Epson Equity 286 PLUS User Manual

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Page 1

EPSON

EQUITY® 286 PLUS

User’s Guide

Page 2

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT FOR AMERICAN USERS

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

used in accordance with the instructions,

generates, uses

and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and

may cause harmful interference to radio or

television reception. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment doss cause interference to radio and 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.

WARNING

The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference levels which exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable with this device. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do not leave cables connected to unused

interfaces.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Epson America, Inc., could void the

user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FOR CANADIAN USERS

This digital apparatus does not exceed the class

B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe B prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édité par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

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EPSON

EQUITY

User’s Guide

286 PLUS

Page 4

IMPORTANT NOTICE

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, by or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or for any indirect, special, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, Epson America assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Further, this publication and features described herein are subject to change

without notice.

TRADEMARKS

Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

Equity is a registered trademark of Epson America, Inc. General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only

and may be trademarks of their respective companies.

Torrance, California

Y727991002

Page 5

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.

Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

Do not use this product near water.

Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are

provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

This product should be operated from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.

This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug.

Do not locate this product where the cord will be walked on.

10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total of the ampere ratings on the products plugged into the extension cord do not exceed the extension cord ampere rating.

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

wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

III

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11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet openings, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a risk of fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

12. Except as specifically explained in the User’s Manual, do not attempt to 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 in those compartments to service personnel.

13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

A. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed. B.

If liquid has been spilled into the product. C. If the product has been exposed to rain or water. D.

If the product does not operate normally when the operating

instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that

are covered by the operating instructions, since improper

adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will

often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal operation.

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.

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Epson® Equity® 286 PLUS

User’s Guide Correction

Please note that the setting of jumper J6 on your computer’s main system board, described on page 5-7, should be as follows:

*Factory setting

Also note that the jumper settings described on page D-6 should be reversed. To disable the

password function, set jumper J6 to position

B. To enable the password function, set jumper J6 to position A. On pages 5-13 through 5-17, the illustrations and descriptions of

your computer’s option slots indicate that the 8-bit slot is slot number 1 and that the 16-bit slots are numbers 2 through 4. The

8-bit option slot is actually slot number 4 and the 16-bit slots are slot numbers 1 through 3. Please keep this in mind as you read these pages.

Epson is a Equity

registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

is a registered trademark of Epson America,

Inc.

Page 8

Introduction

Optional Equipment Operating Systems and Other Software How to Use This Manual Where to Get Help

Chapter 1

1 Choosing a Location 2 Removing the Protector Card. 3 Connecting a Monitor

Using the VGA Interface

Using a Display Adapter Card

4 Connecting a Printer or Other Device

Using the Parallel Interface Using the Serial Interface.

5 Connecting the Keyboard.

Setting Up Your System

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1 2 3 4

l-l

1-3

l-4

l-7 1-8 1-8 1-11 1-12

6 Connecting the Mouse 7 Connecting the Power Cord. 8 Turning On the Computer

Turning Off the Computer.

Chapter 2

Starting the SETUP Program

Selecting Options Setting the Date and Time Setting the Diskette Drive(s)

Running the SETUP Program

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1-13 1-15 1-16 1-18

2-2 2-3 2-3 2-4

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Setting the Hard Disk Drive(s) .........................

Hard Disk Drive Types

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2-5 2-5

Setting the Primary Display Type .......................

Setting the Keyboard Test Function. Setting the Shadow RAM.

Setting the CPU Clock Speed EMS Size.. Setting the Password

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Changing or Deleting a Password ...................

Setting the Built-in Interfaces. .........................

Setting the Parallel Interface

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Setting the Serial Interface. .......................

Setting the Disk Drive Controllers.

Saving Your Settings

Chapter 3

Using Your Computer

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Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System .........

2-8 2-9 2-10

2-10 2-11 2-12 2-13 2-14 2-14 2-15 2-15 2-16

3-1

Special Keys on the Keyboard ..........................

Stopping a Command or Program. ......................

Resetting the Computer Using a Password

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Using Disks and Disk Drives.

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How Disks Store Data. ...........................

Types of Diskette Drives. .........................

Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives Write-protecting Diskettes

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Using a Single Diskette Drive System

Inserting and Removing Diskettes Formatting Diskettes.

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Making Backup Copies. ..........................

Using a Hard Disk Drive. .........................

3-2 3-4 3-4 3-6 3-7 3-7 3-9 3-11 3-13 3-15 3-16 3-18 3-18 3-19

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Chapter 4

Enhancing System Operations

Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files. Changing the Processor Speed

Entering Keyboard Commands.

Using the ESPEED Program.

Using Expanded Memory Beyond 1MB

Modifying the CONFIG.SYS File

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Using the VGA Utilities..............................

Copying the Utility Files Using VGAMODE

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Using SETVGA................................

Using SNOOZE

Chapter 5

Installing and Removing Options

Removing the Cover Changing the Jumper Settings

Setting the Jumpers.

Replacing the Battery

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4-l 4-2 4-4 4-5 4-7 4-8 4-10 4-11 4-13

4-17

4-18

5-2 5-5 5-6 5-8

Installing an Option Card Removing an Option Card Removing the Subassembly. Adding Memory Modules

Installing Memory Modules

Removing Memory Modules.

Installing a Math Coprocessor. Removing a Math Coprocessor. Replacing the Subassembly Replacing the Cover

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Post-installation Setup for Memory Cards

Using the CORFIX Program

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Post-installation Setup...............................

5-12 5-17

5-18 5-22 5-23 5-26 5-29 5-33 5-33 5 -41 5-42 5-43 5-44

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Appendix A

Specifications

CPU and Memory Controllers.

Interfaces

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Power Supply. Mass Storage

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Keyboard..........................................

Environmental Requirements Physical Characteristics.

Appendix B

Installing and Removing Disk Drives

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Using the Correct Drive Bay. How to Use This Appendix

Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers

Setting the Jumpers for Two Hard Disk Drives Changing the Jumper Settings

Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Position.

Removing the Mounting Frames From the Drive Removing and Attaching the Mounting Plate

Installing the Drive

Connecting the Hard Disk Drive Cables

Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position

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A-l A-2 A-2 A-3

A-3 A-4 A-4

A-4

B-2 B-3 B-4 B-4 B-5

B-7 B-8

B-10

B-12 B-18 B-24

Installing or Removing a Disk Drive in the

Horizontal Position

Removing the Subassembly

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Installing a Disk Drive in the Horizontal Position. Replacing the Drive on the Subassembly. Removing a Disk Drive From the Horizontal Position . .

Replacing the Subassembly.

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viii

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B-27

B-28 B-33 B-41 B-43 B-46

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Appendix C

Performing System Diagnostics

Starting the Diagnostics Program The Main Menu Screen

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Setting the Run Time Parameters.

Error Logging

Selecting Diagnostic Tests

Selecting Multiple Tests Running the Tests Memory Diagnostics Hard Disk Diagnostics.

HardDiskParameters..

Hard Disk Format

Media Analysis

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Performance Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-18

SeekTest Read/Verify Test

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Check Test Cylinder. ............................

Force Bad Tracks. Hard Disk Error Messages

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. .

C-2

C-4 C-6 C-8 C-8 C-10 C-I 2 C-12

C-13 C-16 C-17

C-18

C-18 C-19 C-19 C-19

Floppy Disk Diagnostics

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Performing the Tests. Floppy Disk Error Messages.

Miscellaneous Diagnostics.

Printer Adapter Test. Communication Adapter Test

Exiting System Diagnostics

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C-20 C-21 C-22 C-23 C-23 C-24 C-25

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Appendix D Troubleshooting

Identifying Your System

Error Messages

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The Computer Won’t Start.

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The Computer Does Not Respond

Password Problems

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Accessing Your Current Password Keyboard Problems Monitor Problems

Diskette Problems Diskette Drive Problems

Hard Disk Problems

Installing the Drive Preparing the Drive

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Accessing Data on the Drive Software Problems Printer Problems Option Card Problems. Mouse Problems Memory Module Problems Battery Problems Math Coprocessor Problems

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D-l D-2 D-3 D-4

D-5 D-6 D-7 D-8 D-9 D-11 D-12 D-13 D-14 D-15

D-16 D-17 D-18 D-19 D-19 D-20 D-20

Glossary

Index

Page 14

Introduction

The Epson® Equity® 286 PLUS is a high-performance personal

computer which offers exceptional speed and convenience in a compact design. The computer’s 12 MHz 80286 microprocessor makes all your programs run faster, even when supporting multitasking operations.

Your system includes 1MB of internal memory, a built-in VGA

(video graphics array) display adapter, built-in parallel and serial interfaces, an IBM®PS/2™ compatible mouse port, and four

standard option slots (three 16-bit and one 8-bit). These

interfaces allow you to connect most of your peripheral devices directly to the computer, so you do not have to install option cards. You can use the option slots to install additional devices, such as a modem or a network card.

Your computer can support up to three internal drives: either two diskette drives and one hard disk drive, or one diskette drive and two hard disk drives.

The Equity 286 PLUS also offers shadow RAM to speed up

processing by moving the ROM BIOS and the video ROM into the RAM area of memory. This allows the computer to access

information and display text and graphics on the screen faster.

Optional Equipment

You can easily upgrade your computer by installing additional

memory and adding just about any optional device that is compatible with the IBM Personal Computer, PC XT,“’ or PC AT.™

Introduction I

Page 15

By adding memory modules to the main system board, you can expand the computer’s memory up to 5MB. Memory modules are efficient because they eliminate the need to use one of your option slots to add memory to your system. Your computer can

also access memory installed on memory modules faster than memory installed on an option card. You can add a memory card, however, if you want to expand your memory up to 16MB.

You may also want to install an 80287 math coprocessor in your computer to speed up mathematical calculations in certain application programs. Check with your authorized Epson dealer to see which options are available.

