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Preparing to Use Your Computer 17
Protecting Your Computer
Protect your computer, personal settings, and data from a variety of risks by using:
Passwords.
Antivirus software.
Firewall software.
Critical security updates.
Using passwords
A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure the computer information.
Several types of passwords can be set, depending on how you want to control access to your
information. Passwords can be set in the Windows 7 operating system on the computer.
You can use the same password for more than one Windows 7 security feature. A password
set in Windows 7 must be entered at a Windows 7 prompt.
For information on Windows 7 passwords: Click the Start button, click Help and
Support, and then type passwords into the Search Help box and press Enter. See “Using the
Help and Support Center” on page 25.
NOTE: Security solutions are designed to act as deterrents, but they may not be able to
prevent software attacks or to prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.
Computer risk Computer feature
Unauthorized use of the computer or user
account
User password
Computer viruses Antivirus program
Unauthorized access to data Firewall program
Windows 7 updates
Unauthorized access to Setup Utility,
BIOS settings, and other system
identification information
Administrator password
Ongoing or future threats to the computer Windows 7 critical security updates from
Microsoft
CAUTION: To avoid being locked out of the computer, record each
password you set. Because passwords are not displayed as they are set,
changed, or deleted, it is essential to record each password immediately
and store it in a secure place. Do not store passwords in a file on the
computer.