You're right about both points. However, newer battery technology is supposed to prevent this from happening. Batteries now usually have a chip in it to learn the charging methods and the newer lithium ion batteries further provide protection from it.

It's not a fool proof method though. If possible, download a tool that prevents the laptop from reaching maximum charge. Like Lenovo, they have a battery tool that allows you to set the point where the battery stops charging and starts charging.

Like mine I set it to start charging when the battery drops below 50% and stop when it reaches 60%. I'm sure most laptop manufacturers have something similar.

Can't give you any specific application. I've used HP and Lenovo laptops before. The manufacturer has specific apps for these 2 brands to control the battery charging. I don't have the HP anymore but on the Lenovo, its called Power Manager 6.

If you don't want to use specific applications, you can actually do it from the Device Manager on your laptop.

Press Windows Key + R to pull out the Run command and type in devmgmt.msc.

Expand the Batteries and look for Microsoft ACPI - Compliant Control Method Battery.

Right click and disable it. That will stop the laptop from charging but you will have to remember to enable it when you want it to start charging.