HP 41010us, B5Q41UA, 683020001, 41030us, 6-1010us User Manual

...

User Guide

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. SD Logo is a trademark of its proprietor.

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: April 2012

Document Part Number: 683020-001

Product notice

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

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 refund subject to the refund policy of your place of purchase.

For any further information or to request a full refund of the computer, please contact your local point of sale (the 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 come into contact with 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 Starting right ................................................................................................................................................... 1

Best practices ....................................................................................................................................... 1

Fun things to do .................................................................................................................................... 2

More HP resources .............................................................................................................................. 3

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

Finding your hardware and software information ................................................................................. 4

Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 5

Left side ................................................................................................................................................ 6

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

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

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

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

Button, speakers, and subwoofer ...................................................................................... 10

Keys ................................................................................................................................... 11

Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 12

Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 13

3 Connecting to a network .............................................................................................................................. 14

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

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

Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 15

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................ 15

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 ........................................................................................................... 19

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

4 Enjoying entertainment features ................................................................................................................. 20

Using the webcam .............................................................................................................................. 22

Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 22

Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 22

Connecting headphones .................................................................................................... 22

Connecting a microphone .................................................................................................. 22

Using Beats Audio ............................................................................................................. 22

Accessing Beats Audio Control Panel ............................................................... 22

Enabling and Disabling Beats Audio ................................................................. 23

Checking the sound ........................................................................................................... 23

Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 23

Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor ................................................................................... 24

Configuring audio settings (with HDMI TV) ....................................................... 24

Using Intel Wireless Display (select models only) ............................................................. 25

Managing your audio and video files .................................................................................................. 25

5 Using the keyboard and pointing devices .................................................................................................. 26

Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 27

Using ALT GR key combinations ....................................................................................... 27

Using the action keys ......................................................................................................... 27

Using the hot keys ............................................................................................................. 28

Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 29

Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................................. 29

Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 30

Turning the TouchPad off or on ......................................................................................... 30

Navigating .......................................................................................................................... 31

Selecting ............................................................................................................................ 31

Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................................. 32

Scrolling ............................................................................................................ 33

Pinching/Zooming ............................................................................................. 33

Rotating ............................................................................................................. 34

Flicking .............................................................................................................. 34

6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................ 35

Using Sleep or Hibernation ................................................................................................................ 36

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................................. 36

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ........................................................................................ 37

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 37

Using the power meter ....................................................................................................................... 38

Selecting a power plan ....................................................................................................................... 39

Running on battery power .................................................................................................................. 40

Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 40

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 40

Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 40

Running on external power ................................................................................................................ 41

HP CoolSense (select models only) ................................................................................................... 42

Refreshing your software content (select models only) ...................................................................... 43

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 43

7 Managing and sharing information ............................................................................................................. 44

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 44

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 44

Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 45

Connecting a powered USB device ................................................................................... 45

Inserting and removing a digital storage card .................................................................................... 46

8 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 47

Improving performance ...................................................................................................................... 47

Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) .................................................................. 47

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

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 48

Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 49

Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 50

Cleaning the display, sides, and cover .............................................................................. 50

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard .............................................................................. 50

Traveling with or shipping your computer ........................................................................................... 51

9 Securing your computer and information .................................................................................................. 52

Locating your security software .......................................................................................................... 52

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 53

Setting Windows passwords .............................................................................................. 53

Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................. 54

Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 54

Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 55

Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 55

Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 55

Installing Windows security updates .................................................................................. 55

vii

Installing HP and third-party software updates .................................................................. 55

Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 56

Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 56

Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 56

10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics ............................................................................... 57

Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 57

Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 57

Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 57

Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 58

Using System Diagnostics .................................................................................................................. 59

11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ..................................................................................................... 60

Creating backups ............................................................................................................................... 60

Creating recovery media to recover the original system .................................................... 60

What you need to know ..................................................................................... 60

Creating the recovery media ............................................................ 61

Creating system restore points .......................................................................................... 61

What you need to know ..................................................................................... 61

Creating a system restore point ........................................................................ 61

Backing up system and personal information .................................................................... 62

Tips for a successful backup ............................................................................. 62

What you need to know ..................................................................................... 62

Creating a backup using Windows Backup and Restore .................................. 63

Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................................... 64

Restoring to a previous system restore point .................................................................... 64

