Does Hewlett-Packard C.E.O. Mark Hurd need more than 10 times the security of his predecessor, Carly Fiorina? In fiscal 2006, H.P. laid out $119,328 to provide Hurd with protection; in fiscal 2004, it spent less than $8,000 to protect Fiorina.

Compared with some other tech bosses, Sun Microsystems' C.E.O. Jonathan Schwartz has a minimal security budget. In fiscal 2007, the company spent $48,821 on a protective system for Schwartz's home.

One of the more expensive tech C.E.O.'s to safeguard? Oracle's Larry Ellison. In fiscal 2007, the company shelled out more than $1.7 million, mostly for bodyguards, to keep Ellison safe. In the filing, Oracle notes separately that Ellison paid for the security equipment installed in his homes.

Including commercial airfare, hotels, meals, salaries, and car service for security personnel, the tab for C.E.O. Sam Palmisano of I.B.M. was $53,409 in 2006.

In fiscal 2007, Dell spent more than $1 million to provide founder and C.E.O. Michael Dell with personal and residential security. The company says it considers the expense to be business related.