Epson EQUITY 386-33 PLUS User Manual
®
EPSON
EQUITY® 386/33 PLUS
User’s Guide
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
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
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. 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.
Copyright 0 1992 by Epson America, Inc.
Torrance, California
ii
Y74499100100
Important Safety Instructions
1.
Read all of these instructions and save them for later reference.
2.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
3.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
4.
Do not use this product near water.
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table.
5.
Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
6.
provided for ventilation; these openings must not be blocked or
covered. This product should never be placed near or over a
radiator or heat register.
7.
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.
8.
Connect all equipment to properly grounded (earthed) power
outlets. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet,
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Avoid
using outlets on the same circuit as photocopiers or air control
systems that regularly switch on and off.
9.
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.
11.
Never push objects of any kind into this product through the
cabinet slots. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
iii
12.
Except as specifically explained in the User’s Guide, do not
attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to
qualified 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.
B.
If liquid has entered the product.
C.
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.
D. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been
damaged.
E.
If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
iv
Contents
Introduction
Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chapter 1
Copying the Reference and Utility Files
Special Keys on the Keyboard
Stopping a Command or Program
Resetting the Computer
Using a Power-on Password
Using Disks and Disk Drives
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
Chapter 2
Using AUTOEXEC.BAT and Other Batch Files
Changing the Processor Speed
Entering Keyboard Commands
Using the ESPEED Program
Using Your Computer as a Network Server
Using a Password in Network Server Mode
Using Special VGA Features
Using Your Computer
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Enhancing System Operations
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1-1
1-2
1-4
1-4
1-6
1-7
1-7
1-9
1-12
1-14
1-16
1-17
1-19
1-19
1-20
2-1
2-2
2-4
2-5
2-7
2-8
2-9
vii
Chapter 3
Accessing Internal Components
Removing the Cover
Removing the Subassembly
Replacing the Subassembly
Replacing the Cover
Chapter 4
lnstalling and Removing Options
Main System Board
Changing the Jumper Settings
Setting the Jumpers
Replacing the Battery
Installing an Option Card
Removing an Option Card
Using the Alternate VGA Interface
Adding Memory Modules
Installing Memory Modules
Removing Memory Modules
Installing a Math Coprocessor
Removing a Math Coprocessor
Post-installation Setup for Memory Cards
Using the CORFIX Program
Post-installation Setup
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3-2
3-5
3-9
3-17
4-3
4-4
4-4
4-7
4-11
4-15
4-16
4-18
4-19
4-22
4-23
4-26
4-26
4-27
4-28
Chapter 5
Choosing the Correct Drive Bay
How to Use This Chapter
Setting the Hard Disk Drive Jumpers
Changing the Jumper Settings
Installing a Hard Disk in the Vertical Position
Installing and Removing Drives
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Removing the Mounting Frames From the Drive
Removing and Attaching the Mounting Plate
Installing the Drive
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Removing a Hard Disk From the Vertical Position
viii
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5-2
5-3
5-4
5-5
5-7
5-8
5-10
5-11
5-17
Installing or Removing a Drive in the Horizontal Position . . .
Installing a Drive in the Horizontal Position . . . . . . . .
5-19
5-19
Removing a Drive From the HorizontaI Position . . . . . 5-26
Appendix A Specifications
CPU and Memory
Controllers
Interfaces
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............................
Power Supply.
Mass Storage
Keyboard
............................
Environmental Requirements
Physical Characteristics
System Memory Map
Appendix B
Performing System Diagnostics
Starting the Diagnostics Program
The Main Menu Screen
Setting the Run Time Parameters.
Error Logging.
Selecting Diagnostic Tests
Selecting Multiple Tests
Running the Tests
Memory Diagnostics
Hard Disk Diagnostics.
Hard Disk Parameters
Hard Disk Format
Media Analysis
Performance Test
Seek Test
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Read/Verity Test
Check Test Cylinder
Force Bad Tracks
Hard Disk Error Messages
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A-1
A-2
A-2
A-3
A-3
A-4
A-4
A-4
A-5
B-2
B-2
B-4
B-6
B-8
B-8
B-10
B-12
B-13
B-14
B-17
B-18
B-18
B-18
B-19
B-19
B-19
B-19
ix
Floppy Disk Diagnostics
Performing the Tests
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Floppy Disk Error Messages
Miscellaneous Diagnostics
Printer Adapter Test.
