Dell LT System User Manual

Dell® Latitude® LT System

User’s Guide

Notice

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Dell Computer Corporation.

Dell Computer Corporation shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

Dell strongly recommends that separate permanent written records be kept of all important data. Data may be lost or altered in virtually any electronic memory product under certain circumstances. Therefore, Dell assumes no responsibility for data lost or otherwise rendered unusable whether as a result of improper use, repairs, defects, battery replacement, use after the specified battery life has expired, or any other causes.

Dell Computer Corporation assumes no responsibility directly or indirectly, for financial losses or claims from third persons resulting from the use of this product and any of its functions, such as stolen credit card numbers, the loss of or alteration of stored data, etc.

Edition

1st Edition, November 1998.

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

Trademarks

Dell, the DELL logo, and Latitude are registered trademarks and DellWare is a registered service mark of Dell Computer Corporation; Pentium is a registered trademark and MMX is a trademark of Intel Corporation; MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Novell, Inc.; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 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 disclaims proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.

Notice for Users in the USA

FCC Statement

WARNING: FCC Regulations state that any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

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

Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful 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:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the distance between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. A shielded I/F cable and included cables with ferrite cores are required to ensure

compliance with FCC regulations for Class B computing equipment.

As an ENERGY STAR® Partner, Dell Computer Corporation has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency.

Declaration of Conformity Dell Latitude LT, PTP Series

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following

conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Responsible Party: Dell Computer Corporation One Dell Way Round Rock, Texas 512-338-4400

About the Modem

This equipment complies with Part 68 of FCC Rules. On the bottom of this

equipment is a label that contains, among other information, the FCC registration number and ringer equivalence number (REN) for this equipment. If requested, this information must be provided to the telephone company.

The modem jack of this equipment complies with Sub-part F of Part 68 of FCC Rules.

The REN is used to determine the quantity of devices which may be connected to the telephone line. Excessive RENs on the telephone line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most, but not all, areas the sum of the RENs should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of the number of devices that may be connected to the line, as determined by the total RENs, contact the telephone company to determine the maximum REN for the calling areas.

If the terminal equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in advance that temporary discontinuance of service may be required. But if advance notice isn't practical, the telephone company will notify the customer as soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the FCC if you believe it necessary.

The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the operation of the equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will provide advance notice in order for you to make the necessary modifications in order to maintain uninterrupted service.

If trouble is experienced with this equipment, please contact Dell Computer Corporation for repair and warranty information. If the trouble is causing harm to the telephone network, the telephone company may request you remove the equipment from the network until the problem is resolved.

The equipment cannot be used on public coin service provided by the telephone company. Connection to Party Line Service is subject to state tariffs. (Contact the state public utility commission, public service commission or corporation commission for information.)

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a computer or other electronic device, including fax machines, to send any message unless such message clearly contains, in a margin at the top or bottom of each transmitted page or on the first page of the transmission, the date and time it is sent and an identification of the business, or other entity, or other individual sending the message and the telephone number of the sending machine or such business, other entity or individual. (The telephone number provided may not be a 900 number or any other number for which charges exceed local or long-distance transmission charges.) To program this information, refer to the manual of the communication software.

CAUTION: Disconnect telephone lines before accessing the modem card.

It is the intent of Dell Computer Corporation that this product be used in full

compliance with the copyright laws of the United States and that prior permission be obtained from copyright owners whenever necessary.

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Notice for Users in Canada

About the Modem

The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means

that the equipment meets certain telecommunications network protective, operational and safety requirements. The department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user's satisfaction.

Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company.

The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection. In some cases, the company's inside wiring associated with a single-line individual service may be extended by means of a certified connector assembly (telephone extension cord). The customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some situations.

Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized Canadian maintenance facility designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.

Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.

CAUTION: Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but should contact the appropriate electric inspection authority, or electrician, as appropriate.

The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each terminal device denotes the percentage of the total load to be connected to a telephone loop which is used by the device. To prevent overloading, the termination on a loop may consist of any

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combination of devices subject only to the requirement that the total Ringer Equivalence Number of all the devices does not exceed 5.

CAUTION: Disconnect telephone lines before accessing the modem card.

