HP PAVILION A6716 GETTING, PAVILION A6761 GETTING, PAVILION A6744 GETTING, PAVILION A6756 GETTING, COMPAQ PRESARIO CQ5012 User Manual

...

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

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision, and is intended for home and other limited pay-per-view viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

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.

Setting Up the Computer ..........................................................................1

Putting the Computer Together .................................................................................1

Placing the computer in the proper location ..........................................................1

Using surge protection .......................................................................................1

Connecting to the computer ................................................................................ 2

Connecting a Digital Camera (Photo or Video)...........................................................8

Connecting Other Devices .....................................................................................10

Storing Documentation and Recovery Discs..............................................................10

Adjusting the Monitor............................................................................................11

Adjusting the screen resolution by using Vista .....................................................11

Adjusting the screen resolution by using the NVIDIA Control Panel ........................11

Setting Up a Local Area Network ........................................................................... 12

Setting Up a Wired (Ethernet) Connection ...............................................................13

Integrated Wireless Devices...................................................................................14

Connecting the Wireless LAN Device......................................................................14

Checking the wireless LAN device installation .....................................................15

Using wireless security features .........................................................................16

Connecting a Modem ...........................................................................................16

Connecting Speakers or Microphone ......................................................17

Sound Connector Types ........................................................................................17

Connecting a Microphone.....................................................................................20

Table of Contents iii

Speaker Configurations.........................................................................................21

Speaker types .................................................................................................22

Connecting 2/2.1 (Two speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers......................22

Connecting 4.1 (Four speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers .........................23

Connecting 5.1 (Five speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers..........................25

Connecting 7.1 (Seven speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers .......................26

Connecting your home stereo system (optional) ................................................... 28

2.1 home stereo installation..............................................................................29

5.1 home audio installation ..............................................................................30

5.1 home audio installation procedure...............................................................31

7.1 home audio installation ..............................................................................32

7.1 home audio installation procedure...............................................................33

Connecting digital audio ..................................................................................34

Connecting Headphones ....................................................................................... 35

Using a 2.1 speaker system with headphones..................................................... 35

Using a 5.1 to 7.1 speaker system with headphones ...........................................35

Connecting Speakers Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Sound Card..................... 36

Connecting the speakers ..................................................................................36

Connecting the FlexiJack connector.................................................................... 37

Getting Help ..........................................................................................39

Finding Onscreen Guides......................................................................................39

Finding Guides on the Web...................................................................................39

Using the Onscreen Help and Support Center.......................................................... 40

Using the PC Help & Tools Folder...........................................................................40

Using the hardware diagnostic tools .................................................................. 40

Using HP Total Care Advisor Software ....................................................................41

Turning On the Computer for the First Time ............................................43

Turning Off the Computer ...................................................................................... 44

Using Shut Down.............................................................................................44

Using Lock......................................................................................................45

Using Sleep mode ...........................................................................................45

Using Hibernate mode .....................................................................................46

Automatic Sleep, Hibernate, or Away mode .......................................................46

Restarting the Computer ........................................................................................47

Connecting to the Internet......................................................................................47

Using the Computer with Safety and Comfort...........................................................48

Setting Up User Accounts ......................................................................................49

iv Getting Started (features vary by model)

Protecting the Computer ........................................................................................50

Using passwords .............................................................................................50

Using antivirus software....................................................................................52

Using firewall software.....................................................................................52

Configuring the computer for automatic Microsoft software updates.......................53

Installing critical security updates.......................................................................54

Guidelines for Installing Software and Hardware Devices..........................................54

Transferring Files and Settings from an Old Computer to a New Computer.................. 55

Using the Keyboard...............................................................................57

Identifying Keyboard Features................................................................................57

Alphanumeric keys ..........................................................................................57

Function keys .................................................................................................. 58

Edit keys.........................................................................................................58

Arrow keys .....................................................................................................58

Numeric keys..................................................................................................59

Keyboard indicators ........................................................................................59

Special keyboard buttons .................................................................................60

Identifying Special Keyboard Buttons ......................................................................60

Customizing the keyboard buttons .....................................................................62

Keyboard Shortcuts...............................................................................................63

Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Troubleshooting.......................................................64

Synchronizing a wireless mouse and keyboard ................................................... 64

Using the Mouse ....................................................................................67

Using the Mouse Buttons .......................................................................................68

