HP Compaq Presario SR2150NX, Compaq Presario SR2163WM, Compaq Presario SR2168HM, Compaq Presario SR2170NX, Compaq Presario SR2172NX Getting Started Guide

Getting Started

The only warranties for Hewlett-Packard products and services are set forth in the express 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.

HP assumes no responsibility for the use or reliability of its software on equipment that is not furnished by HP.

This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior written consent of HP.

Hewlett-Packard Company

P.O. Box 4010

Cupertino, CA 95015-4010

USA

Copyright © 2000–2006 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.

May be licensed in the United States by one or both of U.S. Patents Nos. 4,930,158 and 4,930,160 until August 28, 2008.

Microsoft and Windows Vista are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

The Windows logo and Windows Vista are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries/regions.

HP supports lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law.

The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

Table of Contents

Setting Up Your Computer........................................................................	1
Putting Your Computer Together ...............................................................................	1
Placing the computer in the proper location ..........................................................	1
Using surge protection .......................................................................................	2
Connecting to the computer ................................................................................	2
Connecting a Digital Camera (Photo or Video)...........................................................	4
Connecting Other Devices .......................................................................................	5
Storing Documentation and Recovery Discs................................................................	6
Adjusting the Monitor..............................................................................................	6
Setting Up a Local Area Network .............................................................................	6
Setting Up a Wired (Ethernet) Connection .................................................................	8
Integrated Wireless Devices.....................................................................................	8
Connecting the Wireless LAN Device........................................................................	9
Checking the wireless LAN device installation .....................................................	10
Using wireless security features .........................................................................	10
Connecting a Modem ...........................................................................................	11
Connecting Speakers or Microphone ......................................................	13
Using Speakers ....................................................................................................	13
Sound Connector Types ........................................................................................	14
Connecting a Microphone .....................................................................................	16
Speaker Configurations.........................................................................................	16
Speaker types .................................................................................................	17
Connecting 2/2.1 (Two Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers.........................	18
Connecting 4.1 (Four Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers ............................	19
Connecting 5.1 (Five Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers.............................	20
Connecting 7.1 (Seven Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers ..........................	22

Table of Contents

iii

Connecting the Computer to a Home Audio System ..................................................	24
Y adapter cables .............................................................................................	24
2.1 home stereo installation ..............................................................................	25
5.1 home audio installation ..............................................................................	26
5.1 home audio installation procedure...............................................................	26
7.1 home audio installation ..............................................................................	28
7.1 home audio installation procedure...............................................................	29
Connecting Digital Audio ......................................................................................	30
Connecting Headphones .......................................................................................	31
Using a 2.1 speaker system with headphones .....................................................	31
Using a 5.1 to 7.1 speaker system with headphones ...........................................	31
Connecting Speakers Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Sound Card .....................	32
Connecting the speakers ..................................................................................	32
Connecting the FlexiJack connector....................................................................	33
Getting Help ..........................................................................................	35
Finding Onscreen Guides......................................................................................	35
Finding Guides on the Web...................................................................................	35
Using the Onscreen Help and Support Center ..........................................................	36
Using the PC Help & Tools Folder ...........................................................................	36
Using HP Connections or Compaq Connections .......................................................	36
Getting messages ............................................................................................	37
Turning off messages .......................................................................................	37
Reactivating messages .....................................................................................	38
Turning On Your Computer for the First Time ..........................................	39
Using the Computer with Safety and Comfort...........................................................	39
Protecting Your Computer......................................................................................	40
Using passwords .............................................................................................	40
Using antivirus software....................................................................................	42
Using firewall software.....................................................................................	42
Installing critical security updates.......................................................................	43
Turning On Your Computer for the First Time............................................................	43
Turning Off Your Computer....................................................................................	44
Using Shut Down.............................................................................................	44
Using Lock ......................................................................................................	44
Using sleep mode............................................................................................	45
Using hibernate mode ......................................................................................	46
Automatic sleep, hibernate, or away mode.........................................................	46
Restarting the Computer ........................................................................................	47
Connecting to the Internet......................................................................................	47
Signing Up for Software Updates ...........................................................................	48

