Laptop Security

[jokemaker]

What're the best laptop security devices out there? I'm in college and will have a t42p and want to make sure it doesn't get stolen! . ALso any essential accessories that are good for students? THanks.

[jdhurst]

There are two angles to this:

1. Be sure it is insured. Implement both the power-on password and hard-disk password and make them the same. If the ThinkPad gets stolen, your information does not. Obviously, be sure your information is well backed up.

2. Physical security - keep it with you. I am not a student, but I travel with my laptop. I keep in a nice (padded) briefcase that is not at all like the standard computer bags. I keep my briefcase with me, locked in my car, locked in my home, etc. There are security locks, but it is really down to you hanging on to it and not losing sight of it.
... JDHurst

[TREX]

Aside from that, I would recommend the following product:

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PA400U

I just ordered mine after seeing one in action last week. It is a very nice tool to assist you in keeping an eye on your laptop. It not only allows you to lock your laptop to a secure fixture, it allows you to activate a motion sensor with a 110db alarm.

On another note...

I am new to the group, so hello to everyone. My T42p 2379-DYU is on its way as I type, and I am like a kid before Christmas. I currently own an IBM Aptiva that I purchased back in 1995, and a Compaq Presario 1800us.

[Leon]

btw, interesting info I got from IBM... if you lose either of your passwords, IBM says they can't help you (even if you prove that it's your machine). Depending on which password you set, you need to replace the hard drive or the motherboard. Does this sound right?

[JaneL]

>Depending on which password you set, you need to replace the hard drive or the motherboard. Does this sound right?
>

Yes, and no. There are services that will (for a nominal fee) help you out resetting your password. Generally speaking, IBM isn't one of them.

There may be some useful information in this item from the FAQ:

11) Can you help me remove the BIOS/HDD password from this
ThinkPad that I just bought/inherited/found/was given/stole/other?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Cracking passwords is a highly charged subject that
reasonable people disagree over. Threads discussing it can be found
starting at:

http://zurich.ai.mit.edu/hypermail/thin ... /1095.html

and

http://zurich.ai.mit.edu/hypermail/thin ... /1132.html