ATTENTION: Debrancher les lignes telephoniques avant d’enlever ce couvricle.

Notice for Users in the UK

IMPORTANT

The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code: BLUE: Neutral BROWN: Live As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not

correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug proceed as follows. The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured black. The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured red. This apparatus must be protected by a 3A fuse in the mains plug or distribution board.

Corporation is unable to give. Please refer particularly to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1956, the Dramatic and Musical Performers Protection Act 1958, the Performers Protection Acts 1963 and 1972 and to any subsequent statutory enactments and orders.

Notice for Users in Europe

This equipment complies with the requirements of Directives 89/336/EEC

and 73/23/EEC as amended by 93/68/EEC.

Dieses Gerät entspricht den Anforderungen der EG-Richtlinien 89/336/EWG und 73/23/EWG mit Änderung 93/68/EWG.

Ce matériel répond aux exigences contenues dans les directives 89/336/CEE et 73/23/CEE modifiées par la directive 93/68/CEE.

Dit apparaat voldoet aan de eisen van de richtlijnen 89/336/EEG en 73/23/EEG, gewijzigd door 93/68/EEG.

Dette udstyr overholder kravene i direktiv nr. 89/336/EEC og 73/23/EEC med tillæg nr. 93/68/EEC.

Quest' apparecchio è conforme ai requisiti delle direttive 89/336/EEC e 73/23/EEC, come emendata dalla direttiva 93/68/EEC.

Η εγκατασταση αυτη ανταποκρινεται στιζ απαιτησειζ των οδηγιων τηζ

Ευρωπαïκηζ Ενωσηζ 89/336/EOK κατ 73/23/EOK, óπωζ οι κανονισµοι αυτοι συµπληρωθηκαν απó την οδηγια 93/68/EOK.

Este equipamento obedece às exigências das directivas 89/336/CEE e 73/23/CEE, na sua versão corrigida pela directiva 93/68/CEE.

Este aparato satisface las exigencias de las Directivas 89/336/CEE y 73/23/CEE, modificadas por medio de la 93/68/CEE.

Denna utrustning uppfyller kraven enligt riktlinjerna 89/336/EEC och 73/23/EEC så som komplette ras av 93/68/EEC.

Dette produktet oppfyller betingelsene i direktivene 89/336/EEC og 73/23/EEC i endringen 93/68/EEC.

Tämä laite täyttää direktiivien 89/336/EEC ja 73/23/EEC vaatimukset, joita on muutettu direktiivillä 93/68/EEC.

CE Notice

Marking by the symbol indicates compliance of this Dell system to the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) directive and the LVD (Low Voltage Directive) of the European Union. Such marking is indicative that this Dell system meets or exceeds the following technical standards:

• EN 55022 — “Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Interference

Characteristics of Information Technology Equipment.”

• EN 50082-1:1992 — “Electromagnetic compatibility—Generic immunity

standard Part 1: Residential, commercial, and light industry.”

• EN 60950: — “Safety of Information Technology Equipment.”

NOTE: EN 55022 emissions requirements provide for two classifications:

Class A for typical commercial areas. Class B for typical domestic areas.

This Dell computer system/product is classified for use in a typical Class B domestic environment. A “Declaration of Conformity” in accordance with the preceding standards has been made and is on file at Dell Products Europe BV, Limerick, Ireland.

CAUTION:

To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the AC cord and the battery before

servicing.

CAUTION:

FOR A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL DISCONNECTION, PULL OUT THE MAIN

PLUG AND THE BATTERY.

VORSICHT:

UM DIE STROMZUFUHR VOLLSTÄNDIG ZU UNTERBRECHEN, DEN

NETZSTECKER HERAUSZIEHEN UND DIE BATTERIE ÈNTFERNEN.

ATTENTION:

POUR UN ARRET TOTAL DU SYSTEME, DECONNECTEZ LA PRISE DE

COURANT SECTEUR ET LA BATTERIE.

VARNING:

FÖR TOTAL ELEKTRISK URKOPPLING, KOPPLA UR KONTAKTEN OCH

TA UR BATTERIET.

PRECAUCION:

PARA UNA COMPLETA DESCONEXION ELECTRICA DESENCHUFE LA

CLAVIJA DE LA RED Y LA BATERIA.

