I'm interested in installing that webcam spy software in case my laptop is stolen

[apples and oranges]

Can someone direct me to the appropriate software vendor?

[Maru Kitteh]

1. have you tried the google?

[MineralMan]

2. Won't work on an individual basis.

However, there is a Lo Jack for laptops you can buy. That might do the job.

http://www.absolute.com/products/lojackforlaptops

If, on the other hand, you're just looking for a way to turn your camera on remotely, I can't help you. That feature could be misused, you know. You just leave your laptop somewhere, maybe, and then access it remotely and watch what's going on. I don't think so.

[flyingfysh]

3. LoJack for Laptops is a rootkit

Rootkits are often used by bad guys, but they have legitimate uses (such as this one). A rootkit installs itself so it is undetectable by normal system utilities. It usually takes an expert to tell that a rootkit is there. What it does it sent notice of what IP address the machine is assigned to, and the location can be tracked down with that.

[MineralMan]

4. Yup. It works pretty well. However, if your interest is just in

capturing images, after leaving your laptop somewhere, it isn't the tool. And I'm not going to tell anyone with that few posts what tools you could use for that job.

[Electric Monk]

9. "not going to tell anyone with that few posts"

You do realize that people with zero posts who aren't even registered here read here too, right? You would tell someone if they had a couple thousand posts? Silly.

[MineralMan]

10. I would tell someone more information if I knew more about them.

That's all that I am saying. But, you're right...there are people reading here who don't post at all. So, maybe I shouldn't say anything about the tools out there that are available. If they want to know about them, they can use Google.

I do judge people to some extent on their posting numbers. I at least wait a bit to find out where they're really coming from. We have seen a few people here who were less than progressive, I believe.

For example, I don't believe I've ever noticed your screen name before. I probably wouldn't tell you many things, either. I wait until I get to know someone before trusting them fully.

[RaleighNCDUer]

11. And even then, share information by PM, not on the open board. nt

[MineralMan]

14. Actually, I probably wouldn't share information on how to turn

a laptop into a remote camera with more than half a dozen people here on DU in the first place, and I would do it in PM.

The reality, of course, is that anyone with half a brain and access to Google could find what they wanted in a minute. It's a common enough application, with many uses.

Up higher on the Latest page is a story about a dumbass dentist who was videoing people in his office's bathroom. He was a moron, too. I wouldn't post about how his moronity could have been avoided, either.

It's the same reason the Computer magazine I used to write for never published anything about how to defeat Microsoft Word passwords, even though the products were readily available.

[apples and oranges]

6. I'm not a pervert, but thanks for the info you did share

[MineralMan]

8. I don't assume you are. But I have no idea. If you're truly worried

about laptop theft, the Lo Jack thing is the best option. The camera business wouldn't help you that much, I'm afraid.

[FSogol]

5. Wait a minute. I'm sensing a new teen-age sex comedy plot

The main characters (which I guess has to include Michael Cera) leave the laptop in the sorority locker rocker room and then....

[MineralMan]

7. You betchum! Porky's V or whatever the number is...

Or, what're your babysitter and her boyfriend up to while you're scarfing down a nice filet? Hmm?

And 13 year old brothers with 16 year old sisters? Oh, the mind boggles.

It's a lot of mischief that could be gotten up to, I'm thinking.

[RaleighNCDUer]

12. Those movies REALLY piss me off -

I work P.T. in a theater, and we are always getting those movies, R rated, aimed at an audience that is not old enough to see them.

WTF???

[Statistical]

13. Just get lojack for laptops.

webcam "security" is far more complex than necessary.

With lojack if they connect to the internet it records information about where it is being used. Most likely they will be foolish enough to use it from home. LoJack gives the info to Police. It also does stuff like remotely delete private information if you request after laptop has been stolen. If they reinstall windows it doesn't go away.

Our company uses it.

Plus with the premium version if they can't recover your laptop they pay you up to $1000.
http://www.absolute.com/products/lojackforlaptops/features