Scrolling.........................................................................................................68

Autoscrolling...................................................................................................69

Panning..........................................................................................................69

Changing Mouse Settings......................................................................................69

Switching mouse button functions.......................................................................69

Changing mouse pointer speed.........................................................................70

Changing the double-click speed.......................................................................70

Turning on the ClickLock option.........................................................................70

Changing the scroll wheel speed....................................................................... 71

Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Troubleshooting.......................................................71

Table of Contents v

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options ...............................................73

Adjusting speaker volume.................................................................................74

Selecting a microphone....................................................................................75

Configuring audio output..................................................................................75

Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi or X-Fi Fatality audio card............................76

Configuring the FlexiJack connector ...................................................................77

Sound Blaster X-Fi configuration modes .............................................................. 77

Configuring speakers with Realtek HD Audio Manager ........................................78

The Realtek HD Audio Manager control screens ..................................................79

Configuring sound for recording with the Realtek HD Audio Manager....................81

Retasking front panel audio connectors ..............................................................82

Configuring multistreaming audio ......................................................................83

When to use multistreaming audio.....................................................................84

Setting up multistreaming audio......................................................................... 84

Configuring audio for Windows Media Center ...................................................85

Selecting recording devices ..............................................................................86

Resolving sound issues .....................................................................................86

Using the Windows Media Center Remote Control ..................................87

Remote Control Buttons Overview...........................................................................88

Teletext access buttons .....................................................................................90

About the Remote Control......................................................................................91

Troubleshooting the Remote Control........................................................................92

Remote sensor is not receiving a signal from the remote control.............................92

Introducing Your Computer Software .....................................................93

Learning More About Software...............................................................................93

Using the Desktop.................................................................................................93

Removing desktop icons ...................................................................................94

Retrieving desktop icons ...................................................................................94

Removing files permanently...............................................................................94

Using the Windows Start Button Menu .................................................................... 94

Using the All Programs menu ............................................................................94

Organizing the All Programs list........................................................................95

Using the Control Panel.........................................................................................95

Resizing Windows................................................................................................96

Working with Digital Images .................................................................................96

About the Internet .................................................................................................97

Using a Browser...................................................................................................98

Searching the Internet ......................................................................................98

Restricting Internet content.................................................................................99

vi Getting Started (features vary by model)

Using the Norton Internet Security Antivirus Software ..............................................100

Configuring and registering Norton Internet Security software ............................. 100

Manually running a scan ................................................................................ 100

Setting a Full System Scan time .......................................................................101

Setting up a Custom Scan time........................................................................ 101

Sending and Receiving E-Mail..............................................................................102

Using Windows Mail .....................................................................................102

Using the e-mail program provided by your ISP................................................. 102

Software Quick Reference Table...........................................................................103

Managing Files ....................................................................................107

Organizing Files with Folders...............................................................................107

Creating Folders.................................................................................................108

Moving Files ......................................................................................................108

Finding Files ......................................................................................................109

Renaming Files...................................................................................................110

Deleting Files ..................................................................................................... 110

Retrieving Files from the Recycle Bin .....................................................................110

Copying Files..................................................................................................... 111

Using a Printer ...................................................................................................111

Using CD and DVD Media Drives ..........................................................113

Using the CD and DVD Drives.............................................................................. 113

Handling CDs and DVDs ................................................................................114

Inserting and removing CDs and DVDs............................................................. 114

Compatibility Information ....................................................................................115

Disc Features and Compatibility Table ..................................................................116

Optical Drive Quick Reference Table ....................................................................117

Using Blu-ray and HD Disc Drives.........................................................................118

Using the Memory Card Reader ...........................................................119

Media Insertion Guide ........................................................................................ 120

Understanding the Activity Light ...........................................................................123

Formatting a Memory Card .................................................................................123

Troubleshooting the Memory Card Reader............................................................. 124

Using the HP Personal Media Drive and HP Pocket Media Drive ...........125

Connecting the Drive ..........................................................................................126

Inserting the Drive into an HP Drive Bay ................................................................ 127

Connecting the Drive to a Computer Without a Drive Bay .......................................128

Locating the Drive and Assigning a Drive Letter ......................................................129

Using the Drive ..................................................................................................130

Transferring files to another computer manually.................................................130

Disconnecting the Drive.......................................................................................130

