Abstract: A theft protection for an electronic device, in particular an optionally portable computer, a mobile telephone or a PDA, includes an electrical cable (2) with a coupling connector (3) for coupling to a corresponding coupling connector of the device. Alarm elements are connected to the cable (2) which are able and adapted to generate an alarm signal in the case the device is stolen. The alarm elements (4) are accommodated in a housing (1) separate from the device. The housing is provided with fastening elements (5) for a mechanical connection of the housing to a fixed object (9). The alarm elements include detection elements which are adapted and able to detect an interruption of the electrical cable connection (2), in addition to signalling elements (4) which generate the alarm signal when the interruption is detected.

Abstract: In a method for operating an electronic gas discharge lamp by a TRIAC circuit, a current is drawn from the dimmer circuit when the TRIAC is in a non-conductive state to bring the TRIAC in the conductive state and the current drawn from the dimmer circuit is reduced when the TRIAC is in a conductive state. According to the invention a substantially fixed current is drawn from the dimmer circuit in the conductive state of the TRIAC at a sufficient level to maintain the TRIAC in the conductive state. To this end a current control circuit for controlling a current drawn from a power source including a voltage controlled variable resistive switch circuit driven by a voltage control circuit.

Abstract: A theft protection for an electronic device, in particular an optionally portable computer, a mobile telephone or a PDA, comprises an electrical cable (2) with a coupling connector (3) for coupling to a corresponding coupling connector of the device. Alarm means are connected to the cable (2) which are able and adapted to generate an alarm signal in the case the device is stolen. The alarm means (4) are accommodated in a housing (1) separate from the device. The housing is provided with fastening means (5) for a mechanical connection of the housing to a fixed object (9). The alarm means comprise detection means which are adapted and able to detect an interruption of the electrical cable connection (2), in addition to signalling means (4) which generate the alarm signal when said interruption is detected.