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Computer Tracking Software
Computer tracking software may enable you to locate your computer if it is lost or stolen. The software is optional and may be purchased when you order your
Dell™computer,oryoucancontactyourDellsalesrepresentativeforinformationaboutthissecurityfeature.
About Smart Cards and Fingerprint Readers
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.
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
System Password
Option Settings
You cannot change or enter a new system password if either of the following two options is displayed:
l Set — A system password is assigned.
l 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:
l 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) and verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked.
2. Highlight System Password, and then press the left- or right-arrow key.
The option heading changes to Enter Password, 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.
Certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the speaker emits a beep.
As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.
4. Press <Enter>.
If the new system password is less than 32 characters, the whole field fills with placeholders. Then the option heading changes to Verify Password,
followed by another empty 32-character field in square brackets.
NOTE: Computer tracking software may not be available in certain countries.
NOTE: If you have computer tracking software and your computer is lost or stolen, you must contact the company that provides the tracking service to
report the missing computer.
NOTE: The smart card feature or fingerprint reader may not be available on your computer.
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.
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.