Microsoft doles out netbook purchasing advice. First thing: Figure out how you're going to use it. Netbooks — or in Microsoft parlance, “small notebook PCs” — now account for between 10 and 20 percent of worldwide PC sales, depending on where in the world you live.Microsoft’s Windows XP OS is running on a very comfortable 98 percent of all netbooks sold at retail in the United States, according to market research firm The NPD Group.One way the company is putting its netbook market clout to use is with a new post on its Windows Experience blog listing six tips to consider before slapping down the old credit card for netbook.Despite the growing popularity of these small wonders, Microsoft is still seeing netbooks being used mainly as portable “companion PCs” to traditional desktops or laptops. Ben Rudolph, senior PR director for the Microsoft’s Windows Client group, says that most people use a netbook as a multimedia mobile device while traveling or commuting more than as their main computing machine.“I don’t see them replacing the traditional laptop or desktop, but adding more to what you can do on the go — and the multimedia features will be more accessible when Windows 7 comes to market,” he says. Rudolph adds that while enterprises will obviously require more network management and security of netbooks than a consumer would, business users should ask themselves many of the same questions as consumers before buying netbooks. The main one: Will it work with my stuff?Here are the six key netbook purchasing questions that Microsoft highlights in its blog post (Click here to read the full post): Is it easy to use? Will it work with my stuff? Is it the right size for me? Does it have the hardware horsepower I need? Will I be safe online? What level of support do I need? Are you a Tweeter? Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/smoneill. Follow everything from CIO.com on Twitter at twitter.com/CIOonline. Related content opinion Last Words Before Closing Eye on Microsoft By Shane O'Neill Jun 05, 2013 3 mins Small and Medium Business Tablets Windows opinion With Rumored Reorg, Microsoft Tries to Simplify The mounting pressure on Steve Ballmer to streamline Microsoft is finally leading to some action. By Shane O'Neill Jun 03, 2013 3 mins IT Strategy Cloud Computing Computers and Peripherals opinion What You Need to Know About the New Lync and Skype Integration Audio calls and instant messaging are officially integrated between Lync and Skype, but no video connectivity yet. Here are some key points for users and IT admins about the new Lync-Skype connection. By Shane O'Neill May 29, 2013 3 mins Small and Medium Business Internet VoIP opinion Microsoft Should Leave the Competition Out of Ads Microsoft is in no position to disparage Google and Apple in TV ads, yet it keeps doing it. A new ad for Microsoft Surface turns inward and gets it right. By Shane O'Neill May 23, 2013 2 mins Small and Medium Business Tablets Internet Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe