Computer travel tips
For some, leaving a computer at home while travelling is the equivalent of cutting off their right arm. Without it, survival seems impossible. For many, travelling for business requires a constant need for connection and technology. Luckily, the advances in modern technology allow for easy transport of our beloved laptops with minimal complications – but some preparation is required.
Here are some top tips on computer travel to help avoid or ease any technological troubles that may arise on your trip, which could include; computer crashes, dead batteries, nasty viruses and forgotten passwords.
Checklisk must-havesVirus protection: Many people load their virus protection on their home computer, but forget to on their portable computer. A virus is a virus, no matter where you get it. Set-up disks: Bring setup disks, as well as any necessary registration numbers for re-installs and downloads. These contain all of the system files necessary to get your computer up and running again if it encounters problems. Adaptor plug: If you are a frequent international traveller, it is wise to invest in a set of frequently used electrical adaptor plugs. There's nothing worse than being all booted up with no way to plug in. Passwords: The more complicated a password is, the harder it is for people to figure out – or sometimes for you to remember! If you tend to save passwords instead of retyping them, you'll need to either save them on your computer (in a password-protected file) or, even better, commit them to memory. Do not carry handwritten lists or print-outs of your passwords. Contact numbers: Bring phone numbers and bookmark web sites for companies from which you may need technical support or downloads during your trip. It might be best to write these down somewhere that will always be with you, so you don't have to travel with countless slips of paper. Travel tipsPacking: Load up your hand luggage, pack your cords and extra battery in your computer case. Airports, and even airplane seats, now have phone jacks and, in some cases, direct Internet connections on pay phones. To have access to a connection when the necessary connectors are in the cargo area of the plane can be a very frustrating experience.Baggage handlers aren’t expecting expensive electronics to be in the stored baggage areas and you can’t expect it to be treated as a fragile object. Battery powe: Work, and/or recharge your battery, during layovers. If you use the Windows operating system, activate the 'suspend' mode before going to the airport, your laptop will restart quickly and consume almost no battery power. Mac users should use the 'sleep' mode. Also, try turning off the 'autosave' feature on your Microsoft Office applications. This will allow your hard drive to power down without starting up again to do the 'autosave.' Prevent damage: In your hotel room, there are tiny magnets in televisions, alarm clocks, hair dryers, and other common hotel appliances. These magnets can pose a threat to your laptop and its data. Do not leave floppy and zip disks on appliances for long periods of time - leave them on the desk to avoid possible magnet problems. Check ahead: Contact your hotel to find out what the connection specifics are so you can plan accordingly. When booking a hotel room, ask about rooms equipped for business travellers and internet users. They often have dual telephone/modem lines, fax machines and printers, making your stay a convenient and simple one. Maintain documents: Upon return, copy any important or changed files to your desktop computer. When you make small changes to documents on the road, you can easily use an older version when you return without noticing it. If you immediately copy all of the new or altered files back onto your desktop, and perhaps even delete the files from your portable after the transfer, you can eliminate confusion and version conflicts later on.Take time to test: Test any new software before you leave. Conflicts in your software or operating systems could arise, and the last place you'll want to deal with them is on the road. Get covered: Ensure that you have the relevant insurance and warranty to cover all your electronics from loss, theft or damage. Be aware: Be wary of Wi-Fi scammers. Hackers often set up "free" Wi-Fi service through peer-to-peer networks at airports. To avoid this, open your "Wireless Network Connection" box to view the available networks. Don't be fooled by legit-sounding names. Click on each to view the network details. If you see anything labeled "peer-to-peer," "computer-to-computer," or "unsecure," do not use it. Prevent theftAirport: X-ray machines at airports pose no threat to your laptop, but the security checkpoint conveyer belt is a prime target for thieves who snag unattended equipment passing through machines. Ask a security guard to hand-check your laptop rather than putting it through the conveyer. Do not leave your laptop unattended under any circumstance! Hotel: If the idea of leaving your laptop unattended in your hotel room leaves you feeling uncomfortable, hide it somewhere in your room, but take the removable disk drive with you when you leave. Without that vital piece of equipment, your computer will be worthless. Alternatively – enquire about the safe for storing. Mid-travel: To prevent theft, disguise your computer while travelling. Traditional computer cases are red flags for thieves. Try carrying your laptop in a less obvious, unconventional bag that doesn't promote the contents as valuable electronics. Laptop & luggage alarms: An investment when travelling ith expensive equipment is a motion alarm. You attach the device to your luggage and the receiver stays with you. If someone attempts to steal your bag, an alarm will sound when your luggage reaches a set distance away from the receiver. |
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