HP Notebook Reference Guide - Windows 7 and Windows Vista
Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Networking (select models only)
- Multimedia
- Power management
- Shutting down the computer
- Setting power options
- Using Power Assistant (select models only)
- Using battery power
- Finding additional battery information
- Using Battery Check
- Displaying the remaining battery charge
- Maximizing battery discharge time
- Managing low battery levels
- Conserving battery power
- Storing a battery
- Disposing of a used battery
- Replacing the battery
- Using external AC power
- Switching between graphics modes (select models only)
- External cards and devices
- Using Media Card Reader cards (select models only)
- Using PC Cards (select models only)
- Using ExpressCards (select models only)
- Using smart cards (select models only)
- Using a USB device
- Using 1394 devices (select models only)
- Using an eSATA device (select models only)
- Using a serial device (select models only)
- Using optional external devices
- Drives
- Security
- Protecting the computer
- Using passwords
- Using antivirus software
- Using firewall software
- Installing critical security updates
- Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only)
- Installing an optional security cable
- Using the fingerprint reader (select models only)
- Maintenance
- Computer Setup (BIOS) and System Diagnostics
- MultiBoot
- Management
- Traveling with the computer
- Troubleshooting resources
- Electrostatic Discharge
- Index
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.
64 Chapter 7 Security