When you enable a power-on password but do not use network server mode, you enter the password before the computer loads MS-DOS. Once you load MS-DOS,anyone can access your system by typing commands on the keyboard. However, if you enable a power-on password and turn on network server mode, you can load MS-DOS before you enter the password. This allows other computers in the network to access the system, but prevents unauthorized users from entering commands at your keyboard and using any network server access privileges.
When you boot the computer in network server mode, you do not see the key prompt (h ) to tell you when to enter the password (as you would if network server mode was turned off). The password prompt is hidden to prevent unauthorized users from knowing that a password is required.
You do not have to set a password or enable network server mode to use your computer as a network sewer, but it prevents unauthorized access to your computer when it is operating in this special situation.
See “Setting the Power-on Password” in Chapter 2 for instructions on how to set a power-on password and enable network server mode.
Using a Password in Network Server Mode
When you turn on the computer or press RESET, the computer loads MS-DOS and you see either the MS-DOS command prompt or the first screen displayed by your networking software. You do not see the key prompt (h) even though the computer is now waiting for you to enter the correct password.
Follow these steps to enter your password:
1.Turn on your computer or press RESET.
2.Type your password and press Enter. The screen does not display what you type.
4-10Enhancing System Operations