Using firewall software

Firewalls are designed to prevent unauthorized access to a system or network. A firewall can be a software program you install on your computer and/or network, or it can be a solution made up 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.

Your computer or networking equipment may already have a firewall installed. If not, firewall software solutions are available.

NOTE: Under some circumstances a firewall can block access to Internet games, interfere with printer or file sharing on a network, or block authorized e-mail attachments. To temporarily resolve the problem, disable the firewall, perform the task that you want to perform, and then reenable the firewall. To permanently resolve the problem, reconfigure the firewall.

Installing critical security updates

CAUTION: 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.

Updates to the operating system and other software may have become available after the computer left the factory. 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.

●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. To access Help and Support, from the Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support.

Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only)

HP ProtectTools Security Manager software is preinstalled on select computer models. This software can be accessed through Windows Control Panel. It provides security features that help protect against unauthorized access to the computer, networks, and critical data. For more information, see the HP ProtectTools software Help.

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