User Guide - Windows 7

3 Connecting to a network
Your computer can travel with you wherever you go. But even at home, you can explore the globe
and access information from millions of websites using your computer and a wired or wireless
network connection. This chapter will help you get connected to that world.
Connecting to a wireless network
Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer may be
equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:
●
Wireless local area network (WLAN) device (select models only)—Connects the computer to
wireless local area networks (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi networks, wireless LANs, or
WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and public places such as airports, restaurants, coffee
shops, hotels, and universities. In a WLAN, the mobile wireless device in your computer
communicates with a wireless router or a wireless access point.
●
HP Mobile Broadband Module (select models only)—A wireless wide area network (WWAN)
device that gives you wireless connectivity over a much larger area. Mobile network operators
install base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large geographic areas, effectively
providing coverage across entire states, regions, or even countries.
●
Bluetooth device (select models only)—Creates a personal area network (PAN) to connect to
other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers, and
cameras. In a PAN, each device communicates directly with other devices, and devices must be
relatively close together—typically within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of each other.
For more information about wireless technology, see the information and website links provided in
Help and Support. To access Help and Support, select Start > Help and Support.
Using the wireless controls
You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:
●
Wireless button, wireless switch, or wireless key (referred to in this chapter as the wireless
button)
●
Operating system controls
Turning wireless devices on or off
You can use the wireless button or HP Connection Manager (select models only) to turn on and turn
off wireless devices.
NOTE: A computer may have a wireless button, a wireless switch, or a wireless key on the
keyboard. The term wireless button is used throughout this guide to refer to all types of wireless
controls.
To turn off wireless devices using HP Connection Manager:
▲
Right-click the HP Connection Manager icon in the notification area, at the far right of the
taskbar, and then click the power button next to the desired device.
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Connecting to a wireless network 15