HP Compaq 620 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.
First Edition: March 2010
Document Part Number: 601867-001
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 operating system controls ........................................................................................ 16
Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 17
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................................ 17
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 17
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................................... 19
Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 19
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................... 20
Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 20
Troubleshooting wireless connection problems ................................................................................. 21
Cannot create a WLAN connection ................................................................................... 21
Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................................. 22
Network icon is not displayed ............................................................................................ 22
Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................ 22
v
WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................................... 23
Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................................... 23
Using the modem (select models only) .............................................................................................. 24
Connecting a modem cable (purchased separately) ......................................................... 24
Connecting a country-specific modem cable adapter (purchased separately) .................. 25
Selecting a location setting ................................................................................................ 25
Viewing the current location selection ............................................................... 25
Adding new locations when traveling ................................................................ 26
Solving travel connection problems .................................................................. 27
Using preinstalled communication software ...................................................... 28
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) .......................................................................................... 29
3 Pointing devices and keyboard ................................................................................................................... 30
Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 30
Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 30
Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 30
Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 30
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 30
Using hotkeys .................................................................................................................... 30
Displaying system information .......................................................................... 32
Opening Help and Support ................................................................................ 33
Decreasing screen brightness ........................................................................... 33
Increasing screen brightness ............................................................................ 33
Switching the screen image .............................................................................. 33
Initiating Standby (fn+f5) ................................................................................... 34
Initiating QuickLock (fn+f6) (select models) ...................................................... 34
Launching Web browser (fn+f7) (select models) ............................................... 34
Launching printer (fn+f8) (select models) .......................................................... 34
Muting speaker sound (fn+f7) (select models) .................................................. 34
Decreasing speaker sound (fn+f8) (select models) ........................................... 34
Increasing speaker sound (fn+f9) (select models) ............................................ 35
Playing the previous track or section of an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f10) (select
models) ............................................................................................................. 35
Playing, pausing, or resuming an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f11) (select
models) ............................................................................................................. 35
Playing the next track or section of an audio CD or a DVD (fn+f12) (select
models) ............................................................................................................. 35
Using the embedded numeric keypad ................................................................................................ 36
Enabling and disabling the embedded numeric keypad .................................................... 36
Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad .............................................. 36
Using an optional external numeric keypad ....................................................................................... 37
4 Multimedia ..................................................................................................................................................... 38
Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 38
vi
Identifying your multimedia components ........................................................................... 38
Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 40
Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 41
Opening preinstalled multimedia software ......................................................................... 41
Using multimedia software ................................................................................................. 41
Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 42
Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 43
Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 43
Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 43
Video .................................................................................................................................................. 45
Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 45
Using the external monitor port ......................................................................... 45
Using the HDMI port .......................................................................................................... 45
Configuring audio for HDMI ............................................................................................... 46
Optical drive (select models only) ...................................................................................................... 47
Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 47
Using optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ....................................................................... 47
Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) ................................................................. 47
CD-R discs ........................................................................................................ 48
CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................... 48
DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................... 48
DVD±RW discs ................................................................................................. 48
LightScribe DVD+R discs .................................................................................. 48
Blu-ray Discs (BDs) ........................................................................................... 48
Playing a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................. 49
Configuring AutoPlay ......................................................................................................... 49
Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 50
Observing the copyright warning ....................................................................................... 50
Copying a CD or DVD ........................................................................................................ 50
Creating (burning) a CD or DVD ........................................................................................ 51
Removing an optical disc (CD, DVD, or BD) ..................................................................... 51
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 52
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, DVD, or BD ............. 52
The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................ 53
Preventing playback disruptions ....................................................................... 54
A disc does not play .......................................................................................... 54
A disc does not play automatically .................................................................... 55
A movie stops, skips, or plays erratically .......................................................... 55
A movie is not visible on an external display ..................................................... 55
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before
completion ......................................................................................................... 55
A device driver must be reinstalled ................................................................... 56
Obtaining the latest HP device drivers ............................................. 56
Obtaining Microsoft device drivers ................................................... 56
vii
Webcam ............................................................................................................................................. 57
Webcam tips ...................................................................................................................... 57
Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 57
5 Power management ...................................................................................................................................... 59
Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 59
Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 59
Initiating and exiting Standby ............................................................................ 59
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 60
Using the Power Meter ...................................................................................................... 60
Using power schemes ....................................................................................................... 61
Viewing the current scheme .............................................................................. 61
Selecting a different power scheme .................................................................. 61
Customizing power schemes ............................................................................ 62
Setting password protection upon exiting Standby ............................................................ 62
Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 62
Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 63
Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 63
Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 64
Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 64
Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 66
Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 66
Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 66
Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 67
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 67
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 67
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is
available ........................................................................................... 67
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is
available ........................................................................................... 67
