HP (Hewlett-Packard) C2K41UA-ABA 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.

Second Edition: July 2013

First Edition: September 2012

Document Part Number: 696788-002

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 .................................................................................................................................... 1

More HP resources .............................................................................................................................. 2

2 Getting to know your computer ..................................................................................................................... 3

Finding your hardware and software information ................................................................................. 3

Locating hardware ............................................................................................................... 3

Locating software ................................................................................................................. 3

Front ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 4

Left side ................................................................................................................................................ 4

Display .................................................................................................................................................. 6

Top ....................................................................................................................................................... 7

TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 7

Lights ................................................................................................................................... 8

Buttons ................................................................................................................................. 9

Keys ................................................................................................................................... 10

Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 11

Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 12

3 Connecting to a network .............................................................................................................................. 13

Connecting to a wireless network ....................................................................................................... 13

Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 13

Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 13

Using operating system controls ....................................................................... 13

Using a WLAN ................................................................................................................... 14

Using an Internet service provider .................................................................... 14

Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................ 15

Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................ 15

Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 15

Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................... 16

Using Bluetooth wireless devices ...................................................................................... 16

Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 16

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ......................................................................... 17

4 Enjoying entertainment features ................................................................................................................. 18

Using the webcam .............................................................................................................................. 19

Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 19

Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 19

Connecting headphones .................................................................................................... 20

Connecting a microphone .................................................................................................. 20

Using Beats Audio ............................................................................................................. 20

Accessing Beats Audio Control Panel ............................................................... 20

Enabling and Disabling Beats Audio ................................................................. 20

Checking the sound ........................................................................................................... 20

Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 21

Connecting a VGA monitor or projector ............................................................................. 21

Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor ................................................................................... 22

Configuring audio settings (with HDMI TV) ....................................................... 22

Managing your audio and video files ................................................................. 23

5 Navigating using touch gestures, pointing devices and the keyboard ................................................... 24

Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 24

Using TouchPad gestures .................................................................................................................. 24

Tapping .............................................................................................................................. 25

Scrolling ............................................................................................................................. 25

Pinching/zooming .............................................................................................................. 26

Rotating (select models only) ............................................................................................ 26

2-finger click (select models only) ...................................................................................... 27

Flicking (select models only) .............................................................................................. 27

Edge swipes ...................................................................................................................... 28

Right-edge swipe .............................................................................................. 28

Top-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 28

Left-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 29

Using the keyboard and mouse .......................................................................................................... 29

Using the keys ................................................................................................................... 30

Using the action keys ........................................................................................ 30

Using Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys ......................................................... 31

Using the hot keys ............................................................................................. 31

6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................ 33

Initiating Sleep and Hibernation ......................................................................................................... 33

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

Enabling and exiting user-initiated Hibernation ................................................................. 34

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

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

Selecting a power plan ....................................................................................................................... 35

Running on battery power .................................................................................................................. 35

Factory-sealed battery ....................................................................................................... 35

Removing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 35

Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 36

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 36

Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 37

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................................. 37

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ........................ 37

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available ..................... 37

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation ....... 37

Storing a user-replaceable battery ..................................................................................... 37

Disposing of a user-replaceable battery ............................................................................ 38

Replacing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 38

Running on external AC power .......................................................................................................... 38

Troubleshooting an AC adapter ......................................................................................................... 39

HP CoolSense (select models only) ................................................................................................... 39

Shutting down (turning off) the computer ........................................................................................... 39

7 Managing and sharing information ............................................................................................................. 41

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

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 41

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

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

Inserting and removing a digital storage card .................................................................................... 42

Using optical drives ............................................................................................................................ 43

Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................................... 44

Removing an optical disc ................................................................................................... 45

Sharing data and drives and accessing software .............................................................. 46

8 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 48

Improving performance ...................................................................................................................... 48

Handling drives .................................................................................................................. 48

Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................... 48

Removing the hard drive ................................................................................... 49

Installing a hard drive ........................................................................................ 50

Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) .................................................................. 52

