Mac OS X | Security / Privacy | Other Security / Privacy | Undercover

Undercover - 2.0

helps recover your stolen Mac

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(File Size: 5.2M)

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All Time:	(5.0)
This Version:	(5.0)
Current Version:	2.0
Release Date:	2007-10-30
License:	Update
Downloads (this version):	2,287
Downloads (all versions):	5,917
Price:	$49

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Product Description:

Undercover routinely checks with the Undercover server. In case of theft, the Mac's unique Undercover ID is added to the database on the Undercover server, initiating the recovery process. During the recovery phase, Undercover transmits its current location on the internet, enabling the Undercover team to identify the computer's exact physical location. Moreover, Undercover also sends screenshots of the stolen Mac, revealing details of the thief's identity. The Undercover recovery center will then work with law enforcement to recover the Mac.

In case recovery fails, the software has an ingenious plan B: it will simulate a hardware failure, urging the thief to send the computer in for repair or sell it. As soon as the thief gets rid of the Mac, Undercover will warn the new user that the Mac has been stolen and that it should be returned as soon as possible. The computer will shout from time to time that it has been stolen and Undercover will take over the screen, displaying how the Mac can be returned while making the computer unusable.

What's new in this version:

We added a dead-Mac-timeout feature: if a Mac is not connected to the net for more than two months, plan B will automatically kick in. That way, we hope to recover at least some of the stolen Macs that are never connected to the Internet.
Undercover now only connects to the Internet when a network change occurs, dramatically reducing network traffic, while making the system even more aggressive.
Memory footprint and CPU usage have been dramatically reduced. In most cases, memory footprint is down 75%.
In addition, Undercover 2 sports dozens of under-the-hood improvements and fixes.
Last but not least, Undercover is now compatible with Tiger and Leopard. One version now works on both operating systems.

Operating System Requirements:

This product is designed to run on the following operating systems:

Mac OS X 10.5 Intel
Mac OS X 10.5 PPC
Mac OS X 10.4 Intel
Mac OS X 10.4 PPC

Additional Requirements:

Mac OS X 10.4 or later

Feedback Summary:

This Version:
Overall Rating:	(5.0)	Features:	(5.0)	Support:	(5.0)
Ease of Use:	(5.0)	Quality / Stability:	(5.0)	Price:	(5.0)

Key to Types of Feedback:

Reviews Reviews Troubleshooting Usage Tips Developer Notes Commentary Featured Reviews

Orbicule still operating - Version: 2.0, 4/25/2008 01:37AM PST

The Juice

I was concerned by the previous post stating that Orbicule seem to be out of business. I can state that this isn't the case as they just replied to my email.

Orbicule out of business? - Version: 2.0, 3/28/2008 03:36PM PST

(0 of 3 users found this comment useful)

brucemiracle

It looks like Orbicule may have gone out of business. I've sent follow-up messages to their support address multiple times in the last three weeks with no response. And they're never on-line with their iChat account any more either.... Doesn't look good if your laptop gets stolen now!

Can't help but wonder... - Version: 2.0, 2/26/2008 11:03AM PST

(1 of 1 users found this comment useful)

T Smith

I can't help but wonder whether this will really work. I hope to never have to put it to the test!

My experiences installing Undercover:
- Downloaded the application from the Orbicule website
- Installation went very smoothly. Installation requires a reboot. There's a nice "Welcome" screen. Offers two options, Buy a licence key, and Enter Key.
- I bought a "Household" key, but when I tried to enter it, I got an "Unable to connect to the server" error.
- I tried to go to the Orbicule website and got a "Server not found" error.
- Hmmmm, this makes me wonder how they can track a stolen computer, if their server is not reliable / available.
- A bit later their server worked again and I was able to install just fine. Maybe it was a temporary outtage. I hope so.

I also wonder, with all the laptops that are stolen, whether the local police in the USA will be willing to work with an organization overseas. I sure hope so. According to a story on the Orbicule website, they did help recover several stolen laptops in North Carolina.

I hope I never have to test it...

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Can't help but wonder...