HP (Hewlett-Packard) E2S18UAABA User Manual

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: June 2013

Document Part Number: 729868-001

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 ..................................................................................................................... 4

Finding your hardware and software information ................................................................................. 4

Locating hardware ............................................................................................................... 4

Locating software ................................................................................................................. 4

Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 5

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

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

Top ....................................................................................................................................................... 8

TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 8

Lights ................................................................................................................................... 9

Buttons and speakers ........................................................................................................ 10

Keys ................................................................................................................................... 11

Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 12

Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 13

3 Connecting to a network .............................................................................................................................. 15

Connecting to a wireless network ....................................................................................................... 15

Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 15

Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 15

Using operating system controls ....................................................................... 15

Sharing data and drives and accessing software .............................................................. 16

Using a WLAN ................................................................................................................... 16

Using an Internet service provider .................................................................... 17

Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................ 17

Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................ 17

Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 18

Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................... 18

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ..................................................... 19

Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 19

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ......................................................................... 19

4 Enjoying entertainment features ................................................................................................................. 20

Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 20

Using the webcam .............................................................................................................................. 21

Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 21

Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 21

Connecting headphones .................................................................................................... 22

Connecting a microphone .................................................................................................. 22

Checking the sound ........................................................................................................... 22

Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 22

Connecting a VGA monitor or projector ............................................................................. 23

Connecting an HDMI device .............................................................................................. 24

Configuring HDMI audio settings ...................................................................... 24

Managing your audio and video files (select models only) ................................................................. 25

5 Navigating using touch gestures, pointing devices and the keyboard ................................................... 26

Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 26

Using TouchPad gestures .................................................................................................................. 26

Tapping .............................................................................................................................. 27

Scrolling ............................................................................................................................. 27

Pinching/zooming .............................................................................................................. 28

Rotating (select models only) ............................................................................................ 28

2-finger click (select models only) ...................................................................................... 29

Flicking (select models only) .............................................................................................. 29

Edge swipes ...................................................................................................................... 30

Right-edge swipe .............................................................................................. 30

Top-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 30

Left-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 31

Using touch screen gestures (select models only) ............................................................................. 32

One-finger slide ................................................................................................................. 32

Tapping .............................................................................................................................. 33

Scrolling ............................................................................................................................. 33

Pinching/stretching ............................................................................................................ 34

Rotating (select models only) ............................................................................................ 34

Edge swipes ...................................................................................................................... 35

Right-edge swipe .............................................................................................. 35

Left-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 35

Top-edge swipe and bottom-edge swipe .......................................................... 36

Using the keyboard and mouse .......................................................................................................... 36

Using the keys ................................................................................................................... 36

Using the action keys ........................................................................................ 37

Using Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys ......................................................... 38

Using the hot keys ............................................................................................. 38

6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................ 39

Initiating Sleep and Hibernation ......................................................................................................... 39

Manually initiating and exiting Sleep .................................................................................. 39

Manually initiating and exiting Hibernation (select models only) ....................................... 40

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 40

Using the power meter and power settings ........................................................................................ 40

Running on battery power .................................................................................................................. 40

Removing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 41

Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 41

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 42

Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 42

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................................. 42

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ........................ 42

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available ..................... 42

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation ....... 43

Storing a user-replaceable battery ..................................................................................... 43

Disposing of a user-replaceable battery ............................................................................ 43

Replacing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 43

Running on external AC power .......................................................................................................... 43

Troubleshooting power problems ...................................................................................... 44

HP CoolSense (select models only) ................................................................................................... 44

Shutting down (turning off) the computer ........................................................................................... 45

7 Managing and sharing information ............................................................................................................. 46

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 46

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 46

Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 47

Inserting and removing a memory card .............................................................................................. 47

8 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 49

Improving performance ...................................................................................................................... 49

Handling drives .................................................................................................................. 49

Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................... 49

Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) .................................................................. 52

Identifying HP 3D DriveGuard status ................................................................ 52

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 53

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 53

Adding or replacing memory modules ............................................................................... 53

vii

Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 56

Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 56

Cleaning procedures .......................................................................................................... 57

Cleaning the display (All-in-Ones or Notebooks) .............................................. 57

Cleaning the sides or cover ............................................................................... 57

Cleaning the TouchPad, keyboard, or mouse ................................................... 57

Traveling with or shipping your computer ........................................................................................... 58

9 Securing your computer and information .................................................................................................. 59

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 59

Setting Windows passwords .............................................................................................. 60

Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................. 60

Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 60

Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 61

Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 61

Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 61

Installing critical security updates ...................................................................................... 61

Installing HP and third-party software updates .................................................................. 61

Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 62

Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 62

Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 62

10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) .................................................... 63

Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 63

Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 63

Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 63

Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 64

Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) ...................................................................................... 64

Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device ............................... 65

11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ..................................................................................................... 66

Creating recovery media and backups ............................................................................................... 66

Creating HP Recovery media ............................................................................................ 67

Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................................... 68

Using Windows Refresh for quick and easy recovery ....................................................... 69

Remove everything and reinstall Windows ........................................................................ 69

Recovering using HP Recovery Manager .......................................................................... 70

What you need to know ..................................................................................... 70

Using the HP Recovery partition (select models only) ...................................... 70

Using HP Recovery media to recover ............................................................... 71

viii

Changing the computer boot order ................................................................... 71

Removing the HP Recovery partition ................................................................................. 72

12 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 73

Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 73

Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 73

13 Electrostatic Discharge .............................................................................................................................. 74

Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 75

1 Starting right

This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. Read this chapter to learn about best practices after you set up your computer, fun things to do with your computer, and where to find additional HP resources.

