Often times when laptops are dropped the hard drives are jarred destroying the ability to access the information on it. Very important to 1) have a good backup 2) have a good tech and 3)Encrypt your data – espescially those of us who have portable devices such as laptops and thumb/usb drives.

Laptop theft is prevelant and the last survey I saw by the Computer Security Institute and the FBI stated that the average cost of a stolen laptop was $47,107 Purchasing a new laptop is the least of your worries…it’s that data so make sure to backup NOW!!!

The reason you want to encrypt your data is if your laptop does go missing your not liable for any personal information as it is protected. Additionally it protects your big ideas, pricelists, and other sensitive information.

As for anyone else who might experience a laptop screen failure, here’s a little tip so you can keep using it till you can get it fixed.

Almost all laptops have an additional plug in the back for an external monitor. If you don’t have a monitor most newer T.V.’s will work (which btw is a great way of showing family pictures from your computer)or go to a 2nd hand store and buy an old one for a few bucks. Check your manual and it will explain how to enable the 2nd screen. Most laptops have a “Function key” usually marked “Fn” which is usually located near the left of the space bar. Notice the color – now look on your keyboard for a key with the same color and a picture of 2 boxes or a “crt/lcd” (usually it’s located on one of the number keys) hold the function key down and tap that key. Although not portable it will give you access to your system till you can get it repaired.

Lisa…in the big picture glad it’s only the computer that got hurt and your okay.