Apple PowerBook 2400c User Manual

part

Chapter 1 Getting Started Chapter 2 Get ting Help Chapter 3 Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment Chapter 4 Installing and Using Application Programs Chapter 5 Power Manag e ment

The information and illustrations in this chapter provide an overview of your Macintosh PowerBook system and get you started using the computer. To begin, take a few moments to review some important details about the computer’s hardware, software, and learning materials.

Becoming familiar with your Macintosh PowerBook

Your PowerBook is designed to keep you working productively in any location. With a PowerBook, you have

m easily expandable hardware m specialized programs for mobile computing and versatile productivity

applications, in addition to Macintosh system software

m interactive online instructions for using the computer, a manual for setting

up and troubleshooting, and electronic manuals for application programs provided with the computer

Hardware at a glance

The illustration on the next page shows the built-in features of your computer, including the slots for PC Cards, and the ports for connecting to an external floppy disk drive, a printer, a nd other external equipment.

Getting Started

Follow the instructions in this

chapter to set up your computer

and learn the basics.

SCSI port (HDI-30)

™

External monitor port

(VGA-style connector)

External floppy

disk drive port

Apple Desktop Bus

(ADB) port

Printer/external

modem port

PC Card eject holes

Two PC Card (PCMCIA card) slots

Trackpad

Trackpad button

Microphone

PC card eject buttons

Power key

Battery cover

Sleep indicator light

Sound in port

Infrared window

Sound out port

Speaker

Reset button

Power adapter port

Brightness

control

Software for mobility and efficiency

Your PowerBook comes with a variety of applications, utility programs, and control panels that provide broad functionality and flexibility. These include

In the Applications folder

m Apple Inter n et Connection Kit, complete software for using the Internet m ClarisWorks, for word processing, graphics, spreadsheet, database, and

telecommunications

m America Online, for electronic mail, information services, and

Intern et browsing

m MacLink Plus, for translating files between Mac OS and PC formats m Remote Access Client, for connecting to a computer located elsewhere m Apple Telecom software, for sending faxes and making modem connections

In the Apple Extras folder

m Apple IR File Exchange, for sending and receiving files using the

computer’s infrared window

m PowerBook File Assistant, for synchronizing file contents when you have

several versions of a file

m MoviePlayer, for viewing QuickTime movies m Tools and instructions for AppleScript scripting

In the Utilities folder

m Drive Setup, for testing, formatting, and partitioning hard disk drives and

drives for removable media, such as optical disks

m Disk First Aid, for testing and repairing floppy disks and hard disks or

removable media (except SRAM storage PC Cards)

Each folder contains other items as well.

Getting Started

Control Strip for quick changes

The Control Strip appears on the desktop when you start up your PowerBook. This strip lets you change common settings quickly—by pressing an icon and then choosing the option you want from a pop-up menu.

(The Control Strip on your PowerBook may not look exactly like the illustration, depending on your computer’s settings.)

You can adjust the Control Strip and add or remove items from it. For instructions, see “How do I use the Control Strip?” in the “Customizing Your Computer” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available from the Guide (h) menu.

Learning materials and other information about the computer

Your PowerBook comes with this user’s manual, which provides the information you need for setting up the computer, caring for it, and finding solutions to problems with the hardware. Depending on the PowerBook model you have, other manuals may be included as well.

The majority of instructions for using your PowerBook are online—i n the Mac OS Tutorial, which introduces new users to the computer, and Mac OS Guide, which offers step-by-step instructions for the primary tasks you perform with the computer.

Chapter 1

Monitor

battery’s charge

Play

audio CD

Turn file

sharing

on or off

Put computer to sleep

Set screen’s

colors or grays

Set screen’s resolution

Turn

AppleTalk

on or off

Adjust sound volume

Change default printer

Adjust for

conservation

or performance

Spin down the hard disk

Save system settings

The Guide menu

You use the Guide menu to open Mac OS Tutorial or Mac OS Guide.

The Guide menu contains online instructions for using Macintosh system software when the Finder is the active program. In addition to Mac OS Guide and the tutorial, the Guide menu contains an explanation for using the Guide online instructions (About Apple Guide) and a summary of shortcuts.

The Guide menu usually provides online h elp for other applications when they are active.

You also use the Guide menu to turn balloons on or off. When turned on, balloons display a description of the item on the screen at the pointer’s location. The illustration shows the balloon for the Trash.

Getting Started

When you have questions about the computer

When you have questions about using your Macintosh PowerBook, you can look for answers in several places. These include

m Mac OS Guide and other online instr uctions available in the Guide menu m electronic manuals and Read Me documents on your computer’s hard disk m files that provide demonstrations and tours of the hardware and software

(on the hard disk)

m the printed manuals that came with your computer and with any additional

application programs or equipment you’re using

m Apple’s World Wide Web sites and other information sources on the

Intern et (by modem or network connection)

m the Apple support center (by telephone)

Chapter 1

Where to find answers

The summary that follows indicates the type of information you can expect to get from each information source.

On the computer’s hard disk

In the Guide menu

The Guide menu (marked with the hicon) is your main source of information about the Macintosh. You can learn basic skills in the tutorial and get interactive, step-by-step help for tasks in Mac OS Guide.

In electronic manuals

For some programs, condensed instructions and reference information are supplied in an online manual. This type of document usually contains illustrations and bookmarks you use for quick access to the items you need. You can print this manual also.

In Read Me documents

The Read Me files that come on your computer’s hard disk contain late-breaking information about your PowerBook and some of the software that comes with your PowerBook.

In the printed materials

In this book

Use this book to set up and learn about your computer and for useful tips and suggestions if you have problems while using your computer.

In other manuals

For answers to questions about other equipment or about application programs you have purchased, see the manuals that came with them.

continued

User’s ManualUser’s Manual

Macintosh PowerBookMacintosh PowerBook

Getting Started

On the Internet

At Apple’s Web sites

Apple maintains a number of sites on the World Wide Web that provide software updates, product information, and technical information. The central site is http://www.apple.com/. Several other Apple sites (linked to the central one) provide PowerBook updates, product details, and mobile computing solutions, including http://powerbook.apple.com/.

Over the telephone

From Apple’s customer support line

If you can’t find an answer in any of the materials provided, call the Apple Assistance Center. (See the service and support information that came with your computer for the phone number.)

Preparing to set up the computer

Now that you know some essential details about your PowerBook, you’re ready to set it up and begin using it.

To set up your computer for the first time, you need the power adapter and the power cord that came with it.

When setting up your computer, place your computer on a sturdy, flat surface near a grounded electrical outlet. Before following the setup instructions in this chapter, you may want to read “Arra nging Your Work Area and Equipment” in Appendix A for tips on adjusting your work furniture and computer so that you’re comfortable when using the computer.

Chapter 1

Plugging in the computer

Pluggi ng in the power adapter recharges the computer’s battery. Be sure to plug in the power adapter in case the battery has drained during shipping or storage. (If the battery was completely drained, the power will come on automatically when the power adapter is attached.)

When you are ready to begin, follow these steps:

1 Plug one end of the power cord into the power adapter and the other end into an outlet

or power strip.

2 Plug the power adapter plug into the power adapter port (marked with the icon

) on the

back panel of the computer.

Power adapter plug

Power adapter port

Power adapter

Power cord

Your power adapter may look slightly different.

WARNING

Use only the power adapter that came with your Macintosh PowerBook computer. Adapters for other electronic devices (including other Macintosh PowerBook models and other portable computers) may look similar, but they may damage your computer.

Getting Started

Chapter 1

Opening the display

1 Push the latch in and lift up the display.

2 Position the display at a comfortable viewing angle.

You can adjust the angle of the display at any time by tilting it toward or away from you.

Press the latch to open the display.

Turning the computer on

Press the Power key at the upper-right corner of the keyboard to turn the computer on.

You should hear a tone when you turn on the computer. It takes the computer a few moments to start up. You’ll see the Mac OS startup screen as the system software is loaded on the computer. After your computer starts up for the first time, a picture similar to this appears on the screen:

Note: Your screen should look very similar to this, but it may not look exactly the same.

Power key

Getting Started

Problems turning the computer on?

Nothing happened when you pressed the Power key.

The battery may be drained. Make sure you plugged in the power adapter, and that the power adapter is firmly connected to both the computer and a power source. If the power adapter is plugged into a power strip, make sure the power strip is plugged in and turned on. If the computer doesn’t make a sound when you press the Power key, press the reset button (marked with I) on the back of the computer. Once the battery has charged you should be able to use the Power key normally.

If the computer still doesn’t turn on, see “Problems Starting Up the Computer” in Chapter 6.

The computer made a sound, but you can’t see anything on the screen.

Adjust the brightness control until an image appears and the screen is easy to read.

Press ¿ to increase brightness.

Press

to decrease brightness.

Chapter 1

You see a picture of a disk with a blinking question mark on the screen.

This icon usually means that the computer can’t find system software on the hard disk or any disks attached to the computer. You may need to reinstall system software. See “Reinstalling System Software” in Chapter 7.

What’s next?

You’ve now finished setting up your Macintosh PowerBook. Continue with one of the following steps:

m If you are new to the Macintosh, turn to the next section, “Learni ng

the Basics.”

m If you are an experienced Macintosh user, turn to Chapter 2, “Getting

Help,” to learn about Mac OS Guide, your main source of information when you’re working with the Macintosh computer.

m If you have additional equipment to connect to your computer, see

Chapter 3, “Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment,” for instructions. (If you are a new Macintosh user, you should complete “Learning the Basics” before connecting additional equipment.)

m If you have application programs that you want to install on your computer,

see Chapter 4, “Installing and Using Application Programs,” for instructions. (If you are a new Macintosh user, you should complete “Learning the Basics” before installing application programs.)