Operating Systems and Other Software

You probably have a version of MS-DOS® to use with your’ Equity 286 PLUS. Epson has enhanced MS-DOS by adding two time-saving utilities-HELP and MENU-that make it easier to use. The HELP program lets you display information on the screen about any MS-DOS command. MENU provides an easy way to run many of these commands.

Note MS-DOS is not the only operating system you can use with your computer. You can run practically any operating system

compatible with MS-DOS, OS/2, Unix® or XENIX® If you use another operating system, however, refer to the documentation that came with it to install and run it on your

computer.

You can use virtually any application program designed for the

IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, or compatible computers on your Equity 286 PLUS.

Page 16

Epson has included special VGA utilities that you can use with your built-inVGA adapter. These utilities provide 132-column text mode and emulation of different adapter types, as well as a program to turn off your display automatically when you’re not using it.

How to Use This Manual

This manual explains how to set up and operate your

computer, install options, and run diagnostics checks. Although the illustrations show a computer with a 51/4-inch diskette drive, instructions are included for using a 31/2-inch drive.

Note

This manual covers basic operating instructions for using your

computer, but does not explain how to use MS-DOS. See your MS-DOS manuals for comprehensive instructions on installing and using the operating system.

You do not need to read everything in this book; see the following chapter summaries.

Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting up your system. On the back cover foldout are illustrations identifying the different parts of your computer; refer to these as you set up your system.

Chapter 2 describes how to run the SETUP program to define your computer’s configuration. Do this before you use your

computer. You may need to do it again later, if you change the configuration.

Chapter 3 provides instructions for important operating procedures, such as using and caring for disks and disk drives.

Chapter 4 describes specialized features you can use to enhance your system’s performance.

Introduction 3

Page 17

Chapter 5 describes some of the options you can use in your computer and contains instructions for removing the cover, setting jumpers, replacing the battery, and installing options.

Appendix A gives the technical specifications for the computer.

Appendix B describes how to install and remove a hard disk or diskette drive.

Appendix C outlines the system diagnostics checks. If you are having trouble with any part of the hardware, you may want to run some of these.

Appendix D contains troubleshooting tips. At the end of the manual, you’ll find a glossary and an index.

Where to Get Help

Customer support and service for Epson products are provided by

a network of authorized Epson dealers and Customer Care Centers throughout the United States. Epson America provides product information and support to its dealers and Customer Care Centers.

Therefore, we ask that you contact the business where you purchased your Epson product to request assistance. If the people there do not have the answer to your question, they can obtain

it through our toll-free dealer support program. Epson is

confident that this policy will provide you with the assistance you need.

Call the Epson Consumer Information Center at

(213) 782-2600 for the location of your nearest Epson dealer or

Customer Care Center. To locate or purchase accessories or

supplies, contact your Epson dealer.

4 lntroduction

Page 18

Chapter

Setting Up Your System

Setting up your Equity 286 PLUS personal computer is easy.

Just follow the eight steps in this chapter. As you set up your

computer, you may want to leave this manual’s back cover foldout open so you can refer to the illustrations identifying the different parts.

Note The illustrations in this manual show the computer with a 5 1/4-inch diskette drive. If your system has a M-inch diskette drive instead, and you need additional instructions, see Chapter 3 when necessary.

Choosing a Location

Setting Up Your System

1-1

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Before you set up your computer, it’s important to choose a safe,

convenient location that provides the following:

A large, sturdy desk or table. The surface should be strong enough to easily support the weight of your system and all of

its components. Select a location that allows plenty of space

so you can work comfortably.

A flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces like beds and carpeted floors attract static electricity, which can 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 and behind it. Leave several inches of space around the computer.

Moderate environmental conditions. Protect your computer from extremes in temperature, humidity, dust, and smoke. Avoid direct sunlight or any other source of heat. High humidity also hinders operation, so select a cool, dry area.

Appropriate power sources. To prevent static charges,

connect all your equipment to three-prong, 120-volt grounded outlets. You need one outlet for the computer, one

for the monitor, and additional outlets for a printer and any

other peripheral devices.

No electromagnetic interference. Locate your system away

from any electrical device, such as a telephone, which

generates an electromagnetic field.

1-2

Setting Up Your System

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3 Removing the Protector Card

If you have a 5 1/4-inch diskette drive, there is a protector card in

the diskette slot. This card is inserted at the factory to protect the read/write heads in the drive. To remove it, flip the latch up to pop the card out part way, then pull it out, as shown below.

(If you have a second 5 1/4-inch diskette drive, be sure to remove the protector card from that drive as well.)

Save the protector card. If you transport your computer, you may want to insert the card into your diskette drive prior to shipping. This will protect the read/write heads during the shipping process.

Setting Up Your System

I -3

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Connecting a Monitor

The procedure you use to connect your monitor to the computer depends on the type of monitor you have. If you have a VGA monitor (or a multi-frequency monitor with an analog

connector), you can connect it to the computer’s built-in VGA port. See “Using the VGA Interface” below. If you have any other type of monitor, see “Using a Display Adapter Card”

below.

Using the VGA Interface

Follow these steps to connect your VGA monitor to the VGA

port on the computer:

Make sure your monitor is turned off.

1. Place your monitor on top of or near the computer. For easy

2. access, turn the monitor and computer around so the backs of both components are facing you.

If necessary, connect the monitor cable to the monitor.

3. (Your monitor may have a permanently attached cable.)

1-4

Setting Up Your System

Page 22

Examine the connector end of the monitor cable, and position the plug to match the orientation of the monitor port (marked with a monitor icon). Then insert the plug

into the port (the connector should fit in easily when properly oriented), as shown below.

retaining screws

Caution

To avoid damaging the connector, take care not to bend

the pins when inserting the plug.

If the connector has retaining screws, tighten them by hand or with a screwdriver, depending on the screw type.

Setting Up Your System

1-5

Page 23

Plug the monitor power cord into the monitor’s power inlet, as shown below.

Plug the other end of the power cord into an electrical outlet.

1-6

Setting Up, Your System

Page 24

Using a Display Adapter Card

If you are using a non-VGA monitor, you’ll need to install a

display adapter (video) card in one of the computer’s option

slots before you can connect the monitor. (Your dealer may have already installed the video card for you.)

If the video card has not yet been installed, you’ll need to follow the instructions in Chapter 5 to install an option card. But first, check the following table to make sure your display adapter card and monitor are properly matched.

Monitor/video card compatibility

Monitor Monochrome

Color or EGA

EGA cards support only EGA monitors;

Video card

Monochrome display adapter (MDA) Multi-mode graphics adapter (MGA) Enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) Hercules@ graphics card

Color graphics adapter (CGA) Multi-mode graphics adapter (MGA) Enhanced graphics adapter (EGA);

When you are installing the video card, check to make sure any

switches or jumpers on the card are set properly. For example, you may need to change a switch setting to select color or monochrome. See the documentation that came with your

monitor or video card for instructions.

Setting Up Your System

1-7

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Note

If you install a display adapter card, you must set jumper J3 on the main system board to disable the built-in VGA interface

so that your card can operate as the primary display adapter. You may also need to set jumper J5 to indicate whether a color or monochrome monitor is installed. See Chapter 5 for instructions on changing jumper settings.

Once you have installed your video card, return to this section to connect your monitor to the computer. If your monitor came with its own manual, follow the instructions there. Otherwise, you can follow the steps in “Using the VGA Interface” above; just insert your monitor connector into the video card port

instead of the built-in VGA port.

Connecting a Printer or Other Device

Your computer has both parallel and serial interfaces. TO

connect a printer or other peripheral device to one of these interfaces, follow the instructions below. Of course, Epson offers a full range of printers; ask your dealer for more information.

Using the Parallel Interface

The parallel interface on your computer is Centronic

compatible and uses a DB-25S connector. To connect your printer and computer, you need an IBM

compatible printer cable. If you are not sure which one you

need, check with your Epson dealer.

1-8

Setting Up Your System

Page 26

Once you have the correct printer cable, follow these steps:

Place the printer next to the computer with the back panels

of both components facing you.

One end of the printer cable has a 25-pin, D-shell

connector. Position the plug to match the orientation of the parallel interface (marked with a special icon). Then insert the connector into the port, as shown below. If the plug has

retaining screws, tighten them by hand or with a screwdriver, depending on the screw type.

retaining screws

Setting Up Your System

l-9

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Connect the other end of the cable to the printer, as shown below. To secure the cable, squeeze the clips at each side of the printer port and push them into place.

Plug the printer’s power cord into a three-prong, 120-volt,

grounded electrical outlet.

1-10

Setting Up Your System

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Using the Serial Interface

If you have a printer, a modem, or other peripheral device with a serial interface, you can connect it to the serial (RS-232C) port on the back of the computer.

The serial port uses a DB-9P connector, so be sure you have a

compatible cable. To connect a serial device, follow the same steps as above for connecting a parallel device but insert the connector into the serial port, marked with a special icon, as shown below.

Note

You need to ensure that the serial port is set up so it functions

properly. If you are using the port for a serial printer, you need to redirect printer output to the serial port instead of the parallel port. To do this, you can use the MS-DOS MODE or SETMODE command or the MENU utility. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions.

Setting Up Your System

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Connecting the Keyboard

Follow these steps to connect the keyboard:

Hold the keyboard cable connector so the indicator on the housing faces up. Insert the plug into the appropriate socket, marked with a keyboard icon, as shown below.

keyboard connector

Caution

Although the keyboard and mouse connectors are physically identical, they cannot be used interchangeably.

Be sure to insert the keyboard plug into the keyboard socket.

1-12 Setting Up Your System

Page 30

You can raise the keyboard by adjusting the legs on the bottom. To change the angle of the keyboard, turn it over and flip each leg upward until it locks into place, as shown below.

