Add a way to lock computers to work tables, everywhere!

LegacyUser

LMarker said: visited the FHL in mid-January (SLIG). First time there in several years. What I would like to see is a way, in places that are not microfilm reader areas, to lock down a computer to a table. I had to keep taking my things with me, so that they did not walk off.

LegacyUser

Tom Huber said: Always check with the local staff to see if there are means at the tables to secure a computer via a computer security lock and cable.

It doesn't matter if you are in a Church or larger general public facility, such as a large public library.

Be sure to carry your own means (computer security locks and cables, such as a Kensington device) to secure your device as the facility will likely not have computer security locks and cables available for pubic use.

If you must leave your computer unattended, be sure to sign out of FamilySearch and other sites. Most computers have the means to automatically provide the site credentials through a browser setting.

LegacyUser

David Wynn said: When I received my latest work computer from our IT department, I was surprised to find that the security locks that we had used for years were no longer compatible with the new computers. Dell changed the lock ports on their laptops.

The lesson here is that it would be infeasible for any history center, library, or any other publicly used facility to keep lock cords for any and all computers, with the various locking standards used. It is fairly low-cost for a user to purchase and carry a lock mechanism built for his / her own computer.

I'm with Tom Huber on this one. Purchase and carry your own locking cable with you.

LegacyUser

LMarker said: My concern was specifically in visiting the Family History Library in SLC and wanting to be able to lock my laptop to a work surface, so that I could walk away and retrieve materials, This is possible now on the microfilm floors because of the new work spaces for microfilm. It was NOT a concern that I did not have a lock, or was expecting to be able to obtain a lock. I have a cable lock. A work table with a hole close to the edge of the table would do, so that I can put my cable lock through it and know that my computer will not walk off while I am retrieving materials or putting them away.
It is not unreasonable in the computer age to make a request that work surfaces have the functionality to lock a computer to the surface with a cable lock. Obviously, the security of my computer (locking, not in the physical sense, but so that I have to input a code when I return) is my responsibility. I can't justify leaving my laptop sitting out unsecured while I go back and forth to retrieve materials, nor can I assure that I'll have a "buddy" with me every time. Put some holes in table surfaces, or some metal hasps on tables to put a cable lock through - that was all I was suggesting.

LegacyUser

Tom Huber said: Did you ask the staff about a means to lock a computer to a table? The reason that I ask this is because in some libraries, the lock link is not on top of the table and there are no holes. So my first response still applies: Ask the staff