Putting stickers on computer for identification

murfitUK · 22-01-2009, 19:01

I'm setting up about 20 new computers in an office and want to stick an ID on each tower and monitor - CPU17, VDU04 etc - so we can keep an audit of equipment and help with technical problems. I wonder if anyone can suggest what to use to stick the numbers on?

The cases and monitors are matt black so permanent marker written directly on won't show.

I've tried the old dynamo(?) - the one with the red tape and you turn a dial then sprain your wrist clicking the handle - but it doesn't stick very well, starts curling up and drops off in 5 minutes.

Ordinary sellotape dries up and crumbles after a month, sticky labels curl up and fall off quickly.

The best I've come up with so far is white insulating tape. It sticks well but the marker pen rubs off easily, even permanent marker.

Can anyone offer a personal recommendation? A 'tried and tested' and trusted method that you know for a fact actually works.

Taf · 22-01-2009, 19:05

Engrave them

Halcyon · 22-01-2009, 19:09

It depends how much you want to spend.
You could get some asset tags created with numbers and you can also get some which will show if they have been tampered with.

See here:

http://www.datalabel.co.uk/security-labels.htm

Down the Pub · 22-01-2009, 19:09

dymo handheld label printer

LondonRoad · 22-01-2009, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Down the Pub

dymo handheld label printer

agree. I use one to label PCs, peripherals, switches, routers...... well everything that it's useful to be identified. Doesn't curl up and fall off like the old ones and you can change font size, spacing etc.

22-01-2009, 19:15

ultra violet security pen

dev · 22-01-2009, 19:20

at uni they just had what appeared to be standard labels with the machine id printed on.

failing that, why not use a white marker pen?

admars · 22-01-2009, 21:01

we also use a dymo labeller, does the job

idi banashapan · 22-01-2009, 21:17

I use a dymo handheld for servers and the workstations / laptops. We also have a special plastic paint with pre-cut stencils, but those are special order things, so probably a bit too much hassle (plus it's more for visual security marking than asset, but can be used for asset as well).

---------- Post added at 20:17 ---------- Previous post was at 20:16 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by zinglebarb

ultra violet security pen

I think the OP is wanting to asset tag rather than security mark, so that a quick look can determine the unit - a MAJOR time saver when working on a medium to large domain environment.

Sir John Luke · 22-01-2009, 21:18

Another vote for dymo handheld

idi banashapan · 22-01-2009, 21:21

as an aside, I tend to mark with the machine name too, as this saves even more time!

22-01-2009, 21:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bender

I use a dymo handheld for servers and the workstations / laptops. We also have a special plastic paint with pre-cut stencils, but those are special order things, so probably a bit too much hassle (plus it's more for visual security marking than asset, but can be used for asset as well).

---------- Post added at 20:17 ---------- Previous post was at 20:16 ----------

I think the OP is wanting to asset tag rather than security mark, so that a quick look can determine the unit - a MAJOR time saver when working on a medium to large domain environment.

I know Little ultra violet lamps will show it.. Stickers will wear down over time. The dymo jobbies would do as long as they do not come off. I know perfectly well what the op asked

idi banashapan · 22-01-2009, 21:35

then why suggest something that's;

a) not what they asked for
and
b) hardly a practical solution in comparison to other suggestions

if you see a sticker is wearing down, replace it. a lot less trouble than getting the lamp out and searching around a device for where you marked it. and it's not much use if you are talking to the user of the device over the phone and you ask them for the asset tag which they can't tell you because it's invisible! you need to think practical in a domian environment and 20 units constitutes a thoughful approach...

budwieser · 22-01-2009, 22:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bender

then why suggest something that's;

a) not what they asked for
and
b) hardly a practical solution in comparison to other suggestions

if you see a sticker is wearing down, replace it. a lot less trouble than getting the lamp out and searching around a device for where you marked it. and it's not much use if you are talking to the user of the device over the phone and you ask them for the asset tag which they can't tell you because it's invisible! you need to think practical in a domian environment and 20 units constitutes a thoughful approach...

I agree with Zing`s suggestion mate and i think you ought to cut him a little bit of slack here. The op was asking for opinions. Zing offered his best advice and it was probably the same that i would have given to be honest. We`re not right all the time though.

Jon T · 22-01-2009, 22:39

We have over 1200 mixed PC's and laptop's at work(and around 900 monitors), 200 printers and 50 servers. Not to mention network hardware such as switches, fibre converters etc.

All these devices are labelled with a PC controlled label printer. We don't suffer from label peel or fade.

Ultraviolet on the other hand does fade, and easily removed with some of the cleaning products that are in use.(the stuff we use does anyway, not saying all UV marks would suffer the same).

If there's a need for users to be able to tell you the numbers, or for you to do IT audits you need visible markings.