HP ProBook 445 User Manual
HP Notebook
User Guide
© Copyright 2013 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.
AMD is a registered trademark of Advanced
Micro Devices, Inc. in the U.S. and other
countries.
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.
Second Edition: July 2013
First Edition: May 2013
Document Part Number: 720723-002
Product notice
This guide describes features that are
common to most models. Some features
may not be available on your computer.
To obtain the latest information in this
guide, go to the HP Web site at
http://www.hp.com/support.
Software terms
By installing, copying, downloading, or
otherwise using any software product
preinstalled on this computer, you agree to
be bound by the terms of the HP End User
License Agreement (EULA). If you do not
accept these license terms, your sole
remedy is to return the entire unused
product (hardware and software) within 14
days for a refund subject to the refund
policy of your place of purchase.
For any further information or for requesting
a full refund of the computer, please
contact your local point of sale (the seller).
Safety warning notice
WARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do not
place the computer directly on your lap or obstruct the computer air vents. Use the computer only on
a hard, flat surface. Do not allow another hard surface, such as an adjoining optional printer, or a soft
surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, to block airflow. Also, do not allow the AC adapter to
come into contact with the skin or a soft surface, such as pillows or rugs or clothing, during operation.
The computer and the AC adapter comply with the user-accessible surface temperature limits defined
by the International Standard for Safety of Information Technology Equipment (IEC 60950).
iii
iv Safety warning notice
Table of contents
1 Welcome .......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Finding information ............................................................................................................................... 2
2 Getting to know your computer ..................................................................................................................... 3
Top ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 3
Lights ................................................................................................................................... 4
Buttons and fingerprint reader (select models only) ............................................................ 5
Keys ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Front ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Right ................................................................................................................................................... 10
Left ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Display ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 13
3 Networking .................................................................................................................................................... 14
Using an Internet service provider (ISP) ............................................................................................ 14
Identifying wireless and network status icons .................................................................................... 14
Creating a wireless connection (select models only) ......................................................................... 14
Turning wireless devices on and off .................................................................................. 14
Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 14
Using the operating system controls ................................................................. 15
Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 15
Connecting to an existing WLAN ....................................................................................... 15
Setting up a new WLAN ..................................................................................................... 16
Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 16
Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 17
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................... 17
Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 17
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) (select models only) ........................................ 17
4 Keyboard and pointing devices ................................................................................................................... 19
Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 19
Identifying the hot keys ...................................................................................................... 19
Using keypads ................................................................................................................... 19
Using the embedded numeric keypad (select models only) .............................. 20
v
Turning the embedded numeric keypad on and off .......................... 20
Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad ............. 21
Using the integrated numeric keypad (select models only) ............................... 21
Using an optional external numeric keypad ...................................................... 21
Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 22
Turning the TouchPad off and on ...................................................................................... 22
Navigating .......................................................................................................................... 22
Selecting ............................................................................................................................ 23
Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................................. 23
Tapping ............................................................................................................. 24
Scrolling ............................................................................................................ 24
Pinching/Zooming ............................................................................................. 24
Rotating ............................................................................................................. 25
Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 25
5 Multimedia ..................................................................................................................................................... 26
Using the audio features .................................................................................................................... 26
Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 26
Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 27
Using the webcam (select models only) ............................................................................................. 27
Using video devices ........................................................................................................................... 27
VGA ................................................................................................................................... 27
HDMI .................................................................................................................................. 29
Configuring audio for HDMI ............................................................................... 29
6 Power management ...................................................................................................................................... 30
Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 30
Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 30
Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 30
Initiating and exiting Suspend ........................................................................... 31
Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 31
Using the Power icon ......................................................................................................... 31
Using power management ................................................................................................. 31
Viewing the current power management settings ............................................. 32
Changing the current power management settings .......................................... 32
Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 32
Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 32
Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 32
Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 33
Maximizing battery life ....................................................................................................... 35
Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 35
vi
Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 35
Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 36
Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 36
Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is available ... 36
Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available .... 36
Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit
Hibernation ....................................................................................... 36
Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 36
Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 36
Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 37
Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 37
Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 37
Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................... 37
7 Drives ............................................................................................................................................................. 39
Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 39
Using the optional security screw ....................................................................................................... 39
Removing or replacing the service door ............................................................................................. 40
Removing the service door ................................................................................................ 41
Replacing the service door ................................................................................................ 41
Replacing or upgrading the hard drive ............................................................................................... 42