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 67
Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 68
Step 1: Fully charge the battery ........................................................................ 68
Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Standby ......................................................... 68
Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 69
Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 69
Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Standby ...................................................... 69
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 69
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 70
Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 70
Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 70
Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................................... 71
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 71
viii
6 Drives ............................................................................................................................................................. 72
Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................................. 72
Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 72
Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 74
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 74
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 74
Using external drives .......................................................................................................................... 75
Using optional external devices ......................................................................................... 75
Replacing the hard drive .................................................................................................................... 76
7 External devices ............................................................................................................................................ 80
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 80
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 80
Stopping and removing a USB device ............................................................................... 80
Using USB legacy support ................................................................................................. 81
Using external drives .......................................................................................................................... 82
Using optional external devices ......................................................................................... 82
8 External media cards .................................................................................................................................... 83
Using Media Card Reader cards ........................................................................................................ 83
Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................ 83
Removing a digital card ..................................................................................................... 84
Using ExpressCards (select models only) .......................................................................................... 85
Configuring an ExpressCard .............................................................................................. 85
Inserting an ExpressCard .................................................................................................. 85
Stopping and removing an ExpressCard ........................................................................... 86
9 Memory modules .......................................................................................................................................... 88
Adding or replacing a memory module in the expansion memory module slot .................................. 89
Upgrading a memory module in the primary memory module slot ..................................................... 93
10 Security ........................................................................................................................................................ 97
Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 97
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 98
Setting passwords in Windows .......................................................................................... 98
Setting passwords in Computer Setup .............................................................................. 98
BIOS administrator password ............................................................................................ 99
Managing a BIOS administrator password ........................................................ 99
Entering a BIOS administrator password ........................................................ 100
Using Computer Setup DriveLock ................................................................................... 100
Setting a DriveLock password ......................................................................... 101
Entering a DriveLock password ...................................................................... 101
Changing a DriveLock password .................................................................... 101
ix
Removing DriveLock protection ...................................................................... 102
Using Computer Setup Auto DriveLock ........................................................................... 102
Entering an Automatic DriveLock password ................................................... 103
Removing Automatic DriveLock protection ..................................................... 103
Using Computer Setup security features .......................................................................................... 104
Securing system devices ................................................................................................. 104
Viewing Computer Setup System Information ................................................................. 104
Using Computer Setup System IDs ................................................................................. 105
Using antivirus software ................................................................................................................... 106
Using firewall software ..................................................................................................................... 107
Installing critical updates .................................................................................................................. 108
Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only) ....................................................... 109
Installing a security cable ................................................................................................................. 110
11 Software updates ...................................................................................................................................... 111
Updating software ............................................................................................................................ 111
Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................................... 113
Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................................... 113
Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................................... 114
Updating programs and drivers ........................................................................................................ 116
Using SoftPaq Download Manager .................................................................................................. 117
12 Backup and recovery ................................................................................................................................ 118
Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 119
Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 120
Recovering your information ............................................................................................ 120
Recovering the operating system and programs ............................................................. 120
13 Computer Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 121
Starting Computer Setup .................................................................................................................. 121
Using Computer Setup ..................................................................................................................... 121
Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ................................................................... 121
Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ................................................................. 122
Computer Setup menus ................................................................................................................... 122
File menu ......................................................................................................................... 123
Security menu .................................................................................................................. 123
System Configuration menu ............................................................................................ 124
14 MultiBoot ................................................................................................................................................... 129
About the boot device order ............................................................................................................. 129
Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup ....................................................................................... 131
Considering boot order changes ...................................................................................................... 132
Choosing MultiBoot preferences ...................................................................................................... 133
x
Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ................................................................... 133
Dynamically choosing a boot device using the F9 prompt ............................................... 133
Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt ................................................................................ 134
Entering MultiBoot Express preferences ......................................................................... 134
15 Management and printing ........................................................................................................................ 135
Using Client Management Solutions ................................................................................................ 135
Configuring and deploying a software image ................................................................... 135
Managing and updating software ..................................................................................... 136
HP Client Manager for Altiris (select models only) .......................................... 136
HP Client Configuration Manager (CCM) (select models only) ....................... 137
HP System Software Manager (SSM) ............................................................. 137
16 Cleaning guidelines .................................................................................................................................. 139
Cleaning products ............................................................................................................................ 139
Cleaning procedures ........................................................................................................................ 140
Cleaning the display ........................................................................................................ 140
Cleaning the sides and cover .......................................................................................... 140
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................ 140
Cleaning a tablet PC pen and pen holder ........................................................................ 140
Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 141
xi
xii
1Features
Identifying hardware
To see a list of hardware installed in the computer:
1. Select Start > My Computer.
2. In the left pane of the System Tasks window, select View system information.
3. Select Hardware tab > Device Manager.
You can also add hardware or modify device configurations using Device Manager.
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 > Control Panel > Printers
and Other Hardware > Mouse.
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
(3) Wireless light
Buttons, switch, and speaker
On: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in Standby.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
●
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.
●
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 Standby, press the button briefly to
●
exit Standby.
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 > Performance and Maintenance > 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
(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
(6) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in
(7) Wireless key Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, use the
combination with a function key or the esc key.
pressed in combination with the fn and num lk keys.
combination with the fn key.
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
(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
(6) Wireless key Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, use the
(7) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in
Front components
combination with a function key or the esc key.
pressed in combination with the fn and num lk keys.
wireless key to turn on or turn off the wireless devices
simultaneously.
combination with the fn key.
Identifying hardware 7
Component Description
(1) SD Card Reader Supports the following optional digital card formats:
(2) Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo
(3) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array
Right-side components
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
●
speakers, headphones, ear buds, a headset, or television audio.
NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the
computer speakers are disabled.
microphone, or monaural microphone.
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
(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.
discs.
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.
(3) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but
it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal
components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal
fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.
(4) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(5) Battery light
(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.
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.
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.
(4) Memory module compartment Contains the memory module slots.
WLAN module compartment Contains the wireless LAN module slot.
Hard drive bay Holds the hard drive and a Bluetooth device.
Multimedia 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.
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.
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
(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.
microphone, or monaural microphone.
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
*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.
external power.
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
2Networking
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 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.
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
Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless switch on
the computer.
Using wireless devices (select models only) 15
Wireless
(disconnected)
Indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.
Network status
(connected)
Network status
(disconnected)
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)
●
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.
Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed and one
or more network devices are connected to the network.
Indicates that one or more of your network drivers are installed but no
network devices are connected to the network.
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.
Using operating system controls
Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless
connection. For more information, refer to the operating system documentation.
16 Chapter 2 Networking
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).
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
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Internet service provider (ISP)
A wireless router (purchased separately) (2)
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The wireless computer (3)
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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.
Using a WLAN 17
When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your
network from unauthorized access. The common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Because wireless radio signals travel outside the network, other WLAN
devices can pick up unprotected signals and either connect to your network (uninvited) or capture
information being sent across it. However, you can take precautions to protect your WLAN:
Use a wireless transmitter with built-in security
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Many wireless base stations, gateways, and routers provide built-in security features such as
wireless security protocols and firewalls. With the correct wireless transmitter, you can protect your
network from the most common wireless security risks.
Work behind a firewall
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A firewall is a barrier that checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network and
then discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in many varieties, both software and
hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.
Use wireless encryption
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A variety of sophisticated encryption protocols is available for your WLAN. Find the solution that
works best for your network security:
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a wireless security protocol that uses a WEP key to
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encode or encrypt all network data before it is transmitted. Usually, you can allow the network
to assign the WEP key. Alternatively, you can set up your own key, generate a different key,
or choose other advanced options. Without the correct key, others will not be able to use the
WLAN.
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), like WEP, uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data
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that is transmitted over the network. However, instead of using one static security key for
encryptions as WEP does, WPA uses temporal key integrity protocol (TKIP) to dynamically
generate a new key for every packet. It also generates different sets of keys for each computer
on the network.
Close your network
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If possible, prevent your network name (SSID) from being broadcast by the wireless transmitter.
Most networks initially broadcast the name, telling any computer nearby that your network is
available. By closing the network, other computers are less likely to know that your network exists.
NOTE: If your network is closed and the SSID is not broadcast, you will need to know or remember
the SSID to connect new devices to the network. Write down the SSID and store it in a secure
place before closing the network.
18 Chapter 2 Networking
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