You probably have a treasure trove of new digital goodies. No doubt you're eager to start using it. But take the time to protect your new gear. Otherwise, it could become a source of frustration. Here are some tips for protecting your gear.

INSURE YOUR STUFF

Your homeowner's or renter's insurance should cover your digital gear, but make sure the coverage is adequate.

Laptops, cameras and music players are often used on the go. Ask your agent if the gear is covered outside of the house.

Coverage amounts and deductibles are also important. Insurance should cover the full value of your gear. Replacement value is better than actual cash value. Your deductible may be higher than the cost of smaller items.

Your insurance may only cover certain events, so check to see what is excluded and add coverage where possible and practical. You may want to add flood insurance, for instance.

REGISTER PRODUCTS

Many people overlook product registration and some balk at it because of all of the personal questions on some registration forms that can be used for marketing purposes. But take the time to mail in the warranty and register your new gear. You may be able to register online. Just provide your basic purchase and contact information and skip the personal questions that don't pertain to your purchase.

Registration allows the company to contact you in the event of a recall. It won't help you recover something in the event of theft, but it will help you prove ownership.

KEEP SERIAL NUMBERS

If your camera or computer were stolen, would you know the serial number? Probably not — unless you wrote it down.

A serial number will help if you report a stolen item. The police can match serial numbers on recovered property. Your insurance agent may also need the serial number for claims.

So make a list of serial numbers and product information. Include brands and model numbers. You can get most product information from the manuals. But these are often lost or misplaced.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Many gadgets let you enter your contact information. Make sure the address and phone number you enter are current. If the gadget is found, it can be returned easily.

You can also create a Read Me file containing your contact information. Put it on memory cards for cameras and other gadgets. Put the file on your laptop's desktop.

This assumes that the person finding the gadget is honest. You can't count on that. So consider buying Security Tracking of Office Property, or STOP, tags.

These tags can't be removed without damaging a gadget's case. The tag leaves an indelible mark on the case in the event it is removed. It includes STOP's phone number.

The tags include a registration number. STOP can return recovered items to you. You pay a one-time fee, about $25, for the service.

SECURE YOUR LAPTOP

You've probably installed anti-spyware and antivirus software. You should also think about physical theft.

Protect your data with encryption software like BestCrypt, PGP Desktop Home or PC-Encrypt. Thieves won't be able to access sensitive data on the stolen laptop.

Tracking software is also a good idea. When connected to the Internet, a stolen laptop sends a signal to the software's publisher. Computrace and XTool make tracking programs.

Contact Kim Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.

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