Troubleshooting the HP Media Drive..................................................................... 131

Table of Contents vii

Playing CDs, DVDs, or VCDs .................................................................133

Using Music.......................................................................................................133

Using Music with Windows Media Center.............................................................134

Using the music library........................................................................................135

Adding music to the music library .................................................................... 135

Adding music files from the hard disk drive....................................................... 135

Adding music files from a CD..........................................................................136

Deleting music files from the music library.........................................................137

Using supported music file types......................................................................137

Playing Music Files in Windows Media Center.......................................................138

Changing the visualization settings ..................................................................139

Playing an album in Windows Media Center....................................................140

Playing a song in Windows Media Center .......................................................140

Creating a Queue in Windows Media Center........................................................ 141

Finding and Playing an Album in Windows Media Center ......................................141

Using album details .......................................................................................141

Using Search in Windows Media Center...............................................................142

Searching for music tracks and files .................................................................142

Creating a Playlist in Windows Media Center........................................................ 143

Copying Music Files to CD in Windows Media Center............................................ 144

Listening to Online Radio Stations......................................................................... 146

Playing Music CDs .............................................................................................146

Playing CDs with Windows Media Player..............................................................147

Playing DVDs.....................................................................................................147

Using Windows Media Center to play DVDs.....................................................148

Troubleshooting poor playback when playing DVDs ..........................................148

Using country/region codes............................................................................ 149

Playing DVD Movies in Windows Media Center ....................................................149

Changing the DVD Settings..................................................................................150

Changing the DVD movie language.................................................................150

Changing DVD remote control options .............................................................151

Changing DVD closed captioning....................................................................152

Changing DVD Audio Settings ............................................................................. 152

Playing DVDs with Windows Media Player............................................................ 153

Using DVD Play to Play DVDs, Videos, High-Definition DVDs, and Blu-ray DVDs......... 153

Playing Video CDs (VCDs)...................................................................................155

Playing video CDs (VCDs) with Windows Media Player ..................................... 155

Using Windows Media Center ..............................................................157

Setting Up Windows Media Center ...................................................................... 158

Completing the setup wizard...........................................................................158

Windows Media Center Start Menu......................................................................160

Windows Media Center Start menu items ......................................................... 160

viii Getting Started (features vary by model)

Windows Media Center Features ......................................................................... 161

The right music for the moment........................................................................ 162

Playing Internet radio ..................................................................................... 162

Sharing your digital memories.........................................................................162

Transforming your living space into a theater ....................................................163

Online media................................................................................................163

Navigating Windows Media Center..................................................................... 163

Opening Windows Media Center with a mouse................................................163

Opening Windows Media Center with the Windows Media Center

remote control............................................................................................... 164

Using the Windows Media Center menu bars ...................................................164

Selecting items in Windows Media Center........................................................165

Windows Media Center control menu..............................................................166

Changing Windows Media Center Settings ...........................................................166

Windows Media Center Settings categories...................................................... 167

Using Windows Media Center power settings...................................................168

Creating Audio and Data Discs.............................................................169

Erasing Rewritable Discs Before Recording ............................................................ 170

Working with Audio CDs ....................................................................................170

Audio CD tips ...............................................................................................171

Before you begin creating discs.......................................................................172

Creating audio CDs.......................................................................................172

Creating video discs ...................................................................................... 173

Copying a disc .............................................................................................174

Creating data discs........................................................................................175

Making a disc label using LightScribe Technology .............................................175

Making a paper disc label..............................................................................177

Working with Pictures and Videos .......................................................179

Working with Digital Images ...............................................................................179

Viewing Pictures in Windows Media Center ..........................................................180

Adding Pictures in Windows Media Center ...........................................................180

Adding picture files from the hard disk drive .....................................................180

Viewing Pictures in Windows Media Center ..........................................................181

Viewing pictures as a slide show ..................................................................... 182

Viewing a slide show with music .....................................................................182

Using supported picture file types in Windows Media Center..............................183

Editing Pictures in Windows Media Center ............................................................184

Fixing red eye or contrast ...............................................................................184

Cropping pictures in Windows Media Center ................................................... 184

Rotating pictures............................................................................................185

Printing Pictures in Windows Media Center ........................................................... 186

Copying Pictures to CDs and DVDs in Windows Media Center ................................186

Table of Contents ix

Playing Videos in Windows Media Center ............................................................187

