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.
For more information about computer viruses, type viruses in the Search box in Help and Support.
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:
●
●
When a firewall is installed on a system, all data sent to and from the system is monitored and compared with a set of
Installing software updates
HP, Microsoft Windows, and
Installing Windows security updates
Updates to the operating system and other software may have become available after the computer left the factory. Microsoft sends out alerts regarding critical updates. To protect the computer from security breaches and computer viruses, install all critical updates from Microsoft as soon as you receive an alert.
To be sure that all available updates are installed on the computer, observe these guidelines:
●Run Windows Update as soon as possible after you set up your computer. Select Start > All Programs > Windows Update.
●Run Windows Update monthly thereafter.
●Obtain updates to Windows and other Microsoft programs, as they are released, from the Microsoft website and through the updates link in Help and Support.
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/support. At this location, you can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available.
66 Chapter 9 Securing your computer and information
