I love a good conspiracy theory — they’re just fun, aren’t they? The other day, I read a lengthy article that describes 33 conspiracy theories that are apparently proven true. I tweeted about it. I also wrote a post on my Posterous and Tumblr accounts a few days ago expressing some annoyance at the country-based limitations in purchasing Google’s Nexus One. I wondered why, with all of Google’s power, they were apparently unable to sell the phone across the US border (I’m in Canada). That got me thinking about the power of Google in general, and the glaring distrust that many people hold them in.
Are they really trying to rule the world? Are they really trying to own the world’s information? Information is power after all, and Google has managed to get away with some things that no one really thought possible… Or maybe Google is really what they purport themselves to be: an innocent company that has only benevolent plans for the world at large; from easier computing, to more open access to technology for all, to goat-powered lawn management. Can we really trust Google? Are they watching me write this post right now?
If you’re like me, you have the contents of your laptop bag down to a science. Over time, you’ve figured out what items you need in the bag, and what items you don’t. (Although if you’re like me, your definition of "need" is a bit liberal). Inspired by similar posts on other sites, here is a look at what I carry in my laptop bag. At the end of the article, I’ll have some links to those other sites, where you can find similar lists by other authors. In the comments, let us know what essential items you carry in your laptop bag.
If you have a curious toddler — either your own or just a frequent visitor — then you know how much they truly enjoy pressing the buttons on your computer. Secretly, you are probably certain that the child is bent on pressing just the right combination of buttons at just the wrong time so that he or she can spend some time giggling while you cry for a change. Fight back against infant tyranny! 
My main computer is a gaming rig, and as a result consists of a large tower with multiple vents and fans. Over time, these vents and fans become filled with a thick layer of dust. I’ve been meaning to clean out the tower for some time in order to improve cooling, and finally had the perfect excuse after receiving two new sticks of RAM for Christmas. I figured that while I had the case opened up to swap in the new RAM, and since the new year is a good time to tidy things up, I should also clean out the inside. I took it one step further, and also cleaned the monitor, and my keyboard. A few of the benefits I’m hoping for include lower operating temperatures, a clearer monitor, and a happy wife due to reduced dust in the room. Here are the steps I took to clean my computer. 
Yes, I know I used the same line in our