Nine Ways to Help Protect Your Mobile PC
The best thing about having a mobile PC (a notebook, Tablet PC, or ultra-mobile PC) is that you can take it with you wherever you go. You can use it just about anywhere—on a trip, at the library, or even at your favorite café. The downside is that your computer—and the valuable data on it—may be a target for thieves and hackers.
You know it's important to protect your hardware and personal information, but perhaps you're not sure how to go about it. Look no further. You'll find nine tips here to help you help protect your mobile PC—without sacrificing mobility or connectivity.
1. Use a cable lock
You've got a great mobile PC, but do you have a cable lock? How about an anti-theft alarm? Chances are your mobile PC has a lock slot in the side or the back of its case. For about $30, you can buy a cable that loops through the lock slot to secure your mobile PC to a stationary object. For a little more money, you can buy a cable lock with an alarm.
2. Buy a locking carrying case
You need a case anyway, so why not buy a hard-side case with a solid lock? Unlike a nylon case or backpack, a hard-side case doesn't advertise that you're carrying a valuable computer. The lock shows thieves that they'll need to work a lot harder to open your case. A locking carrying case doesn't cost much, and it will also help protect your mobile PC if you drop it.
3. Get insurance
You might be lucky enough to have replacement coverage through your homeowner's or renter's policy. If not, you can purchase insurance from companies that specialize in computer coverage. It depends on where you live, but you can probably protect your hardware inexpensively.
4. Create a strong password
A strong password is one of the best ways to ward off hackers. You should create strong passwords to log on to Windows and any networks that you use. For even better security, make a habit of changing your passwords frequently.
To create a strong password, follow these tips:
Include at least eight characters.
Use letters, numbers, and symbols.
Make the password significantly different from your previous passwords.
Don't use your name or user name.
Avoid common words, names, or phrases.
For more information, see Tips for creating a strong password in Windows Help and How-to.
5. Back up your files regularly
If your computer is stolen or the hard disk fails, you could lose your data—unless you made a backup. Backing up your files to a location that is separate from your mobile PC is an essential part of protecting your important files. You should back up your files at least once a week, or, for even better protection of your most recent data, once a day.
You can back up your files to a CD or DVD, a USB flash drive, an external hard drive, or another computer if your mobile PC is on a network. Make it easy on yourself by scheduling automatic backups that can run even while you're using your computer. Here's how to set up an automatic backup:
Click the Start button 
, click Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click Backup and Restore Center.
Click Back up files, and then follow the steps in the wizard.
Backup and Restore Center
6. Install Windows updates automatically
You know that it's important to install Windows updates to help protect your computer, but you can't always be at your computer when you get notified that new updates are available. No problem—you can set updates to be installed automatically, as soon as they are available.
With Windows automatic updating, you can choose to install important updates only, or important and recommended updates. Windows installs the latest updates as soon as you connect to the Internet. You can set the time that you want Windows to install the updates, such as 3:00 A.M. If you turn off your computer before then, Windows installs the updates the next time you're online. Here's how to turn on automatic updating:
Click the Start button , click Control Panel, click Security, and then, under Security Center, click Turn automatic updating on or off.
Make sure that the Install updates automatically (recommended) option is selected.
Under Recommended updates, make sure that the Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates check box is also selected.
Settings for Windows automatic updating
For more information, see Understanding Windows automatic updating in Windows Help and How-to.
7. Use Windows Firewall
If your mobile PC is running Windows Vista, Windows Firewall is already working for you. A firewall checks information coming from the Internet (or a network) and either blocks it or lets it through to your mobile PC. Windows Firewall can prevent hackers from installing worms or viruses on your mobile PC. You can change the settings for Windows Firewall, but don't turn it off completely. If you prefer not to use Windows Firewall, be sure to install and use another firewall.
A firewall can help protect a computer
For more information, see Understanding Windows Firewall settings in Windows Help and How-to.
8. Use Windows Defender
Windows Defender, which comes with Windows Vista, helps keep spyware and other potentially unwanted software at bay. Though not all detected software is harmful, Windows Defender will notify you if it detects spyware and malicious software (also called malware).
Windows Defender works in three ways:
First, it can automatically scan your computer for spyware and other potentially unwanted software. To better protect your computer, set Windows Defender to automatically scan your computer each day.
Second, it notifies you when software attempts to install itself or run on your mobile PC.
Third, if you opt to join the online Microsoft SpyNet community, it lets you know how other people in the community have responded to software that hasn't yet been classified as a risk. If they think it's harmful, you'll know. If you think it's harmful, you can prevent it from running on your computer and your choice will be used to help other people decide what to do.
You can also scan for spyware and other potentially unwanted software at any time. Here's how:
Click the Start button , click Control Panel, click Security, and then, under Windows Defender, click Scan for spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
For more information, see Using Windows Defender and Join the Microsoft SpyNet community in Windows Help and How-to.
9. Install an antivirus program
Anytime you go online, your mobile PC is at risk for viruses. To help protect your mobile PC from viruses, install an antivirus program and keep it up to date. Antivirus programs scan for viruses that try to access your e‑mail messages and attachments, operating system, or files. To find an antivirus program, see the Windows Vista Security Software Providers website.
Add these tips to your daily routine
Remember, the best way to help ensure that someone doesn't help themselves to your hardware or files is to follow a few simple steps:
Use a cable lock to secure your mobile PC to something big and heavy when you leave it in your home or office.
Don't let your mobile PC out of your sight or let someone you don't trust use it.
Insure your computer against theft and damage.
Create a strong password and change it often.
Back up your files regularly.
Set Windows Update to install updates automatically.
Let Windows Firewall help protect you. Don't turn it off.
Let Windows Defender help protect you. Don't turn it off.
Install an antivirus program and update it regularly.
