Apple LC 550 User Manual

Getting Started

With Your Macintosh LC 550

Includes setup instructions and important health-related information

Read This First

Adjusting the sound 20

Using the built-in microphone 22

Adjusting the screen 22

Disabling the buttons on the front of your computer 23

Saving energy 24

Installing an expansion card 25

Using a RAM disk for temporary storage 29

n Your Computer at a Glance 18

n Using Special Features 20

hard disk 30

Advice about using a modem 30

Starting up your computer from an external

i

Contents

Communications regulation information iii

n Setting Up 1

Plugging in the computer 2

Connecting the mouse and keyboard 3

Tu rning on your computer for the first time 4

Problems starting up? 6

Safety instructions 6

Health-related information about computer use 7

What’s next? 11

Tu rning the computer on and off 16

Taking the Macintosh Basics tour 12

n Learning the Basics 12

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Macintosh Basicswas developed using VideoWorks Interactive. MacroMind is a

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Trinitron is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

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Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes

neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with

regard to the performance or use of these products.

K Apple Computer, Inc.

This manual and the software described in it are copyrighted, with all rights reserved.

Under the copyright laws, this manual or the software may not be copied, in whole or

part, without written consent of Apple, except in the normal use of the software or to

make a backup copy of the software. The same proprietary and copyright notices must

be affixed to any permitted copies as were affixed to the original. This exception does

not allow copies to be made for others, whether or not sold, but all of the material

purchased (with all backup copies) may be sold, given, or loaned to another person.

Under the law, copying includes translating into another language or format.

You may use the software on any computer owned by you, but extra copies cannot be

made for this purpose.

The Apple logo is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other

countries. Use of the “keyboard” Apple logo (Option-Shift-K) for commercial purposes

without the prior written consent of Apple may constitute trademark infringement and

unfair competition in violation of federal and state laws.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate.

Apple is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.

©1993 Apple Computer, Inc.

20525 Mariani Avenue

Cupertino, CA 95014-6299

[phone]

Apple, the Apple logo, LaserWriter, and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Computer,

Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Apple Desktop Bus and At Ease are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

ii

Apple Computer, Inc., could void the FCC Certification and negate your

authority to operate the product.

This product was tested for FCC compliance under conditions that

included the use of Apple peripheral devices and Apple shielded cables and

connectors between system components. It is important that you use Apple

peripheral devices and shielded cables and connectors between system

components to reduce the possibility of causing interference to radios,

television sets, and other electronic devices. You can obtain Apple

peripheral devices and the proper shielded cables and connectors through

an Apple-authorized dealer. For non-Apple peripheral devices, contact the

manufacturer or dealer for assistance. S

If necessary, consult an Apple-authorized service provider or Apple. See the

service and support information that came with your Apple product. Or,

consult an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions.

You may find the following booklet helpful: Interference Handbook (stock

number 004-000-00493-1). This booklet, prepared by the Federal

Communications Commission, is available from the U.S. Government Printing

Office, Washington, DC 20402.

S Important: Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by

DOC statement

DOC Class B Compliance This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B

limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the

interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003

of the Department of Communications.

Observation des normes—Classe B Cet appareil numérique respecte les

limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux appareils numériques de

Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matériel brouilleur : “Appareils

Numériques”, NMB-003 édictée par le ministre des Communications.

iii

Communications regulation information

FCC statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class

B digital device in accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules.

See instructions if interference to radio or television reception is suspected.

Radio and television interference

The equipment described in this manual generates, uses, and can radiate radio-

frequency energy. If it is not installed and used properly—that is, in strict

accordance with Apple’s instructions—it may cause interference with radio and

television reception.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class

B digital device in accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules.

These specifications are designed to provide reasonable protection against

television or radio. (That is, make certain the computer and the television

or radio are on circuits controlled by different circuit breakers or fuses.)

such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee

that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

You can determine whether your computer system is causing interference by

turning it off. If the interference stops, it was probably caused by the computer

or one of the peripheral devices.

If your computer system does cause interference to radio or television

reception, try to correct the interference by using one or more of the following

measures:

m Turn the television or radio antenna until the interference stops.

m Move the computer to one side or the other of the television or radio.

m Move the computer farther away from the television or radio.

m Plug the computer into an outlet that is on a different circuit from the

VCCI statement

iv

1

Keyboard

Macintosh computer

Power cord

Keyboard cable

Mouse

Optional security screws

Setting Up

Congratulations on your purchase of a Macintosh computer!

In this all-in-one computer, Apple has integrated a Trinitron®monitor for exceptional color quality, reduced the number of

cables, and moved controls to the front for easy access. Set it up

and learn the basics. Then explore the many options to see what

you can do with Apple’s most affordable media-ready system,

featuring stereo sound and an optional CD-ROM drive.

Setting up your computer involves these steps:

n Plugging in the computer

n Connecting the mouse and keyboard

n Tu rning on your computer

power plug (marked with the symbol ≤) on the back

Socket end of the

power cord

Power

cord plug

Main power

switch

of the computer.

1. Plug the socket end of the power cord into the recessed

S

within easy reach so that you can unplug the computer easily

when you need to.

S Important: Be sure at least one end of the power cord is

grounded outlet or power strip.

2. Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-hole

S

Important: To protect both yourself and the computer

from electrical hazards, the computer should remain turned

offuntil you are finished connecting its parts. Check the main

power switch at the back of the computer. Make sure that the

Plugging in the computer

Plug in the Macintosh before connecting anything to it. The plug

grounds the computer and protects it from electrical damage

while you are setting up.

S

bottom of the switch (marked with an “j”) is pressed in.

2

2. Plug one end of the keyboard cable—both ends are the

ADB port

This icon is on both

the cable and the port.

same—into the port on the other side of the keyboard.

