HP Compaq 320 User Manual

Notebook PC

User Guide

© Copyright 2010 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 or regions. Java is a U.S. trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. 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: October 2010

First Edition: March 2010

Document Part Number: 601865-002

Product notice

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

Safety warning notice

WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).

iii

iv Safety warning notice

Table of contents

1 Features ...........................................................................................................................................................	1
Identifying hardware .............................................................................................................................	1
Top components ..................................................................................................................	1
TouchPad ............................................................................................................	1
Lights ...................................................................................................................	3
Buttons, switch, and speaker ..............................................................................	4
Keys ....................................................................................................................	6
Front components ................................................................................................................	7
Right-side components ........................................................................................................	8
Left-side components ..........................................................................................................	9
Bottom components .............................................................................................................	9
Multimedia components .....................................................................................................	11
Wireless antennas (select models only) ............................................................................	12
Additional hardware components ......................................................................................	13
Identifying the labels ...........................................................................................................................	13
2 Networking ....................................................................................................................................................	15
Using wireless devices (select models only) ......................................................................................	15
Identifying wireless and network icons ..............................................................................	15
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................	16
Using the wireless key .......................................................................................................	16
Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only) ....................................................	17
Using operating system controls ........................................................................................	17
Using a WLAN ....................................................................................................................................	18
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................................	18
Protecting your WLAN .......................................................................................................	18
Connecting to a WLAN ......................................................................................................	19
Roaming to another network ..............................................................................................	20
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ......................................................................	21
Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) .............................................................	21
Troubleshooting wireless connection problems .................................................................................	22
Cannot create a WLAN connection ...................................................................................	22

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Cannot connect to a preferred network .............................................................................	23
Network icon is not displayed ............................................................................................	23
Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................	23
WLAN connection is very weak .........................................................................................	24
Cannot connect to the wireless router ...............................................................................	24
Using the modem (select models only) ..............................................................................................	25
Connecting a modem cable (purchased separately) .........................................................	25
Connecting a country-specific modem cable adapter (purchased separately) ..................	26
Selecting a location setting ................................................................................................	26
Viewing the current location selection ...............................................................	26
Adding new locations when traveling ................................................................	27
Solving travel connection problems ..................................................................	28
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ..........................................................................................	30
3 Pointing devices and keyboard ...................................................................................................................	31
Using pointing devices .......................................................................................................................	31
Setting pointing device preferences ...................................................................................	31
Using the TouchPad ..........................................................................................................	31
Connecting an external mouse ..........................................................................................	31
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................	31
Using hotkeys ....................................................................................................................	31
Displaying system information ..........................................................................	33
Opening Help and Support ................................................................................	34
Decreasing screen brightness ...........................................................................	34
Increasing screen brightness ............................................................................	34
Switching the screen image ..............................................................................	34
Initiating Sleep (fn+f5) .......................................................................................	35
Initiating QuickLock (fn+f6) (select models) ......................................................	35
Launching Web browser (fn+f7) (select models) ...............................................	35
Launching printer (fn+f8) (select models) ..........................................................	35
Muting speaker sound (fn+f7) (select models) ..................................................	35
Decreasing speaker sound (fn+f8) (select models) ...........................................	35
Increasing speaker sound (fn+f9) (select models) ............................................	36
Playing the previous track or section of an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f10)
(select models) ..................................................................................................	36
Playing, pausing, or resuming an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f11) (select
models) .............................................................................................................	36
Playing the next track or section of an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f12) (select
models) .............................................................................................................	36
Using the embedded numeric keypad ................................................................................................	37
Enabling and disabling the embedded numeric keypad ....................................................	37

