HP Presario CQ58-100 User Manual
User Guide
© Copyright 2012 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.
Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard
Company under license. Intel is a
trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S.
and other countries. Microsoft and Windows
are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. SD Logo is a trademark of its
proprietor.
The information contained herein is subject
to change without notice. The only
warranties for HP products and services are
set forth in the express warranty statements
accompanying such products and services.
Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors
or omissions contained herein.
First Edition: April 2012
Document Part Number: 679371-001
Product notice
This guide describes features that are
common to most models. Some features
may not be available on your computer.
Software terms
By installing, copying, downloading, or
otherwise using any software product
preinstalled on this computer, you agree to
be bound by the terms of the HP End User
License Agreement (EULA). If you do not
accept these license terms, your sole
remedy is to return the entire unused
product (hardware and software) within 14
days for a refund subject to the refund
policy of your place of purchase.
For any further information or to request a
full refund of the computer, please contact
your local point of sale (the seller).
Safety warning notice
WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not
place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on
a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft
surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to
come into contact with the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation.
The computer and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined
by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
iii
iv Safety warning notice
Table of contents
1 Starting right ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Best practices ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Fun things to do .................................................................................................................................... 1
More HP resources .............................................................................................................................. 1
2 Getting to know your computer ..................................................................................................................... 3
Finding your hardware and software information ................................................................................. 3
Front ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Right side ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Left side ................................................................................................................................................ 4
Display .................................................................................................................................................. 6
Top ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 7
Lights ................................................................................................................................... 8
Buttons and speakers .......................................................................................................... 9
Keys ................................................................................................................................... 10
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 12
3 Connecting to a network .............................................................................................................................. 14
Connecting to a wireless network ....................................................................................................... 14
Using the wireless controls ................................................................................................ 14
Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 14
Using operating system controls ....................................................................... 14
Using a WLAN ................................................................................................................... 15
Using an Internet service provider .................................................................... 15
Setting up a WLAN ............................................................................................ 16
Configuring a wireless router ............................................................................ 16
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................... 16
Connecting to a WLAN ...................................................................................... 17
Using Bluetooth wireless devices ...................................................................................... 17
Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 17
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) ......................................................................... 18
4 Enjoying entertainment features ................................................................................................................. 19
Using the webcam .............................................................................................................................. 20
v
Using audio ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Connecting speakers ......................................................................................................... 20
Connecting headphones .................................................................................................... 20
Connecting a microphone .................................................................................................. 20
Checking the sound ........................................................................................................... 21
Using video ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Connecting a VGA monitor or projector ............................................................................. 21
Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor ................................................................................... 22
Configuring audio settings (with HDMI TV) ....................................................... 23
Managing your audio and video files .................................................................................................. 24
5 Using the keyboard and pointing devices .................................................................................................. 25
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 25
Using ALT GR key combinations ....................................................................................... 25
Using the action keys ......................................................................................................... 25
Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 27
Turning the TouchPad off or on ......................................................................................... 27
Navigating .......................................................................................................................... 27
Selecting ............................................................................................................................ 28
Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................................. 29
Scrolling ............................................................................................................ 29
Pinching/Zooming ............................................................................................. 29
6 Managing power ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Using Sleep or Hibernation ................................................................................................................ 30
Initiating and exiting Sleep ................................................................................................. 30
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ........................................................................................ 31
Setting password protection on wakeup ............................................................................ 31
Using the power meter ....................................................................................................................... 31
Selecting a power plan ....................................................................................................................... 31
Running on battery power .................................................................................................................. 32
Removing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 32
Finding battery information ................................................................................................ 33
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 33
Identifying low battery levels .............................................................................................. 34
Storing a user-replaceable battery ..................................................................................... 34
Disposing of a user-replaceable battery ............................................................................ 34
Replacing a user-replaceable battery ................................................................................ 34
Running on external power ................................................................................................................ 34
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 35
vi
