security software that includes antivirus and rewall features may be preinstalled on your computer as a trial 
oer. 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 
oer 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, type viruses in the Search box in Help and Support.
Using rewall software
Firewalls are designed to prevent unauthorized access to a system or network. A rewall 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 rewalls to consider:
●
Host-based rewalls—Software that protects only the computer it is installed on.
●
Network-based rewalls—Installed between your DSL or cable modem and your home network to 
protect all the computers on the network.
When a rewall is installed on a system, all data sent to and from the system is monitored and compared with 
a set of user-dened 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 31.
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, select Start > Control 
Panel > System and Security > Windows Update >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 notications 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.
Installing software updates 37