HP (Hewlett-Packard) C2N63UA-ABA, C2N64UA-ABA, C2N46UA-ABA, C9G65UA-ABA, D1B41UA-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.

First Edition: September 2012

Document Part Number: 694352-001

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 .................................................................................................................................... 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

Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 3

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

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

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

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

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

Buttons and speakers .......................................................................................................... 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 (select models only) ..................................................... 16

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

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

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

Using the webcam .............................................................................................................................. 18

Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 18

Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 18

Connecting headphones .................................................................................................... 18

Connecting a microphone .................................................................................................. 18

Checking the sound ........................................................................................................... 19

Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 19

Connecting an HDMI device .............................................................................................. 19

Configuring audio settings ................................................................................. 20

Managing your photo, audio, and video files ...................................................................................... 21

5 Navigating using touch gestures, pointing devices and the keyboard ................................................... 22

Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 22

Using TouchPad gestures .................................................................................................................. 22

Tapping .............................................................................................................................. 23

Scrolling ............................................................................................................................. 23

Pinching/zooming .............................................................................................................. 24

Edge swipes ...................................................................................................................... 24

Right-edge swipe .............................................................................................. 25

Top-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 25

Left-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 26

Using the keyboard and mouse .......................................................................................................... 26

Using the keys ................................................................................................................... 26

Using the action keys ........................................................................................ 26

Using Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys ......................................................... 27

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

Using the integrated numeric keypad ................................................................................ 28

6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................ 29

Initiating Sleep and Hibernation ......................................................................................................... 29

Intel Rapid Start Technology (select models only) ............................................................ 29

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................................. 30

Enabling and exiting user-initiated Hibernation ................................................................. 30

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 30

Using the power meter and power settings ........................................................................................ 31

Selecting a power plan ....................................................................................................................... 31

Running on battery power .................................................................................................................. 31

Removing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 32

Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 32

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 32

Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 33

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................................. 33

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ........................ 33

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available ..................... 33

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation ....... 33

Storing a user-replaceable battery ..................................................................................... 33

Disposing of a user-replaceable battery ............................................................................ 33

Replacing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 34

Running on external AC power .......................................................................................................... 34

Troubleshooting power problems ...................................................................................... 34

HP CoolSense (select models only) ................................................................................................... 35

Refreshing your software content with Intel Smart Connect Technology (select models only) .......... 35

Shutting down (turning off) the computer ........................................................................................... 35

7 Managing and sharing information ............................................................................................................. 37

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 37

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 37

Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 38

Connecting a powered USB device ................................................................................... 38

Inserting and removing a digital storage card .................................................................................... 38

Sharing data and drives and accessing software ............................................................................... 39

8 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 41

Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 41

Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................................... 41

Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) .................................................................................. 43

Improving performance ...................................................................................................................... 44

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 44

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 44

Adding or replacing memory modules ................................................................................................ 45

Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 47

Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 48

Cleaning the display, sides, and cover .............................................................................. 48

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard .............................................................................. 48

Traveling with or shipping your computer ........................................................................................... 48

9 Securing your computer and information .................................................................................................. 50

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

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

vii

Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................. 51

Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 51

Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 52

Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 52

Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 52

Installing Windows updates ............................................................................................... 52

Installing HP and third-party software updates .................................................................. 52

Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 53

Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 53

Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 53

10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics ............................................................................... 54

Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 54

Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 54

Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 54

Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 55

Using System Diagnostics .................................................................................................................. 55

11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ..................................................................................................... 57

Creating recovery media and backups ............................................................................................... 57

Creating HP Recovery media ............................................................................................ 58

Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................................... 59

Using Windows Refresh for quick and easy recovery ....................................................... 60

Remove everything and reinstall Windows ........................................................................ 60

Recovering using HP Recovery Manager .......................................................................... 61

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

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

models only) ...................................................................................................... 61

Using HP Recovery media to recover ............................................................... 62

Changing the computer boot order ................................................................... 62

Removing the HP Recovery partition ................................................................................. 62

12 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 63

Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 63

Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 63

13 Electrostatic Discharge .............................................................................................................................. 64

Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 65

viii

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 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 the previous screen.

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

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 57.

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? See

on page 19.

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 18.

