HP SR1420UK Protecting Your PC, Using a Power Surge Suppressor, Using Virus Protection Programs

Protecting Your PC

Using a Power Surge Suppressor

Power surges, for example, voltage spikes, power outages or blackouts may cause software problems.

Symptoms of voltage spikes include a flickering video display, unexpected PC startups and the PC not responding to your commands. A voltage spike can occasionally corrupt or destroy files. Because of this, you should:

•Consistently make backup copies of your data files. And

•Prevent damage from voltage spikes by installing a PC surge suppressor between the electrical socket and the PC powercable.

Using Virus Protection Programs

HP provides a virus-scanning software program to help protect your PC (select models only).

A PC virus can destroy information on the hard disk drive. You can get a virus from infected files that you open from:

•An e-mail message or attachment.

•A file downloaded from the Internet.

•A diskette (floppy disk).

•A CD or DVD disc.

Some viruses affect your PC immediately, while others may activate only if you open a certain file or do not delete the file before a certain date. New types of viruses are invented all the time.

The virus-scanning software program on your PC has pre-set options that make your PC safe. After you enable the virus-scanning program, it checks your PC files for viruses.

The virus-scanning program manufacturer provides free virus definition updates through your Internet connection for an initial period after your PC purchase. You can purchase a subscription service for updates after the initial free period expires.

You should take the following precautions to protect your PC:

•Do not open unsolicited e-mail from unknown sources.

•Download files only from sources you feel are safe.

•Always scan documents for viruses before opening them.

•Make sure you have the latest version of your virus-scanning software.

Introducing the PC 3