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.

58 Chapter 9 Securing your computer and information