Windows 7: Notebooks and their batteries

I have a 2 year-old laptop and a 6 month-old netbook. I recently read that if my mobile notebooks are always plugged in to a power source,(and mine are 99% of the time) the battery should not be in the equipment. It read they should be removed and stored away. Is this true? If so, my question, is it to late to remove these batteries and put them away for safe keeping? Are they slowly being drained away plugged into the notebook? Thanks for all your help here!

Aurora,
Read the following link on laptop batteries...
Four essential tips for extending the battery life of your computer, cell phone, and every other gadget. - By Farhad Manjoo - Slate Magazine

Thank You! Will read.

Your welcome!

Google and type in....
how to get the most out of laptop batteries

there are several good links with many different opinions...
At home I take battery out and then I'll put a good charge on it before I leave the house.

Very good first article. It says to take them out when not in use because heat is their worst enemy. My notebook battery was not hot at all to my surprise, however, I removed, labeled and stored both batteries. Thank you!