HP dv7-7135us Installing software updates, Using antivirus software, Using firewall software

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Using antivirus software

Computer viruses can disable programs, utilities, or the operating system, or cause them to function abnormally. Antivirus software can detect most viruses, destroy them, and in most cases, repair any damage they have caused.

For more information about computer viruses, type viruses in the Search box in Help and Support.

Using firewall software

Firewalls are designed to prevent unauthorized access to a system or network. A firewall can be software you install on your computer and/or network, or it can be a combination of both hardware and software.

There are two types of firewalls to consider:

Host-based firewalls—Software that protects only the computer it is installed on.

Network-based firewalls—Installed between your DSL or cable modem and your home network to protect all the computers on the network.

When a firewall is installed on a system, all data sent to and from the system is monitored and compared with a set of user-defined security criteria. Any data that does not meet those criteria is blocked.

Installing software updates

HP, Microsoft Windows, and third-party software installed on your computer should be regularly updated to correct security problems and improve software performance. For more information, see Updating programs and drivers on page 62.

Installing Windows security updates

Updates to the operating system and other software may have become available after the computer left the factory. Microsoft sends out alerts regarding critical updates. To protect the computer from security breaches and computer viruses, install all critical updates from Microsoft as soon as you receive an alert.

To be sure that all available updates are installed on the computer, observe these guidelines:

Run Windows Update as soon as possible after you set up your computer. Select Start > All Programs > Windows Update.

Run Windows Update monthly thereafter.

Obtain updates to Windows and other Microsoft programs, as they are released, from the Microsoft website and through the updates link in Help and Support.

Installing HP and third-party software updates

HP recommends that you regularly update the software and drivers that were originally installed on your computer. To download the latest versions, go to http://www.hp.com/support. At this location, you can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available.

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Contents User Guide Software terms Product noticeSafety warning notice Iv Safety warning notice Table of contents Using Sleep or Hibernation Managing and sharing information Securing your computer and information Input power Operating environment Page Best practices Starting rightFun things to do More HP resources Resource ContentsComponent Description Getting to know your computerFinding your hardware and software information FrontRight side Using Sleep or Hibernation onGetting to know your computer Left side Rear Communication and Chat CyberLink YouCam DisplayTouchPad TopSleep or Hibernation on LightsButtons, speakers, and fingerprint reader Or see Managing power onBy selecting Start Control Panel Hardware KeysSound Beats Audio Control Panel Num lock key Bottom Component LabelsConnecting to a wireless network Connecting to a networkUsing the wireless controls Using HP Connection Manager select models only Using the wireless buttonUsing operating system controls Using an Internet service provider Using a WlanConfiguring a wireless router Setting up a WlanProtecting your Wlan Connecting to a Wlan Using Bluetooth wireless devices select models onlyConnecting to a local area network LAN Multimedia Features Enjoying entertainment featuresUsing audio Using the webcamUsing Beats Audio Connecting speakersConnecting headphones Connecting a microphoneIconDefinition Using videoConnecting a VGA monitor or projector Checking the soundConnecting an Hdmi TV or monitor Configuring audio settings with Hdmi TV Managing your audio and video files Using Intel Wireless Display select models onlyUsing the keyboard and pointing devices Icon Key Description Using the keyboardUsing ALT GR key combinations Using the action keysAudio Control Panel Using the hot keysFunction Hot key Description Select Start Control Panel Hardware and Sound BeatsUsing the integrated numeric keypad Using the keypadTurning the TouchPad off or on Using the TouchPadSelecting NavigatingUsing TouchPad gestures Pinching/Zooming ScrollingFlicking RotatingManaging power Initiating and exiting Sleep Using Sleep or HibernationInitiating and exiting Hibernation Setting password protection on wakeupUsing the power meter Selecting a power plan Removing a user-replaceable battery Running on battery powerFinding battery information Disposing of a user-replaceable battery Conserving battery powerIdentifying low battery levels Storing a user-replaceable batteryReplacing a user-replaceable battery Running on external powerUsing HP CoolSense select models only Select Start Shut down Shutting down the computerType Description Using a USB deviceConnecting a USB device Managing and sharing informationRemoving a USB device Connecting a powered USB deviceInserting and removing digital storage cards Using optical drives Removing an optical disc Inserting an optical discSharing drives on the network Improving performance Maintaining your computerHandling drives Replacing a hard drive Page Using Disk Defragmenter Using HP 3D DriveGuardUsing Disk Cleanup Adding or replacing memory modules Page Page Updating programs and drivers Cleaning the display, sides, and cover Cleaning your computerCleaning the TouchPad and keyboard Traveling with or shipping your computer Securing your computer and information Computer risk Security featureLocating your security software Setting Windows passwords Using passwordsPassword Function Setting Setup Utility Bios passwords Using the fingerprint readerRegistering fingerprints Using Internet security softwareUsing HP SimplePass Using your registered fingerprint to log on to WindowsInstalling Windows security updates Installing software updatesUsing antivirus software Using firewall softwareUsing an optional security cable lock Securing your wireless networkBacking up your software applications and information Determining the Bios version Using Setup Utility Bios and System DiagnosticsStarting Setup Utility Bios Updating the BiosSelect Start Help and Support Maintain Downloading a Bios updateUsing System Diagnostics What you need to know Backing up, restoring, and recoveringCreating backups Creating recovery media to recover the original systemCreating a system restore point Creating system restore pointsBacking up system and personal information Tips for a successful backupCreating a backup using Windows Backup and Restore Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore Restore and recoveryRestoring to a previous system restore point Recovering the original system using HP Recovery ManagerRecovering using the recovery media Recovering using HP Recovery partition select models onlyChanging the computer boot order Input power SpecificationsInput power Rating Operating environment Troubleshooting and support Disc drive problems TroubleshootingWireless connection problems Cannot connect to a preferred network Cannot connect to a WlanCurrent network security codes are unavailable Wlan connection is very weak Cannot connect to the wireless routerPower management problems Audio problemsNetwork status icon is not displayed Troubleshooting an AC adapter Resolving a low battery levelContacting customer support Electrostatic Discharge Index BiosHdmi