THEFT PROTECTION FOR COMPUTER SYSTEM

摘要

PCT No. PCT/EP95/04806 Sec. 371 Date Nov. 6, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Nov. 6, 1996 PCT Filed Dec. 1, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/18175 PCT Pub. Date Jun. 13, 1996A system and method for protecting an electrically-powered article, particularly a computer system such as a personal computer, from theft by rendering it effectively useless to anybody but the rightful user/owner. The personal computer includes a power disruption indicator (21) to which electrical power must be applied even when the computer is shut-down (switched off at switch 12). The continuous power is normally provided by means of a mains-supplied power unit (10). In the event of mains supply discontinuities longer than a predetermined short time period, as would be the case if the equipment is stolen, subsequent start-up of the computer is prevented until a theft protection password is provided by a potential user. A separate power source, such as a capacitor (20), is provided to power the power disruption indicator for shorter time periods, such as when moving the computer within premises, and thus obviate the need to enter the theft protection password upon such occasions.