Laptop choiche

As we all know, Windows 7 has been released to the market place and it will be fun getting to know a new operating system. The newest version of Windows is a much improved version of the Windows operating system and comes with a lot of high praise. This might be because of the very low user ratings that Windows Vista received during its initial release and run. I have tried Windows 7 and I will say that it is a much better user experience than the previous Windows operating systems. The one thing that I am not a fan of, in this latest OS release, is the fact that it comes with so many versions of the operating system. There is the home basic version, the home premium version, the starter version, the professional version, the ultimate version, and the enterprise version. And this is without including the different versions that come in the x86 or the x64 flavor. This can confusing to the average person who is not too familiar with such a protocol so we will walk you through which versions the average person should pick.

We will start with the versions that the average person will not be interested in. This will help narrow down your choices while giving you an ideal of what versions are out there in case your need to upgrade or maybe even downgrade. Most people are not going to be satisfied with the starter version of Windows 7. This is meant for the new netbooks that you may have seen advertised on TV. This is a strip down version of windows 7 and will not suit most of your needs. On the opposite end of the spectrum you have the Windows 7 enterprise version. This is meant for business and IT users and the average user will not get much use out of it. I would suggest staying away from this as well. Now lets go to the versions that you may want to choose from.

On the first level you have windows home basic and premium versions. When it comes to Windows Basic, most users in what is considered a first world country, will not have to worry about. Windows Home Basic is meant to be used by users in a third world or emerging market country. So for most people Windows Home premium would be considered the starter pack. If you are a user who does not do heavy computing and most of your time on the computer contains the activities of surfing the Internet and watching movies, then this is the edition for you. Its price tag makes it suitable for people who are far from heavy computer users.

The next level of Windows 7 is the Windows 7 professional versions. Most people who make a living using their computer rather heavily will want to invest in this version. People who also use their computer for gaming and other recreational activities will want to chose this version as well. This version comes with easy back up compatibility as well as easier features that will allow you to connect with your work network. The price point begins at $200, so it is a little more pricey than the Home version. If you are a heavy computer user then it is worth it.

Along the same level of Windows 7 professional is the other version, Windows Ultimate. This has similar features to Windows professional except it cost $30 more and it comes with BitLocker capability. BitLocker is the security feature that was introduced in Windows Vista that allows you to encrypt your hard drive. Also Windows 7 Ultimate will allow you to use any language that you choose to work in and not just with the default language that you picked while doing the install. If you are a person that works and travels with your computer a lot, then this is the version that I would recommend. If you were to lose your laptop then your work secrets would still be safe.

We have given you the different variations of the new Windows 7 and told you what would be best for the average type of user. Hopefully this will help you when you have to make the decision on what version you would like.

With everyone feeling the ill effects of the reverse growth of global economies worldwide, it seems that it is no longer feasible (or in some cases, possible) to buy portable computers. When monthly budgets are stretched out of proportion to stay afloat, is it still wise to invest in a second computer, one that is portable?

Market slowdown

Every part of the international market is experiencing a slowdown, including notebook sales. Back in the nineties, people knew that a notebook was a nice investment. After acquiring a good personal computer (note: tower or mini tower CPU) people wanted to have a portable one, too.

The slowdown came palpably last year with the credit crunch. What’s keeping things steady, at least for now? Netbooks. Netbooks, the notebook’s miniature version, is literally saving the notebook industry by providing a sustainable niche that people still find interesting and worth their money.

If you plan to invest in a new notebook, on the other hand, it’s important to first establish what you need.

What are you?

The first kind of consumer is firmly attached to his portable computer- this person is always on the go, and rarely leaves his notebook at home. In his machine, he stores his ledgers, his Microsoft Excel documents, memos, important emails and vital documents. He needs them to be right there when the need arises. Not having them when theres a need means he might lose his job, or worse, his face in front of his bosses.
You need to check hard disk size.

The second type of consumer needs a very portable and possibly very light computer for the daily commute. He needs flexibility, high storage space and features for the person on the go.
You need to compare the weight.

The third type of consumer needs power in his portable computer. He wants to watch DVDs and Bluray movies, and he wants to play games while surfing the Web at high speed.
You need to check DVD drive availability

After determining what kind of consumer you are, it’s time to pick what kind of operating system you might need.

OS X, Windows or Linux?
There are basic choices for your operating system: you have of course, the popular line of Windows (from Windows 3.1 to Windows Longhorn), OS X (expensive) and of course, open-source, always free (not really) Linux.

Pick OS X if you want to use Macintosh computers; it’s that simple. Macs are pricier than generic assemblies that use the Windows platform; also, if you’ve been using Windows for the longest time, re-learning another operating system might be difficult for some.

How about Linux? Choose Linux if:

1. You have no budget for an OS.
2. You believe in the goodwill of mankind (a.k.a. open-source technologies)

The most popular for home use right now is Linux Ubuntu, which also has several other versions for businesses and programming. Linux has been around for the longest time, and is the choice of many institutions that don’t have the budget to renew software for a hundred machines on a seasonal basis.

If you want Linux, you won’t be having any difficulties as all three operating systems share many “similar” functions. Remember though, that OS X does not suffer from viruses or trojans.