the security software trial offer or purchase the software of your choice in order to fully protect your computer.

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, from the Start screen, type h, and then select 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:

●Host-based firewalls—Software that protects only the computer it is installed on.

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

Installing Windows 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. From the Start screen, type update, select Settings, and then select 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.

62 Chapter 9 Securing your computer and information