Dell LATITUDE C510 User Manual

Dell™ Latitude™ C610/C510 User's Guide

This document describes the features and operation of your computer. This document is stored on your computer hard drive. For information on other documentation included with your computer, see "Finding

Information."

CAUTION: Follow the safety instructions in the System Information Guide to help protect

your computer from damage and to ensure your own personal safety.

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to

avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the "Glossary."

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, AccessDirect, Latitude, Dimension, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Dell Precision, Dell TravelLite, and DellNet are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel, Pentium, Celeron, and Intel SpeedStep are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As an ENERGY STAR Partner, Dell Computer Corporation has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model PP01L

March 2003 P/N 7E406 Rev. A05

Finding Information

Documentation Updates Using Windows® Using Devices Using the Drivers and Utilities CD Fixing Problems Installing Parts

Documentation Updates

Documentation updates are sometimes included with your computer to describe changes to your computer or software. Always read these updates before consulting any other documentation because the updates contain the latest information.

Readme files, which may be installed on your hard drive, provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or technicians.

Using Windows®

Windows Help

Windows Help provides complete instructions for using the Microsoft® Windows operating system.

To access Windows Help:

In Windows XP, click the Start button and click Help and Support. For more information, see "Microsoft®

Windows® XP Features."

In Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click the Start button and click Help.

Microsoft Windows Guide

For more information on using the Windows operating system, see the Microsoft Windows documentation that came with your computer.

Using Devices

Dell™ User's Guides

For help on using your computer devices (such as a modem) and options you purchase separately from your computer, see the device user's guide.

In Windows XP, click the Start button and click Help and Support. From the Help and Support window, click the link to access the user and system guides.

In Windows 98 or Windows 2000, from the Windows desktop or Start menu, double-click the Dell User's Guides (or Dell Documents) icon.

Using the Drivers and Utilities CD

The Drivers and Utilities CD contains software, the Dell Diagnostics, and user's guides for your computer and optional devices. If you ever need to reinstall a driver or utility, run diagnostics tests on your computer, or access the user's guides, use the Drivers and Utilities CD. See "Reinstalling Software" and "Using Dell

Diagnostics."

Fixing Problems

For help with fixing computer problems, see "Solving Problems" and "Using Dell Diagnostics."

Microsoft Windows Guide

For more information on troubleshooting problems, see the Microsoft Windows documentation that came with your computer.

Dell Support

For personalized online support, driver updates, and instant answers to your questions, access Dell Support at support.dell.com.

Installing Parts

For help with adding parts to your computer, see "Removing and Replacing Parts."

For detailed information on the computer parts and assemblies and how to remove and replace them, see the computer Service Manual on support.dell.com.

About Your Computer

Front View Left Side View Right Side View Back View Bottom View

Front View

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.

Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.

display latch

touch pad

display

battery bay

keyboard status lights

track stick/touch pad buttons

keyboard

track stick

microphone

power button

device status lights

AccessDirect button

module bay

Display Latch

Keeps the display closed.

Display

For more information on using your color LCD, see "Using the Display."

Keyboard Status Lights

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:

Keyboard Status Lights

Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.

Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.

Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.

Keyboard

The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft® Windows® logo key . For information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."

Microphone

Allows you to record audio.

Device Status Lights

The light turns on when the computer is turned on.

The light turns on when the computer reads or writes data.

The light turns on steadily or blinks when the computer is in a power management mode. It also blinks to indicate battery charge status.

If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:

Solid green: the battery is charging Flashing green: the battery is fully charged

If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:

Off: the battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off) Flashing orange: the battery charge is low Solid orange: the battery charge is critically low

NOTICE: To avoid data loss, never turn off the computer while the light is flashing.

Module Bay

You can install devices such as a floppy drive, CD drive, CD-RW drive, DVD drive, Zip drive, second hard drive, second battery, or Dell TravelLite™ travel module in the module bay. For more information, see "Using

the Module Bay."

Touch Pad

Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse. See "Using the Keyboard and Touch

Pad" for more information.

Battery Bay

When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting it to an electrical outlet. See "Using a Battery."

Touch Pad/Track Stick Buttons

Correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.

Track Stick

Use the track stick and track stick buttons as you would use a mouse. See "Using the Keyboard and Touch

Pad" for more information.

Power Button

Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter standby mode.

If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely (this may take several seconds).

