Apple Power Macintosh 5400 User Manual
Macintosh Performa computer
Keyboard cable
(permanently attached
to the keyboard)
Keyboard
Mouse
Computer power cord
Follow the instructions in this
chapter to set up your computer
and learn the basics.
1
Getting Started
The illustration on the facing page shows all the equipment you will need to
set up your computer and begin using it. Place your equipment on a sturdy,
flat surface near a grounded wall outlet. Before following the setup
instructions in this chapter, you may want to read “Arranging Your Office”
in Appendix A (in the section on health-related information) for tips on
adjusting your work furniture so that you’re comfortable when using
the computer.
If you used the setup poster: The poster included with your Macintosh
Performa computer was designed to help you start using your computer as
quickly as possible. This chapter contains more detailed information than the
poster. If you have already set up your computer using the poster, you may
want to turn to the section “What’s Next?” later in this chapter.
1
Plugging in the computer
Before you plug your Macintosh into a wall socket, carefully read all the
setup instructions in this chapter. Then, before you connect anything to your
Macintosh, follow the instructions in this section to plug it in. The plug
grounds the computer and protects it from electrical damage while you are
setting up.
When you are ready to begin, follow these steps:
1Place the computer where you want it.
Carry the computer with its screen facing you. Most of its weight is near the
screen. Lift with your knees, not your back.
2
Chapter 1
2Plug the socket end of the power cord into the recessed power plug (marked with the
symbol≤) on the back of the computer.
Make sure at least one end of the power cord is within easy reach so that you
can unplug the computer when you need to.
IMPORTANT
To protect both yourself and the computer from electrical hazards,
the computer should remain turned off until you are finished connecting its
parts. Check the power switch at the back of the computer. Make sure that the
side of the switch marked with the j symbol is pressed in.
“Off ” position
Power switch
Getting Started
3
3Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-hole grounded outlet or power strip.
Socket end of the power cord
Power cord plug
WARNING
Macintosh is equipped with a three-wire grounding plug—a plug that
has a third (grounding) pin. This plug will fit only a grounded AC outlet.
This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the
outlet, contact a licensed electrician to replace the outlet with a properly
grounded outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding plug!
Installing an expansion card
If you purchased an expansion card for your Macintosh, install it now.
(See Appendix B, “Installing an Expansion Card,” for instructions.) If you
don’t have an expansion card, continue with the next section, “Connecting
the Modem.”
This equipment is intended to be electrically grounded. Your
4
Chapter 1
Connecting the modem
A modem is hardware that may already be installed inside your computer. The
modem enables your computer to send and to receive faxes and telephone
calls, to connect to the Internet, to access online services, and to communicate
with other computer users. (To use the modem, you must also set up the
appropriate software already installed on your Performa.)
If your computer came with an internal modem and you want to connect the
modem now, follow the next illustration. You can confirm whether you have an
internal modem by seeing if you have an internal modem connector on the
back of your computer, as shown in the next illustration. (Also, a standard
telephone cord will have come with your computer.)
If your computer came with an external modem, connect it to the external
modem port and follow the instructions in the modem manuals that came
with your computer or with the modem.
IMPORTANT
When connecting a modem, make sure you connect the modem
to an analog phone line—the kind used typically in homes. (A digital phone
line could damage the modem.) If you’re connecting the modem at home, you
probably have an analog phone line. Your modem manuals contain more
information about using your modem.
Line splitter
(purchased separately)
To telephone
To internal modem
External modem port
(This port is covered if an
internal modem is installed.
If it is covered, do not remove
the cover or plug anything into
the external modem port.)
Internal modem connectorPhone cordPhone jack in wall
Getting Started
5
You can use any standard phone cord to connect your internal modem
connector to a phone jack. If you have only one phone jack, consider
purchasing a line splitter at an electronics supply store. A line splitter enables
you to plug your phone and modem into the same jack at the same time. Keep
in mind that when your phone and your modem share a single phone line,
you will not be able to use both pieces of equipment at the same time, even if
they are attached to separate phone jacks. While you use your modem,
outside callers get a busy signal and you cannot call out. When your phone is
in use, you cannot use the modem.
IMPORTANT
Disconnect your modem from the phone jack during lightning
storms to prevent voltage overload.
Connecting the mouse and keyboard
1Plug the mouse cable into the recessed port on the back of the keyboard.
The plug and the port are marked with the ◊ icon (symbol). The positions of
the port and icon on your keyboard may be different from those pictured.
By the way: A port marked with the ◊ icon is called an Apple Desktop Bus
(ADB) port.
Plug the mouse into the recessed port on
the keyboard. The flat part of the plug should
be pointing down, as shown here.
6
Chapter 1
This cable plugs into the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) port,
◊
marked with the
icon, on the back of the computer.
