HP Presario CQ32-100 External Devices User Guide
Compaq Presario Notebook PC
User guide
© Copyright 2010 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard
Company under license. SD Logo is a
trademark of its proprietor. Microsoft and
Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
The information contained herein is subject
to change without notice. The only
warranties for HP products and services are
set forth in the express warranty statements
accompanying such products and services.
Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors
or omissions contained herein.
First Edition: March 2010
Document Part Number: 610545-001
Product notice
This user guide describes features that are
common to most models. Some features
may not be available on your computer.
To obtain the latest information in the
Notebook PC User Guide, go to the HP Web
site at
http://www.hp.com/support.
Safety warning notice
WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not
place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on a
hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft
surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to contact
the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation. The computer and the
AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined by the International
Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
iii
iv Safety warning notice
Table of contents
1 Features ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
Identifying hardware ............................................................................................................................. 1
Components ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Top components .................................................................................................................. 2
TouchPad ............................................................................................................ 2
Lights ................................................................................................................... 3
Button and speakers ........................................................................................... 4
Keys .................................................................................................................... 5
Display ................................................................................................................ 6
Front component .................................................................................................................. 7
Right-side components ........................................................................................................ 8
Left-side components .......................................................................................................... 9
Rear component ................................................................................................................ 10
Bottom components ........................................................................................................... 11
Wireless antennas ............................................................................................................. 12
Additional hardware components ...................................................................................... 13
Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 14
2 Networking .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Using wireless devices ....................................................................................................................... 15
Identifying wireless and network status icons .................................................................... 16
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 16
Using the wireless action key ............................................................................................ 16
Using HP Wireless Assistant ............................................................................................. 17
Using operating system controls ........................................................................................ 17
Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 18
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................................ 18
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 19
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................................... 20
Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 20
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................... 21
Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) ............................................................. 21
Troubleshooting wireless connection problems ................................................................................. 22
Cannot connect to a WLAN ............................................................................................... 22
v
Cannot connect to a preferred wireless network ............................................................... 23
Network icon is not displayed ............................................................................................ 23
Current network security codes are unavailable ................................................................ 23
WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................................... 24
Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................................... 24
Connecting to a local area network .................................................................................................... 25
3 Pointing devices and keyboard ................................................................................................................... 26
Using pointing devices ....................................................................................................................... 26
Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 26
Using the TouchPad .......................................................................................................... 26
Turning the TouchPad on and off ...................................................................... 26
Navigating ......................................................................................................... 26
Selecting ........................................................................................................... 27
Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................. 28
Scrolling ............................................................................................ 28
Pinching/Zooming ............................................................................. 28
Rotating ............................................................................................ 29
Connecting an external mouse .......................................................................................... 29
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 30
Using the action keys ......................................................................................................... 30
Using the hotkeys .............................................................................................................. 31
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard ............................................................................................... 33
4 Multimedia ..................................................................................................................................................... 34
Multimedia features ............................................................................................................................ 34
Identifying your multimedia components ........................................................................... 35
Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 36
Using the media activity action keys .................................................................................. 37
Multimedia software ........................................................................................................................... 38
Using CyberLink PowerDVD software ............................................................................... 38
Using other preinstalled multimedia software .................................................................... 38
Installing multimedia software from a disc ......................................................................... 38
Audio .................................................................................................................................................. 39
Connecting external audio devices .................................................................................... 39
Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 39
Video .................................................................................................................................................. 40
Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................... 40
Connecting an HDMI device (select models only) ............................................................. 41
Configuring audio for HDMI (select models only) ............................................................. 42
Optical drive ....................................................................................................................................... 43
Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 43
Using optical discs ............................................................................................................. 44
vi
Selecting the right disc ....................................................................................................... 45
CD-R discs ........................................................................................................ 45
CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................... 45
DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................... 45
DVD±RW discs ................................................................................................. 45
LightScribe DVD+R discs .................................................................................. 46
Blu-ray Disc ....................................................................................................... 46
Playing a CD, DVD, or BD ................................................................................................. 46
Configuring AutoPlay ......................................................................................................... 48
Changing DVD region settings .......................................................................................... 48
Observing the copyright warning ....................................................................................... 49
Copying a CD or DVD ........................................................................................................ 49
Creating (burning) a CD or DVD ........................................................................................ 50
Removing an optical disc (CD, DVD, or BD) ..................................................................... 51
Webcam (select models only) ............................................................................................................ 52
Webcam tips ...................................................................................................................... 52
Adjusting webcam properties ............................................................................................. 53
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 54
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, DVD, or BD .............................. 54
The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................................. 55
A disc does not play ........................................................................................................... 56
A disc does not play automatically ..................................................................................... 56
A movie stops, skips, or plays erratically ........................................................................... 57
A movie is not visible on an external display ..................................................................... 57
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion .................... 57
A DVD playing in Windows Media Player produces no sound or display .......................... 58
A device driver must be reinstalled .................................................................................... 58
Obtaining the latest HP device drivers .............................................................. 59
Obtaining the latest Windows device drivers .................................................... 59
5 Power management ...................................................................................................................................... 60
Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 60
Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 60
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................ 60
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 61
Using the battery meter ..................................................................................................... 61
Using power plans ............................................................................................................. 61
Viewing the current power plan ......................................................................... 62
Selecting a different power plan ........................................................................ 62
Customizing power plans .................................................................................. 62
Setting password protection upon exiting Sleep or Hibernation ........................................ 62
Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 63
Connecting the AC adapter ............................................................................................... 63
vii
Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................... 64
Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 64
Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 65
Finding battery information in Help and Support ............................................................... 65
Using Battery Check .......................................................................................................... 65
Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 65
Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 66
Maximizing battery discharge time .................................................................................... 67
Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 67
Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 67
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 68
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 68
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is
available ........................................................................................... 68
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is
available ........................................................................................... 68
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 68
Calibrating a battery ........................................................................................................... 68
Step 1: Fully charge the battery ........................................................................ 68
Step 2: Disable Hibernation and Sleep ............................................................. 69
Step 3: Discharge the battery ............................................................................ 69
Step 4: Fully recharge the battery ..................................................................... 70
Step 5: Reenable Hibernation and Sleep .......................................................... 70
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 70
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 70
Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 71
Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 71
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 71
6 Drives ............................................................................................................................................................. 73
Identifying installed drives .................................................................................................................. 73
Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 73
Using external drives .......................................................................................................................... 74
Improving hard drive performance ..................................................................................................... 76
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 76
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 76
Replacing the hard drive .................................................................................................................... 77
7 External devices and external media cards ............................................................................................... 81
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 81
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 81
Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 82
Using Digital Media Slot cards ........................................................................................................... 83
viii
Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................ 83
Removing a digital card ..................................................................................................... 84
