HP Pavilion 14-b015dx 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. 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: August 2012
Document Part Number: 697172-001
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 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 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).
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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
Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Left side ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Display .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Top ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 9
Lights ................................................................................................................................. 10
Buttons and speakers ........................................................................................................ 11
Keys ................................................................................................................................... 12
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 14
3 Connecting to a network .............................................................................................................................. 15
Connecting to a wireless network ....................................................................................................... 15
Identifying wireless and network status icons .................................................................... 15
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 15
Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 16
Using operating system controls ....................................................................... 16
Using a WLAN ................................................................................................................... 16
Using an Internet service provider .................................................................... 16
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................ 17
Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................ 17
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 18
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................... 18
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ..................................................... 19
v
Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 20
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ......................................................................... 20
4 Enjoying entertainment features ................................................................................................................. 21
Using the webcam .............................................................................................................................. 23
Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 23
Connecting headphones .................................................................................................... 23
Connecting a microphone .................................................................................................. 23
Checking the sound ........................................................................................................... 24
Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor ................................................................................... 25
Configuring audio settings (with HDMI TV) ....................................................... 26
5 Using the keyboard and pointing devices .................................................................................................. 27
Using the action keys ......................................................................................................................... 27
Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 29
Turning the TouchPad off or on ......................................................................................... 29
Navigating .......................................................................................................................... 30
Selecting ............................................................................................................................ 30
Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................................. 31
Two-finger scrolling ........................................................................................... 32
Edge scrolling .................................................................................................... 32
6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................ 33
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 33
Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 34
Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 34
Initiating and exiting Suspend ........................................................................... 34
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 35
Using the Power icon ......................................................................................................... 35
Using power settings ......................................................................................................... 35
Viewing the current power settings ................................................................... 35
Changing the current power settings ................................................................ 35
Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 36
Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 36
Removing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 37
Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 38
Maximizing battery life ....................................................................................................... 38
Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 38
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Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 39
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 39
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 39
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is available ... 39
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available .... 39
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 39
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 40
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 40
Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 40
Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 40
Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 41
Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................... 41
7 Managing and sharing information ............................................................................................................. 42
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 42
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 43
Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 43
Inserting and removing a digital storage card .................................................................................... 44
Using optical drives ............................................................................................................................ 46
Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................................... 47
Removing an optical disc ................................................................................................... 48
8 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 49
Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 49
Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 50
Cleaning the display, sides, and cover .............................................................................. 50
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard .............................................................................. 50
Traveling with or shipping your computer ........................................................................................... 51
9 Securing your computer and information .................................................................................................. 52
Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 52
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 52
Setting passwords in the operating system ....................................................................... 53
Setting passwords in Setup Utility ..................................................................................... 53
Managing an administrator password ............................................................... 54
Entering an administrator password .................................................................. 54
Managing a power-on password ....................................................................... 54
Entering a power-on password ......................................................................... 54
Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 55
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Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 55
Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 55
Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 56
Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 56
Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 56
10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics ............................................................................... 57
Starting Setup Utility ........................................................................................................................... 57
Using Setup Utility .............................................................................................................................. 57
Changing the language of Setup Utility ............................................................................. 57
Navigating and selecting in Setup Utility ............................................................................ 58
Displaying system information ........................................................................................... 58
Restoring factory default settings in Setup Utility .............................................................. 58
Exiting Setup Utility ............................................................................................................ 58
Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 59
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 59
Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 59
Using Advanced System Diagnostics ................................................................................................. 60
11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ..................................................................................................... 61
Performing a system recovery ............................................................................................................ 61
Creating the restore DVDs ................................................................................................. 61
Creating a restore image on a USB device ....................................................................... 62
Performing recovery using the restore DVD ...................................................................... 62
Backing up your information ............................................................................................................... 63
12 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 64
Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 64
Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 65
13 Troubleshooting and support .................................................................................................................... 66
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 67
Disc drive problems ........................................................................................................... 67
Wireless connection problems ........................................................................................... 68
Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................... 68
Audio problems .................................................................................................................. 68
Power management problems ........................................................................................... 69
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 69
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 69
viii
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is
available ........................................................................................... 69
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available .... 69
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 69
Troubleshooting an AC adapter ........................................................................ 70
Contacting support ............................................................................................................................. 71
14 Electrostatic Discharge .............................................................................................................................. 72
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 73
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1 Starting right

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

Best practices

To protect your smart investment, after you set up and register the computer, we recommend the following steps:
If you haven’t already done so, connect to a wired or wireless network. See details in
to a network on page 15.
Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. Go to
on page 4 and Enjoying entertainment features on page 21 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 61.
Using antivirus software on page 55.
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 and watch the video on TV? For more information, see
Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor on page 25.
You know you can download music to play on the computer. But did you know that you can also
stream live radio to the computer and listen to music or talk radio from all over the world? See
Using audio on page 23.
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
Ubuntu Desktop Guide
To access this guide, press the f1 key.
Safety & Comfort Guide
To access this guide, double-click the HP Documents icon located on the desktop, 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, double-click the HP Documents icon located on the desktop.
Limited Warranty*
To access the warranty, double-click the HP Documents icon located on the desktop, or go to
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments.
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.
Provides links and resources that allow you to
Chat online with an HP technician.
Email support.
Find worldwide support telephone numbers.
Locate HP service center locations.
Important regulatory notices, including proper battery disposal
information.
Specific warranty information about this computer.
*You can find the expressly provided HP Limited Warranty applicable to your product located with the user guides on your computer and/or on the CD/DVD provided in the box. In some countries/regions, HP may provide a printed HP Limited Warranty in the box. For countries/regions where the warranty is not provided in printed format, you may request a printed copy from
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
When you request a printed copy of your warranty, please include your product part 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:
Asia Pacific: Hewlett-Packard, POD, P.O. Box 200, Alexandra Post Office, Singapore 911507
http://www.hp.com/go/
More HP resources 3

