Securing the Vista Environment

Physical Safeguards

Network-based threats are not the only ones you need to worry about. I'm here to help you protect your information, and that naturally should include protecting the computer itself, don'tcha think?

Lock Your Notebook or Desktop

Over 100,000 computers are stolen every year in the U.S. alone. You probably know someone whose laptop was stolen. Notebook computers today come with a little slot designed for use with a cable lock that you use to secure the computer to a piece of heavy furniture. Most newer desktop computers have the same kind of locking slot, or some other means of attaching a cable. Figure 81 shows what these look like.

Figure 81. Lock up your computer to prevent it from being stolen

Other guidelines for preventing laptop theft include:

• If you must leave your laptop computer in your vehicle, lock it in the trunk. Do not let others see you put your laptop in your trunk, or else a mischievous onlooker might just steal it.

• When traveling, always keep your laptop with you and bring it in your carry-on luggage. Never check a laptop in with checked baggage.

• Avoid checking your laptop in with a hotel's bell desk; instead keep it with you.

• Affix your business card to the top or bottom of your laptop computer; this can avoid mix-ups, confusion, and attempted theft.

Prevent Others from Shoulder Surfing

If you use your laptop computer in public places (like airports) where ...