The moment you buy your new sleek, shiny Apple notebook, make sure you take the necessary precautions to protect your investment. There are a number of factors that you will have to take into consideration, including theft, data protection and maintenance. However, all the equipment, systems and services you need are close at hand. Here are some ideas.
How to protect an Apple laptop
1.use common sense. When carrying your laptop, don’t leave it lying in the front seat of your car when parking, and when traveling, be vigilant at airport security checkpoints where you’re going to be flustered dealing with the TSA. Thieves love when you are upset.
2
Even if you are careful, you may still be losing your laptop, so make sure you have secured your personal or financial information. Verify through the Apple operating system and enable security and encryption applications such as FileVault and Keychain.
3
Protect your laptop with a password. It should be at least 8 or more characters, but if you have the patience and paranoia, 14 characters or longer isn’t a bad idea. An easy way to create a long password is to find a complete sentence, with both words and letters, you can remember easily.
4p It is the advice everything gets, but it rarely takes, and that is to back up your data regularly, especially before taking your laptop on a trip. Invest in an external hard drive, such as a Lacie Drive, and use the appropriate software to set up a regularly scheduled backup appointment.
5
Take advantage of all other basic security precautions available on your operating system, including anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Be sure to install OS updates, too, whenever they announce their arrival on your screen.
6
Be aware your laptop generates heat. Never use a soft surface while using or charging your laptop as it creates a fire hazard.
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Do not let the battery get too hot. Lift it off your desk so air can circulate around it. And never leave your car in the blazing sun. Overheating will degrade the laptop battery and limit its life.
8
Again, it goes without saying, but be careful when drinking soda or coffee near your laptop. A mishap with double espresso that’s fueling your brain to write your eHow article “How to Type Faster” will have you in a bad mood for days. Think about buying a keyboard protector from Zcover.com, to protect against such accidents.
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A hard hit can mean an expensive repair so invest in a good case that fits your needs. There is a wide variety of sleeves, satchels and backpack designs to choose from in stores and on the Internet. Check what’s available at Apple’s website (see Resources) or do a search and browse until you find the one that’s right for you.
10
think about investing in a computer tracking system like Mac PhoneHome if you travel a lot and are the kind of person who is in the habit of losing your valuables. Computer tracking systems help recover stolen laptops by having the computer periodically report its location. When the laptop has been stolen, you contact the security company that handles the software dispatch message. The company determines the location of the laptop and works with the law to retrieve it.
11
invest in an AppleCare Protection Plan. It is a service and support solution that extends basic coverage on your Mac to three years and offers a range of services including telephone technical support, global repair coverage and on-site repair.