iv Getting Started

Setting Up User Accounts on Your New Computer....................................................	49
Creating passwords .........................................................................................	49
Guidelines for Installing Software and Hardware Devices..........................................	50
Transferring Files and Settings from Your Old Computer to Your New Computer ..........	51
Using HP Total Care Advisor Software ....................................................................	51
Using the Keyboard...............................................................................	53
Identifying Keyboard Features................................................................................	53
Alphanumeric keys ..........................................................................................	53
Function keys ..................................................................................................	54
Edit keys.........................................................................................................	54
Arrow keys .....................................................................................................	54
Numeric keys..................................................................................................	55
Keyboard indicators ........................................................................................	55
Special keyboard buttons .................................................................................	56
Identifying Special Keyboard Buttons ......................................................................	56
Customizing the keyboard buttons .....................................................................	59
Keyboard Shortcuts...............................................................................................	59
Using the Mouse ....................................................................................	61
Using the Mouse Buttons .......................................................................................	61
Scrolling.........................................................................................................	62
Autoscrolling...................................................................................................	62
Panning..........................................................................................................	62
Switching Mouse Button Functions ..........................................................................	63
Changing Mouse Pointer Speed .............................................................................	63
Introducing Your Computer Software .....................................................	65
Learning More About Software...............................................................................	65
Using the Desktop.................................................................................................	65
Removing desktop icons ...................................................................................	66
Retrieving desktop icons ...................................................................................	66
Using the Windows Start Button Menu ....................................................................	66
Using the All Programs menu ............................................................................	66
Organizing your All Programs list......................................................................	67
Using the Control Panel.........................................................................................	67
Resizing Windows................................................................................................	68
Working with Digital Images .................................................................................	68
About the Internet .................................................................................................	69
Using a Browser...................................................................................................	70
Searching the Internet ......................................................................................	70
Restricting Internet content.................................................................................	71

Table of Contents

v

Using Antivirus Software .......................................................................................	71
Configuring and registering Norton Internet Security software ...............................	72
Changing the virus scan time for your Norton Internet Security program .................	72
Sending and Receiving E-Mail................................................................................	73
Using Windows Mail .......................................................................................	73
Using the e-mail program provided by your ISP ...................................................	73
Software Quick Reference Table.............................................................................	74
Managing Files ......................................................................................	77
Organizing Files with Folders.................................................................................	77
Creating Folders...................................................................................................	78
Moving Files ........................................................................................................	78
Finding Files ........................................................................................................	79
Renaming Files.....................................................................................................	79
Deleting Files .......................................................................................................	80
Retrieving Files from the Recycle Bin .......................................................................	80
Copying Files.......................................................................................................	80
Using a Printer .....................................................................................................	81
Using CD and DVD Media Drives ............................................................	83
Using Your CD and DVD Drives .............................................................................	83
Handling CDs and DVDs ..................................................................................	83
Inserting and removing CDs and DVDs...............................................................	84
Compatibility Information ......................................................................................	85
Disc Features and Compatibility Table ....................................................................	86
Optical Drive Quick Reference Table ......................................................................	87
Using the Memory Card Reader .............................................................	89
Media Insertion Guide ..........................................................................................	90
Understanding the Activity Light .............................................................................	93
Formatting a Memory Card ...................................................................................	93
Troubleshooting the Memory Card Reader...............................................................	94
Using the HP Personal Media Drive and HP Pocket Media Drive .............	95
Connecting the Drive ............................................................................................	96
Inserting the Drive into an HP drive bay...................................................................	96
Connecting the Drive to a Computer Without a Drive Bay .........................................	97
Locating the Drive and Assigning a Drive Letter ........................................................	98
Using the Drive ....................................................................................................	99
Transferring files to another computer manually ...................................................	99
Disconnecting the Drive.......................................................................................	100
Troubleshooting the HP Media Drive .....................................................................	101

