These are free and open-source protector of your PC that puts paid-for software to shame. hehehehe
Price: Free
Info: http://preyproject.com
Specs: Wi-Fi auto connect, GPS and Wi-Fi geolocation, small memory footprint, webcam and screenshot capture, remote data removal, lockdown PC
Prey is a feature-rich and stable open-source program.
When launching the software for the first time, you're required to set up how Prey sends you reports - either via email and web, or email only. The web control panel is excellent, with a clear and attractive interface. Settings can be easily configured via sliding toggles, similar to those found on iOS devices.
Designating your laptop as 'Lost' will instruct Prey to begin creating reports on its location and send you email notifications. The frequency of these reports and emails can be easily altered and makes the absence of this feature in GadgetTrak all the more baffling.
A very handy feature that isn't in many other laptop security suites is that Prey also takes a screenshot of the laptop. It's a great addition, and if you're lucky the thief could be on a site that will help you recognise them, such as Facebook. There's even more information included in the reports, which makes Prey easily one of the best laptop security applications we've tested and it's free.
Prey is free for three devices and they can be Windows or Apple laptops, Android or iOS phones and tablets. There are Pro plans for companies with up to 500 devices too. Prey doesn’t hide itself, but the Start menu entries can be deleted after installation and the folder hidden. A password is required to uninstall it.
You can log in to the website, see a list of devices and access the control panel. There is a simple toggle switch to set a device as missing. This triggers reports, which are collected at regular intervals that can be as short as 10 minutes. Prey attempts to determine the location, IP address, nearest Wi-Fi hotspots, GPS and any other information available.
You can take screen shots in the hope of capturing a Facebook or Twitter page that identify the user, and a webcam photo. The computer can be locked and files can be erased.
The LaptopLock
Price: Free
Info: www.thelaptoplock.com
Specs: Delete files, encrypt files, show a message to the user, execute a program, play a sound, visible or hidden from the user
LaptopLock is a free offering that eschews a fancy interface for a simple, no-frills look. Signing up for the service is quick, you simply need to enter your email address and a password, and you're taken straight to the online control panel. From here you can add a computer, giving it a name for easy reference.
From this page you can download the software. During installation you can choose whether or not to show a splash screen when the laptop starts up - it's nice that you're given the choice.
There are no tracking features with this program, so ideally it should be installed alongside a free service that does, such as Prey. What LaptopLock concentrates on is protecting your data if your laptop is lost or stolen; and is broken into three parts;security,notifications and the final part is that you can select a program to launch when the laptop is reported stolen - a good chance to run a tracking program, or activate your webcam and upload the photos it takes.
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