Travelers lugging laptop computers worry about losing them, with good reason. The hardware is worth hundreds or thousands, and lost or stolen data could be priceless.

But safeguarding your machine is no cinch.

It takes just a moment to lose your laptop. But by taking precautions, you can reduce the chances and minimize your losses.

Here are some tips from the Transportation Security Administration, on keeping your laptop safe:

1. Tie it up; lock it up: Would you leave your wallet or purse in full view in your hotel room? So why do that with your laptop? Use a security cable, which many newer computers have fittings for.

2. Travel incognito: Carry your computer in an inconspicuous bag, not one that screams, "I have a $2,500 piece of machinery in here!"

TSA employees suggest taping a business card to the bottom of your laptop or at least your name and phone. That helps anyone who finds your lost computer to return it.

3. Be attentive at airport checkpoints: Many laptops get lost or stolen there.

4. To thwart thieves, try to walk through the metal detector before your computer goes through the scanner. Retrieve it immediately.

You may avoid some fumbling if you use what the TSA calls a "checkpoint friendly" laptop bag or compartment, which gives X-ray machines a clear view. For details on this new option, visit www.tsa.gov and search for "laptop."

5. As with any valuable, never pack your computer in checked luggage.

6. Get password-protected: Require a password to log onto your laptop. It's not foolproof, but it may thwart a casual data thief.

7. Be wary of wireless: Data may be vulnerable. When users are on a shared or public network, someone can access their data stream.

8. When you're working wirelessly, avoid transactions that involve credit cards or other confidential information. If possible, use a virtual private network, or VPN, which encrypts data transmissions. Make sure your firewall software is current.

9. Don't trust your neighbor: It doesn't always take technology to steal passwords and other private data. Anyone sitting next to you in a hotel lobby or plane can steal a glance at your computer screen. Guard the view.

10. Go remote: Back up your files on discs, flash drives or Web sites so you can retrieve them if your laptop crashes or disappears. Many companies provide remote backup services for fees as low as $9.95 per month.