Dell AccessDirect™ Button

Press this button to launch a frequently used program, such as your default Internet browser. You can reprogram the button to launch a program of your choice.

For more information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."

Left Side View

security cable slot

speaker

hard drive bay

PC Card slot

PC Card Slot

The PC Card slot has two connectors that support various types of PC Cards, including modems and network cards. For more information, see "Using PC Cards."

Hard Drive

Reads and writes data on a hard disk.

Security Cable Slot

Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. Instructions for installing antitheft devices are usually included with the device.

NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.

Speakers

Press the volume control keyboard shortcuts to adjust the volume of the integrated speakers. For more information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."

Right Side View

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.

Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.

modem connector

audio connectors

network connector

infrared sensor

S-video TV-out connector

speaker

air vent

Modem Connector

If you ordered the optional internal modem, connect the telephone line to the modem connector.

For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied with your computer. See "Finding Information."

Network Connector

NOTE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. Do not plug a telephone

line into the network connector.

Use this connector to connect the computer to a network. The green and yellow lights next to the connector indicate activity for both wired and wireless network communications.

For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter documentation supplied with your computer. See "Finding Information."

S-video TV-out Connector

Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see "Playing CDs and Movies."

Air Vent

The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

NOTE: The computer turns on the fans only when the computer gets hot. The fans may make a noise,

which is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.

Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.

Audio Connectors

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.

Attach a microphone to the connector.

Infrared Sensor

The infrared sensor lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-compatible device without using cable connections.

When you receive your computer, the infrared sensor is disabled. To enable the infrared sensor, see "Using

the System Setup Program." For information on transferring data, see the documentation that came with

your infrared-compatible device or Windows Help or Windows Help and Support Center.

Back View

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before you

disconnect an external device.

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.

Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.

NOTE: The computer turns on the fans only when the computer gets hot. The fans may make a noise,

which is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.

serial connector

video connector

parallel connector

AC adapter connector

docking connector

air vent

PS/2 connector

fan5USB connector

Serial Connector

Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.

Parallel Connector

Connects a parallel device, such as a printer. You can also connect the optional floppy drive directly to the parallel connector using the optional floppy drive cable.

Docking Connector

NOTE: Docking devices may not be available in all countries.

Connects the optional docking device. A docking device allows you to easily use external devices with your computer, such as an external keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

See the documentation that came with your docking device for additional information.

PS/2 Connector

NOTE: You can use the integrated keyboard and an external keyboard at the same time. When you

attach a keyboard or numeric keypad, the keypad is disabled.

Connects PS/2-compatible devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or external numeric keypad.

Shut down the computer before attaching or removing a PS/2-compatible device. If the device does not work, install the device drivers from the floppy disk or CD that came with the device, and restart the computer.

USB Connector

Connects USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.

Video Connector

Connects an external monitor. See "Using the Display."

AC Adapter Connector

Connects an AC adapter to the computer.

The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC adapter with your computer either turned on or off.

CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power

connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage.

NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, grasp the adapter cable

connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.

Fan

The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from overheating.

NOTE: The computer turns on the fans only when the computer gets hot. The fans may make a noise,

which is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.

CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.

Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.

Bottom View

Mini PCI card, modem, and memory module cover

device release latches

docking device latch

Mini PCI Card, Modem, and Memory Module Cover

Contains the memory module(s), optional modem, and optional Mini PCI card. See "Removing and Replacing

Parts."

Device Release Latches

Press a release latch to remove a device in the module bay. See "Using the Module Bay" for instructions.

Docking Device Latch

Latches onto the docking device.

Microsoft® Windows® XP Features

Overview New User Interface Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Application and Device Compatibility System Restore User Accounts and Fast User Switching Home and Small Office Networking Internet Connection Firewall

Overview

Based on an enhanced version of the Windows 2000 operating system, Windows XP is available in consumer and business editions: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. The features discussed are available in both editions, but the Professional version, designed for business environments, includes additional productivity, security, networking, and management features important in business environments.

For home users, Windows XP brings the significantly increased stability and security inherent in the Windows 2000/Windows NT® operating systems. It also provides better support for portable computers. Key new Windows XP features include:

An improved desktop and user interface Files and Settings Transfer Wizard Application program compatibility enhancements System Restore Fast User Switching* Expanded home and small office networking functions* A personal firewall for always-on Internet connections*

*Home and small office features

Help and Support Center

The Help and Support Center, introduced with Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me), replaces Windows Help from earlier operating systems. The Help and Support Center provides an integrated resource center for information and assistance in using, configuring, and troubleshooting your computer and installed hardware devices and software. For Windows XP, the Help and Support Center features expanded search capabilities, including full-text search and the capability to search across multiple remote sites in addition to files resident

on the hard drive. You can use a single print command to print an entire chapter of help content.