vi Getting Started

Playing CDs, DVDs, or VCDs .................................................................	103
Playing Music CDs .............................................................................................	103
Playing CDs with Windows Media Player..............................................................	103
Playing DVDs.....................................................................................................	104
Using country/region codes............................................................................	104
Playing DVDs with Windows Media Player............................................................	104
Playing Video CDs (VCDs)...................................................................................	105
Playing Video CDs (VCDs) with Windows Media Player..........................................	105
Creating Audio and Data Discs.............................................................	107
Erasing Rewritable Discs Before Recording ............................................................	108
Working with Audio CDs ....................................................................................	108
Audio CD tips ...............................................................................................	109
Before you begin creating discs.......................................................................	109
Creating audio CDs .......................................................................................	109
Creating jukebox discs ...................................................................................	110
Creating video discs ......................................................................................	110
Copying a disc .............................................................................................	111
Creating data discs........................................................................................	112
Creating photo (slide show) discs ....................................................................	112
Making a disc label using LightScribe ..............................................................	113
Making a paper disc label..............................................................................	114
Creating Movies by Using muvee autoProducer....................................	115
Basic Steps to Make a Movie...............................................................................	115
Using muvee autoProducer ..................................................................................	116
Getting started ..............................................................................................	116
Capturing video from a digital video camera ....................................................	118
Adding videos...............................................................................................	119
Adding pictures.............................................................................................	120
Adding music................................................................................................	121
Selecting the style ..........................................................................................	121
Changing the settings.....................................................................................	122
Adding an opening title and closing credits ......................................................	123
Making the movie..........................................................................................	123
Previewing the movie .....................................................................................	124
Modifying the movie ......................................................................................	124
Saving the movie project ................................................................................	125
Recording the movie project to disc .................................................................	126
Upgrading muvee autoProducer ...........................................................................	127
Index...................................................................................................	129

Table of Contents

vii

viii Getting Started

Setting Up Your Computer

WARNING: The power supply is preset for the country/region in which you purchased your computer. If you move, please check the voltage requirements before plugging your computer into an AC power outlet.

WARNING: Please read “Safety Information” in the Warranty and Support Guide before installing and connecting your computer to the electrical power system.

Putting Your Computer Together

Follow the steps on the setup poster to set up your computer. Read the topics in this section to learn more about the location of components and connectors on your computer, and to learn about some setup alternatives.

Look in the computer box for printed details or updates regarding your computer.

Placing the computer in the proper location

When setting up your new computer, place it where ventilation openings are unobstructed. Make sure all connections are secure and all cabling is out of the way. Do not place cables in walkways or where it can be stepped on or damaged from placing

furniture on it.

Setting Up Your Computer 1

Using surge protection

Help protect your monitor, computer, and accessories by connecting all power cords for your computer and peripheral devices (such as a monitor, printer, or scanner) to a surge protection device such as a power strip with surge protection or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Many surge protection devices have surge protection inputs and outputs for modem or telephone lines. Telephone lines are a common path for lightning spikes to get into your system. Some surge protection devices have surge protection for television cable connections as well. Use those if your computer has a television tuner installed.

Not all power strips provide surge protection; the power strip must be specifically labeled as having this capability. Use a power strip whose manufacturer offers a damage replacement policy that replaces your equipment if surge protection fails.

Connecting to the computer

Connect your main hardware devices, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, to the back of the computer. Other peripheral devices, such as a printer, scanner, or camera, also plug into connectors on the back of your computer. Some computers also have connectors on the front of the computer. The table shows some, but not all, connectors.

NOTE: The location, availability, and number of connectors on your computer may vary.

Connector	Icon/label	Description and function

Mouse (PS/2 connector)

Keyboard (PS/2 connector)

Universal Serial Bus (USB) for mouse, keyboard, digital cameras, or other devices with USB connectors

Printer (parallel)

2 Getting Started

Connector	Icon/label	Description and function (continued)

Monitor

Serial port for some digital cameras or other serial devices

Serial

Audio Line Out (powered speakers)

Audio Line In

Headphones

Microphone

FireWire® (IEEE 1394) for video cameras or other devices with very fast transfer rates

Digital audio in and digital audio out

Side speaker out

Setting Up Your Computer 3

Connector	Icon/label	Description and function (continued)

Rear speaker out

Center/subwoofer

Connecting a Digital Camera (Photo or Video)

The following instructions apply only to digital photo cameras and digital video cameras.

NOTE: When connecting an analog video camera to the computer, use the Video and Audio In connectors on the front or back of the computer.

Refer to the documentation that came with your digital photo camera or digital video camera.

To connect a digital photo camera or a digital video camera:

1Turn on the computer, and wait for Microsoft® Windows Vista™ operating system to start.

NOTE: If a Digital Video Device Auto Play window appears when you connect your camera, click Cancel.

2Connect the 6-pin video camera transfer cable into the camera and then into an open port on the front or back of the computer. Most digital video cameras use either the FireWire (IEEE 1394) port or the USB port.

3A Found New Hardware message appears. Wait 2 or 3 minutes for Windows Vista to make the necessary settings for the new device. When installation is complete, a message appears indicating the camera is ready to use.