Playing digital videos.....................................................................................187

Using supported video file types...................................................................... 188

Transferring and Recording Video Files .................................................................188

Recording analog and digital video files ..........................................................188

Creating a DVD from Video Files in Windows Media Center ...................................189

Creating Movies by Using muvee autoProducer....................................191

Basic steps for making a movie .......................................................................191

Using muvee autoProducer ..................................................................................193

Getting started ..............................................................................................193

Capturing video from a digital video camera.................................................... 195

Adding videos...............................................................................................196

Adding pictures.............................................................................................198

Adding music................................................................................................ 199

Selecting the style ..........................................................................................199

Changing the settings.....................................................................................200

Making the movie.......................................................................................... 201

Previewing the movie .....................................................................................202

Modifying the movie ......................................................................................202

Saving the movie project ................................................................................204

Recording the movie project to disc .................................................................205

Upgrading muvee autoProducer ......................................................................206

Supported muvee autoProducer output file types ................................................206

Index...................................................................................................207

x Getting Started (features vary by model)

Setting Up the 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 for your new location before plugging the computer into an AC power outlet.

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

Putting the Computer Together

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

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

Placing the computer in the proper location

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

Using surge protection

Help protect the monitor, computer, and accessories by connecting all power cords for the 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 the system. Some surge protection devices have surge protection for television cable connections as well. Use those if the computer has a television tuner installed.

Setting Up the Computer 1

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 the equipment if surge protection fails.

Connecting to the computer

Connect the 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 the computer. Some computers also have connectors on the front of the computer. The following table shows some, but not all, connectors:

NOTE:

Connector Icon/Label Description and function

The location, availability, and number of connectors on the computer may vary.

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 (features vary by model)

Serial

Serial port for some digital cameras or other serial devices.

Connector Icon/Label Description and function (continued)

Audio Line Out (powered speakers).

Audio Line In.

Headphones.

Microphone.

S-Video 2

FireWire

(IEEE 1394) for video cameras or other

devices with very fast transfer rates.

NOTE: You must use a 6-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394) transfer cable with this 6-pin connector.

Digital audio in and digital audio out.

Side speaker out.

Rear speaker out.

Center/Subwoofer.

Secondary S-video connector to connect a VCR, video camera, or other analog source to the computer.

Setting Up the Computer 3

Connector Icon/Label Description and function (continued)

Secondary Composite video connector (yellow) to

Composite

Video 2

connect to a VCR, video camera, or other analog source to the computer.

Secondary Left audio input connector (white).

A/V In

Audio 2

A/V In

Audio 2

NOTE: This Audio In connector is connected to the TV tuner. You must use the Audio In connector, which is connected to the motherboard and located on the back of the computer, to record audio only (select models only).

Secondary Right audio input connector (red).

Headphones Out connector (green) to connect to headphones.

Microphone In connector (pink) to connect to a microphone.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 connector to connect to a mouse, keyboard, digital camera, or another device with a USB connector.

4 Getting Started (features vary by model)

Power connector.

Mouse connector to connect a mouse.

Keyboard connector to connect a keyboard.

Connector Icon/Label Description and function (continued)

Printer (parallel) connector to connect a parallel printer (select models only).

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 connector to connect a mouse, keyboard, digital camera, or another device with a USB connector.

Ethernet LAN connector is a network interface adapter (also called a network interface card, or NIC) that connects to an Ethernet (10BaseT) or Fast Ethernet (100BaseT) network hub.

ETHERNET

Connect this adapter on the computer with your local area network (LAN) hub or any broadband connection.

The green LED indicates a valid connection.

Microphone In (Mic) (pink) to connect to a microphone (also functions as a center/subwoofer Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated).

Center

Rear

Side

S-Video

Audio Line Out (green) to connect front speakers.

Audio Line In (blue) connector to connect to an analog audio device such as a CD player for input into computer (also functions as rear Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated).

Line C/Sub (gold) connector to connect Center/Subwoofer speakers in a multichannel audio configuration.

Line Rear (black) connector to connect rear speakers in a multichannel audio configuration.

Line Side (gray) connector to connect side speakers in an eight-speaker system (7.1).

S-video In connector to connect from a set-top box output connector.

Setting Up the Computer 5

Connector Icon/Label Description and function (continued)

Composite

Video

A/V In

Audio 1

A/V In

Audio 1

TV/Cable Ant

ATSC

Composite Video In connector (yellow) to connect to a TV set-top box.

