Locking computers

[neutralizer]

How exactly would I lock my laptop and desktop when I go to college? Anything simple.

I'm not too worried about the laptop as it will be with me all the time, but my desktop has more expensive components in it and can be easily carried away.

 

[bplamondon]

Drill hole in deskframe... then put hole in case... use really good bike lock and bolt the two together (Then they have to steal the whole desk, or at least destroy it). Or just lock your door when you arent around?

 

[neutralizer]

I don't think I can alter the dorm desk

 

[Chronoshock]

Spray paint your case pink and purple and put some giant glossy Hello Kitty decals on the sides. Set the case speaker to loop the "I love you" Barney song midi. I don't think anyone will be taking it

 

[CVSiN]

HAHA Crono that would stop me for sure haha!

 

[lookouthere]

Originally posted by: Chronoshock
Spray paint your case pink and purple and put some giant glossy Hello Kitty decals on the sides. Set the case speaker to loop the "I love you" Barney song midi. I don't think anyone will be taking it

too funny...LMAO

 

[So]

[windows]+[L]

 

[neutralizer]

I should have thought that this was gonna happen when I ask AT for help, but I thought only ATOT would do that... guess I was wrong

 

[CaptainPOE]

I honestly don't think it will be a problem. It hasn't been for me and I left my door open all the time in the dorms. My college always has where you can get your bikes and computers and anything else personalized with your info and stuff like that. So you might want to see about getting that done, but as far as locks go I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

locking your door is the best advice ive seen in this thread

 

[backinsac]

I like the suggestion of just locking up when you leave the room.

Or maybe you can go the route of affixing some sort of transponder into your computer case in order to locate it if and when it disappears (similar to those used for lost pets)?

 

[desertfox04]

I don't know about my case, but no one's taking my monitor, it's a 50lbs 19" Diamondtron.

The only feasible way I think of to physically hold it in place is to drill a hole in the case and hook a bike lock around some obect that is not easily moved, or take the chain and loop it through the hole of a 40+lbs weight.

If you want to lock the case door so people can't steal your gfx card?
http://www.secure-it.com/products/desktop/coverlock.htm
That might help.

 

[dmw16]

Going into my senior year of college and having worked help desk type tech support since my 2nd year i can honestly say freshman cant too worked up about locking stuff down. I have never heard of a desktop being stolen (unless it was stollen along w/ your wallet, tv, stereo, etc). Laptops on the other hand, vanish all the time. Don't worry about it. I leave my door open all the time and nothing has ever vanished. Also, most college networks could find your computer for you. Odds are, if it were stolen it would be some moron, he would plug it in, register it for campus use and you could ask you network guys to find the MAC address. I know we could do it where i go to school and I would guess most schools have a similar netowkr setup.

 

[RockGuitarDude]

No one is going to jack your desktop. Its way to obvious and someone would definately notice. As for the laptop, they have things that are similar to bike locks that I have seen many people with. They kind of lock into the side of the laptop with a combo and then they loop around the desk. Most desks have a place you can lock it on. My school has a drawer with 2 metal pieces with a hole in each that you could easily loop it through. Worst comes to worst, you have to attach it to a beam of the desk.

 

[neutralizer]

Originally posted by: CaptainPOE
I honestly don't think it will be a problem. It hasn't been for me and I left my door open all the time in the dorms. My college always has where you can get your bikes and computers and anything else personalized with your info and stuff like that. So you might want to see about getting that done, but as far as locks go I wouldn't worry about it too much.

How exactly would you personalize it?

Yeah, no one is gonna touch my monitor either... it's 22"

 

[imported_Nacelle]

Install some kind of distributed computing app. If some one steals it, your computer will log on and get a new unit to process. You might be able to get a trace on the theif. I've heard that someone got thier computer back that way.

 

[Carbonadium4]

most desktop cases have security holes in it now.. almost all notebook has it.. you can try to get alarm crap.. but this might wake you up if you kick your desk while sleeping and 95db all over you (motion)

hook up multiple ones... chain it to your desk or something..

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=pa400u

The fastest growing fear among mobile professionals today is notebook theft - help protect your notebook with the Targus DEFCON 1 Ultra. You can now relax in airports, restaurants, and other public places with the DEFCON 1 on guard. This system combines a stainless steel cable, motion sensor technology, and a 95dB alarm to create a combination locking alarm system that easily attaches to your notebook or carrying case in any setting.

The DEFCON 1 Ultra features a four-digit re-settable combination lock with up to 10,000 unique combinations. A second level of security is provided by the high decibel alarm that is triggered if the cable is severed or the motion sensor is activated. So now security can be simple!

 

[stickybytes]

Originally posted by: So
[windows]+[L]

lol. you beat me to it.

Seriously though, software locking your computer may come in handy when your going to be away from your computer for a bit, don't want to shut it down but you don't want to prying eyes to see what you've been doing