Connecting To A Network; Connecting To A Wireless Network; Using The Wireless Controls; Using The Wireless Key - HP Laptop User Manual

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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—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.
●
Bluetooth device—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.
From the Start screen, type h, and then select Help and Support.

Using the wireless controls

You can control the wireless devices in your computer using these features:
●
Wireless key
●
Operating system controls

Using the wireless key

The computer has a wireless key and one or more wireless devices, depending on the model. All of
the wireless devices on your computer are enabled at the factory.
Because the wireless devices are enabled at the factory, you can use the wireless key to turn on or
turn off the wireless devices simultaneously.

Using operating system controls

The Network and Sharing Center allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network,
manage wireless networks, and diagnose and repair network problems.
To use operating system controls:
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