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8
Securing 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:
Computer risk
Unauthorized use of the computer
Computer viruses
Unauthorized access to data
Unauthorized access to Setup Utility (BIOS) settings and other
system identification information
Ongoing or future threats to the computer
Unauthorized access to a Windows user account
Unauthorized removal of the computer
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. Additional passwords can
be set in Windows or in the HP Setup Utility (BIOS) that is preinstalled on your computer.
You may find it helpful to use the same password for a Setup Utility (BIOS) feature and for a Windows security
feature.
Use the following tips for creating and saving passwords:
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Chapter 8 Securing your computer and information
Some security features listed in this chapter may not be available on your computer.
Security feature
●
Power-on password
Antivirus software
Firewall software
Administrator password
Software updates
User password
Security cable lock
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