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

 

●

Fingerprint reader

 

 

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

 

 

 

Locating your security software

HP Security Assistant (select models only) provides a starting location for quick access to a collection of security software applications that are organized by task. Instead of searching for each application through the Start menu and Control Panel, HP Security Assistant allows you to access the applications for the following security tasks:

●Setting up Internet and antivirus security.

●Backing up and recovering files.

●Managing passwords, user accounts, and parental controls.

●Maintaining your computer and installing the latest HP and Windows updates.

To open HP Security Assistant, select Start > All Programs > Security and Protection > HP Security Assistant.

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.

54 Chapter 9 Securing your computer and information