4 Getting Started

If the computer does not recognize the digital photo camera or the digital video camera:

1Click the Windows Start Button® on the taskbar, and then click

Control Panel.

2Click System and Maintenance, and then click System.

3Click Device Manager.

4Click the plus sign (+) next to the camera port. If the name of the camera appears, the device is ready. If the name is not there, try the following:

Click Action, and then click Scan for hardware changes. Look in Device Manager for a new addition under the port.

Unplug the video camera transfer cable from the computer, and plug it into a different port. Look in Device Manager for a new addition under the port.

Connecting Other Devices

Other peripheral devices can be connected to the front or back of your computer by using USB or FireWire (IEEE 1394) ports. These peripheral devices include printers, scanners, video cameras, digital photo cameras, memory card readers, and PDAs (personal digital assistant) or handheld computers. Refer to the documentation that came with your device.

NOTE: Some peripheral devices are not included with the computer.

NOTE: You must use a 6-pin (not a 4-pin) FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable with the 6-pin

FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on your computer.

Setting Up Your Computer 5

Storing Documentation and Recovery Discs

Store all computer user manuals and warranty information in an easy-to-find, safe location. It is a good idea to store your system recovery discs with your documentation. This allows easy access to all important computer documents and files.

Adjusting the Monitor

To change the screen resolution:

1Right-click an empty area of the desktop, and then click Personalize.

2Click the Display Settings.

3If necessary, select the monitor, and then adjust the screen resolution.

4Click Apply.

5Click Yes, if it is present.

6Click OK.

NOTE: You can connect more than one display device (CRT monitor, flat panel monitor, TV, and so on) to the computer at a time (select models only). You can quickly change which device displays the computer desktop by pressing Alt+F5. Each time you press Alt+F5, the computer desktop appears on the next device. If pressing Alt+F5 does not work, restart the computer and try again.

Setting Up a Local Area Network

Your home local area network (LAN) may consist of a wired or a wireless network that you can use to connect your computer to other devices on the network, included other computers. The network components may include a hub or a switch, which can connect multiple devices to the network, or a router, which can connect computers or a broadband Internet connection to the network. This network connection also enables you to share data, and printers or other devices among your computers. The network connection to the Internet is usually through a dial-up or cable modem.

A wired network uses Ethernet cables to connect the devices on the network. For example, the Ethernet cable plugs into your computer network interface adapter and the router.

A wireless network uses radio waves to connect the devices on the network. For example, both your computer and the router have an antenna and adapter that use the same Wi-Fi industry standard: 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11a.

6 Getting Started

The preceding illustration shows a home LAN. The desktop computer has a wired connection to a wireless router. The desktop computer also has a printer that it shares with the other computers on the network. Each notebook computer has a wireless connection to the network router.

Setting Up Your Computer 7

Setting Up a Wired (Ethernet) Connection

The Ethernet connection, which may be called network interface adapter, Network Interface Card, or NIC, provides a high-speed or broadband connection to an Ethernet (10BaseT) or Fast Ethernet (100BaseT) network. After you connect this interface to a network, such as a LAN, you can connect to the Internet through the network.

1Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet connector (A) on the back of the computer, and to the network router or LAN device.

NOTE: Your computer may not come with an Ethernet connector.

AEthernet connector (RJ-45 port)

BEthernet indicator lights

2With the computer turned on, check the indicator lights (B) next to the Ethernet connector for the status:

ACTIVITY — Lit yellow during network data transfer activity

LINK — Lit green when there is a valid network connection

NOTE: Your Ethernet connector may have only one indicator light.

Integrated Wireless Devices

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

Wireless local area network (WLAN) devices connect the computer to wireless local area networks (commonly referred to as wireless networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and public areas such as airports and restaurants. In a WLAN, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless access point, which can be several hundred feet away.

Computers with WLAN devices may support one or more of the three IEEE physical layer industry standards: 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11a.

Bluetooth devices create a personal area network (PAN) to connect other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and cameras. In a PAN, each device communicates directly with the other devices, and the devices must be relatively close together — within 33 feet (10 meters) of each other.

8 Getting Started

Wireless wide area networks (WWAN) devices provide access to information anytime and anywhere you have cellular (data) coverage. In a WWAN, each mobile device communicates to a public carrier’s base station. Public carriers install networks of base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large geographic areas, effectively providing coverage across entire states, or even entire countries/regions.