Primary left audio input from set-top box connector (white).

NOTE: Audio can be recorded by using this Audio In connector, which is connected to the motherboard. Some computers include this primary left audio input connector on the front of the computer (select models only).

Primary right audio input from set-top box connector (red).

NOTE: Audio can be recorded by using this Audio In connector, which is connected to the motherboard. Some computers include this primary right audio input connector on the front of the computer (select models only).

TV In (TV antenna or cable input from wall outlet with no set-top box).

TV In connector for TV cable or antenna, which receives ATSC channels (Advanced Television System Committee), which are over-the-air digital transmission channels.

6 Getting Started (features vary by model)

CATV

NTSC

FM Ant

TV In connector for TV cable or antenna, which receives CATV (Community Antenna Television) or cable TV channels.

TV In connector for TV cable or antenna, which receives NTSC channels (National Television System Committee), which are over-the-air analog transmission channels.

FM In (radio antenna input) connector, which connects to the FM antenna cable.

Plug the FM radio antenna cable into the FM In port on the back of the computer on the TV tuner card. You may want to extend the ends of the cable to improve your FM radio signal reception.

Connector Icon/Label Description and function (continued)

Modem (Line In RJ-11) (select models only).

Plug the modem cable (provided in the computer box) into the computer modem connector on the back of the computer. Plug the other end to the telephone line wall jack connector.

Analog Video Out: S-video or composite video

Analog Video

connector (select models only), which connects to a TV.

VGA/Monitor

HDMI

DVI

Digital Audio

Out

VGA/Monitor (blue) display output connector, which connects to a VGA monitor. You may need to use a VGA-to-DVI adapter to connect the display to the computer.

HDMI display output connector, which connects to an HDMI monitor or TV display. You may need to use a HDMI-to-DVI adapter to connect the display to the computer.

Digital video output connector, which connects to a TV or monitor (select models only). You may need to use a VGA-to-DVI or a HDMI-to-DVI adapter to connect the display to the computer.

See the documentation that came with the display device.

Digital audio input (white) connector, which connects to a digital audio device with digital input (such as a home audio receiver/amplifier) or digital speakers (select models only).

Digital audio output (red) connects to a digital audio device with digital output (select models only).

Digital Out (orange) connector, which connects to a digital audio device with digital input (such as a home audio receiver/amplifier) or digital speakers (select models only).

Setting Up the Computer 7

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:

1 Turn on the computer, and wait for the Microsoft

to start.

NOTE: If a Digital Video Device AutoPlay window appears when you connect the camera, click Cancel.

2 Connect 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.

Windows Vista® operating system

8 Getting Started (features vary by model)

3 A 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 that the camera is ready to use.

4 You may need to install driver software for your camera. If so, Windows displays a

message asking if you want to locate and install driver software. Insert the driver software CD, click Locate and install driver software, and then follow any onscreen instructions to install the software.

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

1 Click the Windows Start Button

on the taskbar, and then click

Control Panel.

2 Click System and Maintenance, and then click System.

3 Click Device Manager.

4 Click 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.

Setting Up the Computer 9

Connecting Other Devices

Other peripheral devices can be connected to the front or back of the 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 assistants) 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 the computer.

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 the system recovery discs with the documentation. This allows easy access to all important computer documents and files.

10 Getting Started (features vary by model)

Adjusting the Monitor

Adjusting the screen resolution by using Vista

To change the screen resolution by using Vista:

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

2 Click Display Settings.

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

slider under Resolution.

4 Click Apply.

5 Click Yes, if it is present.

6 Click 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.

Adjusting the screen resolution by using the NVIDIA Control Panel

To change the screen resolution by using the NVIDIA Control Panel:

1 Right-click an empty area of the desktop, and then click NVIDIA Control Panel.

2 Select Standard or Advanced and then click OK.

3 Under Display, click Change resolution.

4 If necessary, select the display, and then adjust the screen resolution by using the

slider under Display resolution.

5 Click Apply, and then click Yes if you want to apply that resolution.

Click No, and change the resolution by using the slider under Display resolution again, click Apply and then click Yes.

Setting Up the Computer 11

Setting Up a Local Area Network

A home local area network (LAN) may consist of either a wired or a wireless network that you can use to connect the computer to other devices on the network, including 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 the computer network interface adapter and the router.

