Lenovo ThinkPad A485, User Manual, Page: 45 / 168

When you are not using the wireless features, such as Bluetooth or wireless LAN, turn them off to help
conserve power.
Cabled Ethernet connections
With an Ethernet cable, you can connect your computer to a local network through the Ethernet connector
on your computer.
The Ethernet connector has two network status indicators. When the green indicator is on, the computer is
connected to a LAN. When the yellow indicator blinks, data is being transmitted.
Note: If the computer is connected to a supported docking station or a supported dock, use the Ethernet
connector on the docking station or the dock instead of the one on the computer.
DANGER
Your computer has an Ethernet connector. To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not connect the
telephone cable to the Ethernet connector.
Wireless connections
Wireless connection is the transfer of data without the use of cables but by means of radio waves only.
Using the wireless-LAN connection
A wireless local area network (LAN) covers a relatively small geographic area, such as an office building or a
house. Devices based on the 802.11 standards can connect to this type of network.
Your computer comes with a built-in wireless network card to help you establish wireless connections and
monitor the connection status.
To establish a wireless-LAN connection, do the following:
1. Turn on the wireless feature. See “Using the special keys” on page 18.
2. Click the wireless-network-connection-status icon in the Windows notification area. A list of available
wireless networks is displayed.
3. Select a network to connect to it. Provide required information if needed.
The computer automatically connects to an available and remembered wireless network when the location
changes. If the available wireless network is secured, provide the password as required. For more
information, see the Windows help information system.
Tips on using the wireless-LAN feature
To achieve the best connection, use the following guidelines:
• Place your computer so that there are as few obstacles as possible between the wireless-LAN access
point and the computer.
• Open your computer cover to an angle of slightly more than 90 degrees.
Checking the wireless-LAN connection status
You can check the wireless-LAN connection status through the wireless-network-connection-status icon in
the Windows notification area. The more bars encompassed, the better the signal is.
Chapter 2
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Using your computer
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