LoJack, is it worth it?

I want to get some sort of tracking system form my laptop in case it gets stolen. I heard that LoJack is an option.
Anybody have an opinion on it? Are there any other options?
Thanks in advance

ucb9999

 

I'm interested to know how it survives a reformatting...

 

It doesn't

 

My thoughts exactly.
The company claims it can't be removed but the last time I checked, everything gets removed after a complete reformat of the HD.

Are there any other options that you recomend?

I await everyones replies.

ucb9999

 

There really aren't any if someone is smart enough to reformat the drive. These programs are made to catch thieves who aren't computer-savvy, which fortunately, is most of them. The best bet is to use a computer lock and just keep your computer with you. If you're at a coffee shop a lot, just set your laptop to not do anything when you shut the lid, clam it up and go to the counter when you need more coffe. What do you do to keep your iPod (or whatever) safe? Do that with your laptop as well.

 

i definitely agree.

a 30 dollar lock will do much more to keep your notebook safe

 

Two questions, Where can I get one and will it fit on my Dell E1505?

ucb9999

 

newegg.com

also, i regularly see them going to 10 bux AR on bensbargains.net

 

Any lock that fits a Kensington lock slot for laptops is fine. Your laptop has one of those slots (virtually every one currently made does), and it's a standard.

 

OK, so I can get one from newegg, but where is it located on my laptop?

ucb9999

 

The lock connects to the security port and is anchored around something immovable.

It's a little port that looks like a rounded rectangle, usually near the hinges. It's about a fingernail's width long. You should be able to find it without needing to look at an image.

 

One of the only tracking system that will not be removed in a reformatting scenario is Computrace's Complete Package as it puts the tracking program in the BIOS.

 

You could just flash the BIOS then, right?

 

There will always be a way to remove such a system unless you built it right into the machines hardware. Then it will be at least hard to get out. But a simple software offers no security in that respect. I use a Kensigton lock and SafeGuard Easy combination. It hardly can be stolen, but if it ever does the system cannot be run.

 

It should be stated that the LoJack service can only return the IP address of where the laptop was last connected. Its up to you to notify the local police to handle the recovery.

 

Goeing online with a stolen laptop, who's that stupid?

 

True, but Computrace says that the BIOS trace program would just replicate itself again into the new BIOS. I Wonder if that's true?

You'd be suprised

 

thanks, I'll look for it.

ucb9999

 

I like the road runner, hand grenade trick, tape the grenade to the laptop, tie pin to stationary object. at least it wont get stolen again.

 

I like that tactic. It's too bad I don't have any grenades available at the moment.

ucb9999

 

My plan is probably the most sadistic. I use psychological warefare against theft.

I tell my friends that I've implanted C4 and a small GPS tracking device in my valuables such as my cellphone (I never bring mp3 player to school). And I say it out loud so everyone else such as potential robbers would know. Then I tell them that when I realize my item is missing, I go to my GPS reciever and track where the person is. Wait for them to go home and,.... well you know the rest. House blown up. Family Destroyed. HOWEVER,!!! I can probably never get C4 so no worries unless I use ammonium nitrate and fuel oil....nah to unstable.

This tactical probably only works for me because my friends, classmates, even my teachers and other professors (Small high school only 400 students) at my school usually connect me with Jack Bauer on 24. (I openly talk brutalness. Enenmy must be destroyed before they destroy you dadad. Things that JB goes through everyday.)