Laptop Repair May Lead to Unsuspecting Theft of Your Identity

If you're a heavyweight laptop user an unexpected equipment failure of your trustworthy movable workstation turns into a nightmare. You cannot get any work finished, no way you are capable of reading blogs and information, and your beloved video game is unaccompanied and devoid of you. However, did you know that laptop computer reparation may possibly assist identity theft, in addition to supplementary financial loads?

Consider it, your laptop is loaded up along with slew of identifying information. This personal information may be in your files folder, Internet surfing history, and computer programs like Quicken as well as Microsoft Excel.

Calling for assistance is securest

If your laptop gives out aim to call up the corporation that sold it to you in turn to repair it over the telephone. Make certain to achieve that providing you possess warranty on it, if not you will be charged in support of the call. You are able to also address your informed friend, but I'm certain he or she might be really tied up for the following couple of weeks. This is the advisable formula to avoid identity theft seeing that you are in possession of your portable computer.

Runner-up

The second best technique in protecting yourself from ID theft is having a repair individual appear at your household and assist you fixing your computing machine. By means of "assist you" I signify that you are supposed to be cognizant of what is occurring throughout the repair procedure. I recommend buying some pizza and making you take a seat close to the technician the whole way through. I acknowledge it's tiresome, however in the long run it can deliver your from identity theft snake pit.

Still permissible

A different direction to restore a portable computer that contains a software glitch, but it powers on and functions on the Internet, is using remote assistance. This is a good thing to carry out providing you need somebody seasoned to repair your computer. You essentially connect with the Internet and ask over the repair person to link up to your laptop computer. When connected, the individual can navigate to some locations because they will have command over your laptop. The possibility for identity theft is greater, however you will be able to observe what takes place on the screen. If you ever think about remote assistance, in order to repair your portable computer, be sure to monitor the process. Providing you sense something shady and you have no more influence using the computer mouse and keyboard simply yank the online connection line or disable the Wi-Fi adapter. The individual on the opposite end is supposed to have no more right of entry.

The most insecure line of attack

Sending away your laptop off to a repair facility, like Best Buy's Geek Squad, for instance, is by far the most insecure fashion you can entrust your portable computer and your personal identity. When you depart the fixing location you have no control over what the person, or the people, repairing your computer are able to access and run across. This "most insecure line of attack" affirmation likewise applies to having your laptop computer transported off en route for a repair location like: Dell, Gateway, IBM, etc. under the supplying of your guarantee. I acknowledge that this is the most popular mode by which individuals repair battered laptops, but it's also the most dangerous approach to control your personal identity and financial info that may possibly survive stacked away in your portable computer.

Ultimately, you might stave off identity theft as no one will access or employ the identifying information on your computer. Nevertheless, this isn't assured. You had better been well aware of the reality that if something scheming did occur you recently subjected your laptop computer for repair.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Radek_Gadek

Traveling with Laptops

For business trips, traveling with a laptop is probably the most convenient idea. Whether you are going to another branch of your company or meeting up with clients, notebooks have made taking documents, e-mailing and carrying all your information easier, plus you don’t have to worry about being set up with a new computer on the other side.

With new models of lap tops being made smaller, slimmer and more efficient, days of carrying around what feels like a small elephant are a thing of the past. However, travelling with them across borders unfortunately is still not easy even without the weight.

Most laptop traveling problems can generally be avoided in advance with a little planning. Batteries will have a nasty habit of dieing right in the middle of the flight if there isn’t some planning involved.

Trying putting your laptop in a less obvious laptop bag. While the laptop bag is specifically made with padding for bumpy trips, adding your own padding and putting it in a backpack will make it less likely to be picked up. Choosing the right airline is just as important as picking the right seat.

There is nothing worse then just starting your work when half way through, the person in front of you decides they want to sleep and start reclining their chair. Before you know it, your delicately balanced coffee is now spilt all over your keyboard with the excess fluid being poured off the tray, straight into your lap. By this stage, it’s not so much the boiling liquid on your lap that you are concerned with, but the laptop itself that is now, with a fair amount of speed from the reclining, is just about to have a head on collision with your ribs and there is nothing you can do about it.