If you plugged the mouse cable in on the right, for example,

plug the keyboard cable in on the left.

the ports marked with the ◊ icon on the back of the

computer.

3. Plug the other end of the keyboard cable into one of

provides information on adjusting the keyboard so that you can

As you work with your Macintosh, you may find that you want to

adjust the height of the keyboard. Your Macintosh User’s Guide

work comfortably.

3

s

grounding plug—a plug that has a third (grounding) pin.

This plug will fit only a grounded AC outlet. This is a safety

feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet,

contact a licensed electrician to replace the outlet with a

properly grounded outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the

grounded. Your Macintosh is equipped with a three-wire

s Warning: This equipment is intended to be electrically

grounding plug!

Connecting the mouse and keyboard

Follow these steps to connect the mouse and keyboard:

the keyboard. (If you prefer to use the mouse with your

1. Plug the mouse cable into the port on the right side of

left hand, plug the mouse cable into the port on the

left side of the keyboard.)

The plug and the port are marked with the same icon (◊).

Align the icons before you insert the plug.

(ADB) icon. You may see this term in other places in the

manuals that came with your computer. v

v By the way: The ◊ icon is often called the Apple Desktop Bus

keyboard to turn on your computer.

Power key

Main power

switch

Now your computer is on.

2. Press the Power key (marked with the P icon) on the

Turning on your computer for the first time

In order to start up, your computer must have special software

(called system software) installed on the hard disk. Your computer

may have this software already installed.

To see if your hard disk already has system software installed,

follow these twosteps to turn on your computer.

1. Press the top of the main power switch at the back

of the computer. The top of the switch is marked with

an “i”.

This switch provides power to your computer, but doesn’t

turn it on.

4

your computer was shipped from the factory. If you want to

change the color of the desktop pattern, see Chapter 11 of the

Macintosh User’s Guide. v

If you see a blinking question mark, you need to install system

software. See Chapter 8 of the Macintosh User’s Guide for

instructions on how to install system software from floppy disks.

Check the label of the Install Me First disk to make sure it is for

v Note: The desktop is gray right now because that’s the way

your Macintosh model.

5

What you see after you turn on your computer depends on

whether system software has already been installed on your hard

disk.

If your screen looks like the one below, with a small, labeled

picture (icon) at the top right, then system software has already

been installed and your computer is ready to use. Look at “Safety

Instructions,” later in this book, for important safety instructions.

Safety instructions

For your own safety and that of your equipment, always take the

following precautions.

damaged

Tu rn off the computer completely and disconnect the power plug

(by pulling the plug, not the cord) if any of the following

conditions exists:

n the power cord or plug becomes frayed or otherwise

n you spill something into the case

moisture

n your Macintosh is exposed to rain or any other excess

otherwise damaged

n your Macintosh has been dropped or the case has been

n you suspect that your Macintosh needs service or repair

procedure described below)

n you want to clean the case (use only the recommended

For additional safety:

remove it, before you use your computer.

n Replace the back panel of the computer, if you ever need to

removed.

n Never turn on your computer with any of the internal parts

plugged into a power strip, is the power strip turned on?

Problems starting up?

If you don’t see anything on the screen, check these items to see

if you can identify the problem:

n Is the computer firmly plugged into a power source? If it is

light on the front of your computer is green. If it’s not, you

need to turn the computer on, using the main power switch

at the back of the computer.

n Is the computer itself turned on? Check to see if the power-on

the keyboard cable while your computer is on. You could

damage your equipment.)

n Is the keyboard cable connected correctly? (Don’t disconnect

is that hard disk turned on? Was it turned on before you

turned on the computer? If you’re not sure, turn everything

off as described in “Turning the Computer On and Off.” Then

n If you have an external hard disk attached to your computer,

turn on the external hard disk before you turn on your

computer.

Guidefor instructions on installing system software from

floppy disks. Make sure that the label of the Install Me First

system software. Go to Chapter 8 of the Macintosh User’s

n If you see a blinking question mark, you’ll need to install

disk says it is for your Macintosh model.

6

Health-related information about

computer use

Muscle soreness, eye fatigue, and other discomforts and injuries

sometimes associated with using computers can occur from

performing any number of activities. In fact, misuse of the same

muscles during multiple activities can create a problem that might

not otherwise exist. For example, if you engage in nonwork

activities that involve repetitive stress on the wrist—such as

bicycling—and also use your computer’s keyboard improperly,

you may increase your likelihood of developing wrist problems.

Some individuals are at greater risk of developing these problems

because of their health, physiology, lifestyle, and general exposure

to stress. Work organization and conditions, such as workstation

setup and lighting, also play a part in your overall health and

7

comfort. Preventing health problems is a multifaceted task that

requires careful attention to the way you use your body every

hour of every day.

The most common health effects associated with using a

computer are musculoskeletal discomfort and eye fatigue. We’ll

discuss each area of concern below. For information about electric

and magnetic emissions, look in the reference material that comes

with your computer.

wash basins, bathtubs, shower stalls, and so on.

Be sure that you always do the following:

n Keep your Macintosh away from sources of liquids, such as

as rain, snow, and so on.

n Protect your Macintosh from dampness or wet weather, such

your Macintosh into a wall socket.

n Read all the installation instructions carefully before you plug

others.

n Keep these instructions handy for reference by you and

n Follow all instructions and warnings dealing with your system.

Operation of this product, or similar products, must always be

s Warning: Electrical equipment may be hazardous if misused.

s

supervised by an adult. Do not allow children access to the

interior of any electrical product and do not permit them to

handle any cables.

To clean the case, do the following:

power plug. (Pull the plug, not the cord.)

1. Turn off the computer completely and then disconnect the

with water.

2. Wipe the surfaces lightly with a clean, soft cloth dampened