Hp 256 G3 Notebook PC User Manual

User Guide

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1 Starting rightThis computer is a powerful tool designed to enhance your work and entertainment. Read thischapter to learn about best practices after

●You know that you can create a powerful presentation with Microsoft applications. But did youknow you can also connect to a projector to share your i

More HP resourcesYou have already used Setup Instructions to turn on the computer and locate this guide. To locateresources that provide product detai

Resource Contents●Asia Pacific: Hewlett-Packard, POD, P.O. Box 200, Alexandra Post Office, Singapore 911507When you request a printed copy of your war

2 Getting to know your computerFinding your hardware and software informationLocating hardwareTo find out what hardware is installed on your computer:

Right sideComponent Description(1)USB 2.0 ports (2) Connect an optional USB device, such as akeyboard, mouse, external drive, printer, scanner orUSB h

Left sideComponent Description(1) Security cable slot Attaches an optional security cable to the computer.NOTE: The security cable is designed to ac

Component DescriptionWARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjustthe volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or aheadset. For addition

DisplayComponent Description(1) WLAN antennas (1 or 2)* (select models only) Send and receive wireless signals to communicate with wirelesslocal area

© Copyright 2013, 2014 Hewlett-PackardDevelopment Company, L.P.AMD is a trademark of Advanced MicroDevices, Inc. Bluetooth is a trademarkowned by its

TopTouchPadComponent Description(1) TouchPad zone Reads your finger gestures to move the pointer or activateitems on the screen.NOTE: The TouchPad a

LightsComponent Description(1)Power light●On: The computer is on.●Blinking: The computer is in the Sleep state, a power-saving state. The computer shu

ButtonComponent Description Power button●When the computer is off, press the button to turn onthe computer.●When the computer is on, press the button

KeysComponent Description(1) esc key Displays system information when pressed in combinationwith the fn key.(2) fn key Executes frequently used sy

BottomComponent Description(1)Battery lock and unlock latch Locks and unlocks the battery in the battery bay.(2) Battery bay Holds the battery.(3)

LabelsThe labels affixed to the computer provide information you may need when you troubleshoot systemproblems or travel internationally with the comp

3 Connecting to a networkYour computer can travel with you wherever you go. But even at home, you can explore the globeand access information from mil

Using operating system controlsThe Network and Sharing Center allows you to set up a connection or network, connect to a network,and diagnose and repa

Using an Internet service providerWhen you are setting up Internet access in your home, you must establish an account with anInternet service provider

●Use a firewall.A firewall checks information and requests that are sent to your network, and discards anysuspicious items. Firewalls are available in

Safety warning noticeWARNING! To reduce the possibility of heat-related injuries or of overheating the computer, do notplace the computer directly on

●HSPA (High Speed Packet Access), which provides access to networks based on the GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM) telecommunications stand

2. Plug the other end of the network cable into a network wall jack (2) or router.NOTE: If the network cable contains noise suppression circuitry (3),

4 Enjoying entertainment featuresUse your HP computer as an entertainment hub to socialize via the webcam, enjoy and manage yourmusic, and download an

Component DescriptionNOTE: For disc compatibility information, go to theHelp and Support web page (see More HPresources on page 3). Follow the web pag

Using audioOn your computer, you can play music CDs, download and listen to music, stream audio content fromthe web (including radio), record audio, o

1. From the Start screen, type sound, and then select Sound Recorder.2. Click Start Recording and speak into the microphone.3. Save the file to your d

Connecting video devices by using a VGA cable (select models only)To see the computer screen image on an external VGA monitor or projected for a prese

Connecting video devices by using an HDMI cableNOTE: To connect an HDMI device to your computer, you need an HDMI cable, sold separately.To see the co

1. From the Windows desktop, right-click the Speakers icon in the notification area, at the far rightof the taskbar, and then click Playback devices.2

5 Navigating the screenYou can navigate the computer screen in the following ways:●Touch gestures●Keyboard and mouseTouch gestures can be used on your

iv Safety warning notice

TappingTo make an on-screen selection, use the tap function on the TouchPad.●Point to an item on the screen, and then tap one finger on the TouchPad z

2-finger pinch zoom2-finger pinch zoom allows you to zoom out or in on images or text.●Zoom out by placing two fingers apart on the TouchPad zone and

Rotating (select models only)Rotating allows you to turn items such as photos.●Point to an object, and then anchor the forefinger of your left hand in

Edge swipesEdge swipes allow you to perform tasks such as changing settings and finding or using apps.Right-edge swipeThe right-edge swipe reveals the