Connecting the Mouse

Your computer has an auxiliary port for an IBM PS/2 compatible mouse that uses a miniature DIN (60pin) connector.

If you have purchased a mouse with this type of connector, you can connect it to the built-in port on your computer. If you have another kind of mouse that requires a different interface port,

you need to install the option card to provide the interface. To connect a mouse to the built-in mouse port, hold the mouse

plug so it is oriented properly with the computer socket. Insert the plug into the appropriate socket, marked with a mouse icon, as shown in the following illustration.

Setting Up Your System

1-13

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mouse connector

Caution

Although the mouse and keyboard connectors are physically

identical, they cannot be used interchangeably. Be sure to insert the mouse plug into the mouse port.

Once you have connected a mouse, you may need to add

commands to your MS-DOS CONFIG.SYS file to enable your computer to use a mouse. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual and the manual that came with your mouse for instructions.

Note

If you want to use a mouse or other pointing device connected to a port on an option card in your computer, you can disable the built-in mouse connector by changing the setting of jumper J4. See Chapter 5 for instructions.

1-14 Setting Up Your System

Page 32

Connecting the Power Cord

Follow these steps to connect the power cord:

Plug the power cord into the AC power inlet on the back

panel, as shown below.

WARNING

To, avoid an electric shock, be sure to plug the cord into the computer before plugging it into the wall socket.

Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-prong, 120-volt, grounded electrical outlet.

Setting Up Your System

1-15

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Turning On the Computer

After you set up your system, you’re ready to turn on the power. But first, read the following safety rules to avoid accidentally damaging your computer or injuring yourself:

Do not unplug cables from the computer when the power is

on. Never turn on the computer with a protector card in the

diskette drive.

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.

Always wait at least five seconds after you turn off the power

before you turn 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.

Always turn off the power, disconnect the computer’s power cord, and wait five seconds before you remove the cover. Only remove the cover to access optional devices, change jumper settings, or replace the battery.

Follow these steps to turn on your system:

Make sure the power cord is plugged into the AC power

inlet on the back panel of the computer and into a three-

prong, 120-volt, grounded electrical outlet.

Turn your computer around so the front panel faces you and

1 -16

place your other system components in an arrangement that suits you. (See step 1, “Choosing a Location,” for a typical

arrangement.)

Setting Up Your System

Page 34

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

To turn on the computer, press the power button located on the right side of the front panel, as shown below.

power button

The power indicator next to the button lights up. After a few seconds, the computer counts the amount of memory in your

computer, and then performs a diagnostic 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 necessary, use the controls on your monitor to adjust the brightness and contrast until characters on the screen are clear and at a comfortable level of intensity. If your monitor has horizontal and vertical hold controls, you may need to use them

to stabilize the display.

Note

If you or your dealer have made a major change to your

system, such as adding a disk drive, you may need to wait several minutes for your computer to complete power-on diagnostics the first time you turn it on.

Setting Up Your System

1-17

Page 35

When the system has successfully completed its self test, you see

the following prompt:

Press <Del> to start SETUP

Do not press any key yet. If MS-DOS has already been installed

on your system, you’ll see a prompt to enter the date. (For

information about loading the operating system, see your

MS-DOS Installation Guide or Reference Manual.) If there is no operating system on your computer, you see an

error message. Ignore the message for now. Follow the

instructions below to turn off the computer and then go on to

Chapter 2 for instructions on running the SETUP program.

Note

If your computer’s configuration does not match the information stored in the computer’s CMOS RAM (defined through the SETUP program) you see an error message and a prompt to press the F1 key. Press F1 to continue. You need to run the SETUP program to correct the information. See Chapter 2 for instructions.

Turning Off the Computer

When you are ready to turn off your system, reverse the

sequence of steps you followed to turn it on. Turn off the computer first, then turn off the monitor and any peripheral devices.

Now go on to Chapter 2 and follow the instructions to run the SETUP program.

1-18 Setting Up Your System

Page 36

Chapter 2

Running the SETUP Program

When you use your computer for the first time, you need to run the SETUP program to define how your system is set up. This is a simple procedure which you must do at least once. You may need to do it again later if you change some part of your configuration.

The SETUP program is stored in the computer’s read-only memory (ROM), so you can run the program any time you turn on or reset your computer. You do not need to insert a diskette or access the hard disk.

SETUP lets you verify or change the following:

Current date and time

Type of diskette drives(s) installed

Type of hard disk drive(s) installed

Type of video display adapter you are using

Keyboard testing function

Shadow RAM function

CPU clock speed

EMS size

Password feature

Built-in interface settings.

Running the Setup Program

2-1

Page 37

The configuration you define through SETUP is stored in a special area of memory called CMOS RAM. This memory is backed up by a battery, so it will not be erased when you turn off or reset the computer. Whenever you reboot the computer, it

checks the settings, and if it discovers a difference between the

information in the CMOS RAM and your system’s configuration, it prompts you to run SETUP. You see a message such as the following:

CMOS memory size mismatch RUN SETUP UTILITY Press <Fl> to RESUME

Press Fl to run SETUP and correct the setting.

Starting the SETUP Program

the diskette drive; then turn on your computer. (If the computer

reset it.) After the computer completes its self test, you see the following

prompt:

As soon as you see this message, press the press Del within five seconds, the computer starts loading the operating system and you will not be able to run SETUP. If this

You see the following options:

start the SETUP program, make sure there is no diskette in

is already on, press the

RESET

button on the front panel to

Press <Del> to start SETUP

happens, reset the computer and try again.

Del

key. If you do not

2-2

Start operating system

Run SETUP

Running the Setup Program

Page 38

The first option is highlighted. Press

”

to highlight

Run

SETUP,

e screen.

The menu automatically displays the base memory size, the

extended memory size, and whether a math coprocessor (numeric processor) is installed. Additionally, the SETUP menu lists the parameters you can change.

and then press

Selecting Options

A solid cursor bar highlights the parameter currently selected. You can scroll through the parameters using the four arrow keys

(

‘ , ’ , “ , ”

press available options.

An information window appears at the bottom of the menu; it

Page Up

Enter.

). When you reach a parameter you want to change,

Page Down

The SETUP menu appears on

to display and select the

describes the options available or any other keys to press to change the highlighted configuration parameter.

The rest of this chapter describes how to choose the correct

SETUP parameters for your system.

Setting the Date and Time

The real-time clock in your computer continously tracks the date and time-even when the computer is turned off. Once you set the date and time using the SETUP program, you should not need to change either parameter, except to adjust the time for daylight savings, if necessary. (The computer automatically

changes the date for leap years.) The current month is highlighted and a calendar on the right

side of the screen shows all the days for the month. The current day is flashing. Press correct month, day, and year.

Page Up

Page Down

Running the Setup Program

to select the

2-3

Page 39

To change the time, move the cursor to the next line and press

Page Up

according to a 24-hour clock. For example, 5 p.m. would be hour

17. You cannot set the number of seconds.

Page Down

to enter the correct hour and minutes

Setting the Diskette Drive(s)

Your system probably came with one diskette drive installed. You may have added another drive or replaced the existing drive with one of a different size or capacity. The SETUP menu offers five possible selections for your diskette drives (A and B):

1.2MB 51/4-inch

D 360KB 51/4-inch

1.44MB 31/2-inch

72OKB

Not installed.

Check the settings displayed for both drives and correct them if necessary. (If you have only one diskette drive, select Not

installed

Note

If you do not know the capacity of your diskette drive, ask your dealer.

31/2-inch

for drive B.)

Running the Setup

Program

Page 40

Setting the Hard Disk Drive(s)

The SETUP program lets you select the type of hard disk drive(s) installed in your computer. If you have two hard disk drives, the first one is C and the second one is D. Be sure to choose the correct setting for both drives.

Follow these guidelines:

If your system does not have a hard disk, select

installed

disk drive, select If your computer came with an Epson 40MB hard disk drive

(or if you install this drive yourself), select number 17 for

drive C. If you have installed another type of hard disk drive, you

need to select the drive type number that matches your drive. See “Hard Disk Drive Types” below.

for drives C and D. If you have only one hard

Not

Hard Disk Drive Types

If you have installed a hard disk in your computer that is not the standard Epson 40MB drive (type 17), you need to select the correct type number to match your drive.

installed

for drive D.

Not

The following table lists the types of standard hard disk drives you can use in your computer. Check this table and the documentation supplied with your hard disk to find the correct type number for your drive. (Your drive’s documentation should list all the parameters necessary to identify it using this table.) If none of the types listed match your drive, see “Defining your own drive type,” below.

Running the Setup Program

2-5

Page 41

Hard disk drive types

2-6

Running the Setup Program

Page 42

Hard disk drive types (continued)

Defining your own drive type

if the parameters listed for your hard disk (in the documentation that came with it) do not match any of the types listed in the table above, you can define your own type using the SETUP program. Follow these steps:

With

the cursor at the Hard disk type option,press

Page Up

you come to 47

Use the numeric keys to enter the appropriate values for the

parameters listed:

Page Down

= USER TYPE.

to scroll through the types until

Cyln Head WPcom LZone Set Size

Cyln = the number of cylinders on the disk. Head = the number of read/write heads in the drive. WPcom = the precompensation cylinder.

LZone = the landing zone (the area on which the computer parks the heads when you run the HDSIT program).

Set = the number of sectors on the disk.

Size = the total amount of storage capacity for the disk.

Running the Setup Program

2-7

Page 43

Press number, the computer beeps and does not go on to the next parameter. Check your drive documentation and try again. You

Enter

after typing each number. If you enter an invalid

do not enter a value for based on the other numbers you have provided.

Size

; SETUP does this automatically

Setting the Primary Display Type

This option lets you define the type of adapter you are using in

your computer for your primary display device:

VGA or EGA

Color 80 x 25

Monochrome

Color 40 X 25.

