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I've heard there's one that takes pictures from the theft, locks the machine, e-mail its location to the owner, but I can't remember the name. What are the best anti-theft software for Mac OS X?

Edited: I found Undercover. Is it good?

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Should these software packages really be called "anti-theft?" They don't deter theft unless they somehow notify the thief that the laptop is going to be bricked before they steal it. I'm sure there's a better name out there, I'm just not witty enough to think of it. – Russ Warren Oct 5 '09 at 13:52
Anti-theft software would aid in the recovery of the laptop through use of the webcam, GPS, and sending out information to the owner of where the laptop can be found. Data Protection software, what you're thinking of, would ensure that private data on the laptop is protected or destroyed in case of theft. – Will Eddins Oct 5 '09 at 13:58
See "Laptop Tracking System" at superuser.com/questions/77039/laptop-tracking-system, which mentions the cross-platform Prey. – Arjan Mar 21 '10 at 13:36

closed as not constructive by random♦ Jul 28 '12 at 17:42

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4 Answers

up vote 3 down vote

Undercover is good:

Undercover uses advanced technology developed by Skyhook Wireless to locate your Mac based on Wi-Fi positioning. In addition, Undercover transmits network information, enabling our recovery center to accurately track and locate your stolen Mac within a range of 10-20 meters.

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up vote 1 down vote

I use Adeona.

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This product is very beta and not so well documented. I'm afraid of using it... – Daniel Cukier Oct 5 '09 at 17:39
up vote 1 down vote

another open source alernative is .I would recommend either Paid Options

  1. undercover
  2. Gadget Trak

Free Options i would recommend VUWER for the simple reason that its not dependent on the underlying provider . But here are some more alternatives for those who think they would get a thief dumb enough to retain user settings/hard disks

  1. the prey project
  2. vigimac
  3. VUWER
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up vote 0 down vote

Try LoJack:

Computrace LoJack for Laptops is a software-based theft recovery service. It tracks, locates, and recovers stolen computers while providing you with the ability to protect your personal information from identity theft.

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It seems good, but I think it works only in US. I doubt our brazilian police is integrated with these guys... :-) – Daniel Cukier Oct 5 '09 at 13:55
They are in no way connected to the police, so it works anywhere. – alex Oct 5 '09 at 13:58
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Had read great things about this product but juts bought a Dell with it factory insatlled and it has been a nightmare. A week after delivery and I still cannot confirm it is there. Calls to the software vendor (Absolute) have been some help but still not working. Dell has been little help – Dave M Nov 18 '10 at 15:26

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