tracking software for stolen laptops

mrs_baggins

I am thinking of installing either a free programme such as prey or a paid for one such as lo jack on my portable devices in case they are stolen. From what I understand is that these programmes only locate the device through GPS if it is connected to the internet? If someone steals my pc and wipes it before connecting to the internet am I right in saying it wouldn't work? and if it doesn't is there something that would?

pappa_golf

on a windows type machine that is set up to ask for a password on log on , it would be far simpler for "Mr Scrote" to simply reload windows , not only will this defeat the password , but would remove all your personal data and any links relating to the previous owner when sold on.


by reinstalling windows , your program set up to alert you would be removed.

paddyrg

Mr Scrote isn't always smart, so Prey stands a chance. It's free, so why not give it a go? I use it for phone and laptop

forgotmyname

BIOS password and an altered boot sequence is the best. It will make the laptop unuseable.

They cannot boot from CD or USB to reinstall anything, and if they try swapping the drive out the bootmanager will be missing and wont work

mrs_baggins

Thanks all, yes your right I suppose it's better than nothing and they may connect to net first!!

paddyrg

With Prey you can also connect your phone and tablet, and set up alerts so they tell you if they leave/enter a geographical area. Better than nothing, but best on a mobile

AndyPix

forgotmyname wrote: »

BIOS password and an altered boot sequence is the best. It will make the laptop unuseable.

They cannot boot from CD or USB to reinstall anything, and if they try swapping the drive out the bootmanager will be missing and wont work

But surely then "Mr Scrote" would just pop out the CMOS battery for 30 seconds, or move the jumper on the motherboard if it were the capacitor type ??!!

AndyPix

mrs_baggins wrote: »

Thanks all, yes your right I suppose it's better than nothing and they may connect to net first!!

They only MIGHT connect to the net if they manage to log onto the laptop as you and your software runs.
To do that they would either need to know your password or have the technical know how to get round it.
If it were the latter, then they would most likely ignore your OS altogether anyway and just do a re-install

wongataa

mrs_baggins wrote: »

I am thinking of installing either a free programme such as prey or a paid for one such as lo jack on my portable devices in case they are stolen. From what I understand is that these programmes only locate the device through GPS if it is connected to the internet? If someone steals my pc and wipes it before connecting to the internet am I right in saying it wouldn't work? and if it doesn't is there something that would?

Laptops don't have GPS built in. I can't think of one that does. Computers use geolocation based on the IP address used when connecting to the internet which is why the results can be wrong. For example my work internet is routed through Germany and I am in the UK. Websits that use auto geolocation think I am in Germany.

mrs_baggins

wongataa wrote: »

Laptops don't have GPS built in. I can't think of one that does. Computers use geolocation based on the IP address used when connecting to the internet which is why the results can be wrong. For example my work internet is routed through Germany and I am in the UK. Websits that use auto geolocation think I am in Germany.

I wasn't sure how it worked but thank you for explaining

S0litaire

Most aren't smart enough to either wipe or replace a hard drive!

Most will try to power it on first chance they get. Or flog it to one of those high street pawn shops who will probably power it up to see if it works.

Either way software like prey should still work if it can find a free/open WiFi signal