Dell Precision M20 User Manual

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Dell Precision M20 User Manual Manual pdf 61 page image

Back to Contents PagePasswordsDell Precision™ Mobile Workstation M20 User's GuideAbout PasswordsUsing a Primary PasswordUsing an Administrator PasswordUsing a Hard Drive PasswordAssigning an Asset TagEnabling Trusted Platform Module (TPM)About PasswordsA primary password, an administrator password, and a hard drive password all prevent unauthorized access to your computer in different ways. The followingtable identifies types and features of passwords available on your computer.If you forget any of your passwords, contact your system administrator or contact Dell. For your protection, Dell technical support staff will ask you for proof ofyour identity to ensure that only an authorized person can use the computer.Using a Primary PasswordThe primary password allows you to protect the computer from unauthorized access.After assigning a primary password, you must enter it each time you turn on your computer. The following message appears each time you turn on thecomputer:Please type in the primary or administrator password and press .To continue, enter your password (with no more than eight characters).If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.If you have assigned an administrator password, you can use it instead of the primary password. The computer does not specifically prompt you for theadministrator password.Using an Administrator PasswordThe administrator password is designed to give system administrators or service technicians access to computers for repair or reconfiguration. Theadministrators or technicians can assign identical administrator passwords to groups of computers, allowing you to assign the primary password.When you set an administrator password, the Configure Setup option becomes available in system setup. The Configure Setup option allows you to restrictNOTE: Passwords are disabled when you receive your computer.Type of Password FeaturesPrimary l Protects the computer from unauthorizedaccessAdministrator l Gives system administrators or servicetechnicians access to computers for repair orreconfigurationl Allows you to restrict access to system setupin the same way a primary password restrictsaccess to the computerl Can be used instead of the primary passwordHard drive l Helps protect the data on your hard drive orexternal hard drive (if one is being used) fromunauthorized accessNOTE: Only hard drives purchased from Dell for use with the Dell Precision™ D-Family computers support hard drive passwords.NOTICE: Passwords provide a high level of security for data in your computer or hard drive. However, they are not foolproof. If you require moresecurity, obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as smart cards, data encryption programs, or PC Cards with encryption features.NOTICE: If you disable the administrator password, the primary password is also disabled.