What's a Netbook ... And Why Would You Need One?

In the hardware world, there’s a pretty lively discussion going on about the difference between laptops, notebooks, and netbooks.

Opinion seems to be converging around the idea that laptops and notebooks are virtually the same: small, portable, but powerful computers that can function as a more travel-worthy substitute for a stationary desktop model.

Netbooks, on the other hand, are a relatively new innovation – just a couple of years old, which might make them ancient in some technology circles, but it means that some folks are still figuring out what the term means.

Way back in the beginning of netbooks, these ultra-small, ultra-light computers offered pared-down capabilities that could satisfy most of the needs of a user on the go. You could access a Web browser and email, and if you used cloud-based applications like Google Docs you could even do some word processing and basic spreadsheet operations. But your average netbook, lacking an optical drive and equipped with a slower processer, wasn’t going to be terribly fast or powerful or great at running really resource-intensive applications. And the tiny keyboard made prolonged use a bit of a pain.

But then a funny thing happened: the year 2008. And as the economy took a dive, more and more users started looking at netbooks and deciding they made a very good, affordable alternative to regular laptops. By Q1 of 2009, netbook sales were seven times larger than they were in the first quarter of 2008. (http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/tech/0EF7F828A4FAC9A9CC2575AB007165B4)

Not surprisingly, manufacturers noticed a huge new market that was growing like gangbusters in the middle of a downturn. New entrants joined the game, and in order to differentiate themselves, started adding features and enhancements to the stripped-down netbook. Screen sizes and keyboards are now getting larger. Graphics are getting better. Some folks argue that, at least among certain brands, there’s virtually no difference at all between a netbook and an ultralight laptop. (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10312430-1.html)

Still, as a general rule of thumb, if you’re looking for a very cheap and light machine that you wouldn’t be heartbroken to lose or see destroyed – in other words, if you’re a student who needs a note-taking device, or a frequent traveler who has robust offsite storage and just needs an on-the-road Internet access device – a netbook could be the perfect thing.

Disaster Mirage: You Think You're Safe. But You're Not

SmallBizTechnology.com - October 4th, 2009

Disaster Mirage: You Think You're Safe. But You're Not. | Smallbiztechnology.com

Ramon Ray writes about Small Businesses and their disaster recovery preparedness. It's not just about backing up your data. It's about how you recover (the data, the applications, the user profiles, the desktops, laptops and servers, email access, internet access, etc.) when disaster strikes.

Three Free Webinars from The Software Revitalist

Ellen DePasquale, the Software Revitalist, has announced three free webinars which she is hsoting next week. The topics are:

• Controlling Your Inbox With Microsoft Outlook
• Getting the Information You Need in Quickbooks
• Prospecting in the Digital Age: Internet Search Tips

The webinars are November 2, 3 and 4thand you can register here.

With these, you get access to a bonus webinar: B2B Relationship Building Strategies.

All the webinars are one hour and packed with advice. Learn more at www.eocomputing.com

Excitement is in the Air with Windows 7 Launch

Reposting the following article from CMIT Solutions of Denver. Visit their website at http://www.cmitsolutions.com/denver

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October 22nd is fast approaching and with it comes the launch of Microsoft's newest - and perhaps best yet - operating system (OS) - Windows 7!

I have not been talking it up with my clients or prospects to the extent it deserves. For months I have received news and information from my colleagues at Microsoft about Windows 7 and have heard from my team of techs at the Denver office that it is great.

Well, another confirmation came last week (10/8/09) from a source that is usually not so "high" on Microsoft's operating systems. The Wall Street Journal and the author of the article, Walter S. Mossberg, gave this new OS a stellar review. Below are some excerpts and paraphrased thoughts from Mr. Mossberg.

"While XP works well for many people, it is relatively weak in areas such as security, networking and other features..."

".., I believe it is the best version of Windows Microsoft has produced. It's a boost to productivity and a pleasure to use."

"Windows 7 introduces real advances in organizing your programs and files,... It removes a lot of clultter. And it mostly banishes Vista's main flaws -..."

"In recent years, I, like many other reviewers, have argued that Apple's Mac OS X operating system is much better than Windows. That's no longer true."

Without going into detail on each new or enhanced feature, here is a quick list of some of Windows 7's new features:

New Taskbar
File Organization
Networking
Speed
Compatibility with 3rd party software
System Requirements

You too have probably read or heard similar reviews from the media of recent and the next week and into 2010, you will undoubtedly learn more (first or second-hand) about Windows 7. When new hardware is being considered or how to enhance your existing hardware to increase productivity and user-friendliness, give us a jingle at 303-756-2648 or send me an email and we will answer your questions.

CMIT Solutions of Denver doesn't normally adopt a new OS version so quickly; however, with months of beta testing on our machines and conferring with our nationwide network of CMIT technicians and our partners at Microsoft (and even our competitors), we will recommend Windows 7 where it makes sense and ONLY with sound planning.