a device and software utilizing global positioning satellite technologies for monitoring and recovering portable computing devices and , a method and system for acquiring such devices , protecting data on such devices , and for compensating owners of devices . a gps mechanism of the invention provides real time tracking of missing devices that may be coordinated with security agencies to intercept and recover missing computing devices . when a stolen device is unrecoverable , the invention may receive a signal to initiate data recovery where a wireless network is available to recover data for the owner . alternatively , the gps mechanism instructs the device to encrypt or destroy stored data files to prevent commercial espionage or privacy violations . the invention discloses a software system and method for computing a purchase price of the gps mechanism , computing compensation for loss of the device and lost data .