So, you bought a new laptop or are planning to buy one? Before you go all gaga in spending a year's worth of savings on technology's creation or swiping that credit card for your very first purchase these are just a few things you need to consider in making sure that you have everything you'll ever need in that portable PC and keep it running smoothly. Hard drive, Cache and Memory

First, let's look at the hard drive, as you may know this where you keep all your files and programs limited by the space it provides. It is measured in RPM, ranging from 4200RPM to 10 000RPM, affecting the rate at which it can operate. A 5400RPM hard drive, being t he standard and is enough for most laptops and its users unless you're looking into using it for heavy graphics, video editing and gaming you may opt to go for a higher one. The other factor that influences the speed of your hard drive is the amount of memory it has, referred to as Cache. It is measured by Megabytes (MB) from 2MBs to 32Mbs.

One other important detail you need to know is the hard drive space you will be requiring. It is also known as your laptop's memory or RAM, typically measured in Gigabytes (GB). Having the right size of RAM guarantees that your laptop runs effortlessly to serve its purpose. If you intend to use it mainly for office applications and internet surfing then, 1G is enough. However, if you'd like to listen to music while accessing chat programs online you will need 2 GBs. For gaming, heavy graphics and video editing you'd do a lot better with 3GBs-4GBs. But of course, you can get more than 4 GBs, though one must take note that it only ensures that all programs have enough memory to utilize but once the point is reached, will not increase its performance.

Power Supply
Once you have set up your laptop to begin your work, oftentimes we neglect to check one important feature, its power supply. Checking your laptop's power supply is essential in preventing potential computer damage and its costs. It begins with the power strip that plugs into the wall, regulating the amount of power that enters your laptop, avoiding power spikes. It then enters the AC adapter, converting the alternating current from the wall socket that directly powers your laptop and its battery. The point at which your power cord ends and your laptop begins, serves two functions: one to send power to the mother board; and second to send power to your battery for charging.

One other vital component in your laptop's power supply is its installed cooling fan, as it stops it from overheating. If it is clogged by hair and dirt it can be rendered ineffective. Remember all the key points discussed in this article to ensure that your laptop stays healthy and useful. A little background and know how will save you time, energy and money in unforeseen repairs that might cost more than buying a new one. Nonetheless, you need to treat it like any other investment for it requires constant monitoring to work effectively and efficiently.