HP (Hewlett-Packard) C2N11UA-ABA User Manual
User Guide
© Copyright 2012 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
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: September 2012
Document Part Number: 695742-001
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
Locating hardware ............................................................................................................... 4
Locating software ................................................................................................................. 4
Front ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Left side ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Display .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Top ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 9
Lights ................................................................................................................................. 10
Button ................................................................................................................................ 12
Keys ................................................................................................................................... 13
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 14
Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 15
Identifying the labels .......................................................................................................... 15
Locating the labels ............................................................................................................. 15
3 Connecting to a network .............................................................................................................................. 17
Connecting to a wireless network ....................................................................................................... 17
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 17
Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 17
Using operating system controls ....................................................................... 18
Using a WLAN ................................................................................................................... 18
Using an Internet service provider .................................................................... 18
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................ 19
v
Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................ 19
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 19
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................... 20
Using Bluetooth wireless devices ...................................................................................... 20
Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 21
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ......................................................................... 21
4 Enjoying entertainment features ................................................................................................................. 22
Volume dial ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Using the webcam .............................................................................................................................. 24
Sharing media and data between devices ......................................................................................... 25
sMedio 360 ........................................................................................................................ 25
Finding more information ................................................................................................... 25
Using sMedio 360 Suite ..................................................................................................... 25
Accessing sMedio 360 Suite ............................................................................. 25
Using sMedio 360 TrueSync .............................................................................................. 26
Accessing sMedio 360 TrueSync ...................................................................... 26
Using sMedio 360 TrueLink+ ............................................................................................. 26
Determining your Android phone OS version .................................................... 26
Downloading the sMedio 360 TrueLink+ app on your phone ............................ 26
Sharing media from your phone to your computer ............................................ 26
Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 27
Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 27
Connecting headphones .................................................................................................... 27
Connecting a microphone .................................................................................................. 28
Using HP Wireless Audio (select models only) .................................................................. 28
Using Beats Audio ............................................................................................................. 28
Accessing Beats Audio Control Panel ............................................................... 29
Enabling and disabling Beats Audio .................................................................. 29
Checking the sound ........................................................................................................... 29
Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 29
Connecting an HDMI device .............................................................................................. 30
Configuring HDMI audio settings ...................................................................... 30
Connecting a digital display device .................................................................................... 31
Using Intel Wireless Display and Wireless Music (select models only) ............................. 32
Managing your audio and video files .................................................................................................. 32
5 Navigating using touch gestures, pointing devices and the keyboard ................................................... 33
Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 34
Using TouchPad gestures .................................................................................................................. 35
Tapping .............................................................................................................................. 35
vi
Scrolling ............................................................................................................................. 36
Pinching/zooming .............................................................................................................. 36
Rotating (select models only) ............................................................................................ 37
2-finger click (select models only) ...................................................................................... 37
Flicking (select models only) .............................................................................................. 38
Edge swipes ...................................................................................................................... 38
Right-edge swipe .............................................................................................. 38
Top-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 39
Left-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 39
Radiance backlight keyboard and proximity sensor ........................................................................... 40
Using the keyboard and mouse .......................................................................................................... 41
Using the keys ................................................................................................................... 41
Using the action keys ........................................................................................ 41
Using Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys ......................................................... 42
Using the hot keys ............................................................................................. 43
6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................ 44
Initiating Sleep and Hibernation ......................................................................................................... 45
Intel Rapid Start Technology (select models only) ............................................................ 45
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................................. 45
Enabling and exiting user-initiated hibernation .................................................................. 46
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 46
Using the power meter and power settings ........................................................................................ 47
Selecting a power plan ....................................................................................................................... 48
Running on battery power .................................................................................................................. 49
Factory-sealed battery ....................................................................................................... 49
Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 49
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 49
Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 50
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................................. 50
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ........................ 50
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available ..................... 50
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation ....... 50
Using the AC adapter ......................................................................................................................... 50
Running on external AC power .......................................................................................................... 51
Troubleshooting power problems ...................................................................................... 51
HP CoolSense (select models only) ................................................................................................... 53
Refreshing your software content with Intel Smart Connect Technology (select models only) .......... 53
Shutting down (turning off) the computer ........................................................................................... 54
vii
7 Managing and sharing information ............................................................................................................. 55
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 55
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 56
Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 57
Connecting a powered USB device ................................................................................... 57
Inserting and removing a digital storage card .................................................................................... 58
8 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 59
Improving performance ...................................................................................................................... 59
Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) .................................................................. 59
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 59
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 60
Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 61
Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 62
Cleaning the display, sides, and cover .............................................................................. 62
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard .............................................................................. 62
Traveling with or shipping your computer ........................................................................................... 63
9 Securing your computer and information .................................................................................................. 64
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 64
Setting Windows passwords .............................................................................................. 65
Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................. 65
TPM Embedded Security device (select models only) ....................................................................... 67
Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 67
Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 68
Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 68
Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 68
Installing Windows updates ............................................................................................... 68
Installing HP and third-party software updates .................................................................. 68
Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 69
Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 69
Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 69
10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics ............................................................................... 70
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 70
Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 70
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 70
Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 71
Using System Diagnostics .................................................................................................................. 72
viii
11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ..................................................................................................... 73
Creating recovery media and backups ............................................................................................... 74
Creating HP Recovery media ............................................................................................ 74
Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................................... 76
Using Windows Refresh for quick and easy recovery ....................................................... 77
Remove everything and reinstall Windows ........................................................................ 77
Recovering using HP Recovery Manager .......................................................................... 78
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 78
Using the HP Recovery partition to recover a minimized image (select
models only) ...................................................................................................... 78
Using HP Recovery media to recover ............................................................... 79
Changing the computer boot order ................................................................... 79
Removing the HP Recovery partition ................................................................................. 80
12 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 81
Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 81
Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 82
13 Electrostatic Discharge .............................................................................................................................. 83
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 84
ix
x
1 Starting right
This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. Read this
chapter to learn about best practices after setup, fun things to do with your computer, and where to
find additional 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 the new Windows® 8
●
features.
TIP: To quickly return to the computer Start screen from an open app or the Windows desktop,
press the Windows logo key
return you 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 17.
Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. See
●
on page 4 and Enjoying entertainment features on page 22 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 73.
on your keyboard. Pressing the Windows logo key again will
Getting to know your computer
Using antivirus software on page 68.
Connecting
Backing up,
Best practices 1
Fun things to do
You know that you can watch a YouTube video on the computer. But did you know that you can
●
also connect your computer to a TV or gaming console? For more information, see
on page 29.
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 27.
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
device on page 30 or Connecting a digital display device on page 31.
Experience music the way the artist intended, with deep controlled base and clear, pure sound.
●
Using Beats Audio on page 28.
See
Use the TouchPad, touch screen, and the new Windows 8 touch gestures for smooth control of
●
images and pages of text. See
Using video
Using
Connecting an HDMI
Using TouchPad gestures on page 35.
2 Chapter 1 Starting right
More HP resources
You have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. To locate
product details, how-to information, and more, use this table.
Resource Contents
Setup Instructions
Windows 8 Basics guide ● Overview of using and navigating with Windows® 8.
Help and Support
To access Help and Support, from the Start screen,
type h, and then select Help and Support. For U.S.
support, go to
worldwide support, go to
country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.
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 web page
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 app from the Start screen, select My
computer, and then select User guides.
http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP. For
http://welcome.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.
●
● Online chat with an HP technician.
● Email support.
Support telephone numbers.
●
HP service center locations.
●
Important regulatory notices.
●
Limited Warranty*
To access this guide, select the HP Support
Assistant app, select My computer, and then select
Warranty and services, 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
●
● 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
When you request a printed copy of your warranty, please include your product number, warranty period (found on your
service label), name, and postal address.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT return your HP product to the addresses above. For U.S. support, go to
contactHP. For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:
North America: Hewlett-Packard, MS POD, 11311 Chinden Blvd., Boise, ID 83714, USA
http://www.hp.com/
● Specific warranty information about this computer.
http://www.hp.com/go/
More HP resources 3
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
Front
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.
