Unfortunately the list seems to be growing for notebook computer batteries being recalled by manufacturers. The batteries are originally from Sony.

It started at the end of the summer beginning with Dell, but now Apple, IBM, Gateway, Fujitsu and HP are all on the list.

For those of you who don’t know. The problem with the batteries is that they can overheat, and in some cases have been known to combust.

If you have children who own laptops it would be worth checking theirs too.

So the strong advice is to check your machine on the corresponding sites below (if you own a notebook from any of the companies). It will take only five minutes, but what price would you put on you laptop if you didn’t?

Dell: https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/

Apple: http://support.apple.com/batteryprogram

Gateway: http://www.gateway.com/battery

Fujitsu: http://www.computers.us.fujitsu.com/www/news.shtml?aboutus/pressreleases/pr_093006

IBM & Lenovo: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=BATT-LENOVO

HP: http://www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement

It may be worth taking note that it is that time of year were nasty bugs and flu are about. So this has led me to remind you that computers are the ideal location for bugs to lurk and spread from (and I am really talking about bacteria, not some kind of digital problem!).

Make sure you give your keyboard, mouse and screen a good clean on a regular basis to prevent something that you don’t want to get, or someone else does not get something nasty.

Usual rules apply, make sure the computer is turned off before cleaning and only use simple disinfectants or wipes. ONLY use alcohol based wipes on your screen. Using anything else could seriously damage your screen.

This morning, I was extremely satisfied to read the following article on The Register (http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2006/11/09/pcworld_fails_fixing_test/).

The Register reports that Computer Which? Magazine carried out an undercover investigation of independent and major stores that offer a computer repair service. The conclusion that Computer Which? Magazine reached was that independent computer repair businesses are better for both quality of service and value for money for repairing and troubleshooting computers.

Good news for me, bad news for my nemeses!

Credit to The Register for being this information to my attention.

For those of you who don’t know, Windows Vista (the replacement to Windows XP) is nearly here. Despite more setbacks than the victory party on the War on Terror, it really does look like it is go later this month (November 2006).

For those of you who are worried that your Christmas present will have the old Windows XP  - fear not. A majority of manufacturers will supply new computers with a funky little voucher, which will allow users to purchase an upgrade to Vista at a knock-down price.

Needless to say, Hewlett-Packard (HP), theopenworldtechnician’s computer manufacture of choice is apart of the scheme, and computers shipping today will have all the details.

Remember you can buy computers directly from HP here, or you can chat to thetechangel.com (previously known as theopenworldtechnician.com) for details and purchase it through me.