If you’re one of the 60% of laptop users who use their personal device for your job, you’ll no doubt want to keep it safe. A damaged laptop pauses your work, costing you time and money. On a more intimate level, you’ll want to avoid losing your personal files, like family photos and videos, if you didn’t back them up.
Fortunately, it’s possible to keep your laptop safe and get back on track quickly should the worst happen. Read on for tips and guidance on how to protect your computer and for some financial solutions when surprises happen — like if you spill your morning latte on your keyboard!
How to Keep Your Laptop Safe
For one, if you travel or commute for work, investing in a well-padded laptop bag is always a wise idea; that extra barrier for when you’re navigating the morning hustle and bustle will help keep your device intact.
You’re probably working at your desk with a cup of coffee and a glass of water. While a refreshing glass of H20 and a caffeine boost are always welcome, they’re also risks. Consider investing in a reusable water bottle and a beaker lid for coffee mugs.
Consider a keyboard cover, too, especially if you like to eat breakfast or lunch at your desk. A cover can keep rogue crumbs from lodging under keys.
Laptops and desktops don’t just succumb to physical damage; virtual attacks are equally as likely. In some cases, they can be more devastating. Make sure your antivirus software and firewall protections are robust and up to date.
What Do You Do if Your Laptop’s Damaged?
Depending on the scope of physical damage, you might be able to remedy the situation yourself. Take a spilled glass of water as an example: try removing the liquid, turning the device off, flipping it over, and leaving it to dry out. That said, this is only likely to work if the spill is minor — computers and liquids generally don’t mix well together.
If the damage is extreme, or the laptop is broken in another way (like a cracked screen), you’ll most likely need to visit a repair store for specialist help.
How to Manage the Costs of a Laptop Repair
If you don’t have insurance, consider dipping into your emergency fund for repairs. If you use your laptop for work, repairing your device quickly would constitute an emergency.
If you don’t have arainy-day fund and your credit card is at its limit, keep in mind that emergency loans are available and may be able to get you out of a bind. Being able to get back on track and back into the groove of work will minimize lost income and the stress that comes with wading through a backlog of emails and requests from colleagues.
Moving forward, if you don’t have an established emergency fund, consider building one starting today. It’s a fantastic financial buffer that can help you should you experience an unanticipated cost.
The Takeaway
It’s perfectly possible to keep your laptop safe and protected from damage. However, know thatshould the worst happen, it’s viable to get financial help and to bounce back in good time without letting your work fall by the wayside.
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