Charging battery

have 1.33 GHz PowerBook G4. not clear on charging battery. thought some time ago i read, in order to extend life, it's a good idea to periodically let battery drain to nothing, then recharge. is this true? if battery goes to ZERO, will i lose all my information?

also....might have to go away and leave my laptop; without being able to keep it charging on the adapter, how do i keep all info. safe from loss? charge battery fully and then remove from laptop? that is what i have read, correct or anything else? thanks

I have done some search and here is what I found :

Apple Portables: Tips for maximizing your battery charge:
Apple Portables: Tips for maximizing your battery charge

Apple Portables: Calibrating your computer's battery for best performance:
Apple Portables: Calibrating your computer's battery for best performance

Apple Portables: About battery storage life:
Apple Portables: About battery storage life

Hope it helps.