HP Compaq CQ41-211TX User Manual

Notebook PC User Guide

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. 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: December 2009

Document Part Number: 590541-001

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).

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iv Safety warning notice

Table of contents

1 Features

Identifying hardware ............................................................................................................................. 1

Components ......................................................................................................................................... 2

Top components .................................................................................................................. 2

TouchPad ............................................................................................................ 2

Lights ................................................................................................................... 3

Buttons and speakers ......................................................................................... 5

Keys .................................................................................................................... 6

Display ................................................................................................................ 7

Front components ................................................................................................................ 8

Rear component .................................................................................................................. 8

Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 9

Left-side components ........................................................................................................ 10

Bottom components ........................................................................................................... 11

Wireless antennas ............................................................................................................. 12

Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 13

Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 14

2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

Using wireless devices ....................................................................................................................... 15

Identifying wireless and network status icons .................................................................... 16

Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 16

Using the wireless button ................................................................................................... 16

Using HP Wireless Assistant ............................................................................................. 17

Using operating system controls ........................................................................................ 17

Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 18

Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................................ 18

Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 19

Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................................... 20

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 connect to a WLAN ............................................................................................... 22

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 ............................................................................................... 25

Connecting a country-specific modem cable adapter ........................................................ 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 .................................................................................................... 29

3 Pointing devices and keyboard

Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 30

Setting TouchPad preferences .......................................................................................... 31

Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 31

Using keyboard hotkeys ..................................................................................................................... 32

Displaying system information ........................................................................................... 33

Opening Help and Support ................................................................................................ 33

Opening the Print Options window .................................................................................... 34

Opening a Web browser .................................................................................................... 34

Switching the screen image ............................................................................................... 34

Initiating Sleep ................................................................................................................... 35

Initiating QuickLock ........................................................................................................... 35

Decreasing screen brightness ........................................................................................... 35

Increasing screen brightness ............................................................................................. 35

Playing, pausing or resuming an audio CD or a DVD ....................................................... 36

Stopping an audio CD or a DVD ........................................................................................ 36

Playing previous track or section of an audio CD or a DVD .............................................. 36

Playing next track or section of an audio CD or a DVD .................................................... 36

Muting speaker sound ....................................................................................................... 36

Increasing speaker sound .................................................................................................. 36

Decreasing speaker sound ................................................................................................ 36

Using keypads .................................................................................................................................... 37

Using the embedded numeric keypad ............................................................................... 38

Enabling and disabling the embedded numeric keypad .................................... 38

Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad ............................. 38

Using an optional external numeric keypad ....................................................................... 38

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 39

4 Multimedia

Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 40

Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 44

Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 45

Video .................................................................................................................................................. 46

Webcam (select models only) ............................................................................................................ 49

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 51

Identifying your multimedia components ........................................................................... 41

Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 42

Using the media activity hotkeys ....................................................................................... 43

Using DVD Play software .................................................................................................. 44

Using other preinstalled multimedia software .................................................................... 44

Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 44

Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 45

Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 45

Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 46

Connecting an HDMI device .............................................................................................. 47

Configuring audio for HDMI ............................................................................................... 48

Webcam tips ...................................................................................................................... 49

Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 50

The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, DVD, or BD .............................. 51

The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................................. 52

A disc does not play ........................................................................................................... 53

A disc does not play automatically ..................................................................................... 53

A DVD movie stops, skips, or plays erratically .................................................................. 54

A DVD movie is not visible on an external display ............................................................. 54

The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion .................... 54

A DVD playing in Windows Media Player produces no sound or display .......................... 55

A device driver must be reinstalled .................................................................................... 55

Obtaining the latest HP device drivers .............................................................. 56

Obtaining the latest Windows device drivers .................................................... 56

5 Power management

Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 57

Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 57

Using the battery meter ..................................................................................................... 58

Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 59

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 59

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 57

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 58

Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 59

Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 59

Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 59

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Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 60

Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 61

Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................... 62

Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 63

Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 63

Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 63

Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 64

Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 64

Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 65

Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 66

Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 66

Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 66

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 Sleep ............................................................. 68

Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 69

Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 69

Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep .......................................................... 69

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 70

Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 70

Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 70

Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 70

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 71

6 Drives

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Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 72

Optical drive ....................................................................................................................................... 73

Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 73

Using optical discs ............................................................................................................. 74

Selecting the right disc ....................................................................................................... 75

CD-R discs ........................................................................................................ 75

CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................... 75

DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................... 75

DVD±RW discs ................................................................................................. 75

LightScribe DVD+R discs .................................................................................. 76

Blu-ray Disc ....................................................................................................... 76

Playing a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................. 76

Configuring AutoPlay ......................................................................................................... 77

Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 77

Observing the copyright warning ....................................................................................... 78

Copying a CD or DVD ........................................................................................................ 78

Creating (burning) a CD or DVD ........................................................................................ 79

Removing an optical disc (CD, DVD, or BD) ..................................................................... 80

Removing the optical drive ............................................................................................... 81

Using external drives .......................................................................................................................... 82

Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 83

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 83

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 83

Replacing the hard drive .................................................................................................................... 84

7 External devices and external media cards

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 88

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 88

Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 89

Using Digital Media Slot cards ........................................................................................................... 90

Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................ 90

Removing a digital card ..................................................................................................... 91

8 Memory modules

9 Security

Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 96

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 97

Setting passwords in Windows .......................................................................................... 97

Setting passwords in Setup Utility ..................................................................................... 98

Administrator password ..................................................................................... 98

Power-on password .......................................................................................... 99

Using antivirus software ................................................................................................................... 100

Using firewall software ..................................................................................................................... 100

Installing critical security updates ..................................................................................................... 101

Installing an optional security cable .................................................................................................. 101

Appendix A Setup Utility (BIOS)

Starting Setup Utility ......................................................................................................................... 102

Using Setup Utility ............................................................................................................................ 103

Managing an administrator password ............................................... 98

Entering an administrator password ................................................. 99

Managing a power-on password ...................................................... 99

Entering a power-on password ......................................................... 99

Changing the language of Setup Utility ........................................................................... 103

Navigating and selecting in Setup Utility .......................................................................... 103

Displaying system information ......................................................................................... 104

Restoring default settings in Setup Utility ........................................................................ 104

Exiting Setup Utility .......................................................................................................... 105

Setup Utility menus .......................................................................................................................... 105

Main menu ....................................................................................................................... 105

Security menu .................................................................................................................. 105

System Configuration menu ............................................................................................ 106

Diagnostics menu ............................................................................................................ 106

Appendix B Software updates

Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................................... 108

Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................................... 108

Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................................... 109

Updating programs and drivers ........................................................................................................ 110

Appendix C Backup and recovery

Creating recovery discs .................................................................................................................... 112

Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 113

Using Windows Backup and Restore .............................................................................. 114

Using system restore points ............................................................................................ 115

When to create restore points ......................................................................... 115

Create a system restore point ......................................................................... 115

Restore to a previous date and time ............................................................... 115

Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 116

Recovering from the recovery discs ................................................................................ 116

Recovering from the dedicated recovery partition (select models only) .......................... 116

Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 117

1 Features

Identifying hardware

To see a list of hardware installed in the computer, follow these steps:

Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security. Then, in the System area, check 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 Help and Support for more information.

Identifying hardware 1

Components

Top components

TouchPad

Component Description

(1) TouchPad light

(2) TouchPad* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.

(3) Left TouchPad button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

(4) TouchPad on/off button Enables/disables the TouchPad.

(5) TouchPad vertical scroll zone Scrolls up or down.

(6) Right TouchPad button* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

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

White: TouchPad is enabled.

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Amber: TouchPad is disabled.

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2 Chapter 1 Features

Lights

Component Description

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

(2) Power lights (2)*

(3) Wireless light

(4) Num lock light On: Num lock is on or the embedded numeric keypad is enabled.

(5) Battery light

On: The computer is on.

●

Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.

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Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

●

Blue: 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.

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On: A battery is charging.

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Blinking: A battery that is the only available power source has

●

reached a low battery level or a critical battery level.

Off: If the computer is plugged into an external power source,

●

the light is turned 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.

Components 3

Component Description

(6) Drive light Blinking: The hard drive or optical drive is being accessed.

*The 2 power lights display the same information. The light on the power button is visible only when the computer is open. The power light on the front of the computer is visible whether the computer is open or closed.

4 Chapter 1 Features

Buttons and speakers

Component Description

(1) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

(2) Power button*

(3) Wireless button Turns the wireless feature on or off but does not establish a

*This table describes factory settings. For information about changing factory settings, refer to the user guides located in Help and Support.

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

●

computer.

When the computer is on, briefly press the button to initiate

●

Sleep.

When the computer is in the Sleep state, briefly press the

●

button to exit Sleep.

When the computer is in Hibernation, briefly press the button

●

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.

wireless connection.

NOTE: A wireless network must be set up in order to establish a

wireless connection.

Components 5

Keys

Component Description

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

(2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in

(3) Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.

(4) Embedded numeric keypad keys Can be used like the keys on an external numeric keypad.

(5) Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the pointer.

(6) Navigation keys (home, pg up, pg down) Execute volume mute, volume up, or volume down when pressed

(7) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in

fn key.

combination with a function key or the esc key.

in combination with the fn key.

combination with the fn key.

6 Chapter 1 Features

Display

Component Description

(1) Internal display switch Turns off the display if the display is closed while the computer is

turned on.

(2) Integrated webcam light (select models only) On: The integrated webcam is in use.

(3) Integrated webcam (select models only) Records video and captures still photographs.

(4) Internal microphone Records sound.

Components 7

Front components

Component Description

(1) Power light

(2) Battery light

(3) Drive light Blinking: The hard drive or optical drive is being accessed.

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

(5) Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo

Rear component

On: The computer is on.

●

Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.

●

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

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On: A battery is charging.

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Blinking: A battery that is the only available power source has

●

reached a low battery level or a critical battery level.

