Epson CW3S20C User Manual

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SX386MC

OPERATIONS GUIDE

SX386MC

OPERATIONS

GUIDE

GERMAN RFI DECLARATION FOR CLASS B SELF CERTIFICATION

Hiermit wird bescheinigt, dass der TriGem SX386MC in Übereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der Vfg 1046/1984 funk-entstort ist.

Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses Gerätes angezeigt und die Berechtigung zur Überprüfung der Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eingeräumt.

TriGem Inc. 4 NaengChun-Dong, Seodaemun-Ku Seoul, Korea

English translation:

We hereby certify that the TriGem SX386MC complies

with the RFI suppression requirements of Vfg 1046/1984. The German Postal Service was thenotified that equipment is being

marketed; The German Postal Service has the right to re-test

the equipment and verify compliance.

Note: Replace 1046 with 1045 for household appliances tested

per VDE 0875.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

TriGem Computer, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to this manual, and shall not be held liable for technical or editorial omissions made herein; nor incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this manual. Further, TriGem Computer, Inc. reserves the right to make changes in the specifications of the product described within this manual at any time without notice and without obligation of TriGem Computer, Inc. to notify any person of such revision or changes.

Copyright (C) 1990 by TriGem Computer, Inc. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of TriGem Computer, Inc.

iii

TRADEMARKS

TriGem is a registered trademark of TriGem Computer, Inc.

AMI BIOS is a trademark of American Megatrends Inc. IBM, PC, PC/XT, PC/AT, MDA, Monochrome Display Adaptor,

EGA, Enhanced Graphics Adaptor, VGA, and Video Graphics Array are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corp. Intel 386sx is a trademark of Intel Corp.

Intel 387sx is a trademark of Intel Corp.

AMD is a registered trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. EGA Wonder is a trademark of ATI Technologies, Inc. HP LaserJet Series II is a product of HewlettPackard, Inc. MS-DOS and GW-Basic are trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Seagate is a registered trademark of Seagate Technologies, Inc. Hercules is a registered trademark of Hercules Computer

Technology, Inc.

Norton SI is a trademark of Peter Norton Computing, Inc. Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. CP/M and CP/M-86 are trademarks of Digital Research, Inc.

Western Digital is a registered trademark of Western Digital Inc.

MultiSync is a trademark of NEC information Systems, Inc.

MultiScan is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

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 separation 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.

If you experience problems with radio and/or television reception through the use of this product, the following booklet, published by the FCC, may prove helpful:

How to identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems (Stock No. 004-000-00398-5)

This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

SAFETY

The following instructions pertain to the risk of fire, electric shock or bodily injury. Please read all of these instructions carefully.

Follow all of the instructions and warnings marked on this product or included in this manual.

Do not use this computer on an unstable cart, stand or table. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back have been

provided for ventilation. To ensure the reliable operation of your computer, and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered. Don’t use this product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.

Never push objects of any kind into the computer through the cabinet openings, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electrical shock.

This computer should only be connected to the AC power source indicated on your computer system’s information label. If you are not sure of the type of AC power available, consult your dealer or local power company. Only connect this computer to a power outlet that matches the power requirements of this computer.

Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate

this product where people will walk on the cord. If you have to use an extension cord with this computer, make

sure that the total amperage rating of all equipment plugged into it does not exceed the amperage rating of the extension cord.

Also, make sure that the total of all products plugged into the

main AC power outlet does not exceed 15 amps. Unplug your computer from the main electrical power outlet

before cleaning.

Do not use this computer near water.

MAINTENANCE

Except as explained in Chapter 7, “Expanding Your System,” do not attempt to modify or service this product yourself. Opening or removing those covers that are marked “DO NOT REMOVE” may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing problems to qualified service personnel.

If the product does not operate normally, adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and may require extensive repair work to restore the product to normal operation.

Unplug this product from the main power outlet and call for service under any of the following conditions:

If the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed

If liquid has been spilled into the product

If the product has been exposed to rain or water

If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged

If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service

vii

Stop!

If you ever have to remove the main system unit cover, observe the

following precautions:

The power supply cord must be unplugged before the main system unit cover is removed. (Separe le cordon d’alimentation et puis enleve le couvercle.)

Once removed, the cover must be replaced and screwed in position before the power supply cord is plugged back in. (Apres-

le couvercle a enleve, visse le couvercle en place et remettre le cordon d’alimentation.)

Introduction

Your TriGem computer is powerful, versatile, and easy to use. After setting up your system with the simple instructions in this manual, you’ll soon be using your favorite software programs.

This computer is available in these configurations:

The System provides one 1.2MB (megabyte) diskette drive and an optional 40MB (or 80MB) hard disk drive.

You can operate a lot of application programs very fastly and efficiently with this system because it provides 32KB cache memory.

This model comes with 2MB of internal memory, a total of five

internal option slots, a System Motherboard an on board IDE

type HDC and built-in serial and parallel interfaces.

Your computer comes with MS-DOS — by Microsoft. In addition to the introduction to MS-DOS provided in this manual, you’ll find a complete reference manual for the operating system packed in the box with the computer.

the operating system

As your needs grow, so can your computer; you can expand your system by adding a wide variety of options. You can install

most option cards compatible with the IBM Personal

Computer. If you use software that executes lengthy

mathematical calculations, you may want to install an 387sx™ math coprocessor to speed up processing.

Introduction 1

How to Use This Manual

This manual explains how to set up and care for your computer.

It also describes how to use your computer.

The instructions in this manual apply to your system, except

where otherwise indicated.

You probably don’t need to read everything in this book; see

the following chapter summaries.

Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting up your computer.

Chapter 2 describes how to run the Setup program to setup your computer’s configuration.

Chapter 3 covers some general operating procedures, including how to use and care for your disks and disk drives.

Chapter 4 provides basic instructions for using MS-DOS with your computer.

Chapter 5 takes you into the more advanced techniques of

floppy disk file manipulation, such as formatting and copying.

Chapter 6 shows you how to set up and use the vast storage capabilites of this system device.

Chapter 7 contains “how-to” information on adding components (such as additional disk drives or expansion boards), to your computer.

At the end of this guide is a set of Appendices which contain technical information for the advanced user or field technician.

2 Contents

Chapter 1

Setting Up Your System

Setting up your personal computer is easy. Just follow the nine steps in this chapter.

When you finish setting up your computer, go on to Chapter 2 and follow the instructions there to run the Setup program. The Setup program updates the list of equipment installed in the computer and any time options are added or changed.

Unpacking

As you unpack the different parts of your computer system, be sure to inspect each piece. If anything is missing or looks damaged, contact the place where it was purchased for missing items or replacements. If you cannot obtain the necessary part of parts, call your TriGem Computer dealer for assistance. Please have the computer’s serial number ready when you call.

Figure 1-1. Unpacking Your System

Setting

Up Your System

1-1

Besides this manual, you should have the following:

The computer and power cord

The Keyboard with attached cable

MS-DOS diskettes

GW-BASIC diskette

MS-DOS User’s Guide

GW-BASIC User’s Guide

In addition to these items, you need a compatible monitor to use with the computer.

Be sure to keep your packing materials. They provide the best protection for your computer if you need to transport it later.

Choosing a location

Before you set up your computer, it is important to choose the right location. Select a spot that provides the following:

1-2

Setting Up Your

A large, sturdy desk or table that can easily support the weight of your system, including all of its components: Make sure the surface is hard and flat. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted floors can generate static electricity, which may erase data on your disks and damage the computer’s circuitry. Soft surfaces also prevent proper ventilation.

Good air circulation: Air must be able to move freely

under the system as well as behind it. Leave several inches

of space around the computer to allow ventilation.

Moderate environmental conditions: Protect your computer from extremes in temperature, direct sunlight, or any other

System

source of heat. High humidity also hinders operation, so select a cool, dry area. Avoid dust and smoke, which can damage disks and disk drives and cause you to lose valuable data.

Appropriate power sources: To prevent static charges, connect all your equipment to three-prong, grounded outlets. You need one outlet for the computer, one for the monitor, and additional outlets for a printer and any other peripherals.

If it has the appropriate power cord, you can plug the monitor into the auxiliary power outlet on the back panel of the computer,. reducing the number of wall outlets you need. (The current required by the peripheral must not exceed 1 amp.) If you need more outlets, you may want to buy a power strip-available at any electronics store-to provide extra outlets. A power strip with surge suppression is recommended.

No electromagnetic interference: Locate your system away from any electrical device, such as a telephone, that generates an electromagnetic field.

Setting Up Your System

1-3

Connecting a Monitor

The video display monitor is the device used by-the computer to communicate with you. Your software will use the screen to display information, such as prompts, text, graphics (charts and pictures), etc.

Several types of monitor are available as options. A typical video display system provides a high resolution monochrome (green or amber screen) screen display. Your computer can be

with either monochrome, color video monitors, EGA or VGA monitor.