Removing the hard drive .................................................................................................... 43
Installing a hard drive ......................................................................................................... 45
Using optical drives (select models only) ........................................................................................... 46
Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 46
Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................................... 47
Tray-load ........................................................................................................... 47
Removing an optical disc ................................................................................................... 47
Tray-load ........................................................................................................... 47
When the disc tray opens normally .................................................. 47
When the disc tray fails to open ....................................................... 48
8 External cards and devices .......................................................................................................................... 50
Using Media Card Reader cards (select models only) ....................................................................... 50
Inserting a digital card ........................................................................................................ 50
Removing a digital card ..................................................................................................... 50
Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 51
Connecting a USB device .................................................................................................. 52
Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 52
Using optional external devices .......................................................................................................... 53
Using optional external drives ............................................................................................ 53
vii
9 Memory modules .......................................................................................................................................... 54
10 Security ........................................................................................................................................................ 57
Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 57
Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 57
Setting passwords in the operating system ....................................................................... 58
Setting passwords in Computer Setup .............................................................................. 58
Managing a BIOS administrator password ........................................................ 59
Entering a BIOS administrator password .......................................................... 59
Using a Computer Setup DriveLock password .................................................................. 59
Managing a DriveLock password ...................................................................... 60
Entering a DriveLock password ........................................................................ 60
Using Computer Setup Automatic DriveLock ..................................................................................... 60
Managing an Automatic DriveLock password .................................................................... 60
Using firewall software ....................................................................................................................... 60
Installing an optional security cable .................................................................................................... 61
Using the fingerprint reader (select models only) ............................................................................... 62
Enabling fingerprint authentication during logon ................................................................ 62
Enrolling your fingerprint .................................................................................................... 62
11 Backup and Recovery ................................................................................................................................ 63
Creating backups ............................................................................................................................... 63
Backing up your information ............................................................................................................... 63
Performing a system recovery ............................................................................................................ 64
USB Recovery option (select models only) ........................................................................................ 64
Remove everything and reinstall SLED .............................................................................................. 65
12 Computer Setup (BIOS) and Advanced System Diagnostics ................................................................. 67
Starting Computer Setup .................................................................................................................... 67
Using Computer Setup ....................................................................................................................... 67
Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ..................................................................... 67
Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ................................................................... 68
Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 68
Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 68
Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 69
Using Advanced System Diagnostics ................................................................................................. 70
13 MultiBoot ..................................................................................................................................................... 71
viii
About the boot device order ............................................................................................................... 71
Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup ......................................................................................... 72
Considering boot order changes ........................................................................................................ 72
Choosing MultiBoot preferences ........................................................................................................ 73
Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ..................................................................... 73
Dynamically choosing a boot device using the f9 prompt .................................................. 74
Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt .................................................................................. 74
Entering MultiBoot Express preferences ........................................................................... 74
Appendix A Troubleshooting and support .................................................................................................... 75
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 75
The computer is unable to start up .................................................................................... 75
The computer screen is blank ............................................................................................ 75
Software is functioning abnormally .................................................................................... 75
The computer is on but is not responding .......................................................................... 75
The computer is unusually warm ....................................................................................... 76
An external device is not working ...................................................................................... 76
The wireless network connection is not working ................................................................ 76
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD or DVD ...................................... 77
The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................................. 78
A disc does not play ........................................................................................................... 78
A movie is not visible on an external display ..................................................................... 78
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion .................... 79
Contacting customer service .............................................................................................................. 79
Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 80
Appendix B Cleaning your computer ............................................................................................................. 81
Cleaning products .............................................................................................................................. 81
Cleaning procedures .......................................................................................................................... 81
Cleaning the display .......................................................................................................... 81
Cleaning the sides and cover ............................................................................................ 81
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard .............................................................................. 82
Appendix C Specifications .............................................................................................................................. 83
Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 83
Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 83
Appendix D Electrostatic discharge .............................................................................................................. 84
Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 85
ix
x
1Welcome
After you set up and register the computer, take the following steps:
Connect to the Internet—Set up your wired or wireless network so that you can connect to the
●
Internet. For more information, see
Networking on page 14.
