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Securing your computer and information8
Computer security is essential for protecting the condentiality, integrity, and availability of your information.
Standard security solutions provided by the Windows operating system, HP applications, the 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.
NOTE: Some security features listed in this chapter may not be available on your computer.
Using passwords
A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information and to protect
online transactions. You can set several types of passwords. For example, when you set up your computer
for the rst time, you were asked to create a user password to secure your computer. You can set additional
passwords in Windows or in HP Setup Utility (BIOS), which is preinstalled on your computer.
You may nd it helpful to use the same password for a Setup Utility (BIOS) feature and for a Windows security
feature.
To create and save passwords, use the following tips:
● To reduce the risk of being locked out of the computer, record each password and store it in a secure place
away from the computer. Do not store passwords in a le on the computer.
● When creating passwords, follow requirements set by the program.
● Change your passwords at least every 3 months.
● An ideal password is long and has letters, punctuation, symbols, and numbers.
● Before you send your computer for service, back up your les, delete condential les, and then remove
all password settings.
NOTE: For additional information about Windows passwords, such as screen-saver passwords:
Type support in the taskbar search box, and then select the HP Support Assistant app.
– or –
Select the question mark icon in the taskbar.
Setting Windows passwords
Windows passwords can help protect your computer from unauthorized access.
Table 8-1 Types of Windows passwords and their functions
Password Function
User password Protects access to a Windows user account.
Administrator password Protects administrator-level access to computer contents.
NOTE: This password cannot be used to access Setup Utility (BIOS) contents.
Securing your computer and information 41
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