Laptop tracking software?

[ravip]

Has anyone ever used this type of software?

What are the pros & cons?

Does it really work as advertised?

Any recommendations?

http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/laptop-tracking-software-8-apps-to-track-your-lost-or-stolen-pc-1101515

[Jack Mountain]

Prey looks good to me ... luckaly i never needed it so far, but you can test it and it was right on the spot ..

[ravip]

I wonder what happens if the hard disk is formatted or the PC is reinstalled?

Edit

And of course the BIOS can be flashed easily too.

[Pib]

Seems it would only be of benefit if the thieve (or whoever he sold it to) just used the laptop as received. But if the thieve formats the hard drive or replaces the hard drive (drives are cheap) it seems the tracking software wouldn't help any. But hey, many crooks are dumber than dirt and may just use the laptop as received/stolen.