Need to lock down my home tower

June 28, 2012 11:40 AM

Greetings! I recently bought a Gateway FX tower computer as a server and would like to secure it to the desk with a cable. I only see the smallest little loop in the back to pass a padlock though, nothing any bigger than a luggage padlock will pass thu it. (you could breach one of those with your teeth, I think! :D) I have looked all over the Gateway related sites and the user guides and find nothing that indicates any sort of hidden lock loop for a decent sized padlock. Any suggestions? thanks in advance! ConnieL
posted by ConnieL to computers & internet (7 answers total)

You generally run a lock cable through that hole.
posted by Lyn Never at 11:45 AM on June 28, 2012

I would pretty much guarantee that it also has a Kensington lock slot.
posted by LowellLarson at 12:41 PM on June 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

You can buy larger loops to epoxy/superglue onto the case.

As always, you need to ask yourself what kind of security you need. Are you just trying to prevent someone from casually grabbing the machine and running off with it, or are you looking to protect the computer from someone who might be a bit more dedicated?
posted by RonButNotStupid at 12:50 PM on June 28, 2012

In reply to Ron:
Well, the house down the street was broken into recently, so I'm trying to secure my computer as much as I can. There isn't much that can withstand bolt cutters, I realize. I have backed up the irreplaceable data tho. I'm hoping its just ametuers that are only interested in a fast grab. Otherwise why steal old used computers?
posted by ConnieL at 1:04 PM on June 28, 2012

It's a bit more expensive, but an alarm might be more effective than a cable. We've had great luck with these.
posted by LowellLarson at 1:38 PM on June 28, 2012

There isn't much that can withstand bolt cutters, I realize. I have backed up the irreplaceable data tho. I'm hoping its just ametuers that are only interested in a fast grab.

The other problem with a cable is that someone might not see it when they do a quick grab and upon getting snagged by it, they might just drop the machine.

I'd recommend getting some brackets to securely fasten the entire case to the underside of the desk or to the interior of the cabinet.
posted by RonButNotStupid at 2:36 PM on June 28, 2012

Metal strapping. If it's wide enough, or there's enough of it, the amount of effort required to cut through it can quickly exceed the pain-in-the-ass threshold of most people, and therefore presumably most crooks.

In addition, you can protect it by backing up your stuff, and make sure your receipts are in place for the insurance claim, though.
posted by Sunburnt at 6:54 AM on June 29, 2012