Computer Tech Link Vector, Meridian, Vista, Vision, Valeo User Manual

User Manual

Congratulations! Your new CTL Computer System is a powerful, state-of-the-art electronic
product that can both increase your productivity and provide you with a new level of
entertainment and educational opportunities.

Your CTL Computer System has been individually hand-assembled and tested by a highly trained
CTL Production Technician. Given proper care and maintenance, your CTL Computer System will
provide you with years of reliable operation. Although you are no doubt eager to get your system
set up and running, spending a few minutes familiarizing yourself with this User Manual will help
to ensure that your system is set up correctly and that you are aware of the resources contained
within should you have any questions at a later point.

NOTE The next few pages contain important information on notational conventions, license
agreements, system configuration, and system warranty. Please read them before doing anything
else with your new CTL computer.

Copyright 1999, 2000, 2001 CTL Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.

Version: 4.7 Last Revision: December 15, 2001

CTL strives to ensure the accuracy and completeness of its documentation. However, CTL Corporation shall not be held
liable for technical or editorial omissions or errors made herein, nor for incidental or consequential damages resulting from
use of this material. CTL reserves the right to make changes to its products and/or documentation without notice or
obligation to previous customers. This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. No part of this
document may be photocopied or reproduced by any means in any form without prior written permission of CTL
Corporation. CTL and the CTL logo are trademarks of CTL Corporation. IBM, XT, and AT are registered trademarks of
International Business Machines Corporation. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks, and Celeron and MMX are
trademarks of Intel Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.
and other countries. Other trade names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Important Information

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

Throughout this guide, blocks of text will be displayed inside two parallel bold lines to indicate a
Note, Caution, or Warning, described below:

NOTE A NOTE details important information to keep in mind. No personal injury or equipment
damage will occur from disregarding a note.

CAUTION! A CAUTION indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data and how to avoid
the problem.

WARNING!

WARNING! A WARNING indicates the potential for physical injury and the steps you should take

to avoid the problem.

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Typographical and Listing Conventions

The following list defines typographical conventions used to depict specific elements of text used
in this manual:

• Titles of windows, names of buttons and icons, and menu options that appear on the
display screen are presented in bold.

Example: Click Start

• Labels that appear on the keyboard keys are enclosed in brackets.

Example: [Enter]

• Certain functions require you to press a series of keys simultaneously.

Example: [Alt]+[F4]

• Commands that must be typed are displayed in Courier New font.

Example: cd\letters\business\legal [Enter]

• Lists of items, points to consider, or procedures that do not need to be performed in a
specific order are presented in bullet format:

o Item 1

o Item 2

• Procedures that must be followed in a specific order are presented in numbered steps:

1. Perform this step first

2. Perform this step second

License Agreements

By turning on your CTL computer you acknowledge that you have read and accepted the license
agreements for all installed software, including but not limited to the operating system,
applications, utilities, and device drivers. If you have not already done so, stop now and read the
license agreements, generally located in the software’s documentation or enclosed with the
software packages.

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System Configuration

Your CTL computer comes fully tested and configured for optimum performance and
compatibility. CTL’s engineers have used considerable expertise and spent a great deal of time in
the installation, configuration, and optimization of your hardware and software. It is important that
you take steps to protect your investment.

Please note the following items:

• You are responsible for any changes made to the original configuration.

• You are responsible for reconstructing the original configuration.

• CTL is specifically not obligated to support any configuration that deviates from the initial

configuration approved by CTL and delivered to you.

• CTL is specifically not obligated to return the system to its original CTL-approved
configuration or otherwise reconfigure the system except when CTL deems the original
configuration to be faulty. CTL can, for a fee, return your system to its initial configuration
or can integrate additional hardware or software acquired from CTL. Please contact your
Dealer or CTL Representative for more information.

Warranty

CTL’s No Hassle Warranty is designed to be simple and straightforward to make your life easier
should you ever have an issue with a product that you purchase from CTL Corporation or an
Authorized CTL Reseller. CTL Corporation (CTL) warrants this computer to be free from material
defects for the specified warranty period from the purchase date.

Service Under Warranty

Product warranties begin on the date of the original purchase of a specific product from CTL
Corporation or an Authorized CTL Reseller. Any product defect not originating from that of
materials or workmanship will not be considered covered under warranty. Warranty work will not
be covered if the product is not returned in original packaging and with a CTL issued Returned
Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA).

In the event of the failure of a product purchased from CTL within it’s warranty period due to a
defect in material or workmanship, CTL will, at it’s discretion, repair or replace the original product
with a new, refurbished or similar product at no charge to the customer except that the customer
will cover one way freight charge via UPS Ground to a specified CTL center. The product must be
returned in its original packaging and with a copy of the original invoice. In the event that a copy
of the original invoice is not available, if applicable, the warranty period will default to the original
product’s date of manufacture.

