Security Tip – Laptop Alarm 1.21 and 2 Beta – Deter Casual Theft or Interference
Posted by: Barry Cleave in Portable Freeware, tags: Freeware, Laptop Security, Portable Freeware, Programs, Security Alarm, Software, Utilities, Windows, Windows Explorer, Windows XPA ProReviewer Mini-me Review
What Is It?
Laptop Alarm is a simple application that emits a loud sound when certain actions are taken with an unattended laptop.
Why Would You Want It?
Are you concerned about the security of your laptop? Laptop Alarm provides a useful way of deterring casual theft or interference and snooping by co-workers, fellow students etc. when you leave your laptop or PC unattended. However it is easily and quickly turned off and should be considered only as a simple deterrent and not a solution to such problems.
However there are also some other simple steps that you can take to prevent such things.
What Does It Do – The Essentials?
Emits a very loud sound when:
- The mouse is moved
- The mouse is removed
- The power supply is removed
- Shutdown/Suspend
- Requires a password to deactivate*
*See Cons below
Pros: What’s Good?
- Freeware
- Portable
- Simple & Very Easy to Use
Cons:What’s Not So Good?
- Easily and Quickly Defeated
- May give a false sense of protection
- Beta Version SMS system – Why?
- Lacks some simple codeable options that would make it far better
What the Developer Says:
The developers site gives the following information:
Laptop Alarm
Did you ever hesitate to leave your laptop for a few minutes in a public space like a library? Afraid that someone will take your laptop? Now there is a simple and free solution to this problem! Laptop Alarm will emit a loud alarm whenever someone tries to steal your laptop!
Installation & Use
Laptop alarm comes as a fully portable single executable file. Download and place in a folder of your choice. I always put these sort of portable applications in the folder structure for my “stand alone” portable applications suite.
On first starting the program the following EULA dialog is displayed:
On accepting the EULA (Read it if you are concerned about what you may be accepting 
) you are presented with the following warning:
Main Screen
On clicking Ok you are presented with the main screen:
Here you can check various boxes that set the alarm conditions.
Options
Clicking on the Options button shows the Options Screen:
(Is this really necessary, the Options are already presented in the main screen, this only sets the password, mouse sensitivity and update check all of which could easily be part of a single main screen – think KISS principal!!)
The Beta 2 version adds an SMS messaging option:
There is a also an extra button on the main screen to Sign Up for SMS Credit Now!
This is isn’t implemented when I tried it as it just opened my default web browser at a 404 Page Not Found screen.
I have to presume this is an attempt to monetize the program but see my comments later in this post.
On Clicking the Lock Computer button this screen is shown:
Simply enter your password (and press enter) to unlock
What are the Technical Details & Compatibility?
| Name | Laptop Alarm |
| Software Version | 1.21 & Beta 2 |
| Compatibility | Not shown |
| Homepage | Syfer.nl |
| Download | See Homepage |
| Download Size | Depends on file chosen but less than 500KB |
| OS Reviewed On | Windows XP Pro |
| Review Date | May 2008 |
| License | Freeware |
What is the My Free Review Experience?
I think this is a useful addition to my Portable Utilities set. When on holiday earlier this year I left my laptop unattended in the lounge area where I could get Wi-fi access for it to update RSS feeds and download a few utilities. I would have had more peace of mind if I had been using Laptop Alarm. So my rating is:
Useful but limited
What Could Make It Better?
There are several things that could be simply implemented that would be a significant improvement
- Hide the executable in Task Manager etc.
- Prevent termination of the application
- Mask (******) the password in the dialog box
- Include a more clear deterrent warning in the screen when locked
- Option to use Windows User password
- Blank Screens when locked
- Dump the SMS messaging – by the time you get a message your laptop and/or the perpetrator are long gone
What are the Alternatives?
- Use a cable anchor device
- Use a sound alarm device attached to the laptop
- Lock your laptop when leaving it (Press Windows Key + L) to stop casual interference
- Set a boot password to prevent unauthorised access if stolen or mislaid
- Use an automatic “stealth” system to “phone home” if stolen.
- (needs an Internet connection and the original system not replaced – so not foolproof)
What Other Posts are Relevant?
Why You Want to Use Portable Freeware Applications
Quick, Simple, Free & Portable – Text/File Encryption – ClipSecure
PortableApps Menu – Start All Your Portable Applications with 2 Clicks
Why I decided to Write this Blog
What are the Tags?
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June 17th, 2008 at 3:24 pm - Edit
Hello, For me also security most importand thing. Because i am livin in middle east and here have many terror. More over every day can dies some body. And we are using the here many security protection and merarial.
July 30th, 2008 at 9:03 pm - Edit
pretty cool!! eh? like it is a car….. great software!
August 13th, 2008 at 1:00 am - Edit
leaving your laptop anywhere is a bad idea. i had a lock and a password on mine, and someone still managed to steal it while i was away getting coffee for a few minutes. you should keep your laptop with you at all times, no exception.
September 15th, 2008 at 6:31 am - Edit
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January 22nd, 2009 at 8:17 pm - Edit
Laptop Alarm gives a false feeling of being safe. If you take out the battery first you can unplug the laptop and take it with you without any sound. And bye bye laptop.
I tested vs 1.2 which is freeware, and also the vs 2.0 which you have to pay for now (jan. 2009).
Conclusion: this is a useless application.
May 17th, 2009 at 8:47 am - Edit
I just picked this up a few months ago and it really works as promised. Robust software and EASY to setup.
July 7th, 2009 at 5:56 pm - Edit
Protecting your computer is very important. Matter of fact that is one of the largest causes of identity theft. Many large data breaches you see all the time in the news stem from someones laptop getting stolen. Identity theft protection is becoming harder and harder nowdays.
August 1st, 2009 at 5:53 am - Edit
I am always keep an eye on my laptop when I am going out. This software will reduce my tension. Thanks
August 6th, 2009 at 7:34 pm - Edit
In your alternatives, you didn’t include LoJack For Laptops which uses an agent in the BIOS of most computers, and allows you to track laptops and remote delete data.
March 16th, 2010 at 7:29 am - Edit
I will say one thing but I do not know my place. Very difficult to get used to the normal mice laptops: D