Top-edge swipeThe top-edge swipe displays app command options that allow you to customize apps.IMPORTANT: When an app is active, the top-edge gesture

TappingTo make an on-screen selection, use the tap function.●Use one finger to tap an object on the screen to make a selection. Double-tap an item to

ScrollingScrolling is useful for moving the pointer up, down, left, or right on a page or image.●Place two fingers on the screen and then drag them in

Rotating (select models only) Rotating allows you to turn items such as photos.●Anchor the forefinger of your left hand on the object you want to rota

●Gently swipe your finger inward from the left edge of the display to switch between apps.Without lifting your finger, swipe back toward the left edge

Using the keyboard and mouseThe keyboard and mouse allow you to type, select items, scroll and to perform the same functions asyou do using touch gest

Table of contents1 Starting right ...

Icon Key Descriptionf7 Decreases speaker volume incrementally as long as you hold down the key.f8 Increases speaker volume incrementally as long as yo

6 Managing powerYour computer can operate on either battery power or external power. When the computer is runningon battery power only and an AC power

●Close the display.●From the Start screen, point to the upper-right or lower-right corner of the screen to reveal thecharms. Click Settings, click the

●To reveal the percentage of remaining battery charge and the current power plan, on theWindows desktop, point over the power meter icon.●To use Power

3. Remove the battery (3) from the computer.Finding battery informationTo monitor the status of your battery, or if the battery is no longer holding a

●The battery light (select models only) indicates a low or critical battery level.– or –●The power meter icon on the Windows desktop shows a low or cr

Replacing a user-replaceable batteryBattery Check in HP Support Assistant notifies you to replace the battery when an internal cell is notcharging pro

1. Shut down the computer.2. Connect the AC adapter to the computer, and then plug it into an AC outlet.3. Turn on the computer.●If the power lights t

1. Save your work and close all open programs.2. From the Start screen, point to the upper-right or lower-right corner of the screen to reveal thechar

Using AMD Dual Graphics (select models only)The AMD Dual Graphics feature allows the AMD accelerated processing unit (APU) and the discreteAMD graphic

Connecting to a wired network ... 20Connecting

7 Maintaining your computerIt is important to perform regular maintenance to keep your computer in optimal condition. Thischapter provides information

For additional information, access the Disk Defragmenter software Help.Using Disk CleanupDisk Cleanup searches the hard drive for unnecessary files th

CAUTION: To prevent damage to internal components, do not spray cleaning agents or liquidsdirectly on any computer surface. Liquids dripped on the sur

●If you are shipping the computer or a drive, use suitable protective packaging and label thepackage “FRAGILE.”●If the computer has a wireless device

8 Securing your computer and informationComputer security is essential for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of yourinformat

Setting Windows passwordsPassword FunctionUser password Protects access to a Windows user account.Administrator password Protects administrator-level

the security software trial offer or purchase the software of your choice in order to fully protect yourcomputer.Using antivirus softwareComputer viru

If you have installed third-party software after you purchased your computer, regularly update thesoftware. Software companies provide software update

9 Using Setup Utility (BIOS) and HP PCHardware Diagnostics (UEFI)Setup Utility, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), controls communication between al

Downloading a BIOS updateCAUTION: To reduce the risk of damage to the computer or an unsuccessful installation, downloadand install a BIOS update only

Using the keyboard and mouse ... 39Using the ke

To start HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI:1. Turn on or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f2.The BIOS searches three places for t

10 Backing up, restoring, and recoveringThis chapter provides information about the following processes:●Creating recovery media and backups●Restoring

separately) to create recovery discs, or you can obtain recovery discs for your computer fromsupport. See the Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet incl

●If you have replaced the hard drive, you can use the Factory Reset option of HP Recoverymedia to restore the factory image to the replacement drive.

To start HP Recovery Manager from the HP Recovery partition:IMPORTANT: For tablets, connect to the keyboard dock before beginning these steps (selectm

11 SpecificationsInput power The power information in this section may be helpful if you plan to travel internationally with thecomputer.The computer

12 Electrostatic DischargeElectrostatic discharge is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact—forexample, the shock you re

IndexAAC adapter 7AC adapter, testing 46action keysdecrease screen brightness39Help and Support 39identifying 13increase screen brightness 39next trac

Hybrid Graphics 48Iinput power 65installingcritical security updates 56optional security cable lock 57integrated numeric keypad,identifying 13, 40inte

slotsmemory card 5security cable 7softwareDisk Cleanup 51Disk Defragmenter 50software updates, installing 56speakersconnecting 24identifying 23storing

Cleaning your computer ........ 51Cleanin

11 Specifications .................................