Fast Dell GX620 Desktop Computer, Pentium 4 HT 3.0Ghz 2gb High Performance Memory, 160GB 7200RPM Hard Drive, DVD/CDRW, Keyboard/Mouse/Dell Recovery CD included

I'm packing up a friend's computer that will be in storage for about a year. It fits best in the box when the tower is on its side. Can this cause any damage to the internal parts? I'm also interested in the possibility of negative effects on storing a flat panel LCD monitor on its side. I just don't want to cause any damage to my friend's computer by storing it improperly.

Thanks.

A: Step One
Use a heavy corrugated cardboard box with extra space for protective material.
2
Step Two
Make sure the weight capacity of the box, usually printed on the bottom, exceeds your computer and accessories.
3
Step Three
Remove, cover or cross out old shipping labels from the outside of the box.
4
Step Four
Wrap computer in bubble wrap or other cushioning material, covering all sides. Seal with tape.
5
Step Five
Wrap mouse, keyboard and other accessories separately.
6
Step Six
Fill open space in box with bubble wrap, polystyrene "peanuts" or "noodles," crumpled newspaper or other cushioning material.
7
Step Seven
Make sure the computer can't move inside the box.
8
Step Eight
Put a duplicate shipping label with your telephone number inside box.
9
Step Nine
Seal box with pressure-sensitive reinforced tape, water-activated paper tape or other strong packaging tape.
10
Step Ten
Cover seams with extra tape.
11
Step Eleven
Mark complete return and delivery addresses on a single label.
12
Step Twelve
Mark "FRAGILE" on all sides of the box.
Tips & Warnings

* Do not use masking tape, cellophane tape or string to seal the box.
* If you are returning a computer purchased from a mail-order manufacturer, you are usually required to return the original box and packaging materials in good condition.

Dell Updates OptiPlex Business Line InformationWeek

In addition, Dell on Thursday upgraded the OptiPlex 360 with the 380, which comprises three models, a mini-tower, a desktop, and a mini-desktop. The latter was not available in the 360 line.

In introducing smaller desktops, Dell is targeting space-constrained organizations, such as those found in education and healthcare settings. Cash-strapped schools are packing more students in classrooms, so less room is available for computers, and hospitals are placing PCs on medical carts or under desks, so smaller is a necessity.

Such "purpose-built" computer designs have become a focus of Dell, Curtis Campbell, OptiPlex product manager, told InformationWeek . In addition, customers in general are demanding systems that reduce overall costs through power efficiency and system management tools.

"Those are critical things that customers are looking for," Campbell said.

The smallest OptiPlex 780 is 9.4 x 2.6 x 9.3 inches, weighs seven pounds, and is Dell's smallest OptiPlex product.

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