HP 350 G1 User Manual

User Guide

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Intel and Centrino are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. AMD is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. SD Logo is a trademark of its proprietor. Java is a U.S. trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

First Edition: January 2014

Document Part Number: 752438-xx1

Product notice

This user guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features may not be available on your computer.

This computer may require upgraded and/ or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. Go to

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/ windows7/get-know-windows-7 for details.

To access the latest user guide, go to

http://www.hp.com/support, and select your

country. Select Drivers & Downloads, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Software terms

By installing, copying, downloading, or otherwise using any software product preinstalled on this computer, you agree to be bound by the terms of the HP End User License Agreement (EULA). If you do not accept these license terms, your sole remedy is to return the entire unused product (hardware and software) within 14 days for a full refund subject to the refund policy of your seller.

For any further information or to request a full refund of the price of the computer, please contact your seller.

Safety warning notice

WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not

place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).

iii

iv Safety warning notice

Table of contents

1 Welcome ........................................................................................................................................................... 1

Finding information ............................................................................................................................... 2

2 Getting to know your computer ......................................................................................................................... 4

Right ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

Left ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

Display .................................................................................................................................................. 7

Top ....................................................................................................................................................... 8

TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 8

Lights ................................................................................................................................... 9

Buttons, speakers, and fingerprint reader (select models only) ......................................... 11

Keys ................................................................................................................................... 12

Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 13

Front ................................................................................................................................................... 14

3 Connecting to a network ................................................................................................................................. 15

Connecting to a wireless network ....................................................................................................... 15

Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 15

Turning wireless devices on or off ..................................................................... 15

Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 16

Using operating system controls ....................................................................... 16

Using a WLAN ................................................................................................................... 16

Using an Internet service provider .................................................................... 16

Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................ 17

Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................ 17

Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 17

Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................... 18

Using Bluetooth wireless devices ...................................................................................... 18

Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 18

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ......................................................................... 19

4 Navigating using the keyboard, touch gestures and pointing devices ............................................................ 20

Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 20

Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 20

Using the TouchPad and gestures .................................................................................... 20

Turning the TouchPad off and on ...................................................................... 21

Tapping ............................................................................................................. 21

Scrolling ............................................................................................................ 22

2-finger pinch zoom ........................................................................................... 22

2-finger click ...................................................................................................... 23

Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 23

Identifying the hot keys ...................................................................................................... 23

Using keypads ................................................................................................................... 25

Using the embedded numeric keypad ............................................................... 25

Turning the embedded numeric keypad on and off .......................... 26

Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad ............. 26

Using an optional external numeric keypad ...................................................... 26

5 Multimedia ....................................................................................................................................................... 27

Using the media activity controls ........................................................................................................ 27

Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 27

Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 27

Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 27

Connecting headphones .................................................................................................... 28

Connecting a microphone .................................................................................................. 28

Connecting headphones and microphones ....................................................................... 28

Checking audio functions on the computer ........................................................................ 28

Webcam (select models only) ............................................................................................................ 29

Video .................................................................................................................................................. 29

VGA ................................................................................................................................... 30

HDMI (select models only) ................................................................................................. 30

Configuring audio for HDMI ............................................................................................... 31

6 Power management ........................................................................................................................................ 32

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 32

Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 32

Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 32

Intel Rapid Start Technology (select models only) ............................................ 33

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 33

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 33

Using the power meter and power settings ....................................................... 34

Setting password protection on wakeup ........................................................... 34

Using battery power ........................................................................................................... 34

Finding additional battery information ............................................................... 34

Using Battery Check ......................................................................................... 35

Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................... 35

Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................... 35

Managing low battery levels .............................................................................. 35

Identifying low battery levels ............................................................. 35

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................ 36

Inserting or removing the battery ...................................................................... 36

Inserting a battery ............................................................................. 36

Removing a battery .......................................................................... 36

Conserving battery power ................................................................................. 37

Storing a user-replaceable battery (select models only) ................................... 37

Disposing of a user-replaceable battery (select models only) ........................... 37