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Safety Precautions

General

• Follow all cautions and instructions which may be marked on the computer.

• Except as described elsewhere in this manual, refer all servicing to qualified

personnel. Immediately shut off the computer and request servicing under the following conditions:

• The power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.

• Liquid has been spilled on the computer.

• The computer has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.

Location

• Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight.

• Try to avoid dusty environments.

• Keep the computer away from any magnetic devices and TVs.

• Keep the computer away from excessive humidity or fluids such as rain, snow,

water spray, juice, coffee, steam, etc.

• Do not move the computer from a cold place to a warm place. A temperature

difference of more than 10°C (18°F) will cause condensation inside the unit, which may damage the data.

• Do not block or cover slots or openings on the cabinet to protect the computer

from overheating.

• Do not smoke near your computer.

Usage

• Never push any objects of any kind into cabinet openings. They may touch

dangerous voltage points or short parts that could result in fire or electrical shock.

• Turn off the computer before installing or removing a peripheral device (except

when connecting USB devices and PC cards).

• Check the AC power cord and power connectors periodically for damage.

Replace the power cord immediately if damage is found.

• Never subject your computer to sudden shocks or extreme vibration.

• Do not drop the computer or hit it with other equipment.

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• Do not scratch the surface of the LCD screen.

• Turn off the computer and disconnect the AC power cord before cleaning.

Battery Pack Precautions

Handling

• Never put the battery pack in a fire.

• Do not attempt to open or alter the battery pack.

• Do not place the battery where it might get hotter than 60°C (140°F).

• Do not allow metal objects such as jewelry to short across the battery terminals.

• Do not allow liquids to come in contact with the battery pack.

• Avoid dropping the pack or subjecting it to other violent shock.

• Do not solder anything to the battery terminals.

Charging

• Charge the battery pack only with the AC adapter included with your computer.

Discharging

• Do not use the battery pack for any purpose other than powering the computer.

Storage

• Store the battery pack in a cool and dry place. Never allow the temperature to

exceed 60°C (140°F) during storage.

• Recharge the battery pack after storage, before use.

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Modem Precautions

• Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.

• Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically

designed for wet locations.

• Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the telephone line

has been disconnected at the network interface.

• Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.

• Avoid using the telephone during a lightning storm. There may be a remote risk

of electric shock from lightning.

• Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.

Recording Important Information

For future reference, please record the following information in the spaces provided below.

Model Number:

Serial Number:

Date of purchase:

Dealer’s Name:

Place of purchase:

Password:

The serial number is printed on a sticker located on the bottom of the computer.

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Manual Conventions

This manual uses a set of style conventions described below.

Notes and Cautions are italicized with icons:

A note icon informs you of a special technique or information that may help you perform a task or better understand a process.

A caution icon alerts you to something that may cause problems or damage to hardware, software or data.

Key Labels on the Keyboard, when referred to in the instructions, are shown in boldface:

Press Enter to continue.

When more than one key is pressed simultaneously, the key labels are separated by a plus (+) sign:

Restart your computer by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete.

When necessary, important key combinations are shown in graphics:

Sample Entries are shown in upper cases of a different typeface. In the following case, press the Enter key after you type the command:

C:\>DIR A: Enter

Words/Texts on Screen, such as window titles or possible parameters, are italicized:

Double-click this icon to display the Power Properties window. Set the item to Enabled.

Screens reproduced in this manual may differ slightly from the screens you see on your computer.

Section Titles in other parts of this manual are italicized:

Refer to the Infrared Communication section in Chapter 5.

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Overview of Computer

Actual appearance of your computer may be slightly different depending on the model.