Use the TouchPad and the new Windows 8 touch gestures for smooth control of images and

●

pages of text. See

Connecting

Getting to know your computer

Using antivirus software on page 52.

Backing up,

Connecting an HDMI device

Using

Using TouchPad gestures on page 22.

Best practices 1

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

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 on 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 app on 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.

●

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.

Important regulatory notices, including proper battery disposal

●

information.

Limited Warranty*

To access this guide, select the HP Support

Assistant app on 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 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:

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

Specific warranty information about this computer.

●

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

2 Chapter 1 Starting right

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.

Right side

Component Description

(1) Optical drive (select models only) Reads and writes to an optical disc.

(2) Optical drive light ● Green or Amber: The optical drive is being accessed.

Off: The optical drive is idle.

●

(3) Optical drive eject button Releases the disc tray.

Finding your hardware and software information 3

Component Description

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7) AC adapter light ● White: The computer is connected to external power

Power light

Hard drive light ● Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.

USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB device.

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.

Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the

●

hard drive.

and the battery is fully charged.

Blinking white: The battery has reached a low battery

●

level.

● Amber: The computer is connected to external power

and the battery is charging.

Off: The computer is not connected to external power.

●

(8)

(9)

Left side

Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

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.

4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Component Description

(1)

(2) Vents (2) Enable airflow to cool internal components.

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

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.

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

definition television, or any compatible digital or audio device.

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

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

USB power performance.

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

Using a USB device on page 37.

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.

(8) Digital Media slot Supports the following digital media card formats:

Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card

●

Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card

●

● Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDxC) Memory

Card

MultiMediaCard (MMC)

●

Left side 5

Display

Component Description

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

(2) Internal microphone (1) Records sound.

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

(4) 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. To access this guide, select the HP Support Assistant app on the Start screen, select My computer, and then select User guides.

local area networks (WLANs).

conferences and online chat by means of streaming video.

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

6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Top

TouchPad

Component Description

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

(2) TouchPad light

(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.

Amber: The TouchPad is off.

●

Off: The TouchPad is on.

●

on the screen.

Top 7

Lights

Component Description

(1)

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

(3)

(4)

Power light

Mute light

Wireless 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

Rapid Start Technology (select models only) on page 29

letters.

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.

Intel

(5) TouchPad light

8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Amber: The TouchPad is off.

●

Off: The TouchPad is on.

●

Buttons and speakers

Component Description

(1)

Power button

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

●

the computer.

When the computer is on, press the button briefly to

●

initiate Sleep.

When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the

●

button briefly to exit Sleep.

When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button

●

briefly to exit Hibernation

CAUTION: Pressing and holding 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 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.

To learn more about your power settings:

1. From the Start screen, type power.

2. Select Settings, and then select Power options, or

Managing power on page 29.

see

(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

Top 9

Keys

Component Description

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

(2) fn key Displays system information when pressed in combination

(3)

(4) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.

(5)

(6) num lock key Controls the function of the integrated numeric keypad.

(7) Integrated numeric keypad Set at the factory to function like an external numeric

Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start screen.

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

with the fn key.

with the esc key.

Press the key to alternate between the standard numeric function of an external keypad (selected the factory) and the navigational function (indicated by the directional arrows on the keys).

NOTE: The keypad function that is active when the

computer is turned off is reinstated when the computer is turned back on.

keypad. To alternate between this numeric function and the navigational function (indicated by the directional arrows on the keys), press the num lock key.

10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Bottom

Component Description

(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.

(2)

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

(4)

Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.

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.

Keyboard access, optical disk drive (ODD), solid-state drive (SSD)/hard drive bay, wireless compartment, and memory module compartment

The service door provides access to the keyboard, ODD, SSD/hard drive bay, wireless compartment and memory module compartment.

CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system,

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

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 number

(4) Warranty period

(5) Model description (select models only)

Have this information available when you contact technical support. The serial number is printed on a label inside the battery bay of your computer.

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

affixed inside the battery bay.

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

●

approval markings of some of the countries or regions in which the devices have been approved for use. One or more certification labels are included with your computer. You may need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed inside the battery bay.

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. 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

Your computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one wireless light. 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 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.

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 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.

●

Wireless encryption uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data that is transmitted over the network. For more information, from the Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support.

Connecting to a wireless network 15

+ 52 hidden pages