CHRISTMAS DAY might seem an inappropriate time to raise the specter of the Grinch, but burglaries and thefts increase around the holidays, and computers are just as easy to carry away as stereos and televisions. Computer owners, including those who become computer owners for the first time over the holidays, would be wise to take precautions against theft and loss.
A television or stereo is easily replaced, as is the computer itself. But the increasingly popularity of portable computers and the standard use of hard-disk drives capable of storing the equivalent of thousands of pages of paper documents mean that the thief may be taking programs and data files that represent hours, days or even years of work.
To paraphrase Iago in Shakespeare's "Othello," "Who steals my personal computer steals cache, but he who filches from me my hard disk robs me of that which not enriches him, and makes me poor indeed."
Here are some strategies to lessen the risk of theft, minimize a loss and increase the chances of getting back lost equipment.
*The first law of computing is to make at least two current sets of backup disks for your data and to keep one set far away from the computer, preferably away from the home or office. This is protection against fire, flood and computer malfunction as well as against theft. Remember, some thieves take diskettes along with the systems, and your backups are of no use if you lose them as well.
*Keep a list of all the serial numbers of hardware and software, and keep the sales receipts. Do not keep the list of serial numbers in your computer data base, of course.
*Try not to set up the computer next to a window or in another highly visible, easily accessible place. Most burglars are opportunistic, law enforcement officials say, and placing the PC in plain view may present too much of a temptation. Notebook and laptop computers are especially vulnerable because of the small size and light weight, but those are also advantages. They can be stowed in a locked desk drawer.
*There are a variety of PC security kits available that literally lock or chain the machine to a desk. To take the PC, someone would have to destroy the case or the desk. Kensington Microware Inc. of New York City (800) 535-4242 or (212) 475-5200, makes such systems for Macintosh computers, ranging from $49.95 to $99.95. The Curtis Manufacturing Company of Jaffrey, N.H., (800) 548-4900, makes a $19.95 Universal Security Kit that includes a steel cable, a lock and tamper-proof screws.
*When traveling, don't leave a portable PC in plain sight in a locked or unlocked car, and do not leave it unattended in luggage bins or on an adjoining seat in a train or plane.
*Many portables come with carrying cases, and some sport a distinctive logo, like Apple's rainbow Apple. Such logos say, "Hey, folks, this little bag contains an expensive computer." Choose a plain case.
*Computer owners who dabble in programming might consider creating a a simple batch file that generates a special startup message, one that appears on screen whenever the machine is turned on. The screen should include the owner's name or company name and a telephone number. Thereafter, every time someone turns on the computer, there the owner's identification will be. This assumes that thieves are not bright enough to delete a batch file and that finders are honest enough to return a lost computer.
*To aid in the recovery of any lost hardware, engrave or scratch your driver's license number on the computer and peripherals, and other valuables as well. Social Security numbers are not as effective, since law-enforcement agencies do not have ready access to those numbers.
We suggest engraving the numbers twice on each piece of equipment, once on the outside of the case and again on the inside, where a thief might not look. Start the number string with the two-letter state code (NY, for example) and end it with "DL," for driver's license; that way, it will be harder for the thief to alter the numbers.
Many local police departments or sheriff's offices will lend a simple engraving tool to homeowners without charge, and some insurance companies give them away.