Having a computer (e.g. a laptop PC or similar electronic device) stolen or become lost is an all too common occurrence. Unfortunately, a lost or stolen computer can cause many problems aside from losing the machine itself. Valuable data and information may come into the wrong hands. Therefore, conventional arrangements for protecting computers and like devices have been established.
Conventional solutions require that the computer be turned on/powered up, connected to the internet, signed up with a third party, and/or have third party software running. For Example, some conventional services provide monitoring of PC's for a fee. If a user signs up for such a service (e.g. ABSOLUTE SOFTWARE CORP. is a company that has such products, e.g. Computrace®), a user can pay a fee and call up and report that the computer is stolen. Wireless or hardwired, the computer makes an Internet connection and updates it status with the service provider. If a customer reports that the computer is stolen, then software will disable the computer and attempt to find it. However, such services require that the PC at least remain powered on (and connect to the Internet) for the third party service to be effective. It will often be the case, however, that the computer will be powered off and/or without an Internet connection.
Therefore, a need has arisen for an arrangement capable of locking or disabling a computer or similar electronic device in a simple manner that remains effective even if the machine is powered off or unable to acquire an Internet connection.