Bitlocker encryption, Computrace persistence, Miracast wireless display – Microsoft Surface 3 User Manual
Page 155: Accessories, Surface pen, Surface ethernet adapter
© 2014 Microsoft
Page 155
BitLocker Encryption
With both Windows 8.1 Professional and Windows 8.1 Enterprise, Surface Pro 3 devices support encryption of the
operating system data using BitLocker Drive Encryption (BDE). Surface Pro 3 devices include a Trusted Platform Module
(TPM) that can be used as an authentication factor to automatically unlock a device. This TPM can make encryption an
automatic process that occurs behind-the-scenes and protects the data on the device without interfering with the
normal boot process of the system.
Surface Pro 3 devices also support using a PIN as an authentication factor, but this needs to be enabled with group
policy (covered in the
BitLocker Encryption section of Chapter 8
). The boot experience with a PIN authenticated device
requires a numerical or alphanumeric PIN to be entered before the operating system drive will be decrypted and
Windows will begin to load.
Computrace Persistence
Surface Pro 3 devices support persistence of Absolute Computrace, a software for tracking and location monitoring of
devices. The firmware persistence prevents the removal of the Computrace agent, even if the device is reset or the
Computrace agent is removed.
Miracast Wireless Display
The wireless network adapter of Surface Pro 3 devices supports Miracast wireless connectivity to a display. This ability is
compatible with any display that supports Miracast. For displays that do not natively support Miracast the Microsoft
Wireless Display Adapter provides the ability to receive Miracast transmissions through an HDMI connection. The
Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter also requires a USB connection for power in addition to an HDMI connection on the
display.
Accessories
Several accessories are available for Surface Pro 3 devices to enhance the experience or add functionality. These
accessories are described in the following sections.
Surface Pen
Surface Pro 3 devices come with the Surface Pen, a Bluetooth connected multipurpose stylus. This pen can provide for
accurate input on the touch screen, enable the user to take notes, draw, and provide quick access to a many functions,
including right click, erase, and note-taking with OneNote.
Surface Ethernet Adapter
While Surface Pro 3 devices connect easily to wireless networks, in some cases it may be required to connect to a wired
network. The Surface Ethernet Adapter provides this functionality as removable USB dongle that provides gigabit
ethernet connectivity. The Surface Pro 3 also supports network boot, or PXE when using the Surface Ethernet Adapter.
For more information on PXE booting Surface Pro 3 devices, see