In addition to the display monitor itself, the video system includes a video controller board. This board generates the letters, numbers, and graphics symbols displayed on the monitor screen.

Connectors are provided for the display type that is supported by the board (monochrome, RGB color, high resolution EGA, VGA etc.). Certain boards support more than one type of display, and may provide a switch to select either color or

monochrome modes.

The procedure you use to connect your monitor to the computer depends on the type of monitor you have. See your

monitor manual for detailed instructions, or follow these

general guidelines:

Place your monitor on top of or near the computer. It is easiest to connect the monitor cable if you are facing the back panels of both the monitor and the computer.

Setting Up Your System

1-4

If necessary, connect the monitor cable to the monitor. (Some monitors come with permanently attatched cables.)

Connect the monitor cable to the video connector on the back of the computer, as shown below. If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them securely.

Figure 1-2. Connecting the Monitor

4. Plug the other end of monitor’s power cord into an electrical outlet.

Setting Up Your

System

1-5

Connecting a Printer, Mouse, or Modem

The computer has a parallel interface and two serial interfaces

on the back panel, so you can easily connect a printer or other type of device with either type of interface.

For example, you can use the parallel port to connect a parallel printer (most printers have a parallel interface). You can use , the serial port to connect a serial printer, a serial mouse, or an external modem.

Follow the steps in this section to connect a printer or other peripheral device to either the parallel or serial interface.

Using the Parallel Interface

The parallel interface on your computer is Centronics compatible and uses a 25-pin connector. To connect a parallel printer to your computer, you need an IBM-compatible printer cable. If you are not sure which one you need, or whether you have the right one, check with the store where you purchased the printer.

Once you have the correct printer cable, follow these steps to connect the printer to the parallel interface on the computer.

Place the printer next to your computer.

One end of the printer cable has a 25-pin, male connector. Connect this end to the parallel port on the back panel of

the computer, as shown below.

If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them securely.

1-6 Setting Up

Your

System

Figure 1-3. Connecting the Printer

Connect the other end of the cable to the printer, as shown below. If the printer has retaining clips on each side of the printer port, squeeze the clips together to secure the cable.

4. Plug the printer’s power cord into an electrical outlet.

Using the serial Interface

If you have a serial printer, modem, mouse, or any other peripheral with a serial interface, you can connect it to one of two serial (RS232C) ports on the back of the computer. Your computer uses IBM-compatible, 9-pin, male connector, so be sure you have the proper cable. If you are not sure which one you need, or whether you have the right one, check with the store where you bought the cable.

To connect a serial device, follow the same steps outlined above for a parallel device, but connect the cable to the serial port, shown below.

Setting Up

Your

System

1-7

Figure 1-4. Serial Port

Setting up-the serial port for a printer

If you are using a serial printer but your software does not support a serial printer, you must do two things before you can print:

Set up the data transmission parameters for the serial port.

Tell the computer to redirect printer data from the parallel port to the serial port.

Connecting the Power Cord

Follow these steps to connect the power cord:

Insert the power cord into the AC inlet on the computer’s back panel, as shown below. To avoid an electric shock, be sure to plug the cord into the computer before plugging it into the wall socket.

Setting Up Your System

1-8

Figure 1-5. AC Power Connections

Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-prong,

2. grounded electrical outlet.

Note The socket-c&let should be installed near the equipment and should be easily accessible.

Die Verbindung zwischen Steckdose solite mölichst Kurz sein. Die steckdose sollte frei zugäglich sein.

For units to be installed in European countries, a power

supply cord of type HAR, with H05W-F should be used.

Für Geräte, die in europäschen Ländern eingesetzt werden, sollte ein Netzkabel Typ HAR mit der Mummer H05 W-F benutzt werden.

Setting Up Your

System

1-9

Connecting the Keyboard

Your keyboard has only one cable to connect. This simply plugs into the keyboard connector located at the bottom of the main system unit’s rear panel. This connector is designed to prevent insertion if the pins don’t line up, so it may be necessary to rotate the cable connector until it plugs in easily.

l-l0

Setting

Figure l-6. Connecting the Keyboard

Your System

Adjusting the Keyboard Angle

You can change the angle of the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the bottom. Turn the keyboard over and lift each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown below. You lock the legs into a low or high position, or leave them flat.

Figure 1-7. Adjusting the Keyboard Angle

Setting Up Your

System

1-11

Turning On the Computer

Before you turn on your computer, read the following safety rules to avoide accidentally damaging the computer or injuring yourself:

Do not unplug cables from the computer when the power switch is on.

Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive light is on. This can destroy data stored on disk or make an entire disk unusable. Similary, never remove a diskette from a diskette drive while the drive light is on.

Always wait at least five seconds after you switch off the power before you switch it on again. Turning the power off and on rapidly can damage the computer’s circuitry.

Do not leave a beverage on top of or next to your system or any of its components. Spilled liquid can damage the circuitry of your equipment.

Do not attempt to dismantle any part of the computer. Only remove the cover to install and remove optional devices.

1-12 Setting Up Your System

Follow these steps to turn on your system:

Turn on the monitor, printer, and any other peripheral devices connected to the computer.

2. To turn on the computer, press the power switch.

Figure

1-8. Power Switch

The power indicator on the front panel lights up. After a few seconds, the computer starts to perform an internal self test. This is a series of checks the computer completes each time you turn it on to make sure everything is working correctly. If anything is wrong, an error message appears on the screen.

After the self test is complete, you see a message on the screen smiliar to this:

Setting Up Your System 1-13

SIZING CACHE MEMORY, 32KB FOUND TESTING CACHE MEMORY, 32KB OK CACHE TEST COMPLETED

DVSX-6080-060290-KB

The computer continually updates this display as it tests its memory. This test takes about 1.5 seconds to complete.

You may see a message similar to this:

This means that the computer is not yet set up for the equipment you have installed and you must run the Setup program, described in Chapter 2. For now, press the Fl key on the upper left comer of the keyboard to acknowledge the message and continue.

If you cannot see the screen display clearly, use the controls on you monitor to adjust the brightness and contrast until characters on the screen are clear and bright.

The computer then loads MS-DOS, the operating system, from the hard disk into memory. MS-DOS must be in the computer’s memory before you can run any program, such as a word processing program or a spreadsheet program.

1-14

Setting Up Your System

The Command Prompt

After the computer has loaded MS-DOS from the hard disk, you see the MS-DOS command prompt on the screen:

The command prompt tells you that your computer is ready to receive instructions. It also identifies the current operating drive: A or C, for example. The command prompt appears on

the screen whenever you load MS-DOS, complete an MS-DOS command, or exit an application.

In your computer, the diskette drive is A and the hard disk is drive C. If you have an optional second diskette drive, MS-DOS

identifies it as B.

Copying System Diskettes

Now that you have started your system and loaded MS-DOS, it

is important that you make copies of your MS-DOS diskettes right away. Use the copies (called working copies) as they are needed and store the originals in a safe place.

Each of the system diskettes is formatted for 1.2MB. (Formatting prepares a diskette to store data and is described in Chapter 3 and Chapter 5.) To copy them, you need eleven 1.2MB highdensity, diskettes.

Note

If you do not have any 1.2MB diskettes, you can use

unformatted 360KB diskettes. When copying from 1.2MB diskettes, the DISKCOPY program formats the 360KB diskettes for 1.2MB.

Setting Up

Your System

51/4inch

l-15

Follow these steps:

The C > prompt should be on the screen. If not, type C:

1. and press Enter.

Type the following and press Enter:

The screen displays this message:

Insert the MS-DOS diskette in drive A, as shown below.

3. Hold the diskette with the label facing up and the read/write slot into the drive.

1-16

Figure 1-9. Inserting a Floppy Disk

Setting Up Your System

4. Press any key. The DISKCOPY program copies the contents of the MS-DOS diskette to the computer’s memory, and then you see the following:

If the diskette is not formatted, the DISKCOPY program formats it. Then the program begins copying the data from the computer’s memory to the formatted diskette. When the copy is complete, you see this prompt:

Remove the MS-DOS diskette and insert a blank diskette (which is to be the target diskette) in drive A. Then press any key.

6. Press Y so you can make a copy of another MS-DOS diskette. Again, you see the prompt to insert the source diskette.

Remove the copy of the MS-DOS diskette which you just

made

and insert the another MS-DOS diskette into drive A.

Then press any key. Follow the prompts on the screen to

make a copy of this diskette as you did for the first MS-DOS

diskette.

8. When you finish copying the last diskette and the

prompt appears, press N to return to the MS-DOS command prompt C > .

After you have copied the MS-DOS diskettes, be sure to label

them carefully so you know which one is which. Write on the

Setting Up Your System

1-17

labels before you attach them to the diskettes in order to prevent damaging the diskettes. Store the originals in a safe place and use the copies as they needed.