Of course the person who is causing all this chaos can’t hear your yelping in horror as the chances are, they are probably listening to soothing ocean noises coming from their ipod. The good news is that business class doesn’t have this problem and for smaller airplanes, the seats by the emergency exist don’t recline.

Generally though it is a good idea when booking with an airline to also check what their requirements are for carry-on items. Certain airlines even have power inputs for laptops while in flight which might be a better option for laptop owners who forget to recharge before flying long distances.

One of the most important things is, of course, to keep an eye at all times on your laptop. Especially when going through checks at the airport. A lot of laptops get picked up when you are on one side of the metal detector, your laptop is on the other and there is armed security people busy searching random people who have set the detector off with their bling bling.

There are various programs that can be loaded about data being exploited in the chance that laptop does get stolen. These programs will encrypt your data and will also require a password to start the laptop.

Once you have arrived in another country it is a completely different ball game. Just because your country uses one type of power plug, doesn’t mean all countries do. Check beforehand when booking your accommodation, what type of power plugs do they have as well as what is available as far as Internet is concerned.

Overall when traveling, you are going to have to plan your entire journey from flights to accommodation for yourself, so you might as well do it for your laptop as well.

Celeste has been writing content and has recently joined an online marketing group for My New Laptop which specializes in selling professional laptops.
Article Source: Traveling with Laptops
By Celeste Yates

Buy a Laptop Online

Buying a Laptop might just be the best thing you ever do for your business or for personal use, depending on the situation.

If you travel a lot then a laptop is going to benefit you more than a Computer would as you will have your Laptop with you, this way you can take them to meetings, produce a presentation easily by use of your Laptop, back up your files on the go and even browse the Internet if it has wireless capability, these days most Laptops do, an important factor to consider, will you need the Internet? If so you defiantly need to get a Laptop with this capability.

There are several reasons to buy a Laptop, depending on your situation it will differ on which type of Laptop you would need, for example, if you’re always on the move you are going to need it to be light weight and capable of running from the battery for several hours with a short recharge time.

You may also need to be able to access the Internet, make sure you get wireless network adaptor with your Laptop if this is the case, you can simply hook up to access points in places such as Internet Cafes and Social Gatherings.

Laptops are a great asset to any business, they allow so much more possibilities, you might just want a laptop for personal use and do not want to be stuck to one section of your house, with a Laptop you can move around your house easily while connecting to your router via wireless network card in the Laptop.

If you want to find out more about Laptop computers then visit our Buy Laptop Online page.
Article Source: Buy a Laptop Online
By Mick Stafford

Shop For the Cheapest Laptop Deals Available

Cheapest Laptop

Are you looking for the cheapest laptop? Do research online to find the best deal. After looking you will discover the most common suggestion is check into a refurbished laptop that may be near equal to the latest laptop on the market.. Of course if you do not feel like buying a refurbished one you will have to search for the best deals for a new laptop. There are many deals popping up everyday on the internet.

It is important to read laptop computer reviews prior to purchase. You may want the cheapest laptop but you don't want the worst. You want to be sure that the laptop you purchase is able to perform the tasks needed to be done for your business or schoolwork. There are a lot of components that make up a computer, some are more powerful than others and some more expensive.

You may find yourself in a situation where you have to look into a computer laptop rental. Your current laptop may have to be repaired, you may need a portable laptop for a trip, or you may need to hire extra temporary help at the office. Whatever the reason it is important to read a computer laptop review for rentals first. You want to research the company you will be renting from, read the rental agreement, and find out if the computer laptop rental will meet your needs.

The Refurbished Laptop

If you have decided that in order to get the cheapest laptop you will have to purchase a refurbished one, you must do your homework. Again, you want to be sure it has enough memory and disc space as well as the type of screen and keyboard you like. Read all the specs to be sure it has what you need. After researching and discovering what a refurbished laptop has you may decide to look for the online deals and sales on a new laptop.

