Re: Stolen Laptop, backpack, other things

On Fri, 7 Mar 2008 17:36:41 -0500, "Sudohnim"
<Sudohnim@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


"Journey" <journey@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:17i2t3tvptjk8em4igiv500lohokvgqf5r@xxxxxxxxxx

I didn't have any personal data on it, and on my laptops (and desktop
too) I put everything into a secure program with good encryption
(www.miclog.com Info Select) or in Splash ID for passwords, etc. For
a while I put all my data on a SD card, but I stopped doing that.
Also, just by chance, that particular laptop didn't have any e-mail
software set up. I am lucky in that regard.

Obvious stuff, some or all of which you have probably done, but
offered anyway...

If it was ever entered on the machine or stored on the machine
(encrypted or not), consider it compromised. Change any and all
related usernames, passwords, etc.

Don't give up... contact as many people as you can who might have
been there or might know someone who was there... offer a no
questions asked reward of some sort. Police report of course. Call
some pawn shops? Some used computer stores? Perhaps keep
an eye on Ebay and Craigslist?

There are laptop recovery services who use specialized client side
software. I don't know much about them. My guess would be that
you have to buy a subscription and install or activate the software.
Then again, perhaps some laptops come pre-equipped and the
machines are pinging the recovery company by default? Actually,
come to think of it, MAC Addresses and unique software product
keys and even cookies could potentially be useful in locating some
stolen computers (given help from certain companies).

Good suggestions.

I have an idea who may have done it. She was in the lobby, in fact
she wanted a ride to Walgreens and I said no so she even may have been
mad at me -- I am not a taxi service, and because I work around
homeless people and down and out people I am asked for rides a lot.

The computer was a Lenovo ThinkPad, so there may be something I could
do.

Nothing important was on it, except for all my passwords :-) that
are encrypted in Splash ID which is safe. Otherwise, my Palm address
book. I don't think I set up the laptop for e-mail. So, no important
data was compromised, but I will think it through tonight very well.
One thing I am good at is keeping that kind of thing encrypted, but if
it were another laptop I'd need to reset my e-mail passwords, and
e-mail history would have registration codes (aha, something I need to
fix).

I checked all the trash cans and waste containers in case someone saw
only the laptop and wanted to get rid of the backpack only.

I did file a police report. Here, it's via a voice mail and then they
send it out.

I probably won't use renters insurance even if it's covered because
American Family dropped me for having 2 claims, and I don't want more
history that could affect my ability to have insurance. I now
consider my renters insurance to be protection against a catastrophic
loss such as fire.

Pawn shops are a good idea, as well as seeking a company that might be
able to find it by MAC address. I don't know of such a company or if
it's possible but I will Google for it.

The losses of my iPod, the portable speakers ($129) and my Palm
Tungsten C pilot, and the leather backpack itself are items I can't
afford right now to replace. I expected a large sum of money but it
was delayed for several months. Also, I don't know if I want to pay
$300-something for more electronic gadgets.

The laptop was my favorite one, with a 7300 Core 2 Duo, weighing 3
lbs, and a few years left on its warranty. I won't spend the money to
replace the ThinkPad X61 either. I'll use one of my other laptops.

I'm going to develop a plan of action tonight and will use some of
your ideas.

Oh -- the person I suspected stole the laptop hasn't returned phone
calls which is VERY unusual for her. I offered her $200 no questions
asked if she finds it, or an additional $200 for anyone else she finds
that has it no questions asked, PROVIDED that all the items are
intact.
.

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