If you own a laptop, you certainly want to take advantage of all the features it offers. Most laptops come with various features to facilitate usage anywhere, making it feel like you already have a desktop computer. For example, there are multiple ports available on the sides of the laptop, with the most common being the USB port for connecting and using various compatible devices. Additionally, there are other ports that may be less commonly used or even unused by some, such as the Kensington Lock port, which we will focus on today to understand what it is and how to use it.
For those who are unfamiliar, the Kensington Lock port, or K Lock for short, is not a new port. It was developed and first used in the late 1990s, acquired by Kensington company in the early 2000s. Therefore, it can be found on most laptops produced specifically after 2002. Its purpose is to protect your laptop from theft. If you are using your laptop in a public place and need to step away briefly, it’s not practical to shut it down, place it in your bag, then take it out again to continue working. With the K Lock port, you can secure your laptop using this port and leave it in place without worrying about theft.
How to Use It?
To use the K Lock, you first need to have that port on your laptop, typically located on one side or the back, with a lock symbol next to it. You then need to purchase a very inexpensive additional piece for securing it, which is a small metal lock with a sturdy cable or chain that is difficult to cut, similar to bike locks. Insert the lock into the K Lock port and secure the other end of the cable to a fixed object (a desk or table, for example). No one can move the lock from the port without the key and it’s difficult to cut the metal cable to steal the laptop.
It’s worth mentioning that there are several types of these locks, some can be locked with a standard key or by setting a secret code (similar to a briefcase lock). All these locks are available for purchase on most online shopping sites in the Arab world, such as Souq and Jumia, among others. Simply search for K Lock on any of these sites and you’ll find many great options. The prices for these locks range from $10 to $15 USD, which is a minimal amount to benefit from an additional feature available on your laptop and to protect it from theft.
