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It seems that every time I buy a new device or application for my computer, I am bombarded with on screen reminders to register the device or software. I almost always hit “skip registration” or “cancel registration” during installation. First of all, it’s a pain entering my name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and all that other data into yet another form. And to make matters worse, they often require a bunch of information I’m not interested in sharing. To top it off, I don’t want to receive “special offers.”

That’s just me though. You may not mind filling out the forms and receiving special offers. If you don’t mind, go ahead and register. If you’d rather not, there’s no rule saying that you must fill out such forms.

If you’re concerned about registering because you want to be sure that your warranty is in effect, relax. You don’t have to register in order to be covered under any applicable warranty. If you have a warranty problem, the manufacturer doesn’t rely on the database of registered users. For example, last month, my HP printer acted up. Every time I tried to print, it would power down. I knew that I had never bothered to fill out the registration form but it was a non-issue. I called tech support and they looked up the warranty based on the printer’s serial number. I also keep all of my receipts and paperwork should a dispute ever arise.

Registration doesn’t necessarily guarantee updates either. Many applications have update features built into the software. In addition, you can always go directly to the manufacturer’s website in search of product updates manually.

Keep in mind that there’s a difference between a registration form that puts you on the manufacturer’s mailing list and a registration requirement for using the software. For example, if you download a trial version of a product and it expires, if you want to continue using the product, you must “register” it. In other words, you must buy the product. In this case, you do need to follow specific instructions in order to activate your software. This varies depending on the vendor. The process typically goes something like this:

“Your product has expired. Click here to register your product.” You click the link and are directed to a secure webpage for purchasing the fully functional product. You then enter your credit card information and complete the purchase. Once the transaction is complete, you will be issued a registration key. This usually comes in your email with instructions on how to unlock your trial version. Once you’ve entered the registration key into the software, the software becomes fully functional.

Whether or not you fill in the registration form when you buy a new device or program is up to you. You can always do it after the fact. Usually, a link for registering is located in the Help menu. Whatever you do, pay attention to those pre-selected check boxes such as, “Yes, please send me third party offers.”

While it seems scary to unscrew your laptop and add a memory chip to it, it is possible. This depends on your laptop of course. If it’s already maxed out with all the memory it can handle, you won’t be able to do so. However, if your laptop has an available slot, you can do so.

First, you will need to do a little bit of research as far as what type of memory to buy. You will likely need a 144-pin laptop memory module. Check with your laptop manufacturer for specifics or discuss your purchase with a knowledgeable representative at the computer store.

Once you have the right type of memory for your system, you will need to open up the laptop and install it. I know - this is the scary part. Fortunately, it’s easier than you think because laptops come with a handy “memory compartment.” If you can change the batteries in your kid’s toys, you can change the memory in your laptop.

To do so, you must first power down the laptop and unplug it from its power source. In addition, remove all jewelry and rings. If you have an anti-static wrist wrap, wear it as electronic equipment is so sensitive to static. Now, turn your laptop upside down and locate the memory compartment. This is a small rectangular compartment secured with a screw. You will likely have several compartments and may need to refer to your user’s manual to determine the exact one to open.

Once you’ve located the memory compartment, use a screwdriver to unscrew the screw and open the compartment. Depending on whether you are replacing memory or adding memory to the laptop, you may need to remove the existing chip. Look for a set of clips (called ejector clips) on both sides of the memory module. Release the clips from the side of the memory module. The chip will pop up at a slight angle. Gently pull the module out of the slot, holding it by its sides. If you’ll be using the memory in another system, place it in an anti-static bag for storage.

To insert your new memory module, the process is reversed. Again, hold the memory chip by its edges. Notice the notches on each of the shorter sides and one along the bottom. The two on the shorter sides are for the ejections clips while the one along the bottom should line up with the slot key on the laptop. Once the slot key and the notch are lined up, gently slide the chip into place at a 45 degree angle, making sure that it’s properly seated. Once seated, push it down toward the ejector clips and snap it into place. Double check to be sure the clips are holding it properly and close the memory compartment.   