Off: If the computer is plugged into an external power source,

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microphone, or monaural microphone.

speakers, headphones, earbuds, a headset, or television audio.

Component Description

Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.

8 Chapter 1 Features

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.

Right-side components

Component Description

(1) Optical drive light Blinking: The optical drive is being accessed.

(2) Optical drive Reads and writes to optical discs.

(3) USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.

(4) RJ-11 (modem) jack (select models only) Connects a modem cable.

(5) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

Components 9

Left-side components

Component Description

(1) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.

(2) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

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

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

(5) USB port Connects an optional USB device.

(6) Digital Media Slot light On: A digital card is being accessed.

NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but

it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.

definition television, or any compatible digital or audio component.

(7) Digital Media Slot Supports the following optional digital card formats:

Memory Stick (MS)

●

Memory Stick Pro (MSP)

●

MultiMediaCard (MMC)

●

Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card

●

xD-Picture Card (XD)

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10 Chapter 1 Features

Bottom components

Component Description

(1) Hard drive bay Holds the hard drive and, on select models, the wireless LAN

(2) Memory module compartment Contains the 2 memory module slots.

(3) Mini Card compartment Holds the real-time clock (RTC) battery and, on select models, the

(4) Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.

(5) Battery bay Holds the battery.

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

(WLAN) device.

CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace the

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

WLAN device.

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.

Components 11

Wireless antennas

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 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

*Batteries and power cords vary in appearance by country or region.

external power.

Components 13

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.

Model description (4). This is the alphanumeric identifier used to locate documents, drivers,

◦

and support for your notebook.

Warranty period (5). This number 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 inside the battery bay.

Modem approval label (select models only)—Provides regulatory information about the modem

●

and lists the agency approval markings required by some of the countries or regions in which the modem has been approved for use. You may need this information when traveling internationally. The modem approval label is affixed inside the hard drive bay.

Wireless certification label(s)—Provide information about optional wireless devices and the

●

approval markings of some of the countries or regions in which the devices have been approved for use. An optional device may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) device or an optional 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 inside the Mini Card compartment.

14 Chapter 1 Features

2 Wireless, local area network, and

modem

Using wireless devices

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

Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area

●

networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities. In a WLAN, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point.

Bluetooth® device (select models only)—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.

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

Using wireless devices 15

Identifying wireless and network status icons

Icon Name Description

Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless lights and the wireless buttons

on the computer. Also identifies the HP Wireless Assistant software on the computer and indicates that one or more of the wireless devices are on.

Wireless (disconnected) Identifies the HP Wireless Assistant software on the computer and

indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.

Wired network (connected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, and one or

more network devices are connected to a wired network.

Wired network (disabled/ disconnected)

Network (connected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, and one or

Network (disconnected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed and wireless

Network (disabled/ disconnected)

Using the wireless controls

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

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

●

HP Wireless Assistant software

●

Operating system controls

●

Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, but no network devices are connected (or all network devices are disabled in Windows® Control Panel).

more network devices are connected to a wireless network.

connections are available, but no network devices are connected to a wireless network.

Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, but no wireless connections are available (or all wireless network devices are disabled by the wireless button or HP Wireless Assistant).

Using the wireless button

The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights, depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless light is on (blue) 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 blue, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is off, all wireless devices are off.

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

Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless button to turn on or turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices can be controlled through HP Wireless Assistant.

16 Chapter 2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

Using HP Wireless Assistant

A wireless device can be turned on or off using HP Wireless Assistant. If a wireless device is disabled by Setup Utility, it must be reenabled by Setup Utility 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 mouse pointer over the wireless icon.

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

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, select Start > Help and Support.

Using wireless devices 17

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

●

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.

18 Chapter 2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

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.

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)Personal 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, or 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 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 encodes or encrypts all

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network data before it is transmitted using a WEP key. 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.

Using a WLAN 19

Connecting to a WLAN

To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:

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

press the wireless button.

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

2. Click the network icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

3. Select your WLAN from the list.

4. Click Connect.

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

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

NOTE: If you do not see the network you want to connect to, click Open Network and Sharing

Center, and then click Set up a new connection or network. A list of options is displayed. You

can choose to manually search for and connect to a network or to create a new network connection.

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

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

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

More information about using a WLAN is available through the following resources:

Information from your ISP and the user guides included with your wireless router and other WLAN

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equipment

Information and Web site links provided in Help and Support

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For a list of public WLANs near you, contact your ISP or search the Web. Web sites that list public WLANs include Cisco Internet Mobile Office Wireless Locations, Hotspotlist, and Geektools. Check with each public WLAN location for cost and connection requirements.

Roaming to another network

When you move your computer within range of another WLAN, Windows attempts to connect to that network. If the attempt is successful, your computer is automatically connected to the new network. If Windows does not recognize the new network, follow the same procedure you used initially to connect to your WLAN.

20 Chapter 2 Wireless, local area network, and modem

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