HP G56-122US User Manual
HP Notebook User Guide
© Copyright 2010 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard
Company under license.
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: August 2010
Document Part Number: 621596-001
Product notice
This guide describes features that are
common to most models. Some features
may not be available on your computer.
To obtain the latest information in this guide,
go to the HP website at
support.
http://www.hp.com/
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 for requesting
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 contact
the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer and the
AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International
Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
iii
iv Safety warning notice
Table of contents
1 Welcome
Finding information ............................................................................................................................... 1
2 Getting to know your computer
Top ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 4
Lights ................................................................................................................................... 4
Button and speakers ............................................................................................................ 6
Keys ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Left side ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Display ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Wireless antennas .............................................................................................................................. 11
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Additional hardware ............................................................................................................................ 13
3 Networking
Using an Internet service provider (ISP) ............................................................................................ 15
Identifying wireless and network status icons .................................................................................... 16
Creating a wireless connection .......................................................................................................... 16
Turning wireless devices on and off .................................................................................. 16
Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 16
Using the operating system controls ................................................................. 16
Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 16
Connecting to an existing WLAN ....................................................................................... 17
Setting up a new WLAN ..................................................................................................... 17
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 18
Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 18
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................... 19
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) .......................................................................................... 19
4 Pointing devices and keyboard
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 21
Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 23
v
Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 23
5 Multimedia
Using the media activity controls ........................................................................................................ 24
Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 25
Adjusting the volume ........................................................................................................ 26
Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 26
Webcam (select models only) ............................................................................................................ 26
Video .................................................................................................................................................. 27
VGA .................................................................................................................................. 27
6 Power management
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 28
Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 29
Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 29
Using the Power icon ......................................................................................................... 30
Using power management ................................................................................................. 30
Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 30
Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 31
Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 32
Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 33
Maximizing battery life ....................................................................................................... 34
Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 34
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 35
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 35
Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 36
Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 36
Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 36
Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................... 37
Initiating and exiting Suspend ........................................................................... 29
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 29
Viewing the current power management settings ............................................. 30
Changing the current power management settings .......................................... 30
Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 34
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 35
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 35
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is
available ........................................................................................... 35
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is
available ........................................................................................... 35
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 35
vi
7 Drives
Handling drives .................................................................................................................................. 38
Replacing or upgrading the hard drive ............................................................................................... 39
Using optical drives (select models only) .......................................................................................... 42
8 External devices
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 44
Using optional external devices .......................................................................................................... 46
9 Memory modules
Removing the hard drive .................................................................................................... 39
Installing the hard drive ...................................................................................................... 40
Identifying the installed optical drive ................................................................................. 42
Playing a CD ...................................................................................................................... 42
Removing a CD ................................................................................................................. 42
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 44
Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 46
Using optional external drives ............................................................................................ 46
10 Security
Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 51
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 51
Setting passwords in the operating system ....................................................................... 52
11 Backup and Recovery
Performing a system recovery ............................................................................................................ 54
Backing up your information ............................................................................................................... 55
12 Setup Utility (BIOS)
Starting Setup Utility ........................................................................................................................... 56
Using Setup Utility .............................................................................................................................. 56
Changing the language of Setup Utility ............................................................................. 56
Navigating and selecting in Setup Utility ............................................................................ 56
Displaying system information ........................................................................................... 57
Restoring factory default settings in Setup Utility .............................................................. 57
Exiting Setup Utility ............................................................................................................ 57
Appendix A Troubleshooting and support
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 58
The computer is unable to start up .................................................................................... 58
The computer screen is blank ............................................................................................ 58
Software is functioning abnormally .................................................................................... 59
vii
The computer is on but not responding ............................................................................. 59
The computer is unusually warm ....................................................................................... 59
An external device is not working ...................................................................................... 59
The wireless network connection is not working ................................................................ 60
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD ................................................... 60
The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................................. 61
A disc does not play ........................................................................................................... 61
A movie is not visible on an external display ..................................................................... 61
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion .................... 62
Contacting customer support ............................................................................................................. 62
Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 63
Appendix B Routine care
Cleaning the display ........................................................................................................................... 65
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 66
Appendix C Specifications
Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 67
Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 67
Appendix D Electrostatic discharge
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 70
viii
1Welcome
Finding information
●
After you set up and register the computer, take the following steps:
Connect to the Internet—Set up your wired or wireless network so that you can connect to the
●
Internet. For more information, refer to
Networking on page 14.