8 Memory modules .......................................................................................................................................... 85
9 Security .......................................................................................................................................................... 89
Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 89
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 89
Setting passwords in Windows .......................................................................................... 90
Setting passwords in Setup Utility ..................................................................................... 90
Administrator password ..................................................................................... 91
Managing an administrator password ............................................... 91
Entering an administrator password ................................................. 91
Power-on password .......................................................................................... 91
Managing a power-on password ...................................................... 92
Entering a power-on password ......................................................... 92
Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................................... 93
Using firewall software ....................................................................................................................... 94
Installing critical updates .................................................................................................................... 95
10 Setup Utility (BIOS) ..................................................................................................................................... 96
Starting Setup Utility ........................................................................................................................... 96
Using Setup Utility .............................................................................................................................. 97
Changing the language of Setup Utility ............................................................................. 97
Navigating and selecting in Setup Utility ............................................................................ 97
Displaying system information ........................................................................................... 98
Restoring default settings in Setup Utility .......................................................................... 98
Exiting Setup Utility ............................................................................................................ 99
Setup Utility menus ............................................................................................................................ 99
Main menu ......................................................................................................................... 99
Security menu .................................................................................................................... 99
System Configuration menu ............................................................................................ 100
Diagnostics menu ............................................................................................................ 100
11 Software updates ...................................................................................................................................... 101
Updating the BIOS ........................................................................................................................... 102
Determining the BIOS version ......................................................................................... 102
Downloading a BIOS update ........................................................................................... 103
Updating programs and drivers ........................................................................................................ 104
12 Backup and recovery ................................................................................................................................ 105
Creating recovery discs .................................................................................................................... 106
ix
Backing up your information ............................................................................................................. 107
Using Windows Backup and Restore .............................................................................. 108
Using system restore points ............................................................................................ 109
When to create restore points ......................................................................... 109
Create a system restore point ......................................................................... 109
Restore to a previous date and time ............................................................... 109
Performing a recovery ...................................................................................................................... 110
Recovering from the recovery discs ................................................................................ 110
Recovering from the dedicated recovery partition (select models only) .......................... 110
Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 111
x
1 Features
Identifying hardware
To see a list of hardware installed in the computer, follow these steps:
▲
Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security. Then, in the System area, click Device
Manager.
You can also add hardware or modify device configurations using Device Manager.
NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer.
You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running
utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more information.
Identifying hardware 1
Components
Top components
TouchPad
Component Description
(1) TouchPad on/off indicator To turn the TouchPad on and off, quickly double-tap the TouchPad
on/off indicator.
NOTE: When the TouchPad is enabled, the light is off.
(2) TouchPad zone* Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the screen.
(3) Left TouchPad button* Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(4) Right TouchPad button* Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
*This table describes factory settings. To view or change pointing device preferences, select Start > Devices and Printers.
Then, right-click the icon representing your device, and select Mouse settings.
There is an unmarked scroll zone inside the right edge of the TouchPad. To scroll up and down using
the TouchPad vertical scroll zone, slide your finger up or down inside the right edge of the TouchPad.
For more information about TouchPad features, refer to ”Using the TouchPad” section later in this guide.
2 Chapter 1 Features
Lights
Component Description
(1) TouchPad light
●
Amber: The TouchPad is disabled.
●
Off: The TouchPad is enabled.
(2) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.
(3) Power light
●
On: The computer is on.
●
Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
(4) Wireless light
●
White: An integrated wireless device, such as a wireless local
area network (WLAN) device and/or a Bluetooth® device, is
on.
●
Amber: All wireless devices are off.
Components 3
Button and speakers
Component Description
(1) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
(2) Power button
●
When the computer is off, press the button to turn on the
computer.
●
When the computer is on, press the button briefly to initiate
Sleep.
●
When the computer is in the Sleep state, briefly press the
button to exit Sleep.
●
When the computer is in Hibernation, briefly press the button
to exit Hibernation.
If the computer has stopped responding and Windows shutdown
procedures are ineffective, press and hold the power button for at
least 5 seconds to turn off the computer.
To learn more about your power settings, select Start > Control
Panel > System and Security > Power Options.
4 Chapter 1 Features
Keys
Component Description
(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combination with the
fn key.
(2) fn key
●
Displays system information when pressed in combination with
the esc key.
●
Press in combination with an Up, Down, Left, or Right arrow
key to navigate a page or document.
(3) Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.
(4) Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the pointer.
(5) Navigation keys Navigate using the Up, Down, Left, and Right arrow keys.
(6) Action keys Execute frequently used system actions.
Components 5
Display
Component Description
(1) Internal microphone Records sound.
(2) Integrated webcam (select models only) Records video and captures still photographs.
(3) Integrated webcam light (select models only) On: The integrated webcam is in use.
