dafella
join:2002-07-27
Blue Springs, MO
| Looking for software solution to manage loaner laptops
My small business has a couple of new laptops - My concern is that a worker may quit or leave and keep the laptop.
Anyone have a suggestion & price for a software or hardware solution that does the following:
Runs at a level that it's not easily removed - By formatting harddrive.
Requires the laptop to report back home once a week. If it doesn't the laptop becomes unusable
Thoughts
Steve |
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PeteC2
Got Mouse?
Premium,MVM
join:2002-01-20
Bristol, CT
clubs:
 ·AT&T Yahoo
| Steve, I do not know if there is or not, wouldn't surprise me if there is, but it strikes me as an antagonsitic way to conduct a working relationship?
Everywhere that I have been assigned equipment, to include the military and civilian employment, I have had equipment of value, including notebooks. I can not recall a single instance where that equipment was "safeguarded from employee theft" by it being somehow rendered "unusable"...hell, anything that I ever was assigned was simply inventoried and subsequently signed for by the receiving employee!
Besides, let's assume that you can do this with the notebook...what is your goal? If I were a theft-minded ex-employee, and my stolen notebook stopped operating?
Hell! i wouldn't return it to you in a fit of remorse! Most likely I would either toss it out the window, or tear it down for usable/sell-able parts!
I don't disrespect your desire to safeguard an investment, but it just does not seem to be an approach that will do anything to ensure the "safety" of your business's equipment. But, it will make your employees feel mis-trusted!
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Deeds, not words |
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Jahntassa
What, I can have feathers
Premium
join:2006-04-14
Conway, SC
| reply to dafella
I agree with PeteC2  . Policy and inventory management is the best way to go.
If you are concerned, get some sort of document written up that will have legal standing. In order for the user to get the equipment, they have to sign the form stating they understand the computer is company equipment and they are responsible for it. |
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SSX4life
Premium
join:2004-02-13 | gpedit.msc is your friend. |
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AdamB
join:2001-01-07
Westerville, OH
1 edit | reply to dafella
Just withhold their pay if they refuse to return it.
Or you could use Lo-jack. |
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heliox
Rcp's Love Deep Breathing
Premium
join:2000-11-28
Irvine, CA
clubs: | reply to SSX4life
Assuming the guy stealing the notebook won't nuke the HDD and start over. |
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Tursiops_G
Technoid
Premium,MVM
join:2002-02-06
Norwalk, CT
clubs:
 ·Optimum Online
2 edits | reply to dafella
As for an Employee stealing the laptop, your Payroll department already has all the necessary info to persue an Arrest Warrant against the Employee for Theft (IF that should ever happen to occur.)
What You SHOULD be MORE concerned about, is the Security/Confidentiality of any Company Private/Proprietary info on the Laptop's HD, Should it become Stolen FROM the Employee (either while at Home, or on a Business Trip, etc.)... 
I'd Recommend using Hard Disk ENCRYPTION software on ALL Laptops (or any other PCs that may need to be removed from the company premesis for Business needs), and Ensure that they are Each using a Unique, STRONG Encryption Key/Password, that ONLY the Authorized Employee (and the Company's IT/Security Dept) will know.
The Cost of Stolen Hardware is NOTHING compared to the Potential Cost of Compromised Confidential Business Data... 
-Tursiops_G.
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If You're Unsure, "RTFM"... If You're SURE, "RTFM" Anyway.  |
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