Front

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Right

Left

Rear

Bottom

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Table of Contents

Quick Setup 1-1

Turning Power On ...................................................................................1-1

Setting Up the Windows Operating System..............................................1-3

Shutting Down the System.......................................................................1-4

Basic Operations 2-1

Choosing Power Source..........................................................................2-1

Resetting the System ..............................................................................2-2

Using the Glide Pad.................................................................................2-3

Using the Keyboard.................................................................................2-5

Using External Floppy Disk Drive Unit......................................................2-6

Battery and Power Management 3-1

Standard Battery Pack.............................................................................3-1

Optional External Battery Pack................................................................3-5

Disposing of the Battery...........................................................................3-7

Power Management.................................................................................3-8

Peripherals 4-1

Using Peripherals ....................................................................................4-1

PC Card ..................................................................................................4-3

Keyboard/Mouse .....................................................................................4-5

Display ....................................................................................................4-6

Audio System..........................................................................................4-8

USB Device.............................................................................................4-9

Printer .....................................................................................................4-9

RS-232C Device ................................................................ ....................4-10

Communication Functions 5-1

Infrared Communication...........................................................................5-1

Built-in Modem (not available in some countries) .....................................5-3

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Security Features 6-1

Passwords .............................................................................................. 6-1

Security Slot ............................................................................................6-4

Setup Utility 7-1

Running the Setup Utility......................................................................... 7-1

Main Menu..............................................................................................7-3

Advanced Menu ......................................................................................7-4

Security Menu......................................................................................... 7-5

Power Menu............................................................................................7-6

Exit Menu................................................................................................7-7

Getting Help 8-1

Help Tools ...............................................................................................8-1

Contacting Dell........................................................................................8-5

Maintenance and Specifications A-1

Maintenance........................................................................................... A-1

Specifications......................................................................................... A-3

Options .................................................................................................. A-4

Troubleshooting B-1

Warranty, Return Policy, and Year 2000 Statement of Compliance C-1

Limited One-Year Warranty (U.S. and Canada Only) .............................. C-1

“Total Satisfaction” Return Policy (U.S. and Canada Only) ..................... C-3

Year 2000 Statement of Compliance for Dell-Branded

Hardware Products................................................................................. C-4

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1-1

CHAPTER 1

Quick Setup

Your computer is designed and pre-configured for easy setup and use. This chapter describes the steps to get your computer up and running as quickly as possible. Read this chapter first.

Turning Power On

Your computer is powered with either the rechargeable battery or AC power. See the next chapter for more information on power sources. Before using the computer for the first time:

1. Remove the battery protection sheet on the bottom of the computer.

If you do not remove the sheet, you cannot turn on the computer.

2. Plug the AC adapter cable into the computer’s AC adapter jack.

3. Plug the AC power cord into the AC adapter.

• Always use the AC adapter included with the computer. Using other

AC adapters may damage the computer.

• Always hold the AC power cord by its plug when removing it from the

wall outlet. Never pull on the cord.

• When using the computer for the first time, be sure to connect it to AC

power. If using the battery instead, you may not be able to complete the operating system setup if the battery does not have enough power.

Quick Setup

1-2

4. Plug the AC power cord into a wall outlet.

5. Slide the display lock latch until the screen cover releases, and raise the cover.

6. Tilt the cover to a comfortable viewing position.

7. Slide the power switch to the rear and release it.

When you turn on the computer, the power indicator ( ) turns green, the computer goes through a self test to detect any problems, and the operating system starts. When you use the computer for the first time, a dialog box called Setup Wizard appears to guide you through the operating system setup.

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Setting Up the Windows® Operating System

The first steps in the setup process are as follows:

• Gathering information

• Configuring your computer

• Restarting your computer

To set up the operating system, follow the instructions on the screen. See also the operating system manual. It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete the entire setup process.

Properties Dialog Box in Windows

In the instructions in this manual, you will often see the expression “XXX Properties

dialog box.” A dialog box is a window containing text boxes, check boxes, buttons, etc. with which you can send commands to the operating system or other application programs. To open the properties dialog boxes, click the Start button, select Settings - Control Panel and double-click the XXX icon. Among the dialog boxes you often use are:

• Display

• Modems

• Mouse

• PC Card

• Power Management

• System

Do not turn off the computer until completing the operating system setup. If you turn off the computer, you cannot set it up later.

Quick Setup

1-4

Shutting Down the System

To turn off the computer:

1. From the Start menu, select Shut Down.

2. Select Shut Down and click OK. The computer turns off automatically.

• Do not turn off the computer by sliding the power switch. Data may be

lost or damaged.