7 Managing and sharing information ............................................................................................................. 36
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 36
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 36
Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 37
Connecting a powered USB device ................................................................................... 37
Inserting and removing a digital storage card .................................................................................... 37
Using optical drives ............................................................................................................................ 38
Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................................... 39
Removing an optical disc ................................................................................................... 40
Sharing drives on the network ........................................................................................... 41
8 Maintaining your computer .......................................................................................................................... 42
Improving performance ...................................................................................................................... 42
Handling drives .................................................................................................................. 42
Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................... 42
Using Disk Defragmenter ................................................................................................... 45
Using Disk Cleanup ........................................................................................................... 45
Adding or replacing memory modules ............................................................................... 46
Updating programs and drivers .......................................................................................................... 48
Cleaning your computer ..................................................................................................................... 48
Cleaning the display, sides, and cover .............................................................................. 49
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard .............................................................................. 49
Traveling with or shipping your computer ........................................................................................... 49
9 Securing your computer and information .................................................................................................. 51
Locating your security software .......................................................................................................... 51
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 51
Setting Windows passwords .............................................................................................. 52
Setting Setup Utility (BIOS) passwords ............................................................................. 53
Using Internet security software ......................................................................................................... 53
Using antivirus software ..................................................................................................... 53
Using firewall software ....................................................................................................... 54
Installing software updates ................................................................................................................. 54
Installing Windows security updates .................................................................................. 54
Installing HP and third-party software updates .................................................................. 54
Securing your wireless network .......................................................................................................... 54
Backing up your software applications and information ..................................................................... 55
Using an optional security cable lock ................................................................................................. 55
vii
10 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and System Diagnostics ............................................................................... 56
Starting Setup Utility (BIOS) ............................................................................................................... 56
Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 56
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 56
Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 57
Using System Diagnostics .................................................................................................................. 57
11 Backing up, restoring, and recovering ..................................................................................................... 59
Creating backups ............................................................................................................................... 59
Creating recovery media to recover the original system .................................................... 59
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 59
Creating the recovery media ............................................................ 60
Creating system restore points .......................................................................................... 60
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 60
Creating a system restore point ........................................................................ 60
Backing up system and personal information .................................................................... 60
Tips for a successful backup ............................................................................. 61
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 61
Creating a backup using Windows Backup and Restore .................................. 61
Restore and recovery ......................................................................................................................... 62
Restoring to a previous system restore point .................................................................... 62
Restoring specific files ....................................................................................................... 62
Restoring specific files using HP Recovery Manager ....................................... 62
Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and Restore ............................ 62
Recovering the original system using HP Recovery Manager ........................................... 62
What you need to know ..................................................................................... 63
Recovering using HP Recovery partition .......................................................... 63
Recovering using the recovery media ............................................................... 63
Changing the computer boot order ................................................... 64
12 Specifications .............................................................................................................................................. 65
Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 65
Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 65
13 Troubleshooting and support .................................................................................................................... 66
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 66
Disc drive problems ........................................................................................................... 66
Wireless connection problems ........................................................................................... 66
Cannot connect to a WLAN ............................................................................... 67
Cannot connect to a preferred network ............................................................. 67
viii
Current network security codes are unavailable ............................................... 67
WLAN connection is very weak ......................................................................... 68
Cannot connect to the wireless router ............................................................... 68
Network status icon is not displayed ................................................................. 69
Audio problems .................................................................................................................. 69
Power management problems ........................................................................................... 69
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 69
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 69
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available .... 70
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 70
Troubleshooting an AC adapter ........................................................................ 70
Contacting customer support ............................................................................................................. 71
14 Electrostatic Discharge .............................................................................................................................. 72
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 73
ix
x
1 Starting right
This computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. To get the most
out of your computer, read this chapter to learn about best practices after setup, fun things to do with
your computer, and where to go to get more HP resources.