Restoring specific files ....................................................................................................... 64

Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore ............................ 64

Recovering the original system using HP Recovery Manager ........................................... 64

What you need to know ..................................................................................... 64

Recovering using HP Recovery partition (select models only) ......................... 65

Recovering using the recovery media ............................................................... 65

Changing the computer boot order ................................................... 66

12 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 67

Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 67

Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 68

13 Troubleshooting and support .................................................................................................................... 69

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 70

viii

Wireless connection problems ........................................................................................... 70

Cannot connect to a WLAN ............................................................................... 70

Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................. 70

Current network security codes are unavailable ............................................... 71

WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................... 72

Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................... 72

Network status icon is not displayed ................................................................. 72

Audio problems .................................................................................................................. 73

Power management problems ........................................................................................... 73

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 73

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 73

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available .... 73

Contacting support ............................................................................................................................. 74

14 Electrostatic Discharge .............................................................................................................................. 75

Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 76

1 Starting right

This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. To get the most out of your computer, read this chapter to learn about best practices after setup, fun things to do with your computer, and where to go to get more HP resources.

Best practices

To protect your smart investment, after you set up and register the computer, we recommend the following steps:

If you haven’t already done so, connect to a wired or wireless network. See details in

●

to a network on page 14.

● Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. Go to

on page 4 and Enjoying entertainment features on page 20 for information.

● Update or purchase antivirus software. Learn more at

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

restoring, and recovering on page 60.

Using antivirus software on page 55.

Getting to know your computer

Connecting

Backing up,

Best practices 1

Fun things to do

You know you can watch a YouTube video on the computer. But did you know that you can also

●

connect your computer to a TV and watch the video on TV? For more information, see

Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor on page 24.

You know you can listen to music on the computer. But did you know that you can also stream

●

live radio to the computer and listen to music or talk radio from all over the world? See

audio on page 22.

You know you can create a powerful presentation with Microsoft applications. But did you know

●

you can also connect to a projector to share your ideas with a group? See

TV or monitor on page 24.

Using

Connecting an HDMI

2 Chapter 1 Starting right

More HP resources

You have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. For product details, how-to information, and more, use this table.

Resource Contents

Setup Instructions

Help and Support

To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and Support. For more details, go to the HP website. For U.S. support, go to For worldwide support, go to

country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.

Safety & Comfort Guide

To access this guide, select Start > Help and Support > User Guides, or go to

ergo.

Worldwide support

To get support in your language, go to

http://www.hp.com/support.

Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices

To access this guide, select Start > Help and Support > User Guides.

Limited Warranty*

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

http://welcome.hp.com/

http://www.hp.com/

Overview of computer setup and features.

●

● A broad range of how-to information and troubleshooting tips.

Proper workstation setup.

●

● Guidelines for posture and work habits that increase your

comfort and decrease your risk of injury.

Electrical and mechanical safety information.

●

● Chat online with an HP technician.

Email support.

●

Find worldwide support telephone numbers.

●

● Locate HP service center locations.

Important regulatory notices.

●

● Specific warranty information about this computer.

To access the warranty, select Start > Help and Support > User Guides or go to

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 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

●

When you request a printed copy of your warranty, please include your product number, warranty period (found on your serial number 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 , go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.

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

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

http://www.hp.com/

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

support

More HP resources 3

2 Getting to know your computer

Finding your hardware and software information

Select Start > Computer.

▲

A list displays all the devices installed in your computer, including optical drives, or a secondary hard drive.

To find out what software is included on your computer, select Start > All Programs.

4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Right side

Component Description

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

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.

Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo

array microphone, or monaural microphone.

Audio-out (headphone) jack Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones,

earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust

the volume before using headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, see the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices.

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

the computer speakers are disabled.

USB 2.0 charging port Connects an optional USB device. The USB 2.0 charging

port can also charge select models of cell phones and MP3 players, even when the computer is off.

NOTE: A charging USB port (also referred to as a

powered USB port) allows you to charge connected USB devices. Standard USB ports will not charge all USB devices or will charge using a low current. Some USB devices require power and require you to use a powered port.

NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports, see

Using a USB device on page 44.

(5) AC adapter light ● White: The AC adapter is connected and the battery is

(6)

Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

charged.

