Post by: () on March 07, 2007, 10:00:22 AM
http://ktla.trb.com/news/local/cyberguy/st...ktla-cyberguy-1
It's a program that sounds off a loud alarm if someone tries to take (steal) your laptop.
Best of all...
"IT'S FREE"
Post by: Gregg on March 07, 2007, 12:07:34 PM
Post by: RHPConsult on March 07, 2007, 01:03:20 PM
I have personally experienced a devastating scare within the last couple of months (that ultimately turned out OK) which had me, frankly, panicked for a few hours about the possible theft of waaaay too much confidential data on my PwrBK. Ulimately (and fortunately) becoming a "non-event" did not erase the clear memory of my short-term distress. Anything I might do to avoid that happening again, would be well worth the "price of admission">
So what do you experts think about "Undercover" (recommended for Tiger)? I'm not inpressed by a promised 2X refund of the $49 SW expense if they fail to find a purloined $2200 computer, but I would certainly be impressed if the SW itself was, in fact, "capable" of the protection what it claims.
I've never even heard of a "firmware password" before this, so that seems pretty cool.
Can someone out there offer a definitive description of the likelihood that this is the Real McCoy and not some promoter's fantasy?
Thanks.
It seems "obvious" that if Apple (as it does) lists it on its own web site it ought to be pretty good, but what does anyone 'round thse parts have to offer an an "informed" opinion?
Post by: sandbox on March 07, 2007, 06:15:39 PM
QUOTE
Setting up firmware password protection in Mac OS X 10.1 or later
Use the Open Firmware Password application to set up low-level password protection with Mac OS X 10.1 and later.
Apple Open Firmware Update 4.1.7 and later provide the groundwork for password protecting computers at a low level (Open Firmware Password Protection). This feature is turned off by default. Apple provides the Open Firmware Password utility for use only with Mac OS X 10.1 and later. Apple does not endorse or provide technical support for this feature when used with earlier versions of Mac OS or with any third-party software utilities.
Intel-based Macintosh computers can be protected by firmware passwords as well. The firmware in an Intel-based computer uses Extended Firmware Interface (EFI) technology—Open Firmware is used in computers that use PowerPC processors.
Warning: Attempts to use firmware in a manner that is not explicitly endorsed by Apple may damage your computer's logic board. Any repairs that are necessary because of this damage will not be covered under the terms of the Apple One-Year Limited Warranty, AppleCare Protection Plan, or other AppleCare agreement.
Use the Open Firmware Password application to set up low-level password protection with Mac OS X 10.1 and later.
Apple Open Firmware Update 4.1.7 and later provide the groundwork for password protecting computers at a low level (Open Firmware Password Protection). This feature is turned off by default. Apple provides the Open Firmware Password utility for use only with Mac OS X 10.1 and later. Apple does not endorse or provide technical support for this feature when used with earlier versions of Mac OS or with any third-party software utilities.
Intel-based Macintosh computers can be protected by firmware passwords as well. The firmware in an Intel-based computer uses Extended Firmware Interface (EFI) technology—Open Firmware is used in computers that use PowerPC processors.
Warning: Attempts to use firmware in a manner that is not explicitly endorsed by Apple may damage your computer's logic board. Any repairs that are necessary because of this damage will not be covered under the terms of the Apple One-Year Limited Warranty, AppleCare Protection Plan, or other AppleCare agreement.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106482
Post by: krissel on March 08, 2007, 02:50:05 AM
http://www.techsurvivors.net/forums/index....ic=11385&hl
As to the firmware password, it can be overcome by opening up the laptop and removing the RAM temporarily. That resets it.
Also:
QUOTE
Warning: The Open Firmware Password can be reset and changed by any one of the following:
1. By any administrator user, as designated in the Accounts preferences (or in Server Admin).
2. Via physical access to the inside of the computer.
3. When the computer is started up in Mac OS 9.
1. By any administrator user, as designated in the Accounts preferences (or in Server Admin).
2. Via physical access to the inside of the computer.
3. When the computer is started up in Mac OS 9.