2Plug the keyboard cable into the ADB port marked with the
◊
icon on the back of the
computer.
V
ADB port
If you use a second monitor in addition to the one built into your computer, it
may also have a port to which you can connect the keyboard or mouse. See
the information that came with the monitor.
3If you want to adjust the keyboard angle, lower the feet on the keyboard.
To adjust the keyboard angle, lower the feet until they snap into position.
Getting Started
7
Adjusting the angle of the screen
You can adjust the angle of the screen to avoid glare and reflections by using
the computer’s tilt-and-swivel base. Turn the computer to either side or tilt it
slightly back or forward.
For more information on setting up your office for comfort and safety, see
Appendix A, “Health, Safety, and Maintenance Tips.”
Connecting other equipment
If you are new to the Macintosh, it’s a good idea to get some experience using
your computer before you connect other equipment, such as a printer or
scanner. To learn basic Macintosh skills, continue with the instructions in
this chapter.
When you’re ready to connect other equipment to your Macintosh, see the
instructions in Chapter 3.
8
Chapter 1
Turning the computer on for the first time
To turn the computer on for the first time, follow these steps:
1 On the back of the computer, press the side of the power switch marked with the
symboli.
Once you turn on the main power with the power switch, you can leave it on.
From now on, you’ll be starting up and shutting down your computer using
the Power key on the keyboard. You only need to use the power switch on the
back of the computer when you connect equipment to your computer or when
you can’t use the Power key for some reason.
“On” position
Power switch
2Press the Power key (marked with a triangle) on your keyboard.
You hear a tone from the computer as it starts up.
Getting Started
9
3 Listen to the instructions on your screen.
You will see a “welcome screen” that gives you a choice about what to do
next. You choose by clicking one of the buttons in the Launcher.
m If you don’t know how to use a mouse, press the letter M on your keyboard
for an on-screen program that teaches you how to use the mouse.
m If you’re new to the Macintosh but familiar with how to use a mouse, click
the Tutorial button to go through the Performa Tutorial, a program that
teaches how to use your computer.
m If you want to learn more about the capabilities of your Macintosh (not
how you can use the Macintosh but more about what the Macintosh can
do), click one of the other buttons on your screen.
Click one of these
buttons. (The buttons
on your screen may
be different.)
4When you’re finished exploring the items on your screen, click Exit.
Your Launcher has
more—and perhaps
different—items in it
than are shown in
this illustration.
Click Exit when you’re
finished exploring to
go to the Macintosh
desktop.
You’ll see the Macintosh desktop as pictured below. Now turn to the section
“What’s Next?” later in this chapter.
Hard disk icon
Macintosh desktop, after you
exit the welcome screen
10
Chapter 1
If you see a blinking question mark, or nothing at all, see the next section,
“Problems Starting Up?” (Note: Most computer screens have a slight black
border around them.)
Problems starting up?
If the screen is dark, check these items to see if you can identify
the problem:
m Is the computer turned on? The power-on light on the front of the
computer should be on. Make sure the side of the power switch
marked with the symbol i (on the back of the computer) is pressed in.
m Is the power cord connected to the computer, and is the cord plugged
into a power source?
m If the computer is plugged into a power strip, is the power strip
turned on and plugged in?
m Are the keyboard and mouse cables connected correctly? (Don’t
disconnect the keyboard or mouse cable while the computer is on.
You could damage your equipment.)
m Are the screen control buttons on the front of the computer (marked
with the ¸ icon) adjusted correctly?
m If you have an external hard disk attached to your computer, is that
hard disk turned on? Was it turned on before you turned on the
computer? If you’re not sure, turn everything off. Then turn on the
external hard disk before you turn on your computer.
If you see a blinking question mark on the screen, turn to “Solutions to
Common Problems” in Chapter 6.
Getting Started
11
What’s next?
Congratulations! You’ve finished setting up your computer. Now continue
with one of the following steps:
m If you are new to the Macintosh, see the next section, “Learning the Basics.”
m If you are an experienced Macintosh user, turn to Chapter 2, “Getting
Help,” to learn about Macintosh Guide, your main source of information
when you’re working with the Macintosh.
What you can’t find in this manual you
can find in Macintosh Guide, your main
source of information when you’re working
with your computer.
m If you want to connect your computer to other equipment, such as a printer,
see Chapter 3, “Expanding Your Computer and Using Special Features.”
m If you want to install application software on your computer, see Chapter 4,
“Using Programs and Backing Up Disks” for information on setting up
your programs and managing memory. You’ll need this information to
properly set up any programs specifically designed for computers with
PowerPC™ microprocessors.
12
Chapter 1
Before you begin working with your computer, be sure to read the important
health and safety information in Appendix A.
IMPORTANT
If you need to turn off your computer at any point, please see
“Turning the Computer Off” later in this chapter. It is very important to use
the correct procedure for shutting down your Macintosh before turning it off.
