Laptop speeds/security ?

[seancass]

I wonder if fellow traders can offer guidance please:

I was informed last night that the speed and efficiency of notebook computers (laptops) tails off after about two hours if left on constantly because they overheat ! If true, this is not good news as I have just bought a new HP Pavilion notebook with 1MB RAM and Pentium4 3.0 GHz processor. I chose that model as its components were suited to handling much information relevant to traders at fast speed, But, if it's going to slow down after a couple of hours when I need it to be on for many hours during the day.....????!

Secondly, I want to hitch both my computers up to a wireless router so that both machines can work off the same internet line at the same time. Now, this may sound like a really silly question but as a non-techie I am compelled to ask it anyway and it is this: would computers wired for such purpose in neighbouring properties in close proximity be able to recognise and then tap into my wireless connection? What about security of e mails etc? Something at the back of mind - something I read long ago - has prompted this question.

Thank you in anticipation for any informed views.
Sean

 

[Trader333]

Sean,

There is no reason why your laptop should slow down after 2 hours, mine certainly doesnt.

When using a wireless router you will need to ensure that you have a secure and encrypted setup. If not then you are right in that people could access your network and this does happen. There should be instructions on how to setup for secure use from the product provider.


Paul

 

[seancass]

Sean,

There is no reason why your laptop should slow down after 2 hours, mine certainly doesnt.

When using a wireless router you will need to ensure that you have a secure and encrypted setup. If not then you are right in that people could access your network and this does happen. There should be instructions on how to setup for secure use from the product provider.


Paul

Thank you Paul,

Just as I suspected.

Sean

 

[rossored]

Agreed, this is complete rubbish.

The only thing that can hinder performance is applications - if left open for long periods of time, I find that some memory-intensive applications (Dreamweaver, Photoshop etc) will degrade performance to the point at which it becomes a bit irritating - but a reboot always solves the problem.

EDIT : on your wireless comments, Paul is quite right - although I set a WLAN up for someone recently and didn't bother encrypting it - reason being that the property was very old, had incredibly thick walls and the signal could barely be read two rooms away, let alone outside the house.

 

[seancass]

Agreed, this is complete rubbish.

The only thing that can hinder performance is applications - if left open for long periods of time, I find that some memory-intensive applications (Dreamweaver, Photoshop etc) will degrade performance to the point at which it becomes a bit irritating - but a reboot always solves the problem.

EDIT : on your wireless comments, Paul is quite right - although I set a WLAN up for someone recently and didn't bother encrypting it - reason being that the property was very old, had incredibly thick walls and the signal could barely be read two rooms away, let alone outside the house.

Thank you Matt.

So, both questions answered. Laptop speed okay and make sure that encription is in place for fear of parasite surfers! Many thanks.
Sean

 

[alliance]

Sean,
Take a look at www.mywifizone.com

 

[roguetrader]

Sean, my understanding that with the wireless network you have two main risks, people stealing your bandwidth. ie. you become a wireless hotspot, depends on how far your signal carries. My brother can connect to at least two other networks as well as his own. The other risk is that if others can connect to your network they may have access to files on your computer. This would not however allow them to interact with a secure site you may be viewing, ie https. The connection between you computer and that site is encrypted.
The solution as others have said is to encrypt your network, should be information with your router to set that up. As an added protection if you are still concerned you can run a software firewall on your computers such as SPF or Zone Alarm and control access to each computer on your network individually.

 

[Old_Bob]

I turn on my laptop for hours and it doesn't slow down. I think that all laptops and computers have a colling system.

 

[Pippppin]

not sure mine has a colling system....