David's World

August 28, 2008

iAlertU: the laptop burglar alarm, improved (download)

A few days ago I discovered iAlertU, a wonderful piece of software that lets you secure your laptop electronically. Once armed, the program detects when your precious hardware is picked up (motion sensors are built into every Macbook now) or when devices are unplugged. A loud alarm sounds immediately that won't stop even if the lid is shut.

I spent two evenings fixing a few things that I needed to make this really useful to me. Luckily, it is free software and its source code is available on Sourceforge.

You can download the improved version below. It is a test version rather than something that has been closely checked. Please be aware that the software can block your computer in a way that may necessitate a reboot: save your stuff, you've been warned.

The new functions will hopefully find its way into the main iAlertU distribution. Unfortunately, I couldn't reach its author by e-mail so far.

What's new (compared to the version from Dec 18, 2007 on SF):

• the arm sound can be turned off in the Preferences (for those who do not have an office to themselves)
• the visual feedback on arming is only shown when needed, i.e. when the screen is frozen rather than faded to back (i.e. the logo option is off)
• multiple displays are now supported
• arming does not need to require the password any longer (a new option)
• arming/disarming by remote can be switched off

Download iAlertU (development build) here
(Source files).

If there is enough interest, I might get around to implementing a hot key (e.g., press F12 to arm the machine quickly). Like it? Got ideas? Let us know in the comments. (Update: there will the the hot key feature. I've got it working!)

Finally, Randy Green from slappingturtle.com deserves all the kudos for this program, he's developed it!

Update: I've been asked to put this up:

What about Lockdown? Isn't that also an improvement on top of iAlertU?

Lockdown is certainly an improvement, but a visual one!

I love this program it makes me feel so much better about taking my laptop out of the house.
Hey I suggest if its possible to make it automatically arm after a time after the computer has been untouched (say 10mins of no activity)

Thank's for updating app. Few things:
Will you post your version on MacUpdate/Versiontracker, so it would be easier to track it?
Alarm on my MacBook (early 2007, Leo 1.5.4) is activating when "Devices" is switched ON, but nothing is attached and nothing is plugIn/Out during security period. Can you find some way to resolve it? If you need, I can send you any information about my system.

Very good that you continue development!
For me, it would be nice to have it working without remote, with a possibility to turn off the alarm before it sounds (eg a self-chosen keycombination). I rarely take the remote with me...
And to turn the alarm on automaticaly after x seconds/minutes, like a screensaver. (Couldn't find help-files, so this might be somehow available already.)

Great! Now with my macbook I feel like I would have a porsche! :)