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HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. HP assumes no responsibility for the use or reliability of its software on equipment that is not furnished by HP. This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior written consent of HP.
Finding Onscreen Guides ...13 Finding Guides on the Web...13 Using the Onscreen Help and Support Center ...14 Using the PC Help & Tools Folder ...14 Using HP Connections or Compaq Connections ...14 Getting messages ...15 Turning off messages ...15 Reactivating messages ...16...
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Turning On Your Computer for the First Time ...17 Using the Computer with Safety and Comfort ...17 Protecting Your Computer ...17 Using passwords ...18 Using antivirus software...19 Using firewall software...20 Installing critical security updates...20 Turning On Your Computer for the First Time...21 Turning Off Your Computer...21 Using Shut Down ...22 Using Lock ...22...
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Introducing Your Computer Software ...41 Learning More About Software...41 Using the Desktop...41 Removing desktop icons ...42 Retrieving desktop icons ...42 Using the Windows Start Button Menu ...42 Using the All Programs menu ...42 Organizing your All Programs list ...43 Using the Control Panel...43 Resizing Windows...44...
Putting Your Computer Together Follow the steps on the setup poster to set up your computer. Read the topics in this section to learn more about the location of components and connectors on your computer, and to learn about some setup alternatives. Look in the computer box for printed details or updates regarding your computer.
Using surge protection Help protect your monitor, computer, and accessories by connecting all power cords for your computer and peripheral devices (such as a monitor, printer, or scanner) to a surge protection device such as a power strip with surge protection or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
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Connector Icon/label Description and function (continued) Monitor Serial port for some digital cameras or other serial devices Serial Audio Line Out (powered speakers) Audio Line In Headphones Microphone ® FireWire (IEEE 1394) for video cameras or other devices with very fast transfer rates Digital audio in and digital audio out Side speaker out Setting Up Your Computer...
Connector Connecting a Digital Camera (Photo or Video) The following instructions apply only to digital photo cameras and digital video cameras. NOTE: When connecting an analog video camera to the computer, use the Video and Audio In connectors on the front or back of the computer. Refer to the documentation that came with your digital photo camera or digital video camera.
If the computer does not recognize the digital photo camera or the digital video camera: Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar, and then click Control Panel. Click System and Maintenance, and then click System. Click Device Manager. Click the plus sign (+) next to the camera port. If the name of the camera appears, the device is ready.
TV, and so on) to the computer at a time (select models only). You can quickly change which device displays the computer desktop by pressing Alt+F5. Each time you press Alt+F5, the computer desktop appears on the next device. If pressing Alt+F5 does not work, restart the computer and try again.
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The preceding illustration shows a home LAN. The desktop computer has a wired connection to a wireless router. The desktop computer also has a printer that it shares with the other computers on the network. Each notebook computer has a wireless connection to the network router.
Setting Up a Wired (Ethernet) Connection The Ethernet connection, which may be called network interface adapter, Network Interface Card, or NIC, provides a high-speed or broadband connection to an Ethernet (10BaseT) or Fast Ethernet (100BaseT) network. After you connect this interface to a network, such as a LAN, you can connect to the Internet through the network.
For more information about wireless technology, go to: http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/wireless Connecting the Wireless LAN Device (Select models only) You can connect the computer to an 802.11b or 802.11g wireless network by using the external antenna that was included with your system.
Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar, click Help and Support, and then type Setting up a wireless network into the Search Help box. Go to: http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/wireless Using wireless security features When you set up a home WLAN or access an existing public WLAN, always enable security features to protect your network from unauthorized access.
Connecting a Modem For information on connecting to the Internet, see “Connecting to the Internet” in this guide. The modem is used for connecting to an ISP that provides a telephone dial-up connection to the Internet. NOTE: Your computer may not come with a modem. Before you can use telephone dial-up to connect to the Internet and send or receive e-mail and faxes, you must connect your telephone service line to the modem (A), which is on the back of the computer (B).
