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- Intel« processor serial number control utility Version 1.0
- Read Me Notes. 1/21/99
-
- Table of Contents
-
- Utility overview
- System requirements
- Installation
- Processor serial number overview
- Processor serial number FAQ
- Technical support
- Known problems and limitations
-
- Utility overview
- The Intel« processor serial number control utility is a Windows(R) program that enables
- or disables the reading of the Pentium(R) III processor serial number by software. This
- allows users to control which software programs or websites have permission to read the
- processor serial number. When installed, the utility runs automatically each time the
- system is started.
-
- This utility places an icon in the Windows(R) system tray to provide the user with a visual
- indication of the state of the processor serial number feature. The user has the option of
- hiding the system tray icon. Disabling the processor serial number can be done at
- any time, but enabling the serial requires the system to be restarted.
-
- System Requirements
- The Intel processor serial number control utility requires
- - A Pentium III processor-based system
- - Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0 (or later?)
- - 2 megabytes of hard disc space
-
- Installation
- Run setup.exe from the directory where you unzipped the file. Note: Attempting to
- install this utility on a system which does not contain a Pentium III processor will generate
- an error message.
-
- Processor serial number overview
- The Intel processor serial number is a new feature of the Pentium III processor which
- serves as an identifier for the processor. The processor serial number is designed to be
- unique, and when used in conjunction with other identification methods can be used to
- identify the system or user. This number can be used in a wide variety of applications
- which would benefit from stronger forms of system and user identification.
-
- The processor serial number is analogous to a conventional serial number, with several
- important differences:
- - it can be read by a software application; or
- - reading can be disabled via utility programs such as this one, or via the BIOS,
- depending on the system configuration.
-
- For additional information about the Pentium III processor and the processor serial
- number please visit www.intel.com/pentiumiii
-
- Processor serial number and control utility FAQ.
-
- 1. What are the benefits of the processor serial number?
- 1A. The processor serial number will be used in applications which benefit from stronger
- forms of system and user identification, such as
- - Applications using security capabilities
- - Asset management
- - Secure chat
-
- 2. Why would I want to turn off my processor serial number?
- 2A. Intel believe the processor serial number will provide compelling benefits to users.
- They are developing features in conjunction with the processor serial number to allow
- responsible service providers to provide services which maintain your privacy.
- However, if you are concerned that a given application/service using your
- processor number may impact your privacy, you may turn it off
- using the Intel processor serial number control utility.
-
- 3. What is the default state of the processor serial number?
- 3A. The default state of the processor serial number is on, until the processor serial
- number control utility is installed. Once the processor serial number control utility is
- installed, it turns the processor serial number off by default. The user may turn the
- processor serial number on using the utility.
-
- 4. Can a web site read my serial number without my knowledge?
- 4A. No, generally not. Web sites cannot read serial numbers unless you allow them
- to download a program which can read the processor serial number. Almost all browsers
- are configured to warn users whenever they download executable software. Unless you
- disable the warning in your browser, you should receive a notification.
-
- 5. Do Intel track serial numbers?
- 5A. Generally not, other than related to the manufacturing process. Intel will not, in the
- absence of advance and express consent of a user, collect serial number data which is otherwise
- identified with a user.
-
-
- 6. What programs and/or web sites currently use the processor serial number?
- 6A. A complete list of programs which can take advantage of the processor serial number and
- other new capabilities of the Pentium III processor may be found at
- http://www.intel.com/pentiumiii/utility.htm .
-
-
- 7. How can I tell if my processor serial number is turned on?
- 7A. The vast majority of Pentium III processor-based systems is shipped with the
- processor serial number enabled. The control utility allows you to check the status by:
-
- 1) the icon itself (the disabled icon shows a red circle with a white "x"); or
- 2) selecting the "Status" menu item by clicking on the task tray icon or
- from the tool tip shown when the mouse is positioned over the task tray icon.
-
- Known Problems or Errata
- The technical support number in the help file is incorrect.
- The correct telephone number for Customer Support for Japan is
- 0298-47-0800 (Intel HotLine Service).
-
- Technical Support
- For worldwide 24x7, technical support please visit our support website at
- http://support.intel.com
-
- Email: support@intel.com
- In the US call 800-628-8686 05:00-17:00 Pacific Standard Time
- For world wide phone contacts please see
- http://support.intel.com/support/feedback.htm
-