Before even starting this one, no I’m not telling you to all go join the Tin Foil Hat Club. This is simply a comparison of the differences between desktops and laptops concerning security.
Security features come in two flavors, hardware and software. When you pit the desktop vs. the laptop, which of two has the better security features?
Kensington Lock
Almost all laptops and most new desktop computer cases have a Kensington lock on them. With laptops, the lock is on the side and on the desktop case it’s almost always in the back. For example, the Cooler Master 341 does have a Kensington lock on it.
Winner: Both
Hard Drive Password
This is a password set on a BIOS/UEFI level that locks the hard drive so the system won’t even boot until you enter a password first.
Generally speaking, it is easier to set a hard drive password on a laptop. This is not to say that you can’t set a password on a desktop PC’s hard drive, but the laptop’s BIOS/UEFI interface usually makes it much easier to get to that setting.
Winner: Laptop
Fast disconnection of networking
Why disconnect your network? Some people like having the knowledge of knowing that absolutely nothing is being sent or received from the computer while doing certain things on it.
Most people don’t know how to disconnect their network other than by physically unplugging the network cable from the computer, or simply turning off the router.
In all operating systems you can disconnect the networking on a software level within the OS, but in most instances it’s not exactly a 1-2-3-easy thing to do.
Laptops are far and above easier to disconnect from a network compared to a desktop. If wired, the network cable is literally within arm’s reach. If wireless, network disconnection can be done by software means (usually by keystroke Fn+F2 on most laptops), or in some instances there’s actually a separate physical button to kill the wireless radio instantly.
Winner: Laptop
Fingerprint identification
This is available for both desktop and laptops, but the advantage of the laptop is that there are models made that have a fingerprint scanner in-built to the chassis, eliminating the need for an otherwise cumbersome wired scanner or keyboard with the scanner in-built to it.
Lenovo was one of the first brands to have fingerprint readers in-built to certain models.
Winner: Laptop
Bulk
Adding bulk does add security. Laptops are meant to be portable, so it’s basically not an option unless you’re willing to mount it to a physically lockable station with "grabber" arms on it (like the kind you see for laptop displays at electronics stores). With a desktop case on the other hand there is the ability to use the holes in the bottom to physically drill in a heavy base if you wanted.
Winner: Desktop
Added info: How does one go about using a Kensington lock?
It’s easy to say, "Yeah, use a Kensington lock" but that doesn’t exactly show you how to use one. Fortunately, Kensington has a quick video to show how easy it is to do. See below.
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Amazing Post, you have shared very precious tips to protect our Laptps. i think you should write an article about Internet Securities and its Solution via VPN Protocols.
Security is same problem in both. But Desktop cost less then Laptop from recovering of that.
Good grief. If anything smacks of the the word “filler” this article must qualify!
Thank you, Charlie Brown. Would you like me to put all of your faults on slides?
Yeah you’re right. My criticism was pretty petty and added nothing to the sum total of human knowledge – sorry. Carol.
The problem with Kensington lock is that there are also videos on how to pick it.
Agreed, infact the unlocking tools are more popular than the locking, only good way to secure your PC going into the hands of nonsocial elements is through keeping it always at safe place..
Network security is a breeze in a laptop too if you know a simple trick. Just go to the network connections windows (in Windows systems) and create a shortcut for you network connection in your desktop. When you want to disconnect from the network just right-click in the shortcut and select disable. Does the same thing as physically disconnecting the cable. To reconnect just double-click on the shortcut and you are good to go. I use this when I need to leave the computer on overnight (such as for scheduled weekly virus scan) but don’t want to leave it on in the open.
I meant in a desktop. This can be used in any computer regardless of physical type.
I definitely agree with your end result and the laptop coming out victorious over the desktop.Though this post could be longer, it is short and relevant .Great share guys, i currently working on some short and informative posts over at my tech blog.