Replacing a user-replaceable battery (select models only) .............................. 38

Using external AC power ................................................................................................... 38

Testing an AC adapter ...................................................................................... 38

7 External cards and devices ............................................................................................................................. 40

Using memory card readers (select models only) .............................................................................. 40

Inserting a memory card .................................................................................................... 40

Removing a memory card .................................................................................................. 40

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 41

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 42

Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 42

Using optional external devices .......................................................................................................... 42

Using optional external drives ............................................................................................ 43

8 Drives .............................................................................................................................................................. 44

Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 44

Using hard drives ............................................................................................................................... 44

Removing or replacing the service door ............................................................................ 44

Removing the service door ............................................................................... 44

Replacing the service door ................................................................................ 45

Replacing or upgrading the hard drive ............................................................................... 46

Removing the hard drive ................................................................................... 46

Installing a hard drive ........................................................................................ 48

Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................... 48

Using Disk Defragmenter .................................................................................. 48

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................... 49

Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) .................................................................. 49

Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status ................................................................ 49

9 Security ........................................................................................................................................................... 50

Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 50

vii

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 50

Setting passwords in Windows .......................................................................................... 51

Setting passwords in Computer Setup .............................................................................. 52

Managing a BIOS administrator password ........................................................................ 52

Entering a BIOS administrator password .......................................................... 53

Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................................... 53

Using firewall software ....................................................................................................................... 53

Installing critical security updates ....................................................................................................... 54

Installing an optional security cable .................................................................................................... 54

Using the fingerprint reader (select models only) ............................................................................... 54

Locating the fingerprint reader ........................................................................................... 55

10 Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................. 56

Adding or replacing memory modules ................................................................................................ 56

Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 58

Cleaning procedures .......................................................................................................... 59

Cleaning the display (All-in-Ones or Notebooks) .............................................. 59

Cleaning the sides or cover ............................................................................... 59

Cleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse ................................................... 59

Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 59

Using SoftPaq Download Manager .................................................................................................... 60

11 Backup and recovery .................................................................................................................................... 61

Creating recovery media and backups ............................................................................................... 61

Guidelines .......................................................................................................................... 61

Creating recovery media with HP Recovery Disc Creator ................................................. 61

Creating recovery media ................................................................................... 62

Backing up your information .............................................................................................. 62

Performing a system recovery ............................................................................................................ 63

Using the Windows recovery tools ..................................................................................... 63

Using f11 recovery tools (select models only) ................................................................... 64

Using Windows 7 operating system media ........................................................................ 64

12 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) .......................................................... 66

Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 66

Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 66

Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 66

Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 66

Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) ...................................................................................... 67

Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device ............................... 68

viii

13 Support ......................................................................................................................................................... 69

Contacting support ............................................................................................................................. 69

Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 70

14 Specifications ................................................................................................................................................ 71

Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 71

Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 71

Appendix A Traveling with or shipping your computer ....................................................................................... 72

Appendix B Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................. 73

Troubleshooting resources ................................................................................................................. 73

Resolving issues ................................................................................................................................ 73

The computer is unable to start up .................................................................................... 73

The computer screen is blank ............................................................................................ 73

Software is functioning abnormally .................................................................................... 74

The computer is on but not responding ............................................................................. 74

The computer is unusually warm ....................................................................................... 74

An external device is not working ...................................................................................... 74

The wireless network connection is not working ................................................................ 75

A disc does not play ........................................................................................................... 75

A movie is not visible on an external display ..................................................................... 75

The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion .................... 76

Appendix C Electrostatic discharge ................................................................................................................... 77

Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 78

1Welcome

After you set up and register the computer, it is important to take the following steps:

Connect to the Internet—Set up your wired or wireless network so that you can connect to the

●

Internet. For more information, see

Update your antivirus software—Protect your computer from damage caused by viruses. The

●

software is preinstalled on the computer. For more information, see

on page 53.

Connecting to a network on page 15.

Using antivirus software

Get to know your computer—Learn about your computer features. See

●

computer on page 4 and Navigating using the keyboard, touch gestures and pointing devices on page 20 for additional information.

