What is the best method to shut down a notebook computer?

The best method to shut down a notebook computer is indeed to unplug it and remove the battery. This approach is generally preferred when the computer is unresponsive or when there is a need to perform a hard reset. Unplugging from the back of the computer ensures that you're disconnecting it from any power source without causing potential damage to the laptop's components. In some cases, especially when the device is frozen, removing the battery can also help clear out any temporary states that the computer is in, ensuring a fresh restart.

While unplugging from the wall can cut off power, it might not be as safe or effective as ensuring that the device is also fully disconnected from its immediate power supply via the battery. Additionally, simply unplugging from the wall does not address any residual power that may still be present in the system, whereas removing the battery accomplishes this effectively.

This combination of actions ensures that the computer is entirely powered down, reducing the risk of data loss or hardware damage that could arise from an abrupt shutdown. These methods align well with standard practices in computer maintenance and troubleshooting.