<p>last year, I bought Dell xps m1330 and i am quite satisfied with my purchase. Now, I am really paranoid because my friend just got her laptop stolen, and a lot of important files are there: bank account information, etc. So, I am thinking since I always bring my laptop to class, would it be a good investment to buy a mini for about $300? </p>
<p>In that laptop, I will probably install microsoft office, adobe and some programming languages and some of my artwork. </p>
<p>Or should I buy a desktoop instead? any advice? </p>
<p>I feel hesistant to buy a computer right now since I just just quit my job, so the money I will be paying would come from my savings. So, I am deciding if my paranoia is good enough reason to buy another computer. </p>
<p>I have some security in my laptop if ever it gets stolen, I have a very long complicated password (compose of not words but random letters, numbers and symbols) and encryption in my important files. But you never know, how good in computers these thieves are. Besides I use fingerprint device in my laptop, instead of entering my password (because I am too lazy or can’t even remember). So, maybe they know how to get pass the windows login by copying my fingerprint.</p>
<p>lol, you’ll be fine. buying a computer like this would be a dumb idea. if you’re so concerned about your bank information being stolen, you shouldn’t have it on your computer anyways. if you’re concerned about other files, why would you get a whole seperate laptop when you can just get an external laptop? its as if you’re making the assumption that you WILL get your laptop stole.</p>
<p>you’re much better off setting a strong password that you can actually remember and then backing up files that you cant afford to lose.</p>
<p>well, I store my important information in one note which is also password protected.
And I do have a back-up copy of my information in a 16 gigabyte flash drive (with encryption) that I keep on a small vault. So, if ever thieves stole my laptop, I do not have to worry about needing the data. However, I am worried about identity theft, and the fact that I cannot afford another good laptop.</p>
<p>And some of the cool programs I have installed can only be installed once because they are from my college and we are not allowed to make backups. </p>
<p>How secure is the fingerprint reader in Vista, does anyone here knows? I may not remember my password, but I can easily figure it out because there is actually a meaning behind the random letters and symbols that I use. </p>
<p>Everytime I take my laptop anywhere, I am increasing my chance of getting it stolen. I do not want to use a flash drive to classes, it is not convenient for me, especially that computers in the lab are slow, and the keyboards are infested with bacteria. Also, I would like to use my laptop to take notes because I do not want to waste paper. </p>
<p>I am really sorry if I am freaking out because I know it could happen to me. I do have some common sense like always carrying my laptop with me anywhere I go, and not bringing it in weird scary places, and logging off if I have to go somewhere really quick. Sadly, misfortunes happen when you least expect it . Maybe I should invest more on learning computer security than buying a mini?</p>
<p>As long as you’re responsible with your laptop, it won’t be stolen. Nobody is going to rip it out of your hands. They’ll take it when you leave your bag unattended, leave your dorm door open while you take a ****, or anything like that. Just don’t be stupid, and you’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Theft isn’t nearly as big an issue as some people seem to think it is.</p>
<p>the fact that you mention bacteria when discussing lab computers makes me think you’re at least a little OCD, which i assume you know. your concerns atm are bordering on unreasonable, and you really should not be this concerned. dont save passwords to bank information, and dont link software like quicken to your bank accounts and you will not have any issue with identity theft.</p>
<p>that being said, the fingerprint reader isn’t very secure. there will always be a way around windows passwords/other protections for the purpose of recovery should something go wrong. they were not meant to protect against determined assailants, and are more for privacy than anything else.</p>
<p>The keyboard you’re using now is also infested with bacteria. That mouse/touchpad you’re using? Also infested with bacteria. Hell, your own mouth is infested with bacteria. We have an immune system ya know</p>
<p>Unless you’re living in a plastic bubble, there’s no way for you to avoid bacteria. Just take a small tissue sample from your own hand. There’s more bacteria there than on any keyboard, I guarantee you.</p>
<p>Or… are one of those people who never shake hands?</p>