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As always, it is very important that you back up your information. Anything saved on the O: or H:
drive is backed up every night, so that it is safe. However, the only person who can back up your C:
drive is you. Flash Memory devices, such as “thumb drives”, are often a convenient way to keep data
backed up, however they are very easily lost. If something should happen to your laptop, and the
hard drive was damaged or inaccessible, the only way to recover data would be to use the backup
that you had made.
Software •
Your new Towson University laptop comes with all the software that is installed on desktop PCs.
This includes Adobe Acrobat Reader, Citrix, Microsoft Office 2003, Microsoft Internet Explorer,
Netscape 7.0, McAfee Virus Scan, Real Player, Roxio Easy CD Creator, WS-FTP and more. In
addition, Towson University Remote Access Client and Towson University Dial-up networking
connections are installed for working remotely.
Traveling With Your Laptop •
According to the Transportation Security Administration, you should carry your laptop in your
carry on baggage and tape your business card to the laptop. You should keep your laptop in your
possession at all times. For more information about airport security, visit http://www.tsa.gov.
•
Some planes are equipped with power receptacles near some seats. On planes with this feature,
you have the option of powering your laptop with a battery or by plugging it into a power
receptacle.
Lost/Stolen or Damaged Laptop •
It is a good idea to write down the model number (i.e. Dell Latitude D610) serial number (labeled
“Service Tag” on the bottom of Dell laptops) & TU Tag (labeled “Towson University” on the
bottom of your laptop) number of your laptop and keep it with you, but away from the laptop. In
case of theft, you will need this information to report to the police.
•
Stolen laptops are not covered under the warranty and your department will be responsible for
replacement costs. Furthermore, consider all of the sensitive data possibly stored on the laptop.
Remember, the portability of a laptop is a security issue. A laptop is much easier to steal than a
desktop computer, and any data stored on the local hard drive of the laptop would be stolen with
it. If this information includes information such as University documents, medical records, finan-
cial records, or personal or student information, the risk of identity theft or leaked information is
high for you, and the University.
•
If your laptop becomes damaged, call the OTS Help Center at 410-704-5151 as soon as possible
to have them give you advice on the next steps to take. If OTS ordered the laptop since 2004, it
has been ordered with the Dell Complete Care warranty that covers most accidental damage
(drops, spills, etc.) for three years from the original date of purchase. OTS will take care of any
warranty replacements that need to be done. If your laptop is out of warranty or the damage
isn’t covered by the warranty, your department would be responsible for repair or replacement
costs.