All Narfed Up photography and words by Bryan Villarin

My cousin, Narissa, just got a laptop for Christmas and asked me about wireless security. I figure now is a good time to revisit this because she’s probably not the only one that received a notebook for the holidays. Fortunately, she’s thinking about security; most people probably just connect to open wireless access points without a second thought. Very scary.

For wireless connectivity at home, I’ve been using a Linksys WRT54GL (hacked with DD-WRT) since July 28th, 2006. (link)

If you don’t want to use DD-WRT, make sure you’re using WPA security with a good password. I recommend Steve Gibson’s Ultra High Security Password Generator. People might scoff, but I don’t think I’m easily hackable.

When you’re out, you’ll need to either pay for a connection that’s available or find a free hotspot. You can also buy a Wi-Fi card from a provider, like Verizon, but you probably don’t rely on your laptop that much to justify the cost.

I stay secure wirelessly with the power of DD-WRT, PPTP, and VPN. That means that no prying eyes can see what I’m doing.

If that’s too difficult to grasp (which it is for me, even though I got it to work), HotSpotVPN or PublicVPN probably would be best suited for you. (via GRC Security Now! Podcast #10) Those aren’t free, but fairly inexpensive.

Also, prevent getting a branded notebook bag which screams, “I’m new and important - steal me!” I bought a SleeveCase from Waterfield Designs (SFBags.com), which then goes in my inconspicuous Jansport backpack or my Jack Bauer messenger bag.

Timbuk2 also has a wide variety of notebook bags, which I’ve heard are excellent.

By the way, do you notice that laptops are called notebooks now? They run way too hot to sit on your lap for long periods of time, hence the technical name change.

Am I overly paranoid by worrying about people sniffing wireless packets? Have you thought about wireless security before reading this? Where do you buy non-branded notebook bags?

Disclaimers: I’m not affiliated with Linksys, HotSpotVPN, PublicVPN, WaterField Designs, Timbuk2, or Jansport. However, I’m using an Amazon affiliate link for the Linksys router.

Actually, it wasn’t mine. It was James‘. He had a Macbook Pro.

It happened in San Gabriel, off N San Gabriel Blvd and E Hermosa Dr. We were at a Christmas party. He left it on his front seat, inside his notebook case. The thief broke the front window and took it. We were inside for over two hours, so we couldn’t hear it.

Another friend had his stolen from his trunk a few months ago.

If you want more peace of mind, buy a STOP Security Plate. It prevents theft in three ways:

1. Equipment is affixed with a patented, permanent, bar coded security plate.
2. The plate is impossible to remove without defacing the equipment casing.
3. If removed, a permanent tattoo remains etched into the device.

For equipment recovery, there’s the patented STOP Security Plate and the permanent tattoo.

What’s the recovery rate? 8 out of 10 items that are reported lost. (see “Recent Recoveries“)

Are you convinced?

Security Tracking of Office Property (STOP)

Note: I’m not affiliated with the company.

A couple friends have asked about notebook recommendations. Which one is best for them? What do they need? Questions like that. I haven’t figured out is notebook warranties - which one do you get?

Technically, I would’ve gotten my Sleevecase yesterday, but it couldn’t just be dropped off on my doorstep. I ordered last Thursday, it shipped Friday night, and came in Tuesday. If Monday wasn’t a holiday, I think it would’ve came in that day instead!

Anyways, I’m very impressed! I love the materials used, the huge strap - everything about it. I mean, I don’t know what more to say. Go to the Sleevecase page, look through it, and order with confidence that you’ll get exactly what you want.

The whole feel of ordering from WaterField Designs was so…comfortable. Maybe even a bit personal? The sales receipt even had a hand-written “Thank you”. That’s cool.

I didn’t get any extras because at the moment, I’m planning on just using it with my backpack. Before, I had a Dell carrying case, so I had to carry two things around, since I carry my backpack for everything else. Now, I’ll just be carrying one bag. So awesome! (Here’s more pictures…)

I asked less than a month ago about laptop sleeve recommendations. I didn’t get any. Oh well! I went off by myself, site to site, until I came across one that looked promising. I would’ve gone with Shinza, but their customer support is lame. Lame! I asked a question two days ago, and haven’t gotten a reply yet. They could’ve had me, but not anymore.

So, I came across WaterField Designs (SFBags.com). Well, I’m impressed! After looking through their site for about 15 minutes, I’ve placed an order for a SleeveCase. Nothing extra, for now. You can expect a review as soon as it comes in.

And no, I still haven’t bought that new hard drive…

The more places I go to that have free WiFi, the more I feel compelled to carry my laptop around with me in my backpack (which I take with me everywhere). I hate carrying two bags, and I love my Jansport backpack, so what’s a good laptop sleeve? Shinza ZeroShock sleeves look nice - yeah? What’d fit my Dell Inspiron 1100? (Man, I still haven’t bought that hard drive.)

A friend wants to get a laptop, and is asking my opinion. I think she wants to budget $1,000 to spend. All I know is that my Dell Inspiron 1100 has been fine for me (except for the heat). I don’t want to mess things up and recommend a cheezy one, so if you could help me out, I can pass this onto her. Thanks! She’ll use it for:

1. homework
2. music
3. internet (wireless)

Laptop screen protection: I have shelf liner somewhere; mom bought a bunch of it, I think. I don’t care what color it is, I’m going to cut some out when I go home later. Awesome idea! (Golf clap: Lifehacker)

I got my replacement EZ Lap. The first one came in, and two of the “legs” weren’t attached. However, this one had that same problem as well. Plus, it was packed in a smaller FedEx box so that there were no packing peanuts at all! The bottom corner was shattered from transit. You think it wouldn’t get bumped a couple times? Acrylic can’t handle that abuse! So James, it’s broken. I can’t get an iLap because money is a factor at the moment. (Then again, I might go to a Finch concert in April, so I dunno.)

I got the EZ Lap I ordered on Sunday this afternoon. However, two of the four acrylic legs(?) were broken. I called Cyberguys at 5:53pm, talked to Isaiah, and after giving him the order number, he told me he’d send another free of charge. Wow, what service! They close at 6pm PST, and thankfully not a minute earlier. I’ll try to duct tape them down, so I can test it out. That’s all I’d really like to do at this point.