Is it that difficult for computer and Internet companies to locate stolen computers and notify the p

Since computers are identified by the local connection network in order to access the Internet, can they also be located ? If so, the local police working together with the local Internet connection network - could recover the vast majority of stolen computers and return them to their rightful owners.

Is it that difficult for computer and Internet companies to locate stolen computers and notify the police ?hijack this

It can be difficult depending on the computer and its associated software/hardware config. Most computers that I protect in the commercial field and some residential customers use a software based application that ''calls home to momma'' once its connected to the internet.

The reason for this is because its a lot easier for the local law enforcement and the victim of the missing laptop to locate the laptop.

Doing a blind search for hardware such as a mac address ( I think this is the Local area connection you are referring to) on the entire internet would take years and so many resources both on hardware and personell.

Unless its a matter of national security, I doubt without specific software as I first mentioned, it's rare that stolen laptops recovered get back to their rightful owners.

I hope this answers or gives you a little more insight as to why or why not stolen laptops are not recovered as much as they should be.

Is it that difficult for computer and Internet companies to locate stolen computers and notify the police ?liveupdate

i don't think it would be that difficult if u knew ur ip address
Not enough resources ( ie. nobody hired to do this job).

And yes, if they really wanted to, stolen comps could be tracked.

Now there are companies that will do this , if you buy their software first and put it on yor comp. SEE LOJACK