6 Chapter 1 Features
Front component
Component Description
Digital Media Slot Supports the following optional digital card formats:
●
Memory Stick (MS)
●
Memory Stick Pro (MSP)
●
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
●
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card
●
xD-Picture Card (XD)
Components 7
Right-side components
Component Description
(1) Optical drive light Blinking: The optical drive is being accessed.
(2) Optical drive Reads and writes to optical discs.
(3) USB ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.
(4) AC adapter/battery charging light
●
White: The computer is connected to external power and the
battery is fully charged.
●
Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state.
●
Amber: A battery is charging.
●
Off: The computer is not connected to external power.
(5) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
8 Chapter 1 Features
Left-side components
Component Description
(1) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.
NOTE: The security cable is designed to act as a deterrent, but it
may not prevent the computer from being mishandled or stolen.
(2) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal
components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal
fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.
(3) External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
(4) RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
(5) HDMI port (select models only) Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high-
definition television, or any compatible digital or audio component.
(6) USB port Connects optional USB devices.
(7) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array
microphone, or monaural microphone.
(8) Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo
speakers, headphones, earbuds, a headset, or television audio.
(9) Drive light On: The hard drive or the optical drive is in use.
Components 9
Rear component
Component Description
Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool
internal components and prevent overheating. It is normal for
the internal fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.
10 Chapter 1 Features
Bottom components
Component Description
(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(2) Vents (6) Enable airflow to cool internal components.
NOTE: The computer fan starts up automatically to cool internal
components and prevent overheating. It is normal for the internal
fan to cycle on and off during routine operation.
(3) Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.
(4) Memory module compartment Contains 2 memory module slots.
(5) Hard drive bay Holds the hard drive and, on select models, the wireless LAN
(WLAN) module.
CAUTION: To prevent an unresponsive system, replace the
wireless module only with a wireless module authorized for use in
the computer by the governmental agency that regulates wireless
devices in your country or region. If you replace the module and then
receive a warning message, remove the module to restore computer
functionality, and then contact technical support through Help and
Support.
Components 11
Wireless antennas
At least 2 antennas send and receive signals from one or more wireless devices. These antennas are
not visible from the outside of the computer.
NOTE: For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately around the antennas free from
obstructions.
To see wireless regulatory notices, refer to the section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental
Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.
12 Chapter 1 Features
Additional hardware components
Component Description
(1) Power cord* Connects an AC adapter to an AC outlet.
(2) AC adapter Converts AC power to DC power.
(3) Battery* Powers the computer when the computer is not plugged into
external power.
*Batteries and power cords vary in appearance by country or region.
Components 13
Labels
The labels affixed to the computer provide information needed when troubleshooting system problems
or traveling internationally with the computer.
●
Service tag—Provides important information including:
The service tag label is affixed inside the battery bay. When contacting technical support, have this
information available.
Item Component Description
(1) Product name This is the product name affixed to the front of the computer.
(2) Serial number This is an alphanumeric identifier that is unique to each
product.
(3) Product number This is an alphanumeric identifier that provides specific
information about the hardware components. The product
number helps a service technician to determine what
components and parts are needed.
(4) Warranty period The duration (in years) of the warranty period for this
computer.
(5) Model description (select models only) This is an alphanumeric identifier that you use to locate
documents, drivers, and support for your computer.
●
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows Product Key. You might need the
Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. This certificate is affixed to the bottom
of the computer.
●
Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is
affixed inside the battery bay.
●
Wireless certification label(s) (select models only)—Provides information about optional wireless
devices and the approval markings of some of the countries or regions where the devices have
been approved for use. An optional device might be a wireless local area network (WLAN) device
or an optional Bluetooth device. If the computer model includes one or more wireless devices, one
or more certification labels are included with the computer. You might need this information when
traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed inside the battery bay.
14 Chapter 1 Features
2Networking
Using wireless devices
Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be
equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:
●
Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area
networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices,
your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and universities.
In a WLAN, each mobile wireless device communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access
point.
