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How to Stop a Laptop Being Stolen

By eHow Computers Editor

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A laptop is a juicy target for any thief. Lifting a laptop while the owner is distracted is an all too simple act that can net a clever thief a valuable and easy to sell piece of computing equipment. Since your laptop is not just a financial investment but a hub for your personal and business computing life, it's important that you take steps to prevent it from being stolen.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Mark your laptop. Labeling your laptop with something permanent reduces the chances that a thief will want to take it. Consider engraving your name and information on the cover or using a tamper-proof name tag. By marking your computer you can also prove that it's your in the case of a dispute or if it does get stolen.

Step2

Keep your eyes and a hands on the machine at all times. Whenever the laptop is not properly stowed away in a closed bag, you should make sure that you're either watching it directly or that you're touching it with a part of your body. Even when you step away for a quick second, take the laptop with you so it doesn't get lifted while you're away.

Step3

Use a non-obvious case. The more expensive and hi-tech your case looks, the greater the probability that a thief will target you. A sleek, hi-tech looking case with a computer brand printed on it is an advertisement to a thief. Instead, use a low-tech and generic-looking case that could contain anything to prevent the computer from getting stolen.

Step4

Get a lock. One of the physical security devices used to protect a laptop is a cable and lock that can be inserted into the laptop's Universal Security Slot (USS). The USS lets you thread the cable through the computer so you can lock it to something, even if that something is just your bag. While it's not foolproof, it will prevent the computer from being casually picked up and stolen.