protecting my laptop?

I just ordered a new T40 Thinkpad. It hasnt arrived yet but I'm already
wondering what I can do to keep it safe once it arrives. First thing I'll do
is buy one of those security cables I see many people use. But what else? I
know the common sense stuff ie dont let it leave my sight in public, etc.

I was wondering if anyone here uses any software for their laptop that somehow
lets you, or the police, know where it is via the internet after its been
reported stolen. I read that most of these programs don't work or can be
erased by the theif by reformatting the hard disk. Should I look into this
type of software or am I kidding myself? thanks.

couldnt find the on i saw before, but maybe this will help
http://www.computrace.com/public/pro...us/default.asp

Chris
"DBojano228" <> wrote in message
news:...
> I just ordered a new T40 Thinkpad. It hasnt arrived yet but I'm already
> wondering what I can do to keep it safe once it arrives. First thing I'll
do
> is buy one of those security cables I see many people use. But what else?
I
> know the common sense stuff ie dont let it leave my sight in public, etc.
>
> I was wondering if anyone here uses any software for their laptop that
somehow
> lets you, or the police, know where it is via the internet after its been
> reported stolen. I read that most of these programs don't work or can be
> erased by the theif by reformatting the hard disk. Should I look into
this
> type of software or am I kidding myself? thanks.
>
>

"DBojano228" <> wrote in message
news:...
| I just ordered a new T40 Thinkpad. It hasnt arrived yet but I'm already
| wondering what I can do to keep it safe once it arrives. First thing I'll
do
| is buy one of those security cables I see many people use. But what else?
I
| know the common sense stuff ie dont let it leave my sight in public, etc.
|
| I was wondering if anyone here uses any software for their laptop that
somehow
| lets you, or the police, know where it is via the internet after its been
| reported stolen. I read that most of these programs don't work or can be
| erased by the theif by reformatting the hard disk. Should I look into
this
| type of software or am I kidding myself? thanks.
|
|
Found a couple. I've never used any of them so I can't say how effective
they are.

http://www.secure-it.com/products/laptrak/index.htm

http://www.ztrace.com/zTraceGold.asp



--
D

I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
I was just trying to help.
Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
advice herein.
No warranty is expressed or implied.
Your mileage may vary.
See store for details.

Remove shoes to E-mail.

tose (DBojano228) wrote:

>I just ordered a new T40 Thinkpad.

Enjoy your new T40, I have an A20. I still remember how much I was
looking forward to getting it.

>It hasnt arrived yet but I'm already
>wondering what I can do to keep it safe once it arrives. First thing I'll do
>is buy one of those security cables I see many people use.

The cable is not the weak point - the attachment port is. I believe
that for a determined person shielded from view, it would be fairly
easy to walk away with your unit.

>But what else?

This looks like better protection to me, but I have not used it:
http://www.kryptonitelock.com/inetis...s_item&pgrp=20

>I know the common sense stuff ie dont let it leave my sight in public, etc.

Go by that rule and your laptop will be safe. Unless your are mugged.
I never let the laptop out of my sight except when being in my home, For
the road, I use a hard shell case with a security lock.
http://www.pelican.com/cases/cases.html
It also protects the unit from physical damage

When I am in a restaurant, or conference room, I attach the locked
case to a fixture with
http://www.targus.com/ca/product_details.asp?sku=PA400C
It allows me to relax (or work) without having to worry that someone will
grab it "en passant".

>I was wondering if anyone here uses any software for their laptop that somehow
>lets you, or the police, know where it is via the internet after its been
>reported stolen. I read that most of these programs don't work or can be
>erased by the theif by reformatting the hard disk. Should I look into this
>type of software or am I kidding myself? thanks.

I have read about several software packages that do this. For it to work
the thief must connect to the internet and the thief must not have
disabled the software. Formatting will not do it, but something else
will.

In any case, it does not "protect" the laptop, it offers *some* probability
that the laptop can be recovered if it is stolen.

For any such software to work, the HDD has to spin and read.. Once
that happens, the data are accessible (unless encrypted). My unit is
set up for maximum data protection - I have clients' confidential data
on it. I rather have the data fully protected rather than having an
undeterminate chance of getting the unit back if it is stolen.
The data are backed up, and the access is tested - so I know I won't
lose the data.

Steps to take to secure data:
- use startup BIOS password
- use BIOS configuration password
- disable floppy and CD boot
- use hard drive passwords
- use file encryption
- use syskey mode 2 or 3

It's probably a good to set the passwords anyway, It will prevent a
visitor (exploring kid?) to set them and lock you out.

If you decide to use encryption, make sure to read the good practices
beforehand - there are plenty of posts where people have encrypted
their data and cannot get at them any longer..

A google search on this and the other items should help.

You might be able to get insurance for the laptop that covers loss and
theft.

Good luck

Roger