Note that this option defines the display adapter (the built-in

video port or optional video interface card in your computer), not the monitor connected to it.

If you have connected your monitor to the computer’s built-in

VGA port, select

guidelines to select the correct adapter type:

If you have a color graphics adapter (CGA) or a multi-mode graphics adapter (MGA) attached to an RGB (color) monitor, select

color/mono switch on the MGA card to color.)

If you have a monochrome display adapter (MDA) , an MGA, or a Hercules MGA attached to a monochrome

monitor, choose

color/mono switch on the MGA card to mono.)

VGA or EGA.

Co1or

x2 5. (Also be sure to set the

Monochrome.

Otherwise, follow these

(Also remember to

set

the

2-8 Running the Setup Program

Page 44

If you have a composite color monitor, such as a color

television with a video input, try selecting CO1or

80x25.

run SETUP again and select

If you have two display adapters of different types, select the setting for the one you want to be your primary display adapter. The other one is your secondary adapter. A message appears at power-on telling you whether you are currently using your primary or secondary adapter.

Note If you have installed an EGA or VGA display adapter card, or another type of card that you want to be the primary display adapter, you must set jumper J3 on the main system board to

disable the built-in VGA interface.

You also may need to set jumper J5 to tell the computer the type of monitor you are using: either monochrome or color. If

you have two types of cards, set the jumper to match the

YOU

find that the monitor’s resolution is poor,

Color

40x25.

monitor that is your primary display. See Chapter 5 for

instructions on changing jumper settings.

Setting the Keyboard Test Function

There are two options for the keyboard: Installed or Not installed. Select the keyboard each time you turn it on or reset it. Select Not

insta1led

test.

Ins t

if you want the computer to skip the keyboard

a 11 ed if you want the computer to test

Running the Setup Program

2-9

Page 45

Setting the Shadow RAM

Your computer can access RAM (random access memory) faster

than ROM (read-only memory). The Shadow RAM feature enables the Equity 286 PLUS to copy the contents of its system BIOS and/or video ROM into RAM so it can perform certain

operations faster. It uses the RAM memory between the first 640KB and 1MB.

The SETUP Shadow RAM option lets you choose what to place

in the shadow RAM area:

System

Video

System and video

None.

Select System+Video unless you have installed a memory card or video card that provides its own shadow RAM (in which case you can select just None if you do not want to use the Shadow RAM function

Setting

This option lets you set the speed at which your computer’s processor operates:

High speed (12 MHz)

Low speed (6 MHz)

the

CPU

System

or just

Clock Speed

Video ).

Select

2-10

Auto speed.

When it is running at high speed, the TURBO indicator on the

front panel is illuminated.

Running the Setup Program

Page 46

At high speed, it can access memory faster, so your programs work faster.

unless you are using an application program that requires the slower speed. Some programs (especially older ones) have specific timing requirements when accessing diskettes. Check your application program manual.

You can also set the processor to change speed automatically. This enables the computer to switch to low speed whenever it needs to access a diskette drive but run at high speed for all other operations.

YOU

should use high speed for everything you do

Select or automatically when necessary.

You may not want to use &automatic setting for certain

Speed” in Chapter 4 for more information.

In addition to selecting the default operating speed through SETUP, you can change the speed temporarily by giving a keyboard command or by running the ESPEED program. See “Changing the Processor Speed” in Chapter 4 for more information.

High

Auto

Note

copy-protected programs. See “changing the Processor

speed for 12 MHz,

speed

to have the computer switch to low speed

Low speed

for 6 MHZ,

EMS Size

This option lets you specify how much of your total extended memory you want the computer to use as expanded memory. Expanded memory can be used by application programs conforming to the Lotus®/Intel®/Microsoft® Expanded Memory Specification (LIM EMS), such as Windows/286. The Equity 286 PLUS is compatible with version 4.0 of the LIM EMS.

Running the Setup Program

2-11

Page 47

If you have not installed any additional memory in your computer (beyond the IMB of on-board memory) , there is no memory available for you to use as expanded memory.

If you have installed more memory, the total amount appears in the information window; you can define how much you want to use as expanded memory in units of 5 12KB. For example, if you

have installed an additional 1MB of memory, for a system total of 2MB, you can specify either 512KB or 1024KB to be expanded memory.

Once you have defined the amount of expanded memory

through SETUP, you must also use a memory manager to convert the computer’s extended memory to expanded. See “Using Expanded Memory Beyond 1MB” in Chapter 4.

Setting the Password

The SETUP program lets you set a password to control who can use your system. This is an optional feature, and if you do not want to define a password for your computer’ skip this section.

Once you set a password through SETUP, you must enter it every time you turn on your computer or reset it by pressing the

RESET button. If you do not enter it correctly, the computer

does not respond to your keyboard entries. Therefore’ if you define a password, be sure to remember it or write it down and keep it in a safe place.

To set a password, move the cursor to the Next to it, you see either an empty space or the words Not

ins t a 11 e d

password, you see the current password.) If

. (If you have already run SETUP and entered a

Password

Not

installed

option.

2-12

appears, press space.

Running the Setup Program

Page Up

Page Down

to display the blank

Page 48

Now type the password you want to use. You can type up to eight characters using the letter or number keys, in upper- or

lowercase. For example, you could enter the following as your

password:

123aBc!

YOU

can use the backspace key to correct mistakes. After you

type

the password you want, press

Note

Be sure to remember the password you enter or write it down and keep it in a safe place. If you cannot remember it, you will not be able to access the computer the next time you turn it on. If you forget your password, however, there is a way to disable the function. See "Password Problems” in Appendix D for more information.

Changing or Deleting a Password

If you want to change the current password, use the backspace key

erase

To delete the password, press display

Not installed.

it,

and

then type

the new one and press

Page Up

Enter.

Page Down

Running the Setup Program

2-13

Page 49

Setting the Built-in Interfaces

This option lets you define how the following built-in interfaces

in your computer operate:

Parallel port (LPT1 , LPT2, LPT3)

Serial port (COMl or COM2)

Hard disk drive controller (HDC)

Floppy disk drive controller (FDC).

Read the following descriptions to make sure the settings are

correct.

Setting the Parallel Interface

The built-in parallel port in your computer is set to act as the primary port (LPTl). If you install an option card that provides an additional parallel interface’ you may need to select LPT2 or LPT3 for the built-in port. Follow these guidelines:

If you are using only the built-in port, select select LPTl if you have installed an additional port but want to keep the built-in port the primary adapter.

If you have installed an additional port that is pre-set to act as the primary port or one that you want to be the primary port, select

IBM monochrome adapter/parallel interface card, the parallel port on the card must be the primary adapter and

you need to select LPT2 for the built-in port.

If you have installed two additional parallel ports and you

want them to be the primary and secondary ports, select

LPT2

. For example, if you have installed an

LP T 1 .

Also

2-14

LPT3.

Running the Setup Program

Page 50

If you have installed three additional parallel ports and you

do not want to use the built-in port, select

Note Be sure to also set any jumpers on the card(s) you install to

indicate how you want the port to be recognized (LPTl,

LPT2, or LPT3).

Setting the Serial Interface

The built-in serial port in your computer is set to act as the primary port (COMl). If you install an option card that provides an additional serial interface, that port automatically becomes a secondary port (COM2). However, if you want the secondary port to act as the primary, you need to select COM2 for the built-in port.

Disable.

If you install a card (or cards) that provide two additional serial ports and you want them to act as the primary and secondary ports, you need to select

Note

Be sure to also set any jumper (s) on the card(s) you install to indicate whether you want the port(s) to be primary or secondary.

Disab1e

Setting the Disk Drive Controllers

If you are using the standard drives that came with your computer’ the hard disk drive controller (HDC) and diskette drive controller (FDC) should be set to

However, if you install an option card that provides a controller

for the built-in port.

Enab1e .

for a diskette drive or hard disk drive, you need to disable the built-in controller.

Running the Setup Program

2-15

Page 51

Saving Your Settings

After you have made your selections for SETUP, press ESC to exit. You see the following prompt:

Save SETUP configuration (Y/N)?

Press ESC to return to the menu to make corrections. Press Y

and Enter to save the settings in the CMOS RAM. Press N and

Enter to exit SETUP without saving your changes.

If you saved your changes, the SETUP program resets your system and the computer runs through its power-on diagnostic tests. Then you see the prompt to press Del if you want to run SETUP.

If something is wrong, however, you see an error message and prompt to run SETUP. Follow the instructions on the screen to

run SETUP again to correct it. (You may need to reset the

computer.) If you have just run SETUP for the first time, the next thing you

need to do is install MS-DOS on your computer. See your MS-DOS Installation Guide for instructions. (If you are using a different operating system, follow the installation instructions provided with it.)

2- 16

Running the Setup Program

Page 52

Chapter 3

Using Your Computer

This chapter briefly describes the following procedures for using your computer:

Installing MS-DOS or another operating system

Using special keys on the keyboard

Stopping a command or program

Resetting the computer

Using a password

Using disks and disk drives.

Installing MS-DOS or Another Operating System

After you connect the components of your system and run the

SETUP program, you must install the operating system on your computer. If you are installing MS-DOS, follow the instructions in your MS-DOS Installation Guide. If you are installing another operating system, such as MS OS/2 or Unix, see the

manual that comes with that system for instructions on

installing and using it. The procedures in this manual assume that you are using MS-DOS with your computer.

Note

Be sure to make backup copies of your original operating

system diskettes.

Using Your computer

3-1

Page 53

Special Keys on the Keyboard

Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when your computer is running MS-DOS or application programs. The keyboard layout is shown below, and the special keys are described in the table.

function keys

Key functions

Key

Tab I Tab

Caps Lock

Shift

Ctrl

‘

’

Purpose Moves the cursor one tab to the right in normal

mode and one tab to the left in Shift mode. 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 and the symbol keys in the main part of the keyboard are not affected.

