HP (Hewlett-Packard) dv6 7138us User Manual

User Guide

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. SD Logo is a trademark of its proprietor.

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

First Edition: February 2012

Document Part Number: 671383-001

Product notice

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

Software terms

By installing, copying, downloading, or otherwise using any software product preinstalled on this computer, you agree to be bound by the terms of the HP End User License Agreement (EULA). If you do not accept these license terms, your sole remedy is to return the entire unused product (hardware and software) within 14 days for a refund subject to the refund policy of your place of purchase.

For any further information or to request a full refund of the computer, please contact your local point of sale (the seller).

Safety warning notice

WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not

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

iii

iv Safety warning notice

Table of contents

1 Starting right ................................................................................................................................................... 1

Best practices ....................................................................................................................................... 1

Fun things to do .................................................................................................................................... 1

More HP resources .............................................................................................................................. 2

2 Getting to know your computer ..................................................................................................................... 3

Finding your hardware and software information ................................................................................. 3

Front ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 4

Left side ................................................................................................................................................ 6

Rear ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

Display .................................................................................................................................................. 8

Top ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

TouchPad .......................................................................................................................... 10

Lights ................................................................................................................................. 11

Buttons, speakers, and fingerprint reader (select models only) ......................................... 12

Keys ................................................................................................................................... 14

Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 16

Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 17

3 Connecting to a network .............................................................................................................................. 18

Connecting to a wireless network ....................................................................................................... 18

Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 18

Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 19

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only) ........................................ 19

Using operating system controls ....................................................................... 19

Using a WLAN ................................................................................................................... 20

Using an Internet service provider .................................................................... 20

Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................ 21

Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................ 21

Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 21

Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................... 22

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ..................................................... 22

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) .......................................................................................... 23

4 Enjoying entertainment features ................................................................................................................. 24

Using the webcam .............................................................................................................................. 25

Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 26

Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 26

Connecting headphones .................................................................................................... 27

Connecting a microphone .................................................................................................. 27

Using Beats Audio ............................................................................................................. 27

Accessing Beats Audio Control Panel ............................................................... 27

Enabling and Disabling Beats Audio ................................................................. 27

Checking the sound ........................................................................................................... 28

Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 28

Connecting a VGA monitor or projector ............................................................................. 29

Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor ................................................................................... 30

Configuring audio settings (with HDMI TV) ....................................................... 31

Using Intel Wireless Display (select models only) ............................................................. 31

Managing your audio and video files .................................................................................................. 31

5 Using the keyboard and pointing devices .................................................................................................. 32

Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 33

Using ALT GR key combinations ....................................................................................... 33

Using the action keys ......................................................................................................... 33

Using the hot keys ............................................................................................................. 35

Using the keypad ............................................................................................................... 35

Using the integrated numeric keypad ................................................................ 35

Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 36

Turning the TouchPad off or on ......................................................................................... 36

Navigating .......................................................................................................................... 37

Selecting ............................................................................................................................ 37

Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................................. 38

Scrolling ............................................................................................................ 39

Pinching/Zooming ............................................................................................. 39

Rotating ............................................................................................................. 40

Flicking .............................................................................................................. 40

6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................ 41

Using Sleep or Hibernation ................................................................................................................ 42

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................................. 42

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ........................................................................................ 43

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 43

Using the power meter ....................................................................................................................... 44

Selecting a power plan ....................................................................................................................... 44

Running on battery power .................................................................................................................. 45

Removing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 45

Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 45

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 46

Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 46

Storing a user-replaceable battery ..................................................................................... 46

Disposing of a user-replaceable battery ............................................................................ 47

Replacing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 47

Running on external power ................................................................................................................ 47

Using HP CoolSense (select models only) ......................................................................................... 48

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 48

7 Managing and sharing information ............................................................................................................. 49

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 49

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 49

Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 50

Connecting a powered USB device ................................................................................... 50

Inserting and removing digital storage cards ...................................................................................... 51

Using optical drives ............................................................................................................................ 52

Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................................... 53

Removing an optical disc ................................................................................................... 54

Sharing drives on the network ........................................................................................... 54

8 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 55

Improving performance ...................................................................................................................... 55

Handling drives .................................................................................................................. 55

Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................... 56

Using HP 3D DriveGuard ................................................................................................... 58

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 58

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 58

Adding or replacing memory modules ............................................................................... 59

Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 62

Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 62

Cleaning the display, sides, and cover .............................................................................. 62

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard .............................................................................. 62

Traveling with or shipping your computer ........................................................................................... 63

vii

9 Securing your computer and information .................................................................................................. 64

