	Making your PC a safe zone is easier than you might think. Here are some simple, proactive measures you can take to curb hackers and prying eyes.

Keep your PC safe

Your PC is vulnerable to many threats: hackers who want personal information, spyware and adware that monitors your web-surfing habits, and viruses from downloads or spam. Keeping your PC a “clean” machine helps protect it.

»	Personal computing security center

Quick tip: Turn off your Recycle Bin.

1.	Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop and choose Properties > Global.
2.	Check the box that says, “Do not move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted.” Files will then be permanently deleted.

Quick tip: Delete your web history and your browser’s cache.

1.	In Internet Explorer, select Tools > Internet Options.
2.	Click General, then click Clear History.
3.	To clear the cache, click Delete Files.

If you do not use Internet Explorer, check your web browser’s help section for instructions.

Combat spam and maintain your privacy

Spam is more than annoying—it’s time-consuming and could expose your computer to viruses. How you deal with spam can actually influence how much you’ll receive.

»	Free online class: Protect yourself from spam and spyware
»	Personal computing security center: Stop spam!

Quick tip: Learn to identify spam.
Recognize signs of spam:

•	Subject line: Is it for something financial (mortgage rates or free money) or a joke (“FWD: great punch line”)?
•	Sender: Is the name common, but you can’t place the person?
•	Date sent: Was it sent much later or earlier than its arrival?

If an e-mail looks suspicious, do not open it. Check if your e-mail provider offers a spam filter so you can activate it and prevent unwanted messages.

Keep kids safe from improper content

As technology becomes more accessible, it’s important to set clear guidelines for PC and Internet use. You can also create barriers that prevent unsupervised PC use. (Exact steps may vary according to your PC’s age and operating system. Check your control panel’s Help and Support section for instructions.)

»	Get more tips for kid-proofing your PC

Quick tip: Password-protect your PC.
This will make your PC inaccessible when it’s first turned on.

1.	In the Control Panel, click User Accounts.
2.	Click Create a New Account to create a user identity and password.

Quick tip: Password-protect your screen saver.
When your screen saver runs, your PC can only be reactivated by entering the password.

1.	In the Control Panel, click Display.
2.	Click the Screen Saver tab.
3.	After selecting a screen saver, check the box next to On resume, password protect.
4.	Click the Apply button to set the password, and then click OK.

Performing routine maintenance tasks, like updating your antivirus software, will keep your PC running at its peak. Neglecting maintenance can slow down your PC and increase the frequency of freezes and crashes. But how do you know what to do and when?

HP’s PC Tune-up Center helps you keep your PC in top form. It provides maintenance schedules for your desktop or notebook PC, and offers free classes in tuning up your PC.

»	HP PC Tune-up Center

»	Free online class: Tune up your PC

»	HP desktop PCs
»	HP notebook PCs

A warranty is the most cost-effective resource there is for minimizing potential repair expenses and having instant access to technical support. HP Total Care provides the free initial service and support that comes with your HP PC, plus a variety of upgraded and extended options for enhanced coverage as long as you need it.

Only HP’s Total Care warranty covers your new HP desktop and notebook PCs for a full year, with service you can rely on 24/7. In addition, HP Total Care Extended Service Plans let you add up to three continuous years of technical assistance from trained HP support specialists. There are a variety of support, repair, and service plan options, so you choose the length and scope of coverage for your specific needs. Visit www.hp.com/go/totalcareservices for details.

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