Best practices

To get the most out of your smart investment, after you set up and register the computer, we recommend the following steps:

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

●

to a network on page 15.

Take a minute to browse the printed Windows 8 Basics guide to explore the new Windows® 8

●

features.

Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. For more information, see Getting to

●

know your computer on page 4 and Enjoying entertainment features on page 20 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 66.

Fun things to do

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

●

also connect your computer to a TV or gaming console? For more information, see

an HDMI device on page 24.

● You know that 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

Using audio on page 21.

● You know that 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

VGA monitor or projector on page 23.

Connecting

Using antivirus software on page 61.

Backing up,

Connecting

Connecting a

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

●

pages of text. See

(select models only) on page 32.

Using TouchPad gestures on page 26 and Using touch screen gestures

Best practices 1

More HP resources

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

Resource Contents

Setup Instructions

Windows 8 Basics guide

Help and Support

To access Help and Support, from the Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support. For U.S. support, go to worldwide support, go to

country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.

Safety & Comfort Guide

To access this guide:

1. From the Start screen, type support, and then

select the HP Support Assistant app.

2. Select My computer, and then select User

guides.

– or –

Go to

Worldwide support

To get support in your language, go to

http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/ wwcontact_us.html.

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

http://welcome.hp.com/

http://www.hp.com/ergo.

Overview of computer setup and features

●

Overview of using Windows® 8

●

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

Proper workstation setup

●

Guidelines for posture and work habits that increase your

●

comfort and decrease your risk of injury

● Electrical and mechanical safety information

● Online chat with an HP technician

Email support

●

Support telephone numbers

●

● HP service center locations

Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices

To access this guide:

1. From the Start screen, type support, and then

select the HP Support Assistant app.

2. Select My computer, and then select User

guides.

Important regulatory notices, including proper battery disposal

●

information

2 Chapter 1 Starting right

Resource Contents

Limited Warranty*

To access this guide:

1. From the Start screen, type support, and then

select the HP Support Assistant app.

2. Select My computer, and then select Warranty

and services.

– or –

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

Go to

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

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

●

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

IMPORTANT: Do NOT return your HP product to the addresses above. For U.S. support, go to

contactHP. For worldwide support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.

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

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

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

Specific warranty information about this computer

●

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

More HP resources 3

2 Getting to know your computer

Finding your hardware and software information

Locating hardware

To find out what hardware is installed on your computer:

1. From the Start screen, type c, and then select Control Panel.

2. Select System and Security, and then in the System area, click Device Manager.

A list reveals all the devices installed on your computer.

Locating software

To find out what software is installed on your computer:

1. From the Start screen, right-click using the mouse.

– or –

Swipe from the top of the TouchPad to reveal the apps.

2. Select the All apps icon.

4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Right side

Component Description

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Audio-out (headphone) jack/Audio-in (microphone) jack

USB 3.0 ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.

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

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

Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones, earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable. Also connects an optional headset microphone. This jack does not support optional microphone-only devices.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust

the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices. To access this guide, from the Start screen, type support, select the HP Support Assistant app, select My computer, and then select User guides.

NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the

computer speakers are disabled.

NOTE: Be sure that the device cable has a 4-conductor

connector that supports both audio-out (headphone) and audio-in (microphone).

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

Using a USB device on page 46

definition television, any compatible digital or audio component, or a high-speed HDMI device.

(5) AC adapter light ● White: The AC adapter is connected and the battery is

(6)

Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

charged.

Amber: The AC adapter is connected and the battery

●

is charging.

● Off: The computer is using battery power.

Right side 5

Left side

Component Description

(1)

(2)

(3) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.

(4)

(5)

(6)

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

NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a

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

External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool

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

USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB device.

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

Using a USB device on page 46.

Memory card reader Reads data from and writes data to memory cards such as

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

Secure Digital (SD) memory cards.

Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the

●

hard drive.

NOTE: For information about HP 3D DriveGuard,

Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only)

see

on page 52.

(7)

Power light ● On: The computer is on.

6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power-

●

saving state. The computer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components.

● Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation

is a power-saving state that uses the least amount of power.

Display

Component Description

(1) Internal display switch Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed

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

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

(4) HP TrueVision HD Webcam Records video, captures still photographs, and provides access

(5) Internal microphone Records sound.

*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from obstructions. For wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. To access this guide, from the Start screen, type support, select the HP Support Assistant app, select My computer, and then select User guides.

while the power is on.

NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the

outside of the computer.

local area networks (WLANs).

to video conferences and online chat by means of streaming video.

