Epson 486SX - Manual (Page 86)

If you set a power-on password but do not turn on network
server mode, you enter the password before the computer loads
the operating system or the network software. Once you load it,
anyone can access your system by typing commands on the
keyboard. However, if you set a password and turn on network
server mode, you can load your operating system or network
software before you enter the password. This allows other
computers in the network to access the system, but prevents
unauthorized users from entering commands at your keyboard
and using any network server access privileges.
When you boot the computer in network server mode, you do
not see the key prompt ( as you would if network server
mode was turned off. The password prompt is hidden to
prevent unauthorized users from knowing that a password is
required.
You do not have to set a password in network server mode to
use your computer as a network server, but it is helpful. See
“Setting the Power-on Password” in Chapter 2 for instructions
on setting the password and enabling network server mode.
Then read the next section to use your network password.
Note
If your hard disk drive has a partition larger than 32MB, you
must use the MS-DOS SHARE command to install file
sharing and locking protection in a network environment.
See your MS-DOS manual for more information.
If you do not install SHARE, the following message flashes
on your screen after you install your networking software
and reboot your computer:
WARNING! SHARE should be loaded for large media
4-10 Enhancing System Operations