IMPORTANT

If you need to turn off your computer at any point, read the instructions in “Tur ni ng the Computer Off” later in this chapter to learn the correct procedure for turning off your Macintosh PowerBook computer.

Getting Started

Learning the basics

If you are new to the Macintosh, you should begin by looking at the easy-touse program called the Mac OS Tutorial. The tutorial teaches you the basic skills you’ll need to use your computer.

To start the tutorial, follow these steps:

1 Move your finger on the trackpad to move the arrow pointer (

) on the screen.

Place your index finger on the trackpad and your thumb on the trackpad button. Don’t press the trackpad button yet.

Move your finger across the trackpad, watching the arrow on the screen. Notice that the arrow on the screen moves in the same direction that you move your finger on the trackpad.

The trackpad is sensitive not only to the direction you move your finger, but also to how fast you move your finger. If you want the pointer to move a short distance across the screen, you move your finger slowly across the trackpad. The faster you move your finger, the farther the pointer moves on the screen.

Trackpad Trackpad button

Chapter 1

2 Move your finger on the trackpad so that the tip of the arrow (

) points to the question

mark in the upper-right portion of the screen.

3 With the tip of the arrow (8) on the question mark, press and hold down the

trackpad button.

A list of choices (called a menu) appears. This is the Guide (h) menu, which is the place to go when you have a question about how to use your computer.

4 While holding down the trackpad button, move the arrow (

) until the words “Mac OS

Tutorial” are highlighted, then release the trackpad button.

A window appears welcoming you to the tutorial. You can set aside this book for now and follow the instructions you see on the screen. When you have completed the tutorial, return to this book.

Tips for using the trackpad

For best results when using the trackpad, keep in mind these tips:

m Use your index finger (left or right hand). Use only one finger. m Use only your finger on the trackpad. Do not use a pen or any

other object.

m Sometimes humidity or condensation may cause moisture to gather

on the trackpad. If this happens, gently wipe the trackpad with a clean cloth before you use it.

Getting Started

Reviewing the basics

You can use the following illustrations to review the elements you use on your screen to do work with your computer.

Menus

The strip across the top of the screen is called the menu bar. The symbols and words in it represent menus of commands. To open a menu, place the pointer on the symbol or word for the menu and press the mouse button.

Chapter 1

Control Strip

Icons

Window

Printer menu

You can see a list of printers and choose

any of them as the default printer.

Application menu

You can have several application programs open at once. To see which program is active or to switch from one program to another, use this menu (called the Application menu).

Guide menu

To find an answer to a question, look in the Guide (

) menu.

Icons

Icons are small pictures that represent disks, programs, documents, and folders. You can double-click any icon to open it and see what it contains.

This icon represents your computer’s internal hard disk.

Icons like this one represent application programs, which you use to create documents and do other work.

Icons like this one represent documents, which you can create and edit.

Icons like this represent folders. A folder contains other icons.

To throw away an item you no longer want, drag it to the Trash icon and choose Empty Trash from the Special menu.

Windows

Windows are boxes that display text, graphics, or icons. To change the shape or position of a window, or to close the window, use the elements shown here.

Getting Started

Scroll arrow

To bring hidden portions of a window’s contents into view, click one of the four scroll arrows.

Close box

To close a window, click the close box.

Title bar

To move a window, drag it by the middle of the title bar (anywhere in the bar except the small boxes).

Size box

To change the shape or size of a window, drag the size box.

To make a partially

covered window

active, click

anywhere in it.

Control Strip

The Control Strip gives you a quick and easy way to monitor and update your PowerBook’s power management options and other useful features. For instructions on using the Control Strip, see “How do I use the Control Strip?” in the “Customizing Your Computer” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu.

Turning the computer off

Always use one of the following methods to shut down the computer. If you don’t, you risk losing any work you haven’t previously saved on a disk. You also risk losing any open documents.

Turning the computer off with the Power key

To turn the computer off, press the Power key. Detailed instructions follow.

1 If the computer is in sleep, press the Power key (or any key on the keyboard except Caps

Lock) to wake it.

For information on the sleep feature of your Macintosh PowerBook, see “Putting the Computer to Sleep,” later in this chapter.

2 Press and hold the Power key for about two seconds.

The following dialog box app ears on the screen:

3 Press the Return key on the keyboard (or click the Shut Down button in the dialog box).

Chapter 1

Turning the computer off with the Shut Down command

You can also turn your computer off by using the Shut Down command in the Special menu.

Follow these steps:

1 If the computer is in sleep, press the Power key (or any key on the keyboard except Caps

Lock) to wake it.

2 Move the tip of the arrow to the word “Special” at the top center of the screen.

If the word “Special” does not appear at the top of the screen, you’re not working in the Finder. Choose Finder from the Application menu at the far-right end of the menu bar.

3 With the tip of the arrow on the word “Special,” press and hold down the trackpad button. 4 While holding down the trackpad button, move the arrow until the words “Shut Down”

are highlighted, then release the button.

Trouble? If a problem with the computer prevents you from using the Power key or choosing Shut Down—for example, if the computer “freezes” so that the pointer does not respond to the trackpad—you can restart the computer by pressing the Command (x), Control, and Power keys simultaneously. If the computer doesn’t restart, press the reset button (marked with I) on the back of the computer. Use this method only if you cannot choose Shut Down or Restart when you press the Power key, or if you cannot choose either command from the Special menu.

Getting Started

Putting the computer to sleep

Sleep is a power conservation feature of Macintosh PowerBook computers that lets you instantly restart the computer and bypass the startup process. You can extend the period of time your battery will power the computer by putting the PowerBook to sleep when you won’t be using it for several minutes or hours. The length of time the computer can be left in sleep depends on the charge state of the battery.

To put the computer to sleep, follow these steps:

1 Press and hold the Power key for about two seconds. 2 Click the Sleep button.

Other ways of putting your computer to sleep

m You can choose the Sleep command from the Special menu to put your

computer to sleep.

WARNING

Once you put your computer to sleep, listen for the hard disk to stop spinning before you move your Macintosh PowerBook. Moving your Macintosh PowerBook with the hard disk spinning can damage your computer.

Chapter 1

m You can also put your computer to sleep by closing and latching the display.

When the computer is in sleep, a small green light flashes in the center of the latch.

For information on other ways of putting the computer to sleep, see the “Batteries & Power” topic of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu. (You can learn more about using Mac OS Guide in Chapter 2 of this manual.)

Automatic sleep

If you don’t use the computer for several minutes, it goes to sleep automatically. This conserves battery power.

To wake the computer, press any key on the keyboard (except Caps Lock). The screen will reappear as it was before the computer went to sleep.

You can control the automatic sleep feature. For more information on sleep and automatic sleep, see the “Batteries & Power” topic of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu. (You can learn more about using Mac OS Guide in Chapter 2 of this manual.)

Sleep indicator

Getting Started

Restarting a computer that’s already on

You need to restart your computer—turn it off and back on again—when you want to make certain changes to settings, use a newly installed system software file, or start up the computer using a different disk.

You may also need to restart if you see a “system error” message on the screen (indicating a temporary software problem). In this case, use the trackpad to click the Restart button that appears.

Follow these instructions to restart your computer:

1 Press and hold the Power key for about two seconds. 2 Click the Restart button.

You can also do this to restart:

Choose Restart from the Special menu.

If the Special menu does not appear in the menu bar, you’re not working in the Finder. Click anywhere on the desktop to return to the Finder.

When you choose Restart, the computer prompts you to save your work, closes all open programs, a nd restar ts itself.

Restarting using either of the methods outlined above does not affect your RAM disk (if you created one) or its contents.

Chapter 1

Trouble? If a problem with the computer prevents you from using the Power key or choosing Restart—for example, if the computer “freezes” so that the pointer does not respond to the trackpad—you ca n restar t the computer by pressing the Command (x), Control, and Power keys simultaneously.

If the computer doesn’t restart, press the reset button (marked with I) on the back of the computer.

(If the computer is on but “frozen,” pressing the reset button will turn off the computer. You will then need to press the Power key to turn it on.) Use this method only if you cannot choose Shut Down or Restart from the dialog box that appears when you press the Power key, or if you cannot choose either command from the Special menu.

Reset button

Getting Started

The Guide menu contains online help and i nformation and is your main source of information when working with your computer. The menu is identified by a question mark (

h) in the upper-right corner of the screen.

Getting Help

Use the instructions in this

chapter to learn about the help

available to you in the Guide menu.

Getting answers to your questions

When you have a question while working with your computer, you can get the answer by choosing Mac OS Guide from the Guide menu.

To get answers to your questions, follow these steps:

1 Open the Application menu (in the upper-right corner of the screen) and choose Finder

to make it the active application program.

A checkmark in the menu indicates that the Finder is the active program.

2 Open the Guide menu (marked with the

icon) and choose Mac OS Guide.

The Mac OS Guide window appears.

Whenever you use Mac OS Guide, its window remains in front of other windows. If the wi ndow gets in your way, you can move it by dragging its title bar (the gray bar across the top of the window).

Chapter 2

3 Notice the three buttons at the top of the window: Topics, Index, and Look For.

Mac OS Guide gives you three ways of finding information:

Topics

lets you choose from a list of general subjects; it is like the table of

contents in a book.

Index

lets you choose from an alphabetical list of more specific subjects; it

is like the index in a book.

Look For

lets you search for information related to a specific word or

phrase that you type. In the sections that follow, you will practice using each method. If you have problems while using Mac OS Guide, see “Tips for Using Mac OS

Guide” later in this chapter.