To open Help and Support Center, click the Start button, and then click Help and Support. From the home page, you can conduct a search or select categories of information, leading to task and information topics covering the use of your computer. Click User and System Guides for information on using your Dell™ computer, including installed hardware devices and software.

New User Interface

Windows XP features a redesigned user interface with a new visual style, a less cluttered desktop, and builtin desktop cleanup features. Window layout has also been changed for Windows XP and, as in the Control Panel, emphasizes task presentation. The Start menu has been redesigned. The left half of the new Start menu includes the most frequently used icons. As you use your computer, the icons in this area are changed and rearranged depending on your computer usage patterns. If you wish to keep one of the icons permanently in its location, right-click the icon and click Pin to Start menu.

To access all the programs installed on the computer, click All Programs at the bottom of the Start menu. The right half of the new Start menu contains useful icons for accessing your files, configuring the computer, and finding information and assistance. The Dell Solution Center icon opens a portal to services and application programs installed on your Dell computer.

Switching to Classic View

If you wish, you may change the appearance of the Start menu, desktop and windows, or Control Panel layout to that of earlier Windows operating systems. These classic view options are independent of each other.

You can easily switch back and forth between the new Control Panel category view and the classic icon view by clicking Switch to Classic View or Switch to Category View in the upper left area of the Control Panel window. This can be handy if you would like to take advantage of the new, task-oriented features of the Windows XP Control Panel, but you are accustomed to performing a particular task with the icon-oriented classic Control Panel.

To change the appearance of the Start menu to the classic view:

Right-click the empty area on the task bar.1. Click Properties.2. Click the Start Menu tab.3. Select Classic Start Menu and click OK.4.

If you prefer the classic window and button appearance, perform the following steps:

Right-click anywhere on the main desktop screen and click Properties.1.

1. Click the Appearance tab.2. From the Windows and buttons dropdown box, select Windows Classic style.3. To customize color, font, and other classic desktop options, click Advanced.4. When you have completed your appearance selections, click OK.5.

Clean Desktop Wizard

Another feature of Windows XP is the Desktop Cleanup Wizard. The wizard runs 7 days after you first start your computer and every 60 days after that. The Desktop Cleanup Wizard first opens a dialog box informing you that there are unused icons on the desktop and asking whether you want to run the wizard. If you elect to run the wizard, it places unused desktop icons in a folder.

The default for the Desktop Cleanup Wizard is on. To turn the wizard off:

Right-click anywhere on the main desktop screen and click Properties.1. Select the Desktop tab and click Customize Desktop.2. In the Desktop cleanup options make sure that the Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days

box is not checked.

You can run the Desktop Cleanup Wizard anytime by following these steps:

Right-click anywhere on the main desktop screen and select Properties.1. Click the Desktop tab and click Customize Desktop.2. Click Clean Desktop Now.3. When the Desktop Cleanup Wizard appears, click Next>.4. In the Shortcuts list, deselect any shortcuts you want to leave on the desktop, and then click Next>.5. Click Finish to remove the shortcuts and close the wizard.6.

Taskbar Grouping

The Windows taskbar is a row of buttons that typically displays across the bottom of the screen. The taskbar includes the Start menu button and a button for each open application. (The taskbar also includes the Quick Launch icons and the notification area.) Windows XP groups multiple instances of the same application on the taskbar. For example, if six instances of Internet Explorer are open, each displaying a button on the taskbar, Windows XP groups the buttons next to one another on the taskbar. If space becomes an issue on the taskbar, Windows XP consolidates all the Internet Explorer buttons into a single button. When clicked, that button expands to a menu of the six Internet Explorer active sessions.

Notification Area Cleanup

Over time, software icons tend to proliferate in the notification area, the area in the bottom right corner of the Windows desktop. Windows XP detects when icons in the notification area are not being accessed and hides them. A caret, or chevron, button indicates that there are hidden icons that can be viewed by selecting the button. You can also configure the notification area manually by right-clicking the taskbar, selecting Properties, and then clicking Customize... in the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window. For example, you may choose to hide the antivirus program icon because it is rarely accessed, but display the audio volume icon because it is used frequently. The notification area cleanup feature is automatically enabled when the operating system is installed, but you may disable it by unchecking Hide inactive icons in the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window.

