So today I received my copy of hidden for Mac. The software which tracks your mac and sends you all the relevant information on retrieving your macbook. This is my first blog about the software after installing it. I have been running it for several hours now. So here is what I think about the software….

The install
Installing the software was easy. Just logged into my account from the online website, and added my computer by putting the name and serial number of my machine. Once the machine was added just clicked the download link and installed the mpkg. (Mac Package)
There was however a restart which in my opinion always bugs me, having to close all my open applications and reboot. But just my opinion! Not fault of the software!

So overall the experience of installing and adding a computer was easy and simple. Couldn’t have been better.

Control Panel
So the place where it all happens is the online control panel, accessible from any device with web capabilities. Including iPhone and iPod touch.
iPhone login
iPhone Control Panel
iPhone Map

The control panel home is easy to see whats going on and where everything is. Shows you a simple table with your computers, the status of the software and the last update it received. Also with the option to set your mac to Stolen or Not Stolen.

Main control

If set to Not Stolen the software simply ignores everything and things continue as normal.

So to see how well this software works I set the status of my macbook to stolen. When set to stolen thats when the power of the software starts to work. The status goes to “Collecting Information” I saw the iSight green light activate for a few seconds and within a small amount of time, under 10 minutes for me, I could view a map of where my macbook was with a accuracy of ±122m. Also under this map it gave me a mug shot of the thief and a screenshot of what they were up to, in this case it was me but would be the thief if it was really stolen.

Main page

The thumbnails are possible to click and then shows a full sized view of either the picture of the screenshot.

Ok but what exactly can you do with this information? How is it going to help you get your mac back?

Well a map is only good if you know where that location is! A screenshot is only good if the thief fills out their full name, address and some times for you to come to collect your mac. (Which I don’t think their going to do.)

But there is more information hidden gives you..

Public IP address
Traceroute
Ifconfig

With these it is possible to pin point the location of your mac to a single building. If you contact the police with this information they will be able to contact the ISP and locate the mac.

This is definitely worth $20, simple, easy and just works!

It is also recommended that you add you wifi to the Skyhook Database as the more wifi spots are registered the higher the accuracy of your mac.

Will keep posting more about this software as it develops. Gets 10 / 10 from me! Reasonable price, enough functions and simple to use.