Toshiba 8000 Tecra 8000 Users Guide - Page 221

197 Managing Your Tecra 8000 Series Computer Security management System password in Flash, Not CMOS Toshiba addresses security concerns in a number of ways. Across Toshiba's product lines, the system password for user entry is located in flash memory, as opposed to CMOS. CMOS is batterypowered memory. If the small CMOS battery is shorted or runs down, the password is deleted and the system is left vulnerable to external violation. FLASH memory is non-volatile ROM memory and is not susceptible to power loss, either inadvertent or intentional. Writing the password into FLASH memory protects the security of the system, ultimately protecting both hardware and sensitive data. Supervisor password Each Toshiba system has the capability of utilizing two passwords for added security and investment protection: the user password and the supervisor password. The supervisor password, if enabled, carries a higher priority than the user password. In the event that an employee forgets his or her password or leaves the company without divulging the system password, the supervisor password will allow that supervisor access to the system to reformat, reconfigure and redistribute it. Without the supervisor password, this abandoned system would be locked and unsalvageable. Additionally, this is a useful feature should the supervisor want to change the system or network password for security purposes, as is often the case with frequent changes in personnel. Boot String Toshiba notebooks have a unique "Boot String" sequence that helps to identify the system in the event that it is lost or stolen. Completely user-programmable, a sample boot string might read, "This computer belongs to John Smith, Company XYZ. Please call for reward if found. 555-1212." The boot string sequence is displayed prior to the hard drive start-up and serves as the link for recovery of a notebook. Part II: Technical Reference