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Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad ..............................................	37
Using an optional external numeric keypad .......................................................................................	38
4 Multimedia .....................................................................................................................................................	39
Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................	39
Identifying your multimedia components ...........................................................................	39
Adjusting the volume .........................................................................................................	41
Multimedia software ...........................................................................................................................	42
Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software ..............................................................	42
Using multimedia software .................................................................................................	42
Installing multimedia software from a disc .........................................................................	43
Audio ..................................................................................................................................................	44
Connecting external audio devices ....................................................................................	44
Checking your audio functions ...........................................................................................	44
Video ..................................................................................................................................................	46
Connecting an external monitor or projector ......................................................................	46
Using the external monitor port .........................................................................	46
Using the HDMI port ..........................................................................................................	46
Configuring audio for HDMI ...............................................................................................	47
Optical drive (select models only) ......................................................................................................	48
Identifying the installed optical drive ..................................................................................	48
Using optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) .......................................................................	48
Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) .................................................................	48
CD-R discs ........................................................................................................	49
CD-RW discs .....................................................................................................	49
DVD±R discs .....................................................................................................	49
DVD±RW discs .................................................................................................	49
LightScribe DVD+R discs ..................................................................................	49
Blu-ray Discs (BDs) ...........................................................................................	49
Playing a CD, DVD, or BD .................................................................................................	50
Configuring AutoPlay .........................................................................................................	51
Changing DVD region settings ..........................................................................................	51
Observing the copyright warning .......................................................................................	51
Copying a CD or DVD ........................................................................................................	52
Creating (burning) a CD or DVD ........................................................................................	52
Removing an optical disc (CD, DVD, or BD) .....................................................................	53
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................	53
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, DVD, or BD .............	53
The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................	54
Preventing playback disruptions .......................................................................	55
A disc does not play ..........................................................................................	55

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A disc does not play automatically ....................................................................	56
A movie stops, skips, or plays erratically ..........................................................	56
A movie is not visible on an external display .....................................................	56
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion ...	57
A device driver must be reinstalled ...................................................................	57
Obtaining the latest HP device drivers .............................................	57
Obtaining Microsoft device drivers ...................................................	58
Webcam .............................................................................................................................................	59
Webcam tips ......................................................................................................................	59
Adjusting webcam properties .............................................................................................	59
5 Power management ......................................................................................................................................	61
Setting power options .........................................................................................................................	61
Using power-saving states .................................................................................................	61
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................	61
Initiating and exiting Hibernation .......................................................................	62
Using the battery meter .....................................................................................................	62
Using power plans .............................................................................................................	62
Viewing the current power plan .........................................................................	62
Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................	63
Customizing power plans ..................................................................................	63
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................	63
Using external AC power ....................................................................................................................	64
Connecting the AC adapter ...............................................................................................	64
Using battery power ...........................................................................................................................	65
Using Battery Check ..........................................................................................................	65
Displaying the remaining battery charge ...........................................................................	66
Inserting or removing the battery .......................................................................................	66
Charging a battery .............................................................................................................	67
Maximizing battery discharge time ....................................................................................	68
Managing low battery levels ..............................................................................................	68
Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................	68
Resolving a low battery level .............................................................................	68
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available .......	69
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is
available ...........................................................................................	69
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available ....	69
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation .......................................................................................	69
Calibrating a battery ...........................................................................................................	69
Step 1: Fully charge the battery ........................................................................	69

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Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Sleep .............................................................	70
Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................	70
Step 4: Fully recharge the battery .....................................................................	71
Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep ..........................................................	71
Conserving battery power ..................................................................................................	71
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................	72
Disposing of a used battery ...............................................................................................	72
Replacing the battery .........................................................................................................	72
Testing an AC adapter .......................................................................................................................	73
Shutting down the computer ...............................................................................................................	73
6 Drives .............................................................................................................................................................	75
Identifying installed drives ..................................................................................................................	75
Handling drives ...................................................................................................................................	75
Improving hard drive performance .....................................................................................................	77
Using Disk Defragmenter ...................................................................................................	77
Using Disk Cleanup ...........................................................................................................	77
Using external drives ..........................................................................................................................	78
Using optional external devices .........................................................................................	78
Replacing the hard drive ....................................................................................................................	79
7 External devices ............................................................................................................................................	83
Using a USB device ...........................................................................................................................	83
Connecting a USB device ..................................................................................................	83
Removing a USB device ....................................................................................................	83
Using USB legacy support .................................................................................................	84
Using external drives ..........................................................................................................................	85
Using optional external devices .........................................................................................	85
8 External media cards ....................................................................................................................................	86
Using Media Card Reader cards ........................................................................................................	86
Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................	86
Removing a digital card .....................................................................................................	87
Using ExpressCards (select models only) ..........................................................................................	88
Configuring an ExpressCard ..............................................................................................	88
Inserting an ExpressCard ..................................................................................................	88
Removing an ExpressCard ................................................................................................	89
9 Memory modules ..........................................................................................................................................	91
Adding or replacing a memory module in the expansion memory module slot ..................................	92

