350 G1
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User Guide
© Copyright 2014 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
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
v
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
vi
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
ix
x
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
Connecting to a network on page 15.
●
Update your antivirus software—Protect your computer from damage caused by viruses. The
software is preinstalled on the computer. For more information, see
Using antivirus software
on page 53.
●
Get to know your computer—Learn about your computer features. See
Getting to know your
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
Backup and
recovery on page 61.
1
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
poster
●
How to set up the computer
●
Help to identify computer components
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 on-
screen instructions.
●
Operating system information
●
Software, driver, and BIOS updates
●
Troubleshooting tools
●
How to access support
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.
●
Online chat with an HP technician
●
Email support
●
Support telephone numbers
●
HP service center locations
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 on-
screen instructions.
●
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.
●
Proper workstation setup, posture, health, and work habits
●
Electrical and mechanical safety information
Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices
To access the user guides, select Start > Help and
Support > User guides.
●
Regulatory and safety information
●
Battery disposal information
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.
Warranty information
*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
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:
●
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
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
http://www.hp.com/go/
contactHP. For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.
Finding information 3
2 Getting to know your computer
Right
Component Description
(1)
Power light
●
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.
(2)
Hard drive light
●
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,
see
Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only)
on page 49.
(3)
Audio-out (headphone)/Audio-in
(microphone) jack
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
. To access
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).
4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Component Description
(4)
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.
(5) Optical drive (select models only) Depending on your computer model, reads an optical disc
or reads and writes to an optical disc.
(6) Optical drive eject button (select models
only)
Releases the optical drive disc tray.
(7)
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)
Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
(2) AC adapter/Battery light
●
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.
(3) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
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.
(4)
External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(5)
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.
(6)
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
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.
6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
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
Regulatory, Safety, and
Environmental Notices
that applies to your country or region. To access the user guides, select Start > Help and Support >
User Guides.
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)
Power light
●
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
(2)
Mute light
●
Amber: Computer sound is off.
●
Off: Computer sound is on.
(3)
Wireless light On: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local
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.
(4) Fingerprint reader (select models only) Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a
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)
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
Using power-saving
states on page 32.
To learn more about your power settings: Select Start >
Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.
(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
(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)
Windows button Displays the Windows Start menu.
(4) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in
combination with the fn key.
(5) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in
combination with the fn key.
(6) Num lock key Toggle keypad between numbers and directional
functionality.
(7) Keypad Type numbers or use for directional functionality.
12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Bottom
Component Description
(1)
Battery cover release latch and lock Releases the battery cover over the battery bay.
(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(3) Keyboard screw Allows removal of the keyboard.
(4)
Memory service cover Provides access to the keyboard screw, memory
module slots, and optical drive.
(5) Vents (4) Enable airflow to cool internal components.
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.
(7)
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.
Front
Component Description
(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
wireless router
and
wireless access point
are often used interchangeably.
●
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.
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.
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.
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Use wireless encryption.
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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