SEATTLE - Stolen laptop? Now you can tell those thieves exactly what you think of them.

Front Door Software Corp.'s Retriever program displays your contact information as your computer boots up. There's even space for a plea to a Good Samaritan — "$50 for my safe return," maybe.

In most cases, that's enough to help an honest person return the machine, said Carrie Hafeman, chief executive of the five-person company based in Evergreen, Colo.

But in the darkest scenarios, Retriever takes off the kid gloves.

You can log on to a Web site and check a box indicating the computer is missing. Now during start-up, a big yellow and red banner appears on the screen, boldly declaring the laptop lost or stolen. This message is set to reappear every 30 seconds, no matter how many times the thief closes the window.

You can remotely switch on a second password prompt if you fear the thief has also stolen your regular Windows, Macintosh or Linux login.

Behind the scenes, Retriever uses built-in Wi-Fi to sniff out nearby networks, then suss out what Internet service providers power them. With that information in hand, Hafeman said, you can file a police report and get help locating the criminal.

While waiting for law enforcement to come through, you can even let off steam by sending new messages to the nagging "Stolen Computer!" screen.

"You are being tracked. I am right at your door" was one, Hafeman said, adding that she could not bring herself to say others that came to mind. Customers have also tried to induce fear or guilt by switching their contact info to "Secret Service" and "Catholic church."

The latest version of Retriever, which costs $29.95 for three years of use, is even more aggressive.

Now, when the "stolen" screen pops up, the laptop cries for help. Use a canned message ("Help, this laptop is reported lost or stolen. If you are not my owner, please report me now.") or record your own.

"You can say, 'Get your hands off me, you S.O.B.'" Hafeman said.

source: http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090225/ap_..._stolen_laptops

Retriever website: http://frontdoorsoftware.com

This is definitely a good idea for starters.

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Added on March 1, 2009, 9:16 pmThis should have been done long time ago. Same goes with handphones but our government is too busy doing something else. I bet you nearly everyone thought about this idea at some time. I also bet you there were business people who propose this to PDRM or whomever but when the proposal reach the top level, it is put on hold, because there is no monetary gain for the politicians.

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Added on March 1, 2009, 9:24 pmThis is just an idea, what I suggest is (might seem drastic to some people) to ban all secondhand laptops resale to counter this problem. If there is no market, I strongly believe that the crime will stop.

Yeah, but some will say then people will go to black markets to get cheap secondhand laptops. It will be easier for the officials to crackdown on the black marketeers. Just look at the pirated vcd/dvd market. I can say that the situation has improved a bit this last couple of years. Not like last time you see.

Hey it's just an idea.

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Added on March 1, 2009, 9:32 pm


What I can say about these type of software is they are selling the idea of security. Just look at the slogan "Prevent, Protect, Recover . . . . Peace of Mind"

It is false security mind you. When we loose our laptops, there is no guarantee that the people who are responsible will even switch on the laptop. I heard that they will just wipe clean the hard disk from network, at least the professional syndicates will do this. But if the software is sold here for RM30, I won't mind trying it.

This post has been edited by gyver: Mar 1 2009, 09:32 PM

Last I heard this method had a side effect. It invites snatch thieves.

That is why you shouldn't use the standard laptop carrying case provided.

Use backpack and make sure you put both of your arm to the shoulder slot
that case, quite hard to snatch when using both arm to carry the backpack

hmm... now i'm thinking of buying a backpack too after reading this.... any suggestion on a cheap backpack?

Never buy cheap backpack to carry your laptop
Cheap laptop meant for light item not laptop
Laptop considered a heavy item, so need bigger & better backpack
Cheaper backpack also didn't come with extra safety like water resistant, thick padding for covering your laptop & come with large compartments

thanks for your advice, will take note on it

mine dicota backpack looks like normal backpack... hopefully it won't detected by snatch thief

thanks for sharing the info and i have used the software and is quite handy....

Treat your laptop like your own soul
what happen if you loose your soul?

Agree with you there. Yeah... I was soulless and a full 100% zombie for a couple of months before I got a new one, laptop @ soul

I'm going to replace my laptop soon, may be gonna go for desktop this time
will keep my lappie for certain use only

Oh, if you have UCare plan, then it's covered lor...

Do not leave your laptop on the table even in your house locked

got any software out there like a gps tracking system that can track our movement of notebook?

for instance the theft movement with our notebook can be tracked..

any idea?

This post has been edited by staggerler: May 3 2009, 07:37 PM

bros, one of my friend laptop in house also got stolen....guy walked into the house and just took the laptop from table top as can see the lappie from the gate...now crooks v brave.....

that is why better to lock your gates and also the one outside. Never leave ur laptop or hp near to windows too ..

common sense...

my pal's XPS got stolen in the KLIA Airport... he bring it with him while he was in the toilet, he placed down his lappy on de floor and pee... the thief just grab it and ran away... while he is still pee-ing... he immediately ran out to chase after the thief but he disappeared...
from tat day on, his practically lost his "soul"

msg wont reply, hp wont answer, stayed at home for months...

there is no common sense when you browse thru housing areas that is fully occupied by students. They never lock the doors lol ... ouch, sorry for your friend.