Table of Contents
Advertisement
Using antivirus software
When you use the computer to access e-mail, a network, or the Internet, you potentially expose it to
computer viruses. Computer viruses can disable the operating system, programs, or utilities, 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 and may include a trial offer. It is strongly
recommended that you upgrade the trial offer or purchase the antivirus program of your choice in order
to fully protect your computer.
For more information about computer viruses, type viruses in the Search box in Help and Support.
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:
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. Use the update link at
Start > All Programs > Windows Update.
●
Run Windows Update monthly thereafter.
●
Obtain updates to Windows and other Microsoft® programs, as they are released, from the
Microsoft Web site and through the updates link in Help and Support.
52
Chapter 7 Security
Microsoft sends out alerts regarding critical updates. To protect the computer from security
Advertisement
Chapters
Table of Contents