What Do You Need in a Laptop?

What will you use your laptop for? Is it for the kids to play video games or do their homework? Will you be using it for business? Once you have realized your needs, then you need to find the right laptop. This may also help you make the decision on whether to buy a small screen laptop, large screen laptop, a refurbished one, rent one, or look for the newest and most powerful laptop at the cheapest price. So the quest for the cheapest laptop continues.

Research & Read the Fine Print

It is important to read all the specs on the cheapest laptop you are interested in. It may seem like a great deal until you discover it will not be able to handle the demands of your business. You do not want to find this out after purchase. Buying more memory or returning the laptop can be costly and inconvenient. If you are unsure of your needs talk to a friend or colleague. They can be an invaluable asset and may be able to help you order the perfect cheapest laptop or computer laptop rental that may also be the least expensive. Paying more does not always insure that you are getting the best.

Your main goal is to find the best as well as the cheapest laptop. This may mean a computer laptop rental, or a rebuilt one.

Find the latest information on laptops visit Cheaptest Laptop as well as Small Screen Laptop
Article Source: Shop For the Cheapest Laptop Deals Available
By Mary Swanson

Cheap Laptops - Your Tab on Latest Info

Laptop notebooks are steadily gaining popularity amongst the youngsters when compared with the personal computers. Your personal computer notebook allows you to have an easy access on the desired information from internet at any point of time. With a number of laptop models available in the market today such as media center, gaming, general-purpose, business, ultra portable and cheap laptops in India, the numerous laptop brands are offering customized configurations to meet client's varied requirements. Pertaining to the needs of the consumer, one can easily select the best for himself from the consortium of brands available in the market. These cheap laptops in India are known for their inexpensiveness and are reckoned for their high performance.

This kind of notebook PCs are ideal for those who have low budget and who would rather replace the laptop than to bear the wrath of repair centers. Discounted laptops are ideal for students who are new to technology and do not want to opt for something high end. In addition to this, cheap notebook PC also appeals to domestic utilization and assists everyone in the house to learn computers. Entire global marketplace is flooded with diverse laptop models and laptop brands, so undergoing a very little research; one can easily opt for the requisite model that fits their unique needs.

Consider the fact that the laptop computers can not be upgraded in comparison to the desktop computers. Further, before you buy laptop online, check out its power-packed features such as processor, operating system, memory, hard drive, graphic card and display.

We are an online marketplace engaged in offering discounted deals on a wide array of computer notebooks. The products on offer are assured of their superior quality and therefore have earned goodwill for us across the global marketplace. With latest models and competitive prices on offer, http://onlinedeals.in/Shopping//Hewlett-Packard-(HP)_2_35.htm and http://onlinedeals.in/Shopping/Lenovo_25.htm has set a benchmark for itself across the international online marketplace.
Article Source: Cheap Laptops
By Esha Jain

8 Steps to Evaluating a Used Laptop Computer

If you have considered purchasing a used laptop computer you might first want to
review the following step by step evaluation process to ensure that you get a good
quality used laptop computer.

Step 1-Find out what external hardware is included with the computer. At a bare
minimum, the laptop computer will need a power cord. Other options that might be
included are an external mouse, keyboard and floppy disk drive. Additional hardware
offerings could include a microphone, speakers, printer, scanner, external wireless card
and battery.

Step 2-Find out what internal hardware is included with the computer. The most
popular internal hardware component is the internal wireless network card. Other
internal hardware components include things such as a video card, DVD drive, CD Rom
drive, and a sound card.

Step 3-Before you even consider purchasing a used laptop computer, ask if the
computer components are original, repaired or replaced.

Step 4-Ask the seller if the machine is in full working condition. Some questions you
might ask include a. does the machine power on and off properly; b. is the monitor
clear without scratches or flaws; c. does the battery work properly; d. does the
computer work properly without the battery installed and, if so, how long does the
battery stay charged.

Step 5-Determine what operating system is installed in the used laptop computer. The
newest version of Windows, called Windows Vista, is not always compatible with all
softwares. You will need to find out what operating system is running the computer
and research if that operating system will run the software that you intend to install.

Step 6-Find out what software is being included with the computer.

Step 7-Thoroughly research competitive prices for the make, model and year of the used
laptop computer that you are considering buying. This is easy to determine by
reviewing the bids on similar products on Ebay.

Step 8-If the machine is a fairly new machine, it might still be covered under warranty.
If so, ask the seller if the warranty is transferrable to you upon purchase.

The review the current market prices of used laptop computers, visit my store, The Cheap Laptop Store
Article Source: 8 Steps to Evaluating
By Roberta Sullivan

Laptop Security -Where'd My Laptop Go?

Laptops are lovely. They are convenient, mobile, powerful and prestigious.
They are also thief magnets. Over 400,000 laptops disappear each year, leaving their owners wondering where they went, what is happening with their data and what to do next.
Some of the laptops are just lost – left in cabs, at hotels, restaurants and at conferences and events. Many of these laptops (but not all) find their way back to their lucky owners.
Some are stolen by people – many of them co-workers, service staff or people taking advantage of a “moment of opportunity” – who just want to have a laptop.
Some are stolen by professional “Laptop Lifters” who may work in teams to steal the laptops for resale.
And others are stolen, not for the laptop itself, which may be a bonus, but for the data on the laptop’s hard drive – financial or identity data or business plans or data.
For example:

* QualComm’s CEO had his laptop stolen while he was conducting a Press Conference. Reportedly, some of QualComm’s most valuable secrets were on that laptop, unencrypted and only protected by an easily bypassed password.
* A Department of State laptop containing high level information on nuclear proliferation was stolen right from State’s headquarters. Two administrators were fired and other personnel were reprimanded.


Think about it – What other piece of equipment or personal possession do we routinely carry around that is worth over a thousand dollars, by itself, and may be worth thousands more in data? Why wouldn’t that be attractive to thieves?
A large part of the problem is less on the hardware or software end of things, it’s in the HUMAN side of things. By raising our awareness many of the vulnerabilities can be greatly lessened.
There are 3 areas of vulnerability: 1) Securing the actual laptop, 2) Securing the Data, 3) Getting the laptop back.

1) Securing the actual laptop
There are many ways to control the physical security of a laptop.

There are cable locks that can be attached to an immovable object to make it more difficult to just pick up the laptop and walk away. Although these cables can be cut with a bolt cutter, some of them are combined with an alarm that will sound if the cable is cut.

Alarms or motion detectors are also available without the cable locks. They can be set to activate whenever the laptop is moved or when the laptop is moved a certain distance away from a pocket receiver that the owner has, which also alerts the owner.
www.anchorpad.com, www.kensington.com, www.computersecurity.com, www.pcguardian.com, www.trackitcorp.com, www.minatronics.com

Use a laptop carrying bag that does not look like a laptop case. Having a laptop case that says IBM or Sony is advertising that you are carrying a highly valuable commodity. Consider using a backpack with your laptop in it in a padded sleeve. One of the prime places for laptop theft is the men’s bathroom in airports and convention centers. Another prime place that laptops are stolen is at pay phones in a busy area.

Just as there are pickpocket teams, one of whom distracts you by “accidentally” bumping into you while the other steals your wallet, there are “Laptop Lifters” one of whom will accidentally spill something on you while the other walks off with your laptop. A good rule to follow is: any time there is a diversion near you, put your hand on your laptop.

People usually feel comfortable at conferences and conventions. After all, you are usually surrounded by your peers, and there are often convention staff around to provide security. Often the theft will take place on the second or third day, when IDs for entry are not being checked as stringently, and many of the attendees are NOT wearing their badges. Many times people will leave laptops unguarded on or under conference tables during breaks.

