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Poll: What laptop theft & security software do you use?

2 points by mikeleeorg ↗ HN
There have been a fair number of laptop theft stories lately where the owner is able to track down the thief using laptop theft & security software of some kind (Zoz, Mark Bao, Sean Power, Joshua Kaufman, etc). Since I work out of cafes and coworking spaces with a laptop, I'm considering similar software. Do you use such software too? If so, which one do you use?

3 comments

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zoowar
I'm dubious of these reports because all screen savers I have used lock and password protect the screen. How did these seemingly unaware thieves crack the password? If the password was so weak that it was easily cracked by an opportunist thief, did the user really care enough about security to install tracking software? I tend to think these reports are more promotional, self or otherwise.

Anyway, I prefer to avoid theft by keeping my laptop with me at all times and never leave it unattended. When it's not in use, it's in my backpack. Haven't been mugged yet, knock wood.

mikeleeorg
I wondered about that too. I always use a password-protected screen saver.

I know you never leave your laptop unattended, but out of curiosity, have you ever used a security cable to tie your laptop down, if you do have to get up to go to the bathroom or something?

zoowar
I've used a security cable for my personal laptop on the rare occasions I've brought it to work. A security cable isn't practical in a coffee shop where there are few places to secure it. Bonus, my 12" PowerBook (yes, ancient) fits in the safe found in many hotel rooms.