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Upgrading a memory module in the primary memory module slot	..................................................... 96
10 Security ......................................................................................................................................................	100
Protecting the computer ...................................................................................................................	100
Using passwords ..............................................................................................................................	101
Setting passwords in Windows ........................................................................................	101
Setting passwords in Computer Setup ............................................................................	101
BIOS administrator password ..........................................................................................	102
Managing a BIOS administrator password ......................................................	102
Entering a BIOS administrator password ........................................................	103
Using Computer Setup DriveLock ...................................................................................	103
Setting a DriveLock password .........................................................................	104
Entering a DriveLock password ......................................................................	104
Changing a DriveLock password ....................................................................	104
Removing DriveLock protection ......................................................................	105
Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock ...........................................................................	105
Entering an Automatic DriveLock password ...................................................	106
Removing Automatic DriveLock protection .....................................................	106
Using Computer Setup security features ..........................................................................................	107
Securing system devices .................................................................................................	107
Viewing Computer Setup System Information .................................................................	107
Using Computer Setup System IDs .................................................................................	108
Using antivirus software ...................................................................................................................	109
Using firewall software .....................................................................................................................	109
Installing critical updates ..................................................................................................................	110
Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) .......................................................	111
Installing a security cable .................................................................................................................	111
11 Software updates ......................................................................................................................................	112
Updating software ............................................................................................................................	112
Updating the BIOS ...........................................................................................................................	114
Determining the BIOS version .........................................................................................	114
Downloading a BIOS update ...........................................................................................	115
Updating programs and drivers ........................................................................................................	116
Using SoftPaq Download Manager ..................................................................................................	117
12 Backup and recovery ................................................................................................................................	118
Backing up your information .............................................................................................................	119
Performing a recovery ......................................................................................................................	121
Using the Windows recovery tools ...................................................................................	121

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Using f11 ..........................................................................................................................	122
Using a Windows 7 operating system DVD (purchased separately) ...............................	122
13 Computer Setup ........................................................................................................................................	124
Starting Computer Setup ..................................................................................................................	124
Using Computer Setup .....................................................................................................................	124
Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ...................................................................	124
Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup .................................................................	125
Computer Setup menus ...................................................................................................................	125
File menu .........................................................................................................................	126
Security menu ..................................................................................................................	126
System Configuration menu ............................................................................................	127
14 MultiBoot ...................................................................................................................................................	132
About the boot device order .............................................................................................................	132
Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup .......................................................................................	134
Considering boot order changes ......................................................................................................	135
Choosing MultiBoot preferences ......................................................................................................	136
Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ...................................................................	136
Dynamically choosing a boot device using the F9 prompt ...............................................	136
Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt ................................................................................	137
Entering MultiBoot Express preferences .........................................................................	137
15 Management and printing ........................................................................................................................	138
Using Client Management Solutions ................................................................................................	138
Configuring and deploying a software image ...................................................................	138
Managing and updating software .....................................................................................	139
HP Client Manager for Altiris (select models only) ..........................................	139
HP Client Configuration Manager (CCM) (select models only) .......................	140
HP System Software Manager (SSM) .............................................................	140
16 Cleaning guidelines ..................................................................................................................................	142
Cleaning products ............................................................................................................................	142
Cleaning procedures ........................................................................................................................	143
Cleaning the display ........................................................................................................	143
Cleaning the sides and cover ..........................................................................................	143
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................	143
Cleaning a tablet PC pen and pen holder ........................................................................	143
Index .................................................................................................................................................................	144

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1 Features

Identifying hardware

To see a list of hardware installed in the computer:

▲Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security. Then in the System area, click Device Manager.