Produces uppercase characters or the top symbols on the keys when used with the main character keys. Produces lowercase

characters when the Caps Lock function is on.

Works with other keys to perform special

(control) functions, such as editing operations in MS-DOS and various application programs.

3-2

Using Your Computer

Page 54

Key functions (continued)

Key Atl

‘

Backspace

8 8

Enter

Insert (Ins)

Delete (Del)

Home, End Page UP PgUp)

Page Down (PgDn)

“”‘’

Num Lock

Purpose

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. Turns the Insert function on and off.

Deletes the character marked by the cursor. Control cursor location.

Changes the function of the numeric/cursor keys from entering numbers to positioning the cursor; changes back when pressed again.

ESC

Fl-F12

Print Screen SYS Rq

Scroll Lock

Pause Break

The

Caps Lock, Num Lock,

Cancels the current command line or

operation. Perform special functions within application

programs. Prints the screen display on a line printer. Generates the System Request function in

some application programs (used with Alt).

Controls scrolling in some applications.

Suspends the current operation.

Terminates the current operation (when used

with Ctrl).

and

Scroll 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 in the upper right comer of the keyboard is on.

Using Your Computer 3-3

Page 55

Stopping a Command

YOU may sometimes need to stop a command or program while it is running. Many programs provide a command you can use to

cancel or even 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

These methods may also work in your application program. If not, you may need to reset the computer, as described below.

Caution

It is best not to turn off the computer to stop a program or command. If you created new data and have not yet stored it,

Ctrl

or Program

key and press

Break.

the data will be erased if you turn off the computer. The computer stores your data in its memory area (RAM) until you save it; but the data is erased each time you turn off or reset the computer.

Resetting the Computer

Occasionally, you may want to clear the computer’s current settings or its memory without turning it off. You can do this by resetting the computer.

For example, if an error occurs and the computer does not respond to your keyboard entries, you can reset it to reload MS-DOS and try again. However, resetting erases any data in memory that you have not saved; so reset only if necessary.

3-4

Using Your Computer

Page 56

Caution

Do not reset the computer as a means to exit a program. Some programs classify and store new data when you exit them in the normal manner. If you reset the computer without properly exiting a program, you may lose data.

To reset the computer, MS-DOS must be either on the hard disk

or on a diskette in drive A; so if you do not have a hard disk, insert the Startup diskette in drive A.

There are two ways to reset the computer:

If you are using MSDOS, hold down Ctrl and Alt and press

the Del key. The screen goes blank for a moment and then the computer should reload MS-DOS. If it doesn’t, try the next method.

Press the

works even when the computer does not respond to your

keyboard entries.

If resetting the computer does not correct the problem, you probably need to turn it off and reboot it. Remove any

diskette(s) from the diskette drive(s). Turn off the computer and

wait five seconds. If you do not have a hard disk, insert the Startup diskette in drive A. Then turn on the computer.

RESET-

button on the front panel. This method

Using Your Computer

3-5

Page 57

Using a Password

If you set a password when you ran the SETUP program, you must enter it every time you turn on the computer or press the

RESET

If you do not have a hard disk, insert your Startup diskette

1. in drive A.

Turn on the computer or press

2. completes its memory test, the screen displays the following prompt:

button. Follow these steps to use your password:

RESET.

After your computer

Password :

Type your password at the prompt. The screen does not

display the characters you type. Then press Enter.

After you type the password correctly and press the

Press <Del>

do not press Del, the computer loads MS-DOS and displays the

MS-DOS command prompt.

start SETUP prompt.Ifyou

Enter,

you see

If you do not enter the correct password the first time, press

Enter

If run the SETUP program and either enter a new password or set the password option to

instructions.

and try again.

you

want to change or delete your current password, you must

Not

ins t al1ed.

See Chapter 2 for

3-6

Using Your Computer

Page 58

Using Disks and Disk

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

and then retrieve and use your stored data. This section explains

how disks work and tells you how to:

Use different types of diskettes and diskette drives

Care for your diskettes and diskette drives

Write-protect diskettes

Use a single diskette drive system

Insert and remove diskettes

Format diskettes

Drives

Make backup copies

Q Use a hard disk drive.

How Disks Store Data

Diskettes are made of flexible plastic coated with magnetic

material. This plastic is enclosed in a square jacket that is either

slightly flexible (5 1/4-inch diskette), or hard (3 1/2-inch diskette). Unlike a diskette, a hard disk is rigid and fixed in place. It is

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

All disks are divided into data storage compartments by sides,

tracks, and sectors. Double-sided diskettes store data on both sides. On each side are concentric rings, called tracks, on which a disk can store data.

Using Your computer

3-7

Page 59

A disk is further divided by sectors, which are similar in shape to pie slices. The figure below provides a simple representation of tracks and sectors.

Double-sided, double-density diskettes have either 40 or 80 tracks on each side, and double-sided, high-density diskettes have 80 tracks on each side. Diskettes can have 8,9,15, or 18

sectors per track.

A hard disk consists of two or more platters stacked on top of

one another and thus has four or more sides. In addition, a hard disk has many more tracks per side than a diskette, but the number of tracks depends on the capacity of the hard disk. The number of sectors depends on the type of hard disk.

3-8

Using Your Computer

Page 60

Your computer uses the read/write heads in a disk drive to store and retrieve data on a disk. To write to a disk, the computer spins it in the drive to position the disk so that the area where the data is to be written is under the read/write head. A diskette

has an exposed area where the read/write head can access it. 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.

Types of Diskette Drives

The following list describes the four types of diskette drives you can use in your computer and which diskettes to use with them:

1.2MB drive-Use 5 1/4-inch, double-sided, high-density, 96 TPI (tracks per inch), 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.

Note

MB stands for megabyte, which equals 1024KB (or

1,048,576 bytes). KB stands for kilobyte, which equals

1024 bytes. Each byte represents a single character, such

as A, $, or 3.

1.44MB drive—Use 3 M-inch, double-sided, high-density,

135 TPI, 144MB 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.

Using Your Computer

3-9

Page 61

360KB drive—Use 5 1/4-inch, double-sided, double-density, 48 TPI, 360KB diskettes. (You can also use single-sided,

160KB or 180KB diskettes.) These diskettes contain 40 tracks per side and 8 or 9 sectors per track. With 8 sectors per track, a diskette holds up to 320KB. With 9, sectors per track, a diskette holds up to 360KB of information, which is approximately 150 pages of text.

720KB drive—Use 3 l/2-inch, double-sided, double-density,

135 TPI, 720KB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per side, 9 sectors per track, and hold up to 720KB of

information, which is approximately 300 pages of text.

Note

You must format a new diskette before you can store data on

it. See “Formatting Diskettes,”

later in this section.

Drive and diskette incompatibilities

If your computer has more than one type of diskette drive, or if you use different types of diskettes, you need to be aware of certain incompatibilities between the drives and diskettes.

Because of the type and size differences, you cannot use a 31/2-inch diskette in a 51/4-inch drive or vice versa. There are also limitations on using diskettes that are the same size as the drive but have different capacities. The following tables

summarize the possibilities and limitations.

5 1/4-inch drive/diskette compatibiliy

* If you write to this diskette in a 1.2MB drive, you may not be able

to read it or write to it in a 360KB drive later.

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31/2-inch drive/diskette compatibility

Because of these incompatibilities, always indicate the diskette type and density when you label your diskettes. (Usually this information appears on the manufacturer’s label.)

If you have any combination of the above drives (1.44 MB,

1.2MB, 720KB, or 360KB), you can copy files from one drive to another-using COPY or XCOPY—as long as the correct diskette type is in each drive. You can also use these commands to copy files between a hard disk and any type of diskette. However, you cannot use the MS-DOS DISKCOPY command to copy from one diskette drive to another if the two drives are not the same type. For more about copying files and diskettes, see your MS-DOS Reference Manual.

Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives

Follow these basic precautions to protect your diskettes and

avoid losing data:

If you have a diskette that contains data you don’t want to accidentally write over or erase, be sure you write-protect it. This is especially important for your operating system and application program diskettes. See “Write-protecting Diskettes,” below, for more details.

Do not remove a diskette from the diskette drive or reset 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.

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Keep diskettes away from dust and dirt. Small particles of

dust or dirt can scratch the magnetic surface, destroy data, and ruin the read/write heads in a diskette drive.

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. Don’t leave diskettes sitting in the sun, or in extreme cold or heat.

Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields, such as electrical appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers. (Remember that diskettes store information magnetically.)

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

Always hold a 51/4-inch diskette by its protective jacket and never touch the magnetic surface (exposed by the read/write

slot). The oils on your fingertips can damage it. Do not place anything on top of your diskettes, and be sure

they do not get bent. Carefully label your diskettes and indicate the type and

density. Attach the label 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 and remove the diskette in the drive. Write on a diskette label before you attach it to the diskette.

If you need to write on a label that is already on the diskette,

use only a soft-tip pen-not a ballpoint pen or a pencil.

Store diskettes in their protective envelopes and in a proper location, such as a diskette container. Do not store diskettes

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flat or stack them on top of each other.

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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 it or delete any files it contains. If you try to change data stored on a writeprotected 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 are included in a new package of blank 5 1/4-inch diskettes.

To remove the write protection, peel off the write-protect tab.

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On a 3 ?&inch diskette, the write-protect device is a small switch on the back of the diskette in the lower right comer, shown below. To write-protect a 31/2-inch diskette, slide the switch

toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into position,

exposing a hole in the comer.

write-protect switch

To remove the write protection, slide the switch toward the center of the diskette until it clicks into position and the hole is

covered.