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard

The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard is used to migrate personal files and settings from one computer to another (for instance, when upgrading to a new computer). Personal files include the documents, images, spreadsheets, presentations, and e-mail messages on your computer. User settings include display properties, window sizes, toolbar settings, dial-up connections, Internet bookmarks, and so forth on your computer. The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard is run on a source (old) computer to collect the data and is run again on the destination (new) computer to import the data. If the old computer is using an earlier operating system, the wizard can be launched either from the Windows XP CD or from a diskette created on the new Windows XP computer. You transfer the data to the new computer over a network or direct serial connection, or store it on a removable medium such as a floppy disk, Zip disk, or writable CD.

To use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard:

On the new Windows XP computer, click the Start button, point to All Programs-> Accessories-> System Tools, and click Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

On the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard welcome screen, click Next>.2. On the Which computer is this? screen, select New Computer, and then click Next>.3.

The Do you have a Windows XP CD? screen appears.

The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard guides you through the steps necessary to transfer user settings, personal files, or both to the new computer. If a CD drive is not available, the wizard allows you to create a wizard diskette to run on your old computer.

NOTE: The time required to collect and transfer data depends on the amount of data collected. Times

can vary from just a few minutes to several hours.

Application and Device Compatibility

Although Windows XP is designed to be compatible with a wide range of application programs and hardware

devices, some older programs and devices may not be usable. Check the Microsoft Web site at www.microsoft.com for application programs and hardware devices known to be compatible. When buying new software and devices, look for those that are labeled as ready for Windows XP. If you encounter problems using an application program designed for an earlier Windows operating system, Windows XP provides a compatibility mode feature (see "Program Compatibility Wizard"). If you are unsuccessful at installing application programs or hardware devices designed to operate on earlier Windows operating systems, contact the manufacturer of the product for information or updates for Windows XP.

Windows XP also includes a new technology that addresses the problems sometimes encountered on previous operating systems with Windows application programs that, when installed, replace current versions of certain Windows files with older versions. This situation can cause problems with the newer application programs, which rely on the replaced files. To eliminate this problem and improve operating system stability, Windows XP manages multiple versions of files and invokes the correct version required by a program.

NOTE: If you experience problems with your operating system or other applications after performing

an installation, you can use System Restore to return your computer to a previous stable condition.

Program Compatibility Wizard

A program compatibility feature is provided in Windows XP that solves some issues that may be encountered when attempting to run older application programs. Using the Program Compatibility Wizard, you can configure a program to run in an environment closer to Windows 95, Windows 98/Me, Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 5, or Windows 2000.

To use the Program Compatibility Wizard:

Click the Start button, point to All Programs-> Accessories , and click Program Compatibility Wizard.

When the Program Compatibility Wizard appears, click Next>.2. Select how you want to locate the program to run with compatibility settings: from a list, available on

a CD, or manually located. Then click Next>.

Select the type of operating system for which the program was designed or on which it ran successfully, and then click Next>.

If necessary, as for some games, select display settings for the program.5. Click Next>.6. To test the compatibility settings for the program, click Next>.7.

After you have determined whether the program is running correctly, return to the Program Compatibility Wizard window.

Select Yes if the program ran correctly, No, try different compatibility settings, or No, I am finished trying compatibility settings and click Next>.

Select either Yes to send information about the settings you used and whether they fixed the problem, or select No, and then click Next>.

Click Finish to close the wizard.10.

10.

System Restore

The System Restore feature of Windows XP provides the capability to restore the operating system, in the event of a problem, to a previous state without losing personal data files (such as Word documents, drawings, or e-mail).

System Restore actively monitors system file changes and some application file changes to record or store previous versions before the changes occurred. System Restore maintains a rolling record of restore points; to limit the amount of space used, older restore points are purged to make room for newer ones.

In the event of a serious operating system problem, System Restore can be used from Safe Mode or Normal Mode to go back to a previous system state, restoring optimal system functionality.

NOTE: System Restore does not revert user data or document files, so restoring does not cause loss

of work, mail, or browsing history and favorites.