Resetting Your Computer

If your computer system should “lockup”, it may be necessary to reset the computer. Resetting the computer causes the CPU to clear its instruction set and the system memory. This ensures there is no “garbage” left in memory to interfere with new program information.

There are two basic ways to reset your computer. They are:

CONTROL-ALT-DEL (Keyboard Reset)

Press the CONTROL key and the ALT key at the same time. While holding these keys down, press the DELETE key, then release all three keys. This will reset your computer without running the full self-test diagnostics.

The POWER Switch

Turn the main system POWER switch off, wait ten seconds, then turn it back on. The computer will then run the complete self-test diagonistic routine.

Caution!

Any time you RESET your computer, the memory will be cleared. This will erase any software programs loaded into the system RAM. You may lose important data or have

problems using your software after the system re-boots. Only RESET your system if you are sure that all of your data has been: saved to disk, or is is no other way

escape a “lockup condition,

You should now be able to reset your computer if you run into trouble. At this point, you can complete the installation of your system by running the SETUP program. For detailed information on the SETUP program, see the following chapter.

1-18 Setting Up Your System

Chapter 2

The CMOS Setup Program

Introduction

The Setup program keeps a record of the host computer’s system parameters (such as memory amounts, disk drives, video

displays, and numeric coprocessors). Setup resides in the Read

Only Memory Basic Input/Output System (ROM BIOS) so that

it is available each time the host is turned on. Setup stores the information in the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) memory. When the host is turned off, a back-up

battery retains system parameters in the CMOS memory.

As soon as the host is turned on, the power-on diagnostics routines check memory, attempt to prepare peripheral devices

for action, and offer you the option of pressing <DEL> to

run Setup.

When

to Run Setup

During normal daily operation, you do not have to run Setup when you start the host computer.

Under the abnornal conditions, an appropriate message displays, advising you to run the Setup program. These conditions indicate that an error has occurred during the power-on self-tests (POSTS).

The CMOS Setup Program

2-1

Note Note that you can bypass the memory test by pressing the

< ESC > key. This option would be useful when the

memory on the system is quite large. You should hit the

<ESC> key when the following message appears on the

screen.

Press <ESC> to bypass MEMORY test

Using Setup

Immediately after the memory test, you will get the following prompt on the screen depending upon the type of BIOS you have:

Press <DEL> if you want to run SETUP or DIAGS

Hit <DEL > key to get into the Setup Mode

Note

<DEL > key will get you into the setup mode, only when the above message is displayed on the screen.

If you hit < DEL > key, a menu appears on the screen giving

you the option of

2-2

The CMOS Setup Program

Use <Up “ > and <Down ” > keys to set the reverse video cursor on the option you want to select and use < Enter > to get into the option.

This means that the SETUP program options have been set at the factory. Since there were no errors detected, the computer tried to load MS-DOS from the floppy disk drive, before you have inserted the MS-DOS main system diskette. For now

ignore this message.

If you want to run the “DIAGNOSTICS” program, see

Appendix E for the detailed description of it.

Entering SETUP

To enter the setup program, hit < DEL > key at the time the

following prompt is displayed on the screen immediately after the memory test.

The CMOS Setup Program

2-3

If you hit <DEL> key, you will see a menu like as following.

Set the reverse video cursor on the “RUN CMOS SETUP” using <Up “ > and < Down ” > and press <ENTER>. Then the screen will be replaced by the following.

This screen is the SETUP MENU. ‘This lists the parameters you can change with the SETUP program. A solid cursor bar

highlights the parameter currently available to be changed. You can use the following key conventions.

2-4

‘The CMOS Setup Program

< Enter >

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

moves the selection bar

‘

< PgUp > < PgDn >

<ESC>

< Ctrl > < Alt > < Del >

Parameters

Date and Time Setup

The first entry in the Setup screen is current date. A calendar has been provided for the user to facilitate him in this procedure. Again, simply press the < PgUp > or

< PgDn > keys to select the appropriate value for the

month, date and year.

The procedure for setting the time is similar to that of setting the date. The time here is 24-hour time so don’t be alarmed when hour 13 shows up on the screen. Simply highlight either the hours, minutes, or the seconds and press the <PgUp >/ < PgDn > keys to step through the numbers.

Floppy Disk Drive Setup

> <

’

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . ...

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . .

moves the selection bar scrolls allowable settings exit and save CMOS register exit without save

Drives a: and/or b: may be one of the following types:

Allowable Drive Types

36OKB

1.2MB

720KB

1.44KB

not installed

51/4" 51/4" 31/2" 31/2"

The CMOS Setup Program

2-5

Hard Disk Drive Setup

Drives c: and d: are the hard disk drives in the system. 46 drive types have been defined by AMI. If for some reason or other your particular drive is not one of the 46 pre-defined types, simply scroll down to type 47 and enter the following drive specifications: cylinders, heads, WPcom, LZone, and sectors. Please consult the documentation received with the drive for the specific values that will give you optimum performance.

Display Type Setup

The next option is primary display selection. The options

are as follows:

Type of Display Allowed

Monochrome Color 40 x 25 Color 80 x 25 VGA or EGA Not Installed

Keyboard Setup

The keyboard Setup is the next option for the user. You

may either choose to enable or disable the Keyboard test during Power On Self Test by setting keyboard as “Installed” or “Not Installed”.

Scratch RAM Option.

The next option is the setting of the scratch RAM. The purpose of this element is to

(1) Save the user definable drive type 47 (2) Translate 80386 Loadall function for programs like

OS/2, RAMDRIVE etc.

2-6

The CMOS Setup Program

If Shadow RAM is not enabled, the parameters of the drive

must be stored in normal RAM, but the integrity of the data must be maintained. The options you have are the following:

The BIOS to use 100 bytes at 30h:0

2. The BIOS to reduce the size of the base memory by 1KB.

The default is 1. If you are not using Drive type 47 or not

running programs like OS/2, RAMDRIVE this RAM will

never be used by so you may leave the value as 1.

start-up speed

This parameter is used to select the system’s default speed.

The options are:

High speed Under this option, your system is initially booting with

20MHz

CPU speed when you turn the power on.

Low speed

Select this option is to boot your system with 6MHz CPU speed as turning the power on.

00 Special Memory

This parameter is used to boost your system’s performance by loading the BIOS and/or VIDEO controller code into the RAM space between 640K and lM-byte. The options are:

None Select this option is you are not going to use shadow RAM.

BIOS Use this parameter to copy the system BIOS into shadow RAM during the start-up routine.

The CMOS Setup

Program

2-7

Video This parameter loads the program code from your video card into shadow RAM during system start up.

l BIOS + Video

This option loads the BIOS and video code into shadow RAM.

Ext. Memory If you use the extended memory on your system, select this option. The Ext. Memory size is determined according to the EMS Size and displays on the upper

right comer of the Setup message.

EMS Memory

You can use the EMS memory using this option.

EMS Size

The options available are used to describe how your system will use the EMS memory above lM-byte, as follows:

The EMS memory size is preset according to the on

board memory size. If you want to use EMS memory, you

should select the EMS memory size you are using in this

option.

The CMOS Setup Program

2-8

Peripheral Setup

When you scroll down to this parameter, the following message will be displayed on the right side of the Setup message.

Peripheral Setup Serial 1: Enabled

Serial 2: Enabled Parallel: Enabled FDC: Enabled HDC: Enabled

Serial 1 If you’d like to the on board serial port 1 for COM 1, set this option “Enable”.

But, when you install the external card to use another serial port for COM 1, you should select “Disable” on this option to disable the on board serial port.

Serial 2 Set this option “Enable” if you want to use the on board serial port 2 for COM2. Like as serial 1, you should also disable this option when you install the external card to use another serial port for COM2.

Note

Although you need only the on board serial 2 port for COM2, do not disable the serial 1. If you disable serial 1 and enable aerial 2 when you don’t have any external I/0 adapter, the serial 2 automatically set to CDM1.

Parallel If you use on board parallel port, enable this option. However if you want to use another parallel port using external I/O card, you should disable this option.

The CMOS Setup Program 2-9

FDC

Your system provide on board FDC and it supports two floppy disk drive to your system. If you use another FDC

in your system using external Card, you should disable

this option.

HDC The system has on bord IDE type HDC. If you’d like to another type of HDC (for example, SCSI, or ESDI etc.),

disable this option and install your HDC Card to the expansion slot on the backplane board.

Leaving

When you have completed the changes, press the < ESC > key. The SETUP

Write data into CMOS and exit (Y/N)?

If you have made any mistakes, press N for No, then move the

cursor back up to the beginning and verify each parameter,

making any corrections necessary. When you are satisfied with the option settings, press the <ESC> key, then press Y to write the new settings into the configuration RAM. Your

computer will run through the self test diagnostics again and

try to read a diskette in the first floppy disk drive.

