Capabilities

Your ability to use the computer's many facilities may be extensive, or it may be limited. The extent of your ability to use the computer's facilities depends upon an MPE/iX security concept known as capability.

	TIP: Capability, in this sense, does not reflect any judgment made about the person using the computer. Capabilities are levels of authority (or permission) needed to use various functions that are available within the computer.

A computer allows you—or your organization—to gather together all of the information that is needed in one compact form and make that information readily available to anyone who needs it.

At the same time, some information that your organization uses is sensitive—personnel records, for example. Some information—and the means of acquiring and using that information—needs protection, above and beyond the security provided by passwords and file security.

Some commands and programs on your computer are vital to the efficient and orderly operation of the computer itself. Such commands and programs must not be misused. Their misuse can disrupt the operation of the computer itself, and can, in some cases, cause important information to be lost or destroyed.

Capabilities protect the computer itself—as well as programs, functions, and vital data—from misuse.