HP ProBook 6465b User Manual

HP Notebook User Guide

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. 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: June 2011

Document Part Number: 654403-001

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 ....................................................................................................................................................... 4

TouchPad ............................................................................................................................ 4

Lights ................................................................................................................................... 5

Buttons and fingerprint reader (select models only) ............................................................ 6

Keys ..................................................................................................................................... 8

Front ..................................................................................................................................................... 9

Right ................................................................................................................................................... 10

Left ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

Display ................................................................................................................................................ 12

Rear .................................................................................................................................................... 13

Bottom ................................................................................................................................................ 13

3 Networking .................................................................................................................................................... 15

Using an Internet service provider (ISP) ............................................................................................ 16

Identifying wireless and network status icons .................................................................................... 16

Creating a wireless connection .......................................................................................................... 16

Turning wireless devices on and off .................................................................................. 16

Using the wireless button .................................................................................. 16

Using the operating system controls ................................................................. 16

Using a WLAN .................................................................................................................................... 17

Connecting to an existing WLAN ....................................................................................... 17

Setting up a new WLAN ..................................................................................................... 18

Protecting your WLAN ....................................................................................................... 19

Roaming to another network .............................................................................................. 19

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only) ...................................................................... 20

Connecting to a wired network ........................................................................................................... 20

Using a modem (select models only) ................................................................................. 20

Connecting a modem cable .............................................................................. 21

Connecting a country- or region-specific modem cable adapter ....................... 21

Connecting to a local area network (LAN) (select models only) ........................................ 22

4 Keyboard and pointing devices ................................................................................................................... 23

Using the keyboard ............................................................................................................................ 23

Identifying the hotkeys ....................................................................................................... 23

Using keypads ................................................................................................................... 24

Using the embedded numeric keypad ............................................................... 24

Turning the embedded numeric keypad on and off .......................... 25

Switching key functions on the embedded numeric keypad ............. 25

Using the TouchPad ........................................................................................................................... 26

Turning the TouchPad off and on ...................................................................................... 26

Navigating .......................................................................................................................... 26

Selecting ............................................................................................................................ 26

Using TouchPad gestures ................................................................................................. 27

Scrolling ............................................................................................................ 28

Pinching/Zooming ............................................................................................. 28

Setting pointing device preferences ................................................................................... 28

Using the fingerprint reader (select models only) ............................................................................... 29

Locating the fingerprint reader ........................................................................................... 29

Enabling fingerprint authentication during logon ................................................................ 29

Enrolling your fingerprint .................................................................................................... 29

5 Multimedia ..................................................................................................................................................... 30

Using the audio features .................................................................................................................... 30

Adjusting the volume ......................................................................................................... 31

Checking your audio functions ........................................................................................... 31

Using the Webcam (select models only) ............................................................................................ 32

Using video devices ........................................................................................................................... 32

VGA ................................................................................................................................... 32

DisplayPort ........................................................................................................................ 34

6 Power management ...................................................................................................................................... 35

Shutting down the computer ............................................................................................................... 35

Setting power options ......................................................................................................................... 36

Using power-saving states ................................................................................................. 36

Initiating and exiting Suspend ........................................................................... 36

Initiating and exiting Hibernation ....................................................................... 37

Using the Power icon ......................................................................................................... 37

Using power management ................................................................................................. 37

Viewing the current power management settings ............................................. 37

Changing the current power management settings .......................................... 37

Using battery power ........................................................................................................................... 38

Displaying the remaining battery charge ........................................................................... 38

Inserting or removing the battery ....................................................................................... 39

Charging a battery ............................................................................................................. 40

Maximizing battery life ....................................................................................................... 41

Managing low battery levels .............................................................................................. 41

Identifying low battery levels ............................................................................. 41

Resolving a low battery level ............................................................................. 42

Resolving a low battery level when external power is available ....... 42

Resolving a low battery level when a charged battery is available ... 42

Resolving a low battery level when no power source is available .... 42

Resolving a low battery level when the computer cannot exit

Hibernation ....................................................................................... 42

Conserving battery power .................................................................................................. 42

Storing a battery ................................................................................................................ 42

Disposing of a used battery ............................................................................................... 43

Replacing the battery ......................................................................................................... 43

Using external AC power .................................................................................................................... 43

Testing an AC adapter ....................................................................................................... 44

7 Drives ............................................................................................................................................................. 45

