5 Ways Students Can Prevent Laptop Loss & 5 Ways to Retrieve It

Getting ripped off or losing your laptop can be expensive for parents and college students on a shoestring budget.5 Ways to Keep Your Laptop Yours1. Misperception is EverythingNothing says “I'm a laptop, steal me,” louder than the typical-looking laptop bag. Opt for a neoprene laptop sleeve and disguise it in a messenger bag or backpack.2. Lock it UpLock it in your computer desk or a safe when you’re gone.3. Don’t Leave it AloneNever leave it unattended in a coffee shop, library, or any public place for that matter.4. Keep it In the TrunkWhen you’re out, lock it in your trunk.5. Leash ItFor under $40, you can leash it to just about anything that’s bolted down with a Kensington 64068F. Belkin makes similar a device that sells for around $47; it sounds an alarm if it's removed.5 Ways to Catch a Thief1. LoJack for Laptops can GPS locate it, remotely freeze files, including the OS, and display a custom message on the screen like “Give My Laptop Back” (or more colorful messages).2. Laptop Cop can retrieve and delete files, watch and record what the user is doing, and geo-locate it in real-time within 60 feet.3. GadgetTrak can send you an email with your device’s location with 10 meters as well as snap a webcam picture of the dirty little thief.4. iHound (Apple App Store) can track your iPad, iPod, iPhone, or USB device and can map its location for $4.5. LAlarm is free and can sound a perimeter alarm and recover and destroy data remotely.Back Up Data in the CloudSites like Backupify give you 2GB of free cloud storage or 25GB for $60.Losing your laptop can ruin your semester. But even if a thief catches you off-guard, you can still ruin their score by rendering it useless or, better yet, by getting it back and handing them over to the cops.