HP ENVY m4-1002xx User Manual
User Guide
© Copyright 2012 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard
Company under license. Intel is a
trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S.
and other countries. 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: 692535-001
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 .................................................................................................................................... 2
More HP resources .............................................................................................................................. 3
2 Getting to know your computer ..................................................................................................................... 4
Finding your hardware and software information ................................................................................. 4
Locating hardware ............................................................................................................... 4
Locating software ................................................................................................................. 4
Front ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Left side ................................................................................................................................................ 6
Display .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Top ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 8
Lights ................................................................................................................................... 9
Button, speakers, and fingerprint reader ........................................................................... 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 ....................................................................... 16
Using a WLAN ................................................................................................................... 16
Using an Internet service provider .................................................................... 16
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................ 16
Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................ 17
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 17
v
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................... 18
Using Bluetooth wireless devices ...................................................................................... 18
Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 19
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ......................................................................... 19
4 Enjoying entertainment features ................................................................................................................. 20
Using the webcam .............................................................................................................................. 23
Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 23
Connecting headphones .................................................................................................... 23
Connecting a microphone (select models only) ................................................................. 23
Using Beats Audio ............................................................................................................. 23
Accessing Beats Audio Control Panel ............................................................... 23
Enabling and Disabling Beats Audio ................................................................. 24
Checking the sound ........................................................................................................... 24
Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 24
Connecting a VGA monitor or projector ............................................................................. 25
Connecting an HDMI device .............................................................................................. 26
Configuring audio settings (with HDMI TV) ....................................................... 27
Using Intel Wireless Display (select models only) ............................................................. 27
Managing your audio and video files ................................................................................. 27
5 Navigating using touch gestures, pointing devices and the keyboard ................................................... 28
Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 29
Using TouchPad gestures .................................................................................................................. 30
Tapping .............................................................................................................................. 30
Scrolling ............................................................................................................................. 31
Pinching/zooming .............................................................................................................. 31
Rotating (select models only) ............................................................................................ 32
2-finger click (select models only) ...................................................................................... 32
Flicking (select models only) .............................................................................................. 33
Edge swipes ...................................................................................................................... 33
Right-edge swipe .............................................................................................. 33
Top-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 34
Left-edge swipe ................................................................................................. 34
Using the keyboard and mouse .......................................................................................................... 35
Using the keys ................................................................................................................... 35
Using the action keys ........................................................................................ 35
Using Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys ......................................................... 36
Using the hot keys ............................................................................................. 37
vi
6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................ 38
Initiating Sleep and Hibernation ......................................................................................................... 39
Intel Rapid Start Technology (select models only) ............................................................ 39
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................................. 39
Enabling and exiting user-initiated Hibernation ................................................................. 40
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 40
Using the power meter and power settings ........................................................................................ 41
Selecting a power plan ....................................................................................................................... 42
Running on battery power .................................................................................................................. 43
Factory-sealed battery ....................................................................................................... 43
Removing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 43
Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 43
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 44
Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 44
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................................. 45
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ........................ 45
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available ..................... 45
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit Hibernation ....... 45
Storing a user-replaceable battery ..................................................................................... 45
Disposing of a user-replaceable battery ............................................................................ 45
Replacing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 45
Running on external AC power .......................................................................................................... 46
Troubleshooting power problems ...................................................................................... 47
HP CoolSense (select models only) ................................................................................................... 48
Refreshing your software content with Intel Smart Connect Technology (select models only) .......... 49
Shutting down (turning off) the computer ........................................................................................... 50
7 Managing and sharing information ............................................................................................................. 51
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 51
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 51
Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 52
Connecting a powered USB device ................................................................................... 52
Inserting and removing a digital storage card .................................................................................... 53
Using optical drives ............................................................................................................................ 54
Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................................... 55
Removing an optical disc ................................................................................................... 56
Sharing data and drives and accessing software .............................................................. 57
8 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 58
Improving performance ...................................................................................................................... 58
vii
Handling drives .................................................................................................................. 58
Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................... 59
Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only) .................................................................. 61
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 61
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 61
Adding or replacing memory modules ............................................................................... 62
Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 64
Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 65
Cleaning the display, sides, and cover .............................................................................. 65
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard .............................................................................. 65
Traveling with or shipping your computer ........................................................................................... 66
9 Securing your computer and information .................................................................................................. 67
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 67
Setting Windows passwords .............................................................................................. 68
Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................. 68
Using the fingerprint reader ................................................................................................................ 69
Using HP SimplePass (select models only) ....................................................................... 69
Registering fingerprints ..................................................................................... 69
Setting up Windows logon ................................................................................. 70
Using your registered fingerprint to log on to Windows ..................................... 70
Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 70
Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 70
Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 70
Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 71
Installing Windows updates ............................................................................................... 71
Installing HP and third-party software updates .................................................................. 71
Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 71
Backing up your software apps and information ................................................................................ 71
Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 72
10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics ............................................................................... 73
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 73
Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 73
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 73
Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 74
Using System Diagnostics .................................................................................................................. 75
11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ..................................................................................................... 76
Creating recovery media and backups ............................................................................................... 77
viii
Creating HP Recovery media ............................................................................................ 78
Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................................... 79
Using Windows Refresh for quick and easy recovery ....................................................... 80
Remove everything and reinstall Windows ........................................................................ 80
Recovering using HP Recovery Manager .......................................................................... 81
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 81
Using the HP Recovery partition to recover a minimized image (select
models only) ...................................................................................................... 82
Using HP Recovery media to recover ............................................................... 82
Changing the computer boot order ................................................................... 82
Removing the HP Recovery partition ................................................................................. 83
12 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 84
Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 84
Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 85
13 Electrostatic Discharge .............................................................................................................................. 86
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 87
ix
x
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 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 your new Windows®
●
features.