Get to know your computer—Learn about your computer features. Refer to
●
computer on page 3 and Pointing devices and keyboard on page 21 for additional information.
Find installed software—Access a list of the software preinstalled on the computer. Select
●
Computer > More Applications. The list of preinstalled software is displayed.
NOTE: For details about using the software included with the computer, select Computer >
Help. You can also refer to the software manufacturer's instructions, which may be provided with
the software or on the manufacturer's website.
Update programs and drivers—Update your programs and drivers with the latest versions on a
●
regular basis. When your computer is registered, it will automatically be updated with the latest
versions. When you register, you can choose to receive automatic notifications when updates
become available. The automatic notifications for operating system updates are available for 90
days. You can also go to
Finding information
The computer comes with several resources to help you perform various tasks.
Resources For information about
Quick Setup poster
Getting to know your
http://www.hp.com/support to download updates from HP.
How to set up the computer
●
How to identify computer components
●
Linux Help
To access the Linux Help, select Computer > Help.
Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices
To access the notices, select Computer > Help.
Computer software
●
Computer settings
●
Connecting to the Internet
●
Computer utilities
●
Regulatory and safety information
●
Battery disposal information
●
Finding information 1
Resources For information about
Safety & Comfort Guide
To access this guide:
Select Computer > Help.
– or –
Go to
http://www.hp.com/ergo.
Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet
This booklet is provided with your computer.
HP website
To access this website, go to
support.
Limited Warranty*
To access the warranty:
Select Computer > Help.
– or –
Go to
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments.
http://www.hp.com/
Proper workstation setup, posture, health, and work habits
●
Electrical and mechanical safety information
●
HP support telephone numbers
Support information
●
Ordering parts and finding additional help
●
Software, driver, and BIOS (Setup Utility) updates
●
Accessories available for the device
●
Warranty information
*You may find the expressly provided HP Limited Warranty applicable to your product located with the electronic guides on
your computer and/or on the CD/DVD provided in the box. Some countries/regions may provide a printed HP Limited Warranty
in the box. In countries/regions where the warranty is not provided in printed format, you may request a printed copy at
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:
North America: Hewlett-Packard, MS POD, 11311 Chinden Blvd, Boise, ID 83714, USA
●
Europe, Middle East, Africa: Hewlett-Packard, POD, Via G. Di Vittorio, 9, 20063, Cernusco s/Naviglio (MI), Italy
●
Asia Pacific: Hewlett-Packard, POD, P.O. Box 200, Alexandra Post Office, Singapore 911507
●
Please include your product number, warranty period (found on your serial number label), name, and postal address.
2 Chapter 1 Welcome
2 Getting to know your computer
Top
●
Right side
●
Left side
●
Display
●
Wireless antennas
●
Bottom
●
Additional hardware
●
3
Top
TouchPad
Component Description
(1) TouchPad light To turn the TouchPad on and off, quickly double-tap the TouchPad
light.
Lights
Off: TouchPad is on.
●
Amber: TouchPad is off.
●
(2) TouchPad zone Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.
(3) Left TouchPad button Press the left side of the TouchPad button to execute functions
performed by the left button on an external mouse.
(4) Right TouchPad button Press the right side of the TouchPad button to execute functions
performed by the right button on an external mouse.
There is an unmarked scroll zone inside the right edge of the TouchPad. To scroll up and down using
the TouchPad vertical scroll zone, slide your finger up or down inside the right edge of the TouchPad.
For more information about TouchPad features, refer to
Using the TouchPad on page 23.
NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Component Description
(1) TouchPad light
(2) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.
(3) Power light
(4) Wireless light
Off: TouchPad is on.
●
Amber: TouchPad is off.
●
On: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in the Suspend state.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
●
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.
●
Top 5
Button and speakers
NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
Component Description
(1) Speaker grill Two integrated speakers produce sound.
(2) Power button
When the computer is off, press the button to turn on the
●
computer.
When the computer is on, press the button briefly to initiate
●
Suspend.
When the computer is in the Suspend state, press the button
●
briefly to exit Suspend.
When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button briefly
●
to exit Hibernation.
If the computer has stopped responding and operating system
shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold the power
button for at least 5 seconds to turn off the computer.
To learn more about your power settings, select Computer >
Control Center > System > Power Management.
6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Keys
NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
Component Description
(1) Send e-mail key Opens a new e-mail in your default e-mail client.