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 52

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 52

Adding or replacing memory modules ............................................................................... 53

vii

Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 55

Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 55

Cleaning the display, sides, and cover .............................................................................. 56

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard .............................................................................. 56

Traveling with or shipping your computer ........................................................................................... 56

9 Securing your computer and information .................................................................................................. 58

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 58

Setting Windows passwords .............................................................................................. 59

Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................. 59

Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 60

Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 60

Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 60

Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 60

Installing Windows updates ............................................................................................... 60

Installing HP and third-party software updates .................................................................. 61

Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 61

Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 61

Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 61

10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics ............................................................................... 63

Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 63

Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 63

Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 63

Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 64

Using System Diagnostics .................................................................................................................. 64

11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ..................................................................................................... 66

Creating recovery media and backups ............................................................................................... 66

Creating HP Recovery media ............................................................................................ 67

Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................................... 68

Using Windows Refresh for quick and easy recovery ....................................................... 69

Remove everything and reinstall Windows ........................................................................ 69

Recovering using HP Recovery Manager .......................................................................... 70

What you need to know ..................................................................................... 70

Using the HP Recovery partition to recover a minimized image (select

models only) ...................................................................................................... 70

Using HP Recovery media to recover ............................................................... 71

Changing the computer boot order ................................................................... 71

Removing the HP Recovery partition ................................................................................. 71

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12 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 72

Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 72

Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 72

13 Electrostatic Discharge .............................................................................................................................. 73

Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 74

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 get the most out of your smart investment, after you set up and register the computer, we recommend the following steps:

Take a minute to browse the printed Windows 8 Basics guide to explore your new Windows®

●

features.

TIP: To quickly return to the computer Start screen from an open app or the Desktop, press the

Windows logo key

to the previous screen.

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

●

to a network on page 13.

Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. Go to

●

on page 3 and Enjoying entertainment features on page 18 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 66.

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 22.

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 19.

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 22.

on your keyboard. Pressing the Windows logo key again will return you

Connecting

Getting to know your computer

Using antivirus software on page 60.

Backing up,

Using

Connecting an HDMI

Best practices 1

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

Windows 8 Basics guide

Help and Support

To access Help and Support, from the Start screen, type help, and then select Help and Support from the list of apps. For U.S. support, go to

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

support, go to

wwcontact_us.htm.

Safety & Comfort Guide

To access this guide, select the HP Support Assistant app from the Start screen, select My computer, and then select User guides, or go to

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

Worldwide support

To get support in your language, go to

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

Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices

To access this guide, select the HP Support Assistant tile from the Start screen, select My computer, and then select User guides.

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

Overview of computer setup and features.

●

Overview of using and navigating with Windows 8.

●

● 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.

Limited Warranty*

To access the warranty, select the HP Support

Assistant app from the Start screen, select My computer, and then select Warranty and services,

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 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

●

When you request a printed copy of your warranty, please include your product part 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 .

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

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 Starting right

● Specific warranty information about this computer.

2 Getting to know your computer

Finding your hardware and software information

Locating hardware

To find out what hardware is installed on your computer:

1. From the Start screen, type c, and then select Control Panel.

2. Select System and Security, and then in the System area, click Device Manager.

A list displays all the devices installed in your computer.

Locating software

To find out what software is installed on your computer, from the Start screen, right-click using

▲

the mouse or swipe from the top of the TouchPad to display the Apps and then select the All apps icon.

Front

Component Description

Speakers (2) Produce sound.

Finding your hardware and software information 3

Right side

Component Description

(1) Digital Media Slot Reads data from and writes data to digital memory cards

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

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

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

USB 2.0 ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.

External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

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

such as Secure Digital (SD).

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.

array microphone, or monaural microphone.

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

Using a USB device on page 41.

Left side

4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Component Description

(1)

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

(3)

(4) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.

(5)

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.

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.

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.

Hard drive light ● 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 52.

(6)

(7)

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

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

USB 3.0 port Connects an optional USB 3.0 device and provides

enhanced USB power performance.

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

Using a USB device on page 41.

