Operating With a Supervisor Password Enabled

Keep the following tips in mind when setting your password:

•You can use up to seven alphanumeric characters in your password (passwords are not case sensitive).

•As you press each character key (or the <Spacebar> for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.

•To erase a character when entering your password, press the <Backspace> key or the left-arrow key.

NOTES: The password assignment operation recognizes keys by their location on the keyboard, without distin- guishing between lowercase and uppercase characters. For example, if you have an M in your password, the system recognizes either M or m as correct.

Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, a beep sounds.

To exit the field without assigning a supervisor password, press the up-arrow or down-arrow key to move the highlight to another field, or press the <Esc> key at any time before setting a new password.

Using Your Supervisor Password to Secure Your System

Each time you turn on your system, reboot the system, or press the reset button, the following prompt appears on the screen (if the Password On Boot category is set to Enabled).

Enter password:

After you enter the correct supervisor password and press <Enter>, your system boots and you can use the keyboard to operate your system as usual.

If a wrong or incomplete password is entered, the follow- ing message appears on the screen:

Warning, Invalid password.

Press <Enter> to continue

Enter the password again. If an incorrect or incomplete supervisor password is entered again, the same message appears on the screen.

The third time an incorrect or incomplete password is entered, the keyboard locks up and displays the following message:

SYSTEM DISABLED

You must reboot the system before you can attempt to enter a password again.

Operating With a Supervisor Password Enabled

If Supervisor Password Is is set to Enabled, you must enter the correct supervisor password before you can modify any System Setup categories (other than the Time, Date, Num Lock, and Speaker categories).

Deleting or Changing an Existing Super- visor Password

To disable the supervisor password, press <Enter> to dis- play the Set Password dialog box, and then press <Enter> two more times.

When the Supervisor Password Is category displays Disabled, you can assign a supervisor password or operate the system with no password assigned.

To change an existing supervisor password, first enter the System Setup program and disable the current password. Then, with the Supervisor Password Is category set to Disabled, assign a new supervisor password as described in “Assigning a Supervisor Password” earlier in this section.

Using the User Password Feature

Your Dell system is shipped to you with the user pass- word feature set to Disabled. After you assign a user password, set the User Password Is category to Enabled, and set the Password On Boot category to Enabled, the computer system prompts you for the user password at system start-up. If system security is a concern, you should operate your system with user password protection.

You can assign a user password, as described in the next subsection, “Assigning a User Password,” whenever you use the System Setup program. Once you assign a user password, only those who know the password have full use of the system.

NOTE: You can also assign, delete, or change a user password through the EISA Configuration Utility. See “Assigning or Changing a User Password” and “Delet- ing an Existing User Password” in Chapter 5.

To disable the user password, press <Enter> to display the Set Password dialog box, and then press <Enter> two more times.

If you assign and then forget a user password, you must remove the cover of the computer (which may require

Using the System Setup Program

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2100/180, 2100/200 specifications

The Dell 2100/200 and Dell 2100/180 are innovative offerings from Dell that cater to the demands of a variety of users, ranging from small businesses to larger enterprises. Both models are designed to deliver high performance and reliability, making them indispensable tools in the modern computing environment.

The Dell 2100/200 features an impressive Intel processor that ensures fast and efficient performance, making it suitable for multitasking and handling complex applications. Coupled with a generous RAM configuration, this model can easily manage demanding workloads, resulting in smoother performance and faster processing times. In contrast, the Dell 2100/180, while slightly less powerful, still maintains robust performance levels that are well-suited for general productivity tasks and everyday use.

Both models come equipped with ample storage options, featuring hard disk drives that provide significant space for data and application storage. Users can choose between traditional HDDs and solid-state drives (SSDs), allowing them to prioritize speed and performance based on their specific needs. The flexibility in storage options ensures that users can customize their systems according to their requirements, enhancing the overall user experience.

Connectivity is another area where the Dell 2100 series excels. Both models come with a range of ports including USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, allowing for seamless connectivity with various peripherals and networks. This versatility makes the machines ideal for environments where multiple devices need to be connected simultaneously, whether for presentations, data transfer, or internet access.

In terms of energy efficiency, both the Dell 2100/200 and Dell 2100/180 incorporate advanced cooling technologies that minimize energy consumption while maximizing performance. This not only helps reduce operational costs but also contributes to a more sustainable computing environment.

The design of these models is another distinguishing feature. With a compact form factor, they fit easily into office spaces while maintaining a professional appearance. Their durable build quality ensures longevity, making them a worthwhile investment for businesses.

Overall, the Dell 2100/200 and Dell 2100/180 serve as powerful and reliable machines that combine advanced technologies and user-centric designs. Whether for business or personal use, these models provide a solid foundation for effective computing, ensuring that users can achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.