Initially it was the personal computer. These days it is the laptop that has captured the globe 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 can effortlessly do work whilst waiting for a flight at the airport, or while being idle in their hotel room, etc.

Not to be forgotten, the present day thieves have also set their eyes on whisking away these portable contraptions, especially abroad, as they yield a very good price when resold. If you don't plan to fall prey to the activities of these thieves you should be aware of a few preventative measures to safeguard your constant companion.

Listed beneath 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. Alternatively, you should place the laptop in a different type of case. At all times check it in as a carry-on baggage. As it will constantly be with you there will be less likelihood of it being stolen. Furthermore, it will stay in the pressurized section of the aircraft 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 the boarding lounge, or when you are using the payphone or even whilst going to the toilet. Carry it with you, well strapped over 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 on the food tray while going to the toilet as it might fall during unexpected turbulence. Leave it safely in your seat.
� Use laptop locks and security cables to deter any thieves.

The other fundamental necessities for a laptop to stay 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 enable dial-up access if you are away from home. Prior to signing a contract with your ISP you should check this aspect.
� You should 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 when required. If you want to travel regularly you should get a another ISP if your current ISP is only restricted to your local area.
� a few countries have different power adaptor plug systems and a different operating voltage system. As such you should take 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 lengthy flights you should keep a standby 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 your common sense and take a few fundamental precautions while traveling. Keep some back-up cords and batteries at hand and you should have no problems. On no account check in your laptop with the other checked baggage.