Finding Guides on the Web You can find guides and information for your computer by using the Internet to access the Support Web site. Go to http://www.hp.com/support in your Web browser. Select your country/region and language. Click Support and Drivers.
Using HP Connections or Compaq Connections HP Connections or Compaq Connections (select models only) is an Internet-based service provided by HP to bring you important information for your computer: Messages arrive while you’re connected to the Internet, and display an alert or a notice on your desktop.
You can exit this window, and HP Connections or Compaq Connections remains active. If HP Connections or Compaq Connections has not been activated on your system, the screen contains an Activate button to activate the service. Click Activate to start the service and view a list of messages that may have been received previously.
Reactivating messages When you reactivate the HP Connections or Compaq Connections service, the service runs whenever you are connected to the Internet, and you automatically receive messages as they become available. To turn on the service: Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar.
Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar, click All Programs, click User Guides, and then click Safety & Comfort Guide. Type http://www.hp.com/ergo into your Web browser address box, and then press Enter on the keyboard. Protecting Your Computer Protect your computer, personal settings, and data from a variety of risks by using: Passwords.
Computer risk Unauthorized use of the computer or user account Computer viruses Unauthorized access to data Unauthorized access to Setup Utility, BIOS settings, and other system identification information Ongoing or future threats to the computer Using passwords A password is a group of characters that you choose to secure your computer information. Several types of passwords can be set, depending on how you want to control access to your information.
The following are some tips for creating and saving passwords: When creating passwords, follow the requirements set by the program. Write down your passwords and store them in a secure place away from the computer. Do not store passwords in a file on the computer. Do not use your name or other personal information that could be easily discovered by an outsider.
Using firewall software When you use the computer for e-mail, network, or Internet access, unauthorized persons may be able to gain access to information about you, the computer, and your data. To protect your privacy, use firewall software. Microsoft Windows Vista includes firewall software preinstalled on the computer.
Set up Microsoft Windows Vista by following the onscreen instructions. Follow the onscreen instructions to register with HP or Compaq, sign up for updates, and get online. If you do not want to set up an Internet connection at this time, you can do so later by manually starting Easy Internet Services.
Using Shut Down For best results, when using Windows Vista, turn off the computer without pressing any buttons on the computer chassis. NOTE: For information on the Windows Start Button, see “Using the Windows Start Button Menu.” Close any open software programs by clicking the X at the upper-right corner of each program window.
To put the computer into sleep mode manually: Press the Sleep button on the keyboard, if it is present. Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar. Click the Power button. Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar. Click the Arrow button next to the Lock button. Click Sleep.
To wake the computer from hibernate mode, press the On button on the front of the computer. If the computer does not work properly when you wake it from hibernate mode, restart the computer. Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar. Click the Arrow button next to the Lock button.
ISP. Connect to the Internet. You must connect through your ISP. Double-click the ISP-provided icon on the desktop, and log in. Open your Web browser and browse the Internet. You can use any Web browser; most computers have Internet Explorer. To open Internet Explore: Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar.
Signing Up for Software Updates Microsoft continually updates the Windows Vista operating system. It is recommended that you check for, download, and install these updates at least once a month. One way to keep the operating system up to date is to use the Automatic Updates feature. When you are connected to the Internet, Windows Vista Update automatically notifies you through a pop-up message or icon in the notification area when critical updates are available.
Setting Up User Accounts on Your New Computer User accounts enable you to set the privileges for each user of your computer. For example, you can set the software programs that each user is allowed to access. Windows Vista provides three types of user accounts: Administrative Allowed to change account types for other users, change passwords, change system- wide settings, and install Windows Vista-compatible software and drivers.
Guidelines for Installing Software and Hardware Devices After you set up the computer, you may want to install additional software programs or hardware devices. Keep in mind the following important guidelines: Before installation, make a restore point by using the Microsoft System Restore program.
Using the Keyboard Your computer may include a standard keyboard or a wireless keyboard. The keyboard is the primary way you enter text and commands for the computer. A standard keyboard connects to the keyboard connector in the back of the computer. A wireless keyboard (select models only) uses a receiver/transmitter, instead of a connector cable, to communicate with your computer.