Locating your security software .......................................................................................................... 65

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 65

Setting Windows passwords .............................................................................................. 66

Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................. 66

Using the fingerprint reader (select models only) ............................................................................... 67

Using HP SimplePass ........................................................................................................ 67

Registering fingerprints ..................................................................................... 67

Using your registered fingerprint to log on to Windows ..................................... 67

Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 68

Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 68

Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 68

Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 69

Installing Windows security updates .................................................................................. 69

Installing HP and third-party software updates .................................................................. 69

Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 70

Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 70

Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 70

10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics ............................................................................... 71

Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 71

Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 71

Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 72

Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 72

Using System Diagnostics .................................................................................................................. 73

11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ..................................................................................................... 74

Creating backups ............................................................................................................................... 74

Creating recovery media to recover the original system .................................................... 74

What you need to know ..................................................................................... 75

Creating the recovery media ............................................................ 75

Creating system restore points .......................................................................................... 75

What you need to know ..................................................................................... 76

Creating a system restore point ........................................................................ 76

Backing up system and personal information .................................................................... 76

Tips for a successful backup ............................................................................. 76

What you need to know ..................................................................................... 77

Creating a backup using Windows Backup and Restore .................................. 77

Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................................... 78

viii

Restoring to a previous system restore point .................................................................... 78

Restoring specific files ....................................................................................................... 78

Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore ............................ 78

Recovering the original system using HP Recovery Manager ........................................... 78

What you need to know ..................................................................................... 78

Recovering using HP Recovery partition (select models only) ......................... 79

Recovering using the recovery media ............................................................... 79

Changing the computer boot order ................................................... 80

12 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 81

Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 81

Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 82

13 Troubleshooting and support .................................................................................................................... 83

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 84

Disc drive problems ........................................................................................................... 84

Wireless connection problems ........................................................................................... 84

Cannot connect to a WLAN ............................................................................... 85

Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................. 85

Current network security codes are unavailable ............................................... 86

WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................... 86

Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................... 87

Network status icon is not displayed ................................................................. 87

Audio problems .................................................................................................................. 87

Power management problems ........................................................................................... 88

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 88

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 88

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available .... 88

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit

Hibernation ....................................................................................... 88

Troubleshooting an AC adapter ........................................................................ 88

Contacting customer support ............................................................................................................. 90

14 Electrostatic Discharge .............................................................................................................................. 91

Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 92

1 Starting right

This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. To get the most out of your computer, read this chapter to learn about best practices after setup, fun things to do with your computer, and where to go to get more HP resources.

Best practices

To protect your smart investment, after you set up and register the computer, we recommend the following steps:

If you haven’t already done so, connect to a wired or wireless network. See details in

●

to a network on page 18.

● Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. Go to

on page 3 and Enjoying entertainment features on page 24 for information.

● Update or purchase antivirus software. Learn more at

● Back up your hard drive by creating recovery discs or a recovery flash drive. See

restoring, and recovering on page 74.

Fun things to do

● You know you can watch a YouTube video on the computer. But did you know that you can also

connect your computer to a TV and watch the video on TV? For more information, see

Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor on page 30.

You know you can listen to music on the computer. But did you know that you can also stream

●

live radio to the computer and listen to music or talk radio from all over the world? See

audio on page 26.

● You know you can create a powerful presentation with Microsoft applications. But did you know

you can also connect to a projector to share your ideas with a group? See

monitor or projector on page 29.

Connecting

Getting to know your computer

Using antivirus software on page 68.

Backing up,

Using

Connecting a VGA

Best practices 1

More HP resources

You have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. For product details, how-to information, and more, use this table.

Resource Contents

Setup Instructions

Help and Support

To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and Support. For more details, go to

support.

Safety & Comfort Guide

To access this guide, select Start > Help and Support > User Guides, or go to

ergo.

Worldwide support

To get support in your language, go to

support.

Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices

To access this guide, select Start > Help and Support > User Guides.

Limited Warranty*

To access the warranty, select Start > Help and Support > User Guides or go to

go/orderdocuments.

http://www.hp.com/

www.hp.com/

http://www.hp.com/

Overview of computer setup and features.

●

● A broad range of how-to information and troubleshooting tips.

Proper workstation setup.

●

● Guidelines for posture and work habits that increase your

comfort and decrease your risk of injury.

Electrical and mechanical safety information.

●

Chat online with an HP technician.

●

● Email customer support.

● Find worldwide customer support telephone numbers.

● Locate HP service center locations.

● Important regulatory notices, including proper battery disposal

information.

