Laptops are now an essential piece of equipment for the majority of working people. Think of a life without your computer and it would be a struggle to get everything done. Indeed, in a multi-cultural world that can often involve doing business with people working on other continents, the humble laptop has risen to become one of the most useful tools on the planet. Easily transportable and incredibly powerful, laptops are adored by students and businessmen alike.

Of course, technology progresses at an amazing speed nowadays and it is no secret that many people choose to replace their computer equipment every so often in order to stay up to date with the latest competition. But with laptop trade-in facilities available to find online, there are plenty of ways to dispose of an old laptop safely and even earn a little extra cash in the process.

However, the portable nature of laptops means that they are very easy to swipe. If you are travelling and getting distracted by other people, it is not inconceivable that a thief could easily slip a hand in your bag and make off with your laptop computer. As such, here are some laptop safety tips which should not be ignored.

Buy a Case

A case provides protection in a number of different ways. To begin with, it does the obvious job and will offer some level of protection to your laptop in case you accidentally drop or bash it whilst it is travelling in your bag. Choose a case that is well padded and can be easily opened and shut. The lighter the better is a mantra often uttered by travellers, and in this case, a case that can be stored away easily when not in use is worth an awful lot.

Hold on to It

If you are travelling through a dodgy area and are worried that your computer may be stolen, simply hold onto it. You are less likely to have possessions stolen if it looks like you have a firm grip on them. Common sense can go a long way to protecting yourself in all areas of life. Don’t wave the laptop in front of everybody and draw attention to yourself, just walk confidently and securely with your possessions in hand.

Lock It

There is a variety of different padlocks available for laptops which can provide a visible deterrent to would-be thieves. This may not be the most practical option if you intend on using the computer all day, but it’s great if you need to leave it in a hotel room for a while. You may also want to consider investing in some software that can locate your computer wherever it is in the world. Enable this and you will have a much better chance of tracking down your laptop if it ever gets stolen.

Be Smart

If a stranger asks to borrow your laptop to send an email – don’t let them! There’s no point in risking losing valuable data and equipment.