Note

Some program diskettes have no notch or switch so they are permanently write-protected. This protects them from being accidentally erased or altered.

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Using a Single Diskette Drive System

MS-DOS expects the computer to have at least two diskette drives and displays prompts and messages accordingly. Usually, MS-DOS recognizes the first diskette drive (the top drive) as A and a second diskette drive as B. If you have only one diskette drive, MS-DOS can treat it as both A and B when you need to perform operations that normally require two diskette drives.

For example, if you enter a command to copy data from A to B, MS-DOS copies the data from the first diskette you place in the drive (which would be drive A) to the computer’s memory.

Then MS-DOS prompts you to insert another diskette (for drive

B) and copies the data from memory to the new diskette. When copying is complete, you see a prompt to insert the original

diskette (A).

Because you may often swap diskettes this way, it is important to remember which diskette is which. It is also a good idea to writeprotect your original diskette. See “Write-protecting Diskettes,” above.

If you have a hard disk and one diskette drive, you can load the operating system and application programs from the hard disk, create and store your data there, and use the diskette drive just for copying data to or from diskettes.

However, if you have only one diskette drive and no hard disk, you need to use that drive to load the operating system as well as

any application program you are using. First, insert the operating

system diskette (the Startup diskette, for example) in drive A

and load the operating system; this copies it to the computer’s

memory (RAM) so you do not need to leave the system diskette

in the drive. Then remove the system diskette and insert your

application program diskette to load that data into memory, too.

See your application program manual for detailed instructions.

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Note You can load MS-DOS from an application program diskette if that diskette contains the operating system. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for information about creating a

system

diskette.

Inserting and Removing Diskettes

If you have a 5 1/4-inch diskette drive, insert a diskette as follows: hold the diskette with the label facing up and the read/write slot leading into the drive, as shown below.

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Slide the diskette into the slot until it is in all the way. Then

turn the 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.

When you want to remove a diskette, first make sure the disk

drive light is off. Then flip up the latch and carefully pull out the diskette. Place it in its protective envelope and store it in a proper location, such as a diskette container.

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If you have a 3 1/2-inch diskette drive, insert the diskette with the label facing up and the metal shutter leading into the drive, as shown in the following illustration. Slide the diskette into the drive until it clicks into place.

When you want to remove the diskette, make sure the drive

light is off; then press the release button. When the diskette pops out, remove it and store it properly.

Caution

Never remove a diskette or reset or turn off the computer

while a diskette drive light is on. You could lose data. Also, be sure to remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.

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Formatting Diskettes

Before you can store data on a new diskette, you must format it using the FORMAT command. Formatting prepares the diskette

that

MS-DOS can

once, before you use the diskette for the first time. You can also reformat previously used diskettes to store new

data. This process erases all the data on the diskette, so be sure you do not want to save any of the files on a used diskette before

write data on it. You need to do this only

you format it. See your instructions on using the FORMAT command.

Making Backup Copies

It is important to make copies of all your data and system diskettes. Make backup (or working) copies of all diskettes that contain programs, such as your MS-DOS diskette and the Reference diskette that came with your computer. Then use only the copies. Store the original diskettes in a safe place away from your working diskettes. Also, copy your data diskettes regularly, whenever you revise them (to keep them up-to-date) and store them away from your originals.

If you have a hard disk, you’ll probably use it to store the

programs and data files you use regularly. Keep backup copies of

all your files on diskettes.

MS-DOS

Reference Manual for

You can copy your data in several ways:

You can use the COPY or XCOPY command to copy

individual files or groups of files.

You can use the DISKCOPY command to make an exact duplicate of a diskette.

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You can use the BACKUP command to back up hard disk

files to diskettes. Because BACKUP can split large files across two or more diskettes, it makes more efficient use of diskette space than COPY or XCOPY. It also allows you to back up files that are larger than the capacity of your diskettes.

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on using these commands.

Using a Hard Disk Drive

Using a hard disk is similar to using a diskette. However, the hard disk provides several advantages:

A 40MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately

thirty-three 1.2MB diskettes, and a 100MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately eighty-two 1.2MB diskettes.

Your computer can perform all disk-related operations faster.

You can store frequently used programs and data files on the

hard disk, eliminating the inconvenience of swapping

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 easy to find and use. See your

MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on managing your files and directories.

A hard disk must be partitioned and formatted before you can use it. Be sure you have performed the procedures in your

MS-DOS Installation Guide to prepare your hard disk for use.

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Backing up the hard disk

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-to-date.

Caring for your hard disk drive

Follow these precautions to protect your hard disk drive from damage and to avoid losing data:

Never turn off or reset the computer when the hard disk

access 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.

Before you move your computer even a short distance, you

need to run the HDSIT program to prepare the hard disk for

moving, as described below.

Preparing the hard disk for moving

If you need to move your computer to a new location, you should run the HDSIT program-provided on your Reference diskette-to protect the hard disk during the move.

The HDSIT program moves the disk drive’s read/write heads to

a region on the disk surface that does not contain data, and

locks them securely in position. This protects the hard disk from

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being damaged if the computer is bumped accidentally.

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Follow these steps to run HDSIT:

Exit any program you are using and make sure the MS-DOS command prompt appears on the screen.

Insert the Reference diskette in drive A. Then type

press Enter to log onto that drive.

Type the following and press

Enter:

A :

and

HDSIT

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. Remove any diskettes and turn off the computer. You are now ready to move it to the new location.

Note For convenience, you may want to copy the following two files from the Reference Diskette to your hard disk:

HDSIT.COM

Then, when you want to run HDSIT, just log onto the

directory on your hard disk where you stored the files, type

HDSIT,

instructions on using the COPY command.

If you have a 5 1/4-inch diskette drive and you still have the original diskette drive protector card, you may want to insert it into the drive prior to shipping your computer to protect the read/write heads.

and press

HDSIT.VER

Enter.

See your MS-DOS manual for

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Chapter 4

Enhancing System Operations

This chapter tells you how to use the following procedures to enhance the operation of your computer:

Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and other batch files

0 0

Changing the processor speed Using expanded memory beyond

Using the VGA utilities.

1MB

Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files

As you get used to using MS-DOS and your application programs, you may find that there are commands you need to run frequently. You can automate the execution of these commands by listing them in a special file called a “batch” file. When you type the name of the batch file and press Enter, MS-DOS executes the commands in the file just as if you had typed each command from the keyboard.

If you have a word processing program that can save a file as a text-only file (sometimes called an ASCII file), you can use it to create a batch file. You can also use the MS-DOS COPY or EDLIN command to create the file.

One batch file that you may find particularly useful is called AUTOEXEC.BAT. E

MS-DOS looks for the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and automatically executes each of the commands.

very time you turn on your computer,

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When you install MS-DOS, it creates an AUTOEXEC.BAT file for you. To modify the file or create another one, you can use the COPY or EDLIN command, or a word processing program that can save a file as a text-only file. However, be sure to name the file AUTOEXEC.BAT and store it in the root directory of the hard disk or diskette from which you load MS-DOS.

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information about creating and using batch files.

Changing the Processor Speed

Your computer’s processor can operate at two speeds: high and

low. High speed is 12 MHz, 1ow is 6 MHz. On high, the computer can access memory faster than on low. Your processor

is set to operate at high speed unless you change the speed to low or set the speed to change automatically.

You should use high speed for almost everything you do since

your programs will work faster. However, certain application programs have specific timing requirements for diskette access and can run only at the slower speed. See your software manual

to determine if this is the case.

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Some copy-protected programs require the computer to run at

low speed while accessing the program on a diskette. These programs also usually require you to leave a key disk-the diskette that contains the copy protection-in the diskette drive. If you use a copy-protected program often, you may want to set your processor speed to change automatically to low speed when accessing the diskette and return to high speed when it is

finished. There are different types of copyprotected programs. Depending

on the type you have, you may or may not want to set the processor to automatic speed. Follow these guidelines:

If you are using a copy-protected program that can run only

on a diskette or that requires a key disk, try to start the program on high speed. If this works, you do not need to set the speed to change automatically. If you can’t load the program on high, set the speed to change automatically.

If you are using a copy-protected program that does not

require a key disk but requires a special procedure to install the program on a hard disk, set the speed to low while you

are installing the program. Once it is installed, set the speed

to high, where you should be able to leave it while you load

and run the program.

If this does not work, try installing 4 loading the program at low speed and then change to high speed to run it. Do not

set the speed to change automatically. There are three ways to change the processor speed:

Run the SETUP program

Enter a keyboard command

Ci Cl

Run the ESPEED program.

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If you frequently use programs that require the processor to operate at low speed or require the automatic speed change when your computer is accessing a diskette, use SETUP to change the processor speed. See Chapter 2 for instructions.

If you use these programs only occasionally, you should use the keyboard commands or the ESPEED program (described below) to change the processor speed.

Entering Keyboard Commands

You can change the processor speed by entering one of the

following commands at the MS-DOS prompt:

Ctrl Alt +

Ctrl Alt -

For the + and - characters, press the keys on the numeric keypad. The commands do not work if you use the keys on the

main keyboard.

Note You can use the commands listed above while you are

running a program. However, if you are running a program

that uses one of the same commands for another function, you cannot use that command to change the processor speed. For example, if you are running a program that uses the

Changes the processor speed to high

(12 MHz).

Changes the processor speed to low

(6 MHz).

Ctrl Alt - command to move the cursor, you cannot enter

4-4

Ctrl Alt - to change the processor speed to low. When you

exit the program, you can enter these commands at the MS-DOS prompt to change the processor speed. Another

alternative is to use the ESPEED program, described below.

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To enter these commands, hold down the Ctrl key and the

Alt key and press the + or -

speed setting remains in effect until you press the RESET button or turn off the computer, or until you change it again using the

SETUP program, another keyboard command, or the ESPEED program, described below.

key on the numeric keypad. The

Using the ESPEED Program

The ESPEED program provides an easy way to change the

processor speed if your application program does not recognize the Ctrl keyboard commands or if you want to include the program command in a batch file.