Power up your laptop and you’re done. Your operating system should recognize the new module. 

While laptops and desktops are dramatically different from each other, I can’t say that one’s better than the other because it depends on you and your needs. In my case, I opted for a laptop because portability and space were issues to me. In addition, laptops have finally caught up as far as offering the performance and storage that I need.

I’m not alone in replacing my desktop with a laptop either. Many people are ditching the towers in favor of small, powerful laptops. In fact, my husband works for a major computer manufacturer who no longer makes consumer desktops because of this. However, that’s not to say that the desktop is bound to oblivion. Today’s all-in-one units are sleek, powerful and take up very little space.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of desktops and laptops.

Desktops

Pros - Desktops tend to be less expensive than comparably equipped laptops though adding displays can negate the cost difference, especially if you go for a more expensive display. In addition, desktops generally have more capacity such as faster processors, more memory, and larger hard drives. However, price and performance gaps have narrowed. You can easily buy a brand new laptop with two gigabytes of memory, 200GB disc space, and an Intel Pentium Dual-Core processor in the $500 to $600 range.

Desktops also have more room for expansion and can handle multiple drives such as separate CD, DVD, Blu-ray disc, or tape backup drives.

Cons - Desktops take up more space and are not portable. When you go on vacation, you aren’t likely to tote your computer with you.

Laptops

Pros - The biggest thing that laptops have over desktops is portability followed by compact, all in one design. Laptops can go with you anywhere and if you have a wireless adapter, you can connect to the Internet easily at Wi-Fi hotspots. Even if you don’t travel much, portability within the home is a big plus. For example, my home office doubles as a guest room. When my in-laws used to visit, I couldn’t work or check my e-mails. Now, with a laptop, I can work anywhere. This alone has reinforced my decision.

Another advantage is space. It’s nice to have a clear desk without a big, clunky monitor. I can close the lid when done for the day and tuck the laptop out of sight. If I need desk space for doing paperwork, I simply move the laptop somewhere else and have plenty of work surface for my other tasks.

Cons - Laptops often have cramped keyboards and lousy pointing devices. I’ve adjusted to my keyboard and am now used to it but I dislike using the touchpad. I use a USB mouse whenever I’m at my desk and suffer with the touchpad when I’m working elsewhere. In addition, you’ll miss the numerical ten-key pad found on standard keyboard. I’m still debating about buying a USB keypad. Which leads to another disadvantage - plugging in tons of peripherals.

Sure, you’ll have plenty of USB ports, but they may be in awkward locations. In addition, you’ll find yourself plugging and unplugging peripherals frequently if you move from your desk to other locations a lot. Expansion is limited on laptops too. Your best bet is to use a USB hub and connect various peripherals via the hub.

Evaluate your needs and consider both options, finally settling on the option that makes the most sense for you.

Users need to understand very few programs are installed on the actual Desktop. Instead, the icons there are Shortcuts, or one double click from executing a program stored somewhere else. Computer store programs in directories. In order to completely delete a program from the computer, the entire directory must be removed, not just the shortcut associated with the execution file.

The easiest way to delete an entire program from the computer is to use the uninstall function. If this is available, it will be an option from the Start Menu, and then the menu shown by the actual program name in Program Files. Not all programs offer uninstall functions for their software. In this case, use Add/Remove Programs from the Control Panel.

Other items stored on the Desktop, such as documents, zipped files, and applications installed to the Desktop directory can be deleted entirely from the computer. The first Delete function should send the item to the Recycle Bin, which gives a small reprieve should an item be deleted in error. To bypass the Recycle Bin step, users can hold the Shift key down when they press Delete or select the delete command from the right click menu.

The easiest way to determine if the icon is a shortcut or not is to look for a small arrow in the right hand corner. This signals the icon takes the user to a different location to run the program, all conducted behind the scenes and so quickly the user doesn’t even notice. By default, shortcuts are also named “Shortcut to Program X” with Program X being the application or program of the shortcut. However, icons on the Desktop can easily be renamed, so don’t rely on simply the name of the icon.

