software must be kept up to date. It is strongly recommended that you upgrade the security software trial offer or purchase the software of your choice in order to fully protect your tablet.

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 tablet. It is strongly recommended that you use the antivirus program of your choice in order to fully protect your tablet.

For more information about tablet viruses, on the Start screen, type support, 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 tablet 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 tablet it is installed on.

●Network-based firewalls—Installed between your DSL or cable modem and your home network to protect all the tablets 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 tablet should be regularly updated to correct security problems and improve software performance. For more information, see Updating programs and drivers on page 28.

Installing critical security updates

HP recommends that you regularly update the software and drivers that were originally installed on your tablet. 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 tablet, 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 tablet. 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.

32 Chapter 8 Securing your tablet and information