVirus With Spy Sweeper 2010 ($39.95; www.webroot.com) offer virus and spyware protection. If you want to further protect your PC against online threats, such as spam and identity theft, you’ll need an antivirus program with a built-in firewall, such as Kaspersky’s Internet Security 2010 ($79.95; www.kaspersky.com) or Norton’s 360 3.0 ($79.99; www.symantec.com). Basic firewalls only monitor data coming into your PC, but a two-way firewall monitors both data coming in and leaving your PC. This way, if a cybercriminal or virus gets past your initial defenses, the firewall can stop any sensitive information from leaving your computer. In addition to security software, you can protect your laptop from theft with a laptop lock, such as Targus’ Defcon CL Notebook Cable Lock ($24.99; www.targus.com). This accessory lets you lock your computer to an unmovable object with a cable, making it ideal for frequent travelers. Maintenance Accessories Heat and dust are the primary elements you’ll want to keep away from your notebook or netbook, because they can ruin the internal components. To move heat away from the packed internal hardware, you’ll need a cooling base with built-in fans, such as Targus’ Laptop Chill Mat ($39.99). Typically, these mats are USB-powered and have rubber grips to hold your PC in place. The best tool for removing dust is a can of compressed air with a straw extension, so you can blow out debris stuck in hard-to-reach places, such as underneath the keyboard. And to keep your laptop monitor looking bright, you should invest in antistatic monitor wipes. The antistatic wipes are premoistened with a quick-drying no-streak compound to ensure you’ll remove dust, dirt, and lint from the monitor without injuring the screen. by Nathan Lake
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