Best practices
To protect your smart investment, after you set up and register the computer, we recommend the
following steps:
●
If you haven’t already done so, connect to a wired or wireless network. See details in
Connecting
to a network on page 14.
●
Become familiar with the computer hardware and software. Go to
Getting to know your computer
on page 3 and Enjoying entertainment features on page 19 for information.
●
Update or purchase antivirus software. Learn more at
Using antivirus software on page 53.
●
Back up your hard drive by creating recovery discs or a recovery flash drive. See
Backing up,
restoring, and recovering on page 59.
Fun things to do
● You know you can watch a YouTube video on the computer. But did you know that you can also
connect your computer to a TV and watch the video on TV? For more information, see
Connecting an HDMI TV or monitor on page 22.
●
You know you can listen to music on the computer. But did you know that you can also stream
live radio to the computer and listen to music or talk radio from all over the world? See
Using
audio on page 20.
● You know you can create a powerful presentation with Microsoft applications. But did you know
you can also connect to a projector to share your ideas with a group? See
Connecting a VGA
monitor or projector on page 21.
More HP resources
You have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. For product
details, how-to information, and more, use this table.
Resource Contents
Setup Instructions ● Overview of computer setup and features.
Help and Support
To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and
Support. For more details, go to
http://www.hp.com/
support.
●
A broad range of how-to information and troubleshooting tips.
Best practices 1
Resource Contents
Safety & Comfort Guide
To access this guide, select Start > Help and
Support > User Guides, or go to
http://www.hp.com/
ergo.
●
Proper workstation setup.
●
Guidelines for posture and work habits that increase your
comfort and decrease your risk of injury.
●
Electrical and mechanical safety information.
Worldwide support
To get support in your language, go to
www.hp.com/
support.
● Chat online with an HP technician.
NOTE: When support chat is not available in a particular
language, it is available in English.
●
Email support.
● Find support telephone numbers.
● Locate an HP service center.
Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices
To access this guide, select Start > Help and
Support > User Guides.
●
Important regulatory notices, including proper battery disposal
information.
Limited Warranty*
To access the warranty, select Start > Help and
Support > User Guides or go to
http://www.hp.com/
go/orderdocuments.
●
Specific warranty information about this computer.
*You can find the expressly provided HP Limited Warranty applicable to your product located with the user guides on your
computer and/or on the CD/DVD provided in the box. In some countries/regions, HP may provide a printed HP Limited
Warranty in the box. For countries/regions where the warranty is not provided in printed format, you may request a printed
copy from
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:
●
North America: Hewlett-Packard, MS POD, 11311 Chinden Blvd, Boise, ID 83714, USA
●
Europe, Middle East, Africa: Hewlett-Packard, POD, Via G. Di Vittorio, 9, 20063, Cernusco s/Naviglio (MI), Italy
●
Asia Pacific: Hewlett-Packard, POD, P.O. Box 200, Alexandra Post Office, Singapore 911507
When you request a printed copy of your warranty, please include your product number, warranty period (found on your
service label), name, and postal address.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT return your HP product to the addresses above. For U.S. product support, go to
http://www.hp.com/
go/contactHP. For worldwide product support, go to http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html.
2 Chapter 1 Starting right
2 Getting to know your computer
Finding your hardware and software information
▲
Select Start > Computer.
A list displays all the devices installed in your computer, including optical drives, solid-state drives
(SSD), or a secondary hard drive.
To find out what software is included on your computer, select Start > All Programs.
Front
Component Description
(1) Speakers Produce sound.
Right side
Component Description
(1) Optical drive Reads and writes (select models only) to an optical
disk.
(2) Optical drive light
●
Green: The optical drive is being accessed.
●
Off: The optical drive is idle.
(3) Optical drive eject button Releases the disc tray.
(4) USB ports Connect optional USB devices.
CAUTION: While there are multiple USB ports on
the same side, only one USB port will able to support
a high power device at a time.
