3) Employ Software Recovery Tags and Services
Laptop and tracking recovery software, like Dell's ProSupport Mobility Services, keeps tabs on your notebook wherever it may be by checking on utilities that occasionally connect to central Web servers. From there, those central servers can pin-point a laptop's location and send the boys in blue to recover it, among other possible responses.
Recovery tags depend on the kindness of others who might find your lost laptop to return it to you, based on information you've provided and tagged your machine with. Most tags include some sort of identifying information, a reward for returned goods and an 800 number to call when found. Tags typically cost between US$5 and $10 each, depending on the vendor.
4) Hard-Drive Encryption Software (For PCs and Macs)
Encrypting or scrambling the data on your laptop's hard drive so only authorized parties can translate it with the proper key is one of the best ways to protect sensitive information. Users of Microsoft's Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate operating systems already have access to a drive-encryption via BitLocker. And Mac's come with encryption software, as well, called FileVault.
The FTC offers its own set of tips for "Keeping Laptops from Getting Lost or Stolen," or for real-world lessons check out this case study, "How to Lock Up Laptop Security."
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