HP ENVY TouchSmart 15-j119wm User Guide - Windows 8 - Page 74

Using firewall software, Installing software updates, Installing critical security updates

Page 74 highlights

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. 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, Microsoft 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. 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 choose whether updates are installed automatically. To change the settings, from the Start screen, type c, and then select Control Panel. Select System and Security, select Windows Update, select Change settings, and then follow the on-screen instructions. Installing HP and third-party software updates HP recommends that you regularly update the software and drivers that were originally installed on your computer. To download the latest versions, go to http://www.hp.com/support. At this location, you can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available. If you have installed third-party software after you purchased your computer, regularly update the software. Software companies provide software updates to their products to correct security problems and improve functionality of the software. Securing your wireless network When you set up your wireless network, always enable security features. For more information, see Protecting your WLAN. 64 Chapter 9 Securing your computer and information

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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.
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, Microsoft 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.
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 choose whether updates are installed automatically. To change the settings, from the Start
screen, type
c
, and then select
Control Panel
. Select
System and Security
, select
Windows
Update
, select
Change settings
, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Installing HP and third-party software updates
HP recommends that you regularly update the software and drivers that were originally installed on
your computer. To download the latest versions, go to
support
. At this location,
you can also register to receive automatic update notifications when they become available.
If you have installed third-party software after you purchased your computer, regularly update the
software. Software companies provide software updates to their products to correct security problems
and improve functionality of the software.
Securing your wireless network
When you set up your wireless network, always enable security features. For more information, see
Protecting your WLAN.
64
Chapter 9
Securing your computer and information