Ever have one of those days where things aren’t going your way? I was in one of those moods yesterday until I spotted a computer bag in the middle of the road. It was then I realized my day wasn’t so bad in comparison. Well, at least not as bad as the owner of the notebook I found.

I’m still perplexed how a computer bag got on the road. The best I can figure is someone put their stuff on top of a car while juggling keys, coffee, cell phone and the kids. At some point, the bag just slid off and hit the pavement where it stayed until I picked it up. Or, maybe there was a “mayhem moment” and one of the kids chucked the bag out the window. It really doesn't matter.

I took the computer bag home and discovered it contained a HP notebook and wireless mouse. There were no business cards enclosed or attached to the computer. I figured the best bet was to boot up the notebook to see if it contained info on the owner. Apparently the pavement got the better of the notebook as it couldn’t boot properly. That's when I packed everything up and walked it over to the local police station.

On the way home, I kept thinking how I would feel if I lost a computer notebook especially if it belonged to my employer. How many accounts would need to be changed? Was there confidential data on the notebook? Who found the notebook and what are they doing it?

The incident also raised the question as to how many people identify their stuff. If I found your computer bag on the street, would I be able to tell if belonged to you? And could I tell without having to turn on the PC? If you answered “no”, please go and tape your business card to the back of the device or use some sort of asset tag.

Related Article:

• Tracking Lost Notebooks