Function keys The function keys, located above the main keys, are labeled F1 through F12. Most function key operations vary by software program. F1 and F3 are available at all times: Pressing F1 displays a Help window for the software program being used. Pressing F3 displays a search window.
Numeric keys Press the Num Lock key to lock and unlock the numeric key functions: When the Num Lock light on the keyboard is on, the numeric keys work in the same way as the number keys and arithmetic functions found on a basic calculator. When the Num Lock light on the keyboard is off, the numeric keys are directional keys used to move the cursor or play games.
Special keyboard buttons There are special buttons (select models only) at the top of the keyboard. These buttons operate a CD or DVD player, control speaker volume, connect you to the Internet, or provide quick access to specific functions. (Some keyboard models have some of these special buttons to the left side of the main keys, some do not have the Internet buttons, and some use a different layout on the top right.) Identifying Special Keyboard Buttons...
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Opens e-mail program. Can be reconfigured to open any Web site or software program. Links to HP Web site. Links to Compaq Web site. Goes to popular Web sites. Can be reconfigured to open a site or software program.
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Media control or playback buttons Icon – + Getting Started Label Description Eject 1 and Opens or closes upper and lower optical drive trays. Eject 2 Starts recording to selected media. Stop Stops media. Play/Pause Plays or pauses media. Prev Rewinds media.
Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that you press simultaneously to perform specific actions. For example, from the Windows Vista desktop, press the Alt (alternate) key, the Ctrl (control) key, and the S key (the letter S) to display support information for the computer (including the model number, serial number, and service ID).
Your computer includes a mouse for directing the cursor (pointer) on the Windows Vista desktop. The mouse uses a roller ball or optics (a light and sensor) to sense movement and cause the cursor on the screen to move. Use the mouse on a flat surface.
Using the Mouse Buttons The mouse has two or three buttons on the top: Click the left mouse button (A) to position the cursor or select an item. Click the right mouse button (C) to display a menu of commands for the item you clicked. On select models, use the scroll wheel button (B) in the center for scrolling and panning.
Autoscrolling Place the cursor anywhere in the document, and then press the scroll wheel button once. An autoscroll icon appears. Move the mouse in the direction you want to scroll. The farther you move the mouse from the starting point, the faster the document scrolls. To stop autoscrolling, press the scroll wheel button again.
Changing Mouse Pointer Speed To change the speed of the cursor on the screen relative to the motion of the mouse: Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar. Click Control Panel. Click Hardware and Sound, if it is present. Click Mouse.
For help with specific software, refer to the onscreen Help within the program. Using the Desktop The desktop is the work area that appears on the monitor screen. It includes the taskbar along one edge, and shortcut icons that make it easy to find the things you need.
Removing desktop icons You can remove most desktop icons by deleting them. To delete a desktop icon: Right-click the icon. Click Delete. Retrieving desktop icons Open the Recycle Bin on your desktop. Drag the icon onto the desktop. Using the Windows Start Button Menu Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar to open the Start menu.
Right-click the item. Click Copy. Go to the desktop or folder, right-click an empty area, and then click Paste. If you use Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel to delete a software program, the shortcut in All Programs may not be removed. To remove a shortcut: Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar.
Resizing Windows All windows have three buttons in the upper-right corner. The middle button is either the Maximize button or the Restore Down button, depending on the state of the window. Feature Getting Started Name Description Minimize Collapses the window to the taskbar (but does not close it). To bring the window back up, click the taskbar button with the name of the window.
The URL identifies a Web site location, typically in the form http://www.name.extension (for example, http://www.hp.com). The URL may include the path to a specific file within that site. Each period, or dot, in the URL separates elements within the address. For example, you will see the URL extension .com used by companies.
Once you are connected to the Internet, your browser displays the home Web page. You can go to a different Web site by entering its address (such as http://www.hp.com) into the address box in the browser, and pressing Enter on your keyboard. Or you can use the browser search feature to search for references to a specific word or phrase on the Web.
