Q: I had a fire in my home caused by an unplugged, turned-off computer. Seems the batteries stay hot for a long time after use. This started on a sofa arm, and we were lucky to get out alive. No one, even at the computer store, knew this could happen, but the fire department said this is not uncommon. Please pass this along to your readers.

-- M.A., California

A: Exploding laptop batteries were all over the news in 2006, but it doesn't take a manufacturer's error to create a dangerous situation.

Laptop makers are squeezing more electronic components into increasingly smaller spaces, generating heat levels that can raise the likelihood of battery failure.

Consider these tips for protecting yourself and your computer.

* Take it off your lap. Turn your laptop over, and you'll notice little rubber feet intended to lift the computer off a hard surface and let air circulate underneath.

Plopping your laptop on a pillow on your lap disrupts that air flow and lets heat build up. Ditto for leaving a laptop running on a sofa arm -- or even a turned-off laptop, if it's still hot after recent use.

What's more, laptops can have cooling vents on the sides, too, so make sure you leave room around the computer to let air flow.

* Travel safely. Invest in a laptop case that fits your computer. Bags that are too big can lead to physical damage to the computer. Too-small bags don't allow adequate ventilation to disperse heat.

In the same vein, before you pack up your computer or leave it alone in the house, turn it off completely. Some laptops spontaneously revive themselves from their "hibernate" or "suspend" modes. That's when they can really start to bake.

* Protect your battery. It may seem like common sense, but try to avoid actively damaging your laptop battery.

Don't expose the battery to high temperatures, such as leaving your laptop in the car on a hot day. Don't put a laptop in a situation that could crush or dent the battery. Don't expose battery terminals to metal.

Even dropping a battery in just the wrong way at just the wrong angle can cause it to explode.

* Only use batteries and chargers recommended by your laptop manufacturer. Generic or OEM batteries may lack full compatibility with your system, and that can be hazardous for you and your computer.

Q: I developed my Web site about eight years ago using Netscape Composer. The only way to keep my Web site information current is to use an old laptop of mine that still has Netscape Composer on it, but that laptop is slowly expiring. What current software programs can I switch to edit and post my Web page files to my Web site?

-- D.L., Chapel Hill

A: Newer Web editors generate HTML code just like Netscape Composer, said Jon Jordan, president of Raleigh Web services firm Atlantic Business Technologies.

There will be a slight learning curve in using a newer program, but any new software should be 100 percent compatible with the editing of your existing pages.

Nvu, pronounced "N view" (at nvu.com), is a continuation of the Netscape Composer software that may be familiar enough for you to make the transition without too much trouble, he said.

Other options he suggests include Adobe Dreamweaver (adobe.com/products/dream weaver) and the popular HotDog (sausage.com/hotdog-professional.html).