Specific warranty information about this computer.

●

*You can find the expressly provided HP Limited Warranty applicable to your product located with the user guides on your computer and/or on the CD/DVD provided in the box. In some countries/regions, HP may provide a printed HP Limited Warranty in the box. For countries/regions where the warranty is not provided in printed format, you may request a printed copy from

●

● Asia Pacific: Hewlett-Packard, POD, P.O. Box 200, Alexandra Post Office, Singapore 911507

When you request a printed copy of your warranty, please include your product number, warranty period (found on your serial number label), name, and postal address.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT return your HP product to the addresses above. For product support, see your product home page

http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:

North America: Hewlett-Packard, MS POD, 11311 Chinden Blvd, Boise, ID 83714, USA

Europe, Middle East, Africa: Hewlett-Packard, POD, Via G. Di Vittorio, 9, 20063, Cernusco s/Naviglio (MI), Italy

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

2 Chapter 1 Starting right

2 Getting to know your computer

Finding your hardware and software information

Select Start > Computer.

▲

A list displays all the devices installed in your computer, including optical drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), or a secondary hard drive.

To find out what software is included on your computer, select Start > All Programs.

Front

Component Description

Digital Media Slot Supports the following digital card formats:

Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card

●

Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDxC) Memory Card

●

● Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card

Ultra High Speed MultiMediaCard (UHS/MMC)

●

Finding your hardware and software information 3

Right side

Component Description

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

(2) Optical drive light

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

(4)

(5)

Power light ● White: The computer is on.

Hard drive light

Green: The optical drive is being accessed.

●

● Off: The optical drive is idle.

Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state,

●

which is an energy-saving mode. The computer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components.

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

●

Hibernation is an energy-saving mode that uses the least amount of power.

NOTE: For select models, the Intel® Rapid Start

Technology feature is enabled at the factory. Rapid Start Technology allows your computer to resume quickly from inactivity. For more information, see

Using Sleep or Hibernation on page 42.

Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.

●

● Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked

the hard drive.

NOTE: For information about HP 3D DriveGuard,

Using HP 3D DriveGuard on page 58.

see

(6)

(7)

USB 3.0 port Connects an optional USB 3.0 device and provides

USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB device.

4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

enhanced USB power performance.

NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports,

see

Using a USB device on page 49.

NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports,

Using a USB device on page 49.

see

Component Description

(8) AC adapter light

(9)

(10)

Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.

White: The AC adapter is connected and the battery

●

is charged.

Amber: The AC adapter is connected and the battery

●

is charging.

● Off: The computer is using DC power.

NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a

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

Right side 5

Left side

Component Description

(1) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.

NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool

internal components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

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

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

USB 3.0 ports (2) Connect an optional USB 3.0 device and provide

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

Audio-out (headphone) jack Connect optional powered stereo speakers, headphones,

high-definition television, or any compatible digital or audio device.

enhanced USB power performance.

NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports,

see

Using a USB device on page 49.

stereo array microphone, or monaural microphone.

earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust

the volume before using headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, see the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices.

NOTE: When a device is connected to a headphone

jack, the computer speakers are disabled.

6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Rear

Component Description

Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.

NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal

components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.

Rear 7

Display

Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer.

Component Description

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

(2) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.

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

(4) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.

(5) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the area immediately around the antennas free from obstructions. For wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.

local area networks (WLANs).

conferences and online chat by means of streaming video.

To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs > Communication and Chat > CyberLink YouCam.

8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Component Description

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

local area networks (WLANs).

(2) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.

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

(4) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.

*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from obstructions. To see wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.

conference and chat online using streaming video.

To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs > Communication and Chat > CyberLink YouCam

Display 9

Top

TouchPad

Component Description

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

(2) TouchPad light

(3) TouchPad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates items

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

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

On: The TouchPad is off.

●

● Off: The TouchPad is on.

on the screen.

10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Lights

Component Description

(1)

(2)

(3)

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

Power light ● White: The computer is on.

Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state,

●

which is an energy-saving mode. The computer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components.

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation

●

is an energy-saving mode that uses the least amount of power.

NOTE: For select models, the Intel® Rapid Start

Technology feature is enabled at the factory. Rapid Start Technology allows your computer to resume quickly from inactivity. For more information, see

Sleep or Hibernation on page 42.

Mute light

Wireless light

Amber: Computer sound is off.

●

● Off: Computer sound is on.

White: An integrated wireless device, such as a

●

wireless local area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is on.

Amber: All wireless devices are off.