Learning the basics in the Performa Tutorials
Read this section if you haven’t already gone through Mouse Skills or the
Tu torial that appeared on your screen when you first turned on your
computer, or if you want to go on to Part 2 of the Tutorial. These programs
teach you the basic skills you need to use your computer.
To start the Performa Tutorial, Tutorial Part 2, or Mouse Skills once you are
past the introductory “welcome screens,” follow these steps:
1Slide your mouse along your mouse pad or desk.
Hold the mouse as shown, with the cable pointing away from you. Don’t press
the mouse button (under your index finger). Notice that the arrow (8) on the
screen moves in the same direction that you move the mouse.
Mouse button
If the arrow doesn’t move, make sure that the cables connecting the mouse
and keyboard are secure and that your mouse is positioned as shown in
the illustration.
Getting Started
13
2 Move the mouse so that the arrow (
want to take.
8
) is over the picture of the particular tutorial you
If you don’t see the Performa Tutorial, Tutorial Part 2, or Mouse Skills
pictures on your screen, put the arrow on the word “Learning” and click
(press and release) the mouse button.
If you run out of room on your mouse pad or desk while moving the mouse,
pick up the mouse and place it where there’s more room. (The arrow on the
screen moves only when the mouse is in contact with the mouse pad or desk.)
14
3 Click the mouse button on the picture of the tutorial you want to take.
A window appears welcoming you to the tutorial. Set this book aside for now
and follow the instructions on the screen. When you have completed both
parts of the tutorial, return to this book.
Chapter 1
Reviewing the basics
You can use the following illustrations to review the elements you use on your
screen to do work with your computer.
Menu
Icons
Window
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.
Guide menu
To find an answer to a question,
h
look in the Guide (
) menu.
Application menu
You can have several
applications open at once.
To see which program is active
or to switch from one program
to another, use this menu
(called the Application menu).
Getting Started
15
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.
16
To bring a partially
covered window
to the front, click
anywhere in it.
Chapter 1
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 box on each end).
Zoom box
To make the window bigger, click
once here. Click again to return the
window to its original size.
Scroll arrow
To bring hidden portions of a window’s
contents into view, click one of the
four scroll arrows.
Size box
To change the shape or size of a
window, drag the size box.
Turning the computer off
To turn the computer off using the Power key on the keyboard, follow these
instructions:
1If the computer is in sleep mode, press the Power key (or any other key on the keyboard
except Caps Lock) to wake it.
2Press and hold the Power key on the keyboard for about 2 seconds.
The following dialog box appears on the screen:
3Press the Return key on the keyboard (or click the Shut Down button in the dialog box).
You can also turn off your computer by choosing Shut Down from the Special
menu. Detailed instructions follow.
1Move the tip of the arrow to the Special menu at the top of the screen.
2With the tip of the arrow on the word “Special,” press and hold down the mouse button.
3While holding down the mouse button, move the arrow down the list of choices until the
words “Shut Down” are highlighted, then release the mouse button.
Getting Started
17
If you can’t shut down your computer
If a problem with the computer prevents you from using the Power key on
the keyboard or choosing Shut Down—for example, if the computer “freezes”
so that the pointer does not respond to the mouse—you can turn off the
computer by pressing the power switch on the back of the computer. Use
this method only if you cannot choose Shut Down or press the Power
key following the instructions in the previous section, “Turning the
Computer Off.”
IMPORTANT
back of the computer to turn off your computer. Only use the power switch
when there is a problem that prevents the computer from being turned off
with the Power key on the keyboard or the Shut Down command. To make
sure your work is saved, use the Power key on the keyboard or the Shut
Down command.
Turning the computer on
To turn on the computer after you’ve shut it down (using either the Power key
on the keyboard or the Shut Down command):
m
Press the Power key (marked with a triangle) on the keyboard.
Leave the power switch on the back of your computer in the “on” position.
(The side of the switch marked with the i symbol should be pressed in.)
You could lose unsaved work if you use the power switch on the
18
Chapter 1
Where to find answers
When you have questions about using your Macintosh, there are several
places you can look for answers.
In this book
Macintosh Performa
User’s Manual
Use this book to help you set up your computer and learn about it,
or to find solutions to problems with your equipment.
In the Guide menu
The Guide menu (marked with the hicon) is your main source of
information about the Macintosh. To learn how to get different kinds
of help from the Guide menu, see Chapter 2 in this book.
In other manuals
Some of the programs that already came installed on your
computer have separate manuals. Most of these manuals came in
the box with your computer. Some come online. (You can find them
as clickable buttons in the Applications section of the Launcher.)
For answers to questions about other equipment or about
application programs you have purchased, see the manuals that
came with the equipment or programs.