Getting answers with the Topics button

1 In the Mac OS Guide window, click the Topics button.

A list of general topics appears on the left side of the Mac OS Guide window. (Depending on the hardware and software you have, the list of topics may look different.)

Getting Help

2 In the list of topics, click “Customizing Your Computer.”

When you click any topic area, a list of related questions appears on the right side of the Mac OS Guide window.

3 Click the question “How do I set the time and date?” and then click OK. Or double-click

the question.

A small window appears with instructions for you to follow.

4 Read and follow the instructions in this window.

Mac OS Guide provides step-by-step instructions to answer the question you selected. When you have completed each step, click the right arrow in the lower-right corner to see the next step.

5 When you have completed all the steps, click the Topics button in the lower-left corner to

return to the main Mac OS Guide window.

Now continue with the next section.

Chapter 2

To get instructions, click a question…

…and then click OK.

Click here to see the next step (if there is one).

If you want to

return to the main

Mac OS Guide

window, click

this button.

Getting answers with the Index button

1 In the Mac OS Guide window, click the Index button.

An alphabetical list of subjects appears on the left side of the window.

2 Scroll through the alphabetical list until the phrase “background pattern” is visible.

You can scroll through the list either by dragging the slider to the letter “B” or by using the scroll bar at the right of the list.

3 Click the phrase “background pattern” in the alphabetical list.

When you click any index entry, a list of related questions appears on the right side of the Mac OS Guide window.

Getting Help

Scroll bar

Slider

To get instructions, click a question…

…and then click OK.

4 Click the question “How do I change the background pattern?” and then click OK.

Or double-click the question.

A small window appears with instructions for you to follow.

5 Read and follow the instructions in the window.

Mac OS Guide provides step-by-step instructions to answer the question you selected. When you have completed each step, click the right arrow in the lower-right corner to see the next step.

6 When you have completed all the steps, click the Topics button in the lower-left corner to

return to the main Mac OS Guide window.

Now continue with the next section.

Chapter 2

Click here to see the next step (if there is one).

If you want to

return to the main

Mac OS Guide

window, click

this button.

Getting answers with the Look For button

1 In the Mac OS Guide window, click the Look For button.

A small box where you can type text appears on the left side of the window.

2 Click the arrow button to activate the text box. 3 Type “sound” in the text box, then click Search.

When you click Search, a list of questions related to the word or phrase you typed appears on the right side of the Mac OS Guide window.

Getting Help

To activate the text

box, click here. Type a word or

phrase in the

text box…

…and then click here.

To get instructions, click a question…

…and then click OK.

4 Click the question “How do I change the alert (beep) sound?” and then click OK. Or

double-click the question.

A small window appears with instructions for you to follow.

5 Read and follow the instructions in the window.

Mac OS Guide provides step-by-step instructions to answer the question you selected. When you have completed each step, click the right arrow in the lower-right corner to display the next step.

6 When you have completed all the steps, click the close box in the upper-left corner to

close Mac OS Guide.

Chapter 2

If you want to close

Mac OS Guide,

click here.

Click here to see the next step (if there is one).

Getting Help

Tips for using Mac OS Guide

Here are a few tips for using Mac OS Guide effectively: m Mac OS Guide is available only when you are in the Finder—the

desktop area where you can see the icons of disks, folders, and files. (Other programs may also have help available in the Guide menu, however.) If you don’t see Mac OS Guide in the Guide menu, open the Application menu (to the right of the Guide menu) and choose Finder.

m Follow the steps when you’re instructed to; don’t skip ahead or read

ahead. That way the computer can check to make sure you’ve done a step correctly.

m Unlike most windows, the Mac OS Guide window stays in front of

other windows on the screen so that your instructions are never covered. If you need to move the Guide window out of the way, drag it by the title bar at the top of the window.

You can also move the window out of the way by clicking the zoom box. Click the box once to shrink the window; click it a second time to expand the window to its original size.

m If you need more information about an instruction or a term, click

the button labeled “Huh?” to get a further explanation. (The “Huh?” button is dimmed when no additional information is available.)

m If you want to return to the main Mac OS Guide window, click the

Topics button in the lower-left corner of the Guide window.

m When you’re finished using Mac OS Guide, click the close box in the

upper-left corner of the window.

Close box

Title bar

Zoom box

Right arrow

Topics button

“Huh?” button

Identifying what’s on your computer screen

Sometimes you’ll see an unfamiliar item on the screen and ask yourself, “What’s that?” You can get an answer by using a Macintosh feature known as Balloon Help.

Using balloons like those you see in comic strips, Balloon Help explains the function of icons, menus, commands, and other items on the Macintosh screen.

Follow these steps to use Balloon Help:

1 Open the Guide menu (marked with the

icon) and choose Show Balloons.

2 Point to any object on the screen that you want to identify.

A balloon appears next to the object. In the following illustration, for example, pointing to the Trash displays a balloon that explains how to use the Trash to throw items away.

Although balloons appear next to items when you point to them, the way you work does not change; you can still select icons, choose commands, and so on.

3 When you’re finished using Balloon Help, open the Guide menu again and choose Hide

Balloons.

Chapter 2

Learning useful shortcuts

You can perform many tasks in the Finder more quickly if you use keyboard or mouse shortcuts. For example, instead of clicking an icon and choosing Open from the File menu, you ca n simply double-click the icon to open it.

Follow these steps to learn keyboard and mouse shortcuts:

1 Open the Guide menu (marked with the

icon) and choose Shortcuts.

The main Macintosh Shortcuts window appears.

2 Click one of the category buttons.

Another window appears, describing shortcuts for that category.

Getting Help

If you want to

close the window,

click here.

Click here to see the next window (if there is one).

Click the Topics

button to return to the

main Macintosh

Shortcuts window for

more categories.

3 Read about the shortcuts available for the category you selected.

Click the right arrow in the lower-right corner of the window to display the next window (if there is one).

4 When you finish reading about the shortcuts for your category, click the Topics button

in the lower-left corner to return to the main Macintosh Shortcuts window. Or click the close box in the upper-left corner to close the window.

Chapter 2

Read this chapter for information on

expanding your computer system with

PC Cards or additional hardware.

Using PC Cards (PCMCIA cards)

PC Cards (also known as PCMCIA cards) are about the size of a thick credit card and have a 68-pin connector at one end. They come in many varieties, such as fax/modem cards, mass-storage cards, Ethernet connection cards, and wireless communication cards. You can use PC Cards to expand your Macintosh PowerBook’s capabilities.

This section tells you how to insert and eject PC Cards, and how to set up your communications software to use PC Card modems. For information on using PC Cards, see the “Using PC Cards” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (

h) menu.

Your Macintosh PowerBook has two PC Card slots: an upper slot and a lower slot. You can insert a card into either slot, or you can use both slots simultaneously.

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

There are three types of PC Cards. The different types refer to the thickness of the card. A Type I card is 3.3 millimeters (mm) thick, a Type II card is 5 mm thick, and a Type III card is 10.5 mm thick. Make sure you check the documentation that came with your PC Card to verify that it is compatible with your Macintosh PowerBook.

You can place a Type I or Type II card in either the upper or lower slot. You can place a Type III card only in the lower slot. When a Type III card is in the lower slot, you cannot use the upper slot. You may find it useful to get in the habit of always using the lower slot first to make sure the card you are using is properly inserted.

A special type of PC Card supports “zoom video,” a method of showing fullmotion video images in a window on the computer’s screen. This type of card must be placed in the lower PC Card slot.

WARNING

Make sure you only use cards that are designated by the PC Card manufacturer as compatible with your Macintosh PowerBook. If you use an incompatible card, you may damage the card or your PowerBook. If you are not sure whether a PC Card is compatible with your PowerBook, contact the PC Card manufacturer.

Chapter 3

Inserting a PC Card

To insert a card, follow these steps:

Insert the card, connector first and label up, into the slot. Make sure the card is level.

A Type III PC Card or a zoom video card must be inserted in the lower slot.

A Type I or Type II PC Card can be inserted in either the upper or lower slot.

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

You’ll feel some resistance as you slide the card in. When the card is firmly seated, you’ll feel it click into place.

An icon for the PC Card appears on the desktop. You are now ready to use the card. Consult the documentation that came with the card for more details on using it.

Ejecting a PC Card

Your computer must be on or off in order to eject a PC Card. You cannot eject a PC Card when the computer is in sleep.

IMPORTANT

Before you eject a card, make sure that nothing is blocking the card’s slot. If you want to use the card agai n immediately, pull it out about an inch more and then push it back in. (If you don’t follow this procedure and you try to push the card back in to use it again, the card will not engage properly.)

To eject a PC Card when the computer is on, follow these steps:

1 If the computer is in sleep, press the Power key (or any key on the keyboard except

Caps Lock) to wake it.

2 Click the PC Card’s icon to select it. 3 Drag the card’s icon to the Trash. 4 Pull the card out of the slot.

Other ways to eject a PC Card when the computer is on: m Click the card’s icon to select it. Open the File menu and choose Put Away.

After the card is ejected, pull it out of the slot.

m Click the card’s icon to select it. Open the Special menu and choose Eject

PC Card. After the card is ejected, pull it out of the slot. (If a dimmed icon of the card remains on the desktop, you can drag it to the Trash.)

WARNING

Do not force a PC Card out of the slot. Doing so may damage

your computer or PC Card.

Chapter 3

To eject a PC Card when the computer is off, do this: m Press the right eject button to eject a PC Card from the lower slot, or press

the left eject button to eject a PC Card from the upper slot. (The eject buttons do not work if your computer is in sleep.) If the card is not in use, it will usually be ejected.

