Click here to receive your FREE subscription to Campus Technology
News
Researchers at U Washington and UCSD Test New, Free Laptop Tracking System
7/21/2008
|
|
The website for the service explains that commercial tracking systems "sacrifice location privacy," since, in those instances, the tracking system--a third party--itself is keeping tabs on the computer and its owner. Also, outsiders can "piggy-back" on the tracking system's Internet traffic to establish device location.
The software, which is in beta, is available for Mac OS X, Windows (XP and Vista), and Linux. The Mac OS X version of Adeona also includes an option for taking a picture of the laptop user or thief using the iSight camera built into the machine in tandem with isightcapture. The images are also privacy protected.
When a computer is lost, the user installs a recovery tool on an alternative system, specifies the period in which to look for updates on location, and enters a password, which had been established during the original installation. The researchers who developed the software recommend that any data related to a potential recovery be passed along to law enforcement agents.
About the author: Dave Nagel is the executive editor for 1105 Media's educational technology online publications and electronic newsletters. He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com.
Have any additional questions? Want to share your story? Want to pass along a news tip? Contact Dave Nagel, executive editor, at dnagel@1105media.com.
Cite this Site
copy text (above) for proper citation
Recommended Reading
- Moodle Gets SCORM Improvements, Security Fixes
New versions of Moodle have been released, bringing the most recent stable build to 1.9.3. The latest round of updates includes a number of bug fixes and security enhancements, as well as improvements to the SCORM module.
- Free 'Morro' Antivirus To Replace Microsoft OneCare
Microsoft is rolling out a free antivirus software program for consumers that will compete with products made by Symantec and McAfee. Code-named "Morro," the AV app is expected to be available by the end of 2009.
- Microsoft Demos New SQL Server Features at PASS
Microsoft Wednesday previewed the ability to centrally manage applications and resources in the planned upgrade of SQL Server, code-named "Kilimanjaro."
- Microsoft Unveils Exchange and SharePoint as Services
Microsoft exec Stephen Elop on Monday announced two hosted solutions from Microsoft--Exchange Online and SharePoint Online--which are now available to organizations of all sizes in the United States. The software, paid for by annual subscriptions, is hosted on Microsoft's servers and supported by Microsoft's channel partners.
- 6 Ways Not To Become Rote Using Instructional Technology
There are, in my experience, six strategies to consider with any use of technology that will guard against rote use of technology and facilitate critical analysis of teaching and learning effectiveness. In this article, I'll share with you the checklist I work with and encourage others to work with in learning about and using new technology.
- Bringing Student Web "Stuff" to Campus Enterprise Systems
How can an institution incorporate Web 2.0 learning opportunities for students, and evidence of learning from those opportunities, into existing campus technologies and processes? PlugJam is providing part of the answer.
