Are You Protecting Your Laptop?

It's an exciting day when you bring your new laptop home from the store. A fresh hard drive, more storage and a superior display await. All you have to do is turn it on and customize your new toy or work station. However, don't forget: You need to have the best physical and electronic protection to ensure the computer's longevity and your privacy.

Cybersecurity

To keep your information safe from hackers, install a good antivirus program. These programs protect your computer from malware, which can steal your personal information, delete your data and ruin your machine.

There are many products on the market, but choosing the best means going for one that's up to date and within your budget. There are many free versions, but in general, a paid computer security service will provide superior protection. Some good options are Bitdefender Total Security 2015, Symantec Norton 360, McAfee LiveSafe, Kaspersky Internet Security and Avast! Premier, according to Tom's Guide.

Insure it

When you spend a significant amount of money on a new computer, it's crucial to have it insured in case of an accident or theft. Look through your home or renters insurance policy carefully to see if it covers electronics - and if so, up to how much. Some policies have a cap for how much they'll pay out on individual items. If the cap is less than what your machine costs, contact your insurance agent to discuss adding additional coverage for the item.

Surge protection

A relatively small surge of electricity can ruin a power adapter or worse, the actual laptop. You probably have a more heavy duty surge protector at home, but you can purchase a portable surge protector to use when you're working at the local cafe or library.

Maintain aesthetics

It may seem like a minor point compared to cybersecurity and insurance, but buy a protective, water-resistant sleeve for your laptop. This will ensure it's safe within an extra layer of padding when you need to carry it around.

Additionally, you can keep your screen in better shape in the long run if you keep the layer of film that comes between the screen and the keyboard when you buy it. Put the film back every time you close your laptop. It's a thin amount of protection, but it's enough to ensure you don't get odd lines and pressure points on your screen.

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