The ESPEED program is provided with your system on the Reference diskette. If you do not have a hard disk, insert your Reference diskette in drive A and log onto drive A before you

enter the command to start the program. If you have a hard disk drive, copy the file ESPEED.COM from

your Reference diskette onto your hard disk and run the program from there.

To run the ESPEED program, type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt and press

Enter:

ESPEED ?

You see the following message:

Format:

No Parm:

ESPEED [H

Displays current CPU Speed

Set to High Speed

Set to Low Speed

Help Message

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The message tells you the switches you should use to set the

speed to high or low. At the MS-DOS prompt, type the

ESPEED command again and include the appropriate switch,

such as the following:

ESPEED L

This

Enter. You

command changes the processor speed

see

12.0 MHZ <->

the current CPU speed,

see the following:

<+>

type ESPEED

: Speed Up : Speed Down

low.

<Esc>: Exit

The processor speed you set remains in effect until you press the

RESET button or turn off the computer, or until you change it

using the SETUP program, a keyboard command, or the

ESPEED

Entering the ESPEED command in a batch file

You may want to run the ESPEED program by including the

program again.

only and press

command in a batch file. For example, if you have a program called could include the following commands in a batch file to start the

SAMPLE

which requires a slower processor speed, you

program:

ESPEED L

SAMPLE

You could name the batch file SAMP.BAT. Whenever you need to run the

in drive A. Then type changes the speed to low and starts the SAMPLE program.

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on creating and using batch files.

SAMPLE

SAMP

program, insert the program diskette

and press

Enter.

The computer

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Using Expanded Memory Beyond

1MB

The Equity 286 PLUS memory. MS-DOS and your application programs that run under MS-DOS use the first 640KB of memory. If you have installed additional memory (above 1MB) in your computer, you can use it as extended memory or expanded memory, as

described below. Expanded memory is required by certain programs (such as

Lotus l-2-3®) that support the Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification (LIM 4.0 EMS). To take advantage of

expanded memory, you need to use a memory manager to convert the computer’s extended memory to expanded memory. Follow these steps:

Run the SETUP program to allocate the amount of memory you want to use as expanded memory. See “EMS Size” in Chapter 2 for instructions.

comes with 1MB of random access

Copy the file EMM286.SYS f

the root directory of your hard disk (or the Startup diskette from which you load MS-DOS). You may put the EMM286.SYS fil include the appropriate pathname on the DEVICE = command line in the CONFIG.SYS file. See the instructions below.

Add a command to the CONFIGSYS file to include the

memory manager as a device driver, as described below.

in another directory as long as you

rom your Reference diskette to

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Modifying the CONFIG.SYS File

If you have a word processing program that can save a file as a text-only file (also called an ASCII file), you can use it to add the memory manager to the CONFIG.SYS file. Follow these steps:

Start your word processing program.

Load the file CONFIG.SYS and add the following command line:

DEVICE=EMM286.SYS

For information on optional parameters, see “Using EMM286.SYS options,” below.

Note If the EMM286.SYS file is in a directory other than the

root directory and you have not entered that directory in

a PATH command (in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, for example), you need to include the pathname for EMM286.SYS on the DEVICE= command line. For example, if EMM286.SYS is in a directory called \DRV on drive C, include the pathname like this:

DEVICE=C:\DRV\EMM286.SYS

If you plan to use any of your expanded memory to create a virtual disk with the MS-DOS VDISK device driver, be sure to insert the DEVICE=EMM286.SYS command line before the VDISK command line in your CONFIG.SYS file. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for information

about VDISK.

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Save the file as an ASCII text file.

4. Reset the computer.

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If you do not have a word processing program capable of saving

an ASCII text file, you can modify CONFIG.SYS using the MS-DOS EDLIN or COPY CON command. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions.

Using EMM286.SYS options

You can include optional parameters in the DEVICE=

command line to tailor the way the memory manager works with your system. The table below summarizes the EMM286.SYS

options. Each option is described in more detail following the

table.

The M[n] option specifies a particular 64KB page frame address for EMM286.SYS. The value n must be a number from 1 to 9 to

indicate one of the following addresses:

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For example, to specify a page frame address 0CC000h for EMM286.SYS, add the following command line to your CONFIG.SYS file:

DEVICE=EMM286.SYS /M4

Note

If you have installed an EGA or VGA display adapter card,

you cannot enter the following values for n:

/Ml -Ml /M2 -M2

The P[nnn] option specifies the number of handles (process IDS)

available to EMM286.SYS. The value for nnn must be in the range of 64 to 256. The default value is 64.

The D option specifies whether you want EMM286.SYS to run

diagnostics on your expanded memory page frame each time you load the program. It does not run the diagnostics unless you include the D parameter on the DEVICE= command line.

Using the VGA Utilities

Your built-in VGA (video graphics array) display adapter supports both standard VGA monitors and multi-frequency

monitors with analog connectors in non-interlaced mode. The VGA adapter operates in all standard VGA resolutions without requiring any device drivers. However, you may want to install the VGA utilities (which came with your system on the Reference diskette) to use some special features of your VGA

adapter.

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The Reference diskette contains the following VGA utilities: VGAMODE

SET-VGA

SNOOZE

Provides 132-column text in text-based programs such as WordStar’s’ and WordPerfect?

Sets the built-in VGA adapter to emulate the operation of a variety of graphics adapters.

Turns off your VGA display when you have not used your computer for a specified period of time.

Copying the Utility Files

If you have a hard disk, you should copy the VGA utility files from your Reference diskette to your hard disk and run the

programs from there. This section describes how to copy the files

and include a pathname for the files in your AUTOEXEC.BAT

file. Once you have copied the files and modified AUTOEXEC.BAT, read th to use each utility you copied to your hard disk.

Note

If you do not have a hard disk, you can skip this section and go on to the sections below about using each utility. Keep in mind that you’ll need to insert the Reference diskette in drive

A and log onto drive A each time you want to run one of the

utilities.

Follow these steps to copy the utility files to your hard disk:

If necessary, turn on your computer.

1. Log onto the root directory of your hard disk.

sections below that describe how

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Type the following command and press Enter to create a

utility file directory on your hard disk (if you do not already have one):

MKDIR C:\UTIL

You can name the directory something other than UTIL; just substitute the directory name you choose in the rest of the steps in this section.

Insert the Reference diskette in drive A.

Type the following command and press Enter for each utility file you want to copy to your utility directory:

COPY A:fi1enane C:\UTIL

where filename is one of the following:

VGAMODE.COM

SETVGA.COM SNOOZE.COM

After copying the utility files you want, remove the Reference diskette from drive A.

Once the files are on your hard disk, it is a good idea to include

a pathname to your utility directory in the AUTOEXEC.BAT

file, as described below.

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Modifying your AUTOEXEC.BAT file

For convenience in accessing your VGA utilities, you can include the pathname to the utility directory in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Follow these steps:

At the MS-DOS command prompt in the root directory, type the following and press

Enter:

COPY AUTOEXEC.BAT+CON AUTOEXEC.BAT

To set the path for the VGA utility directory, type the

following and press

Enter:

PATH C:\pathname\

For instance, if you were using the example directory,

described

above,

you would type:

PATH C:\UTIL\

Press F6 and then Enter. (See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for more information about pathnames.)

Using VGAMODE

VGAMODE provides 132-column text in popular text-based applications, such as WordStar and WordPerfect. The VGAMODE utility allows you to specify the number of rows

(lines) and columns you want displayed on the screen. You specify values for the desired number of rows and columns

by typing them on the VGAMODE command line. The command format is:

VGAMODE [columms] , [rows]

Valid values for columns are 80 and 132; for rows, use 25 or 50.

(Do not include the brackets.)

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For example, if you want your screen to display 132 columns and

25 rows, type the following and press

Enter:

VGAMODE 132, 25

To use VGAMODE, you must configure the application

program that uses VGAMODE for the same screen sire. See the

appropriate section below for your application program(s).

Note Certain monitors cannot display 132 columns or 50 rows on the screen. The following table specifies the number of rows that can be displayed on common monitors:

Running WordStar, versions 4.0 and

After you install WordStar version 4.0 or 5.0 on your hard disk,

follow these steps:

Install the VGAMODE utility, if you have not already done

1. SO.

Log onto your WordStar directory.

Type the following and press Enter to start WordStar’s

3. installation program:

5.0

WSCHANGE

The program asks for the name of your WordStar program

4. file. If you installed WordStar without changing the

program filename, this file is named WS.EXE. Type the

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filename and press

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Enter.

Page 87

The program then asks for the name of a file where the changes for the new configuration are to be saved. Type the following and press

Enter:

WS132.EXE

At the Main Installation Menu, select

From the console menu, select

Mon i t or .

Console.

10. When the installation program asks if you want to save the

11. Type the command below and press

Thenchoose

At the Screen Siring menu, select B (for width), type

and press installation program.

new configuration, press Y. The program saves the new configuration in the WS132.EXE file and the computer displays the MS-DOS command prompt.

132-column text mode:

Screen Sizing.

Enter.

Press X at each menu to exit from the

Enter

132,

to specify

VGAMODE 132, 25

12. Type the following and press

Enter

to start WordStar:

WS132

After you exit WordStar, if you want to return to 80-column

mode, type the following and press

Enter:

VGAMODE 80, 25

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Running WordPerfect, versions 4.0 and 4.1

After you have installed WordPerfect version 4.0 or hard disk, follow these steps:

Install the VGAMODE utility, if you have not already.

Type the following and press and initialize 132-column text mode:

Enter

to start VGAMODE

4.1 on your

VGAMODE 132, 25

Log onto the WordPerfect directory on your hard disk.