Component Description
Stereo speakers (2) Produce enhanced, Beats Audio sound.
4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Right side
Component Description
(1)
(2) Volume dial Adjusts the speaker volume.
(3)
(4) Hard drive light
(5) Power light
Mute button Turns speaker sound on or off.
To increase the volume, rotate the dial clockwise. To decrease
the volume, rotate the dial counter-clockwise.
Beats Audio button Opens Beats Audio Control Panel, which allows you to view and
control all audio settings.
Beats Audio is an enhanced audio feature that provides a deep,
controlled bass while maintaining a clear sound.
To open Beats Audio Control Panel, from the Start screen, type h,
select HP Utility Center, and then select HP Beats Audio.
Blinking white: The hard drive is being used.
●
● Amber: HP 3D Drive Guard has temporarily parked the hard
drive.
NOTE: For information about HP 3D Drive Guard, see
3D DriveGuard (select models only) on page 59.
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.
Using HP
(6)
● Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation is an
energy-saving mode that uses the least amount of power to
preserve your work.
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. See
Start Technology (select models only) on page 45 for more
information.
Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
NOTE: The security cable may not prevent the computer from
being mishandled or stolen.
Intel Rapid
Right side 5
Component Description
(7) AC adapter light
(8)
Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
White: The computer is connected to external power, and the
●
battery is fully charged.
Amber: The computer is connected to external power, and
●
the battery is charging.
● Blinking amber: The computer is connected to external
power, and there is a battery error or the battery has reached
a low or critical battery level.
● Off: The computer is running on battery power.
6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Left side
Component Description
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
DisplayPort Connects an optional digital display device, such as a high-
performance monitor or projector.
HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high-
definition television, any compatible digital or audio component,
or a high-speed HDMI 1.4 device.
RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
USB 3.0 charging port Connects an optional USB 1.0, USB 2.0, or USB 3.0 device
USB 2.0 charging port Connects an optional USB 1.0 or USB 2.0 device. The USB 2.0
Audio-out (headphone) jack/ Audioin (microphone) jack
and provides enhanced USB power performance for USB 3.0
devices. The port can also charge select models of cell phones
and MP3 players, even when the computer is off.
NOTE: USB charging is enabled at the factory. To disable
USB charging in Setup Utility, see
and System Diagnostics on page 70.
charging port can also charge select models of cell phones and
MP3 players, even when the computer is off.
NOTE: USB charging is enabled at the factory. To disable
USB charging in Setup Utility, see Using Setup Utility (BIOS)
and System Diagnostics on page 70.
Connects an optional device, such as a headset, power stereo
speakers, headphones, earbuds, television audio, or a headset
microphone.
Using Setup Utility (BIOS)
WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the
volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset.
For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory,
Safety, and Environmental Notices. To access this guide,
select the HP Support Assistant app from the Start screen,
select My computer, and then select User guides.
NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the computer
speakers are disabled.
(7) Digital Media Slot Supports the following digital card formats:
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
●
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card
●
● Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card
Left side 7
Display
Component Description
(1) Internal display switch Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed while the
(2) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals.
(3) Proximity sensors (2)* Detect your presence in front of the computer and turn on the keyboard
(4) Internal microphones (2) Record audio, automatically filtering out the noise around you and cancelling
(5) Webcam light On: The webcam is on.
(6) HP TrueVision HD Webcam Records video and takes still photographs.
*The antennas and proximity sensors are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the
areas immediately around the antennas and proximity sensors free from obstructions. For wireless regulatory notices, see
the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. To access this guide,
select the HP Support Assistant app from the Start screen, select My computer, and then select User guides.
power is on.
NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the outside of the
computer.
backlight.
echoes.
From the Start screen, type c, and then select CyberLink YouCam from the
list of applications.
