Central Queensland Linux User Group

Our computing is now so portable that a laptop or mobile phone can easily be lost or stolen.

There are some basic things that all laptop and phone owners should consider when they first set it up, such as use a strong password, backup key data, encrypt sensitive data, the home directory or, for the really paranoid, the whole disk.

Simple things like engraving a name, contact details and possible reward for the return of the device can assist if it is lost. Sometimes though it would be better to actually track the laptop, which is where the open source, cross platform Prey Project comes in: http://preyproject.com/

So what is Prey and what does it do? The Prey project page advises that "basically you install a tiny agent in your PC or phone, which silently waits for a remote signal to wake up and work its magic.

This signal is sent either from the Internet or through an SMS message, and allows you to gather information regarding the device's location, hardware and network status, and optionally trigger specific actions on it".

You also have choices in setting up Prey, either utilising the excellent online site to activate and track a lost device, or using your own email.

The basic Prey account is a free for a 3-device and 10-reports plan. More extensive plan coverage of additional devices and reporting is at a monthly cost: http://control.preyproject.com/subscription/new

Prey is a wonderful open source initiative, but there is no guarantee that Prey or anything else will ensure the return of a lost device, so be sensible when setting up and maintaining a mobile device and make sure you have copies and ensure the safe storage of sensitive data on your mobile devices!