As mentioned above, you may see an error message if you don’t

have a system diskette inserted into the floppy disk drive.

the

Setup Program

program will display the message:

2-10 The CMOS

Setup Program

Chapter 3

Using Your Computer

This chapter covers the following basic procedure for using your computer:

00 Changing the operating speed

Using special keys on the keyboard

Stopping a command or program

00 Using disks and disk drives.

Changing the Operating Speed

Your computer can operate two speeds; 8MHz or 20MHz. At 20MHz, the computer performs all tasks faster, and almost

all programs may be run at 20MHz. However, some option cards and application programs require the lower speed. See your option card or application program manual to make sure that you can use the higher speed before selecting it.

Keyboard Method

The following keystroke sequences can be used to set the

processor clock speed.

l Ctrl-Alt- < - >

Hold down the < Ctrl > and < Alt > keys and press < - > on the numeric

keypad to place the system in low speed

mode.

Using Your Computer 3-1

Ctrl-Alt- < + >

Hold down the < Ctrl > and < Alt > keys and press < + > on the numeric

keypad to place the system in high speed.

Changing the operating speed may be performed with the TriGem Utility TGSS.COM. This program is located on the MS-DOS diskette supplied with the system. You can find the detailed description of TGSS.COM in your MS-DOS User’s Guide.

Special Keys on your Keyboard

Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when your computer is running programs. The illustration below shows the TriGem keyboard, and the table that follows describes the special keys.

3-2

Figure 3-1. Keyboard (101 key)

Using Your Computer

Key

Purpose

F1-F12

Tab

Ctrl

Shift Produces uppercase characters or the top symbols

Alt

Backspace (-)

Enter

Caps Lock

Perform special functions within application program (Some keys also function with MS-DOS. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information.)

Moves the cursor one table to the right in normal mode (and one tab the left in shift mode when using

some application programs.) Works with other key to perform special (control)

function, such as editing operations.

on the keys when used with the main character keys. Produces lowercase characters when Caps Lock is on.

Works with other keys to enter alternate character codes or functions.

Moves the cursor back one space, deleting the

character to the left of the cursor

Ends a line of keyboard input or executes a command (may be called the Return key in some application program manuals).

Changes the letter keys from lower-to uppercase; changes back to lowercase when pressed again. The numeric/symbol keys on the top row of the

keyboard are not affected.

Esc

Num Lock

Scroll Lock Break

Cancels the current command line or operation in

MS-DOS. Esc can also have special uses in application programs.

Changes the function of the keys on the

numeric/cursor keypad from numeric entry to cursor

positioning; changes back when pressed again. Controls scrolling in some application programs. When pressed with the Ctrl key (hold down Ctrl and

press Break), sends a break signal to the computer to terminate the current operation.

Using Your Computer 3-3

Key

Purpose

SYS Req

PrtSc Home, End,

PgUp, PgDn

et-1

Ins

Del

Produces the system request function in certain applications.

Prints the screen display on a dot-matrix printer Control cursor location in some applications, such as

word processors, game programs, and spreadsheets.

Turns the insert function on and off in some application programs.

Deletes the character at the cursor position.

The Num Lock, Scroll Lock, and Caps Lock keys work as

toggles; press the key once to turn on a function and again to turn it off. When the function is enabled, the corresponding light on the top right comer of the keyboard is on. When the function is disabled, the light is off.

3-4

Figure 3-2. Keyboard LED

Using Your Computer

Stopping a Command or Program

You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while it is running. Many application programs provide a command you can use to stop or even cancel (undo) an operation. If you have entered an MS-DOS command that you want to stop, try one of the following commands:

Hold down the Ctrl key and press C

Hold down the Ctrl key and press Break

These methods may also work in your application program. If you cannot stop a particular operation, however, you may need to reset the computer, as described in the following

section.

caution!

It is best not to run off the computer to stop a program or command. If you have created new data that you have not

yet stored, it will be erased if you turn off the computer. Your computer stores data in its memory until you save it; but the memory area is erased each time you turn off or. reset the computer.

Using Disks and Disk Drives

The disk drives in your computer allow you to store data on

disk and retrieve it when you want it.

This section explains how disks work and tells you how to do the following:

Choose diskettes

Using Your Computer

3-5

Care for your diskettes and diskette drives

Insert and remove diskettes

Write-protect diskettes

Make backup copies of your diskettes

Use a single diskette drive

Use a hard disk drive

How Disks Store Data

The diskette you insert in your computer’s diskette drive is made of flexible plastic, coated with magnetic material. It is enclosed in a square jacket. Your computer stores data on the diskette by recording on the magnetic surface.

Unlike a diskette, a hard disk is rigid and fixed in place. It is sealed in a protective case to keep it free from dust and dirt. A hard disk stores data the same way that a diskette does, but it works faster and has much larger storage capacity.

All disks are divided into data storage compartments by sides, tracks, and sectors. Double-sided diskettes - like the ones you use in your computer - store data on both sides. On your disk there are concentric rings, called tracks, in which a disk can store data. Double-density diskettes (such as 360KB diskettes) have 40 tracks, and high-density diskettes (such as 1.2MB or

1.44MB diskettes) have 80 tracks. But 720KB double density

diskette has 80 tracks.

A hard disk consists of two or more magnetically-coated platters stacked on top of one another, so it has four or more sides with many more tracks than a diskette.

3-6

Using

Your Computer

A disk is further divided b

y sectors. To understand what a sector is, picture the spokes on a bicycle wheel radiating from the center of the wheel to the tire. The space between one spoke and the next is like a sector on a diskette. (See the figure

below.) Each track on a 1.2MB diskette has 15 sectors, and each sector holds 512 bytes.

Figure 3-3. Sectors and Tracks

Your computer uses the read/write heads in a disk drive to store and retrieve data on a disk. There is one head above the diskette and one below, so the drive can write to both sides of the diskette. To write to a disk, the computer spins it in the

drive to a position where one of the read/write heads can access

the diskette through the read/write slot. The read/write slot on a diskette exposes the diskette’s magnetic surface so the

read/write head can write on the appropriate area.

Because data is stored magnetically, you can retrieve it, record

over it, and erase it - just as you play, record, and erase music on a cassette tape.

Using Your Computer 3-7

Types of Diskette Drives

You computer has at least one 1.2MB diskette drive. With this drive, use 51/4+inch, double-sided, high-density, 96 TPI, 1.2MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 15 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.2MB of information, which is approximately 500 pages of text. You can also format these diskettes for 360KB - see your MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information.

In addition, you may have a diskette drive of a different type. The following list describes the types of optional diskette drives you can use in your computer and which diskettes you should

use with them:

360KB drive - With this drive, use 51/4-inch, doublesided, doubledensity, 48 TPI (tracks per inch), 360KB diskettes. (You can also use single-sided, 160KB or 180KB diskettes). These diskettes contain 40 tracks per side, 8 or 9 sectors per track, and hold up to 360KB of information, which is approximately 150 pages of text. (With 8 sectors per track, a diskette holds up to 320KB.)

720KB drive - With this drive, use 3l/2-inch, doublesided, double-density, 135 TPI, 720KB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 9 sectors per track, and hold up to 720KB of information - approximately 300 pages of text.

1.44MB drive - With this drive, use 3l/2-inch, double-

sided, highdensity, 135 TPI, 1.44MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 18 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.44MB of information, which is approximately 600 pages of text.

If your computer has more than one type of these drives or if you use diskettes from other computers, you need to be aware of certain incompatibilities between the drives and the diskettes they use.

3-8

Using

Your Computer

Note

You must format new diskettes before you can use them

with an operating system. Formatting erases all the data on

a diskette and prepares it to receive new data, so be sure to format only new blank diskettes or diskettes that contain data you want to erase. See Chapter 5 for instructions on formatting diskettes.

Drive

and diskette incompatibilities

Because of the size difference, you cannot use 31/2-inch diskettes in a 51/4-inch drive or vice versa. There are also certain limitations on using diskettes that are the same size as

the drive but have different capacities. The following tables

summarize the possiblities and limitations.

5l/4-inch drive/diskette compatibility

Drive type

360KB

1.2MB

Diskette types it can read from and write to

180KB, or 360KB 180KB, 360KB, or 1.2MB

31/2-inch drive/diskette compatibility

Drive type 720KB

1.44MB

Diskette types it can read from and write to 720KB

720KB, or 1.44MB

Using

Your Computer

3-9

Because of these incompatibilities, you should indicate the

density and diskette type when you label your diskettes.

(Usually this information appears on the manufacturer’s label.)