2 Getting to know your computer

Finding your hardware and software information

To find out what hardware is installed in your computer:
1. Click the System menu icon at the far right of the top panel, and then click System Settings.
2. Select the Details icon from the System section.
The Overview displays all the devices installed in your computer.
To find out what software is included on your computer:
1. Click the Ubuntu Software Center button located on the left of the desktop launcher, then click
Installed at the top of window to display software categories.
2. Click a software category to display the installed software for that category.
4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Right side

Component Description
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Power light On: The computer is on.
Blinking: The computer is in the Suspend state.
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
Hard drive light
Digital Media Slot Supports the following digital card formats:
USB 3.0 ports (2) Connect optional USB 3.0 devices and provide enhanced
HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a
Blinking white: The hard drive is being accessed.
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card
Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDxC) Memory
Card
Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Card
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
USB power performance.
NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports, see
Using a USB device on page 42.
high-definition television, or any compatible digital or audio device.
(6) RJ-45 (network) jack lights
(7)
RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
White: The computer is connected to a network.
Blinking amber: Data is being transferred.
NOTE: When both lights are off the computer is not
connected to a network.
Right side 5
Component Description
(8) AC adapter light
(9)
Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
Amber: The computer is connected to external power
and the battery is charged from 0 to 90 percent.
White: The computer is connected to external power
and the battery is fully charged.
Blinking amber: A battery that is the only available
power source has reached a low battery level. When the battery reaches a critical battery level, the AC adapter light begins blinking rapidly.
Off: The computer does not have an AC power
source.
6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Left side

Component Description
(1) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
(2) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent,
but it may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.
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)
(4)
USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB 2.0 device.
NOTE: For details about different types of USB ports, see
Using a USB device on page 42.
Audio-out (headphone) jack/Audio-in (microphone) jack
Connects optional powered stereo speakers, headphones, earbuds, a headset, or television audio cable. Also connects an optional headset 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, see 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).
Left side 7

Display

Component Description
(1) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
(2) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
(3) HP TrueVision HD Webcam Records video, captures still photographs, and allows video
(4) Internal digital microphone Records sound.
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from obstructions. For wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region.
local area networks (WLANs).
conferences and online chat by means of streaming video.
8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Top

TouchPad

Component Description
(1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on or off.
(2) TouchPad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates items
(3) Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(4) Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
on the screen.
Top 9

Lights

Component Description
(1)
(2) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on, which switches the keys to all capital
(3)
(4)
Power light On: The computer is on.
Blinking: The computer is in the Suspend state.
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
letters.
Mute light
Wireless light
Amber: Computer sound is off.
Off: Computer sound is on.
White: An integrated wireless device, such as a
wireless local area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is on.
Amber: All wireless devices are off.
10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Buttons and speakers

Component Description
Power button When the computer is off, press the button to turn on
(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
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.
CAUTION: Pressing and holding down the power button
will result in the loss of unsaved information.
To learn more about your power settings, click the System
menu icon at the far right of the top panel, and then click System Settings > Power icon.
Top 11

Keys

Component Description
(1)
(2) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.
(3)
Operating system logo key Displays the operating system menu.
Operating system applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the cursor.
12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Bottom

Component Description
(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(2)
(3) Vents (3) Enable airflow to cool internal components.
(4)
Battery lock Unlocks the battery.
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.
Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.
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:
Component
(1) Product name
(2) Serial number
(3) Product part number
(4) Warranty period
(5) Model description (select models only)
Have this information available when you contact support. The service label is affixed to the bottom of your computer.
Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is
affixed to the bottom of your computer.
Wireless certification label or labels—Provide information about optional wireless devices and
the approval markings of some of the countries or regions in which the devices have been approved for use. If your computer model includes one or more wireless devices, one or more certification labels are included with your computer. You may need this information when traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed to the bottom of your computer.
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.

Identifying wireless and network status icons

Icon Name Description
Wireless (connected) Indicates that one or more wireless devices are on.
Network Connection (connected)
Network Connection (disconnected)
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.

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
Connecting to a wireless network 15
Using the wireless button
The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and a wireless light, 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 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. Individual wireless devices can be controlled by clicking on the Network menu icon at the far right of the top panel, and then clicking Edit Connections.
Using operating system controls
To enable or disable a wireless or wired network device:
1. Click the Network menu icon at the far right of the top panel.
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

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: When creating a wireless connection or allowing access to users in a network, you are
prompted for the root password.
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 computer to the modem, and test the Internet service.
NOTE: Your ISP will give you a user ID and a password to use for Internet access. Record this
information and store it in a safe place.
16 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network
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