Restricting Internet content The Internet provides you with a wide variety of information, but some information may not be suitable for every viewer. With Content Advisor (a feature of Internet Explorer), you can: Set up a password. Control Internet access. Set up a list of Web sites that people who use your computer cannot view.
Using Windows Mail To set up Windows Mail, you first need some information from your ISP: your e-mail address, user name, password, the names of your incoming and outgoing e-mail servers, and perhaps some other details. The first time you start Windows Mail, make sure the computer is connected to the Internet, and follow the wizard to set up your account.
A file is any unit of information that is named and stored on your computer hard disk drive or other electronic storage media, such as a CD, diskette, or even in a digital camera. A file can be an application program, a picture, music or sounds, a document, or data. Almost everything you do on your computer involves working with files.
Creating Folders Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar, and then click Computer. Right-click Windows Start Button on the taskbar, and then click Explore. Navigate to the location where you want the new folder. Click Organize and then New folder. Type a name for the folder, and then press Enter on the keyboard.
Finding Files To find a file, you can use the Search box at the top of every folder, or the search box on the Windows Start Button menu, which searches the whole computer. To search from a folder Search box: Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar, and then click Computer.
Recycle Bin is emptied manually or it is cleared to make room for more recently deleted files. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop. Find the file you want to retrieve, and click to select it. Click Restore this item.
Using a Printer For instructions on connecting and using the printer, refer to the user manual that came with your printer. Printers receive instructions from your computer by means of software programs called printer drivers. In many cases your computer automatically finds the necessary printer driver for your particular printer to work with your computer.
Using the Memory Card Reader Digital cameras and other digital imaging devices use memory cards, or media, to store digital picture files. The optional memory card reader (select models only) can read from and write to a variety of types of memory cards and the IBM Microdrive disk drive. The card reader is accessible directly on the front of the computer.
Insert the media into the card slot until it stops. The activity light (A) on the memory card reader lights, and the computer automatically detects the media. NOTE: on the media. For more information, see “Media Insertion Guide.” CompactFlash and Microdrive are keyed and cannot be inserted incorrectly. Insert the receptacle edge (holes) of this media into the slot.
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Card CompactFlash Type 1 media CompactFlash Type II media IBM Microdrive disk drive Secure Digital (SD) memory card Mini Secure Digital (MiniSD) Memory Card MultiMediaCard (MMC) Reduced size MultiMediaCard (RSMMC) MultiMediaCard Plus (MMC +) MultiMediaCard Mobile (MMC Mobile) Memory Stick (MS) memory card Memory Stick (MS-Pro) memory card Memory Stick (MS-Pro Duo) memory card...
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2-slot memory card reader (select models only) Activity light Upper slot Lower slot Card Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card MultiMediaCard (MMC) Memory Stick (MS) Memory Card Memory Stick (MS-Pro) Memory Card SmartMedia (SM) Memory Card xD media IBM Microdrive disk drive CompactFlash Type I media CompactFlash Type II media Do not use SM and xD media in the memory card reader at the same time.
Understanding the Activity Light The memory card reader activity light is off when there are no media cards plugged into the slots. The light turns on when a media card is inserted into a slot. The light blinks when data is being transferred between the card and the computer. Formatting a Memory Card If you have not used the memory card before, or if the card has become corrupted, you may need to format it before using the it.
Troubleshooting the Memory Card Reader If you are having problems reading from or writing to a memory card, try the following: Some cards have a read/write or security switch on the card. Make sure the read/ write switch is set to Write Enabled before attempting to write data to the card. Make sure the amount of data you want to store is not larger than the storage limit of the memory card.
adjusting monitor antivirus, installing program autoscroll Bluetooth devices buttons media control or playback Off, See turning off PC buttons, keyboard customizing card reader, memory carpal tunnel syndrome change the speed of the cursor computer transferring files connecting devices digital camera modem peripherals wired network...
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Getting Started transferring information to your new computer turning off PC update, Windows Vista updates from Compaq Connections, using updates from HP Connections, using updating, system user accounts creating videos working with home videos volume...