I am new to ipad or apple in general- I use Computer Associates for my laptops, can a program like this be applied to ipad or what would you recommend?

Hi Luv2smile,

Ditto....

The basic Security you can apply to your iPad is to do the following from Settings:
Password Lock
Restrictions Lock

For applications, the one that is probably best is The Apple MobileMe solution, checkout the link to learn more.

Apple - MobileMe - Mail, Contacts, and Calendar. In sync on all your devices.

you can remotely locate and lockdown you iPad in the event of loss/theft
You can also sych all your data to remote Apple servers
...etc

I am sure that there are many more ways and Apps that you can use.
I for one am very loathe to Jailbreak my iPad, so I too am researching kosher ways to secure my iPad, and so far this Apple MobileMe App' seems very appealing.

1. Buy the strongest lockable case you can and put iPad in it.
2. Place iPad in strong, lockable cabinet.
3. Lock cabinet.
4. Bury key in the middle of a forest. At night.