●
Bluetooth device (select models only)—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other
Bluetooth-enabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and
cameras. In a PAN, each device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be
relatively close together—typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.
Computers with WLAN devices support one or more of the following IEEE industry standards:
●
802.11b, the first popular standard, supports data rates of up to 11 Mbps and operates at a
frequency of 2.4 GHz.
●
802.11g supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. An 802.11g
WLAN device is backward compatible with 802.11b devices, so they can operate on the same
network.
●
802.11a supports data rates of up to 54 Mbps and operates at a frequency of 5 GHz.
NOTE: 802.11a is not compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g.
●
802.11n supports data rates of up to 450 Mbps and may operate at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, making it
backward compatible with 802.11a, b, and g.
For more information on wireless technology, refer to the information and Web site links provided in
Help and Support.
Using wireless devices 15
Identifying wireless and network status icons
Icon Name Description
Wireless (connected) Identifies the location of the wireless light and the wireless action
key (f12) on the computer. Also identifies the HP Wireless Assistant
software on the computer and indicates that one or more of the
wireless devices are on.
Wireless (disconnected) Identifies the HP Wireless Assistant software on the computer and
indicates that all of the wireless devices are off.
Wired network (connected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, and one or
more network devices are connected to a wired network.
Wired network (disabled/
disconnected)
Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, but no
network devices are connected (or all network devices are disabled
in Windows® Control Panel).
Network (connected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, and one or
more network devices are connected to a wireless network.
Network (disconnected) Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed and wireless
connections are available, but no network devices are connected to
a wireless network.
Network (disabled/
disconnected)
Indicates that one or more network drivers are installed, but no
wireless connections are available (or all wireless network devices
are disabled by the wireless action key (f12) or HP Wireless
Assistant).
Using the wireless controls
You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:
●
The wireless action key (f12)
●
HP Wireless Assistant software
●
Operating system controls
Using the wireless action key
The computer has a wireless action key (f12), one or more wireless devices, and a wireless light. All of
the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so the wireless light is on (white) when
you turn on the computer.
The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of individual
devices. If the wireless light is on (white), at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light is amber,
all wireless devices are off.
Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless action key (f12) to
turn on or turn off the wireless devices simultaneously. Individual wireless devices can be controlled
through HP Wireless Assistant.
16 Chapter 2 Networking
Using HP Wireless Assistant
A wireless device can be turned on or off using HP Wireless Assistant. If a wireless device is disabled
in Setup Utility, it must be reenabled in Setup Utility before it can be turned on or off using Wireless
Assistant.
NOTE: Enabling or turning on a wireless device does not automatically connect the computer to a
network or a Bluetooth-enabled device.
To view the state of the wireless devices, click the Show hidden icons icon, the arrow at the left of the
notification area, and then position the mouse pointer over the wireless icon.
If the wireless icon is not displayed in the notification area, complete the following steps to change
Wireless Assistant properties:
1. Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Windows Mobility Center.
2. Click the wireless icon in the Wireless Assistant tile, which is located in the bottom row of Windows®
Mobility Center. Wireless Assistant opens.
3. Click Properties.
4. Select the check box next to HP Wireless Assistant icon in notification area.
5. Click Apply.
6. Click Close.
For more information, refer to the Wireless Assistant software Help:
1. Open Wireless Assistant by clicking the wireless icon in Windows Mobility Center.
2. Click the Help button.
Using operating system controls
Some operating systems also offer a way to manage integrated wireless devices and the wireless
connection. For example, Windows provides the Network and Sharing Center that allows you to set up
a connection or network, connect to a network, manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair
network problems.
To access the Network and Sharing Center, select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet >
Network and Sharing Center.
For more information, select Start > Help and Support.
Using wireless devices 17
Using a WLAN
With a WLAN device, you can access a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is composed of other
computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.
NOTE: The terms wireless router and wireless access point are often used interchangeably.
●
A large-scale WLAN, such as a corporate or public WLAN, typically uses wireless access points
that can accommodate a large number of computers and accessories and can separate critical
network functions.
