Use TrueCrypt to create an encrypted file that acts to Windows like a disk drive.
LocateMyLaptop is a website that provides a free (& paid) service to help find a stolen laptop. This requires that a small piece of software (see Locate My Laptop) is installed on each laptop that regularly sends its IP address to the mother ship.
The free account only allows one computer per account, so we are set up at as:
HP Laptop:
Username: glenlan@gmail.com
Password: pw3
ASUS Netbook:
Username: ironsue@gmail.com
Password: pw3
Use Shaw Secure which is a free software package supplied by Shaw.
This package covers:
Virus Protection
Internet Shield (Firewall)
Anti-spyware
E-mail Scanning
System Control
Parental Control
Spam Control
Security News
Auto-Update features