● Get to know your computer—Learn about your computer features. See
computer on page 3 and Keyboard and pointing devices on page 19 for additional
information.
Find installed software—Access a list of the software preinstalled on the computer. Select
●
Computer > More Applications.
NOTE: For details about using the software included with the computer, select Computer >
Help. You can also see the software manufacturer's instructions, which may be provided with
the software or on the manufacturer's Web site.
Update programs and drivers—Update your programs and drivers with the latest versions on a
●
regular basis. When your computer is registered, it will automatically be updated with the latest
versions. When you register, you can choose to receive automatic notifications when updates
become available. The automatic notifications for operating system updates are available for 90
days. You can also go to
http://www.hp.com/support to download updates from HP.
Getting to know your
1
Finding information
The computer comes with several resources to help you perform various tasks.
Resources For information about
Setup Instructions poster
Linux Help
To access the Linux Help, select Computer > Help.
Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices
To access the notices, double-click the HP
Documents icon located on the desktop.
Safety & Comfort Guide
To access this guide, double-click the HP Documents
icon located on the desktop.
– or –
Go to
http://www.hp.com/ergo.
Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet
This booklet is provided with your computer.
HP Web site
To access this Web site, go to
support.
http://www.hp.com/
Setting up the computer
●
Identifying computer components
●
● Computer software
Computer settings
●
Connecting to the Internet
●
● Computer utilities
Regulatory and safety information
●
Battery disposal information
●
Proper workstation setup, posture, health, and work habits
●
Electrical and mechanical safety information
●
HP support telephone numbers
Support information
●
Ordering parts and finding additional help
●
Software, driver, and BIOS updates
●
Accessories available for the device
●
Limited Warranty*
To access the warranty:
Double-click the HP Documents icon located on the
desktop.
– or –
Go to
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments.
*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 some countries/regions where the warranty is not provided in printed format, you may request a
printed copy from
North America: Hewlett-Packard, MS POD, 11311 Chinden Blvd, Boise, ID 83714, USA
●
Europe, Middle East, Africa: Hewlett-Packard, POD, Via G. Di Vittorio, 9, 20063, Cernusco s/Naviglio (MI), Italy
●
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 product support, see your product home page
at
http://www.hp.com/go/contactHP.
2 Chapter 1 Welcome
Warranty information
http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:
2 Getting to know your computer
Top
TouchPad
NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
Component Description
(1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on and 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.
Top 3
Lights
NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
Component Description
(1)
(2)
(3) Num lock light On: Num lock is on.
(4)
(5)
(6) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.
Power light ● On: The computer is on.
Blinking: The computer is in the Suspend state.
●
Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.
●
Microphone mute light Amber: The microphone is off.
Wireless light ● White: An integrated wireless device, such as a
Mute light ● Amber: Computer sound is off.
wireless local area network (WLAN) device and/or a
Bluetooth® device, is on.
Amber: All wireless devices are off.
●
Off: Computer sound is on.
●
4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Buttons and fingerprint reader (select models only)
NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
Component Description
(1)
(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
(3)
Power button
Wireless button Turns the wireless feature on or off but does not establish a
When the computer is off, press the button to turn on
●
the computer.
When the computer is on, press the button briefly to
●
initiate Suspend.
When the computer is in the Suspend state, press the
●
button briefly to exit Suspend.
When the computer is in Hibernation, press the button
●
briefly to exit Hibernation.
If the computer has stopped responding and operating
system shutdown procedures are ineffective, press and hold
the power button for at least 5 seconds to turn off the
computer.
To learn more about your power settings:
1. Select Computer > Control Center.
2. In the left pane, click System, and then click Power
Management in the right pane.
wireless connection.