For more information about wireless technology, go to:

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

Connecting the Wireless LAN Device

(Select models only)

You can connect the computer to an 802.11b or 802.11g wireless network by using the external antenna that was included with your system. This device enables you to establish a wireless network using your computer as a wireless access point, or you can use your computer as a wireless client (Station Mode) if you already have a wireless network running.

You need an existing wireless LAN with an Internet connection (consult your Internet Service Provider [ISP] for further information). An external antenna is supplied with your system; you must connect it to the 802.11 module to increase the range and sensitivity of the radio.

To connect the wireless LAN antenna:

1 Screw the wireless LAN antenna cable into the wireless LAN connector on the back of

the computer.

2 For the best wireless performance, place the antenna on the computer or in an elevated and open area.

NOTE: The appearance of your wireless antenna may vary.

Setting Up Your Computer 9

Checking the wireless LAN device installation

To set up your wireless network, verify that the integrated WLAN device is installed on your computer correctly.

1Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar.

2Type Device Manager into the Search box, and then click Device Manager to open the Device Manager window.

3Click Network adapters. Your WLAN device should be listed here. The WLAN device may include the term wireless, wireless LAN, or 802.11.

NOTE: If no WLAN device is listed, either your computer does not have an integrated WLAN device, or the driver for the device is not properly installed.

4Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar.

5Type Network and Sharing Center into the Search box, and then click Network and Sharing Center to open the Network and Sharing Center window.

6Click Add a device to the network and follow any onscreen instructions.

For more information about setting up a wireless network:

Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar, click Help and Support, and then type Setting up a wireless network into the Search Help box.

Go to: http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/wireless

Using wireless security features

When you set up a home WLAN or access an existing public WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access. The most common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access Personal (WPA-Personal) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP).

When setting up a network, you should use one or more of the following security measures:

Enable WPA-Personal or WEP security encryption on the router.

Change the default network name (SSID) and password.

Use a firewall.

Set security on your Web browser.

For more information about setting up wireless security features, go to: http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/wireless

10 Getting Started

Connecting a Modem

For information on connecting to the Internet, see “Connecting to the Internet” in this guide.

The modem is used for connecting to an ISP that provides a telephone dial-up connection to the Internet.

NOTE: Your computer may not come with a modem.

Before you can use telephone dial-up to connect to the Internet and send or receive e-mail and faxes, you must connect your telephone service line to the modem (A), which is on the back of the computer (B). The setup poster shows you how to plug a modem/telephone cable into the computer modem connector and into your telephone service line wall jack connector.

A Modem connector

B Back of computer

Setting Up Your Computer 11

12 Getting Started

Connecting Speakers or Microphone

NOTE: For cross-references, see “Configuring Speaker and Sound Options” in your product information on the HP Support Web site: go to http://www.hp.com/support

Using Speakers

Speakers are included with the monitor (select models only) or are sold separately. For details on connecting stereo speakers to the computer, see the setup poster.

NOTE: Speakers may be passive (no power button and no power cord) or active (power button or power cord). Your computer supports only active (powered) speaker systems; the speaker system must have its own power cord.

A stereo speaker set is a left-right, two-channel speaker system. A multichannel audio speaker system is a system with more than two channels, and it may include a subwoofer. For example, 5.1 channels, referred to as a six-speaker mode, uses two front speakers (left-right), two rear speakers (left-right), a center speaker, and a subwoofer.

If your computer has multichannel audio speaker capacity (select models only), you can connect four channels for four-speaker output or six channels for 5.1 speaker output.

Connect your speaker system to the computer and then configure the audio software for sound output.

Connecting Speakers or Microphone 13

Sound Connector Types

Your model may include one of three analog sound connector types on the back of your computer:

Three connectors

Six connectors

Sound card

The connectors are 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo mini-jacks that connect from the back of the computer to speakers and microphones.

Your system may also have a separate Digital Out connection (select models only).

Software configuration is different for each connector type, as noted in the instructions.

Sound Connector		Illustration	Type
Three	Your computer model may include		3
connectors	three sound connectors. You can
	connect up to a 5.1 audio system to the
	computer.
Six	Your computer model may include six		6
connectors	sound connectors on the back of your
	computer. You can connect up to a 7.1
	audio system to the computer.
Sound card	Your computer may include a sound	See the following	S
connector	card. You can connect up to a 5.1	illustration.
	audio system (7.1 audio system for
	select models) or digital speakers to the
	sound card on the computer.