You can also add hardware or modify device configurations using Device Manager.

NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Windows Help and Support for more information.

Top components

TouchPad

Component		Description
(1)	TouchPad*	Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.
(2)	TouchPad button*	The left and right sides of the single button function like the left
		and right buttons on an external mouse.

Identifying hardware

1

Component		Description
(3)	TouchPad scroll zone	Scrolls up or down.

*This table describes factory settings. To view or change pointing device preferences, select Start > Devices and Printers. Then, right-click the device representing your computer, and select Mouse settings.

2 Chapter 1 Features

Lights

NOTE: Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer.

Component		Description
(1)	Caps lock light	On: Caps lock is on.

Identifying hardware

3

Component		Description
(2)	Power light	● On: The computer is on.
		● Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.
		● Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
(3)	Wireless light	● 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.

Buttons, switch, and speaker

Component		Description
(1)	Speaker	Produces sound.

4 Chapter 1 Features

Component		Description
(2)	Internal display switch	Turns off the display if the panel lid is closed while the power is
		on.
(3)	Power button	● When the computer is off, press the button to turn on the

computer.

● When the computer is on, press the button to shut down 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.

If the computer has stopped responding and Windows shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds to turn off the computer.

To learn more about your power settings, select Start > Control

Panel > System and Security > Power Options.

Identifying hardware

5

Keys

NOTE: Refer to the illustration and table that most closely matches your computer.

Component		Description
(1)	esc key	Displays system information when pressed in combination with
		the fn key.
(2)	fn key	Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in
		combination with a function key or the esc key.
(3)	Windows logo key	Displays the Windows Start menu.
(4)	Windows applications key	Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the cursor.
(5)	Embedded numeric keypad keys	Can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad when
		pressed in combination with the fn and num lk keys.
(6)	Function keys	Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in
		combination with the fn key.
(7)	Wireless key	Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, use the
		wireless key to turn on or turn off the wireless devices
		simultaneously.

6 Chapter 1 Features

Component		Description
(1)	esc key	Displays system information when pressed in combination with
		the fn key.
(2)	fn key	Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in
		combination with a function key or the esc key.
(3)	Windows logo key	Displays the Windows Start menu.
(4)	Windows applications key	Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the cursor.
(5)	Embedded numeric keypad keys	Can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad when
		pressed in combination with the fn and num lk keys.
(6)	Wireless key	Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, use the
		wireless key to turn on or turn off the wireless devices
		simultaneously.
(7)	Function keys	Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in
		combination with the fn key.

Front components

Identifying hardware

7

Component		Description
(1)	SD Card Reader	Supports the following optional digital card formats:
		● MultiMediaCard (MMC)
		● MultiMediaCard 4.2 (MMC Plus, including MMC Plus HC)
		● Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card
		● Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card
		● Secure Digital High Speed (SDHS) Memory Card
(2)	Audio-out (headphone) jack	Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo
		speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.
		NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the
		computer speakers are disabled.
(3)	Audio-in (microphone) jack	Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo
		array microphone, or monaural microphone.

Right-side components

Component		Description
(1)	USB ports (2)	Connect optional USB devices.
(2)	RJ-11 (modem) jack (select models only)	Connects a modem cable.
(3)	Optical drive (select models only)	Reads optical discs and, on select models, also writes to optical
		discs.
(4)	Optical drive light (select models only)	Blinking: The optical drive is being accessed.
(5)	Optical drive button (select models only)	Opens optical drive tray.