The only real way to determine for sure is to look at the Properties of the icon. Right click the icon and look at the Properties. It will show if the icon is a shortcut to another location, or just the actual executable file of a program. Deleting the executable file for a program, thinking it was just a shortcut, will make the program inoperable and require a reinstall of the software.

With so many of us conducting banking, medical, and other sensitive personal business online, it is vital users take appropriate steps to protect their online passwords. Here are four ways to make sure your personal information stays personal!

Don’t have your browser automatically save your passwords. Only use this feature if you are sure you are the only user on your computer. It is still risky even in that scenario because there are viruses and spyware out there that will search your cookies for password information and share it with outside parties.

Protect your email password, and change it regularly. Lost passwords are most frequently emailed to the address on file. Once someone has access to your email, all he or she needs to do is visit the website and click on “Forgot password?” Ta da– Instant access to bank accounts, medical records, and everything in between. Email passwords should be changed monthly or bimonthly for the best protection.

Do not use one master password for everything. Using the same password over and over again opens a user up for greater harm in the event of a password breach. If you use your child’s name for instance on your email, banking, and work site, what happens if someone breaks into your work account? Now, all of your personal areas on the web are open to the predator. If remembering passwords is tough, try using variations of the same one.

If the password is Samsonite, the banking one might be Sam$onite ($ for banking) and S@msonite for email (@ for email). Slight variations make it tougher for someone to use the same password at a multiple of sites.

Never type your password or personal information into a form because “the site must confirm your identity/update.” A common phishing scam is for users to receive an email from a website or institution they regularly use claiming the system is updating and needs you to enter your information. When you click the link, it takes you to a website very similar to the official website the phishing email is posing as. This link is a fake, and if you type in information, it will go to a third party.

A website, bank, or other online entity will never contact you via email for your information. This is a scam by a third party to capture your personal information. Many browsers today have a way to verify sites, and will give a warning when a site is suspected to be a fake. You can turn this feature on from the Tools and then Options menu or Edit and then Preferences. It is most likely under the Security settings area.

By following these tips, it is less likely your personal information will fall into the wrong hands. With so many websites requiring log in and passwords these days, it’s easy to become complacent about password security. If you ever give a password to anyone else, for any reason, be sure to change it right after to keep your password secure.

Password strength refers to how difficult it would be for another person or a computer program to break it. Certain websites and applications may have specific requirements to ensure increased password strength. For example, a website might stipulate the password must be a number of characters long, or include a number. Here are the factors for a strong password:

Length

Passwords should typically be longer than 6 characters. The longer a password is means the more combinations are available. Look at it this way, the difference between a password of three characters versus six using only the lowercase alphabet: 3 characters is a minimum of 15,600 passwords, while 6 characters is a minimum of over 165 million possible passwords! Both numbers may seem large to a human trying to determine a password, but 15,600 is not too many possibilities if a computer program is running the attempts at breaking the password. This is why many applications and websites requiring passwords will lock out after too many failed attempts.

Variation

Passwords don’t have to just be letters either. Don’t forget about the characters, numbers, and special characters (such as two or more keystrokes to produce one character). The downside to adding variation to a password is keeping the password easy to remember. Try to make substitutions that are similar to the original letter. For example, for the password sunshine, a user could try $unshine, or $unsh1ne. It’s still easy to remember because it makes a word, but it also adds the necessary variation to keep the password safe.

Personal Information

One basic error in password writing is a user including a piece of publicly available personal information. Try not to use your last 4 of your Social Security Number, your birthday, your maiden name, or any other personal information that others have easy access to. In a recent study on identity theft by the Federal Trade Commission found the most common type of theft was by someone the victim knows personally. Friends, neighbors, and sadly even family members looking to take advantage of your personal information are more likely to know probable answers to basic password restoring questions.

By using these three factors, users can develop very strong passwords. Strong passwords not only protect the user, but also act as an insurance policy for the website or application. Password breaking wreaks havoc on banking sites, remote work stations, and even social networking sites. Do your part to protect your favorite online communities by only using passwords with a significant length, a variety of character types, and without any personal information.