NOTE: Dell recommends that you make regular backups of your data files. System Restore does not

monitor changes to or recover your data files. In the event the original data on the hard drive is accidentally erased or overwritten or becomes inaccessible because of a hard-drive malfunction, backup files are required to recover lost or damaged data.

Using System Restore

System Restore monitors a core set of system and application program files, recording and sometimes copying states of these files before changes are made. System Restore automatically creates restore points; no user intervention is required. In addition, you can create restore points manually, if desired.

Restore points are created to allow you to choose previous system states. Each restore point gathers the necessary information needed to restore to a precisely chosen system state. There are three types of restore points:

System (automatically created) restore points (scheduled by your computer) Installation (event-triggered) restore points (when a program is installed) Manual restore points (created by you as needed)

Scheduled Automatic Restore Points

By default, System Restore creates a restore point every day that the computer is running. If your computer is off for more than a day, a new restore point is created the next time you turn the computer on.

Event-Triggered Restore Points

Event-triggered restore points are created before key changes are made to the system. System Restore automatically creates a restore point before the following events:

Application installations - System Restore creates a restore point before you install an application program designed for Windows XP. You may wish to create a manual restore point before attempting to install an older program.

AutoUpdate installation - When you choose to install the update, System Restore creates a restore point before the actual installation of the update begins.

Restore operation - The restore operation itself also creates a restore point for undo purposes. Microsoft Backup Utility recovery - Before Microsoft Backup Utility (only available in Windows XP

Professional) performs a backup recovery, System Restore creates a restore point. Unsigned driver installation - The INF installer of Windows detects unsigned device-driver

installations. Drivers that are signed (electronically certified by the device manufacturer) do not generate a restore point.

Manual Restore Points

If you are logged on to the computer as computer administrator or as a user with administrator rights, you may create and name an on-demand restore point. (For information on types of user accounts, see "How to

Add Users.") This is useful to create a checkpoint to return to before making a particularly risky change,

before leaving a shared system to other users, or at a particular state you believe is optimal.

To create a restore point, perform the following steps:

Click the Start button, point to All Programs-> Accessories-> System Tools , and then click System Restore.

Select Create a restore point and click Next>.2. Type a description of the restore point and click Create.3.

The date and time are automatically added to the description of the new restore point.

Restore Process

As the computer is used over time, restore points are collected in the archive without any management or intervention. If you encounter operating system problems, you can use the System Restore feature to select any of the restore points presented through the System Restore Wizard.

If problems occur after installing a device driver, you should first attempt to use Driver Rollback. If that is unsuccessful, then use System Restore.

To return your computer to a previous, stable condition, perform the following steps:

Click the Start button, point to All Programs-> Accessories-> System Tools , and then click System Restore.

Select Restore my computer to an earlier time and click Next>.2.

The Select a Restore Point screen appears. The calendar on the left indicates in bold the dates on

which restore points were created. Click a date, click a restore point for that date, and click Next>.3. Click Next> to confirm the restore point selection and complete the restore process.4.

After System Restore finishes collecting data, the computer automatically restarts and the

Restoration Complete screen appears. Click OK.5.

If you are not satisfied with the results of the restoration, you can repeat the preceding steps, using a

different restore point, or you can undo the restoration.

To undo a restoration, perform the following steps:

Click the Start button, point to All Programs-> Accessories-> System Tools , and then click System Restore.

Select Undo my last restoration and click Next>.2. Click Next> to confirm the restoration undo.3.

After System Restore finishes collecting data, the computer automatically restarts and the Undo

Complete screen appears. Click OK.4.

Driver Rollback

Windows XP device Driver Rollback can replace a device driver with the previously installed version. When you install a new device driver that causes system instability, use Driver Rollback to reinstall the previous drivers. In the event that Driver Rollback cannot reinstall your previous driver, you can use System Restore to return your operating system to its state before the new device driver installation.

To use Driver Rollback, perform the following steps:

Click the Start button, and then right-click My Computer.1. Click Properties.2. Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.3. In the Device Manager window, right-click the device for which the new driver was installed, and4.

then click Properties.

Click the Drivers tab, and then click Roll Back Driver.5.

User Accounts and Fast User Switching

NOTE: Fast User Switching is the default user screen for both Home and Professional editions, but is

disabled in Windows XP Professional when the computer is a member of a computer domain.

