A computer includes a processor, an input device and a read only memory ("ROM"). One or more passwords are flashed in the ROM in encoded form. The encoding process may include any well-known encryption or hash process. The password may include a power-on password usable to change the operating state of the computer and/or an administrator password. Such configuration data preferably also is stored on the ROM in encoded form. The encoded nature of the passwords makes it difficult for an unauthorized entity to gain access to the usable form of the passwords. Further, by storing the passwords and configuration in ROM, such as the computer's main system ROM, it is possible to control write access to the ROM because a computer's ROM can generally only be flashed using SMI code which operates outside the control of the computer's operating system and requires entry of a correct password.