My question is how to maximize the battery's life. I've heard there are six types of battery, but have no idea which type that of acer laptop Aspire 5000 is. I was also TOLD not to charge battery when the computer is in use, but only charge it when it is not in use and the power in it is low.

Then someone else said that it depends on which type the battery is. I also like to know that when the computer is not in use, which condition, standby or turnoff, is better for the computer.

Thanks in advance for information.how?i guess you only can use the power MANAGEMENT in windows?there are,minimal,home,max battery & etc (something written like that).i don't know about acer battery but yeah,think they sold it.why don't try at acer website?
http://global.acer.com/
yeah,charge only when you don't use the laptop.it can reduce the recycle life of the battery.make sure to defrag your HDD because it can make your HDD spin not too much so this can make the battery life longer.
better turn the laptop off because this are the best WAY to SAVE the battery life,REMEMBER you are notebook not a desktop.