HP Envy C2U46AV, Envy B5W50UARABA 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: September 2012

Document Part Number: 692947-001

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

Locating hardware ............................................................................................................... 3

Locating software ................................................................................................................. 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using an Internet service provider .................................................................... 16

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

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

Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 17

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

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ..................................................... 18

Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 18

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

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

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

Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 22

Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 22

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

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

Using Beats Audio ............................................................................................................. 22

Accessing Beats Audio Control Panel ............................................................... 22

Enabling and disabling Beats Audio .................................................................. 22

Checking the sound ........................................................................................................... 23

Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 23

Connecting a VGA monitor or projector ............................................................................. 24

Connecting an HDMI device .............................................................................................. 25

Configuring HDMI audio settings ...................................................................... 25

Using Intel Wireless Display and Wireless Music (select models only) ............................. 26

Managing your audio and video files .................................................................................................. 26

5 Navigating using touch gestures, pointing devices, and the keyboard .................................................. 27

Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 27

Turning the TouchPad off or on .......................................................................................................... 27

Using TouchPad gestures .................................................................................................................. 28

Tapping .............................................................................................................................. 29

Scrolling ............................................................................................................................. 29

Pinching/Zooming .............................................................................................................. 30

Rotating ............................................................................................................................. 30

Flicking ............................................................................................................................... 31

Edge swipes ...................................................................................................................... 31

Right-edge swipe .............................................................................................. 31

Top-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 32

Left-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 32

Using the keyboard and mouse .......................................................................................................... 33

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

Using Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys ......................................................................... 34

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

6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................ 36

Initiating Sleep and Hibernation ......................................................................................................... 36

Intel Rapid Start Technology (select models only) ............................................................ 36

Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................................. 37

Enabling and exiting user-initiated hibernation .................................................................. 37

Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 37

Using the power meter and power settings ........................................................................................ 38

Selecting a power plan ....................................................................................................................... 38

Running on battery power .................................................................................................................. 38

Removing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 39

Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 39

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 39

Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 40

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................................. 40

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ........................ 40

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available ..................... 40

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation ....... 40

Storing a user-replaceable battery ..................................................................................... 40

Disposing of a user-replaceable battery ............................................................................ 40

Replacing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 41

Running on external AC power .......................................................................................................... 41

Troubleshooting power problems ...................................................................................... 41

HP CoolSense .................................................................................................................................... 42

Shutting down (turning off) the computer ........................................................................................... 42

7 Managing and sharing information ............................................................................................................. 44

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 44

Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 45

Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 45

Connecting a powered USB device ................................................................................... 45

Inserting and removing a digital storage card .................................................................................... 46

Using optical drives ............................................................................................................................ 46

Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................................... 48

Removing an optical disc ................................................................................................... 49

Sharing data and drives and accessing software .............................................................. 49

8 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 51

Improving performance ...................................................................................................................... 51

Handling drives .................................................................................................................. 51

Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................... 51

Using HP 3D DriveGuard ................................................................................................... 53

Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 54

Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 54

Adding or replacing memory modules ............................................................................... 54

Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 57

Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 58

vii

Cleaning the display, sides, and cover .............................................................................. 58

Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard .............................................................................. 58

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

9 Securing your computer and information .................................................................................................. 60

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 60

Setting Windows passwords .............................................................................................. 61

Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................. 61

Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 61

Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 62

Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 62

Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 62

Installing Windows updates ............................................................................................... 62

Installing HP and third-party software updates .................................................................. 63

Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 63

Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 63

Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 63

10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics ............................................................................... 64

Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 64

Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 64

Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 64

Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 65

Using System Diagnostics .................................................................................................................. 66

11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ..................................................................................................... 67

Creating recovery media and backups ............................................................................................... 67

Creating HP Recovery media ............................................................................................ 68

Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................................... 69

Using Windows Refresh for quick and easy recovery ....................................................... 70

Remove everything and reinstall Windows ........................................................................ 70

Recovering using HP Recovery Manager .......................................................................... 71

What you need to know ..................................................................................... 71

Using the HP Recovery partition to recover a minimized image (select

models only) ...................................................................................................... 71

Using HP Recovery media to recover ............................................................... 72

Changing the computer boot order ................................................................... 72

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

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

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

Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 74

13 Electrostatic Discharge .............................................................................................................................. 75

Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 76

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 setup, fun things to do with your computer, and where to get more 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:

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

●

features.

TIP: To quickly return to the computer Start screen from an open app or the Windows desktop,

press the Windows logo key

return you to the previous screen.

on your keyboard. Pressing the Windows logo key again will

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

●

to a network on page 15.

Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. Go to

●

on page 3 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 67.

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 Connecting an HDMI device.

● 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 Using audio.

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 24.

Experience music the way the artist intended, with deep controlled base and clear, pure sound.

●

See Using Beats Audio.

Connecting

Getting to know your computer

Using antivirus software on page 62.

Backing up,

Connecting a VGA

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

●

pages of text. See Using touch gestures.

