   Laptop Locks
  I'm going to college next year and I was wondering what you guys think about laptop security.  Will a cable work?  I heard that they could be opened easily with toliet paper tubes... Has that issue been fixed.  If cables are the way to go, what would you suggest?   
  If you're talking about physical security, I'd get a foot locker and put a combination lock on it, and then store your laptop inside it. If its not in your foot locker, its being carried on your person. Don't leave your room unlocked, and don't leave your laptop out in the open in your room.   ;  I have one of those cable things that connects to the back of my laptop.  Mostly I'd say just don't leave your room unlocked while you aren't in it ever.  I believe the cable things can be pryed off with a certain amount of effort and the right tools, so while it may be somewhat of a deterrent, if someone really wants to steal your laptop they still will.  The foot locker idea, or a locked closet, are probably the safest bets, but failing that its better to have a cable lock than not.   ;  If you're going to buy a laptop lock, get one from Kensington. They've been in the business long enough to survive several attacks, and their port is more or less standard by now.However, the best defense would be to hide it out of sight, in a safe or foot-locker. Ideally, use a gun cabinet -- those things are really secure to try and stave off the NRA's detractors, and anyone who breaks into your room and sees a huge gun cabinet is going to think twice about robbing you anyway.   ;  I really wouldn't be too worried about security on campus, if you keep your door locked no one will take anything. If you don't have a laptop yet, even better. (I find them much more frustrating then a normal PC, thus I will never own one)   ;Quote:Original post by RavuyaIf you're going to buy a laptop lock, get one from Kensington. They've been in the business long enough to survive several attacks, and their port is more or less standard by now.However, the best defense would be to hide it out of sight, in a safe or foot-locker. Ideally, use a gun cabinet -- those things are really secure to try and stave off the NRA's detractors, and anyone who breaks into your room and sees a huge gun cabinet is going to think twice about robbing you anyway.I don't know, but if i were to break into someone's place that had a gun cabinet, I might try and see if I couldn't take the guns too. I've already broken in after all, don't want them armed when they come after me, and they might think twice about going after the guy that now has their guns. :PBut a large footlocker with a large padlock, and full of books/double wrapped jugs of water should do the trick. Not many people want to try carrying 300lbs just for a computer. If you have a little skill with tools, put a little keypad, a few lights one green that you rig a battery and label "Arm", and a speaker that looks like it is some alarm. Hell, rig a real alarm up to it. Just make sure you remember to put your laptop in there anytime you are leaving the room. Even if you're just leaving the room for 5 minutes and will be right back, leaving things that are easy to walk off with in sight is a good way to lose them. I've seen two guys, each with mp3players, and rather expensive laptops, and one had a really good digital camera and a PDA. They met in the library, set their stuff up, got talking with someone else and walked off, leaving all their stuff sitting there, with only me watching it (And I don't know them). Remember, not everyone is as nice as I am.;  Yeah, just take evertone's advice. I hjave made it through a year of dorm living with my laptop intact. Keep your room locked, don't leave it sitting around. The only issues I've had are my friends loading forbidden pictures when I was out. A simple cable lock may be a decent deterrent, but be aware that they are pretty wimpy. I managed to break my lock by dropping it in my dorm room (the locking mechanism shattered). It will definately slow down the average retarded student who could just grab it while you are in the bathroom.   ;Quote:Original post by TalrothQuote:Original post by RavuyaIdeally, use a gun cabinet -- those things are really secure to try and stave off the NRA's detractors, and anyone who breaks into your room and sees a huge gun cabinet is going to think twice about robbing you anyway.I don't know, but if i were to break into someone's place that had a gun cabinet, I might try and see if I couldn't take the guns too. I've already broken in after all, don't want them armed when they come after me, and they might think twice about going after the guy that now has their guns. :PAssuming the OP has a dislike for actually having firearms around, he could just litter the bottom of the gun cabinet with empty ammo clips (from a salvage yard, perhaps) giving the impression that he has the firearms on his person and could return at any moment. [grin]Either that, or put a skeleton in there.   ;  I had a number of friends with Laptops in Rez.  Some got theirs stolen for real and for pranks.  The one common mistake people make is to leave the door open or unlocked on their rooms.If you are going out for anything hide your Laptop somewhere, or take it with you, and close and lock your door.  The lock will only protect you so far.  Also, if your campus has it register your Laptop with them.  This way if it goes missing they can have a hope of getting it back for you, saved a friend of mine a lot of hassle (and money :P).   