Find installed software—Access a list of the software preinstalled on the computer:

●

Select Start > All Programs. For details about using the software included with the computer, see the software manufacturer's instructions, which may be provided with the software or on the manufacturer's website.

Back up your hard drive by creating recovery discs or a recovery flash drive. See

●

recovery on page 61.

Getting to know your

Backup and

Finding information

You have already used

Setup Instructions

to turn on the computer and locate this guide. To locate

resources that provide product details, how-to information, and more, use this table.

Resources For information about

Setup Instructions

Help and Support

To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and Support.

To access the latest user guide, go to

http://www.hp.com/support, and select your country.

Select Drivers & Downloads, and then follow the onscreen instructions.

Worldwide support

This booklet is provided with your computer.

To get support in your language, go to

http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/ wwcontact_us.html.

HP website

To access the latest user guide, go to

http://www.hp.com/support, and select your country.

Select Drivers & Downloads, and then follow the onscreen instructions.

poster

How to set up the computer

●

Help to identify computer components

●

Operating system information

●

Software, driver, and BIOS updates

●

Troubleshooting tools

●

How to access support

●

Online chat with an HP technician

●

Email support

●

Support telephone numbers

●

HP service center locations

●

Support information

●

Ordering parts and finding additional help

●

Accessories available for the device

●

Safety & Comfort Guide

To access the user guides, select Start > Help and Support > User guides.

– or –

Go to

http://www.hp.com/ergo.

Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices

To access the user guides, select Start > Help and Support > User guides.

Limited Warranty

To access this guide, select Start > Help and Support > User guides > View Warranty Information.

– or –

Go to

http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments.

*You can find the expressly provided HP Limited Warranty applicable to your product located with the user guides on your computer and/or on the CD/DVD provided in the box. In some countries/regions, HP may provide a printed HP Limited Warranty in the box. For some countries/regions where the warranty is not provided in printed format, you may request a printed copy from

North America: Hewlett-Packard, MS POD, 11311 Chinden Blvd., Boise, ID 83714, USA

●

Europe, Middle East, Africa: Hewlett-Packard, POD, Via G. Di Vittorio, 9, 20063, Cernusco s/Naviglio (MI), Italy

●

Asia Pacific: Hewlett-Packard, POD, P.O. Box 200, Alexandra Post Office, Singapore 911507

●

http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:

Proper workstation setup, posture, health, and work habits

●

Electrical and mechanical safety information

●

Regulatory and safety information

●

Battery disposal information

●

Warranty information

2 Chapter 1 Welcome

Resources For information about

When you request a printed copy of your warranty, please include your product number, warranty period (found on your service label), name, and postal address.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT return your HP product to the addresses above. For U.S. support, go to contactHP. For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.

http://www.hp.com/go/

Finding information 3

2 Getting to know your computer

Right

Component Description

(1)

(2)

(3)

Power light

Hard drive light

Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in (microphone) jack

On: The computer is on.

●

Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power-

●

saving state. The computer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components.

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation

●

is a power-saving state that uses the least amount of power.

NOTE: For select models, the Intel® Rapid Start

Technology feature is enabled at the factory. Rapid Start Technology allows your computer to resume quickly from inactivity. For more information, see

states on page 32.

Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.

●

Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the

●

hard drive. (select models only)

NOTE: For more information about HP 3D DriveGuard,

Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only)

see

on page 49.

Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones, earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable. Also connects an optional headset microphone. This jack does not support optional microphone-only devices.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust

the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, see the

Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices

the user guides, select Start > Help and Support > User Guides.

NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the

computer speakers are disabled.

NOTE: Be sure that the device cable has a 4-conductor

connector that supports both audio-out (headphone) and audio-in (microphone).

Using power-saving

. To access

4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Component Description

(4)

(5) Optical drive (select models only) Depending on your computer model, reads an optical disc

(6) Optical drive eject button (select models

(7)

USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB device, such as a keyboard,

mouse, external drive, printer, scanner or USB hub.

NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports, see Using a USB device on page 41.

or reads and writes to an optical disc.

Releases the optical drive disc tray.

only)

Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.

NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a

deterrent, but it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.

Right 5

Left

Component Description

(1)

(2) AC adapter/Battery light

(3) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.

(4)

(5)

(6)

Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

White: The AC adapter is connected to external power

●

and the battery is fully charged.

Amber: The AC adapter is connected to external

●

power and the battery is charging.

Off: The AC adapter is not connected to external

●

power.

NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool

internal components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.

External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a

high-definition television, any compatible digital or audio component, or a high-speed HDMI device.

RJ-45 (network) jack/lights Connects a network cable.

Green (left): The network is connected.

●

Amber (right): The network is showing activity.

●

(7)

USB 3.0 ports (2) Each USB 3.0 port connects an optional USB device, such

6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

as a keyboard, mouse, external drive, printer, scanner or USB hub.

NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports, see Using a USB device on page 41.

Display

Component Description

(1) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.

(2) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.

(3) Webcam (select models only) Records video and captures photographs. Some models allow

you to video conference and chat online using streaming video.

For information on using the webcam, select Start > All Programs > Communication and Chat > HP WebCam.

(4) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless

local area networks (WLAN).

*The antennas are not visible on the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from obstructions. To see wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the

Environmental Notices

User Guides.

that applies to your country or region. To access the user guides, select Start > Help and Support >

Regulatory, Safety, and

Display 7

Top

TouchPad

Component Description

(1) TouchPad on/off button and light Turns the TouchPad on and off.

(2) TouchPad zone Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the

screen.

(3) Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

(4) Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Lights

Component Description

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4) Fingerprint reader (select models only) Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a

Power light

Mute light

Wireless light On: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local

On: The computer is on.

●

Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power-

●

saving state. The computer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components.

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation

●

is a power-saving state that uses the least amount of power.

NOTE: For select models, the Intel® Rapid Start

Technology feature is enabled at the factory. Rapid Start Technology allows your computer to resume quickly from inactivity. For more information, see Using power-saving

states on page 32

Amber: Computer sound is off.

●

Off: Computer sound is on.

●

area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is on.

NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when

all wireless devices are off.

password logon.

(5) TouchPad light

On: The TouchPad is off.

●

Top 9

Component Description

Off: The TouchPad is on.

●

(6) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on, which switches the keys to all capital

letters.

10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Buttons, speakers, and fingerprint reader (select models only)

Component Description

(1)

(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

Power button

When the computer is off, press the button to turn on

●

the computer.

When the computer is on, press the button briefly to

●

initiate Sleep.

When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the

●

button briefly to exit Sleep.

When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button

●

briefly to exit Hibernation.

CAUTION: Pressing and holding down the power button

will result in the loss of unsaved information.

If the computer has stopped responding and Windows® shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds to turn off the computer.

NOTE: For select models, the Intel® Rapid Start

Technology feature is enabled at the factory. Rapid Start Technology allows your computer to resume quickly from inactivity. For more information, see

states on page 32.

To learn more about your power settings: Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.

Using power-saving

(3) Fingerprint reader (select models only) Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a password

logon.

Top 11

Keys

Component Description

(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination

with the fn key.

(2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed

in combination with a function key, the num lk key, the esc key, or the b key.

(3)

(4) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in

(5) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in

(6) Num lock key Toggle keypad between numbers and directional

(7) Keypad Type numbers or use for directional functionality.

Windows button Displays the Windows Start menu.

combination with the fn key.

functionality.

12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Bottom

Component Description

(1)

(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.

(3) Keyboard screw Allows removal of the keyboard.

(4)

(5) Vents (4) Enable airflow to cool internal components.

Battery cover release latch and lock Releases the battery cover over the battery bay.

Memory service cover Provides access to the keyboard screw, memory

module slots, and optical drive.

Bottom 13

Component Description

NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to

cool internal components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.

