Key protecting method and a computing apparatus

A computing apparatus comprising:

• an operating system block that is installed with a control application program module for receiving an access request, and generating a key confirmation request in response to the access request;
• and
• a hardware control module that includes
• a hardware control unit in communication with said control application program module for receiving the key confirmation request therefrom, and generating, via the control application program module, a key input request to prompt a user for a key input in response to receipt of the key confirmation request,
• a key comparing unit coupled to said hardware control unit, determining, upon receipt of the key input by the user, if the key input matches a predefined key preset in said hardware control module, and transmitting a comparison result to said hardware control unit to be subsequently transmitted to said control application program module by said hardware control unit;
• and
• wherein said hardware control module enters an execution mode if it is determined by said key comparing unit that the key input matches the predefined key;
• and
• wherein said hardware control module enters a failure mode if it is determined by said key comparing unit that the key input does not match the predefined key.