Securing Your Laptop

Hi,
I'm just about to purchase a notebook and was wondering what devices people on the forum purchase to secure their laptops. Any recommendations? Thanks for your help.

 

Best way to secure your laptop is to just keep the computer with you and in sight. Locks and such are really only good for short periods of time (10 minutes or so).

 

Thanks Pitabred. I remember reading a few years ago about a device / alarm that starts ringing loudly if the distance between you and the laptop becomes greater than X feet, where X is configurable. Do you remember what it was called and would you recommend it? Thanks.

 

I just lock it to my desk using a kensington key lock and keep my door locked when im not in my dorm room.

 

Use laser trip wires

 

I really doubt the usefulness of such an alarm. So you're in line at starbucks while your computer is on a table, and all of a sudden your keychain alarm goes off, telling you your laptop is >20ft from you. You look up to see some guy running down the street (or driving away) with your laptop - sweet, that's helpful. Just an example, but you get my point.

I think a much better idea is just getting a kensington-type lock to prevent someone from taking it in the first place. I know there are new ones that aren't able to be picked liked the old ones were. Sure they're not indestructable, but I bet most of the people who steal laptops do it because they happen to see an unsecured laptop, not because they are carrying around bolt cutters in the library.

 

get an insurance policy for 50 dollars from state farm which covers accidental damge and theft

also you can get lojack for laptops by computrace it tracks your laptop if it ever stolen if the theif goes on the internet

 

it really depends on what your needs are in terms of "securing" your notebook. i'd recommend a good theft deterrent. if you don't plan on leaving your notebook lying around too long, you can try one of the following:

• notebook locks - like kensington or targus
• spray paint - or any other method of making it look undesireable
• body guard - i.e. friend that keeps an eye on it

Other options such as lojack are good in the event that it does get stolen.

The distance alarm idea seems like a PITA. I can just imagine that some guy tries to grab your notebook, and the alarm starts going off. That thief is probably just going to drop it or throw it away. Say goodbye to your lcd.

 

Thanks a lot for all your replies. Does anyone have experience with the Caveo ( www.caveo.com/products/anti-theft.htm)?

 

There is no way to deter a determined thief. If he wants your notebook--he's going to get it. Keeping it with you is the best way to keep it secure. Don't leave it unattended where theft is a possibility.

I can't see that doing much in terms of security. How often to do you hear a car alarm going off? And how often do you actually look to see what's going on? You're the only one who cares how far away your notebook is, and I don't think you need a device to announce it.

Link doesn't work.

 

I was going to say that too, "Prevention is better than finding a cure". Just look after it in the first place and try to minimize the chance of any theft possiblities.

 

chrisyano, try the link without the (): http://www.caveo.com/products/anti-theft.htm

The idea is basically the same as the DefCon (uses a motion sensor) except that it can be set to start the alarm as soon as the machine is moved (even if it's just lifted up). So it doesn't have to wait for the thief to be 20 feet away to start it's alarm. As soon as the theif lifts it up (and he'll probably do so acting as if it's his own laptop), the alarm will be triggered - he probably won't even see the PCMCIA card). So he might just put it down or he'll start running. If your laptop is in a public place, it will be a little difficult for him to walk on and act as if nothing happened.

Finally, I know that there is no 100% prevention but mostly deterrance. I was thinking of combining the Caveo with a kensington lock.

 

1. LoJack (mobile theft tracking).

2. Insurance. Most people forget to call their insurance agent and add their computer to the list of assets.

3. Combination cable lock with alarm that sounds even if the cable is cut.