Type the following and press

Enter:

WP /s

5. At the setup menu, select Specify Screen Size.

Type 132 to edit the number of columns field.

Exit the setup menu.

Whenever you run WordPerfect 4.0 columns, you need to specify 132-column text mode prior to starting the program. Type the following and press

or 4.1 with 132

Enter:

VGAMODE 132, 25

Type

10. To use the full width of the screen, you must change the

margins. (See the WordPerfect documentation for instructions.)

After you exit WordPerfect, if you want to return to 80-column

mode, type the following and press

and press

Enter

to start WordPerfect.

Enter:

4-16

VGAMODE 80, 25

Enhancing System Operations

Page 89

Running WordPerfect, version

Follow these steps to run WordPerfect version 5.0 in

132xchnn text mode:

Type the following and press

5.0

VGAMODE 132, 25

2. Start WordPerfect. If WordPerfect does not display 132 columns and 25 rows on the

Enter:

screen, type the following and press

WP /SS=25,132

Using SETVGA

SETVGA lets you operate your built-in VGA adapter in a specific emulation mode. This allows you to use programs that were written especially for other adapters when you cannot run these programs in regular VGA mode.

Note

Only a few, old software packages require you to use the SETVGA program.

To lock your VGA interface into an emulation mode, you

include the name of the mode on the SETVGA command line.

Enter to start

the program:

The command format is:

SETVGA [emulation]

Enhancing System Operations

4-17

Page 90

Use one of the following values for emulation:

For example, type the following and press

SETVGA

Using SNOOZE

The SNOOZE utility causes your monitor screen to go blank after a specified period of time if your system has been inactive.

This prevents any single image from being “burned into” the

monitor screen. The screen remains blank until you press any

key; then it resumes display of the current activities.

To activate the utility, type

information about the SNOOZE command syntax and a

message that the SNOOZE delay is set to 5 minutes. The default period of inactivity before the screen goes blank is

EGAC

SNOOZE

Enter:

and press

Enter. You

see

4-18

5 minutes. You can specify your own time period by entering a number from 1 to 60 (minutes) on the SNOOZE command line. For example, to set a SNOOZE delay of 15 minutes, type the following and press

Enter:

SNOOZE 15

To disable SNOOZE, type

Enhancing System Operations

SNOOZE

and press

Enter.

Page 91

Chapter 5

Installing and Removing Options

You can enhance the performance of your computer by adding a

variety of options, including the following:

Option cards

Memory modules

A math coprocessor.

An option card is a circuit board you install in your computer to

add a particular function. Most option cards contain a device, such as a modem, or provide an interface, such as a connector to which you connect a monitor. This chapter describes how to install option cards and configure your computer for use with th

em.

Memory modules-also called SIMMs (single inline memory modules)-allow you to increase the amount of memory in your computer. This chapter describes the types and amounts of SIMMs you can use in your computer. If you want to install memory modules, it is best to ask your dealer to do it for you.

You can, however, follow the instructions in this chapter to

install them yourself.

Note

It is best not to add memory to your computer by installing an optional memory card. Using memory modules is more efficient since you do not need to use one of your option slots to add memory. Your computer can also access memory

installed on memory modules faster than memory installed on

a card.

installing and Removing Options

5-1

Page 92

A math coprocessor speeds up the numeric calculations your

computer performs when using certain application software. If you purchase a math coprocessor, it is a good idea to ask your dealer to install it for you, because it can be damaged easily. If

you decide to install it yourself, follow the steps in this chapter. This chapter also explains how to change the jumper settings

inside the computer. You may need to change jumper settings if you install certain types of options or if you want to change the way your computer operates.

If you need to replace the battery for your computer’s real-time

clock and CMOS RAM, you can follow the instructions in this

chapter.

Before you can change jumper settings, replace the battery, or

install any of the options mentioned above, you need to remove the cover from the computer. You may also need to remove the subassembly. Be sure to heed all the warnings in this chapter so you do not injure yourself or damage the computer.

Removing the Cover

To install options, replace the battery, or change jumper settings, you need to remove the cover from your computer.

Follow these steps:

Turn off the computer and then any peripheral devices

(including the monitor and printer).

Disconnect the computer’s power cable from the electrical outlet and from the back panel. Then disconnect any cables that are connected to the computer, including the keyboard cable.

5-2

If the monitor is on top of the computer, lift it off and set it

to one side.

Installing and Removing Options

Page 93

Turn the computer around so you are facing the back panel. As shown below, the cover is secured by a large screw on the back panel. Turn the screw counterclockwise to unlock the

cover.

The cover is also secured by two latches on the back of the cover near the comers. Press both latches inward and then lift up the cover from the back panel. You might meet some resistance from the grounding tabs along the inside of the cover.

latches

installing and Removing Options

5-3

Page 94

Pull the cover away from the front of the computer to

completely remove it. Then set it aside.

Before you touch any of the components inside, touch the inside of the computer’s back panel, as shown below, to

ground yourself and avoid an electric shock.

5-4

WARNING

Be sure to ground yourself to the inside back panel of the

computer every time you remove the cover. If you are not properly grounded, you could generate an electric shock when you touch a component.

Installing and Removing Options

Page 95

Changing the Jumper Settings

If you change your computer’s configuration or need to alter the way it operates, you may need to change a jumper setting inside

the computer.

A jumper is a small electrical connector that controls one of the computer’s functions. The jumper settings in your computer are preset at the factory; however, you can alter the following functions by changing the standard settings:

Set the computer to use an 8 or

Enable or disable the password function Set the computer to use a color or monochrome monitor

0 CI

Enable or disable the built-in mouse connector

10 MHz

math coprocessor

Enable or disable the built-in VGA display adapter.

If you need to change any jumper settings, follow the instructions in this section.

Installing and Removing Options

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Setting the Jumpers

The illustration below shows the locations of the jumpers. You’ll

need to remove the subassembly to see all of the jumpers

(described later in this section).

A jumper’s setting is determined by where the jumper is placed on the pins. It connects either pin A and the middle pin (position A) or pin B and the middle pin (position B), as shown below.

To move a jumper from one position to the other, use needlenose pliers or tweezers to pull it off its pins and gently move it to

the desired position. Be careful not to lose the jumper.

5-6

Installing and Removing Options

Page 97

Caution

Be careful not to bend the jumper pins or damage any surrounding components on the main system board.

The following Table lists the jumper settings and their functions:

Main system board jumper settings

Factory setting

Installing and Removing Options

5-7

Page 98

you need to change any jumper settings, follow these steps:

Remove any option cards that may be blocking your access

to the jumpers. See page 5-17 for instructions.

If you need to change the settings of jumper J5 or J6, remove the subassembly. See page 5-18.

Change the jumper settings.

Replace the subassembly, if necessary. See page 5-33.

Replace any option cards you removed. See “Installing an

Option Card” on page 5-12.

Follow the instructions on page 5-41 to replace the computer’s cover.

Replacing the Battery

Your computer comes with a 3.6 volt lithium battery that

provides power for the real-time clock and the CMOS RAM. The real-time clock keeps track of the time for your computer, and the CMOS RAM stores the information about your system

configuration that was saved by the SETUP program.

This battery lasts approximately three to five years. If it loses

power, you will see an error message when you turn on or reset your computer. Contact your dealer to obtain a replacement battery pack. Your dealer can also install the battery for you. If you want to replace the battery yourself, you can follow the

instructions in this section.

5-8

Installing and Removing Options

Page 99

Note When the battery runs out, your computer loses the

information stored in the CMOS RAM and the time stored

in the real-time clock. After you replace the battery, you must run the SETUP program to reconfigure your system and set the real-time clock.

If necessary, follow the instructions on page 5-2 to remove the computer’s cover. Then follow these steps to replace the battery:

Turn the computer so that the front panel is facing you. The battery is attached to the bottom of the computer case, just behind the front panel, as shown below.

Installing and Removing Options

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Page 100

To disconnect the battery from the main system board, pull up on the connector plugged into socket CN 1, as shown below.

battery cable connector

CN1

The battery is attached to the computer with Velcro? Remove the battery by pulling it up from the bottom of the

computer case, as shown below. Then set the battery aside.

5-10

Installing and Removing Options

Epson Equity 286 PLUS User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Introduction

Optional Equipment

Operating Systems and Other Software

How to Use This Manual

Where to Get Help

Choosing a Location

Connecting a Monitor

Using the VGA Interface

Using a Display Adapter Card

Connecting a Printer or Other Device

Using the Parallel Interface

Using the Serial Interface

Connecting the Keyboard

Connecting the Mouse

Connecting the Power Cord

Turning On the Computer

Turning Off the Computer

Starting the SETUP Program

Selecting Options

Setting the Diskette Drive(s)

Setting the Hard Disk Drive(s)

Hard Disk Drive Types

Setting the Primary Display Type

Setting the Keyboard Test Function

Setting the Shadow RAM

EMS Size

Setting the Password

Changing or Deleting a Password

Setting the Built-in Interfaces

Setting the Parallel Interface

Setting the Serial Interface

Setting the Disk Drive Controllers

Saving Your Settings

Special Keys on the Keyboard

Resetting the Computer

Using a Password

How Disks Store Data

Types of Diskette Drives

Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives

Write-protecting Diskettes

Using a Single Diskette Drive System

Inserting and Removing Diskettes

Formatting Diskettes

Making Backup Copies

Using a Hard Disk Drive

Changing the Processor Speed

Entering Keyboard Commands

Using the ESPEED Program

Modifying the CONFIG.SYS File

Using the VGA Utilities

Copying the Utility Files

Using VGAMODE

Using SETVGA

Using SNOOZE

Removing the Cover

Changing the Jumper Settings

Setting the Jumpers

Replacing the Battery