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Thread ID: 35264 2003-07-07 00:24:00 Tracking a stolen computer winks (1490) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
157978 2003-07-07 00:24:00 At my work we have had a new pc stolen. It's got me to thinking, wouldn't it be great if I could track it down if it goes online.
I'm sure I have read of someone tracking down their laptop this way before.
Does anyone have any ideas on how this can be done?
The pc has Microsoft Messenger and ICQ installed on it, so they should show up as online if the thief allows them to start up.
Any other ideas for it?

What about being proactive about the PC's we have left at work. What could I install to track them in the future, if they get stolen.

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks for your help.
Regards,
Andrew Winks
winks (1490)
157979 2003-07-07 00:33:00 Well you could go the full American paranoia way ... www.surveillance-equip.com parry (27)
157980 2003-07-07 00:42:00 This is what you might be looking for "pc phone home":
http://www.pcphonehome.co.nz/
stu140103 (137)
157981 2003-07-07 02:12:00 It's possible that you can track a PC by it's components if you know their MAC numbers, and know a bit about remote "hacking". You'd need to see if you could get the MAC id's from your supplier/s, then speak to a network security expert. Its probably far more trouble and/or expense than its worth however, unless someone has a huge amount of time on their hands. Greg S (201)
157982 2003-07-07 02:56:00 I presume this was a laptop that went missing. You can physically lock the laptop to a work area using a cable lock so that no unauthorised person can remove it.

See here (www.monotapu.co.nz) for an example a cable lock. I imagine that most computer accessory stores will sell such products
Jen C (20)
157983 2003-07-07 03:00:00 www.computrace.com i believe.
tracks pc or laptop internationally then they let the law enforcements to intercept it. makes a signal each time secretly to the server after u report it being stolen. cannot be wiped or formatted. works on modem or lan card like broadband.
nomad (3693)
157984 2003-07-07 03:07:00 there is a company that makes laptop locks. called "Defcon 1". its a padlock which has builtin alarm system and motion detector after a few seconds given for u to disarm it by unlocking using its combination lock dials. quite a loud alarm i think. if wire is cut, moved, or hit it screams....

www.targus.com
nomad (3693)
157985 2003-07-07 03:20:00 It's was a Compaq SSF desktop. It would probably fit under a jacket.
I'm really looking for a solution other than securing it physically.
Of course we will be securing the replacement when we get it.
Thanks for the help
winks (1490)
157986 2003-07-07 04:34:00 Certainly advise Compaq. I'm certain they have a tracking data base. If it comes in for service, things happen. :D Graham L (2)
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