72 Securing Your ComputerSmart Cards and Fingerprint ReadersNOTE: The smart card feature may not be available on your computer.Smart cards are portable credit-card shaped devices with internal integratedcircuits. Using smart cards can improve system security by combiningsomething a user has (the smart card) with something only the user shouldknow (a PIN) to provide more secure user-authentication than passwords alone.A fingerprint reader is a strip sensor located on a peripheral device for yourcomputer. When you slide your finger over the reader, it uses your uniquefingerprint to authenticate your user identity and help keep your Dellcomputer secure.PasswordsPasswords prevent unauthorized access to your computer. When usingpasswords, observe the following guidelines:• Choose a password that you can remember, but not one that is easy toguess. For example, do not use the names of family members or pets forpasswords.• If possible, do not write down your password. If you do write it down,ensure that the password is stored in a secure location.• Do not share your password with other people.• Ensure that people are not watching you when you type your password.