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

Display 7

Top

TouchPad

Component Description

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

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

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

on the screen.

NOTE: The TouchPad also supports edge-swipe

gestures. For more information, see

on page 30.

Edge swipes

8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Lights

Component Description

(1)

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

(3)

(4)

Power light

Mute light ● Amber: Computer sound is off.

Wireless light On: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local

On: The computer is on.

●

Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power-

●

saving state. The computer shuts off power to the display and other unneeded components.

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation. Hibernation

●

is a power-saving state that uses the least amount of power.

letters.

Off: Computer sound is on.

●

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

NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when

all wireless devices are off.

Top 9

Buttons and speakers

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 down for at least 5 seconds to turn off the computer.

To learn more about your power settings, see your power options. From the Start screen, type power, select Settings, and then select Power Options from the list of applications.

10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Keys

Component Description

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

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

(3)

(4) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.

Windows key Returns you to the Start screen from an open app or the

with the fn key.

in combination with the esc key.

Windows desktop.

NOTE: Pressing the Windows key again will return you to

the previous screen.

Top 11

Bottom

Component Description

(1)

(2)

(3) Battery bay Holds the battery.

(4)

Service door Provides access to the hard drive bay, the wireless

LAN (WLAN) module slot, and the memory module slot.

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 support through Help and Support. From the Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support.

Battery lock latch Locks the battery into the battery bay.

Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.

12 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.

IMPORTANT: All labels described in this section will be located in one of 3 places depending on

your computer model: Affixed to the bottom of the computer, located in the battery bay, or under the service door.

For help finding these locations, refer to Getting to know your computer on page 4.

●

Service label—Provides important information to identify your computer. When contacting support, you will probably be asked for the serial number, and possibly for the product number or the model number. Locate these numbers before you contact support.

NOTE: Your service labels will resemble one of the examples shown below. Refer to the

illustration that most closely matches the service label on your computer.

Component

(1) Product name (select models only)

(2) Serial number

(3) Product number

(4) Warranty period

(5) Model number (select models only)

Component

(1) Serial number

(2) Product number

(3) Warranty period

Labels 13

Component

(4) Model number (select models only)

(5) Revision number

Regulatory label(s)—Provide(s) regulatory information about the computer.

●

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

●

approval markings for the countries or regions in which the devices have been approved for use.

14 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

3 Connecting to a network

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

Connecting to a wireless network

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

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

●

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

Bluetooth device (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.

For more information about wireless technology, see the information and website links provided in Help and Support. From the Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support.

Using the wireless controls

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

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

●

button) (select models only)

Operating system controls

●

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.

Using operating system controls

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

Connecting to a wireless network 15

To use operating system controls:

1. From the Start screen, type n, and then select Settings.

2. Type network and sharing in the search box, and then select Network and Sharing

Center.

For more information, from the Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support.

Sharing data and drives and accessing software

When your computer is part of a network, you are not limited to using only the information that is stored in your computer. Network computers can exchange software and data with each other.

NOTE: When a disc like a DVD movie or game is copy-protected, it cannot be shared.

To share folders or libraries on the same network:

1. From the Windows desktop, open File Explorer.

2. Click the Share menu on the Libraries window, and then click Specific people.

3. Type a name in the File Sharing box, and then click Add.

4. Click Share and then follow the on-screen instructions.

To share information from your Local Disk:

1. From the Windows desktop, open File Explorer.

2. Click Local Disk (C:) on the Libraries window.

3. Click the Share tab, and then click Advanced sharing.

4. On the Local Disk (C:) Properties window, select Advanced Sharing.

5. Check Share this folder.

To share drives on the same network:

1. From the Windows desktop, right-click the network status icon in the notification area, at the far

right of the taskbar.

2. Select Open Network and Sharing Center.

3. Under View your active networks, select an active network.

4. Select Change advanced sharing settings to set sharing options for privacy, network

discovery, file and printer sharing or other network options.

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.

16 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network

NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably.

● A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points

that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical network functions.

A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and

●

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

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

Using an Internet service provider

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

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

information and store it in a safe place.

Setting up a WLAN

To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment:

A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from

●

an Internet service provider

A wireless router (2) (purchased separately)

●

A wireless computer (3)

●

NOTE: Some modems have a built-in wireless router. Check with your ISP to determine what type

of modem you have.

The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the Internet.

As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to access the Internet.

For help in setting up your WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.

Configuring a wireless router

For help in setting up a WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.

Connecting to a wireless network 17

+ 60 hidden pages

HP (Hewlett-Packard) E2S18UAABA User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

1 Starting right

Best practices

Fun things to do

More HP resources

2 Getting to know your computer

Finding your hardware and software information

Locating hardware

Locating software

Right side

Left side

Display

TouchPad

Lights

Buttons and speakers

Keys

Bottom

Labels

3 Connecting to a network

Connecting to a wireless network

Using the wireless controls

Using the wireless button

Using operating system controls

Sharing data and drives and accessing software

Using a WLAN

Using an Internet service provider

Setting up a WLAN

Configuring a wireless router