There's a difference between minimizing the risks of losing a laptop computer and minimizing the risks of a data breach when losing a laptop computer. Although the one may overlap with the other, there are solutions like hard drive encryption software from AlertBoot that can only protect the data.
How do you minimize the chances of your laptop being stolen? It depends on the situation. For example, you could never take it out of your home or office, which would drastically lower the chances of the machine getting stolen. However, that alone is not a guarantee. After all, offices and homes get broken into. As such, a good idea may be to store your laptops in a safe when leaving the premises (the idea being, a burglar won't make an attempt while someone's in the house. No guarantees there either, though). If you don't have a safe, then the next best thing might be to use a cable lock that attaches to the laptop itself (all laptops come with a hole for such locks). If faced between stealing a small TV vs. a laptop that's secured with a lock, a burglar may opt for the former: ripping a laptop off could cosmetically damage the laptop, bringing down its resale value. Of course, this doesn't mean the burglar won't make an attempt to find out what happens. He could very well try ripping out the cable; find that he's damaged the laptop; and opt for the TV instead. Your laptop is not stolen, but it's not whole, either. Outside the home or office, there's not much one can do to minimize theft. The first rule is to always keep the computer in your line of sight: there are many ways one could filch a laptop from, say, a coffee shop (a long coat really comes in handy when needing to hide stuff). Better yet, if possible, always keep the laptop with you. If you need to step away from the computer, a cable lock would come in handy, since stealing in a crowded area requires a certain amount of discretion and fast timing. Attempting to pick a cable lock (it's supposedly easier than it sounds) will add seconds to a thief's attempts, meaning it will increase the chances of catching him in the act. But, the fact that you're outside really places you in a situation you can't control. For example, there was a case a year ago where a guy stepped outside his house and rounded the corner...to the pointy end of a shiny knife. Such unpredictable risks are what prompt people to use encryption software. Sure, encryption won't prevent the theft of your laptop anymore than a smelly chunk of Roquefort cheese spread across its keyboards. But, if the computer contains any important information that should not be seen by third parties, encryption has got you covered. Oh, and get a laptop bag that's super-colorful. Most laptop cases are black or grey, and tend to look alike. There's a reason why thieves prefer black luggage...
How do you minimize the chances of your laptop being stolen? It depends on the situation. For example, you could never take it out of your home or office, which would drastically lower the chances of the machine getting stolen.
However, that alone is not a guarantee. After all, offices and homes get broken into. As such, a good idea may be to store your laptops in a safe when leaving the premises (the idea being, a burglar won't make an attempt while someone's in the house. No guarantees there either, though).
If you don't have a safe, then the next best thing might be to use a cable lock that attaches to the laptop itself (all laptops come with a hole for such locks). If faced between stealing a small TV vs. a laptop that's secured with a lock, a burglar may opt for the former: ripping a laptop off could cosmetically damage the laptop, bringing down its resale value.
Of course, this doesn't mean the burglar won't make an attempt to find out what happens. He could very well try ripping out the cable; find that he's damaged the laptop; and opt for the TV instead. Your laptop is not stolen, but it's not whole, either.
Outside the home or office, there's not much one can do to minimize theft. The first rule is to always keep the computer in your line of sight: there are many ways one could filch a laptop from, say, a coffee shop (a long coat really comes in handy when needing to hide stuff). Better yet, if possible, always keep the laptop with you.
If you need to step away from the computer, a cable lock would come in handy, since stealing in a crowded area requires a certain amount of discretion and fast timing. Attempting to pick a cable lock (it's supposedly easier than it sounds) will add seconds to a thief's attempts, meaning it will increase the chances of catching him in the act.
But, the fact that you're outside really places you in a situation you can't control. For example, there was a case a year ago where a guy stepped outside his house and rounded the corner...to the pointy end of a shiny knife.
Such unpredictable risks are what prompt people to use encryption software. Sure, encryption won't prevent the theft of your laptop anymore than a smelly chunk of Roquefort cheese spread across its keyboards. But, if the computer contains any important information that should not be seen by third parties, encryption has got you covered.
Oh, and get a laptop bag that's super-colorful. Most laptop cases are black or grey, and tend to look alike. There's a reason why thieves prefer black luggage...