The FBI claims losses due to laptop theft total in the millions each year -- making laptop protection software a must in today's world. Lost hardware, software, and essential data that doesn't get backed up, as well as sensitive data and personal information are all up for grabs with laptop theft. Laptop protection software at the very least serves as a deterrent and at best can save you money by protecting your computer's data.

Notebook security software has come a long way, and today many methods exist to protect data and prevent theft. Read the laptop protection software information listed below. The three types of products listed can serve as your laptop protection software guide to ensure your notebook is safe.

1. Product 1: Disc encryption products -- perhaps the most comprehensive type of laptop protection software available.

2. Product 2: Subscription monitoring systems -- useful for tracking a stolen laptop.

3. Product 3: Password protection software -- prevents thieves from accessing sensitive data.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find laptop protection software that encrypts your hard drive

Disc encryption products work by scrambling all the data on your hard drive the moment you save it to disk. All you have to do is create an encryption key and tell the software what you'd like to protect at the time of initial setup.

I recommend: PC District provides a laptop protection software directory with summaries of 16 different encryption software programs. FreeByte's Guide to Free Encryption and Computer Security includes several free downloads that will encrypt your notebook's hard drive.

Consider a subscription monitoring system as one of your laptop protection software providers

Subscription monitoring systems work to track down stolen equipment. The technology can locate a missing laptop and then involve local law enforcement to reclaim it.

I recommend: Absolute Software offers two different Computrace products at its LoJack fo Laptops website. Tometa Software's LaptopLocate monitors your laptop's IP address to find its location.

Download password protection as a key piece of notebook anti-theft software

Password protection software lets you assign passwords to certain programs, thus preventing a thief from accessing sensitive information.

I recommend: CNet Newtork's ZDNet features a disk password protection downloadable utility that contains a comprehensive suite of hard-drive restriction tools. You can protect your disk and its partitions with a password, ban any reading or writing activity and limit the launch of specified files. In addition to a laptop protection software list, Brothersoft includes an extensive list of password protection programs that vary in price.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While laptop security software is critical to maintaining your computer's safety, consider a laptop lock that secures it in place with a key or PIN device as a first line of defense.
• •  Don't leave your laptop in your car -- it is an open invitation for a break-in.
• •  Laptop owners often don't realize the cash value of their software and music collections. Keep a hard copy log of hardware and software serial numbers that can speed up insurance claims and criminal investigations.