HP Notebook Reference Guide - Windows 7 and Windows Vista
Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Networking (select models only)
- Multimedia
- Power management
- Shutting down the computer
- Setting power options
- Using Power Assistant (select models only)
- Using battery power
- Finding additional battery information
- Using Battery Check
- Displaying the remaining battery charge
- Maximizing battery discharge time
- Managing low battery levels
- Conserving battery power
- Storing a battery
- Disposing of a used battery
- Replacing the battery
- Using external AC power
- Switching between graphics modes (select models only)
- External cards and devices
- Using Media Card Reader cards (select models only)
- Using PC Cards (select models only)
- Using ExpressCards (select models only)
- Using smart cards (select models only)
- Using a USB device
- Using 1394 devices (select models only)
- Using an eSATA device (select models only)
- Using a serial device (select models only)
- Using optional external devices
- Drives
- Security
- Protecting the computer
- Using passwords
- Using antivirus software
- Using firewall software
- Installing critical security updates
- Using HP ProtectTools Security Manager (select models only)
- Installing an optional security cable
- Using the fingerprint reader (select models only)
- Maintenance
- Computer Setup (BIOS) and System Diagnostics
- MultiBoot
- Management
- Traveling with the computer
- Troubleshooting resources
- Electrostatic Discharge
- Index
Using Power Assistant (select models only)
Power Assistant allows you to configure system settings to optimize your computer's power
consumption and battery charge. Power Assistant provides tools and information to help you make
informed decisions on power management:
● Power consumption predictions in hypothetical system configurations
● Predefined power profiles
●
Usage details and graphs showing power consumption trends over time
To start Power Assistant when Windows is running:
▲
Sele
ct Start > All Programs > HP > HP Power Assistant.
– or –
Press fn+f6 (select models only).
For more information about using, configuring, and managing Power Assistant, refer to the Power
Assistant software Help.
Using battery power
WARNING! To reduce potential safety issues, use only the battery provided with the computer, a
replacement battery provided by HP, or a compatible battery purchased from HP.
The computer runs on battery power whenever it is not plugged into external AC power. Computer
battery life varies, depending on power management settings, running programs, display brightness,
external devices connected to the computer, and other factors. Keeping the battery in the computer
whenever the computer is plugged into AC power charges the battery and also protects your work in
case of a power outage. If the computer contains a charged battery and is running on external AC
power, the computer automatically switches to battery power if the AC adapter is disconnected from
the computer or an AC power loss occurs.
NOTE: When you d
isconnect AC power, the display brightness is automatically decreased to save
battery life. For information on increasing or decreasing display brightness, refer to the Getting
Started guide. Select computer models can switch between graphic modes to increase battery life.
For more information, refer to Switching between graphics modes (select models only) on page 32.
Finding additional battery information
Help and Support provides the following tools and information about the battery:
● Battery Check tool to test battery performance
● Information on calibration, power management, and proper care and storage to maximize battery
life
● Information on battery types, specifications, life cycles, and capacity
To access battery information:
▲ Select Start > Help and Support > Learn > Power Plans: Frequently Asked Questions.
Using Power Assistant (select models only) 27