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HOW TO STAY CHARGED UP
Q I've heard it's not a good idea to "top off" my laptop computer's rechargeable battery--that is, recharge it even after it's been used only for a short time. Is that true? And what can I do to ensure long life for my rechargeable batteries?
A The answer depends on the kind of battery you're using. Nickel cadmium (ni-cad) batteries, the most common ones today, experience a "memory effect": If one is recharged repeatedly before it's been drained fully, it will interpret a less-than-full-charge as a full charge. As a result, it never will accept a full charge. If you have a ni-cad battery, occasionally let it run down completely before recharging. Some laptops come loaded with a program that accelerates the full-discharge process.
The newer nickel hydride (ni-hy) batteries don't exhibit memory effect, so topping them off is not a problem.
The latest, and best, batteries on the market are made of lithium ion. Not only are they free of a memory effect, but they also pack nearly twice the electric charge of ni-hy batteries of comparable size and weight.
Tip: No matter what battery you use, be sure, when it's new, its first charge is a long one--12 to 24 hours. Doing so ensures a longer life because all the cells are charged initially at the same rate. Also, when you travel, pack a fully charged spare.
CLEANING UP YOUR PATH
Q I have many application programs on my computer and each is listed in my AUTOEXEC.BAT path statement because automatic installation programs...