On the Mac laptops there are ways through the terminal to lock down the computer so that if someone tries to format the computer they won't be able to do it without the password. This way locks down the firmware.

Is there a universal way to do the same thing on a PC? I know there are brands out there such as Samsung, Dell, etc that utilize different fimware types, and in turn will mean that their firmware will be locked down differently.

That being said is there a "command code" that will allow you to lock the firmware to keep theives from formatting the hard drive and wiping out your data?

I know a person who has time, and knowledge can get any password, and hopefully the person is smart enough to use another password to lock down the firmware, but that's not what I'm asking. I'm asking if it's possible, and if so how?

Does the standard PC user require a 3rd party app, or can it be done through the command line? Or Terminal if you are on Linux?