IT Queries: Computer problems answered

Is it safe to pack a laptop with checked-in luggage instead of with the cabin luggage?

The short answer is “no”. Once that checked baggage leaves your sight, anything can happen and even baggage marked “fragile” can be thrown around and otherwise manhandled.

Along with the risk of being damaged, it could also get lost somewhere in the trip.

Then there’s the risks of the baggage carousel. Our guess is anything that looks vaguely like a portable computer would be picked up by someone else in seconds.

So play it safe and take anything valuable in cabin baggage. Even if you are with an airline that will charge extra for more than one piece of baggage, it’s money well spent.

I’ve been told I can’t use AVG Free for my business and I have to buy the professional version. Is this true?

It is true. The three main free anti virus programs – AVG Free, AntiVir and Avast! are all for home users only. If you’re a business, you have to pay for their professional versions.

All three products offer good deals compared to their larger competitors and by buying them you’ll be supporting the free software you can use at home.

The price of these anti virus programs is tiny compared to the embarrassment and costs of being infected with a virus so do it.