First Time Notebook Owner

I apologize if this has been posted in the wrong section of the forums, but it seemed like a good place to start. Today I received my HP Pavilion dv6500t notebook and I have a few general questions I would like answered. By the way, the dv6500t is one damn sexy piece of machinery! Anyway, my questions are listed below.

1. Must I keep my AC adapter constantly plugged into my notebook at all times? Someone told me to unplug the adapter after the notebook is fully charged. So, do I charge up, unplug, and wait until the battery is dieing until I charge it again?

2. What is the best way to keep a notebook clean (screen, keyboard, etc.).

3. How do I apply basic security measures on my notebook, such as prompting the user to input a password after the system boots up? I want to be the only authorized user. My little cousins visit from time to time and are capable of mass destruction.

4. Should I keep my notebook on at all times? Once again, someone suggested leaving it on. Is it safe to turn it off when not in use?

5. Any other useful information I should know?

Thanks for your time. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

 

1. I've never had a problem leaving the notebook plugged in, so no I don't see any reason why you would have to unplug it and run the battery down every time it gets fully charged. That would promote battery wear.

2. Get a microfiber cloth for the screen and you can also wipe down the rest of your notebook with it. I know the HP dv6500t has a glossy surface so it would work very well.
This is important - do not use a paper towel or any sort of coarse cloth on your machine, especially the screen - you'll scratch it. Use a microfiber cloth only. Also don't use any sort of cleaning solutions on the screen like Windex. Use water.

3. Try an Internet search for that one - I have a password set up on my Vista machine but I forget how I did it. But yes definitely password protect your account.

4. No, you don't have to. It is safe to turn it off and on as you please. Use the Stand By low power state instead of shutting the machine down if you are just going from one place to another.

5. A: Buy a surge protector - you don't want a surge ruining your investment
B: Get a nice sleeve - try www.sfbags.com, they have custom-fit sleeves. I have three of their sleeves and I love the quality. A bit pricey yes, but the quality can't be beat. I reviewed them here:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2688
C: Clean your notebook out every once in a while - see the cooling guide
D: Don't forget to install antivirus and antispyware software - check our Software forum for suggestions.
E: Be careful. It's such a generic statement but it is oh so important. Place it gently down, protect it. That will help to keep your machine looking like the day you got it.

I moved this thread to the Hardware forum for you because it will get pushed down too fast in the What Should I Buy forum.

 

Excellent! Thank you for quick and very informative response, Chaz! I guess it is pretty obvious I'm not the most tech savvy guy around. Truth be told, I only know one or two tricks. I'm grateful that I was not nailed down and criticized for my "newb" questions. My first impression of this website and message board is a very positive one indeed. Two more questions if you will: Would you be able to provide links or advice on how to connect a notebook to a wireless home network? Also, based on your review of the SFBags, which one would better fit my dv6500t?

Once again, thank you for your time.

 

Of course.

The bags are really expensive and I don't want you to spend that much . . . I mostly showed you the review because of the sleeves. If I were in your place I'd get the custom-fit sleeve and a cheaper (~$50) bag to put it in. That way you'll get great protection and still have a reasonable price tag. Take a look at some of the bag reviews on this website. You can also post in our Accessories forum and ask for bag recommendations - just provide some basic info (budget, what laptop you have, any likes/dislikes) and I'm sure someone will help you now. If not, message me and I'll find a bag for you.

Check this out for wireless network connections:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/76174f4a-7522-425a-9424-324dd299265e1033.mspx
And if that doesn't do it for you let us know. The most important thing is making sure everything is set up right.

On a side note you might want to put what laptop you have & its specifications in your signature:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/profile.php?do=editsignature
That way people won't ask you what kind of laptop you have all the time.

 

Interesting. The link contains a lot of information; I'll have to read it very carefully. Or if I'm patient enough, my father's friend may stop by and set up our network. If anything, I'm sure it will be a fun read.

As for the notebook bags, I’m not completely convinced that a sleeve and a regular bag will be enough. This laptop has to last me through high school, college, and beyond. Of course that may be asking too much.

I was wondering why most users had that important information in their signatures, but what about privacy issues and hackers?

 

I think the sleeve is essential . . . in college that will be nice to have because if you're only moving short distances (to class, the library) it is a lot easier to move around than your entire bag.
If that idea appeals to you then you should consider investing in the suspension strap for the sleevecase and the piggyback pouch, which is basically a small pouch that hooks onto the D-rings on the sleevecase (make sure you order those, it's $5 extra. If you aren't getting anything but the sleeve then you don't need them though).

Basically for the home network you need to make sure of a few things.
-Your wireless card is functional in the notebook (check the wireless icon in the system tray)
-That the router is properly hooked up to the Internet.
-Your wireless router is broadcasting a signal. There are indicator lights on it that tell you this.
-That your network is secured. You don't want random people leeching your bandwidth or stealing information.

Perhaps if your friend stops over, watch what he/she does so you can remember it for next time.

I've never heard of anyone having problems due to putting their laptop information in their signature. Of course it's entirely optional. Many people prefer not to use signatures.