Laptop owners: Hot freakin deal to recover a laptop should it be stolen.

[ALAVergas]

Originally posted by: Johneverd
From their website:

"PC PhoneHome cannot be removed by unauthorized parties even if they attempt to wipe the computer's hard drive using format or fdisk commands. A special uninstall program is used to remove the software. "


It looks to me like it must create a partition with a proprietary file system (not FAT32 or NTFS). Most thieves would likely not know how to delete a non-standard partition, IMHO.

On the other hand, unless it's a major company being hacked, most law enforcement won't follow an IP address to prosecution. That makes this less then useful. Oh well..

I think the trick would be to register it through whatever company you work for...IE

John Doe
XYZ Corporation

And then if it gets stolen you make sure and call it in from the office. I could reg it to the University, list my cell phone, and in theory they would never know it...

 

[Devistater]

I like the idea, but I have technical concerns like the rest of you guys. However, I read on the news a few weeks (months?) back that someone got thier laptop back using this type of software (dont remember if it was this exact brand). I can't remember the exact circumstances.

Perhaps someone rememebers the story I'm referring to and has a link?

 

[QuicknDirty]

Originally posted by: Arkayz
Never underestimate the greed and stupidity of a thief, haven't you guys ever watched Cops before.

I highly doubt anyone I've seen so far on COPS would be using a laptop for anything more than a doorstop, much less know how to delete partitions or do a low level format...LOL...

 

[dcorn]

The router issue (hidden IP addresses, showing just 192.x.x.x) can be partially resolved by the program having a tracert-style output put into the e-mail to you. For example:

IP Address: 192.168.0.55
Route to WWW.CNN.COM: 192.168.0.55, 192.168.0.1, #Here's where it counts...real ISP info starts here---># 210.55.71.2, 210.55.71.1, etc...all the way to CNN's website IP address.

A firewall can still easily block that (many do) but it is something else to try... and for $free it isn't bad insurance.

Any software can be removed, folks.

The IP address does tell you where your ISP is located, giving at least a general idea of where the laptop is. If the customer is unlucky enough to be using a static IP address, that's a solid case there....

 

[Arkayz]

Originally posted by: QuicknDirty

Originally posted by: Arkayz
Never underestimate the greed and stupidity of a thief, haven't you guys ever watched Cops before.

I highly doubt anyone I've seen so far on COPS would be using a laptop for anything more than a doorstop, much less know how to delete partitions or do a low level format...LOL...

Exactly my point. You guys talk like everyone who steals laptops is gonna know how to do low level formats. My point is I don't think most thieves would be smart enough or have the foresight to even think of the possibility that someone has this program installed, regardless of wether the cops would pursue the matter or not. If anything I would think they would be interested in booting the computer up just to see if maybe they can get some financial information about the owner off it, i.e. credit card information.

 

[PhoPho]

Obtaining the IP address seems pretty worthless to me. Now what we need, is a program that knows when it's stolen (such as failing a password check), and starts running a keylogger or logging other information and sends out a daily email. The theif is bound to type out his name into a document, mention his phone number when chatting online, or type out his home address when making an online purchase. Then you can report that information to the police and actually have a case. Either that or take the law into your own hands. =D Why are there no programs like this?

 

[dcorn]

Obtaining the IP address seems pretty worthless to me.

It's actually very valuable in determining where a machine is located. Especially if it's a DSL or Cable line with a static IP address, it's easy to find who's using the address; if it's a corporate address with a static IP, the thief is cooked (assuming cooperative law enforcement.)

 

[sekim]

Think I'd rather have a hidden program that would send pop-ups at random times, about five minutes or so to an hour apart, with a customizable list of random insults.

 

[frankqfrank]

Originally posted by: dcorn

Obtaining the IP address seems pretty worthless to me.

It's actually very valuable in determining where a machine is located. Especially if it's a DSL or Cable line with a static IP address, it's easy to find who's using the address; if it's a corporate address with a static IP, the thief is cooked (assuming cooperative law enforcement.)

Worthless in the sense that there's alot of red tape between having someone's IP address and knowing who that person is and where they live. You have to convince their ISP to tell you who they are, which would require convincing police to tell them to find out. Doesn't sound too bad but I don't know how much attention a single count of larceny would get you.