Holiday Checklist for Your Laptop
First it was the personal computer. Now it is the laptop that
has taken the world by storm. The portability and convenience of
the laptop has made it an indispensable companion of most
business people and company executives. Time is money for most
people and as such these people do not like to waste any time
even while they are traveling. With a laptop they are can do
work while waiting for a flight at the airport, while being idle
in their hotel room, etc.
Not to be left behind, the modern day thieves have also set
their eyes on whisking away these portable contraptions,
especially abroad, as they fetch a very good price when resold.
If you don't want to fall prey to the activities of these
thieves you must observe certain safety precautions to safeguard
your constant companion.
Given below are a few security tips that can ensure the safety
of your laptop:
* Avoid using the standard carrying case while taking the laptop
with you on your trips. Instead, you should put the laptop in a
different type of case. Always check it in as a carry-on
baggage. As it will always be with you there will be less chance
of its getting stolen. Moreover, it will remain in the
pressurized part of the plane rather than in the non-pressurized
baggage compartment. This will ensure the proper functioning of
the laptop.
* Treat your laptop as your most prized possession wherever you
might be at the airport - whether you are in boarding lounge, or
when you are using the payphone or even when going to the
toilet. Carry it with you, well strapped to your shoulder,
wherever you go. While seated if you keep it next to you,
someone might distract your attention and an accomplice might
just run away with it.
* On the flight if you are using the laptop, do not leave it in
the food tray while going to the toilet as it could fall in a
sudden turbulence. Leave it safely in your seat.
* Use laptop locks and security cables to deter the thieves.
The other basic necessities for a laptop to remain connected
are:
* Always have a dial-up access account as it affords
portability. Any telephone jack will enable you to get connected
and the Internet Service Provider will give dial-up access if
you are away from home. Before signing up you should check this
aspect.
* You must have a list of dial-up access numbers for the places
you will be visiting. Your ISP can provide access numbers and
you should save this information in your laptop for use as and
when needed. You should get a new ISP if your current ISP is
only limited to your local area and if you wish to travel
frequently.
* Different countries have different power adaptor plug systems
and a different operating voltage system. As such you should
carry with you the requisite type of power adaptor plug and a
step-up/step-down voltage transformer depending on the country
you are visiting.
* While going on long flights you should keep a spare battery
and monitor the battery usage. In case you are using Zip disks
for backup and transfer you should get an external USB Zip
drive, which is available for notebooks. They won't need a
separate power source, as they are very compact.
* All cords and cables should be packed neatly so that airport
security personnel can easily inspect the contents of the
carrying case.
Just use you common sense and take some basic precautions while
traveling. Keep some back-up cords and batteries handy and you
should have no problem. NEVER check in your laptop with the
other checked baggage.