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Listed below are eight basic recommendations mobile user should take to protect their portable computers:

1. - Basic protection: Anti virus, firewall, spy ware and data encryption software. Make sure these four applications are running on your computer along with the latest update. Configure the encryption software to protect the information you have select on your hard drive for access protection. Use a strong password to protect the selected information, this will come in handy if your computer is stolen and the thief is trying to crack your password.

2. - Basic deterrent: Personally I don't like security cables, but I do believe that they represent an inexpensive tool that can be employed to discourage thieves that are looking for easy pickings. When thieves stumble onto your computer and notice that it's strapped with an imposing security cable, in the majority of cases they just continue on their merry way looking for something that's easier to steal.

3. - Be vigilante: Never leave your computer unattended; always keep your computer within arm's reach. If you can't touch the computer, then it's too far and therefore in danger of being stolen. If, for some reason, you have to leave your computer in the car don't forget to keep it out of sight. Never ever leave your pet or your computer in the trunk of your car.

4. - Practical carrying case: Your computer's carrying case is one more area where you can do something to reduce your exposure to computer theft. Transport your computer in a way that will not call attention to you or your computer. Don't use a carrying case which is constantly shouting to the public: "look over here I have a really nice expensive computer loaded with very important information." It's information theft, looking for partners in a vast world of information peddlers. Use a carrying case that helps protect your computer from damage and practical for mobile use.

5. - Travel light: It's not necessary that you carry all the information in the world with you. Plan ahead so you carry with you only the information you need. If you have access to an ftp site, you can upload the information which you feel may come in handy while you're out on the road. Then, if you realize that you need additional information, it's not a problem because, you can just download what you need on to your computer directly from your ftp site.

6. - Backup your data: Backup all the information on your computer's hard drive on to an external data storage device. Also implement a protocol designed to help you keep the information on your computer synchronized with your external data storage device.

7. - Tracking service: Install computer tracking software. Many companies are offering tracking software and each has a vast assortment of features. I recommend taking a look at those products, make a list of the features you're going to need in order to protect your hardware and software, and then determine which one provides the best features within your budget. The current crop of tracking software does provide a basic feature set which exist across product lines. For example: you can remotely delete the information on your computer's hard drive, you can locate your computer anywhere on the planet using GPS and you can also remotely monitor who has accessed your computer or is currently accessing your computer.

8. - Insurance: Computer insurance companies today have many options to choose from and the companies are some of the best known in the insurance industry. So, even if you don't want to purchase computer insurance at the moment, it's not a bad idea to shop around and see what the market is offering.