TIP: To quickly return to the computer Start screen from an open app or the Desktop, press the
Windows logo key
on your keyboard. Pressing the Windows logo key again will return you
to the previous screen.
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 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 76.
Using antivirus software on page 70.
Getting to know your computer
Connecting
Backing up,
Best practices 1
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 or gaming console? For more information, see
HDMI device on page 26.
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 23.
You know you can create a powerful presentation with Microsoft apps. But did you know you can
●
also connect to a projector to share your ideas with a group? See
on page 26.
Experience music the way the artist intended, with deep controlled base and clear, pure sound.
●
Using Beats Audio on page 23.
See
Use the TouchPad and the new Windows 8 touch gestures for smooth control of images and
●
pages of text. See
Connecting an
Using
Connecting an HDMI device
Using TouchPad gestures on page 30.
2 Chapter 1 Starting right
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
Windows 8 Basics guide ● Overview of using and navigating with Windows® 8.
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
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.
●
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 support.
Find support telephone numbers.
●
Locate HP service center locations.
●
Important regulatory notices.
●
Limited Warranty*
To access this guide, select the HP Support
Assistant app on the Start screen, select My
computer, and then select Warranty and services,
or go to
http://www.hp.com/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
●
● 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
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:
North America: Hewlett-Packard, MS POD, 11311 Chinden Blvd., Boise, ID 83714, USA
● 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 displays all the devices installed in your computer.
Locating software
Front
To find out what software is installed on your computer, from the Start screen, right-click using
▲
the mouse or swipe from the top of the TouchPad to display the Apps, and then select the All
apps icon.
Component Description
(1) 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)
4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
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 ● Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.
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
Initiating Sleep and Hibernation on page 39.
Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the
●
hard drive.
NOTE: For information about HP 3D DriveGuard,
see Using HP 3D DriveGuard (select models only)
on page 61.
(6)
(7)
(8)
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 51.
RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
Right side 5
Component Description
(9) AC adapter light
(10)
Left side
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.
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.
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)
External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a
high-definition television, or any compatible digital or audio
device.
6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Component Description
(4)
(5)
USB 3.0 ports Connect optional USB 3.0 devices and provide enhanced
Audio-out (headphone) jack/Audio-in
(microphone) jack
USB power performance.
CAUTION: While there are multiple USB ports on the
same side, only one USB port will be able to support a high
power device at a time.
NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports, see
Using a USB device on page 51.
Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones,
earbuds, a headset, or a television audio cable. Also
connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo
array microphone, or monaural microphone. The jack does
not support optional microphone-only devices.
WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust
the volume before using headphones, earbuds, or a
headset. For additional safety information, refer to the
Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices.
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).
Display
Component Description
(1) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
local area networks (WLANs).
Display 7
Component Description
(2) Internal display switch Turns off the display and initiates Sleep if the display is closed
(3) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.
(4) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
(5) HP TrueVision HD Webcam Records video, captures still photographs, and allows video
*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.
Top
TouchPad
while the power is on.
NOTE: The internal display switch is not visible from the
outside of the computer.
conferences and online chat by means of streaming video.
From the Start screen, type c, and then select CyberLink
YouCam.
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.
8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
On: The TouchPad is off.
●
● Off: The TouchPad is on.
on the screen.