Microsoft Windows XP includes a new feature that provides multiuser access to a single computer. Fast User Switching, which is available in both the Home and Professional editions, allows users to access the computer with their specific settings, including the desktop and various applications, without requiring the previous user to log off. New users log on and switch from the original user's session to their own. New users can run their desktop and applications without interfering with the original user. When the original user returns, that user can switch back to the desktop and applications with the original settings. All of this is accomplished without the delay of each individual user logging off the computer.

During setup, the computer administrator creates all the accounts that will be used on the computer. (For information on types of accounts and adding new accounts, see "How to Add Users.") When the computer starts, the main user screen appears with all of the user names. From this screen you select an account and log in to that session.

How to Use Fast User Switching

To access Fast User Switching, perform the following steps:

Click the Start button and click Log Off.1. When the Log Off Windows screen appears, click either Switch User or Log Off.2.

When you select Switch User, the main user screen appears. You can then select your account name and log in. Your personal desktop appears.

What Happens When a Fast User Switch Occurs?

When a fast user switch occurs, the original user is not logged off the computer as previously happened on other Microsoft operating systems. On Windows XP, the user's logon remains active, but is replaced by the new user. Users can switch between login IDs as often as they want.

However, user applications active during a user switch remain active and running in the background while the new user is working; this can result in a slower computer until the process finishes. For example, if one user is downloading a large file from the Internet and another user logs on to the computer, the file download continues in the background until it is complete.

While most applications continue to run in the background during a fast user switch, multimedia applications do not. Because multimedia applications use resources that cannot easily be shared between different users on a single computer, those applications terminate during the user switch, allowing the new user to take full advantage of the multimedia capabilities.

Special Considerations With Fast User Switching

Considerations when using Fast User Switching include:

Some older Windows games may not operate with a fast user switch. Multimedia games may shut down on a fast user switch. DVD software shuts down and requires a restart when the user comes back. Computers with low memory configurations can experience problems. The computer uses memory to

keep the first user's programs running in the background while the second user is logged on. On computers with limited memory, this can cause the entire computer to run slowly. Fast User Switching is off by default on computers with less than 128 megabytes (MB) of random-access memory (RAM).

Fast User Switching is unavailable if the computer has Windows XP Professional installed and is a member of a computer domain.

How to Turn Off Fast User Switching

You must have a computer administrator account on the computer to turn off Fast User Switching. (For information on types of accounts, see "How to Add Users.")

To disable Fast User Switching, perform the following steps:

Click the Start button, and click Control Panel.1. In the Control Panel window, click User Accounts.2. Under Pick a task, click Change the way users log on or off and do one of the following:

Select the Use Fast User Switching to log off check box to enable Fast User Switching. Deselect the Use Fast User Switching to log off check box to disable Fast User Switching.

Click Apply Options.4.

How to Add Users

Only a computer administrator or a user with administrator rights can create multiple user accounts. The individual who performs the initial operating system setup creates a computer administrator account and can add any number of users during the initial setup. All user accounts created during setup have administrator rights.

After initial operating system setup, the computer administrator or a user with administrator rights can create additional user accounts.

To add users, perform the following steps:

Click the Start button, and click Control Panel.1. In the Control Panel window, click User Accounts.2. In the User Accounts window under Pick a Task, click Create a new account.3. In the box under Name the new account, type the name of the new user. Click Next>.4. Under Pick an account type, click the bullet next to the type of account you are going to create -

Computer administrator or Limited.

Computer administrators can change all computer settings. Limited account users can change only a few settings such as their own passwords.

Click Create Account.6.

After the accounts are created, each shows up on the main user screen.

Home and Small Office Networking

The Network Setup Wizard includes a checklist and steps to guide you through the process of sharing resources, such as files, printers, or an Internet connection, between computers in a home or small office. In Windows XP, Microsoft has improved the online documentation and usability of operating-system tools for setting up a home or small office network. New features in the operating system include support for the Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) and a built-in firewall.

Network Setup Wizard

The Home Network Wizard first appeared in Windows Me. To make setting up a home or small office network easier, Microsoft developed an enhanced Network Setup Wizard for Windows XP. This version provides more complete online documentation and support for setting up a home or small office network. The new wizard automatically enables the personal firewall discussed later in this section (see "Internet Connection

Firewall").

To use the wizard, perform the following steps:

Click the Start button, point to All Programs-> Accessories-> Communications , and click Network Setup Wizard.

When the Network Setup Wizard appears, click Next>.2.

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