(6) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

Front

(7)

Component Description

Service door Provides access to the hard drive bay, the wireless

LAN (WLAN) module slot, and the memory module slots.

CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system,

replace the wireless module only with a wireless module authorized for use in the computer by the governmental agency that regulates wireless devices in your country or region. If you replace the module and then receive a warning message, remove the module to restore computer functionality, and then contact support. To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and Support.

(1) Memory card reader Reads optional memory cards that store, manage,

share, or access information.

14 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

3 Connecting to a network

Your computer can travel with you wherever you go. But even at home, you can explore the globe and access information from millions of websites using your computer and a wired or wireless network connection. This chapter will help you get connected to that world.

Connecting to a wireless network

Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:

Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area

●

networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities. In a WLAN, the mobile wireless device in your computer communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point.

HP Mobile Broadband Module (select models only)—A wireless wide area network (WWAN)

●

device that gives you wireless connectivity over a much larger area. Mobile network operators install base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large geographic areas, effectively providing coverage across entire states, regions, or even countries.

Bluetooth device—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetooth-

●

enabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a PAN, each device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be relatively close together—typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.

For more information about wireless technology, see the information and website links provided in Help and Support. To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and Support.

Using the wireless controls

You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:

Wireless button, wireless switch, or wireless key (referred to in this chapter as the wireless

●

button)

Operating system controls

●

Turning wireless devices on or off

You can use the wireless button or HP Connection Manager (select models only) to turn on and turn off wireless devices.

NOTE: A computer may have a wireless button, a wireless switch, or a wireless key on the

keyboard. The term wireless button is used throughout this guide to refer to all types of wireless controls.

To turn off wireless devices using HP Connection Manager:

Right-click the HP Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the far right of the

▲

taskbar, and then click the power button next to the desired device.

-or-

Connecting to a wireless network 15

Select Start > All Programs > Productivity and Tools > HP Connection Manager, and then click the power button next to the desired device.

Using the wireless button

The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights, depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless light is on (white) when you turn on the computer.

The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual devices. If the wireless light is white, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is off, all wireless devices are off.

NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.

Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless button to turn on or turn off the wireless devices simultaneously.

Using operating system controls

The Network and Sharing Center allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems.

To use operating system controls:

Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

▲

For more information, access Help and Support by selecting Start > Help and Support.

Using a WLAN

With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.

NOTE: The terms

A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points

●

that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.

A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and

●

wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional pieces of hardware or software.

To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided through a service provider or a public or corporate network).

Using an Internet service provider

When you are setting up Internet access in your home, you must establish an account with an Internet service provider (ISP). To purchase Internet service and a modem, contact a local ISP. The ISP will help set up the modem, install a network cable to connect your wireless computer to the modem, and test the Internet service.

wireless router

and

wireless access point

are often used interchangeably.

NOTE: Your ISP will give you a user ID and a password to use for Internet access. Record this

information and store it in a safe place.

16 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network

Setting up a WLAN

To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment:

A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from

●

an Internet service provider

A wireless router (2) (purchased separately)

●

A wireless computer (3)

●

NOTE: Some modems have a built-in wireless router. Check with your ISP to determine what type

of modem you have.

The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the Internet.

As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to access the Internet.

For help in setting up your WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.

Configuring a wireless router

For help in configuring a wireless router, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.

NOTE: It is recommended that you initially connect your new wireless computer to the router by

using the network cable provided with the router. When the computer successfully connects to the Internet, disconnect the cable, and access the Internet through your wireless network.

Protecting your WLAN

When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access. WLANs in public areas (hotspots) like coffee shops and airports may not provide any security. If you are concerned about the security of your computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to email that is not confidential and basic Internet surfing.

Wireless radio signals travel outside the network, so other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals. Take the following precautions to protect your WLAN:

Use a firewall.

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A firewall checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network, and discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in both software and hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.

Use wireless encryption.

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Wireless encryption uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data that is transmitted over the network. For more information, access Help and Support by selecting Start > Help and Support.

Connecting to a wireless network 17

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