System Data Categories; Using The System Password Feature; Assigning A System Password - Dell Precision 410 User Manual

System Data Categories

The following categories, which are not selectable, dis-
play information about the system:
•
The first category displays the type of
microprocessor installed in the computer.
•
Level 2 Cache displays the amount of integrated
level-2 cache memory in the single-edge contact
(SEC) cartridge.
•
System Memory indicates the entire amount of
installed memory detected in your system, except for
memory on Expanded Memory Specification (EMS)
expansion cards.
After adding memory, check this category to confirm
that the new memory is installed correctly and is rec-
ognized by the system.
•
Service Tag displays the system's five-character ser-
vice tag number, which was programmed into
NVRAM by Dell during the manufacturing process.
Reference this number during technical assistance or
service calls. The service tag number is also
accessed by certain Dell support software, including
the diagnostics software.
•
Asset Tag displays the customer-programmable asset
tag number for the system if an asset tag number has
been assigned. You can use the Asset Tag utility,
which is included with your software support utili-
ties, to enter an asset tag number up to ten characters
long into NVRAM. For information on using the
utility, see "Using the Asset Tag Utility" in
Chapter 2.
U
sing the System Password Feature
CAUTION: The password features provide a basic
level of security for the data on your system. How-
ever, 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.
3-10 Dell Workstation Mini Tower Systems User's Guide
Your Dell system is shipped to you without the system
password feature enabled. If system security is a concern,
you should operate your system only with system pass-
word protection.
You can assign a system password, as described in the
next subsection, "Assigning a System Password," when-
ever you use the System Setup program. After a system
password is assigned, only those who know the password
have full use of the system.
When the System Password category is set to Enabled,
the computer system prompts you for the system pass-
word just after the system boots.
To change an existing system password, you must either
know the password or have a key to the computer (see
"Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password"
found later in this section).
If you assign and later forget a system password, you
need your computer key to get inside the chassis,
where you can change a jumper setting to disable the
system password feature (see "Disabling a Forgotten
Password" found later in this chapter). Note that you
erase the setup password at the same time.
CAUTION: If you leave your system 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-disk drive.

Assigning a System Password

Before you can assign a system password, you must enter
the System Setup program and check the System Pass-
word category.
With a system password assigned, the status shown in the
System Password category is Enabled.With the system
password feature disabled by a jumper setting on the
system board, the status shown is Disabled By
Jumper. You cannot change or enter a new system
password if either of these options is displayed.
With no system password assigned and with the pass-
word jumper on the system board in the enabled position
(its default setting), the status shown for the System Pass-
word category is Not Enabled. Only when this category is