NOTE:

Type 3 is three connectors.

Type 6 is six connectors.

Type S is sound card.

14 Getting Started

Use the sound connectors that match your computer model when installing cables, as shown in the installation procedure steps.

The following table shows the sound connectors on the back panel of computer systems.

Sound connector
Type 3 Type 6 Type S	Description
	Line Side (gray) for side speakers in an
	eight-speaker system (7.1).
A	Line C/Sub (gold) for center/subwoofer speakers in
	a multichannel audio configuration.
B	Line Rear (black) for rear speakers in a multichannel
	audio configuration.
C	Line Out (lime green) for front speakers.

									D		Mic (pink) connects to microphone.
											(Type 3 also functions as center/subwoofer Line Out
											when a multichannel audio configuration is
											activated.)
									E		Line In (light blue) connects to an analog audio
											device such as a CD player for input into computer.
											(Type 3 also functions as rear Line Out when a
											multichannel audio configuration is activated.)
									F		Digital Out (orange) connects to a digital audio
											device with digital input (such as a home audio
											receiver/amplifier) or digital speakers
											(select models only).

NOTE:

Type 3 is three connectors.

Type 6 is six connectors.

Type S is sound card.

Connecting Speakers or Microphone 15

Connecting a Microphone

Your computer comes with one microphone connector in the back of the computer. Some models have a second microphone connector in the front of the computer. Only one microphone connector works at a time, and the back connector is ready to use unless you have the multichannel audio speakers option. For computers with the multichannel audio speakers option, the microphone connector in the front of the computer, if present, is ready to use.

To use a microphone connected to the front of your computer (select models only), select the working microphone. See “Selecting a Microphone.”

HP computers support many different audio options, sound connections, and speaker configurations. You may set up your computer for two stereo speakers or for multichannel audio speaker systems. Connect your speaker system to the computer, and then configure the audio software for sound output. For more details about connecting stereo speakers to the computer, see the setup poster.

This chapter describes the most typical options. Your system may have different components.

Speakers are included with the monitor (select models only) or are sold separately.

NOTE: For additional information on connecting the speakers, refer to the setup poster that came with the computer and the documentation that came with your speakers.

Speaker Configurations

You may set up your computer for the following supported configurations:

Name	Speaker system	See
Headphones	None, muted.	“Using Headphones”
2 (stereo)	Left speaker, right speaker.	“Connecting 2/2.1 (Two Speakers and
		a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers”
2.1	Left speaker, right speaker,	“Connecting 2/2.1 (Two Speakers and
	and a subwoofer.	a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers”
4.1	Two front speakers, two	“Connecting 4.1 (Four Speakers and a
	rear speakers, and a	Subwoofer) Audio Speakers”
	subwoofer.
6/5.1	Two front speakers, two	“Connecting 5.1 (Five Speakers and a
	rear speakers, a center	Subwoofer) Audio Speakers”
	speaker, and a subwoofer.

16 Getting Started

Name	Speaker system	See (continued)
8/7.1	Two front speakers, two	“Connecting 7.1 (Seven Speakers and
	rear speakers, two side	a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers”
	speakers, a center
	speaker, and a subwoofer
	(select models only).

Home audio	Home stereo or home
system	theater audio system with
	passive speakers.

“Connecting the Computer to a Home Audio System”

Digital audio	Digital speakers or digital	“Connecting Digital Audio”
	input connector on audio
	system.
Multi-streaming	Two front speakers, two	“Configuring Multi-streaming Audio”
audio	rear speakers, two side
	speakers, a center
	speaker, and a subwoofer
	(select models only).

Speaker types

Speakers may be included with the monitor (select models only) or are sold separately. Refer to the product documentation for your speakers.

Your computer supports only an active (powered) speaker system. An active speaker system must have its own power cord. A home audio system does not require active speakers, because the receiver provides amplification.

A stereo speaker set is a left-right, two-channel speaker system. A multichannel audio speaker system has a left-right front and left-right rear channel, and it may include a subwoofer and a center speaker. Side speakers are included in more advanced systems. A subwoofer provides enhanced bass sounds.

“.1” indicates a subwoofer. For example, 7.1 channels refers to an eight-speaker mode and uses two front speakers (left-right), two side speakers (left-right), two rear speakers (left-right), a center speaker, and a subwoofer.

