THE DIARY OF Z

There are a host of security options available – from locks to data encryption to online tracking of your notebook – to help you keep it that way.
According to crime surveys, more dollars are lost due to notebook-PC theft than from any other computer crime, barring viruses. So what can you do to avoid becoming a statistic? Here are some devices that address security at all levels – from physical theft to stolen information.

Locks with keys
Most notebooks come with a locking port that you can connect to cable locks. Consider one of these:
If you need to step out of your hotel without your laptop and are worried about its security, look into the lightweight Targus Retractable Cable Travel Lock (US$29.77, www.targus.com), with which you can attach your laptop to a desk. It’s equally handy if you’re at the airport and want to get yourself a cup of coffee. You don’t have to lug your laptop with you; just lock it to your chair. Comes with an adaptor in case your laptop doesn’t have a port to connect the lock.

If you want a lock with an alarm, you can go for the MicroSaver Alarmed Computer Lock (www.kensington.com, US$54.99), which can be heard from 50m away. A six-foot-long aircraft-grade steel cable attaches your notebook to the desk while the patented T-bar lock securely locks your precious device by attaching itself once the cable is passed through it. If the cable connecting the notebook and the desk is cut, the alarm goes off.

While the two above lock via the security port on the laptop, there is the SNAP-Lock (US$29.95, www.secure-it.com) that also locks to the fastener plate (given with the device) on workstations with an adhesive that do not have a portal or area where a notebook cable can pass through. The fastener has a larger bracket to allow a looped notebook cable through. All you need to do is snap the lock into the fastener plate with glue at the top of the desk. SNAP-Lock can also be used to secure monitors, LCD projectors, TV’s, printers, X Box, Playstation, Nintendo and stereo equipment.
Keyless security
If you’d rather go keyless and have a combination lock, try the PC Guardian Ezolution Resettable Combo Lock (US$32.91, www.pcguardian.com). There’s also the PC Guardian Master Coded Combo Lock (US$39.89), which has a push-button head for press-and-go convenience. You can set your own combination and in case you forget your code, there is an administrator code that you can use to open and reset the lock.

Motion detector alarms protect laptops when there’s nothing to tether them to. The Kensington SonicLock (US$39.99, see picture below) locks into the laptop’s security slot and shrieks at 100 dB if the unit is moved. This lightweight and compact alarm features three-digit user-programmable combination keypad and has no keys to fumble with or lose. Just be careful, because the alarm is not too sensitive, so it doesn’t shriek when you move it very slowly. Since most thefts happen in a jiffy, this device sure works!
Tag it
STOP-Lock (Security Tracking of Office Property), priced at US$39.95 can be bought on Amazon and a whole host of portals, including the parent company, www.stoptheft.com. This device is a two-in-one security tracking and locking device. Its lightweight six-foot steel locking cable snaps into a specially-designed security plate on the underside of the laptop that locks it down to the desk and prevents snatch-and-run theft. A stick-on bar-coded ID plate (you can stick it yourself) identifies your laptop in an international registry. If the thief tries to remove the label, an indelible red tattoo shows up on the underside of the casing saying, ‘Stolen Property. Call 1-800-488-STOP’. It’ll be difficult for the thief to sell this laptop as its resale value is down to zero. There’s also a toll-free number of Stop Theft to call on the security plate in case someone finds it. Once the call is received, the company informs the laptop owner.
Bag it
If you are always on the move and looking for a theft-free laptop shoulder bag, Pacsafe 300 (US$99.95, www.pacsafe.com) could do it for you. It’s a backpack with lockable zippers but no keys and has a built-in combination lock that allows the bag to lock closed and lock around secure fixtures like a bedpost or table. The bags are spacious, fully padded and designed for 13″ laptops. There are separate pockets to keep a mobile phone, PDA, digital camera and MP3 player. Not to mention, pens, card slots, umbrella and a water bottle.
Track it
To track your laptop down in case of theft, install Locate Laptop (US$24, www.locatelaptop.com) on your computer. If THE laptop goes missing, you can log in to the Web-based tracking account set up by the company to view and trace where your laptop has been accessed from – this works only if someone uses it. So in case of theft, all you need to do is alert the emergency response team of Locate Laptop. Once they get back to you with the place it was accessed from, you ask the local police to swing into action. As soon as the offender connects to the Internet with your laptop, you will get to know the city and IP (Internet Provider) address he is operating from. There have been many cases of laptops being retrieved in this manner. However, it all depends on how fast the law enforcement authorities react to your call for help, and the situation is different in different countries. But there is hope.
Encrypt it
Have sensitive data? Encrypt it through free open source programs such as TrueCrypt (www.truecrypt.org/downloads.php). This will give you an extra layer of protection. No data can be read or decrypted without the correct password or encryption keys. Windows users can use Encrypted File System (EFS) to encrypt files and folders. The installed software allows you to create an encrypted volume and all you need to do is transfer all your data into this volume and keep it safe and secure.
Disable it
Windows lets you disable almost any piece of hardware via Device Manager: Right-click My Computer, select Manage, Device Manager, double-click the drive or port you want to disable, and under ‘Device usage’, select ‘Do not use this device (disable)’. Since enabling it takes as little time as disabling it, you will have to do this every time you leave your laptop alone. However, be aware that this technique would merely slow down a data thief, who could reverse the changes using any administrator account on the system.
AND FINALLY…
If your laptop is stolen, there are two simple things you can do to help increase the odds that you get it back. First, record your serial number in a separate location. You will need this to prove ownership of any recovered laptop and claim insurance. Second, register your hardware with the manufacturer. You can contact them if your laptop is stolen, so if the thief ever sends it in for repair, you will be alerted.