NOTE: For details about different types of USB
ports, see
Using a USB device on page 36.
Finding your hardware and software information 3
Component Description
(5)
AC adapter light
●
White: The AC adapter is connected and the
battery is charged.
●
Amber: The AC adapter is connected and the
battery is charging.
●
Off: The computer is using DC power.
(6) Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
(7) 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.
Left side
Component Description
(1)
External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or
projector.
(2) Vents (2) 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)
RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.
(4)
HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device,
such as a high-definition television, or any
compatible digital or audio device.
(5) USB port Connects an optional USB device.
NOTE: For details about different types of
USB ports, see
Using a USB device
on page 36.
4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Component Description
(6)
Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset
microphone, stereo array microphone, or
monaural microphone.
(7)
Audio-out (headphone) jacks Connects optional powered stereo speakers,
headphones, earbuds, a headset, or a
television audio cable.
WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal
injury, adjust the volume before using
headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For
additional safety information, see the
Regulatory, Safety and Environmental
Notices.
NOTE: When a device is connected to a
headphone jack, the computer speakers are
disabled.
(8)
Digital Media Slot Supports the following digital card formats:
●
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card
●
Secure Digital Extended Capacity
(SDxC) Memory Card
● Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC)
Memory Card
●
MultiMediaCard (MMC)
(9)
Hard drive light Blinking white: The hard drive is being
accessed.
(10)
Power light
●
White: The AC adapter is connected and
the battery is charged.
●
Blinking white: The computer is in the
Sleep state, which is an energy-saving
mode. The computer shuts off power to
the display and other unneeded
components.
Left side 5
Display
Component Description
(1) WLAN antennas (2)* (select models only) Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
local area networks (WLANs).
(2) Internal microphone Record sound.
(3) Webcam Records video, captures still photographs, and allows video
conferences and online chat by means of streaming video.
To use the webcam, select Start > All Programs >
Communication and Chat > CyberLink YouCam.
(4) Webcam light On: The webcam is in use.
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately
around the antennas free from obstructions. For wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety, and
Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region. These notices are located in Help and Support.
6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Top
TouchPad
Component Description
(1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on or off.
(2) TouchPad light ● On: The TouchPad is off.
●
Off: The TouchPad is on.
(3) TouchPad zone Moves the on-screen pointer and selects or activates
items on the screen.
(4) Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse.
(5) Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.
Top 7
Lights
Component Description
(1) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on, which switches the keys to all capital
letters.
(2)
Power light ● White: The computer is on.
●
Blinking white: The computer is in the Sleep state,
which is an energy-saving mode. The computer
shuts off power to the display and other unneeded
components.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
Hibernation is an energy-saving mode that uses the
least amount of power.
(3)
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.
8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Buttons and speakers
Component Description
(1)
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, press the
button briefly to exit Sleep.
●
When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button
down briefly to exit Hibernation.
CAUTION: Pressing and holding down the power button
will result in the loss of unsaved information.
If the computer has stopped responding and Microsoft®
Windows® shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and
hold the power button down 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,
or see
Managing power on page 30.
Top 9
Keys
Component Description
(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in
combination with the fn key.
(2) fn key Used in conjunction with hotkeys.
(3)
Windows logo key Displays the Windows Start menu.
(4) Action keys Execute frequently used system functions.
(5)
Windows applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the
cursor.
10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Bottom
Component Description
(1) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(2) Vents (4) Enable airflow to cool internal components.
NOTE: The computer fan starts up
automatically to cool internal components
and prevent overheating. It is normal for
the internal fan to cycle on and off during
routine operation.
(3)
Battery release latch
Releases the battery from the battery bay.
Bottom 11
Component Description
(4)
Wireless compartment, and
memory module compartment,
keyboard screw, and optical
drive bay.
The service door provides access to the
wireless compartment, memory module
compartment, keyboard access screw, and
optical drive bay,
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
customer support through Help and
Support.
