Guidelines for Ensuring that the Test Set is Protected

Last Updated: August 29, 2007

This topic provides guidelines to ensure your test set is protected against security risks and accidental configuration changes that may leave the test set in an unusable state. Select one of the following items for more details:

Use Windows Update

As soon as you receive the test set, and before you connect the test set directly to a local area network (LAN), it is recommended that you use Windows Update to download the latest security fixes and critical updates. To do this without exposing the test set to any security threats, you can connect the test set to a LAN behind a router that supports Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Turn on the test set and wait for Windows start-up to complete. After the test set is connected to the LAN through the router, open Windows Update in Help and Support Center and install any recommended critical updates.

If you require more details about Windows Update, see the Windows XP Help and Support Center.

Modify Local Area Connection Settings if Required

If your network does not support the automatic assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and you intend to connect the test set to a LAN, you must change the test set's Local Area Connection settings to specify a valid static IP address. Use the following steps to do this.     

To change the test set's Local Area Connection settings:

  1. To open Network Connections, click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.

  2. Right-click Local Area Connection and click Properties.
    The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box opens.
     

    You must not change the test set's Internal LAN connection settings. Any attempt to make changes to these settings could leave the test set in an unusable state.

  3. In the item list, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click Properties.
    The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box opens.

  4. Select the option Use the following IP address and type the correct IP address, Subnet mask, and Default gateway settings for your local area connection. (This information is typically available from your Information Technology department.)

If you require more details about connecting to network resources, see the Windows XP Help and Support Center.

Install Antivirus and Antispyware Software

It is recommended that you install at least one commercial virus-detection program on the test set and use it regularly to check the test set for viruses. The primary source of viruses is the Internet but viruses can also be transferred from devices such as a USB memory drive. Therefore even if your test set is not connected to the Internet it is still recommended that you install a virus-detection program. Be sure to obtain the latest virus signature files for your program when they are available, because new viruses are created every day.   

It is also recommended that you install antispyware software. This helps protect the test set against spyware and other unwanted software.

If you require more details about protecting against viruses and spyware, see the Windows XP Help and Support Center.

Follow a Backup Strategy

It is recommended that you use a regular back up strategy to ensure that damage to the test set's data is minimized if a catastrophic failure occurs (such as a virus attack or hardware failure). Your IT department may already have a back up strategy in place which is suitable for the test set and its data.

Alternatively, you can use third party backup utilities. However, you need to ensure that this third party software is compatible with the test set's system software (see Installing Additional Programs on the Test Set for more details).

When performing back ups, it is recommended that you backup the data to an external storage device connected to the network or one of the test set's USB connectors. Additionally, it is recommended that you perform back ups at times when the test set is not being used for normal operations as it may impact the test set's overall performance.

System Recovery and Restore Points

The test set includes the Agilent Recovery System that can restore the original system software that was shipped from the factory (see Using the Agilent Recovery System). However, the Agilent Recovery System does not restore any additional programs or firmware upgrades that you have installed on the test set, any system customizations, or application and user data so you need to use a regular back up strategy of your own to safeguard this data.  

Windows XP includes several features to ensure that your computer and the applications and devices installed on it work correctly. These features help you solve the problems that can result from adding, deleting, or replacing files that your operating system, programs, and devices require in order to function. For example:

See the Windows XP Help and Support Center for more information on the Repair features that are included with Windows XP.

Test Set User Accounts

There are built-in user accounts that are present on the test set when it is shipped from the factory.

When the test set is first turned On, the Administrator account is the one that you use by default to log on to, and log off from Windows XP. The initial password set for this account is “agilent4u”.

There is also an AgilentOnly account.

The AgilentOnly account has administrator privileges.  This account has been created by Agilent for customer support purposes so you are not able to access it. You must ensure that this account is not deleted.

For more information see the topic on Test Set User Accounts.

 

Related Topic: Test Set Security