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

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.

12 Getting Started (features vary by model)

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.

1 Connect 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.

A Ethernet connector (RJ-45 port)

B Ethernet indicator lights

2 With 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.

Setting Up the Computer 13

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 meters away.

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

 Bluetooth devices create 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 the other devices, and the devices must be relatively close together—within 10 meters of each other.

 Wireless wide area network (WWAN) devices provide access to information

anytime and anywhere that 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 802.11n (select models only), 802.11b or

802.11g wireless network by using the external antenna that was included with the system. This device enables you to establish a wireless network using the computer as a wireless access point, or you can use the 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 for further information). An external antenna is supplied with the system; you must connect it to the 802.11 module to increase the range and sensitivity of the radio.

14 Getting Started (features vary by model)

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.

Checking the wireless LAN device installation

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

1 Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar.

2 Type Device Manager into the Start Search box, and then click Device Manager to

open the Device Manager window.

3 Click 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 the computer does not have an integrated WLAN device, or the driver for the device is not properly installed.

4 Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar.

5 Type Network and Sharing Center into the Start Search box, and then click Network

and Sharing Center to open the Network and Sharing Center window.

6 Click Connect to a network, and then follow 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 (English only).

 Go to: http://hp.com/support and search for wireless topics.

Setting Up the Computer 15

Using wireless security features

When you set up a home WLAN or access an existing public WLAN, always enable security features to protect the 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, HP recommends that you 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.

 Set up 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

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 the telephone service line wall jack connector.

A Modem connector

B Back of computer

16 Getting Started (features vary by model)

Connecting Speakers or Microphone

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

NOTE: For product information on the HP Support Web site, go to: http://www.hp.com/support

For details about connecting stereo speakers to the computer, see the setup poster.

NOTE: Speakers may be passive (no power button or 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 six-speaker mode, uses two front speakers (left-right), two rear speakers (left-right), a center speaker, and a subwoofer.

If the 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 the speaker system to the computer, and then configure the audio software for sound output.

Sound Connector Types

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

 Three connectors

 Six connectors

 Audio card

Connecting Speakers or Microphone 17

The connectors are 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 connector (select models only).

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

NOTE:

 Type 3 has three connectors.

 Type 6 has six connectors.

 Type S has audio card.

Sound connector Illustration Type

Three connectors

Your computer model may include three sound connectors. You can connect up to a 5.1 audio system to the computer.

Six connectors Your computer model may include six

sound connectors on the back of your computer. You can connect up to a

7.1 audio system to the computer.

Audio card connector

Your computer may include a audio card. You can connect up to a

5.1 audio system (7.1 audio system for select models) or digital speakers to the audio card on the computer.

See the following illustrations.

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

18 Getting Started (features vary by model)

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) connects to side left and right analog speakers in an eight-speaker system (7.1).

Line C/Sub (gold) connects to front center/ subwoofer speakers in a multichannel audio configuration.

Line Rear (black) connects to rear left and right analog speakers in a multichannel audio configuration.

Line Out (lime green) connects to front left and right analog speakers.

Mic (pink) connects to a microphone. (Type 3 also functions as center/subwoofer Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is enabled.)

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 enabled.)

Digital Audio Out or SPDIF Out (orange) connects to a digital audio device with digital input (such as a home audio receiver/amplifier) or to digital speakers (select models only).

FlexiJack (pink) connects to analog Line In devices or a microphone.

The FlexiJack supports two functions. You must select either the microphone or the Line In function in the Creative Console Launcher. See “Configuring the FlexiJack connector.”

Connecting Speakers or Microphone 19

Sound connector (continued)

Type 3 Type 6 Type S Description

FlexiJack (blue) connects to analog Line In devices

or a microphone.

The FlexiJack supports two functions. You must select either the microphone or the Line In function in the Creative Console Launcher. See “Configuring the FlexiJack connector.”

Optical In (optical SPDIF input) connects recording devices such as a mini disc recorder, digital audio tape recorder, or external hard disk recorder.

Optical Out (optical SPDIF output) connects playback devices such as a mini disc player, digital audio tape player, or DVD player.

NOTE:

 Type 3 has three connectors.  Type 6 has six connectors.  Type S has audio card.

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.

20 Getting Started (features vary by model)

+ 192 hidden pages