My laptop is encrypted from top till toe, because i tend to have it with me everywhere. I encrypted the disk and also the /home. To do this i used the tools given among the options at installation with ubuntu (in my case its ubuntustudio, maybe there is a difference in tools IDK) I assume this may not be the safest way in our galaxy, but then again, my secrets are rather uninteresting for those who need galaxyproof encryption. I just don't want anyone to be able to reset my passwords or read my mother and my GF's love-mails in case i lose my laptop... :)