Handling drives ................................................................................................................................... 45

Removing or replacing the bottom cover ............................................................................................ 46

Removing the bottom cover ............................................................................................... 46

Replacing the bottom cover ............................................................................................... 47

Replacing or upgrading the hard drive ............................................................................................... 49

Removing the hard drive .................................................................................................... 49

Installing a hard drive ......................................................................................................... 49

Replacing a drive in the upgrade bay ................................................................................................. 50

Replacing a hard drive ....................................................................................................... 50

Replacing an optical drive .................................................................................................. 53

Using optical drives (select models only) ........................................................................................... 55

Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 55

Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................................... 55

Tray load ........................................................................................................... 55

Slot load ............................................................................................................ 56

Removing an optical disc ................................................................................................... 56

Tray load ........................................................................................................... 56

vii

When the disc tray opens normally .................................................. 56

When the disc tray fails to open ....................................................... 57

Slot load ............................................................................................................ 58

8 External cards and devices .......................................................................................................................... 59

Using Media Card Reader cards ........................................................................................................ 59

Inserting a media card ....................................................................................................... 59

Removing a media card ..................................................................................................... 60

Using ExpressCards (select models only) .......................................................................................... 61

Configuring an ExpressCard .............................................................................................. 61

Inserting an ExpressCard .................................................................................................. 62

Removing an ExpressCard ................................................................................................ 63

Using a USB device ........................................................................................................................... 63

Connecting a USB storage device ..................................................................................... 64

Removing a USB device .................................................................................................... 64

Using 1394 devices ............................................................................................................................ 65

Connecting a 1394 device ................................................................................................. 65

Removing a 1394 device ................................................................................................... 65

Using an eSATA device ..................................................................................................................... 66

Connecting an eSATA device ............................................................................................ 66

Removing an eSATA device .............................................................................................. 66

Using optional external devices .......................................................................................................... 67

Using optional external drives ............................................................................................ 67

Using the docking connector .............................................................................................................. 68

9 Memory modules .......................................................................................................................................... 69

10 Security ........................................................................................................................................................ 72

Protecting the computer ..................................................................................................................... 72

Using passwords ................................................................................................................................ 73

Setting passwords in the operating system ....................................................................... 73

Setting passwords in Computer Setup .............................................................................. 73

Managing an administrator password ............................................................... 74

Entering an administrator password .................................................................. 74

Managing a power-on password ....................................................................... 74

Entering a power-on password ......................................................................... 75

Using firewall software ....................................................................................................................... 75

Installing an optional security cable .................................................................................................... 76

viii

11 Backup and Recovery ................................................................................................................................ 77

Performing a system recovery ............................................................................................................ 78

Backing up your information ............................................................................................................... 79

12 Computer Setup (BIOS) and Advanced System Diagnostics ................................................................. 80

Starting Computer Setup .................................................................................................................... 80

Using Computer Setup ....................................................................................................................... 80

Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup ..................................................................... 80

Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup ................................................................... 81

Updating the BIOS ............................................................................................................................. 82

Determining the BIOS version ........................................................................................... 82

Downloading a BIOS update ............................................................................................. 82

Using Advanced System Diagnostics ................................................................................................. 83

13 MultiBoot ..................................................................................................................................................... 84

About the boot device order ............................................................................................................... 84

Enabling boot devices in Computer Setup ......................................................................................... 85

Considering boot order changes ........................................................................................................ 86

Choosing MultiBoot preferences ........................................................................................................ 87

Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup ..................................................................... 87

Dynamically choosing a boot device using the f9 prompt .................................................. 87

Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt .................................................................................. 88

Entering MultiBoot Express preferences ........................................................................... 88

Appendix A Troubleshooting and support .................................................................................................... 89

Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 89

The computer is unable to start up .................................................................................... 89

The computer screen is blank ............................................................................................ 89

Software is functioning abnormally .................................................................................... 90

The computer is on but not responding ............................................................................. 90

The computer is unusually warm ....................................................................................... 90

An external device is not working ...................................................................................... 90

The wireless network connection is not working ................................................................ 91

The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD or DVD ...................................... 91

The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................................. 92

A disc does not play ........................................................................................................... 92

A movie is not visible on an external display ..................................................................... 92

The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion .................................... 93

Contacting customer support ............................................................................................................. 93

Labels ................................................................................................................................................. 94

Appendix B Cleaning your computer ............................................................................................................. 95

Cleaning products .............................................................................................................................. 95

Appendix C Specifications .............................................................................................................................. 96

Input power ......................................................................................................................................... 97

Operating environment ....................................................................................................................... 98

Appendix D Electrostatic discharge .............................................................................................................. 99

Index ................................................................................................................................................................. 100

1Welcome

The following sections are included in this chapter:

Finding information

●

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, refer to

Networking on page 15.

Get to know your computer—Learn about your computer features. Refer to

●

your computer on page 3 and Keyboard and pointing devices on page 23 for additional

information.

Find installed software—Access a list of the software preinstalled on the computer. Select

●

Computer > More Applications. The list of preinstalled software is displayed.

NOTE: For details about using the software included with the computer, select Computer >

Help. You can also refer to 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

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, click the HP Documents icon located on the desktop.

Safety & Comfort Guide

To access this guide, 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

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

●

To access this Web site, go to

support.

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

●

Please include your product number, warranty period (found on your serial number label), name and postal address.

http://www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:

http://www.hp.com/

● Ordering parts and finding additional help

● Software, driver, and BIOS updates

● Accessories available for the device

Warranty information

2 Chapter 1 Welcome

2 Getting to know your computer

The following sections are included in this chapter:

Top

●

Front

●

Right

●

Left

●

Display

●

Rear

●

Bottom

●

Top

TouchPad

NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.

Component Description

(1) Pointing stick (select models only) Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the

(2) Left pointing stick button (select models

only)

(3) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on and off.

(4) TouchPad Moves the pointer and selects or activates items on the

(5) Left TouchPad button Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

(6) Right pointing stick button (select models

only)

(7) Right TouchPad button Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

screen.

Functions like the left button on an external mouse.

screen.

NOTE: Vertical scrolling is supported on the right edge of

the TouchPad.

Functions like the right button on an external mouse.

4 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Lights

Component Description

(1) TouchPad light

(2) Caps lock light On: Caps lock is on.

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7) Num lock light On: Num lock is on.

Power light ● On: The computer is on.

Wireless light

QuickWeb light ● On: The computer is on.

Mute light

Amber: The TouchPad is off.

●

● Off: The TouchPad is on.

Blinking: The computer is in the Suspend state.

●

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

●

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.

Blinking: The Web browser is loading.

●

Off: The computer is off, in the Suspend state, or in

●

Hibernation.

Amber: Computer sound is off.

●

● Off: Computer sound is on.

Top 5

Buttons and fingerprint reader (select models only)

Component Description

(1) TouchPad on/off button Turns the TouchPad on and off.

(2)

(3)

(4)

Power button ● When the computer is off, press the button to turn on

Wireless button Turns the wireless feature on or off and establishes a

QuickWeb button ● When the computer is on, press the button to open the

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.

connection if a wireless connection has already been configured.

default Web browser.

6 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

NOTE: Pressing the QuickWeb button a second time

opens a second browser window.

When the computer is off, in the Suspend state, or in

●

Hibernation, the button does not perform any action or function.

Component Description

(5)

(6) Fingerprint reader (select models only) Allows a fingerprint logon to the operating system, instead

Volume mute button Mutes and restores speaker sound.

of a password logon.

Top 7

Keys

Component Description

(1) Function keys Execute frequently used system functions when pressed in

combination with the fn key.

(2) fn key Executes frequently used system functions when pressed in

combination with a function key.

(3) Operating system logo key Displays the operating system menu.

(4) Operating system applications key Displays a shortcut menu for items beneath the cursor.

(5) Embedded numeric keypad When the keypad has been enabled, the keys can be used like

(6) num lk key Turns the embedded numeric keypad on and off when pressed in

an external numeric keypad.

combination with the fn key.

8 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Front

Component Description

(1) Display release latch Opens the computer.

(2) Wireless light

(3) Power light ● On: The computer is on.

(4) Battery light

(5) Hard drive 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.

Blinking: The computer is in the Suspend state.

●

Off: The computer is off or in Hibernation.

●

Amber: The computer is connected to external power and

●

the battery is charged from 0 to 90%.

● White: The computer is connected to external power and

the battery is charged from 90 to 99%.

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.

●

Blinking white: The hard drive or optical drive is being

●

accessed.

Amber: HP 3D DriveGuard has temporarily parked the hard

●

drive.

(6) Speaker Produces sound.

Front 9

Right

Component Description

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6) Vents (2) Enable airflow to cool internal components.

Audio-out (headphone) jack Connects 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, refer to the

Regulatory, Safety, and Environmental Notices.

NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone

jack, the computer speakers are disabled.

Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone,

stereo array microphone, or monaural microphone.

eSATA/USB 2.0 combo port Connects a high-performance eSATA component, such as

an eSATA external hard drive, or connects an optional USB device.

USB 2.0 port Connects an optional USB device.

DisplayPort Connects an optional digital display device, such as a high-

performance monitor or projector.

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.

(7)

Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.

10 Chapter 2 Getting to know your 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

Component Description

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5) Media Card Reader Supports the following digital card formats:

(6) Upgrade bay (optical drive shown) The upgrade bay can hold either a hard drive or an optical

(7) Optical drive eject button (select models

Power connector Connects an AC adapter.

1394 port Connects an optional IEEE 1394 or 1394a device, such as

a camcorder.

USB 2.0 ports (2) Connect optional USB devices.

ExpressCard slot or smart card reader (depending on configuration)

only)

Supports optional ExpressCards or smart cards.

● MultiMediaCard

● Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card

drive that reads and writes (select models only) to an optical disc. It can also hold a weight saver option.

Ejects the optical drive disc tray.

Left 11

Display

Component Description

(1) Internal display switch Turns off the display or initiates Suspend if the display is closed

(2) WLAN antennas (2)* Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wireless

(3) Internal microphone(s) (1 or 2 depending on

model)

(4) Webcam light (select models only) On: The webcam is in use.

(5) Webcam (select models only) Records video and captures still photographs.

*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, refer to the section of the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices that applies to your country or region.

while the power is on.

NOTE: The display switch is not visible from the outside of the

computer.

local area networks (WLAN).

Record sound.

12 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

Rear

Component Description

(1)

(2)

(3)

Bottom

RJ-11 (modem) jack Connects a modem cable.

External monitor port Connects an external VGA monitor or projector.

RJ-45 (network) jack Connects a network cable.

Component Description

(1)

(2) Docking connector Connects an optional docking device.

Battery release latch Releases the battery from the battery bay.

Rear 13

Component Description

(3)

(4) Battery bay Holds the battery.

(5) Accessory battery connector Connects an optional accessory battery.

(6) Vents (4) Enable airflow to cool internal components.

(7)

(8)

Bottom cover release latch Releases or locks the bottom cover.

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.

Bluetooth compartment Contains a Bluetooth device.

Wireless and memory module compartments and hard drive bay

Holds the hard drive, the wireless LAN 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 technical support.

14 Chapter 2 Getting to know your computer

3Networking

The following sections are included in this chapter:

Using an Internet service provider (ISP)

●

Identifying wireless and network status icons

●

Creating a wireless connection

●

Using a WLAN

●

Using Bluetooth wireless devices (select models only)

●

Connecting to a wired network

●

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. Refer to

●

to an existing WLAN on page 17 or Setting up a new WLAN on page 18.

● Wired—You can access the Internet by connecting to a wired network. For information on

connecting to a wired network, refer to

NOTE: Internet hardware and software features vary depending on computer model and your

location.

Connecting to a wired network on page 20.

Connecting

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)

Network Connection (disconnected)

Creating a wireless connection

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.

NOTE: Refer to Getting to know your computer on page 3 for information on identifying the location

of the wireless button on your computer.

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.

Indicates that wired and wireless networks are not connected.

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

16 Chapter 3 Networking

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: Refer to 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 are within range of an access point or wireless router, verify that the wireless card is active by pressing the wireless button.

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 17

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, refer to the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.

18 Chapter 3 Networking

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.

Encrypt your data—Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA and WPA2) encrypts and decrypts data

●

transmitted over the network. WPA uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and 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. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encrypts data before it is transmitted using a WEP key. 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 a WLAN 19

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, refer to the Bluetooth software Help.

Connecting to a wired network

Using a modem (select models only)

A modem must be connected to an analog telephone line using a 6-pin, RJ-11 modem cable (purchased separately). In some countries or regions, a specific modem cable adapter is also required. Jacks for digital PBX systems may resemble analog telephone jacks, but they are not compatible with the modem.

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.

If the modem 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.

20 Chapter 3 Networking

+ 84 hidden pages