Securing my iMac in college

[skythefly13]

So I am off to college in a month and have heard that theft is a possibility if you or your roommate forgets to lock your door. I am in a pretty nice dorm with cameras, but I still want to be careful. I have a 20" Al iMac and it was a grad present.

Anyways, here is what I am thinking. Instead of buying an expensive computer lock (which I hear mangles the security slot and does more bad then good), why not just stick a cable bike lock through the ring in the aluminum base? It would be wrapped around the bed post (bed is lofted above the desk) and through the aluminum ring on the stand of the iMac.

Is this totally stupid, or a simple way to save $? Thanks...

 

[Diseal3]

So I am off to college in a month and have heard that theft is a possibility if you or your roommate forgets to lock your door. I am in a pretty nice dorm with cameras, but I still want to be careful. I have a 20" Al iMac and it was a grad present.

Anyways, here is what I am thinking. Instead of buying an expensive computer lock (which I hear mangles the security slot and does more bad then good), why not just stick a cable bike lock through the ring in the aluminum base? It would be wrapped around the bed post (bed is lofted above the desk) and through the aluminum ring on the stand of the iMac.

Is this totally stupid, or a simple way to save $? Thanks...

That is your best way to go. The security slot will let go if you do enough tampering. If you do what you said with a bike chain and putting it through the base your better off and alot more secure. Congrats on your new mac and college!

 

[jsm4182]

So I am off to college in a month and have heard that theft is a possibility if you or your roommate forgets to lock your door. I am in a pretty nice dorm with cameras, but I still want to be careful. I have a 20" Al iMac and it was a grad present.

Anyways, here is what I am thinking. Instead of buying an expensive computer lock (which I hear mangles the security slot and does more bad then good), why not just stick a cable bike lock through the ring in the aluminum base? It would be wrapped around the bed post (bed is lofted above the desk) and through the aluminum ring on the stand of the iMac.

Is this totally stupid, or a simple way to save $? Thanks...

Thats what my school does for their ACDs, it seems to work just as good as a computer lock.

 

[skythefly13]

That is your best way to go. The security slot will let go if you do enough tampering. If you do what you said with a bike chain and putting it through the base your better off and alot more secure. Congrats on your new mac and college!

Thanks, I appreciate it!

 

[Apple Ink]

Works like a charm!

 

[Jack Flash]

This is how I secure mine.

 

[Consultant]

Good idea

I would also set:
Firmware password
Account password
Screensaver password

If you really want to go overboard for a desktop, you can get "undercover" recovery software.

 

[rdowns]

That's what I did with mine when I lived in a hotel for 5 months. Of course, if someone really wants it, they can just take off the base and steal your Mac.

 

[t0mat0]

I'd get all your Serials and write them down and keep them separately. If you're in the UK there is the UK Police Immobilise or other named scheme where you keep the serials on a secure database. Having it tagegd with a sticker, or maybe microdotted, or ultra violet pen in a discrete place are also options.

 

[thecrackerjack]

Given the stand is only made from aluminum and can be cut easily it is only a matter of time. But time is what you need.

Another thought to prevent theft is to bolt the base to your desk. Yes it will put a hole in your base but unless the thief brings a ratchet set with them it isn't going anywhere. You could also strip the nut on it (and cut it off with a grinder at the end of the year).

Another option is an alarm system for your room. Yes it sounds like over kill but a wireless alarm system is only 100$ now and you can even have it monitored for as little as 5 to 10 dollars a month.

Enjoy college and the dorms. I can't say I enjoyed the dorm.

 

[*Alice]

i hope the stands are not removeable.
I have a new 24" imac that I will be leaving in large studio. I going to use 2 locks. a kensington combo lock and a bike cable lock..

 

[rgarjr]

I think you can easily cut thru those metal cables with some things you break locks with.