8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Top
TouchPad
Component Description
(1) TouchPad light ● Amber: The TouchPad is off.
Off: The TouchPad is on.
●
(2) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad off or on when you quickly double-tap
(3) Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button of an external mouse.
(4) TouchPad zone Reads your finger gestures to move the pointer or activate
(5) Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
the button.
items on the screen.
Top 9
Lights
Component Description
(1)
(2) Caps lock light
(3)
(4)
Power light ● White: The computer is on.
Keyboard backlight light Identifies the keyboard backlight action key.
Wireless light ● White: An integrated wireless device, such as a
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 to preserve your work.
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. See
only) on page 45 for more information.
White: Caps lock is on.
●
● Off: Caps lock is off.
wireless local area network (WLAN) device, is enabled.
NOTE: Wireless devices are turned on at the factory.
Amber: All wireless devices are off.
●
Intel Rapid Start Technology (select models
(5) TouchPad light
10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Amber: The TouchPad is off.
●
● Off: The TouchPad is on.
Component Description
(6)
(7)
Beats Audio light
Mute light
Red: Beats Audio is on.
●
● Off: Beats Audio is off.
Amber: Speaker sound is off.
●
● Off: Speaker sound is on.
Top 11
Button
Component Description
Power button
When the computer is off, press the button to turn on the computer.
●
● 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 cause unsaved
information to be lost.
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. See
on page 45 for more information.
If the computer has stopped responding and Windows® shutdown procedures
aren't working, press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds to turn off
the computer.
To learn more about power settings, follow these steps or see
on page 44:
1. From the Start screen, type p.
2. In the search box, type power.
3. Select Settings, and then select Power options.
Intel Rapid Start Technology (select models only)
Managing power
12 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 Performs the following tasks:
● When the key is pressed in combination with the esc key,
system information is displayed.
When the key is pressed in combination with the b key, Beats
●
Audio is enabled or disabled.
When the key is pressed in combination with the t key, the
●
Twitter website opens.
(3)
(4) Action keys Perform common tasks.
(5) t key Opens the Twitter website when pressed in combination with the fn
(6) b key Enables or disables Beats Audio when pressed in combination with
(7)
Windows logo key Displays the Windows desktop.
key.
the fn key.
Windows application key Displays options for a selected object.
Top 13
Bottom
Component Description
(1) Battery cover release latch Releases the battery cover.
(2) Vent Enables the computer fan to cool internal components.
NOTE: The fan starts up automatically to prevent overheating. It is
normal for the fan to cycle on and off while the computer is on.
(3) Battery cover lock Locks the battery cover into place.
14 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Labels
Identifying the labels
The labels on the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot problems or
travel internationally with the computer. The labels are located on the bottom of the computer, inside
the battery bay, or in another easily accessible location. To locate the labels, see
on page 15.
● Service label—Provides important information.
NOTE: Have this information available when you contact technical support.
Component
(1) Product name
Locating the labels
(2) Serial number
(3) Part number/Product number
(4) Warranty period
(5) Model description
Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer.
●
Wireless certification label or labels (select models only)—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.
Locating the labels
To locate the labels inside the battery bay:
1. Slide the battery cover lock (1) to unlock the battery cover, and then slide the battery cover
release latch (2) to release the battery cover.
Labels 15
2. Slide the battery cover (3) away from the computer, and then remove the battery cover.
To replace the battery cover:
1. Slide the battery cover (1) toward the rear of the computer until it is seated.
2. Slide the battery cover lock (2) to lock the battery cover into place.
NOTE: The battery cover release latch automatically locks into place.
16 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. From the Start screen, type h, and then select 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
●
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.
Connecting to a wireless network 17
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:
1. From the Start screen, type n, and then select Settings.
2. Type network and sharing in the search box, and then select Network and Sharing
Center.
For more information, from the Start screen, type h, and then select 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 router 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.
18 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 when
connected to 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.
Connecting to a wireless network 19
Loading...