Jim Rossman is your Tech Adviser offering advice and tips for computer hardware and programs. Helpful links are included. Jim Rossman is technical manager for Macintosh support for Belo Corp.

I've heard that a personal experience can teach the best lessons. Now I know that's true.

Recent tightening of the travel rules by the Transportation Security Administration has made air travel a few notches more tense.

While catching a flight last week at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, I had an experience I must share.

As I weaved my way through the security areas, I realized why so many travelers have opted to carry on fewer bags.

I was carrying one bag with my laptop and other related accessories and gadgets. Everyone knows laptops have to be screened by the X-ray machine separately from their bags and that shoes must also take their own ride in those gray tubs.

So I was watching my laptop, bag and shoes go through the X-ray as I walked through and made some small talk with the very overworked TSA employees.

As I gathered my belongings, I walked the 15 feet or so to chairs so I could put my shoes back on.

I made a mental check that I had my wallet, boarding pass and driver's license as I slung the laptop bag over my shoulder and walked to my gate.

After about five minutes in the terminal I heard an announcement over the public address area, "Paging passenger Jim Rossman, please return to the TSA security checkpoint to retrieve your laptop computer."

I froze.

Come to think of it, my bag did seem lighter. Then I remembered I set the laptop on a small table before I sat down to put on my shoes.

I don't know who turned it in, but the TSA supervisor there had been nice enough to power it up and see my name on the login screen.

As I returned to the checkpoint I saw my laptop and told the supervisor that it was mine. He made me answer a few questions — like my name and where I worked — before he gave it back to me.

He then told me I should have taped my business card on the laptop somewhere to make it easier to identify the owner.

I thanked him profusely and said I was going to have to write about this in my column.

During my travels at D/FW and other airports, I heard many announcements asking people to come back to security to retrieve cellphones, belts, umbrellas or eyeglasses.

The TSA is doing a great job and certainly goes above and beyond to try to reunite lost items with their owners before they disappear onto a plane.

Lesson learned is to get some small labels with your name, address and phone number to put on your items when you travel. It might help them find you if you get separated.