Securing your computer, Security cable lock, Using smart cards – Dell Latitude D420 User Manual

Page 64: Passwords, About smart cards

Advertising
background image

Back to Contents Page

 

Securing Your Computer

Dell™ Latitude™ D420 User's Guide

  

Security Cable Lock

  

Using Smart Cards

  

Passwords

  

Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

  

Security Management Software

  

Computer Tracking Software

  

If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen

 

Security Cable Lock

A security cable lock is a commercially available antitheft device. To use the lock, attach it to the security cable slot on your Dell™ computer. For more 
information, see the instructions included with the device.

 

Using Smart Cards

 

About Smart Cards

Smart cards are portable credit-card shaped devices with internal integrated circuits. The top surface of the smart card usually contains an embedded
processor under the gold contact pad. The combination of the small size and integrated circuits make smart cards valuable tools for security, data storage, and
special programs. Using smart cards can improve system 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. To install a smart card, see

Installing a Smart Card or Secure Digital (SD)

Card

.

 

Passwords

A primary password, an administrator password, and a hard drive password all prevent unauthorized access to your computer in different ways. The following
table identifies types and features of passwords available on your computer.

NOTE:

For information on how to secure your computer while traveling, see

Traveling With Your Computer

.

NOTE:

Your computer does not ship with a security cable lock.

NOTICE:

Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot on your computer.

NOTE:

For information on how to secure your computer while traveling, see

Traveling With Your Computer

.

NOTE:

Passwords are disabled when you receive your computer.

 

Type of Password

 

Features

Primary/System

l

 

Protects the computer from unauthorized access

Administrator

l

 

Gives system administrators or service technicians access to computers for repair or reconfiguration

l

 

Allows you to restrict access to system setup in the same way a primary password restricts access to the computer

l

 

Can be used instead of the primary password

Advertising