NOTE: A wireless connection may be established if one
has been previously configured.
Top 5
Component Description
(4)
(5) Fingerprint reader (select models only) Allows a fingerprint logon instead of a password logon.
Volume mute button Mutes and restores speaker sound.
6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Keys
NOTE: Refer to the illustration that most closely matches your computer.
Component Description
(1) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed
in combination with a function key.
(2)
(3) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in
(4) Embedded numeric keypad keys When the keypad is turned on, it can be used like an
(5)
(6) num lk key Turns the embedded numeric keypad on and off when
Operating system logo key Displays the operating system menu.
combination with the fn key.
external numeric keypad.
Each key on the keypad performs the function indicated by
the icon in the upper-right corner of the key
Operating system applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the cursor.
pressed in combination with the fn key.
Alternates between the navigational and numeric functions
on the integrated numeric keypad.
Top 7
Component Description
Front
(1) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed
(2)
(3) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in
(4) num lk key Turns the embedded numeric keypad on and off when
(5) Integrated numeric keypad When num lk has been enabled, the keys can be used like
Operating system logo key Displays the operating system menu.
in combination with a function key.
combination with the fn key.
pressed in combination with the fn key.
Alternates between the navigational and numeric functions
on the integrated numeric keypad.
an external numeric keypad. To alternate between this
numeric function and the navigational function (indicated by
the directional arrows on the keys), press the num lk key.
8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Component Description
(1)
(2) Media Card Reader Reads data from and writes data to digital memory cards
Hard drive light
Blinking white: The hard drive or optical drive is being
●
accessed.
Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked
●
the hard drive.
such as Secure Digital (SD).
Front 9
Right
Component Description
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4) Optical drive (select models only) Reads an optical disc.
(5) Optical drive eject button (select models
(6)
Audio-out (headphone) jack Produces sound when connected to optional powered
stereo speakers, headphones, earbuds, a headset, or
television audio.
WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury,
adjust the volume before putting on headphones,
earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety
information, see the Regulatory, Safety, and
Environmental Notices.
NOTE: When a device is connected to the jack, the
computer speakers are disabled.
Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone,
stereo array microphone, or monaural microphone.
USB 2.0 port Connects optional USB devices.
NOTE: On select models, the optical drive also
writes to an optical disc.
Releases the optical drive disc tray.
only)
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
10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Component Description
(1)
(2) AC adapter light/battery light
(3) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
(4)
(5)
Power connector Connects an AC adapter.
White: The computer is connected to external power
●
and the battery is charged from 90 to 99 percent.
Amber: The computer is connected to external
●
power and the battery is charged from 0 to 89
percent or is charging.
Blinking amber: A battery that is the only available
●
power source has reached a low battery level. When
the battery reaches a critical battery level, the
battery light begins blinking rapidly.
Off: The battery is fully charged.
●
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.
External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.
RJ-45 (network) jack
RJ-45 (network) lights (2)
Connects a network cable.
Green: The network is connected.
●
Amber: Activity is occurring on the network.
●
(6)
(7)
Display
NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.
HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a
high-definition television, or any compatible digital or
audio component.
USB 3.0 ports (2) Connect optional USB 3.0 devices and provide enhanced
USB power performance.
Display 11
Component Description
(1) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless
(2) Internal microphone(s) (1 or 2 depending on
model)
(3) Webcam light (select models only) On: The webcam is in use.
(4) Webcam (select models only) Records video and captures still photographs.
(5) Internal display switch Turns off the display or initiates Suspend if the display is closed
*The antennas are not visible from the outside of the computer. For optimal transmission, keep the areas immediately
around the antennas free from obstructions. To see wireless regulatory notices, see the section of the Regulatory, Safety,
and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region.
local area networks (WLAN).
Record sound.
while the power is on.
NOTE: The display switch is not visible from the outside of the
computer.
12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer
Bottom
Component Description
(1)
(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.
(3) Service cover Contains the hard drive, the wireless LAN (WLAN)
(4) Vent Enables airflow to cool internal components.
