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Securing Your Computer
Dell™Latitude™D520User'sGuide
Security Cable Lock
Passwords
Computer Tracking Software
If Your Computer Is Lost or Stolen
Security Cable Lock
Asecuritycablelockisacommerciallyavailableantitheftdevice.Tousethelock,attachittothesecuritycableslotonyourDell™computer.Formore
information, see the instructions included with the device.
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.
If you forget any of your passwords, contact your system administrator or contact Dell (see Contacting Dell). For your protection, Dell support staff will ask you
for proof of your identity to ensure that only an authorized person can use the computer.
Using a Primary/System Password
The primary (system) password allows you to protect the computer from unauthorized access.
Access User Accounts from the Control Panel to create user accounts and add or change passwords. After assigning a primary password, you must enter it
each time you turn on your computer.
If you do not enter a password within 2 minutes, the computer returns to its previous operating state.
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: 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
Hard drive
l Helps protect the data on your hard drive or external hard drive (if one is being used) from unauthorized access
NOTE: Some hard drives do not support hard drive passwords.
NOTICE: Passwords provide a high level of security for data in your computer or hard drive. However, they are not foolproof. If you require more
security, obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as smart cards, data encryption programs, or PC Cards with encryption features.