(2) Media application key Launches your default media player.
(3) Web browser key Launches your default web browser.
(4) Print key Sends the currently-active document to the default printer.
(5) Calculator key Launches the calculator application.
(6) Start menu key Displays the Linux Start menu.
(7) Application key Displays a shortcut menu for items where the cursor is positioned.
(8) Action keys Execute frequently-used system actions.
Refer to Using the keyboard on page 21 for information about using action keys.
Top 7
Right side
NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
Component Description
(1) Optical drive (select models only) Reads and writes to an optical disc.
(2) Optical drive light (select models only) Blinking: The optical drive is being accessed.
(3) USB port Connects an optional USB device.
(4) AC adapter light
(5) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
(6) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
Blinking white: The computer is in the Suspend state.
●
White: The computer is connected to external power.
●
Amber: The computer is charging.
●
Off: The computer is not connected to external power.
●
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but
it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.
8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Left side
NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
Component Description
(1) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(2) 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.
(3) RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
(4) USB ports (2) Connect an optional USB device.
(5) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array
(6) Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo
(7) Drive light On: The hard drive is in use.
microphone, or monaural microphone.
speakers, headphones, earbuds, a headset, or television audio.
WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the
volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For
additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety, and
Environmental Notices.
NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the
computer speakers are disabled.
Left side 9
Display
Component Description
(1) Internal microphone (select models only) Records sound.
(2) Webcam (select models only) Records video and captures still photographs.
(3) Webcam light (select models only) On: The webcam is in use.
10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Wireless antennas
Your computer model has two antennas that send and receive signals from one or more wireless
devices. These antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer.
NOTE: For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas (shown in the
previous illustration) free from obstructions.
To see wireless regulatory notices, refer to the section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental
Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help.
Wireless antennas 11
Bottom
Component Description
(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(2) Vents (4) Enable 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.
(3) Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.
(4) Memory module compartment Contains the two memory module slots.
(5) Hard drive bay Holds the hard drive.
12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Additional hardware
Component Description
(1) Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.
(2) AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.
(3) Battery* Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged into
external power.
*Batteries and power cords vary in appearance by region and country.
Additional hardware 13
3Networking
Using an Internet service provider (ISP)
●
Identifying wireless and network status icons
●
Creating a wireless connection
●
Using a WLAN
●
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only)
●
Connecting to a local area network (LAN)
●
Your computer may support one or both of the following types of Internet access:
Wireless—For mobile Internet access, you can use a wireless connection. Refer to
●
an existing WLAN on page 17 or Setting up a new WLAN on page 17.
Wired—You can access the Internet by connecting to a wired network. For information on
●
connecting to a wired network, refer to
NOTE: Internet hardware and software features vary depending on computer model and your location.
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) on page 19.
Connecting to
14 Chapter 3 Networking
Using an Internet service provider (ISP)
Before you can connect to the Internet, you must establish an ISP account. Contact a local ISP to
purchase Internet service and a modem. The ISP can help set up the modem, install a network cable
to connect your wireless computer to the modem, and test the Internet service.
NOTE: Your ISP will give you a user ID and password to access the Internet. Record this information
and store it in a safe place.
Using an Internet service provider (ISP) 15
Identifying wireless and network status icons
Icon Name Description
Wireless (connected) Indicates that one or more wireless devices are on.
Network Connection icon
status (connected)
Network Connection icon
status (disconnected)
Creating a wireless connection
Your computer is equipped with a wireless local area network (WLAN) device.
Turning wireless devices on and off
Using the wireless button
Use the wireless button to turn both the wireless network controller and the Bluetooth controller off or
on simultaneously. They can be controlled individually through Control Center or Setup Utility.
NOTE: Refer to Getting to know your computer on page 3 for information on identifying the location
of the wireless button on your computer.
Using the operating system controls
To enable or disable a wireless and/or wired network device:
Indicates that the wired network is connected and active. If both
wired and wireless connections are active, the operating system
uses the wired connection because it is faster.
Indicates that wired and wireless networks are not connected.
1. Right-click the Network Connection icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
2. To enable or disable one of the following devices, select or clear one of the following options:
Enable Networking (all network devices)
●
Enable Wireless
●
Using a WLAN
A wireless connection connects the computer to Wi-Fi networks, or WLANs. A WLAN is composed of
other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.
16 Chapter 3 Networking
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