Use the eject buttons only when the computer is turned off. Many PC Cards won’t eject when the button is pressed if the computer is on.

Press to eject upper PC card.

Press to eject lower PC card.

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

If you can’t eject a card

If you are unable to eject a card, make sure the computer is off, then try pressing the eject button. If this doesn’t work, follow these steps:

1 Straighten one end of a paper clip. 2 Insert the end of the straightened paper clip into the hole next to the slot that contains

the card, and press gently but firmly until the card is ejected.

3 Pull the card out of the slot.

If you can’t eject a card, insert the end of a straightened paper clip into the hole next to the slot. This hole is for the upper slot.

This hole is for the lower slot.

Chapter 3

Keeping the computer from ejecting storage PC Cards at startup

If you have a storage PC Card, such as an SRAM card or an ATA hard disk, in either slot, the card will be ejected when the computer starts up. To prevent excessive wear on PC Card connectors and slots, you can use the Startup Disk control panel to keep storage PC Cards from ejecting when you turn on the computer. (Other types of PC Cards, such as a modem or Ethernet card, are not ejected at startup.)

Follow these steps to avoid having a storage PC Card eject at startup.

1 Open the Startup Disk control panel.

If you need instructions for opening the control panel, see “How do I make a disk the startup disk?” in the Disks topic area of Mac OS Guide.

2 Click the icon for the computer’s hard disk to select it. 3 Close the control panel.

The PC Card storage device will no longer eject at startup.

Using a zoom video PC Card

The lower PC Card slot in the PowerBook 2400c computer has circuitry for handling video signals, called “zoom video.” Some indep endent manufacturers offer PC Cards to which you can provide a video signal or that allow you to connect a video camera. The zoom video PC Card is a Type II card; it can only be used in the lower slot (because the special circuitry needed for video signals is located in that slot).

With a zoom video card in the lower PC Card slot, the PowerBook can display video on the computer’s screen or on an external monitor. Video signals are sent directly to the video controller, so that the computer can display fullmotion video while performing other tasks at the same time.

A selection of software for use with a zoom video PC Card is provided on the CD-ROM disc that came with your computer, in the Additional Software folder.

If you purchase a zoom video PC Card, be sure that it has software that works with your PowerBook.

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

Using a PC Card modem

When you are using a PC Card modem, make sure you do the following:

1 Install the communications software you want to use.

PC Card modems work with your communications software by providing compatibility with a feature of your Macintosh PowerBook’s software called the Communications Toolbox.

See the documentation that came with your communications software for instructions on setting up a PC Card modem. Check to see if PC Card modem files for your software were included.

Modem files for some communications programs, including Apple Remote Access (ARA), come on your Macintosh PowerBook’s hard disk. Th e instructions for setting up your modem with these application programs are given in the sections below.

You can also get other modem files from the manufacturer of your communications software. If you have trouble connecting, you can use the steps given below for setting up ARA as guidelines for setting up your PC Card modem with other types of communications software.

2 Insert the PC Card modem.

When a PC Card modem is inserted, an icon like the one pictured below appears on the desktop:

Some card manufacturers may use a custom icon.

3 Plug your modem into a working phone line. 4 Follow instructions for setting up your modem with the communications software you

are using.

Chapter 3

Using Apple Remote Access with a PC Card modem

Apple Remote Access uses modem files (sometimes called connection scripts or CCLs) to get the best performance from some modems.

Follow these steps to select your modem file:

1 Insert your PC Card modem. 2 Open the ARA application program. 3 Open Remote Access Setup.

The following screen appears:

4 Choose your modem from the Modem pop-up menu.

If your PC Card modem is not listed, check in the ARA Connection Files folder (inside the PC Card Modem Files folder in the Apple Extras folder on your hard disk). If the file for your modem is there, drag it to the Modem Scripts folder inside the Extensions folder (which is in the System Folder). If the file for your modem is not listed, try using an existing modem file from the pop-up menu (such as a different model from the same manufacturer). If this doesn’t help, you may need to get a connection script from your PC Card modem’s manufacturer.

If you don’t have a file for your modem, you may want to choose another modem from the pop-up menu, such as the Generic PC Card Modem, which is designed to provide basic modem operations.

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

Also select your PC Card modem here; or select the Data Port, if your program’s instructions specify it.

Select the modem you are using here.

5 Choose the port for your PC Card modem.

The port shows the modem name or type, rather than the name of the PC Card slot. Some programs use a virtual port, the Data Port, to allow fax and data applications to share the modem. See the instructions that came with your modem and communications software to determi n e the specific setup procedure.

You must reselect the port if you remove the modem and later put it in the other slot.

Connecting additional equipment

The illustration below shows where equipment should be connected to your Macintosh PowerBook. In most cases, you should refer to the manuals that came with your equipment for instructions on connecting them. The safest course is always to shut down your Macintosh PowerBook before you connect any cable other than the power adapter, although you can connect external devices to the sound in and sound out ports or to the printer/external modem port while the computer is on.

SCSI port (HDI-30)

™

External monitor port

(VGA-style connector)

External floppy

disk drive port

Apple Desktop Bus

(ADB) port

Printer/external

modem port

Sound in port

Infrared window

Sound out port

Reset button

Power adapter port

Chapter 3

Additional information is provided i n this chapter for adding the following devices to your computer system:

m an external floppy disk drive m printers m external modems m SCSI devices m external monitors m sound input and output devices m additional memory

Connecting an external floppy disk drive

The Macintosh PowerBook 2400c comes with an external 1.44 MB floppy disk drive and the cable you use to connect the floppy disk drive to your PowerBook. Be sure to use the external floppy disk drive (part number M5853**/A) supplied with your PowerBook. You can connect the external floppy disk drive while your computer is running.

To connect an external floppy disk drive to your Macintosh PowerBook, follow these steps:

Connect one end of the disk drive cable to the external floppy disk drive, and connect the other end of the cable to the floppy disk drive port on the back of the PowerBook.

Floppy disk drive

External floppy disk drive port

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

The floppy disk drive is ready to use. If you need information about using a floppy disk drive, see “How do I inser t

a floppy disk?” in the Disks topic area of Mac OS Guide.

Connecting a printer

The modem/printer port on your computer can accept either a direct connection (to a printer such as a StyleWriter) or a LocalTalk network connection (to a printer such as a LaserWriter). See the manual that came with your printer for specific information about the type of connection it requires.

To connect a printer directly to your Macintosh PowerBook using the printer/external modem port, follow these steps:

1 Connect your printer as instructed in the manual that came with your printer. 2 Open the Chooser from the Apple (

) menu.

3 Turn off AppleTalk by clicking the Inactive button in the AppleTalk section.

Note: If you are using an Ether net connection or a network printer, you don’t have to turn AppleTalk off.

4 In the Chooser, select the icon for the type of printer you connected.

If you need detailed instructions for using the Chooser, see “How do I select a printer?” in the Printing topic area of Mac OS Guide.

The printer is ready to use.

Chapter 3

Connecting an external modem

You can use a PC Card modem in your computer’s PC Card slot. For information on connecting and using a PC Card modem, see the documentation that came with your modem, as well as the “Using a PC Card Modem” section earlier in this chapter, and the “Using PC Cards” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu.

You can also connect an external modem to the modem/printer port on the back panel of the computer. The modem/printer por t is GeoPort compatible.

To connect an external modem, follow these steps:

1 Make sure the computer is in sleep or shut down. 2 Connect the modem to a power source and to the phone line. 3 Make sure the modem is turned off. 4 Connect the modem cable to the port marked with this icon:

5 Turn on the modem. 6 Wake or restart the computer. 7 Open the Chooser and select the icon for a network printer (such as LaserWriter).

You must select a printer to be sure that the modem/printer port is available for the modem.

8 Turn off AppleTalk in the Chooser.

If you see a message, click OK. Note: If you are using an Ethernet or i nfrared connection, you don’t need to

turn AppleTalk off. The external modem is ready to use.

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

Connecting SCSI devices

A SCSI device is any product—including hard disk drives, CD-ROM drives, and scanners—that communicates with your computer by means of a standard electronic interface. (SCSI stands for Small Computer System Interface.) You can attach up to seven SCSI devices to your computer by linki ng them together in a chain that starts at your computer’s SCSI port.

To connect a SCSI device to your Macintosh PowerBook, you need an Apple HDI-30 SCSI System Cable or equivalent. This cable is light gray, is about 19 inches long, and has 29 pins (one “missing” pin).

Refer to the manuals that came with your SCSI devices for instructions on installing any necessary software, setting SCSI ID numbers, and connecting SCSI cables and SCSI terminators. Refer to the illustrations on the next page for the proper positioning of SCSI terminators. A SCSI chain of devices must include a terminator attached to the first and last devices in the chain (but nowhere else in the chain). Some devices include internal terminators. Your Macintosh PowerBook is internally terminated.

The names and the part numb ers of the cables mentioned in this chapter are the following:

Type of connection Name of part Part number

From your computer to Apple HDI-30 SCSI System Cable M2538**/A a SCSI device

From SCSI device to Apple SCSI Peripheral Interface Cable M0207 a SCSI device

For SCSI disk mode Apple HDI-30 SCSI Disk Adapter Cable M2539**/A

WARNING

When connecting SCSI equipment, always turn off power to all devices in the chain, including your computer. If you don’t, you could lose information and damage your equipment.

