Security; Protecting The Computer; Using Passwords - HP Notebook pc User Manual

9

Security

Protecting the computer

Standard security features provided by the Windows operating system and the non-Windows
Computer Setup utility (BIOS) can protect your personal settings and data from a variety of risks.
NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents. These deterrents may not prevent a
product from being mishandled or stolen.
NOTE: Before you send your computer for service, back up and delete confidential files, and
remove all password settings.
NOTE: Some features listed in this chapter may not be available on your computer.
NOTE: If a webcam is installed or connected to the computer, and if the Face Recognition program
is installed, you can set the security level for Face Recognition to balance the ease of use and the
difficulty of breaching the security of the computer. Refer to the HP ProtectTools Getting Started
guide or the Face Recognition software Help.
Computer risk
Unauthorized use of the computer
Unauthorized access to Computer Setup (f10)
Unauthorized access to the contents of a hard drive
Unauthorized startup from an optical drive, diskette drive, or
internal network adapter
Unauthorized access to a Windows user account
Unauthorized access to data
Unauthorized removal of the computer
*Computer Setup is a preinstalled, ROM-based utility that can be used even when the operating system is not working or will
not load. You can use either a pointing device (TouchPad, pointing stick, or USB mouse) or the keyboard to navigate and
make selections in Computer Setup.

Using passwords

A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information. Several
types of passwords can be set, depending on how you want to control access to your information.
60 Chapter 9 Security
Security feature
HP ProtectTools Security Manager, in combination with a
password, smart card, face recognition, and/or fingerprint
reader
BIOS administrator password in Computer Setup*
DriveLock password in Computer Setup*
Boot options feature in Computer Setup*
Windows user password
●
Firewall software
●
Windows updates
●
Drive Encryption for HP ProtectTools
Security cable slot (used with an optional security cable)