If you have any combination of the above drives (360KB,

1.2MB, 720KB, or l.44MB), y to another - using the COPY or XCOPY command - as long as the correct diskette type is in each drive. You can use these commands to copy files between the hard disk and any type of diskette. You cannot use the DISKCOPY to copy from one drive to another if the two drives are not the same type.

can copy files from one drive

Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives

Follow these basic precautions to protect your diskette and

avoid losing data:

Do not remove a diskette from the diskette drive or turn off the computer while the drive light is on. This light

indicates that the computer is copying data to or from a

diskette. If you interrupt this process, you can destroy data.

Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.

Keep diskettes away from dust and dirt. Small particles of dust or dirt can scratch the magnetic surface and destroy data. Dust can also ruin the read/write heads in a diskette drive.

D Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way.

Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. They work best at normal room temperature and in normal humidity. Do not leave your diskettes sitting in the sun, or in extreme cold or heat.

3-10

Using Your Computer

Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields. (Remember that diskettes store information magnetically.) There are many sources of magnetism in your home or office, such as electrical appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers.

Do not place diskettes on top of your monitor or near an external disk drive.

Never touch a diskette’s magnetic surface. The oils on your fingertips can damage it. Always hold a diskette by its protective jacket. If you are using a 31/2-inch diskette, do not slide the metal shutter; this exposes the diskette’s surface.

Do not place anything on top of your diskettes and be sure they do not get bent. A diskette does not rotate properly in the drive if it has been damaged.

Carefully label your diskettes. Attach labels firmly but gently, and only along the top of a diskette (next to the manufacturer’s label). Do not stick several labels on top of one another-too many labels can make it difficult to insert the diskette into the drive.

It is best to write on the label before you attach it to the diskette. If you need to write on a label that is already on a diskette, use only a soft-tip pen, not a ballpoint pen or a pencil. Always indicate the storage capacity and density type on the label.

Store diskettes in a proper location, such as a diskette container. Do not store diskettes flat or stack them on top of each other. When you are not using them, keep your diskettes in their protective envelopes.

Follow these additional precautions to protect your hard disk

drive and its data:

Using Your Computer

3-13

Never turn off the computer when the hard disk drive light is on. This light indicates that the computer is copying data to or from the hard disk. If you interrupt this process, you can lose data.

Never attempt to open the hard disk drive. The disk itself is enclosed in a sealed container to protect it from dust.

Inserting and Removing Diskettes

To insert a diskette into the drive, hold it with the label facing up and the read/write slot leading into the drive, as shown below.

Figure 3-4. Inserting a Diskette (5 1/4”)

Slide the diskette into the slot until it is in all the way. Then turn the drive latch down to lock it in a vertical position. This keeps the diskette in place and enables the read/write heads in

the diskette drive to access the diskette.

3-12

Using

Your

Computer

If a diskette is in the drive but the latch is up (horizontal) and

you enter a command for that drive, the computer cannot

tell

there is a diskette in the drive and displays an error message such as:

Close the latch and press R.

To remove the diskette, turn the drive latch up until it is horizontal and the edge of the diskette pops out. Carefully pull out the diskette, place it in its protective envelope, and store it in a proper location, such as a diskette container.

If you have an optional 31/2-inch diskette drive, insert the

diskette with the label facing up and the metal shutter leading

into the drive, as shown below. Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place.

Figure

3-5.

Inserting a Diskette

Using Your Computer

(31/2”)

3-13

To remove a 3’/2-inch diskette, press the release button to release it. When the edge pops out of the drive, pull out the diskette and store it properly.

warning

Never remove a diskette or turn off the computer while the drive indicator light is on. You could lose data, Also be

sure to remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.

Write-protecting Diskettes

You can write-protect a diskette to prevent its data from being altered. When a diskette is write-protected, you can read it and

copy data from it, but you cannot store new data on the

diskette or delete any files it contains. If you try to change data

stored on a write-protected diskette, MS-DOS displays an error message.

To write-protect a 51/4-inch diskette, cover the small, rectangular notch (shown below) with an adhesive write-protect tab. Write-protect tabs usually come with new 51/2inch diskettes when you buy them.

3-14

Figure 3-6. 5’/4” Diskettes & Write-Protect Tab

Using Your Computer

Some program diskettes, such as your MS-DOS diskettes,

have no notch so they

any permanently write-protected. This protects them from being accidentally erased or altered.

On a 31/2inch diskette, the write-protect device is a small switch on the lower-right comer on the back, shown below. To write-protect a 3l/2-inch diskette, slide the switch toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into position, exposing a hole in the comer.

Figure 3-7. 3’/2” Diskette & Write-Protect SW

To remove the write protection, slide the switch toward the

center of the diskette so the hole is covered.

Making Backup Copies

It is important to make copies of all your data and system diskettes. Copy all diskettes that contain programs, such as the original MS-DOS diskettes that come with your computer, and

use

only the copies. Store your original MS-DOS diskettes in a

Using Your Computer 3-15

safe place away from your working copies. Backup your data diskettes regularly, whenever you revise them, to keep them up-todate, and store them away from your originals.

Chapter 1 describes how to use DISKCOPY to copy your

MS-DOS diskette. For more detailed information to make backups of other diskettes, refer to Chapter 4 “Using MS-DOS with your computer”.

It is best to put most of the programs and data files you use regularly on the hard disk. Keep backup copies of all your program files on diskettes, however, and regularly copy

important data files to diskettes as well.

Using a Single Diskette Drive

The operating system expects the computer to have at least

two diskette drives, and it displays prompts and messages

accordingly. If the computer has only one diskette drive, MS-DOS

treats the one drive like two logical drives. This helps you

perform operations that normally require two diskette drives.

Usually, MS-DOS recognizes the first diskette drive (the top

drive) as drive A and the second diskette drive as drive B.

If you have only one diskette drive, MS-DOS recognizes it as

both A and B.

For example, if you give a command to copy from A to B,

MS-DOS copies data from the diskette you place in the single

drive (A) to the computer’s memory. Then MS-DOS

automatically prompts you to insert another diskette in the

same drive, which it now identifies as drive B. It copies the

data from memory to the new diskette. When the copying is

complete, MS-DOS identifies the drive as drive A again, and

you see a prompt to insert the original diskette into drive A.

3-16

Using Your Computer

You can load the opeating system and application programs from the hard disk, create and store your data there, and use the diskette drive just for copying data to and from diskettes.

Note

If you only have one diskette drive and no hard disk, you need to use that drive to load the operating system as well as the application programs you are using. First load the

operating system; this copies it into the computer’s memory

(RAM) so you do not need to leave the diskette in the drive.

Then you can remove that diskette and insert the program

diskette you want to use, and load that into memory too.

See your application program manual for detailed instructions.

Using the Hard Disk Drive

You can create and revise files on a hard disk on a diskette. The hard disk, however, provides several advantages:

The 20MB hard disk can store more data than 16x 1.2MB diskettes and the 40MB hard disk can store twice as much.

Your computer can perform all disk-related operations faster.

You can store all your frequency used programs and data files on the hard disk, eliminating the inconvenience of

inserting and removing diskettes to access different files.

The added storage capacity makes it easy to move back and forth between different programs and data files. However, because it is so easy to add programs and files to your hard disk, you may find yourself trying to organize hundreds of files.

MS-DOS lets you keep related files together in directories and subdirectories so they are easier to find and use.

Using Your Computer 3-17

just

as you can

Backing up hard disk Ales

While the hard disk is very reliable, it is essential to back up

your hard disk files to diskettes in case you lose some data

accidentally. Make copies of all your system and application

program diskettes before copying the programs to the hard disk.

After you create data files on the hard disk, be sure to copy

them to diskettes whenever you revise them to keep your backup diskettes up-todate.

You can see the more detailed information of backing up hard disk files on the Chapter 6.

Preparing the hard disk for moving

Before you move the computer, you need to secure the

read/write heads inside the hard disk drive. Securing the

read/write heads moves them to a region of the disk surface

that does not contain data, and locks them in position. This

prevents the disk from being damaged if it is bumped

accidentally.

To secure the read/write heads for moving, run the TGSHIP

program. Follow these steps to run TGSHIP:

Exit any program you are using so the MS-DOS command prompt is on the screen.

Insert the MS-DOS diskette in drive A.

3. Type the following and press Enter:

3-18

Using Your Computer

You see a message on the screen that tells you the disk drive’s read/write heads will remain locked until you reset the computer or turn the power off and on again. The computer locks the heads and disables the keyboard. You can now turn off the computer and prepare to move it to the new location.

The TGSHIP command should be run whenever you are going to move the main system unit. This command moves the read/write heads inside the hard disk drive to a “safety zone,” where they won’t accidentally scratch the surface of the drive platters. TGSHIP.COM

is a special DOS command file included with your system. You should copy this file into the root directory of your hard disk drive. See MS-DOS reference manual for more information of TGSHIP command.

Using

Your

Computer

3-19

Chapter 4

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

Once you have your computer system “up-and-running,” you

may begin to work with MS-DOS.