Chapter 3

Where to add cable terminators when connecting a single SCSI device:

Where to add cable terminators when connecting two or more SCSI devices:

Using your Macintosh PowerBook as a hard disk

You can purchase a cable called the Apple HDI-30 SCSI Disk Adapter that lets you connect your Macintosh PowerBook to another computer as a hard disk. The PowerBook internal drive appears on the desktop of the other computer as a hard disk icon, and you can transfer information between the computers by dragging files. This feature is called SCSI disk mode.

The Apple HDI-30 SCSI Disk Adapter cable is dark gray, is about 10 inches long, a nd has 30 pins.

WARNING

Follow the steps for connecting and using SCSI devices

carefully to avoid losing information and damaging your equipment.

SCSI peripheral interface cables

HDI-30 SCSI system cable

Terminator (If this SCSI device has an internal terminator, omit this external terminator.)

HDI-30 SCSI system cable

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

Connecting your computer as a hard disk

Before making any connections, you need to assign a unique SCSI ID number to the PowerBook. (The unique ID number allows the computer to communicate with several connected devices.)

1 Choose Control Panels from the Apple (

) menu of your PowerBook.

2 Open the PowerBook Setup control panel.

3 In the SCSI disk mode section of the control panel, click the ID number you want

to assign.

If you are connecting the Macintosh PowerBook to an existing SCSI chain, make sure to give it an ID number different from those of the other devices. (Many devices include an ID number indicator on the back panel.)

4 Close the PowerBook Setup control panel. 5 Open the Password Security control panel, turn password protection off, and then close

the Password Security control panel.

6 Press the Power (π) key on the PowerBook once to get the Shut Down dialog box and

click Shut Down to turn the PowerBook off.

7 Shut down the computer you are connecting to and turn off any other devices in the

SCSI chain.

8 Connect the small connector on the Apple HDI-30 SCSI Disk Adapter to the SCSI port on

your PowerBook.

9 If you are connecting the Macintosh PowerBook directly to the other computer

(rather than to an external device in the SCSI chain), attach a SCSI system cable to the other computer.

Chapter 3

10 Connect the large connector on the Apple HDI-30 SCSI Disk Adapter cable to a SCSI

cable attached to the SCSI port on the last device in the SCSI chain, or to the SCSI system cable on the other computer.

If the last device in the chain has an internal ter minator, disconnect the device and connect the PowerBook before it in the SCSI chain.

11 Turn on the PowerBook by pressing the Power key.

After a few seconds a SCSI icon appears on the screen, showing the ID number you assigned in step 3.

WARNING

If you do not see the SCSI icon, and the computer starts up normally or displays an error message, press the Power key to shut down (if you can) and then immediately disconnect your computer from the SCSI chain. (If you can’t choose Shut Down, try pressing the reset button. If you cannot shut down your Macintosh PowerBook, you should disconnect the cable anyway, or you may lose information.) Then go back and repeat steps 6 through 10, making sure to use the proper cables.

You may not be able to have password protection turned on in the Password Security control panel while using your PowerBook in SCSI disk mode. Turn password protection off if you experience problems. See “How do I turn password security on and off?” in the “Setting Options” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu.

WARNING

Always shut down the PowerBook before connecting or disconnecting the SCSI disk adapter cable. Connecting the adapter cable while the computer is turned on can damage the computer.

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

12 Turn on the other SCSI devices in the chain, if any. 13 Turn on the other computer.

The PowerBook’s internal drive appears as a hard disk icon on the screen of the computer you connected it to. You can now transfer and use files as if the Macintosh PowerBook were an external disk drive.

Drawing battery power in SCSI disk mode

Your Macintosh PowerBook continues to draw battery power when you use it as a hard disk. Low battery power is indicated by a blinki ng low-power warning on the PowerBook’s screen.

If you see this warni ng while using your computer as a hard disk, either plug in the power adapter or quit SCSI disk mode, as described in the next section, so you can recharge the battery.

Quitting SCSI disk mode

1 Shut down the computer your PowerBook is connected to. 2 Press the Power (π) key on the PowerBook once to get the Shut Down dialog box. Click

Shut Down to turn off the PowerBook.

3 Turn off any other SCSI devices in the chain.

WARNING

Be sure to use the power adapter whenever you use the PowerBook as a hard disk. If the battery provides power when the computer is used for SCSI disk mode, the PowerBook may not display a low-power warning when the battery is low. The result could be an unexpected shutdown. If you must use SCSI disk mode without a power adapter, check the battery level first to make sure you have enough run time left to accomplish your task.

Chapter 3

4 Disconnect the PowerBook from the adapter cable.

IMPORTANT

Do not leave the adapter cable attached to the PowerBook. If you do, the computer will behave as though it is still in SCSI disk mode when you try to restart.

5 If necessary, disconnect the adapter cable from the other computer or its SCSI chain.

Your equipment is now ready for normal use. If you disconnected the adapter cable from the other computer or SCSI chain, make sure that the SCSI chain is properly terminated.

Connecting an external monitor

You can connect an external monitor to your Macintosh PowerBook. If you are familiar with other PowerBook models, you will note that the types of monitors you can use with this model and the way images are displayed on an external monitor differ somewhat from other PowerBook computers.

To make the best choice of an external monitor, keep in mind the following characteristics of your PowerBook’s hardware.

m Your PowerBook can support a variety of external monitors, including

17-inch and 20-inch multiple scan displays. Resolutions supported range from 512 x 384 pixels to 1024 x 768 pixels.

m The external monitor port on the computer’s back panel is a VGA-style

connector. You can connect the cable for a VGA-style monitor directly to your PowerBook.

m To connect an Apple (or Apple-compatible) monitor to your PowerBook,

you must use the adapter that came with the computer (part number M0322).

m Images can appear on the internal display, the external monitor, or on both

screens, depending on your choice of resolution on the external monitor.

m When an image appears on both screens, it is exactly the same (known as

“simulscan”). You cannot move the pointer or menu bar from one screen to the other (as you can when an external monitor is connected to other PowerBook models or to most Macintosh desktop models).

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

m When an external monitor offers the same resolution as the PowerBook’s

display (800 x 600 pixels at 60 hertz [Hz] refresh rate), the image appears on both screens the first time you turn on the computer if the PowerBook’s display is open.

m The PowerBook is designed to be “plug-and-play” when an external

monitor is attached. The computer’s hardware checks to determine the appropriate choice of resolutions for the connected monitor and provides the highest resolution possible in response to the information it receives. If the computer cannot determine the external monitor’s capabilities, it displays images in the common VGA format (640 x 480 pixels at 60 Hz refresh rate).

m If the PowerBook starts up with the display closed (called “docking mode”)

and an external monitor is attached, the PowerBook’s display does not turn on and the display’s resolution (800 x 600) is not listed in the resolution section of the Control Strip.

For complete instructions on adjusting the resolution for an external monitor, see the “Monitors” topic area of Mac OS Guide.

The list below shows a sampling of the external monitors and resolutions supported by your PowerBook. Many other monitors are also supported.

Monitor type Resolution Bits per pixel

†

Apple 20-inch multiple scan 832 x 624 4, 8 Apple 20-inch multiple scan 1024 x 768 4, 8 NTSC TV monitor 512 x 384* 4, 8, 16 NTSC TV monitor 640 x 480 4, 8, 16 PAL TV monitor 640 x 480* 16 PAL TV monitor 1024 x 768 4, 8, 16

*An asterisk indicates the startup resolution. Other resolutions can be selected using the Control Strip.

†

Bits per pixel indicate the number of colors a monitor can display at a given resolution.

For example, 4 bits = 16 colors; 8 bits = 256 colors; and 16 bits = thousands of colors.

Chapter 3

Connecting an external monitor

To connect an external monitor to your PowerBook, follow these steps. Also consult the documentation that came with the monitor.

1 Press the Power (π) key once to get the Shut Down dialog box. 2 Click Shut Down or Sleep.

If you connect a monitor with your computer turned on, the computer will not recognize the monitor.

3 Place the monitor where you will be using it.

If you have the external floppy disk drive attached to your computer, keep the floppy disk drive and the monitor at least 8 inches apart. Interference between the monitor and your computer’s floppy disk drive can cause errors on your floppy disks.

Arrange the monitor so the top of the screen is slightly below eye level while you work. Position the monitor to minimize glare and reflections on the screen from lights and windows.

4 Make sure the monitor’s power cord is attached to the monitor. Plug the other end into

an outlet or power strip.

If your monitor’s power cord is designed to plug into the power receptacle on the back of a computer, rather than into an electrical outlet, you can obtain a cord with the correct plug from your Apple-authorized dealer.

If you are using a power strip, make sure it is turned on.

8 inches minimum

Floppy drive

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

5 If you are connecting an Apple or Apple-compatible monitor, locate the adapter that

came with your computer and attach it to one end of the external monitor’s cable.

The monitor adapter is a small plastic and metal device that is the same granite color as the computer. The part numb er M0322 is on the adapter.

If you are connecting a VGA or SVGA monitor, skip this step.

6 Make sure the other end of the monitor’s cable is attached to the monitor. Then attach

the end of the cable with the monitor adapter to the external monitor port (

™

) on the

back of the PowerBook.

If you are connecting a VGA or SVGA monitor, do not use the adapter. Connect the monitor cable directly to the external monitor port on the PowerBook.

7 Turn on the external monitor. 8 Press the Power (π) key to turn on your computer. (You can press any key if your

PowerBook is in sleep.)

The external monitor is automatically activated. You can use the Control Strip to change the resolution on the monitor. See the “Monitors” topic area of Mac OS Guide for instructions.

External monitor port

Monitor adapter

Monitor cable (to Macintoshcompatible monitor)

Chapter 3

Trouble with the external monitor?

Nothing happened when you tried to turn on the PowerBook.

