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Holiday Shoppers Protect Computers With Computrace LoJack for Laptops

Posted on: Thursday, 13 December 2007, 09:00 CST

VANCOUVER, Dec. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Absolute(R) Software Corporation ("Absolute" or the "Company") (TSX: ABT), the leading provider of firmware-based, patented Computer Theft Recovery, Data Protection and Secure Asset Tracking(TM) announced today several incidents where its home computer anti-theft product Computrace(R) LoJack(R) for Laptops(TM) helped recover client computers in time for the holidays. The product is available direct from Absolute Software, through major computer software retailers and with the purchase of new computers direct from computer manufacturers.

"We've recovered nearly 5,000 computers for our customers, a majority of which have come in the last 18 months," said Lyle Singular, Director of Recovery Services for Absolute Software. "Two weeks ago we recovered 113 computers - our single biggest recovery week ever. It gives our entire team a great sense of pride to be able to make a difference in so many people's lives by protecting laptops and returning stolen computers in time for the holidays."

Available direct from Absolute Software, major retail stores and most computer manufacturers, Computrace LoJack for Laptops is an anti-theft system for small business and home use. Like most of Absolute Software's corporate suite of products, Computrace LoJack for Laptops tracks stolen computers and assists law enforcement in recovering computers and prosecuting thieves.

Below are some recent examples of Computrace LoJack for Laptops at work in the personal computing market:

Tallahassee Student Gets Stolen Computer Back in Time for the Holidays

A Tallahassee student was shocked when she awoke to find that thieves had entered her locked apartment while she slept. The thieves silently removed the student's television and her laptop computer - which stored irreplaceable photos and other personal files. The Tallahassee Police Department and Absolute Software's Theft Recovery Team were alerted and began investigating.

According to a police spokesperson, "Because this case didn't have much evidence, it was given a low priority."

Several days later, information transmitted by the Computrace Agent hidden in the stolen laptop, allowed the burglary unit to obtain a search warrant for an apartment address. With the search warrant in hand, investigators searched the apartment and were able to return both the television and laptop to the burglary victim. According to the victim's mother, "My daughter has recommended Computrace to several of her friends and sorority sisters. There is more satisfaction in knowing the thieves have been captured and the items returned than in just having insurance to cover the loss."

Two suspects, one 19, the other 20 years of age, were arrested and now face charges of burglary and grand theft.

Stolen Laptop Recovered: Leads California Police to Home Invaders

Two thieves broke into the home of a Pittsburg, California resident and, holding the resident and his wife at gunpoint, made off with: a Gateway laptop computer, two cellular phones, a Kodak camera, fast track responder, art supplies - even the man's dentures. After the thieves left, the home invasion victim informed local police and Absolute's Theft Recovery Team.

Several days later, Computrace LoJack for Laptops traced the stolen laptop to the private network of a major health management organization. The HMO's internal Ethics and Integrity Office worked with Pittsburg police to identify a contractor who had logged onto the network in Oakland and attempted to install a new operating system. When confronted, the contractor indicated that he had bought the computer on craigslist from two other men. With close cooperation between Absolute, HMO IT staff and police, both home invasion suspects are now in custody and facing charges. The health management organization is now investigating installing Absolute's corporate product on its computers.

Business Traveler Loses Laptop in Costa Rica: No Problem for Computrace

On a regular trip to Costa Rica, a business traveler's laptop was stolen as it was being loaded into an airport shuttle. The Computrace LoJack for Laptops subscriber immediately informed local authorities and the Absolute Theft Recovery Team - suspecting the computer was lost forever.

Absolute Theft Recovery Officers traced the computer to a Costa Rican architectural firm. Partners at the firm were very surprised to learn that the computer was stolen property. On further investigation, Costa Rican police determined that the computer had been sold to a second-hand computer store and then sold a second time to the architects. The computer has now been returned to its owner by intrigued Costa Rican police.

How It Works

When a Computrace-equipped computer is reported stolen, the embedded Computrace Agent sends a silent signal to Absolute's Monitoring Center providing critical location information. Absolute then works with local law enforcement to recover the computer, and, if necessary, assist with search warrant applications and subpoenas. The stealthy Computrace software Agent can survive accidental or deliberate attempts at removal or disablement. With embedded support in the BIOS(1) firmware of a computer, the Computrace Agent is capable of surviving operating system re-installations, as well as hard-drive reformats, replacements and re-imaging.

For more information on Absolute Software and its range of Computer Theft Recovery, Data Protection and Secure Asset Tracking(TM) solutions, please visit http://www.absolute.com/ or http://www.lojackforlaptops.com/.

For more information on Absolute's success in recovering lost or stolen computers, please visit http://www.absolute.com/resources/resources-by-market.asp

(1) For a complete list of BIOS-supported computers visit http://www.absolute.com/BIOS. About Absolute Software

Absolute Software Corporation (TSX: ABT) is the leader in Computer Theft Recovery, Data Protection and Secure Asset Tracking(TM) solutions. Absolute Software provides organizations and consumers with solutions in the areas of regulatory compliance, data protection and theft recovery. The Company's Computrace(R) software is embedded in the BIOS of computers by global leaders, including Dell, Fujitsu, Gateway, HP, Lenovo, Motion, Panasonic and Toshiba, and the Company has reselling partnerships with these OEMs and others, including Apple. For more information about Absolute Software and Computrace, visit http://www.absolute.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the expected performance of our services and products, and other expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. When used in this press release, the words "plan,""expect,""believe," and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and general market conditions. In light of the many risks and uncertainties you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

(C)2007 Absolute Software Corporation. All rights reserved. Computrace and Absolute are registered trademarks of Absolute Software Corporation. Computrace U.S. patents # 5,715,174, # 5,764,892, # 5,802,280, # 5,896,497, # 6,244,758, # 6,269,392, # 6,300,863, and # 6,507,914. Canadian patents # 2,284,806 and # 2,205,370. U.K. patents # EP793823 and # GB2338101. German patent # 695 125 34.6-08. Australian patent # 699045. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained in this news release.

Absolute Software Corporation

CONTACT: Public Relations: Leslie Campisi, Affect Strategies,leslie@affectstrategies.com or (212) 398-9680 x144; Investor Relations: DaveMason, CFA, The Equicom Group, dmason@equicomgroup.com or (416) 815-0700 x237

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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