Thinking of taking that laptop on your vacation? : Rooftop Views

Rooftop Views

Thinking of taking that laptop on your vacation?

HiWired, Inc., a provider of online services and support that helps consumers and small businesses utilize, enjoy and integrate their technology, shares important travel tips with consumers about to hit the road with a laptop in tow.

“As computers become more prevalent, and multi-functional, more and more families are bringing laptops on their vacations,” said Michael Wexler, co-founder of HiWired. “From watching movies, updating playlists, to keeping in touch with the office, today’s families are connected - even on the road. These tips work for families and road warriors alike.”

1.) Pack Wisely. Don’t forget the hardware you might need. Your laptop isn’t going to be very useful without a power cord. Be sure to pack chargers, external CD/DVD drives, optical travel mouse, and a short Ethernet cable. And, a back-up battery, which is especially critical for long flights or road trips. And, keeping them all in one bag or designated location is just good common sense.
2.) Access More Than Movies. If you’re lugging your laptop on a family trip to provide entertainment, be sure you can get online. Movies and static content only take you so far, so if your laptop doesn’t have a wireless card, get one before you travel. They are cheap, accessible and open up access to email and Internet – from any connected location.
3.) Be Wary of Strangers: The Internet is an amazing tool. When researching your trip, surfing in the airport or connecting from your lake-side cottage, access to the Internet and email is a boon. Still, be sure your connection is secure before you do online banking, or conduct any other sensitive transactions. A secure network is paramount – so ask before you sign in.
4.) Lock It Up: Password-protect key files or sensitive information on your laptop so that if your system is stolen, thieves will have a hard time accessing these files. This goes for PDAs and smartphones as well.
5.) Back It Up: Studies show that nearly 40 percent of people will lose something important from their PC each year. Back up before you go. Either do it yourself, or work with a service to back up all important files and applications. Then you’ll be able to travel worry-free.
6.) Don’t Overlook the Obvious: Make sure your laptop and bag is clearly marked with your information and a return address. Look-alike laptops have caused confusion in airport security lines more than once.