• Do not turn off or reset the computer while the hard disk indicator or

the indicator on the external floppy disk drive unit or optional external CD-ROM drive is lit. Doing so may damage or even wipe out the data.

• To protect the screen, always close the screen cover while the

computer is off.

• Wait at least 5 seconds after turning off the computer before turning

it back on. Turning the power off and on in rapid succession can damage the computer’s electrical circuitry.

If you have not saved a file, a dialog box will appear asking whether you want to save it.

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CHAPTER 2

Basic Operations

This chapter describes the basic operations of your computer.

Choosing Power Source

You can use the computer with one of the following power sources:

• AC power from a wall outlet

Use AC power whenever possible; rely on the battery only when AC power is not available.

• Rechargeable battery

There is an internal standard battery in the computer. You can use an optional external battery pack to add to the operating time on battery power. See Chapter 3 for battery information.

About the Power Indicators The following indicators show the power status of your computer.

Indicator Light Meaning Battery Power On (green) Fully charged

On (orange) Being charged

On and blinking Power On (green) Operating

Off Suspended to Disk or powered off

For more information on Suspend to RAM and Suspend to Disk, see

Chapter 3.

Blinking (orange) In abnormal state

Almost completely discharged.

(red)

Blinking (green) Suspended to RAM

The warning beep sounds.

Basic Operations

2-2

Using the AC Adapter

When connected to a wall outlet, the AC adapter provides power for operation and

charges the battery. The AC input voltage can range from 100 to 240 volts so that you can use the computer with the appropriate plug adapter.

Resetting the System

You may need to reset the system after adding hardware or software so that your

computer will recognize the newly installed devices or software. When the message appears after the installation, click OK, Yes, etc. to restart the operating system. You can also restart the operating system from the Start menu. Select Shut down then Restart.

Warm Boot

If the system is locked up because of a software problem, you can reset or reboot the

system by pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys simultaneously. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys again to restart the computer.

Power Switch

The AC power cord included with the computer is appropriate for the

voltage used in the area in which you purchased your computer. If you attempt to connect the computer to a wall outlet other than in this area, check the voltage of the outlet and use an AC power cord appropriate for the outlet. Consult local service staff if you are unsure.

Resetting may cause data loss. Use the software reset only if the normal Shut Down does not work because of software malfunction. Although resetting will not damage the system, you may lose the data you are processing.

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You can turn off the computer with the power switch if you encounter hardware or software problems which lock up the system. In this case, slide and hold the switch for more than 5 seconds.

Reset Switch

If you cannot turn off the computer by sliding the power switch, you can use the reset switch on the bottom of your computer. To reset the system, insert a narrow object into the small hole to slide the switch as shown.

Do not use metallic materials to slide the reset switch. Doing so may cause malfunction.

Using the Glide Pad

Your computer is equipped with an integrated pointing device called a glide pad.

Using the glide pad, you can move the pointer, select an item from a menu, and perform other tasks in the same way you would with a mouse.

• Do not hit or scratch the surface of the glide pad with pointed objects

(such as a ballpoint pen).

• Do not operate the glide pad with a moist finger. This may cause the

glide pad to operate incorrectly.

• You cannot use the glide pad when a mouse is connected.

Basic Operations

2-4

Using the Glide Pad

Take a moment to become familiar with how the glide pad works.

Place Your Fingertip

Place your left or right hand next to the glide pad, resting your wrist naturally in a relaxed manner. Place your thumb or finger on the glide pad.

Move Your Fingertip

The rectangular pad of the glide pad acts like a miniature duplicate of the display. As you slide your fingertip across the pad, the pointer on the screen moves in the same direction across the screen. The glide pad is very sensitive, so you do not have to exert a lot of pressure on the pad. The glide pad will respond to a light touch from your fingertip.

Click, Double-click, and Right-click

To click or double-click, you can use the left button just like that of a mouse. Instead of clicking by pressing the left button, you can just tap gently anywhere on the rectangular pad. For right-clicking, you can use the right button.

Drag and Drop

You can move icons or windows by using “drag and drop” as follows:

1. Position the pointer over the object.

2. Press the left button; do not release it.

3. Holding down the button, move the pointer. The object moves together with

the pointer.

4. Release the button when the object reaches its destination.

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