Amber: The AC adapter is connected and the battery

●

is charging.

Off: The computer is using DC power.

●

Right side 5

Left side

Component Description

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

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

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

USB 3.0 ports (2) Connect optional USB 3.0 devices and provide enhanced

Digital Media Slot Supports the following digital card formats:

Hard drive light

high-definition television, or any compatible digital or audio device.

USB power performance.

NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports, see

Using a USB device on page 44.

Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card

●

Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDxC) Memory

●

Card

Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card

●

Ultra High Speed MultiMediaCard (UHS/MMC)

●

Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.

●

● Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the

hard drive.

NOTE: For information about HP 3D DriveGuard,

Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only)

see

on page 47.

(6)

Power light

6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

White: The computer is on.

●

● Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state,

which is an energy-saving mode. The computer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components.

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation

●

is an energy-saving mode 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 Sleep or Hibernation on page 36.

Display

Component Description

(1) Internal display switch Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed

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

(3) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.

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

(5) HP TrueVision HD Webcam Records video, captures still photographs, and allows video

*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from obstructions. For wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.

while the power is on.

NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the

outside of the computer.

local area networks (WLANs).

conferences and online chat by means of streaming video.

To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs > Communication and Chat > CyberLink YouCam.

Display 7

Top

TouchPad

Component Description

(1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on or off.

(2) TouchPad light ● On: The TouchPad is off.

Off: The TouchPad is on.

●

(3) TouchPad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates items

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

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

on the screen.

8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Lights

Component Description

(1)

(2)

(3)

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

(5) TouchPad light ● On: The TouchPad is off.

Power light ● White: The computer is on.

● Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state,

which is an energy-saving mode. The computer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components.

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation

●

is an energy-saving mode 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

Sleep or Hibernation on page 36.

Mute light

Wireless light

Amber: Computer sound is off.

●

● Off: Computer sound is on.

White: An integrated wireless device, such as a

●

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

Amber: All wireless devices are off.

●

letters.

Using

Off: The TouchPad is on.

●

Top 9

Button, speakers, and subwoofer

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

●

down 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 Microsoft® Windows® shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the power button down 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

Hibernation on page 36.

To learn more about your power settings, select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options, or see

Managing power on page 35.

Using Sleep or

(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

(3) HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer Provides superior bass sound.

10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

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 the b key, the spacebar, or the esc key.

(3)

(4) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.

(5)

Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.

NOTE: On select models, the f5 action key turns the

radiance backlight keyboard feature off or on.

Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the cursor.

Top 11

Bottom

Component Description

Vents (2) Enable 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.

12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Labels

The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system problems or travel internationally with the computer. The labels are in easily accessible locations.

●

Serial number label—Provides important information, including the following:

NOTE: Your label may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.

Component

(1) Product name

(2) Serial number

(3) Product part number

(4) Warranty period

(5) Model description (select models only)

Have this information available when you contact support. The serial number label is located on the bottom of the computer.

Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows Product Key. You may need the

●

Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity is located on the bottom of the computer.

Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is

●

located on the bottom of the computer.

Wireless certification label or labels—Provide information about optional wireless devices and

●

the approval markings of some of the countries or regions in which the devices have been approved for use. If your computer model includes one or more wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with your computer. You may need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are located on the bottom of the computer.

Labels 13

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.

14 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network

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.

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.

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)

HP Connection Manager software

●

Operating system controls

●

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. Individual wireless devices can be controlled through HP Connection Manager.

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)

HP Connection Manager provides a central location for managing your wireless devices, and an interface for sending and receiving SMS (text) messages. HP Connection Manager allows you to manage the following devices:

Wireless local area network (WLAN)/Wi-Fi

●

Bluetooth

●

Connecting to a wireless network 15

HP Connection Manager provides information and notifications on connection status, power status, and SMS (text) messages. Status information and notifications are provided in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

To open HP Connection Manager, select Start > All Programs > HP Help and Support > HP Connection Manager.

For more details about using HP Connection Manager, see the HP Connection Manager software Help.

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, select 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 setting up a WLAN, 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.

Use wireless encryption.

●

Wireless encryption uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data that is transmitted over the network. For more information, see Help and Support.

Connecting to a wireless network 17

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