It's probably the "Trusted Computing" chip. See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trusted_Computing If that's what it is,
it's a hardware encryption/decryption/private key storage chip. In
theory, it can be used for security purposes like preventing
unauthorized kernels from being used to sneak past password
protection, or manipulating a BIOS to boot with unauthorized boot
media to scan your disk drive.

There's a great deal to dislike about the technology: Do check out the article.



On Fri, Feb 21, 2014 at 1:59 PM, CS DBA <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hi All;
>
> I just ordered a Lenovo Thinkpad W540,
>
>
> the specs list this:
> Security Chip 2              Security Chip Enabled
>
>
> I plan to run either Fedora 20 or SL 6 on it. Is this something I should be
> concerned about? Can it be disabled in the bios?
>
> Thanks in advance...