4 Using the Notebook PC

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) (on selected models)

The TPM, or Trusted Platform Module, is a security hardware device on the system board that will hold computer-generated keys for encryption. It is a hardware-based solution that an help avoid attacks by hackers looking to capture passwords and encryption keys to sensitive data. The TPM provides the ability to the PC or notebook to run applications more secure and to make transactions and communication more trustworthy.

The security features provided by the TPM are internally supported by the following cryptographic capabilities of each TPM: hashing, random number generation, asymmetric key generation, and asymmetric encryption/decryption. Each individual TPM on each individual computer system has a unique signature initialized during the silicon manufacturing process that further enhances its trust/security effectiveness. Each individual TPM must have an Owner before it is useful as a security device.

TPM Applications

TPM is useful for any customer that is interested in providing an addition layer of security to the computer system. The TPM, when bundled with an optional security software package, can provide overall system security, file protection capabilities and protect against email/privacy concerns. TPM helps provide security that can be stronger than that contained in the system BIOS, operating system, or any non-TPM application.

Note: The TPM is disabled by default. Use BIOS setup to enable it.

Enabling TPM Security

Enter BIOS Setup (press [F2] on system startup).

On Security page, set TPM Security to [Enabled]

Important: Use your TPM application’s “Restore” or “Migration” function to backup your TPM security data.

Clearing TPM Secured Data

When Supervisor Password is installed, TPM Security Clear will appear. Use this item to clear all data secured by TPM. (You have to restart the Notebook PC after setting the password to see the security clear option.)

Important: Use should routinely backup your TPM secured data.

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