Best practices 1

More HP resources

You have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. To locate 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, select the HP Support Assistant app on the Start screen, select My computer, and then select User guides, or go to

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

Worldwide support web page

To get support in your language, go to

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

Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices

To access this guide, select the HP Support Assistant app on the Start screen, select My computer, and then select User guides.

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

http://welcome.hp.com/

Overview of computer setup and features.

●

Overview of using and navigating with 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.

●

Find support telephone numbers.

●

● Locate HP service center locations.

Important regulatory notices, including proper battery disposal

●

information.

Limited Warranty*

To access this guide, select the HP Support

Assistant app, select My computer, and then select Warranty and services, or go to

go/orderdocuments.

*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

http://www.hp.com/

Specific warranty information about this computer.

●

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

2 Chapter 1 Starting right

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 displays all the devices installed in your computer.

Locating software

To find out what software is included on your computer, from the Start screen, right-click using

▲

the mouse to display the apps, and select the All apps icon.

Front

Component Description

Digital Media Slot Supports the following digital card formats:

Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card

●

Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card

●

Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDxC) Memory Card

●

● MultiMediaCard (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

Hard drive light

Green: The optical drive is being accessed.

●

Off: The optical drive is idle.

●

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

Rapid Start Technology (select models only) on page 36.

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,

see

Using HP 3D DriveGuard on page 53.

Intel

(6)

(7)

(8)

USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB device.

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

Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports,

Using a USB device on page 44.

see

Component Description

(9) AC adapter light

(10) 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)

External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

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

USB 3.0 ports (2) Connect optional USB 3.0 devices and provide enhanced

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

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

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

USB power performance.

NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports,

see

Using a USB device on page 44.

stereo array microphone, or monaural microphone.

headphones, 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

Display

Component Description

(1) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.

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

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

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

*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, select the HP Support Assistant app on the Start screen, select My computer, and then select User guides.

video conference and chat online using streaming video.

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

local area networks (WLANs).

Display 7

Top

TouchPad

Component Description

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

(2) TouchPad light ● On: The TouchPad is off.

Off: The TouchPad is on.

●

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

on the screen.

NOTE: The TouchPad also supports edge-swipe

gestures. For more information, see

on page 31.

(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.

Edge swipes

8 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

Rapid Start Technology (select models only) on page 36.

Mute light ● Amber: Computer sound is off.

Off: Computer sound is on.

●

Wireless light

White: An integrated wireless device, such as a

●

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

● Amber: All wireless devices are off.

letters.

Intel

(5) TouchPad light

Amber: The TouchPad is off.

●

Off: The TouchPad is on.

●

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 in the Sleep state, press the

●

button briefly to exit Sleep.

When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button

●

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

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

on page 36.

To learn more about your power settings:

1. From the Start screen, type power.

2. Select Settings, and then select Power Options, or

Managing power on page 36.

see

Managing power

10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

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

Windows applications key Displays options for a selected object.

with the fn key.

in combination with the esc key or the b key.

Desktop.

NOTE: Pressing the Windows logo key again will return

you to the previous screen.

combination with the fn key.

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. Beats audio is enabled by default.

NOTE: You can also open the Beats Audio Control Panel

from the Start screen: type c, select Control Panel, select Hardware and Sound and then Beats Audio Control Panel.

Top 11

Bottom

Component Description

(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.

(2)

(3) Integrated subwoofer Provides superior bass sound.

(4) Vents (5) Enable airflow to cool internal components.

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.

12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Component Description

(5)

(6)

Wireless module compartment Holds the wireless local area network (WLAN) device.

CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace

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

Hard drive bay and memory module compartment

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

Bottom 13

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.

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

NOTE: Your label may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.

Component

(1) Product name

(2) Serial number

(3) Product number

(4) Warranty period

(5) Model description (select models only)

Have this information available when you contact support. The service label is located inside the battery bay.

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

●

located inside the battery bay.

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

approval markings of some of the countries or regions in which the devices have been approved for use. 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. The wireless certification label is located inside the battery bay.

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—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)

Operating system controls

●

Using the wireless button

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

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

Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless 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, manage wireless networks, 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.

Using a WLAN

With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.

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

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

●

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

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

●

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

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

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.

16 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network

Setting up a WLAN

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

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

an Internet service provider

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.

NOTE: It is recommended that you initially connect your new wireless computer to the router by

using the network cable provided with the router. When the computer successfully connects to the Internet, disconnect the cable, and access the Internet through your wireless network.

Protecting your WLAN

When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access. WLANs in public areas (hotspots) like coffee shops and airports may not provide any security. If you are concerned about the security of your computer when connected to a hotspot, limit your network activities to email that is not confidential and basic Internet surfing.

Wireless radio signals travel outside the network, so other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals. Take the following precautions to protect your WLAN:

● Use a firewall.

A firewall checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network, and discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in both software and hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.

Use wireless encryption.

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Wireless encryption uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data that is transmitted over the network. For more information, from the Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support.

Connecting to a wireless network 17

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