This warranty is contingent upon proper use of the product in question and does not cover
products which have been modified or which have been subjected to unusual physical or
electrical stress. Warranty for third party hardware and software, if any, is subject to the third
party's warranty policy. This limited warranty does not include service or repair for damage from
improper installation, abuse or modifications to the product not approved in writing by CTL
Corporation. Any service repair outside the scope of this limited warranty shall be at the rates and
terms of CTL Corporation or its Authorized Service Provider.

This warranty is valid only within the United States.

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Exclusions from CTL Corporation Limited Warranty Programs

All other expressed and implied warranties for CTL products purchased from CTL after January 1,
2002 are hereby disclaimed. If this product is not in good working order as warranted above, CTL
Corporation’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be repair or replacement as stated above. In no
event will CTL Corporation be liable to the customer or any third party for any damages in excess
of the purchase price of the product. This limitation applies to damages of any kind including any
direct or indirect damages, lost profits, lost savings or other special, incidental or consequential
damages. This holds true for situations even if CTL Corporation or an authorized CTL
Corporation representative or dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages or of
any claim by another party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages for some products, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to
you. CTL Corporation’s authorized resellers and service providers/partners may be changed,
added or deleted, without notice or liability. CTL Corporation disclaims any authorized resellers
and service provider/partner to the program. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you
may also have other rights, which may vary from state to state.

Certain Terms and Conditions govern each CTL issued invoice and each CTL dealer application,
and can be found on those documents. Those Terms and Conditions may supercede this
warranty at the sole discretion of CTL Corporation.

Warranty Procedures

A customer that has an issue with a CTL Computer System should first thoroughly read this User
Manual and complete the troubleshooting procedures starting on page 31. The next step is to visit
www.ctlcorp.com/support
remains unresolved after visiting CTL’s web support page, CTL Technical Services should then
be contacted either by visiting www.ctlcorp.com/tech
form, or by calling 800.645.8670.

to check for information and/or updated device drivers. If the issue

and filling out an issue resolution request

Compatibility

CTL computers have been thoroughly tested to perform in various configurations. Due to the wide
variety of available hardware, operating systems, and software, CTL cannot be held responsible
for incompatibilities that may occur between your CTL computer and other products.

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Your Serial Numbers

Please use the space below to write your system’s serial number.

System Serial Number: ________________________________

Warranty Number: ________________________________

These numbers are located on the back of your computer. Should you ever need to call CTL
Technical Services, you must have this number readily available so that diagnostic information
about your computer can be pulled up.

If You Have Problems

Your system left our facilities in perfect working order. All components have been burned in and
tested. Although unlikely, it is possible for connectors to come lose or for components to become
damaged in shipment. Please contact CTL if you believe your system has been damaged during
shipment.

Problem Resolution

Step 1: Read this manual and complete the troubleshooting procedures starting on page

31.

Step 2: Visit www.ctlcorp.com/support

drivers.

Step 3: Fill out an Issue Resolution Request form at www.ctlcorp.com/tech

receive your Issue Resolution Request Form, a technician who will work with you
to resolve your problem will promptly contact you. If you do not have Internet
access, call 800.645.8670 to request Issue Resolution.

to check for information and/or updated device

. Once we

CTL Contact Information

24/7 Product Support Web Site www.ctlcorp.com/support

Issue Resolution Request Form www.ctlcorp.com/tech

Technical Services [M-F 8AM – 6PM PST] 800.645.8670

Operator [M-F 8AM – 6PM PST] 800.642.3087

Email Address for support issues [e-mail]

Computer Technology Link Corp.
Corporate Offices
9315 SW Nimbus Ave.
Beaverton, OR 97008

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Federal Communications Commission
Radio Frequency Interference
Statement

This equipment generates and uses radio frequency and if not installed and used properly (that
is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions) may cause interference to radio and
television reception. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B FCC
computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a commercial
installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.

If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Re-orient the receiving antenna.

• Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver.

• Move the computer away from the receiver.

• Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on

different branch circuits.

If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for
additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal
Communications Commission helpful:

"How to Identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems"

This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC

20402. Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.

NOTE The user must use shielded interface cables in order to maintain FCC compliance.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 CTL Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Valeo™, Vision™ & Vista™ 10

Vector™ 10

Meridian™ 10

Nexus™ 10

Chapter 2 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Computer Workspace 11

The Ergonomic Workspace 11

Electrical Outlets 12

Unpacking Your System 13

Identifying Ports 14

Making Connections 16

Chapter 3 Using Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Turning Your System On 18

Turning Your System Off 18

Restarting Your System 18

Should You Leave Your Computer On? 19

General Controls and Indicators 20

Floppy Disks 21

CD-ROM Drive 21

CD-R/CD-RW Drive 23

DVD-ROM Drive 23

CD-RW / DVD Combo Drive 24

Other Media 24

Video Display 24

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 25

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FireWire™ IEEE 1394 26

Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) 26

Network Interface Card (NIC) 26

FAX/Modem 27

Operating System 27

Security 28

Power Management 28

Chapter 4 Getting the Most From Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

How to Get Maximum Performance From Your Computer 29

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Basic Troubleshooting Procedure 31

Operating System Tools 32

System and Hard Drive 32

Display 33

Floppy Drive 33

CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM & CD-RW / DVD Combo Drives 35

Audio 35

Keyboard 36

Mouse 36

Network Interface Card 37

FAX/Modem 37

Advanced Troubleshooting 38

Quick Restore CD 39

Opening Your Computer Case 40

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

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1. CTL Models

CTL Corporation desktop systems are available in six distinct series: Valeo™, Vision™,
Vista™, Vector™, Meridian™ and Nexus™. The systems in each series have been designed with
specific functions in mind and are geared towards various computing environments.

Valeo, Vision and Vista

The computer systems in the Valeo, Vision and Vista series are highly flexible computer systems
designed to be used in a wide variety of environments including Home, Industrial and Small
Offices.

Vector

Vector Series systems are designed as high performance Engineering workstations. These
systems are full featured and include high-end graphics cards for Computer Assisted Design.

Meridian

The Meridian Series is designed for the professional who needs high availability and ample
processing power for demanding business applications.

Nexus

The CTL Nexus Series of Computer Systems feature our highest level of desktop processing
power for power users who run demanding multiple concurrent applications.

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2. Getting Started

This chapter contains information needed to set up your computer for the first time. It includes
information on planning your workspace, ergonomics, unpacking your new computer, and
connecting components and peripherals.

Computer Workspace

It is important that your computer be properly set up in order to protect your system and provide a
comfortable workspace. Some important questions to ask when designating a location for your
new computer:

• Do you have sufficient grounded power outlets nearby? (Refer to “Electrical Outlets”
found later in this chapter)

• Do you have a telephone outlet nearby? (Necessary if you purchased a modem)

• Do you have sufficient workspace for your keyboard, mouse, and monitor?

• Is your workspace free of excess dust, static, heat, and moisture?

• Is your workspace ergonomic? (Described under “The Ergonomic Workspace” in the next

section)

CAUTION! It is strongly recommended that you use a multi-outlet power strip with built-in surge
protection. Voltage spikes caused by phenomena such as storms, transmission problems, and
appliances can easily damage your computer.

The Ergonomic Workspace

An ergonomic workspace allows you to work efficiently and comfortably for longer periods of time.
Here are some general ergonomic guidelines and recommendations to keep in mind when setting
up your system:

• Position your system so that the monitor and keyboard are directly in front of you.
Contact your CTL Dealer or Representative if you need to order items such as keyboard
shelves and monitor stands to aid in proper placement of the keyboard and monitor.

• The monitor should be at a comfortable viewing distance, typically 20 to 24 inches.

• The monitor screen should be at (or slightly below) eye level when you are sitting in front

of it.

• Adjust the monitor's brightness, contrast, color balance, and tilt as well as surrounding
lamps and curtains to minimize reflections and glare on the screen. It is generally
advisable to adjust the monitor's brightness as low as possible while still maintaining a
clear view of the screen and its contents. You may also wish to purchase a glare guard.
Please contact your CTL Dealer or Representative.

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• Your chair should provide good lumbar (lower back) support.

• Your forearms should be horizontal and wrists in a comfortable neutral position while

typing or using the mouse.

• There should be space to rest your hands on your desk while using the keyboard/mouse.

• Allow your upper arms to hang naturally at your sides.

• Sit erect, keeping your feet flat on the floor and your thighs level.

• Make sure your feet are supporting the weight of your legs and not the front edge of your

seat. Adjust your seat and/or use a footrest to maintain proper posture.

• Vary your work activities or, if this is impossible, take frequent short breaks to stretch
your arms and legs, focus on objects at varying distances, and relax.

Electrical Outlets

Computers can be damaged from power fluctuations. Grounded outlets can help reduce the
possibility of personal injury and damage to your computer. They may also allow surge
suppressors to safely discharge voltage spikes and prevent damage to your computer. Not all
three-pronged outlets are grounded, nor are all two-pronged outlets non-grounded. If in doubt,
you may purchase an outlet tester from a hardware or electrical supply store. Always connect
your computer to a properly grounded outlet.

WARNING! If the outlets in your chosen location are not grounded, either move your computer to
a different location or have a qualified electrician ground your outlets.

