How to Protect a Laptop on Vacation

Travelers often bring along their laptop computer on vacation. Taking a computer along allows you to access your files and games and use email while away from home. If you decide to travel with your laptop, you should take the necessary steps to protect it from theft or damage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Use a strong password to protect the information found on your laptop. The password should be a combination of letters and numbers.
2. Encrypt the files on your computer. Encryption only takes a few minutes and provides additional security to your files. In Windows, select the "Properties" feature to find the option for file encryption.
3. Make a backup disk of your information. A backup disk allows you to recover valuable information if the laptop is stolen or destroyed during travel.
4. Take the time to power down the laptop. Turn off the features of the laptop that you aren't using, such as the DVD drive. This prevents the battery from dying during your travels.
5. Keep your laptop with you at all times. Store the laptop in a dry case and make sure you keep it on your person while traveling.
6. Seek out a secure WiFi connection when traveling. Unsecured connections can allow your information to be obtained by other users on the network. Find a secured "hot spot" instead, like those provided by airports and businesses.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use the safe in your hotel room to store the laptop while you are off sightseeing. If it does not fit in the safe, secure it to a chair with a cable lock.
• Remember to double check that you have packed the laptop when you are about to depart from your travel destination.
• Never use your laptop in an area where it can get especially dirty. Sand and dirt can cause permanent damage to a laptop.