Security

This utility controls the activation and deactivation of access restrictions in Dictionary-IV (except for operator log on). Access restrictions are adhered to when security is active and ignored when security is inactive. The data element security features defined in a format are not affected by the system security status.

Security is activated and deactivated through the use of a system password. Dictionary-IV is initially installed without a system password, indicating that security is inactive. In its inactive state none of the security features listed below are operational. To activate security and make these features operational, you need to create a system password with this utility.

• Library passwords will restrict maintenance access to Format, Screen, View, Link, Menu, Message, Help, Script, and Report components.
• Link passwords will restrict access to the database (Thoroughbred Basic File) specified in the link.
• Menu passwords will restrict display of the menu.
• Menu selection passwords will restrict execution of the menu selection.
• Operator code and terminal access restrictions may be specified for Menus and Links.
• Passwords of any type are not displayed or printed with active security unless the system password is known.
• Access to Audit File Information, Operator Code, Operator Listing, Installation Information, Multi-Tasking Information, and System File Report is restricted.

Note

The system activates (or deactivates) all access restrictions by password, operator code, and terminal code currently in the system.

Select Security from the Dictionary-IV Utilities Menu. If security is presently active, the system prompts:

Enter the current System Password:

Deactivate Security If you wish to deactivate security or change the system password, type the current system password and press Enter. If the password is incorrect, the system displays an error message:

Passwords do not match. Security Status not changed.
Return to continue.

If you have forgotten or cannot establish what the system password is, you will need to contact your dealer for the steps necessary to determine the system password.

Activate Security If security is presently inactive or you have entered the current system password (as directed above), the system prompts:

Enter a new System Password:

If you wish to deactivate security, press Enter.

If you wish to activate security, type a valid system password and press Enter. System passwords may be from 1 to 3 characters long and consist of any character sequence. Both uppercase and lowercase, special characters or numbers, or any combination of these is allowed.

If you enter a system password, you will be asked to retype it to verify that it is correct:

Retype System Password:

If you do establish a system password, make sure that you take appropriate steps to securely record this password. It cannot be retrieved without technical help from your dealer.

Once security has been activated or deactivated, the system displays one of the following messages:

Security is active, RETURN to continue.

Security is not active, RETURN to continue.

From the Dictionary-IV Administrator Guide, version 8.9.1. Open this page in the PDF