(This piece has appeared in Silverkris, the inflight magazine of Singapore Airlines)

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
1966, 53 mins. Director: Chuck Jones
Forget director Ron Howard’s ill-conceived, live-action version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The only cinematic take the story needed was released as an animated television special in 1966. It covered the exploits of ‘The Grinch’, who has lost his spirit for Christmas over the years and his only goal in life now is to rid the world of Christmas joy. It clocks at only 26 minutes as a TV cartoon, but it still is able to pack a great little story into that time. It is lusty, garishly coloured and good-hearted cartoon that is a classic Christmas animated tale. It also remains a model of economy, taking Dr. Suess’s simple tale and perfectly stretching it out to 26 minutes. Christmas isn’t Christmas without the Grinch. It’s the kind of weirdly clever, yet innocent and kid-friendly product that forces me to use this tired cliché - they just don’t make them like this any more. A seasonal classic.
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
1947, 107 mins. Director: George Seaton
Is there really a Santa Clause? You bet there is, and this is the film that proves it! Another one of the classic films about Christmas, A Miracle on 34th Street surrounds a man who claims to be none other than Kris Kringle himself. Of course nobody believes him, and it is up to a lawyer and a little girl who must set aside their logical thinking just long enough to have faith that this man could really be THE Santa Clause. Edmund Gwenn as Kringle exemplifies everything we have ever associated with what Santa Clause would look like. It is one of the classic Christmas movies that is so happy being sentimental and enchanting rather than sickly sweet. Christmas wouldn’t be complete without it. You want the spirit of Christmas? It’s all right here. Formulaic, but charming. Takes consumerism and condemns it in a meaningful and thought-provoking way.
A CHRISTMAS STORY
1984, 98mins. Director: Bob Clark
With much affectionate humour, A Christmas Story recalls vividly what it was like to be a kid at Christmas in a more innocent era. In a break from the traditional holiday movies, this movie is told almost entirely from the mind of a young boy during the 1940’s. His voice is the narrator of the movie, as we see him go through the days leading up to Christmas, and ultimately Christmas day itself. The movie is delightfully entertaining, with a wryly amusing narration to keep the adults in the audience smirking. Funny, touching and unabashedly nostalgic, it is a true classic that never fails to take me back to a place of welcomed innocence yet it doesn’t make me wish I were back there…sharp, insightful observations, a careful attention to period detail, and, most of all, a gentle good laugh. The laughs are nonstop if rarely subtle, and the whole thing deserves to become a Christmas time classic.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
1946, 169 mins. Director: Frank Capra
You’d have to possess a very hard heart not to find something to love in this story. It is to me as warm and comforting as a scarf knit by Grandma. Deserving of one viewing per year, preferably without the interruption of commercials. It’s a wonderful story about a man going through some hard times, and makes the wish that he had never been born. For a short time, an angel grants him his wish, and the chance to see what life would be like if he really had never been born. The movie attempts to show just how much one man can change the lives of everyone around him, and gives us the feeling that even the smallest of deeds can turn into the biggest of deals for someone else. The film’s entire premise can be summed up with a bit of text from the film: “Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends.”