NOTE: The TouchPad also supports edge-swipe
gestures. For more information, see
on page 33.
Edge swipes
Lights
Component Description
(1)
(2) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on, which switches the keys to all capital
(3)
(4)
(5) Fingerprint reader light
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.
●
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
Initiating Sleep and Hibernation on page 39.
letters.
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.
White: The fingerprint was read.
●
● Amber: The fingerprint was not read.
Top 9
Button, speakers, and fingerprint reader
Component Description
(1)
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.
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.
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
Hibernation on page 39.
To learn more about your power settings:
1. From the Start screen, type p.
2. In the search box, type power.
3. Select Settings, and then select Power options, or
Managing power on page 38.
see
Initiating Sleep and
(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
(3) Fingerprint reader Allows a fingerprint logon to Windows, instead of a
10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
password logon.
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 apps key Displays options for a selected object.
with the fn key.
in combination with the b key or the esc key.
Desktop.
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.
NOTE: To open Beats Audio Control Panel, from the
Start screen, type c, select Control Panel, select
Hardware and Sound, and then select Beats Audio
Control Panel.
NOTE: On select models, the f5 action key turns the
radiance backlight keyboard feature off or on.
Top 11
Bottom
Component Description
(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(2)
(3) HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer Provides superior bass sound.
(4) Vents (4) 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
Labels
(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
from the list of apps.
Hard drive bay and memory module
compartment
The service door provides access to the optical drive, hard
drive bay, 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 support through Help and Support. From the
Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support
from the list of apps.
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)
Labels 13
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 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 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 from the list of
apps.
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
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.
Connecting to a wireless network 15
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,
manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems.
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.
From the Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support from the list of apps.
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.
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)
●
16 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network
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.
●
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
Connecting to a WLAN
To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:
1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If the device is on, the wireless light is on. If the wireless
light is off, press the wireless button.
NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.
2. From the Desktop, tap or click the network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of
the taskbar.
3. Select your WLAN from the list.
4. Click Connect.
If the WLAN is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a security code. Type the
code, and then click OK to complete the connection.
NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you may be out of range of a wireless router or access point.
NOTE: If you do not see the WLAN you want to connect to, from the Desktop, right-click the
network status icon, and then select Open Network and Sharing Center. Click Set up a new
connection or network. A list of options is displayed, allowing you to manually search for and
connect to a network or to create a new network connection.
After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the network status icon in the notification
area, at the far right of the taskbar, to verify the name and status of the connection.
NOTE: The functional range (how far your wireless signals travel) depends on WLAN
implementation, router manufacturer, and interference from other electronic devices or structural
barriers such as walls and floors.
Using Bluetooth wireless devices
A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cable
connections that traditionally link electronic devices such as the following:
Computers (desktop, notebook, PDA)
●
Phones (cellular, cordless, smart phone)
●
Imaging devices (printer, camera)
●
● Audio devices (headset, speakers)
Mouse
●
Bluetooth devices provide peer-to-peer capability that allows you to set up a personal area network
(PAN) of Bluetooth devices. For information about configuring and using Bluetooth devices, see the
Bluetooth software Help.
18 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network
Connecting to a wired network
There are 2 kinds of wired connections: local area network (LAN) and modem connection. A LAN
connection uses a network cable and is much faster than a modem connection, which uses a
telephone cable. Both cables are sold separately.
WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not plug a
modem cable or telephone cable into an RJ-45 (network) jack.
Connecting to a local area network (LAN)
Use a LAN connection if you want to connect the computer directly to a router in your home (instead
of working wirelessly), or if you want to connect to an existing network at your office.
Connecting to a LAN requires an 8-pin, RJ-45 (network) cable.
To connect the network cable, follow these steps:
1. Plug the network cable into the network jack (1) on the computer.
2. Plug the other end of the network cable into a network wall jack (2) or router.
NOTE: If the network cable contains noise suppression circuitry (3), which prevents
interference from TV and radio reception, orient the circuitry end of the cable toward the
computer.
Connecting to a wired network 19
4 Enjoying entertainment features
Use your HP computer as an entertainment hub to socialize via the webcam, enjoy and manage your
music, and download and watch movies. Or, to make your computer an even more powerful
entertainment center, connect external devices like speakers, headphones, monitor, projector, TV,
and, on select models, high-definition devices.
Multimedia Features
Here are some of the entertainment features on your computer.
Component Description
(1) Internal microphones (2) Record sound.
(2) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
20 Chapter 4 Enjoying entertainment features
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