What are the machine ID and serial number used for?
Added: 05/03/02 The machine (or software) ID # is not the same as the system serial #. Here is my attempt at summarizing what the two #’s mean and how they can be obtained: Machine ID # ============ This number uniquely identifies a machine. It is usually 10 digits. It is used by HP and some 3rd party vendors for associating a software license with a particular machine. The number is stored on the system board and can only be changed by an HP support technician. It can be obtained using one of the following methods: $ uname -i # standard method $ getconf CS_MACHINE_IDENT # 11.