NOKIA 5800 XPRESSMUSIC
Rs 21,839
She’s arrived at last, the 5800 XpressMusic, Nokia’s tardy entry into the touchscreen phone space. Appropriately nicknamed the Tube, the device has a number of Nokia peculiarities that could appeal to certain sensibilities. The LCD itself is certainly impressive, at 640 x 360. Purists will enjoy the dull screen surface, which certainly cuts down on glare. The 3.2 megapixel camera focuses well and takes great pictures in daylight. All of this in addition to things like GPS, WiFi and a side-loading microSD slot (there’s a free 8GB card included). It’s comfortable to hold and use with a single hand, but remember this is no iPhone with full-featured media player apps.
Sony Vaio Z Series
Rs 99,990-1.24 lakh
It is a wonderful feeling to hold this Vaio Z series notebook (VGN-Z12GN/B & VGN-Z 13GN/B) in your hands. The weight makes you feel that earlier you were lugging around bricks called laptops. The keyboard is wonderfully laid out and convenient at the same time. The screen is clear and bright. The processor is Core2 Duo P9500 running at 2.53 GHz and it is fast - it is coupled with DDR3 4GB Ram and has 6MB cache. This supports dual graphics card - native Intel onboard graphics card and Nividia GeForce 9300M GS with 256MB onboard memory and 320GB hard drive. These cards ensure good battery life and be able to play next generation games at basic settings.
HTC Touch Diamond CDMA P3051
Rs 39,900
This CDMA phone combines breakthrough innovation, intuitive usability and exhilarating design.  With 4GB internal memory and a 2.8-inch display that provides near-print quality viewing of photographs and a perfect Web browsing experience, it’s a steal. Plus, there is a 3.2 mega-pixel camera and a three-dimensional touch interface that responds perfectly to finger gestures when scrolling through contacts, browsing the web and launching the media player. Powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, it includes Outlook Mobile, Office Mobile, Windows Live and the capabilities to run thousands of third-party applications.
Ceezay Home Theatre
Rs 21990
This is a beauty. It incorporates Dolby DTS to create a true movie theatre experience. It features a Multi Format Playback along with connectivity options for USBs, Memory cards, Pen drives, I-pods and mobile phones. There is also a high-quality digital karaoke and a separate pre-amplifier for enhanced compatibility controlled by a sleek remote. The 5.1 digital channel output provides a crystal clear digital surround sound environment which can be simulated with DSP modes like Disco, Hall and Live. The package: 8” sub woofer, one three-way centre, two surround speakers and one pre amplifier. Bring home the stars and don’t worry about the traffic outside.
Sony CD Tuner
Rs 9990
Sony’s new MEX-BT3600U CD tuner has it all: USB and Bluetooth and front aux-in interfaces, a quick-search interface that lets you browse your MP3 media and support for hands-free through the car stereo. Either plug in your USB pen drives in the front panel USB port and browse music files via a LCD interface, or enjoy high-quality stereo audio via a Bluetooth compatible Walkman or mobile phone with no connecting wires. The best part? The feature-packed head unit makes hands-free calling safe. Happy driving!