Left side 5

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) WWAN antennas (2)* (select models only) Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless

(4) Internal microphone Records sound.

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

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

*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. To access Help and Support, from the Start screen, type help, and then select Help and Support from the list of apps

while the power is on.

NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the

outside of the computer.

local area networks (WLAN).

wide-area networks (WWAN).

conferences and online chat by means of streaming video.

To use the webcam, from the Start screen, type cyberlink, and then select CyberLink YouCam from the list of apps.

6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Top

TouchPad

Component Description

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

Off: The TouchPad is on.

●

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

(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.

Top 7

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

Power light

Mute light ● Amber: Computer sound is off.

Wireless light

White: The computer is on.

●

Blinking white: The computer is in the Standby mode,

●

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.

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.

On: The TouchPad is off.

●

Off: The TouchPad is on.

●

8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Buttons

Component Description

(1)

(2)

Power button

Web browser button When the computer is in Microsoft Windows, press the

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 Microsoft® Windows® shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the power button down for at least 5 seconds to turn off the computer.

To learn more about your power settings, from the Start screen, type power options. Click Settings, and then select Power Options from the options displayed or see

Managing power on page 33

button to open the default Web browser.

Top 9

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 or the esc key.

(3)

(4)

(5) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.

Windows logo key Displays the Start screen.

Windows applications key Displays options for a selected object.

10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Bottom

Component Description

(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.

(2) SIM slot (select models only) Supports a wireless subscriber identity module

(SIM). The SIM slot is located inside the battery bay.

(3)

(4) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.

(5) Service door Provides access to the hard drive bay, a memory

Battery/service door latch Releases the battery from the battery bay and the

service door from the computer.

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.

module slot, the subscriber identity module (SIM) slot (select models only), and the wireless local area network (WLAN) module.

Bottom 11

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.

● Service label—Provides important information, including the following:

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 service label is located on the bottom of the computer.

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

●

located inside the battery bay.

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 under the service door.

12 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.

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, from the Start screen, type help, and then select

Help and Support from the list of apps.

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

●

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 amber, 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.

Connecting to a wireless network 13

To use operating system controls:

1. From the Start screen, type network and sharing.

2. Click Settings, and then select Network and Sharing Center from the options displayed..

For more information, see Help and Support. To access Help and Support, from the Start screen, type help and support type help, and then select Help and Support from the list of apps.

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.

14 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. To access Help and Support, from the Start screen, type help, and then select Help and Support from the list of apps.

Connecting to a wireless network 15

Connecting to a WLAN

To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:

1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If the device is on, the wireless light is on. If the wireless

light is off, press the wireless button.

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

2. From the Desktop, click the network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the

taskbar.

3. Select your WLAN from the list.

4. Click Connect.

If the WLAN is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a security code. Type the code, and then select OK to complete the connection.

NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you may be out of range of a wireless router or access point.

NOTE: If you do not see the WLAN you want to connect to, open the Network Sharing Center.

To access the Network Sharing Center, from the Start screen, type network and sharing. Select Settings, and then select Network and Sharing Center. Select Set up a new connection or network. A list of options is displayed, allowing you to manually search for and connect to a network or to create a new network connection.

After the connection is made, place the pointer over the network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, to verify the name and status of the connection.

NOTE: The functional range (how far your wireless signals travel) depends on WLAN

implementation, router manufacturer, and interference from other electronic devices or structural barriers such as walls and floors.

Using Bluetooth wireless devices

A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cable connections that traditionally link electronic devices such as the following:

Computers (desktop, notebook, PDA)

●

Phones (cellular, cordless, smart phone)

●

Imaging devices (printer, camera)

●

Audio devices (headset, speakers)

●

Mouse

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Bluetooth devices provide peer-to-peer capability that allows you to set up a personal area network (PAN) of Bluetooth devices. For information about configuring and using Bluetooth devices, see the Bluetooth software Help.

Connecting to a wired network

A LAN connection uses a network cable, which is sold separately.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not plug a

modem cable or telephone cable into an RJ-45 (network) jack.

16 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network

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