Avast Updates to track a stolen computer

[system]

Hello all. I’m new to this forum. I have a few questions that maybe you all can answer. On Halloween night my computer that I owned for 2 weeks was stolen. I have the original box with the SN and a lot of other stuff on it. I was reading another thread asking if Avast can track a stolen computer through updates and it led to this post:

@torarnep post:10

Each network interface card (NIC) has an unique address called media access control (MAC) address. This address can be spoofed by software, but the original address will not be changed and can be used to track down stolen laptops. This must be done by creating a list of stolen laptops MAC-addresses and software checking against this list. I think many end users of stolen laptops doesn’t even know its stolen and will at some point or another deliver it to a computer repair shop or connect to a network with laptop tracking software. This is how we can regain at least more laptops than we do at the moment, which is basically none. You can help out, have a look at http://hitthebutton.org for more information.

1. I have a few IP addresses from headers on emails I’ve sent, but I was wondering how can I find out the MAC address?
2. Who would I contact through AVAST to find out about them looking into updates done to the stolen computer?
3. I live in a very small town/unpopulated county, with very limited ISP’s, does that mean they can track the IP easier?

I’m still very upset and would love to catch the person who has my computer. I have a police report and our cops are worse than Barney Fife, so they are of no help. I have a feeling the computer is somewhere in town and hasn’t reached the nearest city an hour away. People don’t get out much here…

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

[Bluesman]

@GaGama post:1

but I was wondering how can I find out the MAC address?

http://www.wikihow.com/Find-the-MAC-Address-of-Your-Computer

[system]

GaGama,

If you have OpenDNS configured in your laptop & have a free account with OpenDNS you could get the IP address the thief is using to track him/her through his/her ISP.

[system]

the MAC address is something you should have written down while you still had your computer (“getmac” in console). On the other hand, if you don’t use a router/modem to connect to the Internet, but a modem/dial-up, you can ask your current ISP to give you the MAC address of your stolen computer. They have it, unless you’ve been using a router, then they have the router’s MAC address and that’s of no use for you.

edit: actually if you were using a router, it might still have your stolen computer’s MAC address registered in it. Have a look

[system]

@GaGama post:1

Hello all. I’m new to this forum. I have a few questions that maybe you all can answer. On Halloween night my computer that I owned for 2 weeks was stolen. I have the original box with the SN and a lot of other stuff on it. I was reading another thread asking if Avast can track a stolen computer through updates and it led to this post:

@torarnep post:10

Each network interface card (NIC) has an unique address called media access control (MAC) address. This address can be spoofed by software, but the original address will not be changed and can be used to track down stolen laptops. This must be done by creating a list of stolen laptops MAC-addresses and software checking against this list. I think many end users of stolen laptops doesn’t even know its stolen and will at some point or another deliver it to a computer repair shop or connect to a network with laptop tracking software. This is how we can regain at least more laptops than we do at the moment, which is basically none. You can help out, have a look at http://hitthebutton.org for more information.

1. I have a few IP addresses from headers on emails I’ve sent, but I was wondering how can I find out the MAC address?
2. Who would I contact through AVAST to find out about them looking into updates done to the stolen computer?
3. I live in a very small town/unpopulated county, with very limited ISP’s, does that mean they can track the IP easier?

I’m still very upset and would love to catch the person who has my computer. I have a police report and our cops are worse than Barney Fife, so they are of no help. I have a feeling the computer is somewhere in town and hasn’t reached the nearest city an hour away. People don’t get out much here…

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

Sorry this happened. You might have better luck checking the area pawn shops.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4586129_stolen-laptops-mac-ip-address.html

[system]

Thanks y’all for the replies.

RNfromTN, Thanks and yep the closest pawn shops are about an hour in three directions, but I will check with them. I put out word to the local crack dealer(serious) that it was stolen and if someone trades it for crack to bring it to me and I’d pay him for it. Sad… We have a park that has free wifi and every time I ride past I look at the computers. I have a feeling someone will screw up and I’ll find mine there.

Logos, I do use a wireless router, so no go there…not really sure what I’d do with the MAC address once I found it anyway… :-\ Is that how I’d be able to track it through Avast updates?

rdmaloyjr, I’ve read about the OpenDNS on the other post. What is it?

Thanks again!!