Virtually all application software available for IBM PCiXT and PC/AT-compatible computer systems runs “under” MS-DOS.

Therefore, in order to use these programs, you need to learn

how to use MS-DOS. This chapter will give you a basic

understanding of MS-DOS and provide you with the basic tools you need run application software on your computer system. For more detailed explanation of the MS-DOS operating system, see your MS-DOS USER’S GUIDE.

MS-DOS is an acronym for Microsoft Disk Operating System.

The disk operating system is a collection of programs that allow

you to control all the elements of your computer. When booting up, the MS-DOS command file is copied from the MS-DOS main disk into your computer’s memory. From there, it controls the rest of the system.

During a normal operating session, you will want your computer system to boot up in MS-DOS. Before that can happen, however, you may need to install MS-DOS on your system.

If your system does not have a hard disk system, you must perform the installation routine to configure MS-DOS for

floppy disk-based operation.

If you do have a hard disk drive, but MS-DOS has not been installed you must perform the installation routine to configure

MS-DOS for use on the hard disk system.

For complete instructions on installing MS-DOS, see your

MS-DOS User’s manual.

Using

MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-1

Inserting Diskettes

Your MS-DOS software package contains of the following items:

One MS-DOS Install Diskettes

One MS-DOS Select Diskette

Three MS-DOS Operating Diskettes

One MS-DOS Shell Diskette

The MS-DOS User’s Guide & User’s Reference

The MS-DOS Shell User’s Guide

Begin the installation procedure by placing the MS-DOS Install diskette in the A drive and turning your computer on.

Disk Drive Letters

The various disk drives on your computer are assigned letters. As you work with MS-DOS, you will see that these letters are used to identify which drive is to be used at any given time.

The microcomputer industry has standardized the use of letter

identification for MS-DOS-type machines as follows:

The first floppy disk drive is referred to as the “A:” drive.

The second floppy disk drive is referred to as the “B:” drive.

The first hard disk drive is referred to as the “C:” drive.

4-2 Using MS-DOS With

Your Computer

To insert a diskette into the drive:

Open the drive door

If you haven’t already done so, remove the protective

cardboard insert from the drive.

Gently insert the diskette into the drive entry slot with its

label facing up, and the write protect notch to the left.

When the diskette is all the way in, close the drive door by turning the door latch handle down.

Caution!

If any resistance is felt when closing the drive door, stop and reinsert the diskette.

To remove a diskette from a floppy disk drive:

Be sure the drive indicator light is off

Caution !

It is very important that you never remove a diskette from an active drive. Doing so can destroy the information on the diskette. If the computer. system is “locked-up” with the drive indicator light on, RESET the computer before removing the diskette.

Turn the door latch to open the drive.

Remove the diskette and insert it into its protective

envelope.

Using

MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-3

Starting MS-DOS

To start MS-DOS 4.01 on a floppy disk-based system (that is, one without a hard disk drive), follow these steps given below.

For a detailed description of how to start MS-DOS 4.01, consult the Getting Started section in your MS-DOS 4.01 User’s Guide.

Remove the MS-DOS Install diskette from its protective envelope and insert it into the A drive.

Close the disk door and turn your computer on.

Remove the Install disk and insert the Select disk.

Press ENTER.

Remove the Select disk and insert the Install disk.

Press ENTER.

The Welcome screen appears. This screen contains information about the number of disks required to install the operating system.

Press ENTER

The Introduction screen appears. This screen contains

information about the function keys used to run the Select program.

Press ENTER

The first screen of the Select program appears. For more

information about the Select program, consult the Getting Started section in your MS-DOS 4.01 User’s Guide.

If your computer has a hard disk drive, and MS-DOS has been

installed, simply turn your system on. Your computer will perform its self-test diagnostics and display the DOS Shell menu screen.

4-4 Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

Notice that the words “Command Prompt” are highlighted by a solid bar. This is a DOS Shell option that allows you to work directly with MS-DOS.

Your computer system is now “running under DOS.”

For now, press ENTER to run the Command Prompt option.

System Prompt

After you press the ENTER key to either accept the time shown or enter a new one, MS-DOS will show a new prompt on the monitor:

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-5

This is the system prompt. When it is displayed, it means that MS-DOS is waiting for you to tell it what to do. This is done by typing a DOS command, then pressing the ENTER key.

Cursor

Following the system prompt, you will see a blinking underline

( _ ) character.

This is the “cursor”. The cursor shows you where the next character you type will appear on the screen. As you can see here, any command you type will appear immediately to the

right of the system prompt and on the same line. Application software often uses the cursor as well, allowing you to use the cursor control keys to move the cursor around on the screen.

MS-DOS Commands

DOS commands instruct your computer to perform tasks such as display a disk directory, copy a file, delete a program, etc. These are called internal commands and can be used anytime after the system has loaded MS-DOS into memory. They do not require the MS-DOS main system diskette to function.

More complex DOS commands are actually separate programs that provide powerful features for your computer. These are called external commands, and perform such tasks as formatting a diskette, comparing files on different disks,

backing up a hard disk, etc. These commands require one or more of the MS-DOS diskettes.

Hard disk system user’s can run any DOS command without diskettes because the programs are stored on the hard disk drive.

4-6 Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

Case Sensitivity

MS-DOS does not differentiate between upper and lower case letters in commands and filenames. This manual will show commands in upper case for clarity, but you may enter them either way. For example, both of these commands will generate a directory listing of a diskette:

and

Function Keys

As mentioned earlier, MS-DOS uses several of your keyboard’s function keys to provide you with shortcuts. When you press the ENTER key after typing a command, MS-DOS copies the command into a “buffer” memory. By using the function keys, you can edit and reuse the command without having to retype the entire line.

- Fl key Copies one character at a time from the buffer to the command line

- F2 key Copies the entire buffer up to the next character you type

- F3 key Copies the entire buffer to the command line

and

Using

MS-DOS

MS-DOS With

Your

Computer

4-7

- F4 key The opposite of F2, deletes all characters from the buffer up to, but not including, the next character you type

- F5 key Moves the current line you are typing into the buffer without ENTERing it

- F6 key Places an “end-of-file” marker when you copy from the monitor to a disk file

- ESC key Cancels the current command line without changing the buffer

- INS key

Inserts characters into the command line as you copy characters from the buffer

- DEL key

Deletes characters from the buffer

BACKSPACE Key

From time to time, you may make a typing error. This is not

usually a problem if you correct the error before you ENTER the command. You can use the BACKSPACE key for this

purpose.

Note

Occasionally, you might happen to enter the wrong

command by mistake. If this incorrect command will result in the loss of data, MS-DOS will Usually warn you, and

give you a change to change your mind.

4-8 Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

The BACKSPACE key on your keyboard works just like a

backspace key on a regular typewriter: it moves the cursor back

one position. In addition, however, it erases the last character

typed. Press the BACKSPACE key as many times as necessary to erase the typing mistake, then type out the command correctly. For instance, type the following (but do not press ENTER):

Press the BACKSPACE key twice to erase the I and the R.

Retype:

Then press the ENTER key. Your computer will respond by

producing the directory of the disk in the A drive. Now type this:

Then press the ENTER key. Your computer will respond:

Using

MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-9

Default Drive

MS-DOS will only look at one disk drive at a time. Normally, this is the “default” drive. You can tell which disk drive is the current default drive by looking at the system prompt.

For example:

indicates that the “A” drive is currently the default drive. Unless you specify otherwise, MS-DOS will direct any disk

activity to the “A” floppy disk drive.

You can easily change the default drive with an internal DOS

command. For instance, to change from the “A” drive (floppy

disk), to the C d

The computer will respond:

(hard disk), enter:

rive

As you can see, the system prompt has changed to show the new default drive letter.

Note

If the computer responds:

Invalid Drive Specification

it may mean that either there is no hard disk system installed, or your hard disk drive has not been configured yet. See Chapter 6, “Using Your Hard Disk,” for instructions.

4-10

Using

MS-DOS With Your Computer

From the A. prompt command, try the command:

The computer will respond:

Press ENTER after you insert the diskette into the drive, then

the system prompt will be:

If you have a dual floppy disk drive system, the second, or “B” drive is now the system default drive, as indicated by the new system prompt. If performed on a single drive computer system, this command will still change the system prompt to B > , even though there is only one physical drive present. The BIOS “pretends” there are two disk drives present. It routes all commands intended for the B drive back to the A drive.

This feature is intended to allow owners of single drive systems to use application software designed for dual drive systems.

Copying Your MS-DOS Diskettes

The first important task you must complete with your new

system is to make a “backup” copy of your MS-DOS diskettes.

To do this, you will need seven blank diskettes. It is a good

idea to prepare seven diskette labels at this time. Write the

following on those diskette labels, using a felt tipped pen:

Using

MS-DOS With Your Computer 4-11

Write down the MS-DOS version number on each diskette labels. This will avoid confusion later if you upgrade your operating system to a new version. As you finish copying and checking each MS-DOS master diskette, peel the correct label off of the backing paper and place it on the upper left-hand side of the front face of the new diskette.