8 Chapter 1 Features

Left-side components

Component		Description
(1)	ExpressCard slot	Supports optional ExpressCards.
(2)	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.
(3)	Vent	Enables airflow to cool internal components.
		NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal
		components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal
		fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.
(4)	External monitor port	Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(5)	Battery light	●	Amber: A battery is charging.
		●	Turquoise: A battery is close to full charge capacity.
		●	Blinking amber: A battery that is the only available power
			source has reached a low battery level. When the battery
			reaches a critical battery level, the battery light begins
			blinking rapidly.
		●	Off: If the computer is plugged into an external power
			source, the light turns off when all batteries in the computer
			are fully charged. If the computer is not plugged into an
			external power source the light stays off until the battery
			reaches a low battery level.
(6)	Power connector	Connects an AC adapter.
(7)	RJ-45 (network) jack	Connects a network cable.
(8)	HDMI port	Connects an optional HDMI device.
(9)	USB port (1)	Connect optional USB devices.

Bottom components

NOTE: Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer.

Identifying hardware

9

Component		Description
(1)	Battery release latches (2)	Release the battery from the battery bay.
(2)	Battery bay	Holds the battery.

10 Chapter 1 Features

Component		Description
(3)	Vents (3)	Enable airflow to cool internal components.
		NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal
		components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal
		fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.
(4)	Memory module compartment	Contains the memory module slots.
	WLAN module compartment	Contains the wireless LAN module slot.
		CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system and the display
		of a warning message, replace the WLAN module with only a
		module authorized for use in the computer by the governmental
		agency that regulates wireless devices in your country. If you
		replace the module and then receive a warning message,
		remove the module to restore computer functionality, and then
		contact technical support through Help and Support.
	Hard drive bay	Holds the hard drive and a Bluetooth device.

Multimedia components

Component		Description
(1)	Webcam light (select models only)	On: The webcam is in use.
(2)	Webcam (select models only)	Records video and captures still photographs.

Identifying hardware 11

Component		Description
(3)	Integrated microphone	Records sound.
(4)	Audio-out (headphone) jack	Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo
		speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.
		NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the
		computer speakers are disabled.
(5)	Audio-in (microphone) jack	Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo
		array microphone, or monaural microphone.
(6)	Speaker	Produces sound.

Wireless antennas (select models only)

On select computer models, at least 2 antennas send and receive signals from one or more wireless devices. These antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer.

NOTE: For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from obstructions.

To see wireless regulatory notices, refer to the section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.

12 Chapter 1 Features

Additional hardware components

Component		Description
(1)	Power cord*	Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.
(2)	AC adapter	Converts AC power to DC power.
(3)	Battery*	Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged into
		external power.

*Modem cables, batteries, modem cable adapters, and power cords vary in appearance by country or region.

Identifying the labels

The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system problems or travel internationally with the computer:

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

◦Product name (1). This is the product name affixed to the front of your notebook.

◦Serial number (s/n) (2). This is an alphanumeric identifier that is unique to each product.

◦Part number/Product number (p/n) (3). This number provides specific information about the product's hardware components. The part number helps a service technician to determine what components and parts are needed.

Identifying the labels 13

◦Model description (4). This is the number you use to locate documents, drivers, and support for your notebook.

◦Warranty period (5). Describes the duration of the warranty period for this computer.

Have this information available when you contact technical support. The service tag label is affixed to the bottom of the computer.

●Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows Product Key. You may need the Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. This certificate is affixed to the bottom of the computer.

●Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is affixed to the bottom of the computer.

●Modem approval label—Provides regulatory information about the modem and lists the agency approval markings required by some of the countries in which the modem has been approved for use. You may need this information when traveling internationally. The modem approval label is affixed to the bottom of the computer.

●Wireless certification label(s) (select models only)—Provide information about optional wireless devices and the approval markings of some of the countries in which the devices have been approved for use. An optional device may be a WLAN device or a Bluetooth device. 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 affixed to the bottom of the computer.

14 Chapter 1 Features

2 Networking

Using wireless devices (select models only)

Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:

●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, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point.

