Dorm Security

[rontheancient]

I know this topic has been done to death but I just cant quite get the answers I need.

I will be leaving for UC Davis and dorm life in a few weeks and securing my Powerbook is one of my concerns, after researching I have come up with two options...Orbicule's Undercover and SafeWare Insurance.

Undercover looks like a great program, even better if I had a MB or MBP, but im just thinking that the thief might just dump the laptop after the simulated failure. Also, how will Undercover work if all the accounts are password protected? Should I create a open account?

I honestly have no information about SafeWare Insurance other than it was in a recent issue of Macworld. Any comments?

 

[coastertux]

I run Undercover in addition to locking my laptop in a locked drawer in my locked dorm. Another option would be to use a cable lock to lock it to your desk if you don't have a locked drawer.

 

[Chone]

Wow Undercover seems really nice.r

 

[rdowns]

Your parents homeowners insurance will cover our belongings at school. You may need a rider (cheap) for the laptop.

A good lock for the Mac is a good idea.

 

[generik]

Be sure to make sure things are secure, some dorms are run partially by senior students (those guys you rely on to unlock your doors should you lock yourself out) and obviously they have access to keys as well, so it is not like they can't just hop out to make a duplicate or something...

 

[thedude110]

Make sure you back up your data and you store your backup securely as well.

If you do lose your machine, you don't want to lose your data with it.

 

[XP Defector]

Just make sure it's insured and keep a backup. If someone is determined to steal something, then in my experience there's not a lot you can do about it. Just use commonsense with regards to leaving doors unlocked, or keeping it out of sight when your not there etc.

 

[Fedge]

Get a cable lock. They're easy to break, but they're a pretty good deterrant. Don't leave your door open when you're not there, and make sure your roommate doesn't do the same. Chances are, your roommate will have stuff he cares about too.

Just keep an eye on it. There's a lot of theft on college campuses, but if you're intelligent with your stuff, you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[miles01110]

Also, don't carry around an obnoxious laptop bag. Maintain a low profile- use a neoprene sleeve or something you can shove into a backpack.

 

[mduser63]

Also, don't carry around an obnoxious laptop bag. Maintain a low profile- use a neoprene sleeve or something you can shove into a backpack.

I second this recommendation. Another option is a backpack with a laptop pocket. Just make sure it's not made by Targus, because that's a dead giveaway. My backpack is just a perfectly normal looking backpack, it could be for hiking even, but it has a nice, soft, padded laptop pocket inside.

 

[rontheancient]

I second this recommendation. Another option is a backpack with a laptop pocket. Just make sure it's not made by Targus, because that's a dead giveaway. My backpack is just a perfectly normal looking backpack, it could be for hiking even, but it has a nice, soft, padded laptop pocket inside.

Funny because my backpack happens to be a Targus, but I have another one. I already have a code kensington cable and I will talk with my parents about the homeowners insurance. I backup every week so that shouldnt be a problem, but i'm still have some doubts over Undercover, mainly with passworded accounts.

 

[poppe]

I know this topic has been done to death but I just cant quite get the answers I need.

I will be leaving for UC Davis and dorm life in a few weeks and securing my Powerbook is one of my concerns, after researching I have come up with two options...Orbicule's Undercover and SafeWare Insurance.

Undercover looks like a great program, even better if I had a MB or MBP, but im just thinking that the thief might just dump the laptop after the simulated failure. Also, how will Undercover work if all the accounts are password protected? Should I create a open account?

I honestly have no information about SafeWare Insurance other than it was in a recent issue of Macworld. Any comments?

If you read in detail on Undercovers website and perhaps in FAQs they explain what you should do exactly. They mentioned, from what i remember, that you should leave one account with major restrictions, just so they can get on the computer, connect to the internet and what not. This way the picture can be taken, the IP address can be sent, and it can act like a HD failure.

 

[miles01110]

You should be able to set up an account called "public" or something, then disable everything except for Safari or Firefox from the administrator account. That should do the trick.

 

[generik]

You should be able to set up an account called "public" or something, then disable everything except for Safari or Firefox from the administrator account. That should do the trick.

Can you disable applications for limited users? I always run as an admin so I have no idea.

 

[GoCubsGo]

I know this topic has been done to death but I just cant quite get the answers I need.

I will be leaving for UC Davis and dorm life in a few weeks and securing my Powerbook is one of my concerns, after researching I have come up with two options...Orbicule's Undercover and SafeWare Insurance.

Undercover looks like a great program, even better if I had a MB or MBP, but im just thinking that the thief might just dump the laptop after the simulated failure. Also, how will Undercover work if all the accounts are password protected? Should I create a open account?

I honestly have no information about SafeWare Insurance other than it was in a recent issue of Macworld. Any comments?

Get Safeware. My homeowners covers me, but I have safeware for my cell phone. It's the best.

 

[disconap]

Just make sure it's insured and keep a backup. If someone is determined to steal something, then in my experience there's not a lot you can do about it. Just use commonsense with regards to leaving doors unlocked, or keeping it out of sight when your not there etc.

Best advice ever. I had a Performa in college and I built a "subtle" concealed drawer (i.e., subtle because it locked from underneath and just looked like a panel). My room was robbed (I used to leave my door unlocked, my college was one of those places where, for the most part, you could) and they didn't get the comp...

 

[poppe]

Best advice ever. I had a Performa in college and I built a "subtle" concealed drawer (i.e., subtle because it locked from underneath and just looked like a panel). My room was robbed (I used to leave my door unlocked, my college was one of those places where, for the most part, you could) and they didn't get the comp...

How did you do that? Lock it underneath and what not?

 

[miles01110]

Can you disable applications for limited users? I always run as an admin so I have no idea.

Yes. Go to System Preferences -> Accounts. Create the account that gives access (without a password probably) to the public. Maybe call it "Public." Select the "Parental Controls" tab on the top when you have the Public account selected on the left. Check the "Finder and System" box, then click "Configure" and it gives you a check list of applications that will be allowed when logged into that account. I selected Firefox and Safari, for example...and nothing else.

 

[rontheancient]

Sorry for the late post, but I got Safeware for my iPod, PowerBook, and PDA. I might sound stupid by saying this, but never lock the PowerBook anymore, just my external HD. Im thinking that if someone does steal my PowerBook, I can get a MBP and restore all my files via the locked HD. Again, I sound like klutz.