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This article discusses preventive-maintenance tips for PC internal and external devices. Few users are as diligent as they should be about backing up system, applications, and data. No backup strategy is 100 percent effective, and most take more time to set up and use than users are willing to spend on them. The very least one can do is to create an image of the hard drive when everything works. That way, when trouble strikes, users merely restore the pristine image, which usually takes less than 45 minutes. Symantec Norton Ghost 9 and Acronis True Image 8 restore Windows XP, Microsoft Office, and an assortment of other applications and utilities in half the time it would take to reinstall Windows, let alone the hours required to reinstall all programs, reload data files manually, and reconfigure system settings to the way one prefers them. The downside: Norton Ghost costs $70 retail, and True Image lists for $50. While saving the image to a second hard drive is far more convenient than placing it on a DVD, it is also more expensive. Incompatibilities between DVD drives and imaging software are common. To make data easier to restore, keep data files on a partition other than the one that holds Windows and applications.

This article focuses wireless keyboards and mice. The radio frequency receiver, which connects the keyboard and/or mouse to the personal computer, is a key chain-size adapter that plugs into a Universal Serial Bus port. Radio frequency keyboards and mice must be no more than a few feet away from the receiver with relatively clear line of sight to operate. A newer way to go warless is with a keyboard and mouse that use Bluetooth. this technology allow the personal computer to communicate to as many as seven Bluetooth-ready devices up to 30 feet away, and the devices do not need to in view of the base station or Universal Serial Bus adapter to connect. However, Bluetooth keyboards and mice cost more than their radio frequency counterparts. During most tests, Bluetooth devices took longer to install, and some connections were occasionally shaky. The Basic Wireless Optical Desktop from Microsoft Corp. comes with 25 programmable buttons and is priced at $65. The Cordless Click Plus Optical Mouse has great navigation features. The DiNovo Media Desktop from Logitech comes with a detached numeric keypad, which works great as a remote control for music files. However, the DiNovo has a steep price. INSET: Cut the Cords: Wireless Input Devices.

A review for the Snap Communicator, a universal serial bus (USB) cable, is presented.

This article presents information on the AC Anywhere adapter from Belkin. It turns a 12 volt outlet into a standard AC power outlet. A 300-watt version comes with two sockets and costs $80.

This article discusses the course of action made by PCWorld in helping Lew Snyder get a replacement leg for his Logitech Cordless Elite Duo keyboard from Logitech. Logitech informed Snyder that they did not sell this part. e was told that he would either have to buy a new keyboard or do a search on Google to see if anyone had the part. Logitech explained to PCWorld that the Cordless Elite Duo is no longer being manufactured, so this part is unavailable for sale. The company offered Snyder a new keyboard or a replacement leg. Snyder requested the part. Customers who have problems like Snyder's will be offered parts, when available, or a replacement keyboard--as long as the product is still under warranty.

Features Logitech's digital pen called Io which contain an optical sensor that captures handwriting as users write. Requirement for digital paper; Conversion of handwriting to editable text.

Evaluates Olympus' DS-320 Digital Voice Recorder which can convert spoken words into digital files. Use of IBM ViaVoice Version 8 computer software to convert the recorded words into text on a computer screen; Features; Set-up; Price.

Evaluates 100 computers and computer equipment. Power personal computers (PC); Midrange PC; Budget PC; Notebooks or laptops; Home PC; Printers; Scanners; Graphics boards; Modems; Features and capabilities; Performance; Rating criteria; Price; Conclusions. INSETS: Tech Trends: RAM Prices May Head Back Up.;Tech Trends: Options in Optical Storage.;Tech Trends: Why Free PCs Don't Make the Charts..