(5)
Hard drive bay The hard drive cover provides access to
the hard drive bay.
Labels
The labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot system
problems or travel internationally with the computer. The labels are in easily accessible locations.
●
Serial number label—Provides important information, including the following:
Component
(1) Product name
(2) Serial number
(3) Product part number
(4) Warranty period
(5) Model description
Have this information available when you contact technical support. The serial number label is
affixed to the bottom of the computer.
●
Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity—Contains the Windows Product Key. You may need the
Product Key to update or troubleshoot the operating system. The Microsoft Certificate of
Authenticity is located on the bottom of the computer.
12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
●
Regulatory label—Provides regulatory information about the computer. The regulatory label is
affixed inside the battery bay.
●
Wireless certification label or labels—Provide information about optional wireless devices and
the approval markings of some of the countries or regions in which the devices have been
approved for use. If your computer model includes one or more wireless devices, one or more
certification labels are included with your computer. You may need this information when
traveling internationally. Wireless certification labels are affixed inside the battery bay.
Labels 13
3 Connecting to a network
Your computer can travel with you wherever you go. But even at home, you can explore the globe
and access information from millions of websites using your computer and a wired or wireless
network connection. This chapter will help you get connected to that world.
Connecting to a wireless network
Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be
equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:
●
Wireless local area network (WLAN) device—Connects the computer to wireless local area
networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or WLANs) in corporate
offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and
universities. In a WLAN, the mobile wireless device in your computer communicates with a
wireless router or a wireless access point.
●
Bluetooth device—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other Bluetoothenabled 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.
For more information about wireless technology, see the information and website links provided in
Help and Support.
Using the wireless controls
You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:
● Wireless button, wireless switch, or wireless key (referred to in this chapter as the wireless
button)
●
Operating system controls
Using the wireless button
The computer has a wireless button, one or more wireless devices, and one or two wireless lights,
depending on the model. All of the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory, so
the wireless light is on (white) when you turn on the computer.
The wireless light indicates the overall power state of your wireless devices, not the status of
individual devices. If the wireless light is white, at least one wireless device is on. If the wireless light
is off, all wireless devices are off.
NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.
Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless button to turn on or
turn off the wireless devices simultaneously.
Using operating system controls
The Network and Sharing Center allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network,
manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems.
14 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network
To use operating system controls, select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network
and Sharing Center.
For more information, select Start > Help and Support.
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).
Using an Internet service provider
When you are setting up Internet access in your home, you must establish an account with an
Internet service provider (ISP). To purchase Internet service and a modem, contact a local ISP. The
ISP will help set up the modem, install a network cable to connect your wireless computer to the
modem, and test the Internet service.
NOTE: Your ISP will give you a user ID and a password to use for Internet access. Record this
information and store it in a safe place.
Connecting to a wireless network 15
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
●
A wireless router (2) (purchased separately)
●
A wireless computer (3)
NOTE: Some modems have a built-in wireless router. Check with your ISP to determine what type
of modem you have.
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, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your
ISP.
Configuring a wireless router
For help in setting up a WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.
NOTE: It is recommended that you initially connect your new wireless computer to the router by
using the network cable provided with the router. When the computer successfully connects to the
Internet, disconnect the cable, and access the Internet through your wireless network.
Protecting your WLAN
When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect
your network from unauthorized access. WLANs in public areas (hotspots) like coffee shops and
airports may not provide any security. If you are concerned about the security of your computer in a
hotspot, limit your network activities to email that is not confidential and basic Internet surfing.
Wireless radio signals travel outside the network, so other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected
signals. Take the following precautions to protect your WLAN:
●
Use a firewall.
A firewall checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network, and discards any
suspicious items. Firewalls are available in both software and hardware. Some networks use a
combination of both types.
●
Use wireless encryption.
Wireless encryption uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data that is transmitted over
the network. For more information, see Help and Support.
16 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network
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