HP Classmate Notebook PC - Manual (Page 16)

● 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 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 on page 4 .
Installing critical security 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/go/contactHP . 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.
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/go/contactHP . 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
Connecting to a wireless network (select models only) on page 3 .
Backing up your software applications and information
Regularly back up your software applications and information to protect them from being permanently
lost or damaged through a virus attack or a software or hardware failure. For more information, see
Backing up, restoring, and recovering on page 11 .
10 Chapter 5 Securing your computer and information