10 Security

Protecting the computer

Using passwords

Protecting the computer

NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents, but they may not deter software attacks or prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.

Security features provided with your computer can protect the computer, personal information, and data from a variety of risks. The way you use your computer will determine which security features you need to use.

The operating system offers certain security features. Additional security features are listed in the following table. Most of these additional security features can be configured in Setup Utility.

To protect against

Use this security feature

 

 

Unauthorized use of the computer

Power-on authentication using passwords.

 

 

Unauthorized access to Setup Utility (f10)

Administrator password in Setup Utility*

 

 

Unauthorized access to the contents of a hard drive

DriveLock password in Setup Utility*

 

 

Unauthorized reset of Setup Utility (f10) passwords

Stringent security feature in Setup Utility*

 

 

Unauthorized startup from an optical drive, diskette drive, or

Boot options feature in Setup Utility*

internal network adapter

 

 

 

 

 

Unauthorized access to data

Firewall software

 

Operating system updates

 

 

Unauthorized access to Setup Utility settings and other system

Administrator password in Setup Utility*

identification information

 

 

 

 

Unauthorized removal of the computer

Security cable slot (used with an optional security cable)

*Setup Utility is a utility accessed by pressing f10 when the computer is turned on or restarted. When using Setup Utility, you must use the keys on your computer to navigate and make selections.

Using passwords

A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information. Several types of passwords can be set, depending on how you want to control access to your information. Passwords can be set in the operating system or in Setup Utility that is preinstalled on the computer.

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