Connecting Speakers or Microphone 17

Connecting 2/2.1 (Two Speakers and a Subwoofer)

Audio Speakers

To connect simple left/right stereo active speakers or two speakers and a subwoofer for two-channel (2.1 speaker) output:

1Turn off the computer.

2Connect the speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector that matches the back of your computer.

3

6

S

NOTE:

Type 3 is three connectors.

Type 6 is six connectors.

Type S is sound card.

3Connect the cable to the audio system. For 2.1 speakers that were shipped with your computer (select models only), connect the Audio Line Out connector to the subwoofer.

4Connect the left and right speakers to the subwoofer. Refer to the speaker documentation.

5Turn on the computer.

NOTE: Always turn on the computer before you turn on the speaker system.

6Plug in the speaker system power.

7Turn on the speaker system.

Step 8 is optional for a two-speaker setup.

8After the speakers are connected to the computer, configure the audio software for sound output for your computer model. See “Connecting Speakers or Microphone.”

Type 3: See “Configuring Audio Output with Multichannel Sound Manager.”

Type 6: See “Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager.”

Sound card: See “Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card.”

The following diagram shows a typical 2.1 audio installation:

OUT

18 Getting Started

Connecting 4.1 (Four Speakers and a Subwoofer)

Audio Speakers

To connect two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer for four-channel (4.1 speaker) output:

1Turn off the computer.

2Connect the front speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector that matches the back of your computer.

3

6

S

NOTE:

Type 3 is three connectors.

Type 6 is six connectors.

Type S is sound card.

3Connect the rear speaker cable to the black connector that matches the back of your computer.

3

6

S

For type 3-connector systems, the blue Audio Line In connector functions as a Rear Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.

4Connect the cables to the audio system.

5Connect the front and rear speakers to the subwoofer. Refer to the speaker documentation.

6Turn on the computer.

NOTE: Always turn on the computer before you turn on the speaker system.

Connecting Speakers or Microphone 19

7Plug in the speaker system power.

8Turn on the speaker system.

9After the speakers are connected to the computer, configure the audio software for sound output for your computer model. See “Configuring Speaker and Sound Options.”

Type 3: See “Configuring Audio Output with Multichannel Sound Manager.”

Type 6: See “Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager.”

Sound card: See “Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card.”

The following diagram shows a typical 4.1 audio installation:

IN OUT

Connecting 5.1 (Five Speakers and a Subwoofer)

Audio Speakers

To connect two front speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer for six-channel (5.1 speaker) output:

1Turn off the computer.

2Connect the front speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector that matches the back of your computer.

3

6

S

NOTE:

Type 3 is three connectors.

Type 6 is six connectors.

Type S is sound card.

20 Getting Started

3Connect the rear speaker cable to the black connector that matches the back of your computer.

3

6

S

For type 3-connector systems, the blue Audio Line In connector functions as a Rear Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.

4Connect the center/subwoofer speaker cable to the gold (or pink Mic) connector that matches the back of your computer.

3

6

S

For type 3-connector systems, the pink Mic connector functions as a center/subwoofer speaker Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.

5Connect the cables to the audio system.

6Connect the front, rear, and center speakers to the subwoofer. Refer to the speaker documentation.

7Turn on the computer.

NOTE: Always turn on the computer before you turn on the speaker system.

8Plug in the speaker system power.

9Turn on the speaker system.

10After the speakers are connected to the computer, configure the audio software for sound output for your computer model. See “Configuring Speaker and Sound Options.”

Type 3: See “Configuring Audio Output with Multichannel Sound Manager.”

Type 6: See “Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager.”

Type 6 — multi-streaming: See “Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager.”

Sound card: See “Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card.”

Connecting Speakers or Microphone 21

The following diagram shows a typical 5.1 audio installation:

IN OUT

Connecting 7.1 (Seven Speakers and a Subwoofer)

Audio Speakers

(Select models only)

To connect two front speakers, two side speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer for eight-channel (7.1 speaker) output:

1Turn off the computer.

2Connect the front speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector on the back of your computer.

3Connect the rear speaker cable to the black connector on the back of your computer.

4For type 6 connectors only, connect the side speaker cable to the gray connector on the back of your computer.

5Connect the center speaker and subwoofer speaker cable to the gold connector on the back of your computer.

22 Getting Started