User's Guide

Internet security software that includes antivirus and firewall features may be preinstalled on your
computer as a trial offer. To provide ongoing protection against newly discovered viruses and other
security risks, security software must be kept up to date. It is strongly recommended that you upgrade
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.
To provide ongoing protection against newly discovered viruses, antivirus software must be kept up to
date.
An antivirus program may be preinstalled on your computer. It is strongly recommended that you use
the antivirus program of your choice in order to fully protect your computer.
For more information about computer viruses, from the Start screen, type support, and then select
the HP Support Assistant app, or from the Windows desktop, click the question mark icon in the
notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
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 on page 37.
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.
You can install these updates manually or automatically.
To view or change the settings:
1. From the Start screen, type control panel.
‒ or –
Installing software updates 43