●

letters.

Using

(5) Fingerprint reader light (select models only)

White: The fingerprint was read.

●

● Amber: The fingerprint was not read.

Top 11

Buttons, speakers, and fingerprint reader (select models only)

Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer.

Component Description

(1)

(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

(3) Fingerprint reader (select models only) Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a

Power button

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

●

the computer.

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

initiate Sleep.

When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the

●

button briefly to exit Sleep.

When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button

●

briefly to exit Hibernation.

CAUTION: Pressing and holding down the power button

will result in the loss of unsaved information.

If the computer has stopped responding and Microsoft® Windows® shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold down 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, or see

Managing power on page 41.

password logon.

12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Component Description

(1)

(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

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

the computer.

When the computer is on, press the button briefly to

●

initiate Sleep.

When the computer is in the Sleep state, press the

●

button briefly to exit Sleep.

● When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button

briefly to exit Hibernation.

CAUTION: Pressing and holding down the power button

will result in the loss of unsaved information.

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

To learn more about your power settings, select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options, or see

Managing power on page 41.

Top 13

Keys

Component Description

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

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

(3)

(4) b key Enables or disables Beats Audio when pressed in

(5) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.

(6)

Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.

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

with the fn key.

in combination with the esc key or the b key.

combination with the fn key.

Beats Audio is an enhanced audio feature that provides a deep, controlled bass while maintaining a clear sound. Beats Audio is enabled by default.

Opens Beats Audio Control Panel, which allows you to view and control all audio settings. Beats Audio is an enhanced audio feature that provides a deep, controlled bass while maintaining a clear sound.

NOTE: You can also open the Beats Audio Control Panel

by selecting Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Beats Audio Control Panel.

14 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Component Description

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

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

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

NOTE: The keypad function that is active when the

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

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

Top 15

Bottom

Component Description

(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.

(2)

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

(4) Integrated subwoofer Provides superior bass sound.

(5)

Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay and opens the

service door.

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.

Hard drive bay, wireless compartment, and memory module compartment

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

CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace

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

16 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Labels

The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system problems or travel internationally with the computer. The labels are in easily accessible locations.

●

Serial number label—Provides important information, including the following:

Component

(1) Product name

(2) Serial number

(3) Product part number

(4) Warranty period

(5) Model description

Have this information available when you contact technical support. The serial number label is affixed inside the battery bay.

Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows Product Key. You may need the

●

Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity is located on the bottom of the computer.

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

●

affixed inside the battery bay.

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

●

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

Labels 17

3 Connecting to a network

Your computer can travel with you wherever you go. But even at home, you can explore the globe and access information from millions of websites using your computer and a wired or wireless network connection. This chapter will help you get connected to that world.

Connecting to a wireless network

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

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

●

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

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

enabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a PAN, each device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be relatively close together—typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.

For more information about wireless technology, see the information and website links provided in Help and Support.

Using the wireless controls

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

Wireless button, wireless switch, or wireless key (referred to in this chapter as the wireless

●

button)

HP Connection Manager software (select models only)

●

Operating system controls

●

18 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network

Using the wireless button

The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights, depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless light is on (white) when you turn on the computer.

The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual devices. If the wireless light is white, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is off, all wireless devices are off.

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

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 Connection Manager (select models only).

Using HP Connection Manager (select models only)

HP Connection Manager provides a central location for managing your wireless devices and an interface for sending and receiving SMS (text) messages. HP Connection Manager allows you to manage the following devices:

Wireless local area network (WLAN)/Wi-Fi

●

Bluetooth

●

HP Connection Manager provides information and notifications on connection status, power status, subscriber identity module (SIM) details, and SMS (text) messages. Status information and notifications are provided in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

To open HP Connection Manager, select Start > All Programs > HP Help and Support > HP Connection Manager.

For more details about using HP Connection Manager, see the HP Connection Manager software Help.

Using operating system controls

The Network and Sharing Center allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems.

To use operating system controls, select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

For more information, select Start > Help and Support.

Connecting to a wireless network 19

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

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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

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wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional pieces of hardware or software.

To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided through a service provider or a public or corporate network).

Using an Internet service provider

When you are setting up Internet access in your home, you must establish an account with an Internet service provider (ISP). To purchase Internet service and a modem, contact a local ISP. The ISP will help set up the modem, install a network cable to connect your wireless computer to the modem, and test the Internet service.

NOTE: Your ISP will give you a user ID and a password to use for Internet access. Record this

information and store it in a safe place.

20 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network

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