HP's Computer Security Day Commemoration

Joe Wilcox | November 30, 2004, 10:58 AM

To commemorate Computer Security Day, HP unveiled new protective services and products for consumers and small and medium businesses. HP isn't the only company concerned about consumer security. This month, AOL released a Security Edition of its online services client. In July, Dell kicked off a security awareness program, as precursor to additional security offerings in the months that followed.

HP's offerings demonstrate just how much security problems, particularly spyware, make for consumer PC customers. HP will now offer consumers free online security technical support, with real-time chat or e-mail assistance with one-hour turnaround on responses. During major virus outbreaks, HP also plans to offer free virus alert classes over the phone. Additionally, HP worked with Symantec and Intermute to provide security software at deep discounts.

For SMBs, HP has bolstered products or services in five areas of security focus. The company also maintains a highly informative SMB security Website.

As I blogged this morning over at Microsoft Monitor, I see the new security initiatives from AOL, Dell and HP as sure signs of shortcomings in Windows XP Service Pack 2. AOL's Security Edition efforts go further, trying to bolster security on older Windows PCs ignored by SP2. JupiterResearch surveys show that consumers typically hand down older Windows PCs without upgrading them to XP.