Battery and service cover release
latches
● Releases the battery from the battery bay by
sliding the release latches one time.
When the battery has been removed from the
●
battery bay, releases the service cover from
the computer by sliding the release latches a
second time.
module slot, and the memory module slots.
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 support.
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.
Bottom 13
3Networking
Your computer may support one or both of the following types of Internet access:
Wireless—For mobile Internet access, you can use a wireless connection. See
●
existing WLAN on page 15 or Setting up a new WLAN on page 16.
Wired—You can access the Internet by connecting to a wired network. For information on
●
connecting to a wired network, see
NOTE: Internet hardware and software features vary depending on computer model and your
location.
Connecting to a wired network on page 17.
Using an Internet service provider (ISP)
Before you can connect to the Internet, you must establish an ISP account. Contact a local ISP to
purchase Internet service and a modem. The ISP can 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 password to access the Internet. Record this
information and store it in a safe place.
Identifying wireless and network status icons
Icon Name Description
Wireless (connected) Indicates that one or more wireless devices are on.
Network Connection
(connected)
Indicates that the wired network is connected and active. If both
wired and wireless connections are active, the operating system
uses the wired connection because it is faster.
Connecting to an
Network Connection
(disconnected)
Indicates that wired and wireless networks are not connected.
Creating a wireless connection (select models only)
Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:
Wireless local area network (WLAN) device
●
Bluetooth® device
●
Turning wireless devices on and off
Using the wireless button
Use the wireless button to turn both the wireless network controller and the Bluetooth controller off or
on simultaneously. They can be controlled individually through Control Center or Computer Setup.
14 Chapter 3 Networking
NOTE: See Getting to know your computer on page 3 for information on identifying the type and
location of the wireless button on your computer.
Using the operating system controls
To enable or disable a wireless or wired network device:
1. Right-click the Network Connection icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
2. To enable or disable one of the following devices, select or clear one of the following options:
● Enable Networking (all network devices)
Enable Wireless
●
Using a WLAN
A wireless connection connects the computer to Wi-Fi networks, or WLANs. A WLAN is composed of
other computers and accessories that are linked by a wireless router or a wireless access point.
NOTE: When creating a wireless connection or allowing access to users in a network, you are
prompted for the root password.
Connecting to an existing WLAN
1. Be sure that the WLAN device is on.
NOTE: See Getting to know your computer on page 3 for information on identifying the location
of the wireless button and wireless light on your computer.
2. Click the Network Connection icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
Available wireless networks are listed under Wireless Networks.
3. Click the desired wireless network.
If the network is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a network security code.
Type the code, and then click OK to complete the connection.
NOTE: To connect to a network that is not automatically detected, click the Network
Connection icon and select Connect to Hidden Wireless Network. Enter the ESSID
information, and set encryption parameters.
NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, and your network is not hidden, you are out of range of a
wireless router or access point.
If you do not see the network you want to connect to, right-click the Network Connection icon in
the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and click Edit Connections.
Using a WLAN 15
Setting up a new WLAN
Required 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.
NOTE: Some cable modems include a built-in router. Check with your ISP to see if you need a
separate router.
NOTE: When setting up a wireless connection, be sure that your computer and wireless router are
synchronized. To synchronize your computer and wireless router, turn your computer and wireless
router off and then back on.
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.
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 e-mail that is not confidential and basic Internet surfing.
Wireless radio signals travel outside the network, so other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected
signals. You can use the following precautions to protect your WLAN:
Use 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.
Wireless encryption—Your computer supports three encryption protocols:
●
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
◦
Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)
◦
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
◦
16 Chapter 3 Networking
NOTE: HP recommends that you select WPA2, which is the most advanced of the three encryption
protocols. The use of WEP encryption is not recommended, because it can be overcome with little
effort.
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) use security standards to
●
encrypt and decrypt data transmitted over the network. Both WPA and WPA2 dynamically
generate a new key for every packet, and they also generate a different set of keys for each
computer on the network. To accomplish this:
WPA uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Temporal Key Integrity Protocol
◦
(TKIP).