Make sure that all your equipment is connected properly, then try pressing the Power (π) key again.

Make sure that the battery is charged, or that the power adapter is plugged into both the computer and an electrical outlet. If you are using a power strip, make sure it is turned on.

The computer is on, but the external monitor is dark.

Make sure that the monitor’s power cord is connected and that its power switch is on. Try adjusting the monitor’s brightness and contrast settings. If this doesn’t work, try restarting your computer.

Note: The screen-dimming feature in the PowerBook control panel turns the screen brightness down to a low level when you haven’t used the computer for a few minutes. (You can think of dimming as “screen sleep.”) Dimming also affects the external monitor. When you move your finger on the trackpad or press a key on the keyboard, the brightness is restored on both screens. For more information on screen dimming, see the “Batteries & Power” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu.

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

Disconnecting an external monitor

1 Make sure your computer is shut down or in sleep. 2 Make sure your monitor is switched off. 3 Disconnect the monitor cable (for a VGA-style monitor) or monitor adapter (for an Apple

monitor) from the external monitor port on the computer’s back panel. The port is marked with this icon: ™.

External monitor port Monitor cable

(to VGA-style monitor)

Chapter 3

Connecting sound input and output devices

Your computer has a built-in microphone. In addition, you can connect an Apple Omni microphone to the external sound input port.

For information on using the microphone to record sounds, see the “Sound” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu.

Your Macintosh PowerBook has a stereo audio input port (marked with the √ icon) for connecting external sound input devices that provide line-level output. You cannot use the internal microphone and an external sound input device, such as an Apple Omni microphone, at the same time. For instructions on selecting a sound device, see the “Sound” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu.

IMPORTANT

Although the inter nal microphone is deactivated when an external sound input device is in use, it’s possible to record sound from more than one sound device at the same time. T his can occur because the computer merges sound from devices attached to the SCSI port or PC Card slots. If two or more devices produce sound, the sound from all of the devices may be recorded when you use the SimpleSound program or the Monitors & Sound control panel to record. To eliminate the sounds you don’t want to record, remove or turn off the device producing those sounds.

Microphone

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

The Macintosh PowerBook has a stereo sound output port (on the left side of the computer’s case, marked with the - icon) to which you can connect externally powered speakers, an amplifier, headphones, or other sound output devices. The sound output port accepts a standard stereo miniplug, like that used to attach headphones to a portable tape player.

Your computer has a speaker in the front of the case, which plays sound from an external stereo device connected to the computer through the sound input port, or from a zoom video card in the lower PC Card slot.

You can adjust sound output quality in the Monitors & Sound control panel. (For instructions, see the “Sound” topic area of Mac OS Guide.) The computer automatically selects the sound output source. If a n external device, such as headphones, is connected, sound is routed there; if no external output device is connected, sound plays through the computer’s speaker.

Audio in port

Audio out port

Chapter 3

Connecting a mouse, keyboard, or other ADB device

You can connect a mouse, keyboard, graphics tablet, or other Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) device to the ADB port to the left of the power adapter port on the back panel of the computer. You can connect up to three low-power ADB devices in a chain.

IMPORTANT

You must shut down the computer before connecting an ADB device.

Connecting other devices

For instructions on connecting a device not discussed in this chapter—for example, networking hardware—refer to the manuals that came with the device.

Apple Desktop Bus

(ADB) port

Using PC Cards and Additional Equipment

Adding memory to your computer

You can increase your computer’s memory by adding a RAM expansion card. You can find out how much memory your computer has by choosing About This Computer from the Apple (K) menu in the Finder.

You can purchase memory upgrades from Apple-authorized dealers. An Apple-authorized dealer must install any memory upgrades you purchase.

Your Macintosh PowerBook also supports virtual memory, a feature that makes use of hard disk space to provide additional RAM. Your computer comes with virtual memory turned on. For information on using virtual memory, see the “Memory” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu.

Using infrared file transfer

Your Macintosh PowerBook has built-in infrared (IR) communication that can send and receive files. You can exchange information with another PowerBook or other device that has IR capability or with a desktop computer that’s using an external IR module. In addition, you can use IR communication to make a wireless connection to a network, by means of a specialized device, such as Hewlett-Packard’s NetBeam IR, that uses PowerBook-compatible software.

To transfer files, your computer and the other IR device must be within range of each other, with the IR windows facing. Your computer must be within 3 feet of the network IR station to make a network connection using an Infrared Data Association (IRDA)–compliant transfer rate of 1 megabit per second.

You use the Infrared control panel to select the method of IR communication you wa nt to use and to see a list of other IR-capable devices. For instructions on IR file transfer, see “How do I send a file using IR technology?” in the “Organizing Your Files” topic area of Mac OS Guide.

Chapter 3

Your PowerBook comes with some great software already installed that includes such features as

m Inter n et access m productivity programs m hard disk password protection m file exchange using infrared communications m file synchronization m DOS and Windows file compatibility m remote access to another Macintosh

Installing and Using Application Programs

Read this chapter for information

on installing and using application

programs on your computer.

Getting help for application programs

Some application programs that come on your PowerBook (such as the File Assistant program) are documented in their own Apple Guide online help systems. Follow these steps to see if a program has an Apple Guide help system:

1 Open the application program. 2 Open the Guide (h) menu.

If an item appears in the Guide menu for your application program, choose it. If an item does not appear, then there is no Apple Guide online help for that program.

Chapter 4

Installing application programs

You’ll probably want to buy and install additional application programs. Refer to the manuals you receive with your programs for instructions on installing and using them.

In most cases, you install application programs onto your internal hard disk from floppy disks or a CD that you receive as par t of an application program package. The following illustration shows how to open the floppy disk drive and inser t a floppy disk into it.

Insert the disk metal end first, label side up.

Open the top of the disk drive and flip it under the drive to serve as a stand.

Installing and Using Application Programs

Working with several programs at a time

You can open as many application programs and desk accessories as your computer’s memory allows.

All open programs are listed in the Application menu at the right end of the menu bar. T h e name of the active program (the one you’re using right now) has a checkmark next to it, and its icon appears in the menu bar.

Finding out which programs are open

If you have several programs and windows open, you can find out which program is active and which other programs are open by opening the Application menu.

Switching programs

You can switch to another open program by choosing its name from the Application menu.

If a program’s icon is dimmed in the menu, that means its windows are hidden. Choosing the program from the Application menu displays its windows.

You can also switch to another program by clicking in a window that belongs to an open program, or by double-clicking a program icon (or the icon of a document that was created with the program).

Chapter 4

The Finder icon

A checkmark

indicates the

active program.

Commands to hide or display open windows

Open programs

Hiding and showing windows on the desktop

You can hide all windows except those of the active program by choosing Hide Others from the Application menu.

The other programs remain open even though their windows are hidden. When you switch to another program, its windows become visible agai n.

If you wa nt to see all the open windows, choose Show All from the Application menu.

Backing up your files and restoring preinstalled software

Making backup copies of important files is good protection against possible damage to the originals. Files on your hard disk and on the CD that came with your PowerBook allow you to restore the software that came with the computer.

Restoring system software and preinstalled programs

m If the System Folder on your hard disk is damaged, you can reinstall that

essential software from the CD that came with your computer. See “Reinstalling System Software” in Chapter 7 for instructions.

m The CD that came with your computer also contains a program for

restoring the complete system software and all preinstalled application programs from the CD. See the document “CD—Impor ta nt Information” on the CD for instructions.

Installing and Using Application Programs

Using “native” application programs

Your computer is compatible with nearly all application programs intended for use with Macintosh computers. But certain programs are designed especially for computers with PowerPC microprocessors. (These are sometimes called “native” applications.) You’ll find that these programs take best advantage of your computer’s speed.

Special memory requirements

Some native programs may be slightly larger than other programs and may take up more memory. If you find that you are running out of memory when you use programs designed for PowerPC microprocessors, you can use space on your computer’s hard disk as additional memory. This feature is called

virtual memory. Your computer was developed to take advantage of the virtual memory feature, and comes with virtual memory turn ed on. For instructions on how to use or increase hard disk space as memory, see the “Memory” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu.

You can also have an Apple-authorized dealer add more memory to your computer.

Shared libraries

Native programs use special files called shared libraries. These files help the programs to run more efficiently, and can be used by more than one native program simultaneously. Any necessary shared libraries are installed automatically in the System Folder when you install native programs.

If a native program requires a shared library and there is not enough memory available for the shared library, you’ll see a message that the program could not be opened because of insufficient system memory. If this happens, see the “Memory” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu, for instructions on turning on virtual memory.

If a required shared library is missing, you’ll see a message that the program could not be opened because the shared library could not be found. If this happens, follow the directions that came with your program to reinstall the program. If the shared library is still missing, contact the program’s manufacturer for assistance.

Chapter 4

Power sources

Your computer can draw its operating power from three different sources:

Main battery

Your computer came with a lithium ion (LiIon) battery. This battery should provide power for 2–4 hours of work time (you may get longer work time, depending on the Macintosh PowerBook model you have and the battery conservation features you use).

AC power

You can run your computer from a grounded electrical outlet by pluggi ng in the external power adapter that came with your computer. The installed battery will automatically be charged whenever the external AC adapter is connected. The external adapter will charge the battery more quickly if the computer is shut down or in sleep.

IMPORTANT

Be sure to use only the type of external power adapter that came with your computer. Other power adapters (including ones made for other Macintosh PowerBook computers) may damage your computer.

Backup cell

The PowerBook also contains a rechargeable LiIon backup cell to keep system information such as date and time. The backup cell is automatically recharged whenever the external AC adapter is connected. The backup cell also provides up to 4 minutes of power during system sleep while you change the main battery. (See “Removi ng or Replacing the Battery” later in this chapter for more i nformation about changing batteries.)

