If you were a good boy or girl this year, you might be the proud recipient of brand new gifts that are just begging to be broken in. You know … a new phone, printer, laptop or music player. All guaranteed to make your home business more efficient, more productive, or just more plain fun. As you examine the owner manuals or read the fine print, you’ll want to keep in mind the following tips in order to protect your new toys and prevent future frustration: Consider your insurance needs. If you received or bought a high-dollar item, you will need to review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to make sure that you are adequately covered. The best way to make sure is to contact your insurance agent and discuss your new toys. You’ll need to also consider that some of your new gadgets might be portable. For instance, will your laptop or iPhone be covered when outside your home office? Make sure you review your deductibles and coverage amounts to make sure they are still appropriate. Don’t forget to register. Ahh….the irritating task of product registration. It’s so easy to put those annoying registration cards or forms in the “To Be Forgotten” pile. But as tempting as that is, force yourself to do what it takes to make sure your new gadget is registered and the warranty is secure. You might have an online registration option available, which saves time and gets it off your to-do list quicker. Also, remember that registering your product allows the manufacturer to contact you should recall or other important product information become crucial to owners. It can also help you prove ownership, should it become an issue with theft or property damage. Make a record. You’ll also need to record the serial number of your new gadgets, and file them away with other important information in a safe place. If you haven’t done this already, now is a good time to start a file, and record the serial numbers of all your office equipment, along with product and any pertinent brand information. It wouldn’t hurt to photograph or video record your office with an updated record of all your valuables. This can be used for insurance purposes and in cases of theft or property damage. Consider security options. There are many high-tech security options out there for your gadgets, including STOP (Security Tracking of Office Property) tags. These tags include a registration number that are not removable without damaging the item’s case. STOP can recover and return your items for a fee of around $25. You can also install anti-spy ware and antivirus software on your laptop or computer, if you haven’t already done so. You will need to consider encryption software as well, which will help protect your sensitive data if your laptop is stolen. Take a trip to your local electronics store to discuss your options with a sales professional that is familiar with appropriate security options. Even though it takes time to protect your new gadgets and toys, it’s well worth it. You’ll feel secure with your home business items and be able to enjoy them that much more. | 