BLOOD DIAMOND
143 mins, 2006; Director: Edward Zwick
This is one powerful film. The shooting style is intense, mixing action with heart-wrenching drama with Leonardo DiCaprio’s faux South African accent. In one word, it’s issue-tainment – it puts the issue of conflict diamonds in the public eye. The issues may be simply put, but the brilliant action sequences engage us viscerally. This film is about Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), a mercenary in South Africa searching for diamonds. Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a fisherman, who is also in search of a diamond, is also looking for his son who is kidnapped. Both men are searching for the same diamonds from the same man in a deadly diamond trade. DiCaprio deserves his Oscar nomination for the breathtaking intensity of his performance. Exciting and compelling, but even more than that, it’s a great acting showcase for DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou.
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
117 mins, 2006; Director: Gabriele Muccino
Few films so convincingly portray the titanic struggle that some people face day in and day out just to survive and this is one of them. You may come out rebuking yourself for your laziness or your choices or your fatalism or your fears, but you will come out glad you saw this film. Bonding convincingly with his own son on screen, Smith delivers his most compelling performance since Ali. The film is about Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a 30-year-old man who finds himself jobless and homeless with a young son. They end up living in a train station while he tries to find a job. He ends up training at a brokerage and rises to the top of the corporate ladder. This film is based on a true story. Watch it for Smith’s performance. It is sublime and moving.
BEE MOVIE
90 mins, 2007; Director: Simon J Smith
This animated film is a solid mix of comforting gags and clever language. Never sappy, often clever, and always great to look at. In short, this film is the perfect vehicle to keep the kiddies (and their adults) amused while getting across a well-framed message about species interdependence. After all, a kid’s movie with a moral is quite rare. And yes, this film is as busy as a bee. What distinguishes this better than half-decent comedy is its detailed insight into the bee brain. Bee sure to see this. The story is about Barry B Benson (voiced by Jerry Seinfeld), a bee who has just graduated from college but is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive, Barry`s life is saved by Vanessa (Renee Zellweger), a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans actually eat honey, and subsequently decides to sue.
MICHAEL CLAYTON
120 mins, 2007; Director: Tony Gilroy
The beauty of this film is that each new viewing brings something fresh and insightful with it. It is a thriller of the most sophisticated type. A killer voice-over by Tom Wilkinson sets the tone for this dramatic thriller, and you’re willing to go on the journey of Clooney, a ‘janitor’ at a prestigious New York law firm. He is actually a legal spin doctor who can make anything, no matter how heinous, disappear. At a time when two of the firm’s lawyers have other things to pursue, Clayton is called upon to adjust the truth. The cast is outstanding, with Clooney giving the strongest performance of his career. It is also a success because the actors work hard to convey a sense of genuine investment in the onscreen problems, and because the rest of the behind-the-scenes technicians do immaculate, invisible work. Michael Clayton is that scintillating and a thriller about character.

No, I am not talking about netting a girl friend. I am talking about backing up crucial data. In the age we live, it’s important to store as much info online to help you retrieve it whenever you need to.

Which is why, you have so many online storage websites offering so much more to you. But then again, there are certain negatives to them. First off, they are not really secure no matter how much they claim to be. Two, the back and forth data sharing online requires massive bandwidth if your data runs into several GBs. Three, the data transit time is too prolonged.

Enter Goodsync. Here is a software that allows you to clone your data from a permanent hard drive to a temporary hard drive/pen drive/laptop. It’s a great way to keep your systems up to date. This works perfectly for both the businessman who wants to keep his laptop and desktop in sync and also the working professional who wants a backup of crucial data on to an external hard drive, just incase the computer or laptop he is using goes kaput.

The best part of Goodsync is that once you back up your data on to it and later, sync it to keep it up to date. It does it within seconds and minutes. In normal circumstance, you would have had to re-copy the entire computer data on to your hard drive and this would take hours, depending on the amount of data. But Goodsnyc identifies only the files that need updation and that takes seconds to do.

The other best part is that you can go for a free trial and only then, buy it using netbanking. And even if you buy and don’t find it useful enough, Siber Systems, the company that manufacturers it, gives your money back. For more details, you could try visiting www.goodsync.com.