Annoying problem

mbpark · 11-25-2006, 06:55 PM

Hello,

#1. Download the latest Synaptics TouchPad drivers from www.synaptics.com. You'll be glad you did, as Gateway doesn't expose the full functionality of their own products, apparently.

#2. LoJack for Laptops is good. One of my customers evaluated this as a potential solution for laptop theft. The problems were:

a. It "phones home" to Vancouver, CA. This was not something that my customer wished it to do.

b. It requires Windows to run. Their program hides in the BIOS and inserts itself into Windows. Putting Linux or a Knoppix bootable CD into the drive will render their program useless.

However, it is burned into the BIOS, and Gateway is one of the manufacturers that offers this service as a value-added option. If you're going to run Windows, this is a definite plus to have.

The other option you're going to want to look into is encryption of your sensitive data. Please look at TrueCrypt (www.truecrypt.org) if you're going to be toting a new laptop around a college campus, where many students have found alternate (read: theft) ways of supporting themselves.

Thanks,

Mitch

11-25-2006, 06:55 PM	#2
mbpark Lecturer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Carmel, Indiana Posts: 761	Your issues. Hello, #1. Download the latest Synaptics TouchPad drivers from www.synaptics.com. You'll be glad you did, as Gateway doesn't expose the full functionality of their own products, apparently. #2. LoJack for Laptops is good. One of my customers evaluated this as a potential solution for laptop theft. The problems were: a. It "phones home" to Vancouver, CA. This was not something that my customer wished it to do. b. It requires Windows to run. Their program hides in the BIOS and inserts itself into Windows. Putting Linux or a Knoppix bootable CD into the drive will render their program useless. However, it is burned into the BIOS, and Gateway is one of the manufacturers that offers this service as a value-added option. If you're going to run Windows, this is a definite plus to have. The other option you're going to want to look into is encryption of your sensitive data. Please look at TrueCrypt (www.truecrypt.org) if you're going to be toting a new laptop around a college campus, where many students have found alternate (read: theft) ways of supporting themselves. Thanks, Mitch

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)