laptop theft tracking program

[ViviTheMage]

Is there a program that I can install , IF my laptop was to get stolen kind of tell me where it is, or what is going on with my laptop?

I ask this because I am going to Europe and, JUST incase it gets stolen, id like to know where it is.

that is either a one time fee or free...no subscriptions.

 

[bruceb]

You have many choices:

http://www.absolute.com/

http://www.xtool.com/default.aspx

http://www.lojackforlaptops.com/

http://www.mylaptopgps.com/

As to which is best, I can't say, but I would probably
lean towards the GPS Tracking versions. Of course,
a strong Password on all the computer accounts and
maybe data encryption (if it is sensitive data) would be
good measures to take. And carry it in a strong lockable case.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: bruceb
You have many choices:

http://www.absolute.com/

http://www.xtool.com/default.aspx

http://www.lojackforlaptops.com/

http://www.mylaptopgps.com/

As to which is best, I can't say, but I would probably
lean towards the GPS Tracking versions. Of course,
a strong Password on all the computer accounts and
maybe data encryption (if it is sensitive data) would be
good measures to take. And carry it in a strong lockable case.

a) They are all subscription, so to the OP no.
b) In your list absolute and lojackforlatops are listed as seperate, they are actually the same service/company.

 

[ViviTheMage]

yeah, thanks bruce..but I would prefer free! something I could track myself if the user connected to the internet.

I will have a password for bios and a separate password for windows.

 

[0roo0roo]

can't they just wipe the drive?

 

[ViviTheMage]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
can't they just wipe the drive?

they COULD, but the likely chance they connect to the net first after getting through my bios password, then windows password id like to know about it

 

[bruceb]

Bsobel .... I only looked at the first few choices. I did not check to see if the 2 you mentioned were
from the same company, and I do not dispute that likely fact. As to them being subs, I miserad that part of the op post that he did not want a sub. Just a good software solution to lock down the computer. I am sure there is something out there that will do the job. The NSA, CIA & armed services all protect their field computers in some way, that is usually way overkill for the average user. But the technology is there someplace.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: bruceb
Bsobel .... I only looked at the first few choices. I did not check to see if the 2 you mentioned were
from the same company, and I do not dispute that likely fact. As to them being subs, I miserad that part of the op post that he did not want a sub. Just a good software solution to lock down the computer. I am sure there is something out there that will do the job. The NSA, CIA & armed services all protect their field computers in some way, that is usually way overkill for the average user. But the technology is there someplace.

He wants tracking, not encryption. There are no non-subscription based tracking software available that I know of.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: bruceb
Bsobel .... I only looked at the first few choices. I did not check to see if the 2 you mentioned were
from the same company, and I do not dispute that likely fact. As to them being subs, I miserad that part of the op post that he did not want a sub. Just a good software solution to lock down the computer. I am sure there is something out there that will do the job. The NSA, CIA & armed services all protect their field computers in some way, that is usually way overkill for the average user. But the technology is there someplace.

He wants tracking, not encryption. There are no non-subscription based tracking software available that I know of.

dang, that is a shame... I will have to hope the 2 sets of passwords works.

 

[bruceb]

Well, if he wants to track it, just like with car LoJack, it will need a sub .. otherwise who would track it
if it was stolen ? ? ? ? ... Now if there is some other way, then please suggest it. As to encryption, if
he has sensitive data to protect, that is the best way to go.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Originally posted by: bruceb
Well, if he wants to track it, just like with car LoJack, it will need a sub .. otherwise who would track it
if it was stolen ? ? ? ? ... Now if there is some other way, then please suggest it. As to encryption, if
he has sensitive data to protect, that is the best way to go.

like say, a program that sends an email when your computer starts up regarding IP and other information that may be helpful...and then allows you to remotly lock that PC somehow from logging in for at least 24 hours maybe?

 

[corkyg]

This is a case where you need the tracking service that can cover Europe as well as America and Asia. The fee of $99+ is for 3 years and is well worth. I'm talking Lo-Jack for laptops.

LoJack

You really can't do this yourself - you are in Europe, and your laptop is missing. What are you going to use to locate it? Another laptop?

If $99 is a deal buster - then don't bother - just take care of your laptop and you won't have a problem. I have travelled extensively in Europe and South America for the past 10 years with a laptop and never had a problem.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Originally posted by: corkyg
This is a case where you need the tracking service that can cover Europe as well as America and Asia. The fee of $99+ is for 3 years and is well worth. I'm talking Lo-Jack for laptops.

LoJack

You really can't do this yourself - you are in Europe, and your laptop is missing. What are you going to use to locate it? Another laptop?

If $99 is a deal buster - then don't bother - just take care of your laptop and you won't have a problem. I have travelled extensively in Europe and South America for the past 10 years with a laptop and never had a problem.

I do baby it even here in America . Never let it otu of my site, ill just have to do that their, moreso.

 

[corkyg]

Good thoughts. Your greatest risk is when going through airports and the security checks, especially if you have a lot of stuff to carry, and you are fussing with shoes, jacket, passport, tickets, camera and laptop.

In hotels, I always lock up my laptop case inside my regular suitcase when out of the room. Stay vigilant and you'll be OK.

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
can't they just wipe the drive?

they COULD, but the likely chance they connect to the net first after getting through my bios password, then windows password id like to know about it

i'm sure theres a way to reset the bios pw.
if not i guess they just salvage the battery/harddrive/optical for resale...perhaps the screen as well...chop shop style. theres a nice market for replacement parts on ebay

 

[GoldenGuppy]

Dug this up, is there GPS technology for laptops since this last post? I still see Absolute as being the biggest name out there.

 

[0roo0roo]

hardware encrypted drive

gps...would require installing a cellphone in the damn lappy to really be worth something.