Make sure that the wall outlet you select for your computer does not share the same circuit with
any major appliance such as a refrigerator or washing machine. The voltage drop caused by a
major appliance powering “on” can lock up, reset, or even damage your computer. If in doubt, you
may test the selected outlet before setting up your computer. Do this by plugging a lamp into the
selected outlet, turning it on and turning on the appliance(s) that you think may share the same
circuit. Next, shut off the breaker or remove the fuse that supplies power to the appliance(s). If the
lamp remains lit, the wall outlet is on a separate circuit and may be used. If the lamp shuts off,
consider moving your computer to a different location. Alternatively, you may contact a qualified
electrician to transfer the wall outlet to a different circuit. Always call a qualified electrician to
perform any electrical test or electrical work that you are not comfortable or qualified to do.

CAUTION! Do not connect your computer to any wall outlet that shares its circuit with a major
appliance. The voltage sags caused by appliances such as a refrigerator powering on can lock
up, reset, or even damage your system.

CTL strongly recommends the use of a surge suppressor with all computers and computer
components. Phenomena such as lightning and switching transformers at the utility station can
cause the normal 115-volt current in your wiring to spike, possibly as high as 4,000 volts or more.
These extreme voltages can cause damage to your computer. The consistent use of a quality
surge suppressor that is plugged into a properly grounded electrical outlet that does not share the
same circuit as any major appliance will help ensure that your computer remains unharmed by
fluctuations in the power supply.

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Unpacking Your System

Make sure the location you select for your new computer has room for the monitor, keyboard,
mouse, case, speakers, printer, and other components. Be sure the electrical outlets are
grounded and that you are using a surge suppressor.

Examine shipping containers for holes, smashed corners, dents, watermarks, or other damage
that may have occurred during shipping. Notify CTL immediately if any of these signs of damage
are present.

WARNING! Do not install or attempt to connect to a wall outlet any device that appears damaged
in any way. Personal injury or damage to your computer may result.

Unpack each container and place all system components, cables, and manuals in a place where
they may be easily inventoried. Save the packing materials in case you need to ship your

system at a later date.

Verify each item that you unpack with the Packing List included with your system to ensure that
you have received all ordered items, including cables, manuals, and disks. If there are any
discrepancies, contact CTL immediately.

Sample Checklist

The following items typically comprise a computer system. Since each CTL computer is built-to­order, the components shipped with your specific system may vary.

• Computer

• Monitor (if applicable)

• Keyboard

• Power cord

• Keys (if applicable)

• Manuals

• Telephone cord (if you purchased a modem)

• Speakers (if applicable)

• Software

• Mouse

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Identifying Ports

CTL computers are built-to-order and the layout and configuration of your system determines the
location of the different connectors. It is important that you pay particular attention to the labels
above the connectors when attaching the components. Figure 2-1 illustrates a typical back panel
on a computer. While the locations of the connectors may vary, the connectors themselves are
universal, i.e., all serial ports are alike and so on. Before you make any connections, read the
following port descriptions.

Mouse Port

(Green)

Keyboard Port

(Purple)

USB

Ports

Parallel Port - Printer

Serial Port 1

(Turquoise)

(Magenta)

Video Port - Optional

(Blue)

Game/Joystick/MIDI Port

(Yellow)

Line Out

(Green)

Line In

(Blue)

Mic

(Pink)

Figure 2-1. Back Panel Connector Locations

Keyboard/Mouse Ports

These two ports look very similar. Be sure to pay attention to the labels when connecting your
mouse and keyboard. Your computer may return an error message when you first turn it on,
which could happen if the two connections are mixed up.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) Ports

Many devices, including some printers, video cameras, keyboards, mice and joysticks use USB
Ports. Multiple USB devices can be connected to a USB Hub that is connected to one of the USB
Ports on your computer. Please refer to the motherboard manual for more instructions on USB
ports.

Serial Ports

Some devices, such as serial mice, plug into 9-pin connectors. Others, such as printers and
modems, plug into 25-pin connectors. Adapters are available to convert 9-pin connectors to 25­pin connectors and vice versa. If you are connecting a serial device, check to make sure that you
have the proper cable. A serial device will not work if plugged into a parallel port.

Parallel Port

The parallel port has a 25-pin female connector. Most, but not all, parallel printers use a 36-pin
Centronics interface. If you are connecting a printer, check to make sure that you have the proper
cable. A parallel printer will not work if plugged into a serial port.

Audio Input/Output Ports (Speakers, Line, Mic, Audio)

These small ports (sometimes called “phone” jacks, although they have nothing to do with
telephones) receive the small jacks similar to those on the headphones of your personal stereo
(although there may be a slight difference in size). Use these ports to connect your computer
speakers and microphones, to send “line” output to a recorder or amplifier, and to accept “line”
input from another audio device. Most likely these ports will be on your sound card.

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