4 Summary of the HP/Phoenix BIOS

Setup Program

Security Menu

Sub-menus are presented for changing the characteristics and values of the User Password, the System Administrator Password, the amount of protection against use of the system’s drives and network connections (using the Hardware Protection sub-menu), and the amount of protection against being able to boot from the system’s drives and network connections (using the Start-Up Center sub-menu).

The minimum lengths of either type of password can be set to a specific number of characters, or to none. The maximum length of each is 32 characters. A limit can be set for the maximum number of retries that are permitted if the password is mistyped, and whether a delay should be imposed (of successively increasing lengths: 4 seconds, 8 seconds, 16 seconds, and finally 32 seconds) before successive retries are accepted (using the exponential setting for the “Lock Time Between Attempts” field).

The “User Password” sub-menu grants access to the keyboard lock timer option. Once this password has been set, the menu gives access to the main sub-menu of user preferences.

Under the “Hardware Protection” sub-menu, the following devices can have their access enabled/disabled: flexible disk controller, IDE controllers, serial and parallel ports, network controller. Writes to the flexible disk can be disabled, so as to prevent the exporting of data. Writes to the hard disk drive boot sector can be disabled, for instance as a protection against viruses.

Under the “Start-Up Center” sub-menu, the Setup program not only allows the user to select which devices are enabled or disabled for booting up the system, but also indicates their order of precedence when more than one is enabled: network, flexible disk drive, CD-ROM drive, or hard disk drive.

If the “Start from Network” field is not changeable with and , either wait until the 50% position on the histogram has been reached before

pressing , or use to go to the summary screen, and press from there.

If the system will not boot from the network when there is a hard disk drive present, disable the IDE and remove the hard disk drive.

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Security Menu

Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 specifications

The HP Vectra VL 5/xxx was a series of desktop personal computers introduced by Hewlett-Packard in the mid-1990s. These machines were designed for both business and professional environments, making them suitable for a range of applications from basic office tasks to more demanding computing needs. This series played a significant role in HP's efforts to strengthen its market presence in the PC sector during a time when competition was intensifying.

One of the standout features of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line was its versatility. The series included various configurations designated by the '5/xxx' nomenclature, which indicated different performance levels and specifications. The performance was driven primarily by Intel Pentium processors, widely acclaimed for their reliability and efficiency. This allowed users to choose a model that suited their specific requirements, whether for everyday tasks or more resource-intensive applications.

In addition to its strong processing capabilities, the Vectra VL 5/xxx featured advanced graphics support, which was critical for visual applications and presentations. Many units in this series came equipped with onboard graphics capabilities that supported a range of resolutions, enhancing the user experience in both standard office environments and more creative settings.

Storage options were another highlight of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series. The machines typically featured a variety of hard drive configurations, allowing for ample data storage. Some models included the option for expanding storage through additional hard drives or external devices. Coupled with considerable RAM options, these machines ensured smooth multitasking and efficient performance across various applications.

Connectivity was also a core aspect of the Vectra VL 5/xxx. The systems typically included multiple USB ports, parallel and serial ports, and integrated networking capabilities. This made it easy for businesses to integrate the Vectra machines into their existing infrastructure, facilitating seamless interaction with peripherals and networks.

In terms of design, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series presented a robust yet compact form factor, which was ideal for office environments with limited space. Additionally, HP emphasized the reliability and serviceability of these machines, which included easy access to internal components for maintenance and upgrades, thereby extending the product life cycle.

Overall, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line offered a balanced combination of performance, flexibility, and reliability, making it a solid choice for organizations looking to leverage computing power for a range of professional applications. The series embodied HP's commitment to delivering quality and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing.