HP Presario CQ42-300 - Notebook PC User manual

Notebook Essentials

For more information about HP products and services, see the HP Web site at
http://www.hp.com.
© Copyright 2010 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Windows and Windows Vista are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
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.
Part number: 594156-002
User Guides
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we provide user guides and learning centers on your computer hard drive in Help and
Support. Additional support and updates to the user guides are available on the Web.
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Looking for more user guides? They are on your computer. Click: Start > Help
and Support > User Guides
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User Guides disc that
came with your computer.
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End User License Agreement (EULA)
BY INSTALLING, COPYING, DOWNLOADING, OR OTHERWISE USING ANY
SOFTWARE PRODUCT PRE-INSTALLED ON THIS PC, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND
BY THE TERMS OF THE HP 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 PC, please contact your local point of sale (the seller).
Contacting Customer Support
If the information provided in your User Guide or Learning Center does not address your
questions, you can contact HP Customer Support at:
www.hp.com/go/contactHP
Here you can:
■Chat online with an HP technician.
✎When technical support chat is not available in a particular language, it is
available in English.
■E-mail HP Customer Support.
■Find HP Customer Support worldwide telephone numbers.
■Locate an HP service center.
Serial Number Label Information
The serial number label, located on the bottom of the computer, provides important
information that you may need when contacting technical support.
1Product name 4Warranty period
2Serial number 5Model description (select models)
3Product number

Warranty Information
You may find the expressly provided HP Limited Warranty applicable to your product in the
start menu on your PC and/or in the CD/DVD provided in the box. Some countries/regions
may provide a printed HP Limited Warranty in the box. In countries/regions where the
warranty is not provided in printed format, you may request a printed copy from
www.hp.com/go/orderdocuments or write to:
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.

Notebook Essentials iii
Contents
Chapter 1: Getting started
Windows 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
TouchPad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Connecting to the Internet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Finding Help and Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Finding the user guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Identifying installed software and hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 2: Windows desktop
Identifying the Windows desktop features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 3: What's next?
Creating recovery discs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Protecting the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Protecting your system files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Protecting your privacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Protecting the computer from power surges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using the computer safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connecting to the Internet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Choosing the type of Internet access available. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Choosing an ISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connecting to an existing wireless network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Setting up a wireless network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Step 1: Purchase high-speed Internet service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Step 2: Purchase and install a wireless router. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Step 3: Configure the computer to connect to the wireless network . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting to a wired network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installing additional hardware and software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Installing hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Locating and installing software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Updating the software installed on the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Turning off the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Quick troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The computer is unable to start up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The computer screen is blank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Software is functioning abnormally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

iv Notebook Essentials
Contents
The computer is on but is not responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
The computer is unusually warm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
An external device is not working . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The wireless network connection is not working . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Appendix A: Backup and recovery
Creating recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Backing up your information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using Windows Backup and Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using system restore points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Performing a recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Recovering using the recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Recovering using the partition on the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Appendix B: Specifications
Operating environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Input power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Appendix C: Routine care
Cleaning the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Traveling and shipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Index

Notebook Essentials 1
Chapter 1: Getting started
After you set up and register your computer, there are important next steps to take before you
begin using your computer. First, read this chapter completely, because it explains what to do
and where to find additional information. For example, this guide provides specific
instructions for connecting to wired and wireless networks. You will also find practical
information to help you protect, maintain, and back up the computer. Then, read the specific
chapters for additional information.
For help in identifying specific components of the computer, refer to the user guide. Click
Start, click Help and Support, and then click User Guides, or refer to the User Guides disc
included with some models.
Your computer includes the Microsoft® Windows® 7 operating system. Windows 7 has
several new program and feature enhancements, such as:
■ Faster startup
■ Updated Wi-Fi network controls
■ Customizable taskbar
■ Fewer pop-ups and notifications
■ Support for more multimedia formats
To move the pointer, slide your finger across the TouchPad surface in the direction you want
the pointer to go. Use the TouchPad’s lower left and right buttons like the corresponding
buttons on an external mouse. To scroll up and down using the TouchPad vertical scroll zone,
slide your finger up or down along the right side of the TouchPad. The TouchPad also
supports a variety of other TouchPad gestures.
✎For additional information about using the TouchPad and TouchPad gestures, refer to
the Notebook PC User Guide in Help and Support, or refer to the User Guides disc
included with some models.
After you set up your computer, you can connect to a wireless or wired network so that you
can connect to the Internet and send and receive e-mail. Refer to Chapter 3, “What’s next?”
for more information.
Windows 7
TouchPad
Connecting to the Internet

2 Notebook Essentials
Chapter 1: Getting started
After you have connected to the Internet, manage your computer’s defenses with Norton
Internet Security. HP also recommends that you always update the antivirus software.
Antivirus software helps protect your computer from damage caused by viruses. Refer to
Chapter 3, “What's next?” for more information.
✎Help and Support is preinstalled on the computer. Access to Help and Support does not
require an Internet connection.
You can access Help and Support by clicking Start, and then clicking Help and Support.
In addition to providing information about the Windows® operating system, Help and
Support includes these topics:
■ Information about the computer, such as how to locate the model and serial number,
installed software, hardware components, and specifications
■ How to help safeguard the computer
■ How to get the best performance from the battery
■ How to set up a wireless network
User guides and regulatory and safety information are provided on the computer and are
available through Help and Support.
» To access the user guides in Help and Support, click Start, click Help and Support,
and then click User Guides.
✎User guides for select models may also be provided on a User Guides disc.
To see a list of the software that is preinstalled on the computer, follow these steps:
» Click Start, and then click All Programs.
✎Click the name of a program if you want to open it.
✎For details about using software included with the computer, refer to the software
manufacturer’s instructions, which may be provided with the software, on disc, in the
software Help, or on the manufacturer’s Web site.
Protecting your computer from viruses
Finding Help and Support
Finding the user guides
Identifying installed software and hardware

Notebook Essentials 3
Chapter 1: Getting started
To see a list of hardware installed in the computer, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, click Computer, and then click System properties.
2. In the left pane, click Device Manager.
You can also use Device Manager to add hardware or modify device configurations.
✎Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of the
computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as
installing software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and
Support for more information.

Notebook Essentials 5
Chapter 2: Windows desktop
The Windows desktop is where you start when you turn on your computer. It includes the
notification area at the far right of the taskbar, icon shortcuts that are used to start programs,
and the Start menu.
✎
The desktop of your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this
section.
Identifying the Windows desktop features
Icon Name Description
Norton Internet Security Displays the status of Norton Internet Security
antivirus software.
Synaptics Pointing Devices Opens the Mouse Properties window.
Intel® Graphics Media
Accelerator Driver for
Mobile
Opens the Intel Graphics window.
HP Wireless Assistant
(select models only)
Displays the status of your wireless device.
(Continued)

6 Notebook Essentials
Chapter 2: Windows desktop
Ä
CAUTION: Software downloaded from the Internet may contain viruses. Refer to
Chapter 3, “What’s next?” for more information.
HP Connection Manager
(select models only)
Displays the status of HP Connection Manager
and opens the HP Connection Manager window.
Battery Meter Displays the current power status and opens the
Battery Meter window.
Network status Displays the status of your network connection.
Wireless network status Displays the status of your wireless network
connection and opens the Wireless Network
Connection window.
Volume Control Opens the Volume Control window.
Icon Name Description

Notebook Essentials 7
Chapter 3: What's next?
After setting up the computer for the first time, it is recommended that you create a set of
recovery discs of the full factory image. The recovery discs are used to start up (boot) the
computer and recover the operating system and software to factory settings in case of system
failure or instability.
For information on how to create a set of recovery discs, refer to Appendix A, “Backup and
recovery.”
The information in this section explains how to protect the computer from damage caused by
a virus, a security breach, a power surge, or system failure.
Protecting your computer from viruses
When you use the computer for e-mail or Internet access, you expose it to computer viruses
that can disable the operating system, programs, or utilities or cause them to function
abnormally.
Antivirus software can detect computer viruses, destroy them, and in most cases, repair
damage they have caused. To provide ongoing protection against newly discovered viruses,
antivirus software must be kept up to date.
Norton Internet Security is preinstalled on the computer:
■ Your version of Norton Internet Security includes 60 days of free updates. It is strongly
recommended that you protect the computer against new viruses beyond 60 days by
purchasing extended update service.
■ To access Norton Internet Security or get more information about it, click Start, click
All Programs, and then click Norton Internet Security.
Protecting your system files
The operating system and the backup and recovery software provide several ways to back up
the system and to recover optimal system functionality. For additional information, refer to
Appendix A, “Backup and recovery.”
Creating recovery discs
Protecting the computer

8 Notebook Essentials
Chapter 3: What's next?
Protecting your privacy
When you use the computer for e-mail, network, or Internet access, it is possible for
unauthorized persons to obtain information about you or the computer.
To optimize the computers privacy protection features, follow these guidelines:
■ Keep the operating system and software updated. Many software updates contain
security enhancements.
■ Use a firewall. Firewall software monitors incoming traffic on the computer to block messages
that do not meet specific security criteria. Some firewalls also monitor outgoing traffic.
Protecting the computer from power surges
To protect the computer from the power surges that may be caused by an uncertain power
supply or an electrical storm, observe these practices:
■ Plug the computer power cord into an optional, high-quality surge protector. Surge
protectors are available from most computer or electronics retailers.
■ During an electrical storm, either run the computer on battery power or shut down the
computer and unplug the power cord.
■ If applicable to your location, provide surge protection on the modem cable that
connects the modem to a telephone line. Telephone line surge protectors are commonly
available from computer or electronics retailers in many regions.
Using the computer safely
Å
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your equipment, observe these
practices:
■ Plug the power cord into an AC outlet that is easily accessible at all times.
■ Disconnect power from the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet
(not by unplugging the power cord from the computer).
■ If provided with a 3-pin attachment plug on your power cord, plug the cord into a
grounded (earthed) 3-pin outlet. Do not disable the power cord grounding pin, for
example, by attaching a 2-pin adapter. The grounding pin is an important safety feature.
Å
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the Safety & Comfort Guide. It
describes proper workstation setup and proper posture, health, and work habits for
computer users. The Safety & Comfort Guide also provides important electrical and
mechanical safety information. To access this document, click Start, click Help and Support,
and then click User Guides, or refer to the User Guides disc included with some models.
The Safety & Comfort Guide is also available on the Web at http://www.hp.com/ergo.

Notebook Essentials 9
Chapter 3: What's next?
Å
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 contact 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).
Å
WARNING: To reduce potential safety issues, use only the AC adapter or battery provided
with the computer, a replacement AC adapter or battery provided by HP, or a compatible
AC adapter or battery purchased as an accessory from HP.
For more safety and regulatory information, and for battery disposal information, refer to the
Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices. To access the notices, click Start, click Help
and Support, and then click User Guides, or refer to the User Guides disc included with
some models.
Internet hardware and software features vary depending on computer model and your
location.
Choosing the type of Internet access available
The computer supports 2 types of Internet access:
■ Wireless—For mobile Internet access, you can use a wireless connection. To learn about
adding the computer to an existing network or setting up a wireless network, refer to the
“Connecting to an existing wireless network” section or the “Setting up a wireless
network” section.
■ Wired—You can access the Internet by dialing in to a service provider using a modem
cable (purchased separately) connected to the RJ-11 (modem) jack (select models only),
or you can connect to a broadband network using the RJ-45 (network) jack.
The networking features of the computer enable you to access high-speed broadband Internet
service providers with the following types of connections:
■ Cable modem
■ Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
■ Satellite
■ Other services
Broadband access may require additional hardware or software provided by your Internet
service provider (ISP).
Connecting to the Internet

10 Notebook Essentials
Chapter 3: What's next?
Choosing an ISP
You must set up Internet service before you can connect to the Internet. The computer
includes the following software features to help you set up a new Internet account or
configure the computer to use an existing account:
■ Internet Services & Offers (available in some locations)
■ ISP-provided icons (available in some locations)
■ Windows Connect to the Internet wizard (available in all locations)
Using Internet Services & Offers
If the Internet Services & Offers utility is supported in the country or region in which you
purchased the computer, you can access the utility as follows: click Start, click
All Programs, click Online Services, and then click Get Online.
The Internet Services & Offers utility assists with these tasks:
■ Signing up for a new Internet account
■ Configuring the computer to use an existing account
Using ISP-provided icons
If ISP-provided icons are supported in the country or region in which you purchased the
computer, the icons may be displayed either individually on the Windows desktop or grouped
in a desktop folder named Online Services.
» To set up a new Internet account or configure the computer to use an existing account,
double-click an icon, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
Using the Windows Connect to the Internet wizard
You can use the Windows Connect to the Internet wizard to connect to the Internet in any of
these situations:
■ If you already have an account with an ISP.
■ If you have a disc from an ISP.
■ If you do not have an Internet account and would like to select an ISP from the list
provided within the wizard. (The list of ISP providers is not available in all regions.)
■ If you have selected an unlisted ISP and the ISP has provided you with such information
as a specific IP address and POP3 and SMTP settings.
To access the Windows Connect to the Internet wizard and instructions for using the wizard,
click Start, click Help and Support, and then search for Connect to the Internet wizard.
✎If you are prompted within the wizard to choose between enabling or disabling
Windows Firewall, choose to enable the firewall.

Notebook Essentials 11
Chapter 3: What's next?
To connect the computer to an existing wireless network, follow these steps:
1. Click the network icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
2. Select a network.
3. Click Connect.
4. If required, enter the security key.
This section describes the steps necessary to set up a typical home or small office wireless
network, which is also called a wireless local area network (WLAN), using a wireless
computer.
To set up a wireless network and to connect to the Internet, you need the following
equipment:
■ A broadband modem (either DSL or cable) and high-speed Internet service purchased
from an Internet service provider (ISP)
■ A wireless router (purchased separately)
■ Your new wireless computer
The illustration shows an example of a completed wireless network installation that is
connected to the Internet and to a wired computer. As this network grows, additional wireless
and wired computers can be connected to the network to access the Internet.
Connecting to an existing wireless network
Setting up a wireless network

12 Notebook Essentials
Chapter 3: What's next?
Step 1: Purchase high-speed Internet service
If you already have high-speed Internet service (DSL, cable, or satellite), begin with the
“Step 2: Purchase and install a wireless router” section. If you do not have high-speed
Internet service, follow these steps:
1. Contact a local ISP to purchase high-speed Internet service and a DSL or cable modem.
The ISP helps you to set up the modem, install a network cable to connect your wireless
computer to the modem, and test the Internet service.
2. Your ISP gives you a User ID and password to access the Internet. Record this
information and store it in a safe place.
Step 2: Purchase and install a wireless router
Read this section carefully before you install the wireless router using the router
manufacturer's instructions and your wireless computer. If you need technical assistance
during the router installation, contact the router manufacturer.
✎It is recommended that you temporarily connect your new wireless computer to the
router by using the network cable provided with the router. This ensures that the
computer can access the Internet.
1. Be sure that the wireless light on the computer is amber. If the wireless light is white, the
wireless function is on. Press the wireless action key (f12) to turn off the wireless
function. For help locating the wireless action key, refer to the Notebook PC User Guide
in Help and Support.
2. During the router installation, the router manufacturer's software allows you to change
the network name (SSID) and enable security to protect the privacy of your wireless
network. Many routers are shipped with a default network name and with security
disabled. If you change the default network name or enable security during the router
setup, record the information and store it in a safe place. You need this information
when you configure the computer and any other computers to access the router.
✎If you do not enable security, an unauthorized wireless user can access the data on
the computer and use your Internet connection without your knowledge. For more
information on securing your wireless network, refer to the Notebook PC User
Guide in Help and Support.
The Windows operating system also provides tools to help you set up your wireless network
for the first time. To use the Windows tools to set up your network, select Start, click
Control Panel, click Network and Internet, click Network and Sharing Center, click Set
up a new connection or network, and then click Set up a new network. Then follow the
on-screen instructions.
Step 3: Configure the computer to connect to the wireless network
1. If the wireless computer is off, turn it on.
2. If the wireless light is amber, turn on the wireless function by pressing the wireless
action key (f12). For help locating the wireless action key, refer to the Notebook PC
User Guide in Help and Support.

Notebook Essentials 13
Chapter 3: What's next?
3. Connect your computer to the wireless network:
a. Click the network icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.
b. Select a network.
c. Click Connect.
d. If required, enter the security key.
e. Test the wireless network by opening your Web browser and accessing a Web site.
Connecting to a wired network requires an RJ-11 modem cable (not included with the
computer) or an RJ-45 network cable (not included with the computer). If the cable contains
noise suppression circuitry 1, which prevents interference from TV and radio reception,
orient the circuitry end of the cable 2toward the computer.
To connect the cable:
Å
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.
1. Plug the cable into the jack 1on the computer.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into a wall jack 2.
Connecting to a wired network

14 Notebook Essentials
Chapter 3: What's next?
Installing additional hardware and software
Installing hardware
To install additional hardware, such as an optional printer, follow the instructions provided by
the hardware manufacturer to install the device and any required drivers.
Locating and installing software
Software on the computer is provided in the following forms:
■ Preinstalled software. To see a list of ready-to-use programs or to start a program,
follow these steps:
1. Click Start, and then click All Programs.
A list of programs is displayed.
2. Click the name of a program to start the program.
■ Preloaded software. This software cannot be used until it is installed. To locate and
install a preloaded program or driver, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, click All Programs, click Recovery Manager, and then click
Recovery Manager.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
■ Software on disc. To install software from a disc, follow these steps:
1. Insert the disc into your optical drive.
2. When the installation wizard opens, follow the on-screen instructions.
✎Restart the computer if you are prompted to do so.
✎For details about using the software provided with the computer, refer to the software
manufacturer’s instructions, which may be provided with the software, on disc, or on
the manufacturer’s Web site.
Updating the software installed on the computer
Most software, including the operating system, is updated frequently by the manufacturer or
provider. Important updates to the software included with the computer may have been
released since the computer left the factory.
Some updates may affect the way the computer responds to optional software or external
devices. Many updates provide security enhancements.
Update the operating system and other software installed on the computer as soon as the
computer is connected to the Internet. To access links for updating installed software, refer to
Help and Support.