The following procedures will show you how to make backup copies of your MS-DOS master diskettes on both single and dualdrive systems.

Copying on Single Drive systems

MS-DOS uses the external command DISKCOPY to copy

entire diskettes. DISKCOMP is used to compare the original

and backup diskettes to ensure that the copy is accurate.

To copy your master diskettes, first turn your computer on and boot up MS-DOS. Choose the Command Prompt option from

the DOS shell menu. The system prompt will appear. Enter the following command:

The following message will be displayed:

4-12 Using MS-DOS With

Your

Computer

The “SOURCE” diskette is the disk that you will be copying

from. Insert the MS-DOS master diskette into the A drive.

Press any key, such as the % SPACEBAR. The floppy disk drive will be activated, and your computer will display:

The contents of the disk are being read into your computer’s

memory. After a few moments, the following message will appear:

When the drive indicator light goes out, remove the MS-DOS master diskette from the floppy disk drive. Insert a new, blank diskette into the drive. This is the “TARGET” diskette.

Press the SPACEBAR key. The drive will turn

on,

indicating that the computer formatting the new diskette, then writing the copied information onto it. After a few moments, the drive will turn off, and the system will display:

Using MS-DOS With Your

Computer 4-13

For now, type N. The system prompt will reappear. To compare the backup diskette with the original, you will use the DISKCOMP command. Enter the command at the system

prompt:

The computer will respond:

Remove the backup diskette from the drive, and put it in its

protective jacket. Set it aside for a moment, making sure that

you don’t mix it up with the second blank diskette. Put the original “master” MS-DOS main system diskette back into the

floppy disk drive, then press the SPACEBAR key. As with the

DISKCOPY command, your computer will read the entire contents of the diskette into system memory, and will display:

When the computer is finished reading, the drive will turn off, and the following message will appear:

Using

4-14

MS-DOS With Your Computer

Remove the master MS-DOS diskette from the floppy disk drive, and put it in its protective envelope. Take out the backup copy diskette, insert it into the disk drive, and press the

SPACEBAR key.

The computer will read the contents of the backup diskette, and compare them with the copy of the master diskette that it has stored in memory. If the information on the two diskettes is identical, the computer will respond:

Type N to return to the system prompt.

If there is a problem with the backup diskette, or if you put the wrong diskette into the drive by mistake, the computer will respond:

Compare error on side x, track x

If the computer shows compare errors, start the copying

procedure over again at the beginning. The backup copy of the

MS-DOS diskette must be identical to the original. After you have confirmed that the backup diskette is a good copy of the master MS-DOS diskette, you may put your master diskette away in a safe place. From now on, only use the master MS-DOS

diskette to make copies. For all other purposes, use the backup

copy of the MS-DOS diskette. By using the backup copy, you ensure that any accidental erasures can be replaced.

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-15

Copying on Dual Drive Systems

To make backup copies of your MS-DOS diskettes on a dualdrive system, follow the instructions below:

First, turn your computer on and boot up MS-DOS. Choose the Command Prompt option from the DOS shell menu.

The system prompt will appear. Enter the following command:

This command indicates to MS-DOS that you want to copy the contents of a diskette in the A drive to a new diskette located in the B drive.

The following message will be displayed:

The “SOURCE” diskette is the disk that you will be copying from. The “TARGET” diskette is the one you will be copying to.

Put your master MS-DOS diskette in the A drive, and a new,

blank diskette in the B drive.

Warning!

If you have any doubts about which diskette goes in which drive, check them carefully. Make sure that the write protect notch on the master MS-DOS diskette is covered with a

4-16

write protect

Using

MS-DOS With

tab.

Your

Computer

Close bath drive doors. Press any key, such as the SPACEBAR. The A drive will be activated, and your computer will display:

The contents of the disk are being read into your computer’s

memory.

After a few moments, the following message will

appear:

For now, type N. The system prompt will reappear. To compare the backup diskette with the original, you will use the DISKCOMP command. Enter the command at the system

prompt:

The computer will respond:

Since both diskettes are already in their correct locations, press the SPACEBAR key. While the comparisons are being made, the computer will display:

Using

MS-DOS with

Your Computer

4-17

When the computer is finished comparing the diskettes, the drives will turn off, and the following message will appear:

Type N to return to the system prompt.

If there is a problem with the backup diskette or if you put the wrong diskette into the drive by mistake, the computer will respond:

After you have confirmed that the backup diskette is a good copy of the master MS-DOS diskette, you may put your master diskette away in a safe place and put the label on the backup diskette. From now on, only use the master MS-DOS diskette to make copies. For all other purposes, use the backup copy of the MS-DOS diskette. By using the backup copy for everyday computing, and saving the master diskette, you ensure that any accidental erasures can be replaced.

From now on, when this manual refers to the “main system diskette,” use the backup MS-DOS diskette.

4- 18

Using MS-DOS With

Your Computer

FILES

In the same way that you can keep information grouped together in manila folders, MS-DOS organizes data into files. While you may store these folders in a cabinet, your computer stores these files on disks. Separating information into files allows you to work with that information more efficiently.

File Types

There are two basic file types:

Program files

Data files

Program files are files that perform a task. They manipulate the computer and data files in order to achieve a result. MS-DOS is a collection of program files, as are the control programs found in application software.

Data files are files that contain the information (data) used by program files. A file containing a list of names and addresses would be a data file.

The two types of files are closely related. Program files usually create data files. These may be the documents created by a word processor, the numerical array created by a spreadsheet, or some other collection of information.

A data file containing a written report can’t do anything by

itself. On the other hand, a word processor is useless without

documents to work on.

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

4- 19

Filenames and Extensions

Needless to say, each file on a disk must be uniquely identifiable. To achieve this, MS-DOS requires that you name every file you create, as you create it.

In order to be able to manipulate files easily, MS-DOS has certain rules that you must follow when naming files. As you will see, these rules leave you a great deal of freedom in your selection of filenames.

Each filename can be up to eight characters long. To this eight character name can be added an “extension ‘.’ Extensions always begin with a period ( . ) which is followed by up to three characters.

The format for a valid MS-DOS filename is:

ABCDEFGH.JKL

Most of the characters and symbols on your keyboard are available for use in filenames. These are:

The letters A through Z

4-20

The numbers 0 through 9

The following symbols:

@ #

O/O &

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

(exclamation point)

(“at” sign)

(number sign)

(dollar sign)

(percent sign) (ampersand)

(and) (parenthesis)

(minus sign or hyphen)

{ and } (brackets)

(underline character)

The following are examples of allowable filenames:

JANUARY

CHAPTER.001

MEMO.APR

MAYSALES.$

$$,SALES.OCT

These filenames are valid because none of them are too long, and only legal characters have been used. The following are

examples of illegal filenames, along with an explanation:

3RDQUARTER.SALES

This is too long. MS-DOS will accept this filename, but it

will be shortened to fit the size limits. The altered filename would read 3RDQUART.SAL. As you can see, both the filename and its extension have been shortened to the legal length.

CHAPTER/4

The slash ( I ) is an illegal filename character. MS-DOS will reject the filename and ask for another.

NEW EMPL.LTR

This would be rejected by MS-DOS because of the space in the filename.

Using

MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-21

Certain filename extensions have been set aside so that MS-DOS can recognize program files. These are:

COM

EXE

BAT

(for COMMAND file)

(for EXECUTABLE file)

(for BATCH file)

Program files should always have one of these three filename extensions. Data files should never use these reserved extensions. They can, however, use any other extension.

Filename extensions are optional with data files, so you can leave them off entirely, if you want. Using filename extensions with data files allows you to have many different variations for a set of filenames. For instance, different chapters of a book might be named:

CHAPTER.001

CHAPTER.002

CHAPTER.003

and so on.

Like MS-DOS commands, filenames and extensions can be

entered in either upper or lower case, but are always displayed

on the screen in upper case. However, since MS-DOS converts

lower case filenames into upper case, it is possible to inadvertently erase an existing file by saving a new file with a lower case name. To be safe, always make sure that you have given a unique name to each file on a disk.

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Using MS-DOS With

Your Computer

Disk Directories

MS-DOS keeps track of the files stored on your disks by maintaining a “directory” on each disk. These directories are listings of the filenames and extensions, along with certain information about the files themselves, such as when the file

was created or updated last.

The DIR Command

MS-DOS provides a simple command that allows you to look at the directory of any particular disk. This is the DIR command. Enter the command as follows:

The computer will display a listing similar to the following:

Some of the names and symbols may be different, but the screen should show these five columns, and a similar last line.

Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-23

The information presented by the DIR command is as follows:

The filename & extension

The file size (in bytes)

The date the file was created or last updated

The time the file was created or last updated

The number of files listed in the directory

The number of unused bytes of space remaining on the disk

File Searches

You can also use the DIR command to search for specific files

on a disk. To do this, enter the DIR command in the following

format:

For instance, if you want to find the directory entry for a file named “MAYSALES.RFT” on the diskette in drive A, enter the command:

The computer will search the entire directory of the diskette for a file named MAYSALESRPT. If a file is found, it will appear as the only entry in the diskette’s directory. If there is no MAYSALES.RPT file on the diskette, the computer will display:

4-24 Using MS-DOS With Your Computer

Multiple Disk Drive Systems

The DIR command can be used to read the directories of other drives the directory of the B drive, when you are logged onto drive A, enter the command:

your system, if any are installed. For instance, to read

The computer will display the directory of the diskette inserted in the B drive. A similar command:

will cause the computer to display the directory of your hard disk.

Note that in both examples, the A drive remains the default drive. To change the default drive from A to B, and then display a directory listing, enter the command series:

The computer will display the B drive diskette’s directory, then remain logged to the B drive.

Using

MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-25

Wildcards

Quite often, when dealing with disk files, you may find yourself looking through directories for a particular file or group of files. MS-DOS has a way to help you sort out those files you want without having to read through the entire directory listing. This is through the use of “wildcard” characters. Wildcard characters are used to make a single command cover a number of similarly named files.

While MS-DOS provides several wildcard characters, the most one you will be using most often is the asterisk ( * ). The asterisk matches any number of sequential characters in a filename or extension.

For instance, to look at a listing of all the .EXE program files on your main system diskette, enter the command:

This will produce a directory that looks like this:

4-26

Using

MS-DOS With Your Computer

Application Software

Now

that you know how to make backup copies of your diskettes and how to work with MS-DOS, you can proceed to use application software. Most software packages come with detailed instructions for their set-up and use. These instructions will often ask you to use the information in this chapter to find specific files in the disk directories, or back up the master diskettes provided with each package. Most software packages can be backed up simply by using the MS-DOS DISKCOPY command, as described above.

Using

MS-DOS With Your Computer

4-27

Chapter 5

Using Floppy Disks

Description

Your computer works with a large electronic memory array called RAM. This stands for Random Access Memory. Your system’s RAM is actually an array of electronic circuits. As long as the computer is powered up, this circuit array will

“remember” whatever is placed in it. When you turn the power off, however, these circuits will “forget.” Therefore, you need some way of retaining your programs and data after you turn the system off. The most usual way of storing data, at least on DOS-based computer systems, is on floppy disks.

Virtually all commercially available programs are distributed on floppy diskettes. Before you buy an application software package for your computer, you should make sure that it will run under MS-DOS. Products labeled “for IBM PC,” “for IBM PC/AT,” “ run properly. Products intended for other types of computer operating systems, such as CP/M or Apple, will not run on your system.

PC-compatible,” or “MS-DOS-compatible” should

Note If you should accidentally try to run CP/M or Apple software, your computer will inform you that you are using

non-DOS diskettes. This will not damage your computer.

The most frequent use that you will have for diskettes is to save the data, text, files, etc. that you create. You will use diskettes to store your data between sessions on the computer, as well as to back up your valuable software.

Using Floppy Disks

5-1

How Floppy Disks Work

Floppy disks, or diskettes, are made from a flexible plastic that

is coated with a magnetic oxide. The floppy disk drive encodes

this oxide with the data generated by the computer. After you turn your system off, unlike electronic RAM, the encoded oxide retains this data. Your data can then be read by the floppy disk drive at a later time.

The magnetic oxide coating on the floppy disk will hold its encoded data almost indefinitely unless you deliberately erase

it. This is done intentionally when you want to update the

information stored on the diskette.

The plastic disk is safely protected by a thin cardboard jacket. The diskette spins inside this jacket, allowing the entire surface of the diskette to be scanned by the drive’s circuitry. Data is read from or written onto the diskette through the oval-shaped slots in the jacket.

Normally, the computer will write new information onto the

unused space on the diskette. If there is no unused space, your computer will inform you that the disk is full. You can instruct

the computer to write over the information that is already on the diskette. You might do this to update an inventory file, or change an address and phone number in a database.

5-2

Using

Floppy Disks

Formatting Diskettes

When you get a new carton of diskettes, they are not yet ready to be used. First, they must be prepared to accept data. This is called “formatting” the diskette.

MS-DOS uses the same formatting method regardless of the computer used. This is one of the keys to intermachine compatibility. Since all PC-compatible computers use MS-DOS, they can read all disks created by any other PC-compatible machine.

To see what happens when you attempt to use an unformatted disk, insert a new blank diskette into the A drive and close the drive door. Then enter the following command:

Since the new disk hasn’t been formatted yet, your computer cannot read it. After failing three times, your computer will respond:

If you type R (for Retry), or A (for Abort), the computer will attempt to read the diskette again, and will finally display the same message.

Using Floppy Disks

5-3

When you type F (for Failure), the

computer

will automatically

cancel the attempt and will display the following message.

Remove the unformatted disk from the drive.

The FORMAT Command

MS-DOS provides an external command program called FORMAT.COM, that will format your blank diskettes. When running this program, there are options available that allow you to format several different types of diskette.

The following routines will show you how to use the

FORMAT command. These procedures assume that you are

formatting double-sided, high-density, 1.2M-byte diskettes (AT-compatible). Information on formatting 180K-byte and 360K-byte diskette will be discussed under the /l and /4 switch options below.

First, if you have a hard disk installed MS-DOS on your system, then enter:

The computer will load the FORMAT command file into

system memory, then will respond:

5-4

Using Floppy Disks

Insert the new diskette to be formatted and press the ENTER key.

The computer will display:

The formatting process takes a minute or two. The computer will wait until the formatting process is complete, then display:

Press ENTER if you don’t want to have a label of your disk. Then the screen will display the following message.

XXXXXXX bytes total disk space XXXXXXX bytes available on disk

XXX bytes in each allocation unit

XXXXX allocation units available on disk

Volume Serial Number is XXXX-XXXX

Format another (Y/N)?

Don’t be concerned if the message displayed is slightly different from the example. Enter N to return to the system prompt.

The new disk is now formatted and is ready for use. Remove it from the disk

drive

and replace it in its protective envelope.

Using Floppy Disks

5-5

Option Switches

To format 180K-byte sigle-sided, sigle-density diskettes in the

computer’s high capacity disk drive, enter the FORMAT

command using the 11 option switch:

The computer will proceed to format the diskette. Upon

completion, you will see this message:

And the following screen will appear if you press ENTER. (If you want to have a volume label, type the characters and enter.)

5-6

XXXXXXX bytes total disk space XXXXXXX bytes available on disk

XXX bytes in each allocation unit

XXXXX allocation units available on disk

Volume Serial Number is XXXX-XXXX

Format another (Y/N)?

Using Floppy Disks

The /4 option switch

is used to format 360K-byte double-sided,

double-density diskettes in the computer’s high capacity disk

drive. To do this enter the command:

The computer will proceed to format the diskette. Upon

completion, you will see this message:

Press ENTER not to have a label of your disk. Then the screen will display;

XXXXXXX bytes total disk space

XXXXXXX bytes available on disk

XXX bytes In each allocation unit

XXXXX allocation unite available on disk Volume Serial Number is XXXX-XXXX Format another (Y/N)?

Enter N to return to the system prompt. Remove the diskette from the

drive

and place it in its protective envelope.

Using Floppy Disks

5-7

Epson CW3S20C User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Introduction

How to Use This Manual

Unpacking

Choosing a location

Connecting a Monitor

Connecting a Printer, Mouse, or Modem

Using the Parallel Interface

Using the serial Interface

Connecting the Power Cord

Connecting the Keyboard

Adjusting the Keyboard Angle

Turning On the Computer

The Command Prompt

Copying System Diskettes

Resetting Your Computer

Introduction

Using Setup

Entering SETUP

Parameters

Changing the Operating Speed

Special Keys on your Keyboard

Stopping a Command or Program

Using Disks and Disk Drives

How Disks Store Data

Types of Diskette Drives

Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives

Inserting and Removing Diskettes

Write-protecting Diskettes

Using a Single Diskette Drive

Using the Hard Disk Drive

Inserting Diskettes

Disk Drive Letters

Starting MS-DOS

System Prompt

Cursor

MS-DOS Commands

Case Sensitivity

BACKSPACE Key

Default Drive

Copying Your MS-DOS Diskettes

Copying on Single Drive systems

Copying on Dual Drive Systems

FILES

File Types

Filenames and Extensions

Disk Directories

The DIR Command

File Searches

Wildcards

Application Software

Description

How Floppy Disks Work

Formatting Diskettes

The FORMAT Command

Option Switches