HP B5A04UAR#ABA manual Setting up a Wlan, Configuring a wireless router, Protecting your Wlan

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Setting up a WLAN

To set up a WLAN and connect to the Internet, you need the following equipment:

A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) (1) and high-speed Internet service purchased from an Internet service provider

A wireless router (2) (purchased separately)

A wireless computer (3)

NOTE: Some modems have a built-in wireless router. Check with your ISP to determine what type of modem you have.

The illustration below shows an example of a wireless network installation that is connected to the Internet.

As your network grows, additional wireless and wired computers can be connected to the network to access the Internet.

For help in setting up your WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.

Configuring a wireless router

For help in setting up a WLAN, see the information provided by your router manufacturer or your ISP.

NOTE: It is recommended that you initially connect your new wireless computer to the router by using the network cable provided with the router. When the computer successfully connects to the Internet, disconnect the cable, and access the Internet through your wireless network.

Protecting your WLAN

When you set up a WLAN or access an existing WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access. WLANs in public areas (hotspots) like coffee shops and airports may not provide any security. If you are concerned about the security of your computer in a hotspot, limit your network activities to email that is not confidential and basic Internet surfing.

Wireless radio signals travel outside the network, so other WLAN devices can pick up unprotected signals. Take the following precautions to protect your WLAN:

Use a firewall.

A firewall checks both data and requests for data that are sent to your network, and discards any suspicious items. Firewalls are available in both software and hardware. Some networks use a combination of both types.

Use wireless encryption.

Wireless encryption uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data that is transmitted over the network. For more information, see Help and Support.

18 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network

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Contents User Guide Product notice Safety warning notice Iv Safety warning notice Table of contents Enjoying entertainment features Locating your security software Using passwords Vii Using Setup Utility Bios and System Diagnostics Input power Operating environment Page Starting right Best practicesFun things to do Resource Contents More HP resourcesFinding your hardware and software information Getting to know your computerRight side See Using HP 3D DriveGuard select models only Left side Computer speakers are disabled Display Communication and Chat CyberLink YouCamTop TouchPadLights Buttons and speakers Keys Fn keyBottom Labels Connecting to a network Connecting to a wireless network Using the wireless controlsUsing the wireless button Using HP Connection ManagerUsing operating system controls Using a WlanUsing an Internet service provider Configuring a wireless router Setting up a WlanProtecting your Wlan Using Bluetooth wireless devices select models only Connecting to a WlanConnecting to a wired network Connecting to a local area network LANEnjoying entertainment features Multimedia FeaturesEnjoying entertainment features Using the webcam Using audioUsing video Connecting a VGA monitor or projectorConnecting an Hdmi TV or monitor Configuring audio settings with Hdmi TV Managing your photo, audio, and video filesUsing the keyboard and pointing devices Using ALT GR key combinations Using the keyboardUsing the action keys Using the hot keys Function Hot key DescriptionUsing the keypad Using the integrated numeric keypadUsing the TouchPad Turning the TouchPad off or onNavigating SelectingUsing TouchPad gestures Scrolling Pinching/ZoomingRotating Managing power Initiating and exiting Sleep Using Sleep or HibernationInitiating and exiting Hibernation Setting password protection on wakeup Using the power meter Selecting a power plan Removing a user-replaceable battery Running on battery powerFinding battery information Identifying low battery levels Conserving battery powerStoring a user-replaceable battery Disposing of a user-replaceable battery Replacing a user-replaceable batteryRunning on external power HP CoolSense Shutting down the computerConnecting a USB device Using a USB deviceManaging and sharing information Connecting a powered USB device Removing a USB deviceInserting and removing a digital storage card Using optical drives Inserting an optical disc Removing an optical discSharing drives on the network Improving performance Maintaining your computerHandling drives Replacing a hard drive Page Using Disk Defragmenter Using HP 3D DriveGuard select models onlyUsing Disk Cleanup Adding or replacing memory modules Page Page Page Updating programs and drivers Cleaning the display, sides, and cover Cleaning your computerCleaning the TouchPad and keyboard Traveling with or shipping your computer Securing your computer and information Locating your security softwareUsing passwords Setting Windows passwordsUsing Internet security software Setting Setup Utility Bios passwordsInstalling software updates Using antivirus softwareUsing firewall software Installing Windows security updatesUsing an optional security cable lock Securing your wireless networkBacking up your software applications and information Starting Setup Utility Bios Using Setup Utility Bios and System DiagnosticsUpdating the Bios Determining the Bios version Downloading a Bios updateUsing System Diagnostics Backing up, restoring, and recovering Creating backupsCreating recovery media to recover the original system What you need to knowCreating system restore points Creating a system restore pointTips for a successful backup Backing up system and personal informationCreating a backup using Windows Backup and Restore Restore and recovery Restoring to a previous system restore pointRecovering the original system using HP Recovery Manager Restoring specific files using Windows Backup and RestoreRecovering using HP Recovery partition select models only Recovering using the recovery mediaChanging the computer boot order Specifications Input powerOperating environment Troubleshooting and support Disc drive problems TroubleshootingWireless connection problems Cannot connect to a preferred network Cannot connect to a WlanCurrent network security codes are unavailable Cannot connect to the wireless router Wlan connection is very weakPower management problems Audio problemsNetwork status icon is not displayed Resolving a low battery level Troubleshooting an AC adapterContacting customer support Electrostatic Discharge Bios IndexWlan