Acer TravelMate 8372Z: Securing your computer

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Securing your computer

Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn 

how to protect and take care of your computer.

Security features include hardware and software locks — a security notch 

and passwords.

Using a computer security lock

The notebook comes with a Kensington-compatible security slot for a security 

lock.

Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a 

table or handle of a locked drawer. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the 

key to secure the lock. Some keyless models are also available.

Using passwords

Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access. Setting these 

passwords creates several different levels of protection for your computer 

and data:

•

Supervisor Password prevents unauthorized entry into the BIOS utility. 

Once set, you must enter this password to gain access to the BIOS utility. 

See "BIOS utility" on page 30.

•

User Password secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine 

the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up and 

resume from Hibernation for maximum security.

•

Password on Boot secures your computer against unauthorized use. 

Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up 

and resume from Hibernation for maximum security.

Important! Do not forget your Supervisor Password! If you forget 

your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an 

authorized service center.

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Entering passwords

When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the 

display screen.

•

When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you press 

<F2> to enter the BIOS utility at boot-up.

•

Type the Supervisor Password and press <Enter> to access the BIOS utility. 

If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try 

again and press <Enter>.

•

When the User Password is set and the password on boot parameter is 

enabled, a prompt appears at boot-up.

•

Type the User Password and press <Enter> to use the computer. If you 

enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and 

press <Enter>.

Important! You have three chances to enter a password. If you fail 

to enter the password correctly after three tries, the system halts. 

Press and hold the power button for four seconds to shut down 

the computer. Then turn on the computer again, and try again.

Setting passwords

You can set passwords using the BIOS utility.