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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
NOTE:
For information on how to secure your computer while traveling, see
Security Cable Lock
NOTE:
Your computer does not ship with a 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.
NOTICE:
Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot on your computer.
Using Smart Cards
NOTE:
For information on how to secure your computer while traveling, see
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
Card.
Passwords
NOTE:
Passwords are disabled when you receive your computer.
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.
Type of Password
Features
Protects the computer from unauthorized access
l
Primary/System
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
Administrator
Can be used instead of the primary password
l
Traveling With Your
Computer.
Traveling With Your
Computer.
Installing a Smart Card or Secure Digital (SD)