●Bluetooth device—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetoothenabled 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.

Computers with WLAN devices support one or more of the following IEEE industry standards:

●802.11b, the first popular standard, supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.

●802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An 802.11g WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so they can operate on the same network.

●802.11a supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 5 GHz.

NOTE: 802.11a is not compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g.

●802.11n supports data rates of up to 450 Mbps and may operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, making it backward compatible with 802.11a, b, and g.

NOTE: The specifications for the 802.11n WLAN are draft specifications and are not final. If the final specifications differ from the draft specifications, it may affect the ability of the computer to communicate with other 802.11n WLAN devices.

For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in Help and Support.

Identifying wireless and network icons

Icon	Name	Description

Using wireless devices (select models only) 15

Wireless (connected)	Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless buttons on
	the computer. Also identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the
	computer and indicates that one or more of the wireless devices are on.
Wireless	Identifies the Wireless Assistant software on the computer and indicates
(disconnected)	that all of the wireless devices are off.
Wired network	Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed and one
(connected)	or more network devices are connected to the network.
Wired network	Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed, all
(disabled/	network devices or all wireless devices are disabled in Windows Control
disconnected)	Panel, and no network devices are connected to a wired network.
Network (connected)	Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed, one or
	more network devices are connected to a wireless network, and one or
	more network devices may be connected to a wired network.
Network	Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed and
(disconnected)	wireless connections are available, but no network devices are connected
	to a wired or wireless network.
Network (disabled/	Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed, no
disconnected)	wireless connections are available or all wireless network devices are
	disabled by the wireless button or Wireless Assistant, and no network
	devices are connected to a wired network.

Using the wireless controls

You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:

●Wireless key or wireless button (referred to in this guide as the wireless key)

●Wireless Assistant software (select models only)

●Operating system controls

Using the wireless key

The computer has a wireless key, 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 key to turn on or turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices can be controlled through Wireless Assistant software (select models only) or through Computer Setup.

NOTE: If the wireless devices are disabled by Computer Setup, the wireless key will not work until you reenable your devices.

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Using Wireless Assistant software (select models only)

A wireless device can be turned on or off using the Wireless Assistant software. If a wireless device is disabled by Computer Setup, it must be reenabled by Computer Setup before it can be turned on or off using Wireless Assistant.

NOTE: Enabling or turning on a wireless device does not automatically connect the computer to a network or a Bluetooth-enabled device.

To view the state of the wireless devices, click the Show hidden icons icon, the arrow at the left of the notification area, and position the cursor over the wireless icon.

If the wireless icon is not displayed in the notification area, complete the following steps to change the Wireless Assistant properties:

1.Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Windows Mobility Center.

2.Click the wireless icon in the Wireless Assistant tile, which is located in the bottom row of Windows Mobility Center.

3.Click Properties.

4.Select the check box next to HP Wireless Assistant icon in notification area.

5.Click Apply.

6.Click Close.

For more information, refer to the Wireless Assistant software Help:

1.Open Wireless Assistant by clicking the wireless icon in Windows Mobility Center.

2.Click the Help button.

Using operating system controls

Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless connection. For example, Windows provides the Network and Sharing Center that allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems.

To access the Network and Sharing Center, select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

For more information, refer to Help and Support.

Using wireless devices (select models only) 17

Using a WLAN

With a WLAN device, you can access a 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).

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 (ISP)

●A wireless router (purchased separately) (2)

●The wireless computer (3)

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, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.

Protecting your WLAN

Because the WLAN standard was designed with only limited security capabilities—basically to foil casual eavesdropping rather than more powerful forms of attack—it is essential to understand that WLANs are vulnerable to well-known and well-documented security weaknesses.

WLANs in public areas, or “hotspots,” like coffee shops and airports, may not provide any security. New technologies are being developed by wireless manufacturers and hotspot service providers that make the public environment more secure and anonymous. If you are concerned about the security of your computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to noncritical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.

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