Power Management

Read this chapter for

information about your

Macintosh PowerBook’s battery.

Monitoring the battery charge

There are three ways you can determine the charge level of your battery: m Look in the battery monitor portion of the Control Strip.

For information on the battery monitor, see the “Batteries & Power” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu.

m See low-power messages on your display. m Look at the battery level icon next to the clock in the menu bar.

Responding to low-power messages

When the battery runs low, the computer displays two low-power messages. The work time remaining after you see the first message varies depending on how you are using the computer. It’s a good idea to act promptly.

What you should do

When you see a low-power message, you should do the following:

Plug in the power adapter,

Save your work and shut down the computer,

then

Quickly replace the empty battery with a charged one (within 30 seconds, if possible).

IMPORTANT

Always save your work when you see a low-power message.

Chapter 5

What you should know

When the first low-power message appears, the screen dims automatically to save power.

If you continue to work without pluggi ng in the power adapter or changing the battery, the computer displays a second low-power message, indicating that the computer is about to put itself to sleep. Within a few seconds, the computer goes to sleep automatically to protect the contents of RAM. All activities are interrupted. It’s a good idea to save your work when you see the first low-power message to make sure you don’t lose information.

If you continue working until the computer goes to sleep automatically, you can wake it again as soon as you plug in the power adapter or replace the battery with a charged battery.

If you can’t plug in the power adapter, the contents of RAM are retained in sleep for about a day (as long as you don’t remove the battery).

IMPORTANT

Recharge a depleted battery as soon as possible. Leaving a depleted battery in the computer for a length of time (especially in a hot location, such as the trunk of a car) may damage the battery so that it can’t be recharged. If this happens, you need to replace the battery.

Using the battery icon

There is a battery icon in the menu bar that tells you the charge left in your battery.

Power Management

The amount of black in the icon indicates the charge level.

When a lightning bolt appears in the icon, the battery is charging.

Recharging the battery

To recharge the battery, plug in the power adapter. (Do not use an external recharger designed for another Macintosh PowerBook model.)

A lightning bolt icon appears in the battery monitor portion of the Control Strip when the power adapter is plugged in and a battery is recharging.

The battery is recharged even if you are using the computer; however, it will recharge more quickly if the computer is off or in sleep.

WARNING

Use only the external power adapter that came with your computer. Adapters for other electronic devices (including other portable computers) may look similar, but they may damage your computer.

Power adapter plug

Power adapter port

Power adapter

Power cord

Your power adapter may look slightly different.

Chapter 5

Removing or replacing the batter y

To remove or replace the battery, follow these steps:

1 Save your work and then shut down the computer or put it to sleep, or plug in the

power adapter. 2 Close the display. 3 Slide the battery switch to the left.

4 Pull the battery out of its compartment. 5 If you are inserting another battery, slide it into the battery compartment.

You can replace the battery with another LiIon battery. Make sure you only

use a battery that is designed for your Macintosh PowerBook.

IMPORTANT

If you take out the main battery while the computer is in sleep and it is not connected to an external power adapter, you must insert another battery within 4 minutes or you may lose any unsaved work.

6 If you just inserted a new battery, it’s a good idea to plug in the power adapter in case

the battery is not fully charged.

You can look at the battery monitor portion of the Control Strip to see the level of charge.

1 Slide the battery switch to the left.

2 Remove the battery.

Power Management

IMPORTANT

Lithium ion (LiIon) batteries contain metals that are hazardous when released in the environ ment. It is inappropriate, and in some cases unlawful, to throw batteries away with your household or business trash. Many locations have government or Apple-sponsored collection or recycling programs for spent batteries. Dispose of spent batteries in accordance with the mandatory or voluntary battery collection programs in your location. Contact your Apple-authorized service provider for information about the recommended disposal procedures in your area.

Maximizing work time

Your Macintosh PowerBook’s battery can provide 2–4 hours of work time before you need to recharge. The actual work time available depends on which model of Macintosh PowerBook you have, what equipment you’re using with your computer, and what steps you take to conserve power while you work.

To save battery power, you can do the following:

m Minimize backlighting of the display. m Turn off AppleTalk if your PowerBook is not connected to a network. m Set the hard disk to spin down after a very short interval. m Remove PC Cards when they are not in use. m Take advantage of the sleep and wake features of your PowerBook

whenever your work is interrupted. You just need to close the display to put the computer in sleep.

For more battery conservation tips, see the “Batteries & Power” topic area of Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu.

Chapter 5

part

Chapter 6 Tips and Troubleshooting Chapter 7 Diagnostic Techniques

When you have questions

If you wa nt to know how to do a particular task with your computer, refer to Mac OS Guide in the Guide (

h) menu. For instructions on using Mac OS Guide, see Chapter 2 of this manual. If the suggestions in this chapter and Mac OS Guide don’t solve the problem, go to Chapter 7 for instructions on some general diagnostic techniques.

When you run into trouble

While you’re using your computer, you may see a bomb icon or an error message, or you may have a problem such as the pointer (8) “freezing” on the screen. If you have trouble with your computer, take a few minutes to read the information in this chapter and Chapter 7. If your problem is related to a particular procedure, you should also look for information on that procedure in Mac OS Guide, available in the Guide (h) menu. If you are unable to access Mac OS Guide (for example, if your screen is “frozen”), refer to this chapter to see if you can resolve the problem.

This chapter and Chapter 7 describe solutions to problems you may experience with your computer. If the suggestions in these two chapters don’t solve your problem, contact a local Apple-authorized service provider or call the Apple Assistance Center. (See the service and support information that came with your computer for the telephone number.) If your problem is with third-party software or equipment, please call the software or equipment manufacturer for help.

Tips and Troubleshooting

Consult this chapter if you have

questions or experience

problems using your computer.

Problems starting up the computer

The computer doesn’t start up.

m The battery may need recharging. Plug the power cord into a working

outlet and then plug the power adapter into the computer. Let the battery recharge for a few minutes.

m Check that the power cord is plugged into a working outlet. If it’s plugged

into a power strip, make sure the power strip is turned on. The power adapter should get warm after being plugged in for 10 minutes. If it is cold, make sure the adapter is securely plugged in and attached to the power cord.

m The screen brightness may be turned down. Adjust the brightness control

located at the base of the screen, in the center.

m Make sure the battery is properly seated in its compartment. m If none of these measures helps, you may need to reset the computer.

The method of resetting you should always try first is to press the Command (x), Control, and Power keys simultaneously. If the computer does not start up, connect the power adapter (if it is not already connected) and press the reset button (marked with the icon I) on the back panel.

Reset button

Chapter 6

The sleep indicator light in the PowerBook’s latch glows a steady green.

m You must reset the computer using the reset button. Connect the external

power adapter (if it is not already connected) and press the reset button (marked with the icon I) on the back panel.

When the reset procedure is used the computer will thoroughly test the RAM, so it may take a few moments (testing takes about 1 second per megabyte of RAM) before the screen lights. Be patient if you have added expansion RAM.

The computer makes an unusual sound at startup, or you see a “sad Macintosh” icon.

m If you hear the sound of breaking glass when you turn on the computer or

you see a “sad Macintosh” icon, start up the computer with the

Disk Tools

floppy disk that came with your computer. If the computer does not start up, or if the hard disk icon does not appear, the hard disk may n eed repair. Contact an Apple-authorized service provider or call the Apple Assistance Center. If the hard disk icon does appear, see Chapter 7 for information about reinstalling the system software.

m There may be a problem with the information stored in the area called

parameter RAM (PRAM). Reset the PRAM (also called “zapping the PRAM”).

Resetting the PRAM erases the contents of your RAM disk, if you have one. Resetting the PRAM also restores the default settings in most control panels. After you reset the PRAM, be sure to check any custom settings you made for the desktop pattern, memory, network, AppleTalk, trackpad, power conservation, and so forth. Resetting the PRAM also resets the power manager.

Tips and Troubleshooting

m Follow these steps to reset the PRAM:

1. Locate the keys Command (x), Option, P, and R.

2. Make sure the Caps Lock key is not down.

3. Restart your Macintosh (using the Command [x], Control, and Power keys or the reset button, if necessary). Immediately after hearing the startup sound, press the Command (x), Option, P, and R keys simultaneously.

If you don’t hold down the key combination within 5–10 seconds after you restart, you may need to repeat steps 1–3.

4. Hold down the keys until you hear the startup sound again.

5. If the computer shuts itself off, press the Power key to turn it back on.

6. When the computer has finished starting up, restore any custom control panel and network settings.

m If nothing happens after you reset the PRAM, there may be a problem with

a RAM expansion card. If you had a RAM expansion card installed in your computer, contact the dealer who installed the card for help.

See also “The Computer Makes Unusual Sounds” in the section “Other Problems While Working” later in this chapter.

The computer starts up, but the desktop doesn’t appear.

m The screen brightness may be turned down. Adjust the brightness control,

located at the base of the screen, in the center.

m The computer may be trying to start up using an external hard disk that

does not contain the correct system software. Disconnect the external hard disk and restart your computer. (This can also happen with PC Card drives.)

m Start up the computer, holding down the Shift key until you see the

message “Extensions Off” in the “Welcome to Macintosh” box. If the computer starts up, turn to Chapter 7 and try the steps given in the section “Checking Your System Software Extensions.” You can go directly to the Extensions Manager control panel by holding down the Space bar during startup.