●
A home or small office WLAN typically uses a wireless router, which allows several wireless and
wired computers to share an Internet connection, a printer, and files without requiring additional
pieces of hardware or software.
To use the WLAN device in your computer, you must connect to a WLAN infrastructure (provided through
a service provider or a public or corporate network).
Setting up a WLAN
To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment:
●
A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from an
Internet service provider (ISP)
●
A wireless router (purchased separately) (2)
●
The wireless computer (3)
The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the
Internet.
As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to
access the Internet.
For help in setting up your WLAN, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or your
ISP.
18 Chapter 2 Networking
Protecting your WLAN
Because the WLAN standard was designed with only limited security capabilities—basically to foil casual
eavesdropping rather than more powerful forms of attack—it is essential to understand that WLANs are
vulnerable to well-known and well-documented security weaknesses.
WLANs in public areas, or “hotspots,” like coffee shops and airports may not provide any security. New
technologies are being developed by wireless manufacturers and hotspot service providers that make
the public environment more secure and anonymous. If you are concerned about the security of your
computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to noncritical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.
When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your
network from unauthorized access. The common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)Personal and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Because wireless radio signals travel outside the
network, other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals and either connect to your network
(uninvited) or capture information being sent across it. However, you can take precautions to protect
your WLAN:
●
Use a wireless transmitter with built-in security
Many wireless base stations, gateways, or routers provide built-in security features such as
wireless security protocols and firewalls. With the correct wireless transmitter, you can protect your
network from the most common wireless security risks.
●
Work behind a firewall
A firewall is a barrier that checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network,
and discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in many varieties, both software and
hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.
●
Use wireless encryption
A variety of sophisticated encryption protocols is available for your WLAN. Find the solution that
works best for your network security:
◦
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a wireless security protocol that encodes or encrypts all
network data before it is transmitted using a WEP key. Usually, you can allow the network to
assign the WEP key. Alternatively, you can set up your own key, generate a different key, or
choose other advanced options. Without the correct key, others will not be able to use the
WLAN.
◦
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), like WEP, uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data
that is transmitted over the network. However, instead of using one static security key for
encryptions as WEP does, WPA uses “temporal key integrity protocol” (TKIP) to dynamically
generate a new key for every packet. It also generates different sets of keys for each computer
on the network.
Using a WLAN 19
Connecting to a WLAN
To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:
1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If it is on, the wireless light is white. If the wireless light is
amber, press the wireless action key (f12).
2. Click the network icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
3. Select your WLAN from the list.
4. Click Connect.
If the network is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a network security key, which
is a security code. Type the code, and then click OK to complete the connection.
NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you are out of range of a wireless router or access point.
NOTE: If you do not see the network you want to connect to, click Open Network and Sharing
Center, and then click Set up a new connection or network. A list of options is displayed. You
can choose to manually search for and connect to a network or to create a new network connection.
After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the network icon in the notification area, at
the far right of the taskbar, to verify the name and status of the connection.
NOTE: The functional range (how far your wireless signals travel) depends on WLAN implementation,
router manufacturer, and interference from other electronic devices or structural barriers such as walls
and floors.
More information about using a WLAN is available through the following resources:
●
Information from your ISP and the user guides included with your wireless router and other WLAN
equipment
●
Information and Web site links provided in Help and Support
For a list of public WLANs near you, contact your ISP or search the Web. Web sites that list public
WLANs include Cisco Internet Mobile Office Wireless Locations, Hotspotlist, and Geektools. Check with
each public WLAN location for cost and connection requirements.
Roaming to another network
When you move your computer within range of another WLAN, Windows attempts to connect to that
network. If the attempt is successful, your computer is automatically connected to the new network. If
Windows does not recognize the new network, follow the same procedure you used initially to connect
to your WLAN.
20 Chapter 2 Networking
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