HP Provantage F3F15UA#ABA manual Installing software updates, Using antivirus software

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the security software trial offer or purchase the software of your choice in order to fully protect your computer.

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.

To provide ongoing protection against newly discovered viruses, antivirus software must be kept up to date.

An antivirus program may be preinstalled on your computer. It is strongly recommended that you use the antivirus program of your choice in order to fully protect your computer.

For more information about computer viruses, from the Start screen, type HP Support Assistant, and then select the HP Support Assistant app.

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 45.

Installing critical security 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/go/contactHP. At this location, you can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available.

If you have installed third-party software after you purchased your computer, regularly update the software. Software companies provide software updates to their products to correct security problems and improve functionality of the software.

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/go/contactHP. At this location, you can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available.

50 Chapter 8 Securing your computer and information

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Contents User Guide Product notice Safety warning notice Iv Safety warning notice Table of contents Connecting to a local area network LAN Managing power Input power Operating environment Visit the HP Apps Store select models only Starting rightRevert to the familiar Start screen select models only Best practicesFun things to do Resource Contents More HP resourcesStarting right Locating hardware Getting to know your computerFinding your hardware and software information Locating softwareRight side Component DescriptionLeft side Display Top TouchPadLights Buttons Keys Fn keyBottom LabelsComponent Using the wireless controls Connecting to a networkConnecting to a wireless network Using the wireless buttonUsing a Wlan Sharing data and drives and accessing softwareUsing an Internet service provider Configuring a wireless router Setting up a WlanProtecting your Wlan Using Bluetooth wireless devices select models only Connecting to a WlanConnecting to a wired network Connecting to a local area network LANEnjoying entertainment features Multimedia featuresUsing the webcam Managing your audio and video files select models onlyUsing audio Using video Connecting video devices by using an Hdmi cableSetting up Hdmi audio Page Using TouchPad gestures Using the TouchPadNavigating the screen Tapping ScrollingPinching/zooming Finger clickRight-edge swipe Edge swipesTop-edge swipe select models only One-finger slide Using touch screen gestures select models onlyLeft-edge swipe Tapping Scrolling Rotating select models only Top-edge swipe and bottom-edge swipe Using the keys Using the keyboard and mouseUsing the action keys Using Microsoft Windows shortcut keys Initiating Sleep and Hibernation Managing powerManually initiating and exiting Sleep Running on battery power Using the power meter and power settingsSetting password protection on wakeup Removing a user-replaceable battery Finding battery informationIdentifying low battery levels Conserving battery powerResolving a low battery level Disposing of a user-replaceable battery Running on external AC powerStoring a user-replaceable battery Replacing a user-replaceable batteryTroubleshooting power problems Shutting down turning off the computerPage Maintaining your computer Using Disk DefragmenterUsing Disk Cleanup Improving performanceCleaning the display All-in-Ones or Notebooks Cleaning your computerCleaning procedures Updating programs and driversCleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse Cleaning the sides or coverTraveling with or shipping your computer Page Using passwords Securing your computer and informationSetting Windows passwords Using Internet security softwareSetting Setup Utility Bios passwords Using firewall software Installing software updatesUsing antivirus software Installing critical security updatesUsing an optional security cable lock Securing your wireless networkBacking up your software applications and information Updating the Bios Starting Setup Utility BiosDetermining the Bios version Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Uefi Downloading a Bios updateDownloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Uefi to a USB device Diagnostic section, click HP Uefi Support EnvironmentCreating recovery media and backups Backing up, restoring, and recoveringCreating HP Recovery media Restore and recovery Using the HP Recovery partition select models only Recovering using HP Recovery ManagerWhat you need to know Using HP Recovery media to recover Removing the HP Recovery partitionChanging the computer boot order Specifications Input powerOperating environment Electrostatic Discharge Bios IndexJacks