Chapter 6

When I start up the computer, I see a message about the system software.

m The system software on the startup disk you’re using may be incomplete or

damaged, or may be the wrong version. Make sure you’re using the correct disk as a startup disk.

m If you’re sure you’re using the correct startup disk, you may need to

reinstall system software. See “Reinstalling System Software” in Chapter 7.

The computer displays a flashing question mark icon.

m This icon usually means that the computer can’t find system software on

any disks attached to the computer. If the computer is connected to any external hard disks, make sure they are turned on. Then restart the computer. If the problem recurs, the hard disk or its system software may be damaged. See Chapter 7.

m Turn off the computer, disconnect all external devices except the power

adapter, and restart the computer. If the computer starts up, turn to “Problems With Equipment Connected to Your Computer” later in this chapter.

The computer freezes or displays an error message during startup.

m Tur n off the computer, disconnect all external devices except the power

adapter, and restart the computer. If the computer starts up, turn to “Problems With Equipment Connected to Your Computer” later in this chapter.

m Start up the computer, holding down the Shift key until you see the

message “Extensions Off” in the “Welcome to Macintosh” box. If the computer starts up, turn to Chapter 7.

About the codes in error messages: The numb er codes in er ror messages are used in software development. Sometimes they can help a technician narrow down the source of a problem. However, the codes are usually too general or technical in nature to help you diagnose a problem yourself.

Tips and Troubleshooting

When the computer starts up, a message says there is not enough memory.

m There may not be enough memory to load all the system software

extensions you’ve installed. Restart the computer, holding down the Shift key until you see the message “Extensions Off ” in the “Welcome to Macintosh” box. Then try the following to increase available memory:

m Turn on virtual memory (VM) in the Memory control panel, or increase

the VM size if it’s already on. Your PowerBook can deliver good performance with VM set to two to three times the amount of actual RAM chips in the computer.

m Reduce the size of the disk cache in the Memory control panel. m If you use a RAM disk, reduce its size or turn it off in the Memory

control panel.

m Use the Extensions Manager control panel (in the Control Panels folder

inside the System Folder on your hard disk) to turn off extensions you don’t need. Then restart the computer. (You can use Extensions Manager to create different sets of extensions for special situations.)

You need to restart the computer for these changes to take effect.

m If these suggestions don’t work, you can increase memory by having an

Apple-authorized dealer install a RAM expansion card in your computer.

The computer won’t restart.

m If the computer freezes, you can try to “force” the program you’re using

to quit by simultaneously pressing the keys Command (x), Option, and Esc on your keyboard. Then click Force Quit in the dialog box that appears. (Note: Unsaved changes in your current documents will be lost.) Immediately save all open documents, quit all other open programs, and restart the computer.

m You may need to reset the computer. The method of resetting you should

always try first is to press the Command (x), Control, and Power keys simultaneously. If the computer does not restart, connect the power adapter (if it is not already connected) and press the reset button (marked with the icon I) on the back panel.

Note: You will lose any work you have not saved.

m If the problem recurs, reset the parameter RAM (see “The Computer

Makes an Unusual Sound at Startup, or You See a ‘Sad Macintosh’ Icon” i n the section “Problems Starting Up the Computer” earlier in this chapter). If the problem still occurs, see Chapter 7.

Chapter 6

Every time the computer starts up, it rebuilds the desktop.

m There may be a folder on your hard disk that has the same name as a file

the computer uses to keep track of information on your disks. Manually search for a folder named “Desktop” or “Desktop file.” If you find one, rename it “Storage.” Then restart the computer. (Do not use the Find File feature to search for the desktop file. It may find it but you may not be able to access it.)

When I start up the computer, the display lights up for a moment, then shuts down.

m Make sure you are using the correct power adapter for your

computer model.

m If the computer is running on the battery, make sure the battery is charged.

Or connect the external power adapter.

Problems working with programs

The computer freezes or displays a system error message.

m There may be a temporary software problem. To reset the computer, try the

following suggestions in order until the computer starts up normally:

1. If the computer freezes, you can try to quit the program you’re using by pressing the keys Command (x), O ption, and Esc on your keyboard. Click Force Quit in the dialog box that appears. (You’ll lose unsaved changes in that program’s documents.)

Immediately save all open documents a nd quit all open programs, then restart the computer.

2. If you see a message about a system error, you may need to reset the computer. The method of resetting you should always try first is to press the Command (x), Control, and Power keys simultaneously. If the computer does not restart, connect the power adapter (if it is not already connected) and press the reset button (marked with the icon I) on the back panel.

Note: You will lose any work you have not saved.

3. Reset the PRAM (see “The Computer Makes an Unusual Sound at Startup, or You See a ‘Sad Macintosh’ Icon” in the section “Problems Starting Up the Computer” earlier in this chapter for instructions).

Tips and Troubleshooting

m If the problem recurs, it may involve one or more of your application

programs. See “The Computer Exhibits Odd Behavior, Such as Many Unexplained System Failures,” next.

The computer exhibits odd behavior, such as many unexplained system failures.

m Check for multiple System Folders on your startup disk, using the Find File

command. Throw away extra System Folders (but do not throw away any System Folders from your RAM Disk Backup folder). The System Folder that your computer is using has a small computer icon on it.

m Check for viruses on all your disks, using a vi rus-detection program.

Eliminate any viruses the program finds.

m If a problem recurs when you are using a particular program, try

the following: m Consult the documentation that came with the program to make sure you

are using it correctly.

m Check for multiple copies of the program on your hard disk. Use the Get

Info command to check the programs’ version numbers. Keep on e copy of the latest version and throw away all other copies.

m Reinstall the program from a known good source (such as the original

program disks or the CD that came with your computer).

m Increase the program’s memory. Quit the program, select its icon,

choose Get Info from the File menu, and type a larger number in the Preferred Size box.

m Contact the manufacturer or vendor of the program to find out whether

the program contains software er rors or “bugs” a nd whether an upgrade is available.

Chapter 6

m Check that the program is compatible with the version of system

software your computer is using. (See the program’s documentation, or contact the manufacturer or vendor.) You can find out which version of software you have by choosing About This Computer from the Apple (K) menu.

m Make sure your control panels and system software extensions

(especially a ny that you recently added) are compatible with your programs. See Chapter 7.

A program won’t open.

m The application program may already be open. Check the Application

menu to see what programs are running.

m There may not be enough memory available to open the program. Quit any

programs you’re not using and try again. If that doesn’t work, try restarting the computer.

m If the program is on a floppy disk, make sure the disk is unlocked. (You

unlock a disk by sliding the tab at the corner of the disk so that it covers the hole.)

m The program may be damaged, or it may not be compatible with PowerPC

technology. Check to make sure the software is PowerPC-compatible, a nd install it from a known good source (such as the original program disks).

m Contact the manufacturer or vendor of the program to see if the program is

compatible with the version of system software your computer is using. (Choose About This Computer from the Apple [K] menu to see which version of system software you have.)

A program suddenly quits or disappears, or a message says a program has quit.

m There may be a temporary software problem. Restar t the computer, then

try opening the program again.

m The program may have run out of memory. See the suggestions in

“A Message Says There is Not Enough Memory,” next.

m If the problem occurs when you are trying to print, there may not be

enough memory for pri nting.

m Contact the manufacturer or vendor of the program to see if the program

contains software errors or “bugs” and if it is compatible with the version of system software you’re using.

Tips and Troubleshooting

A message says there is not enough memory.

m There may be a temporary software problem. Save your work, quit all open

programs, a nd restart the computer. If you can’t use the Restart command, see the suggestions in “Th e Computer Freezes or Displays a System Error Message,” earlier in this section.

m If you get this message when you are trying to open or use a program,

follow these steps:

1. Choose About This Computer from the Apple (K) menu. Take note of the number in the “Largest Unused Block” section. This number tells you how much memory is available to open programs.

2. Quit the program if it’s open, select its icon, and choose Get Info from the File menu. Take note of the numbers in the Minimum Size and Preferred Size boxes.

3. If the number in the Minimum Size box is larger than the largest unused block, not enough memory is available to use this program. To free memory, quit open programs or restart the computer. You can also type a smaller number in the Minimum Size box if you want to open the program using less memory. (But some programs don’t work well if you assign them less memory.)

4. If the number in the Preferred Size box is smaller than the largest unused block, you may n eed to assign more memory to the program. (A program may need more memory if you are working with complex documents.) Type a larger number in the Preferred Size box.

m If you frequently want to open more programs than memory allows, try

the following: m Turn on virtual memory (VM) in the Memory control panel or increase

the amount of VM if it is already on.

m Use the Memory control panel to reduce the size of the disk cache or

remove or reduce the size of your RAM disk.

m Have an Apple-authorized dealer install a RAM expansion card in

your computer.

Chapter 6

When I try to open a document, a message says the program can’t be found.

m The document may have been created with a program that is not on your

hard disk, or with a different version of the program.

m You can also open a document from within a program by using the Open

command in the File menu. For more information, see the documentation that came with your programs.

m If you know the correct program is on your hard disk, there may be a

problem with the information that the computer uses to keep track of files. Restart the computer and hold down the Command (x) and Option keys until you see a message asking if you want to rebuild the desktop. Release the keys and click OK.

Note: If you have Mac OS Easy Open installed, you must use the Extensions Manager control panel to turn off all extensions except the Mac OS Easy Open control panel, and then follow the steps given above to rebuild your desktop.

A window has disappeared.

m Another open window may be covering the one you’re looking for. Move,

resize, close, or hide wi ndows until you see the one you want.

m The program the window is associated with may be hidden. Choose Show

All from the Application menu, then click the window you want, or choose the program from the Application menu.

Tips and Troubleshooting

Apple PowerBook 2400c User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual