Security of ibook G4

I was thinking about setting up some security for my ibook in the unrare
event that it could be stolen. I set it up so that I have to type in a
password when I log in.

I once read a story of how someone using Timbukto Pro was able to catch
a thief. This software is expensive, and I have not used it for mac or
PC since 2001, but I have to wonder if the purchase price might help if
it were stolen. What do you recommend? I secure my ibook, but when a
thief wants in, he might break into my car or house to take it. My old
Performa was worthless so few thiefs would grab that.

If I were to buy Timbukto how could I set everything up to catch a thief
if he were to connect to the web? I also have a old PC laptop which
could be used to track him.


John

--
BA Church Education Ministries AS Business/IT specialist
CERM-Church Education Resource
http://johnw.freeshell.org/bible/
http://johnw.freeshell.org/bible/unbeliever_list.htm
2 Tim 4:2
AIM: Crucifyself03

in article srhi-, Shawn Hirn at
wrote on 7/9/05 6:06 AM:

> In article <john.doggett->,
> Bible John <> wrote:
>
>> I was thinking about setting up some security for my ibook in the unrare
>> event that it could be stolen. I set it up so that I have to type in a
>> password when I log in.
>>
>> I once read a story of how someone using Timbukto Pro was able to catch
>> a thief. This software is expensive, and I have not used it for mac or
>> PC since 2001, but I have to wonder if the purchase price might help if
>> it were stolen. What do you recommend? I secure my ibook, but when a
>> thief wants in, he might break into my car or house to take it. My old
>> Performa was worthless so few thiefs would grab that.
>>
>> If I were to buy Timbukto how could I set everything up to catch a thief
>> if he were to connect to the web? I also have a old PC laptop which
>> could be used to track him.
>
> What are you trying to protect? The hardware or the data? The data can
> be protected by setting a firmware password. The hardware can be
> protected, to some extent by making sure your home owners or apartment
> renters insurance will cover the replacement cost for your computer.
Here is a product I looked at a while back called PCPhoneHome that may be
what you want. Apparently it loads low level and when the stolen PC is
logged onto the net it sends its new IP address via an invisible email to
your designed address.

http://www.pcphonehome.com/

Nigel
Brisbane, Australia

PS I have no connection with or financial interest in this company.

On 2005-09-02 16:23:22 -0400, Bible John <> said:

> I was thinking about setting up some security for my ibook in the
> unrare event that it could be stolen. I set it up so that I have to
> type in a password when I log in.
> I once read a story of how someone using Timbukto Pro was able to catch
> a thief. This software is expensive, and I have not used it for mac or
> PC since 2001, but I have to wonder if the purchase price might help if
> it were stolen. What do you recommend? I secure my ibook, but when a
> thief wants in, he might break into my car or house to take it. My old
> Performa was worthless so few thiefs would grab that.
> If I were to buy Timbukto how could I set everything up to catch a
> thief if he were to connect to the web? I also have a old PC laptop
> which could be used to track him.
>
>
> John

That was a coincidence and will only catch the dumb crook. If I were
to receive a used computer (and actually accept if I thought is was
stolen... which I would distincly NOT) i would immediatly obliterate
anything on the hard drives, reformat them and install a new OS. This
would all be done off a network.

The boot password is only marginal protection. Boot from a CDROM and
you go right past it. Hardware or low level passwords are better, but
take the battery out long enough and many of these disappear.

On my laptop, I use strong passwords, turn off bluetooth and wireless
when I am not using them and use data encryption (System Preferences,
Securiy). Don't evey loose your password.. you won't get your data
back You many not recover your laptop, but at least your data is
relatively safe from pyring eyes... with out considerable expense and
time. Whats a crook going to get? A MasterCard number? Too much work
for one number Better to spend the time cracking into Citigroup.
--
Jim <jen....not....home..remvdots...@....yahoo