WPA2 uses Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP), which
◦
is a new AES protocol.
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encrypts data with a WEP key before it is transmitted. Without
●
the correct key, others will not be able to use the WLAN.
Roaming to another network
When you move your computer within range of another WLAN, the operating system attempts to
connect to that network. If the attempt is successful, your computer is automatically connected to the
new network. If the operating system does not recognize the new network, follow the same procedure
you used initially to connect to your WLAN.
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only)
A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cable
connections that traditionally link electronic devices such as the following:
Computers
●
Phones
●
Audio devices
●
The strength of Bluetooth is in synchronizing information transfers between your computer and
wireless devices. The inability to consistently connect two or more computers to share the Internet
through Bluetooth is a limitation of Bluetooth and the operating system.
Bluetooth devices provide peer-to-peer capability that allows you to set up a personal area network
(PAN) of Bluetooth devices. For information on configuring and using Bluetooth devices, see the
Bluetooth software Help.
Connecting to a wired network
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) (select models only)
Connecting to a local area network (LAN) requires an 8-pin, RJ-45 network cable (purchased
separately). If the network cable contains noise suppression circuitry (1), which prevents interference
from TV and radio reception, orient the circuitry end of the cable (2) toward the computer.
Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) 17
To connect the network cable:
1. Plug the network cable into the network jack (1) on the computer.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into a network wall jack (2) or a router (not illustrated).
WARNING! To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment, do not plug
a modem or telephone cable into the RJ-45 (network) jack.
18 Chapter 3 Networking
4 Keyboard and pointing devices
Using the keyboard
Identifying the hot keys
A hot key is a combination of the fn key and one of the function keys.
To use a hot key:
Briefly press the fn key, and then briefly press the second key of the hot key combination.
▲
hot key combination Description
fn+f3 Initiates Sleep, which saves your information in system memory. The display and other system
fn+f4 Switches the screen image among display devices connected to the system. For example, if a
fn+f6 Decreases speaker volume.
fn+f7 Increases speaker volume.
fn+f8 Mutes or restores microphone sound.
components turn off and power is conserved.
To exit Sleep, briefly press the power button.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of information loss, save your work before initiating Sleep.
NOTE: If a critical battery level occurs while the computer is in the Sleep state, the computer
initiates Hibernation and the information stored in system memory is saved to the hard drive.
The function of the fn+f3 hot key can be changed. For example, you can set the fn+f3 to initiate
Hibernation instead of Sleep. In all Windows operating system windows, references to the sleep
button apply to the fn+f3 hot key.
monitor is connected to the computer, fn+f4 alternates the screen image from computer display to
monitor display to simultaneous display on both the computer and the monitor.
Most external monitors receive video information from the computer using the external VGA video
standard. The fn+f4 hot key can also alternate images among other devices that are receiving video
information from the computer.
Using keypads
fn+f9 Decreases the screen brightness level.
fn+f10 Increases the screen brightness level.
Using the keyboard 19
The computer includes an embedded numeric keypad (or an integrated numeric keypad). The
computer also supports an optional external numeric keypad or an optional external keyboard that
includes a numeric keypad.
Using the embedded numeric keypad (select models only)
Component Description
(1) fn key Turns the embedded numeric keypad on and off when pressed in
combination with the num lk key.
NOTE: The embedded numeric keypad will not function while
an external keyboard or numeric keypad is connected to the
computer.
(2) Embedded numeric keypad When the keypad is turned on, it can be used like an external
(3) num lk key Turns the embedded numeric keypad on and off when pressed in
Turning the embedded numeric keypad on and off
Press fn+num lk to turn on the embedded numeric keypad. Press fn+num lk again to turn off the
keypad.
NOTE: The embedded numeric keypad is turned off while an external keyboard or numeric keypad
is connected to the computer.
numeric keypad.
Each key on the keypad performs the function indicated by the
icon in the upper-right corner of the key.
combination with the fn key.
NOTE: The keypad function that is active when the computer is
turned off is reinstated when the computer is turned back on.
20 Chapter 4 Keyboard and pointing devices
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