From the Read Me files in the Apple Extras folder
The Apple Extras folder (in your System Folder) on your hard disk
contains SimpleText documents, called About Apple Extras with
important information about some of the application programs
included with your computer. Similar files called Read Me files can
also be found inside application folders and in the Documents folder
on your desktop.
From Apple’s customer support hotline
If you can’t find an answer in any of the materials provided, call the
customer support hotline. The phone number for the hotline is in the
service and support information that came with your computer.
Note:
If you have problems with an application program not
published by Apple, call the program’s publisher. Click the Phone
Numbers button in the Service/Support area of the Launcher to get
a software publisher’s phone number.
Getting Started
19
Use the instructions in this
chapter to learn about the help
available to you in the Guide menu.
2
Getting Help
The Guide menu is your main source of information when you’re working
with your computer. The menu is identified by a question mark (h) in the
upper-right corner of the screen.
21
Getting answers to your questions
When you have a question while working with your computer, you can get the
answer by choosing Macintosh Guide from the Guide menu.
1Pull down 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.
2Pull down the Guide menu (marked with the
h
icon) and choose Macintosh Guide.
The Macintosh Guide window appears.
Whenever you use Macintosh Guide, its window remains in front of other
windows. If the window gets in your way, you can move it by dragging its
title bar (the gray bar across the top of the window).
22
Chapter 2
3Notice the three buttons at the top of the window: Topics, Index, and Look For.
Macintosh Guide gives you three ways of finding information:
m
Topics
lets you choose from a list of general subjects; it is like the table of
contents in a book.
m
Index
lets you choose from an alphabetical list of more specific subjects; it
is like the index in a book.
m
Look For
lets you search for information related to a specific word or phrase
that you type.
In the following sections you will practice using each method.
If you have problems while using Macintosh Guide, see “Tips for Using
Macintosh Guide” later in this chapter.
Getting answers with the Topics button
1 In the Macintosh Guide window, click the Topics button.
A list of general topics appears on the left side of the Macintosh Guide
window. (Depending on the hardware and software you have, the list of topics
may look different.)
Getting Help
23
2 In the list of topics, click “Customizing Your Computer.”
3Click the question “How do I set the time and date?” and then click OK. Or double-click
If you want to
return to the main
Macintosh Guide
window, click this
button.
When you click any topic area, a list of related questions appears on the right
side of the Macintosh Guide window.
To get instructions,
click a question…
…and then click OK.
the question.
A small window appears with instructions for you to follow.
Click here to see the next
step (if there is one).
24
4 Read and follow the instructions in this window.
Macintosh 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.
5When you have completed all the steps, click the Topics button in the lower-left corner to
return to the main Macintosh Guide window.
Now continue with the next section.
Chapter 2
Getting answers with the Index button
1 In the Macintosh Guide window, click the Index button.
An alphabetical list of subjects appears on the left side of the window.
Slider
Scroll bar
2Scroll 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.
3Click 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 Macintosh Guide window.
To get instructions,
click a question…
…and then click OK.
Getting Help
25
4Click the question “How do I change the background pattern?” and then click OK. Or
If you want to
return to the main
Macintosh Guide
window, click this
button.
5 Read and follow the instructions in the window.
6When you have completed all the steps, click the Topics button in the lower-left corner to
double-click the question.
A small window appears with instructions for you to follow.
Click here to see the next
step (if there is one).
Macintosh 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.
return to the main Macintosh Guide window.
26
Now continue with the next section.
Chapter 2
Getting answers with the Look For button
1 In the Macintosh Guide window, click the Look For button.
A small box appears on the left side of the window, where you can type text.
To activate the text
box, click here.
Type a word or phrase
in the text box…
…and then click here.
2 Click the arrow button to activate the text box.
3Type “sound” in the text box and 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 Macintosh Guide window.
To get instructions,
click a question…
…and then click OK.
Getting Help
27
4Click the question “How do I change the alert (beep) sound?” and then click OK. Or
If you want to close
Macintosh Guide,
click here.
5 Read and follow the instructions in the window.
6When you have completed all the steps, click the close box in the upper-left corner to
double-click the question.
A small window appears with instructions for you to follow.
Click here to see the next
step (if there is one).
Macintosh 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.
close Macintosh Guide.
28
Chapter 2
Tips for using Macintosh Guide
Here are a few tips for using Macintosh Guide effectively:
m Macintosh 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 Macintosh Guide in the Guide menu, pull
down 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 Macintosh 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 further explanation. (The “Huh?” button
is dimmed when no additional information is available.)
m If you want to return to the main Macintosh Guide window, click the
Topics button in the lower-left corner of the Guide window.
m When you’re finished using Macintosh Guide, click the close box in
the upper-left corner of the window.
Close box
Topics button
Title bar
Zoom box
Right arrow
“Huh?” button
Getting Help
29
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