Wireless encryption uses security settings to encrypt and decrypt data that is transmitted over the network. For more information, from the Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support.

Connecting to a WLAN

To connect to the WLAN, follow these steps:

1.Be sure that the WLAN device is on. If the device is on, the wireless light is on. If the wireless light is off, press the wireless button.

NOTE: On some models, the wireless light is amber when all wireless devices are off.

2.From the Desktop, right-click or tap and hold the network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

3.Select your WLAN from the list.

4.Select Connect.

If the WLAN is a security-enabled WLAN, you are prompted to enter a security code. Type the code, and then select OK to complete the connection.

NOTE: If no WLANs are listed, you may be out of range of a wireless router or access point.

NOTE: If you do not see the WLAN you want to connect to, from the Desktop, right-click or tap and hold the network status icon, and then select Open Network and Sharing Center. Select Set up a new connection or network. A list of options is displayed, allowing you to manually search for and connect to a network or to create a new network connection.

After the connection is made, place the mouse pointer over the network status icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, to verify the name and status of the connection.

NOTE: The functional range (how far your wireless signals travel) depends on WLAN implementation, router manufacturer, and interference from other electronic devices or structural barriers such as walls and floors.

Using Bluetooth wireless devices

A Bluetooth device provides short-range wireless communications that replace the physical cable connections that traditionally link electronic devices such as the following:

●Computers (desktop, notebook, PDA)

●Phones (cellular, cordless, smart phone)

●Imaging devices (printer, camera)

●Audio devices (headset, speakers)

●Mouse

Bluetooth devices provide peer-to-peer capability that allows you to set up a personal area network (PAN) of Bluetooth devices. For information about configuring and using Bluetooth devices, see the Bluetooth software Help.

18 Chapter 3 Connecting to a network