Personal computing security center

Steps to protect your PC

Secure your wireless network at home

Wireless networks are vulnerable to attacks if some simple security features are not enabled. Use the following information to assist you with enabling these security features on your wireless network.

Use Microsoft Windows Update

Keep your system up to date with Microsoft Windows Update to protect your system from viruses and worms that attack known Windows security vulnerabilities.

Install Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware software

Install Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware software and keep the virus and spyware definition files current. You can test your computer's exposure to a wide range of online threats using Symantec Security Check. It's a free service designed to help HP customers determine their Internet security needs.

Install a hardware or software Firewall

Install a hardware or software Firewall to help block unwanted access to your system. Microsoft Windows XP comes with a built-in software Firewall which you can enable. Please see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 283673

Protect your system against unwanted pop-ups

Protect your system against unwanted pop-ups by using Windows XP SP2 featuring Pop-Up Blocker for Internet Explorer.

Practice safe computing habits on the web

Read any Pop-up messaging, advertisements, and End User License Agreements (EULA) carefully.
Never give out personal information (including e-mail addresses) unless it is required to obtain service or a product from legitimate companies.
Avoid clicking on any links that you are not sure who the sender is and/or if you are not sure where the links may send take you to. This applies to all links including links sent in an e-mail, Instant Messaging (IM), Chat services, unfamiliar web pages, etc...

Related information

More information around protecting your PC and personal data can be found at the following link: