Get the Best Use of your Computer while Traveling

by Tanya Davis

We used to travel with very few gadgets, but these days it seems like we can barely get by without a computer. Almost no one leaves their computer at home while traveling, and almost everyone owns laptop – which is very conducive to travel. With all that technology, you should be able to travel and take your computer along with a minimum of complications.

Be Prepared

If you're going to carry your computer along on a trip, whether for business or pleasure, you will need to be sure that once you get to the destination you can evacuation use the computer. The following tips will help make sure this can work:

Software

• Make sure you use the same software on your laptop computer that you use on the desktop in the office it is frustrating to change versions or even brands of programs; whenever you can, use the same version across the board.
• Load the latest anti-virus software onto you computer before leaving home. Many hotels and airport terminals do not encrypt their Internet connections; you can easily get a virus at one of these locations.
• Boot disks are one item that are often overlooked. You leave them at home – and suddenly you need to get your computer back up and running. Be sure to carry along a set of boot disks as well as the registration number that will be required should you have to re-install your programs.

Hardware

• Bring along electrical adapter plugs, especially if you travel overseas. After all, if you can not plug in, your system is lost.
• Phone cord, for the Internet connection, or your wireless access data card.
• Bring along an extra battery (see the article Airline Travel: carrying batteries for all the rules about how to carry batteries on the airlines (link) ).

Passwords

It never fails; just when you need a password most, it becomes impossible to remember it. And since we're encouraged to create hard-to-guess passwords, we make remembering nearly impossible. In order to prepare for your trip, load your passwords onto a computer file or write them down in a small notebook.

Prevent Theft

It should be no surprise that laptops are often a target for thieves. They are easy to steal and easy to hide; after all, how many black computer bags are seen being carried through the airports every day? To keep your computer from being stolen, consider disguising it while you are traveling. Place it in a backpack or other unconventional tote bag. Once you have arrived at the hotel, don't leave your laptop out while you're away from the room. Leave it set up in its place, but remove the disk drive if you are out of the room. Consider investing in a motion alarm, which will sound when the baggage is carried a certain distance away from you.

Traveling with a laptop computer can be a frustrating experience, but it doesn't have to be. With a little planning and a few extra pieces, you will be ready to work on your computer no matter where your travel takes you.

Tanya Davis is a freelance writer living in Tennesee.