Even if it is not your laptop that is stolen, your PCMIA cards – modem or wireless connectors – can be stolen in an instant. Not only is this a loss of value, it’s also a real inconvenience.

It’s a good idea to engrave your company information prominently on the outside of the laptop and on its carrying case. It makes it less attractive to the thief, because it makes it easy to identify and makes it harder to sell. Having a large or conspicuously colored luggage tag securely affixed makes it less attractive because thieves like to be “invisible.”

You also should be sure to send in that little registration card that came with your laptop. Sometimes a stolen laptop will be sent back to the manufacturer for repair by the person who had innocently bought it from the thief. You may get your laptop back this way.

Don’t leave your laptop in your car. If it is visible, you may lose your laptop AND have to pay for the damage to your car. Rental cars are often the special target of thieves, especially at popular restaurants or shopping malls. Plus, the extremes of temperature (both hot AND cold), can either fry your laptop or freeze the LCD screen.

2) Data Security

Losing your laptop may mean you’ll have to shell out $1,000 - $3,000 for a new one. Losing your data can be MUCH more serious. Many people ONLY have a laptop, so ALL of their data is on it. Plus, most people don’t back up their data as often as they should.

Replacing the data can be a pain. But losing your PERSONAL data, including perhaps your Social Security number, PIN numbers, credit card info, etc can be a form of personal hell.

Here are the steps you should take:

Set a BIOS password. BIOS is the first program to load when you turn on your computer. Your laptop will not boot at all until that password is entered. Although there are ways to bypass this, (there’s all kinds of info on the ‘Net), it’s the first in several layers of security you can institute. (See http://www.lockdown.co.uk/?pg=biospsw&s=articles to see how to set a BIOS password).

Use the NTFS file system (assuming you are using XP). NTFS has strong encryption capabilities not available in FAT or FAT32. Here are a couple of articles that might help you decide: http://windows.about.com/od/filesfoldersdisks/l/aa001231b.htm http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/convertfat.mspx

Prevent data loss through your Infrared port. Do you actually use your infrared port? Do you even know if you have one? If you do have one, your computer can be hacked into all the way across the room! A simple way to disable it is to put a piece of black electrical tape across it. (It’s a little dark window, generally on the back of your laptop). Alternatively you can disable the infrared port completely. Because each laptop manufacturer has different steps, search on Google or Yahoo for “Disable Infrared Port” and add your laptop manufacturer’s name to the search terms.

Back up your data before you leave your office. That way, if your laptop is lost or stolen, you have not lost your files.

Consider keeping sensitive files off your laptop hard drive. A DVD can hold multiple gigabytes of data and can be carried in your pocket. A USB storage device is also quite handy.

If you are running XP Pro, your can encrypt your data using EFS (Encrypting File System), so it will be totally unreadable without the decryption key. If you don’t have the Pro version, you can purchase third party encryption software.|

3) Getting your laptop back.

So the worst has happened and your laptop has disappeared. Hopefully, you have your name and phone number on it somewhere, so it can be returned to you if it was just left in a cab.

If you’ve taken the right steps before it disappeared, there’s a fair chance you will get it back.

Here’s what you can do to increase the chance of getting it back:

There are software solutions that allow you to trace your laptop if it ever connects to the Internet. For instance, www.computrace.com/ will give you the IP address wherever your laptop logs on. The cost is under $50. Getting the police to go and recover your laptop is another story, however.

According to some reports, when the police cooperate, recovery is up to 90%!

All in all, the most effective preventative is user awareness. Reportedly, Arthur Andersen CPA firm not only has classes and posters on laptop (and other) security, but they also have roving security personnel who take unattended laptops, cell phones, purses and PDAs off of desks and other unsecure locations, leaving a note behind telling the hapless “victim” where to get their property back. Quite an education, and probably pretty effective in raising awareness!
Article Source: Laptop Security
By Steve Freedman