HP 17.3 E0J83UA#ABA, 17.3 E7N75UA#ABA Securing your computer and information, Using passwords

Page 70

9Securing your computer and information

Computer security is essential for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your information. Standard security solutions provided by the Windows operating system, HP applications, the non-Windows Setup Utility (BIOS), and other third-party software can help protect your computer from a variety of risks, such as viruses, worms, and other types of malicious code.

IMPORTANT: Some security features listed in this chapter may not be available on your computer.

Computer risk	Security feature

Unauthorized use of the computer	Power-on password

Computer viruses	Antivirus software

Unauthorized access to data	Firewall software

Unauthorized access to Setup Utility (BIOS) settings and	Administrator password
other system identification information

Ongoing or future threats to the computer	Software updates

Unauthorized access to a Windows user account	User password

Unauthorized removal of the computer	Security cable lock

Using passwords

A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information and to protect online transactions. Several types of passwords can be set. For example, when you set up your computer for the first time, you were asked to create a user password to secure your computer. Additional passwords can be set in Windows or in the HP Setup Utility (BIOS) that is preinstalled on your computer.

You may find it helpful to use the same password for a Setup Utility (BIOS) feature and for a Windows security feature.

Use the following tips for creating and saving passwords:

●To reduce the risk of being locked out of the computer, record each password and store it in a secure place away from the computer. Do not store passwords in a file on the computer.

●When creating passwords, follow requirements set by the program.

●Change your passwords at least every three months.

●An ideal password is long and has letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers.

●Before you send your computer for service, back up your files, delete confidential files, and then remove all password settings.

For additional information about Windows passwords, such as screen-saver passwords, from the Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app.

60 Chapter 9 Securing your computer and information

Image 70

Contents User Guide Product notice Software termsSafety warning notice Iv Safety warning notice Table of contents Enjoying entertainment features Managing and sharing information Securing your computer and information Input power Operating environment Page HP Quick Start select models only Starting rightBest practices Fun things to do Resource Contents More HP resourcesLocating hardware Getting to know your computerFinding your hardware and software information Locating softwareRight side Component DescriptionLeft side Select User guidesSee Using HP 3D DriveGuard select models only Display Top TouchPadLights Initiating Sleep and Hibernation onButtons and speakers Hibernation onKeys Fn keyBottom Labels Using the wireless controls Connecting to a networkConnecting to a wireless network Using the wireless buttonUsing an Internet service provider Using a WlanSetting up a Wlan Connecting to a Wlan Configuring a wireless routerProtecting your Wlan Connecting to a wired network Using Bluetooth wireless devices select models onlyConnecting to a local area network LAN Enjoying entertainment features Multimedia FeaturesUsing the webcam Using audioConnecting a microphone Connecting speakersConnecting headphones Checking the soundUsing video Connecting a VGA monitor or projectorConnecting an Hdmi device Configuring Hdmi audio settingsManaging your audio and video files Using the TouchPad Using TouchPad gesturesTapping Scrolling Pinching/zoomingRotating select models only Finger click select models onlyEdge swipes Flicking select models onlyRight-edge swipe Top-edge swipe Left-edge swipeUsing the action keys Using the keyboard and mouseUsing the keys Icon Key DescriptionUsing Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys Shortcut Key DescriptionUsing the hot keys Using the integrated numeric keypadFunction Hot key Description Initiating Sleep and Hibernation Managing powerIntel Rapid Start Technology select models only Initiating and exiting Sleep Setting password protection on wakeupEnabling and exiting user-initiated hibernation Running on battery power Using the power meter and power settingsRemoving a user-replaceable battery Conserving battery power Finding battery informationIdentifying low battery levels Resolving a low battery level Storing a user-replaceable batteryDisposing of a user-replaceable battery Running on external AC powerReplacing a user-replaceable battery Troubleshooting power problems HP CoolSense select models onlyShutting down turning off the computer Managing and sharing information Using a USB deviceType Description Connecting a USB device Removing a USB deviceInserting and removing a digital storage card Using optical drives Removing an optical disc Inserting an optical discTray-load When the disc tray fails to open normally Sharing data and drives and accessing software Select Open Network and Sharing Center Improving performance Maintaining your computerHandling drives Replacing a hard drive Page Using HP 3D DriveGuard select models only Using Disk DefragmenterUsing Disk Cleanup Adding or replacing memory modulesTurn the computer upside down on a flat surface Page Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard Cleaning your computerCleaning the display, sides, and cover Updating programs and driversTraveling with or shipping your computer Computer risk Security feature Using passwordsSecuring your computer and information Setting Setup Utility Bios passwords Setting Windows passwordsPassword Function Using antivirus software Using Internet security softwareInstalling software updates Using firewall softwareInstalling HP and third-party software updates Securing your wireless networkUsing an optional security cable lock Backing up your software applications and informationPage Updating the Bios Using Setup Utility Bios and System DiagnosticsStarting Setup Utility Bios Determining the Bios versionDownloading a Bios update Using System Diagnostics Backing up, restoring, and recovering Creating recovery media and backupsCreating HP Recovery media Restore and recovery Using Windows Refresh for quick and easy recovery Remove everything and reinstall WindowsRecovering using HP Recovery Manager What you need to knowUsing HP Recovery media to recover Removing the HP Recovery partitionChanging the computer boot order Input power SpecificationsInput power Rating Operating environment Electrostatic Discharge Bios IndexWlan