More and more companies are giving workers laptops and sending them in the field. In fact, laptops and netbooks actually outsold desktops last year. Good new for those of you that love the mobility, but bad news if your laptop ever crashes.

At MagicBackup, we've created an online backup solution specifically for Windows machines. Our system makes it easy to protect critical data on any laptop. Here are our top five tips to get a handle on this growing issue:

First, you've got to back up the local machine. We're not just saying that because we make a backup product, but because there's critical data there you need. Most organizations don't synchronize the local "My Documents" folder or the local mail folder. User's archives and most recent documents are vulnerable to being lost forever. You can only expect a user to be connected to your office some of the time. There's always going to be some local information you have to backup.

Second, standardized your machine configurations as much as possible. For example, make sure everyone is using the same version of Office and saves documents into the same place. That makes it easy to give someone a new machine, and quickly restore their data. The user can then find their applications and information in its normal slot.

Third, educate your staff on the importance of using a backup system. The MagicBackup online solution is set to automatically backup the most critical files in the background, minimizing the impact on the user. Make sure people realize it's there and can help them even if they accidently delete a file. Our system has a web interface that lets a person login and restore their own files; saving tons of help desk time.

Fourth, consider using complex passwords and extra drive encryption. We know users don't like having complex password, but a lost laptop can be a major security issue. We've got you covered with backup; all systems are securely backed up at our SAS70 certified facility. However, lock down that data on the local machine; you don't want to give a would be thief any valuable information.

Lastly, manage the process. Often times Companies load simple utilities on the machines and expect the users to watch and manage their backups. We've created a unique management interface for our business customers. You can set password policies, monitor status, search PCs, disable individual PCs, and view management reports all from within this simple to use web management interface. We can even configure daily email summaries to let you know who's backed up.

Learn more about our online backup software and how it can help your business at Magicbackup.