Advanced Features 277
special programs. Using smart cards can improve computer security by combining something a user has
(the smart card) with something only the user should know (a PIN) to provide more secure user-
authentication than passwords alone.
The fingerprint reader is a device that you can use to help keep your Dell™ computer secure. The reader
is a strip sensor located on a peripheral device for your computer. When you slide your finger over the
reader, it uses your unique fingerprint to authenticate your user identity.
Password Protection
NOTICE: Although passwords provide security for the data on your computer, they are not foolproof. If your data
requires more security, it is your responsibility to obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as data
encryption programs.

System Password

NOTICE: If you leave your computer running and unattended without having a system password assigned, or if you
leave your computer unlocked so that someone can disable the password by changing a jumper setting, anyone
can access the data stored on your hard drive.
Option Settings
You cannot change or enter a new system password if either of the following two options is displayed:
•
Set
— A system password is assigned.
•
Disabled —
The system password is disabled by a jumper setting on the system board.
You can only assign a system password when the following option is displayed:
•
Not Set
— No system password is assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the
enabled position (the default setting).
Assigning a System Password
To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Tab> or the <Shift><Tab> key
combination to move to another field, or press <Esc> at any time before you complete step 5.
1
Enter system setup (see "Entering System Setup" on page280) and verify that
Passw ord Sta tus
is set to
Unlocked
.
2
Highlight
System
Passw ord
, and then press the left- or right-arrow key.
The option heading changes to
Enter
Passw ord
, followed by an empty 32-character field in square
brackets.
3
Type your new system password.
You can use up to 32 characters. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace>
or the left-arrow key. The password is not case sensitive.