Security Software (LoJack) for Laptops - USC Discount?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

<p>Does anyone know if USC offers a student discount on Laptop Security (LoJack) software?</p>

<p>The $49 does not seem all that expensive for the protection that it provides. However, every dollar helps, and if USC has a discount agreement with the vendor, it would be nice to know that ahead of time before we pay the full price.</p>

<p>Here is a little blurb about what it is, and what it does?</p>

<p>Computrace LoJack for Laptops is a recovery service that enables law enforcement to recover stolen laptops. When your laptop is protected with this service, software installed on your laptop works behind the scenes to silently and securely contact our Monitoring Center, and if stolen, report its location using any Internet connection. When your laptop is stolen, our Recovery Team tracks its location and partners with local law enforcement to recover and return your laptop to you. Computrace LoJack for Laptops is the ultimate tool for mobile theft protection! </p>

<p><a href="http://www.lojackforlaptops.com/success-stories-lojack-for-laptops.asp%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.lojackforlaptops.com/success-stories-lojack-for-laptops.asp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

2

<p>I don't see any reference to it on the Information Technology Service's software page. <a href="http://www.usc.edu/its/software/index.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.usc.edu/its/software/index.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>$49 isn't too expensive, but how robust is the security? Would the program be erased with a reformat of the hard drive?</p>

<p>If the laptop is stolen and used on campus, ISD could probably help you track it for free if you know the MAC address of the machine. They may even be able to do this with more precision than LoJack could from a remote center. When you log onto the USC network, your MAC address, IP address and jack are recorded by ISD.</p>

<p>I would also say that this isn't a substitute for physical security. Always keep your laptop with you or secured in your dorm room.</p>

3

<p>Call up the bookstore- they offer discounts on a lot of computer equipment, so if there is one they'd be most likely to know.</p>

4

<p>LoJack is the nickname of USCs star defensive end... Lawrence Jackson - how ironic...</p>

5

<p>This application looks very easy to defeat by removing the app or reloading the OS. I wouldn't buy it.</p>

<p>You can buy a laptop lock for $30 that would probably provide adequate and real protection from theft. It could be defeated but it'd be easier to just steal your roommate or neighbor's laptop.</p>

6

<p>FYI: <a href="http://www.forbes.com/technology/2005/08/19/digilife-lojack-laotops-cx_daa_0819digilife.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.forbes.com/technology/2005/08/19/digilife-lojack-laotops-cx_daa_0819digilife.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

7

<p>I read the article (thanks) but still wouldn't buy the app (I'm skeptical about the removal of the app and especially the formatting of the HDD) and would use an old-fashioned laptop cable lock instead.</p>

8

<p>nothing beats cold, hard steel to protect your stuff</p>

<p>that said, lots of these "laptop locks" etc are just devices to prevent people from picking it up as you walk by. With a modest set of tools and 5-10 minutes, it's suprisingly easy to break into them.</p>

<p>So I wouldn't rely on them for security, just to prevent casual theft.</p>

9

<p>Thanks for the information.</p>

10

<p>Yes there is the cold hard steel solution . but</p>

<p>the LoJack reviews seem intriguing enough to consider in addition to the security cable (not i lieu of). I don't think it is a simple app'n that can be unloaded Also, I read that it can survive a disc reformat.</p>

<p>Of course this is just hearsay. However, check out the website yourself ... <a href="http://www.lojackforlaptops.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.lojackforlaptops.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>