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Communication Adapter Test
Exiting System Diagnostics
Appendix C Troubleshooting
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B-20
B-21
B-22
B-23
B-23
B-24
B-25
Identifying Your System
Error Messages
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The Computer Won’t Start
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
Accessing Data on the Drive
Software Problems
Printer Problems
Option Card Problems
Mouse Problems
Memory Module Problems
Battery Problems
Math Coprocessor Problems
Glossary
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C-1
C-2
C-5
C-6
C-8
C-8
C-10
C-10
C-12
C-14
C-15
C-16
C-17
C-18
C-18
C-20
C-21
C-22
C-23
C-23
C-24
Index
x
Introduction
This
Equity® 386/33 PLUS User’s Guide
you need to get the best results from your computer. You’ll find
instructions for adding options to your system such as disk
drives, option cards, or a math coprocessor, as well as general
reference information such as how to use diskettes, test your
system, and troubleshoot minor problems.
Note
For instructions on setting up your system or changing the
SETUP configuration, see the Setup Guide.
You don’t have to read everything in this book. Its contents are
summarized below:
Chapter 1 covers general operating procedures, such as using
and caring for disks and disk drives.
Chapter 2 describes special features you can use to enhance
your system’s performance.
contains the information
Chapter 3 tells how to remove and replace the computer’s
cover and subassembly to reach internal components.
Chapter 4 describes some of the options you can use in your
computer and instructions for setting jumpers, replacing the
battery, and installing options.
Chapter 5 explains how to install and remove disk drives.
Appendix A lists the specifications of your computer,
Appendix B covers the system diagnostic tests you can run, and
Appendix C contains troubleshooting tips.
At the end of this manual you’ll find a glossary and an index.
Introduction 1
Where to Get Help
If you purchased your computer in the United States, Epson
America provides local customer support and service through a
nationwide network of authorized Epson dealers and Service
Centers.
Epson also provides the following support services through the
Epson Customer Resource Center at (800) 922-8911:
cl
Technical assistance with the installation, configuration,
and operation of Epson products
cl
Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson
Reseller or Service Center
Ll
Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and
accessories for your Epson product
cl
Customer Relations
cl
Epson technical information library fax service
Q
Product literature with technical specifications on our
current and new products.
If you purchased your computer outside of the United States,
please contact your dealer or the marketing location nearest
you for customer support and service. International marketing
locations are listed on the inside back cover.
2 Introduction
Chapter 1
Using Your Computer
This chapter briefly describes the following procedures for
using your computer:
Q
Copying the Reference and Utility diskette files
CI
Using special keys on the keyboard
LI
Stopping a command or program
0
Resetting the computer
Q
Using a password
0
Using disks and disk drives
LI
Preparing a hard disk for moving.
These instructions assume you have already installed the
operating system on your computer according to the
instructions in your operating system manuals.
Copying the Reference and Utility Files
If you have a hard disk, you’ll probably want to copy some of
the files on your Reference and Utility diskettes to the hard disk
for convenience. This allows you to run the programs any time
without having to insert a diskette. Copy the following files
from the Reference diskette to your hard disk:
CORFIX.EXE HDSIT.COM
ESPEED.EXE
(Chapter 2 and Appendix B explain how to use these programs.)
HDSIT.VER
Using Your Computer
1-1
The Reference diskette also contains files for the System
diagnostics program. Because you should always run this
program from the Reference diskette, do not copy these files to
your hard disk.
The Utility diskettes contain VGA drivers that allow you to
display graphics in certain high-resolution modes. If you want
to use any of these extended modes on your VGA monitor,
copy any VGA files you need to your hard disk. See the
VGA Utilities Guide
for instructions.
Note
Be sure to make backup copies of your Reference and Utility
diskettes.
Special Keys on the Keyboard
Certain keys on your keyboard serve special functions when
your computer is running your operating system or application
programs, as described in the table below.
Special key functions
Key
GEI
1-2
Using Your Computer
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.
Special key functions (continued)
Key
[wl
[ul
m
Iml
@iEl
[Erj
m-m
Purpose
Works with other keys to perform special (control)
functions, such as editing operations in MS-DOS
and various application programs.
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.
Cancels the current command line or operation.
Perform special functions within application
programs.
@gg (PrtSc)
[slsl (Req)
m
[pul
Prints the screen display on a printer.
Generates the System Request function in some
application programs (used with
Controls scrolling in some applications.
Suspends the current operation.
Terminates the current operation (when used with
Lctrl.
Using Your Computer
[ul).
1-3
The
[Qpllodrl, [=I,
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.
and
[s#d]
keys work as toggles; press
Stopping a Command or Program
You may sometimes need to stop a command or program while
it is running. If you have entered an MS-DOS command that
you want to stop, try one of the following commands:
0
Hold down the
CI
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
Do not turn off the computer to stop a program or command
because the computer erases any data you did not save.
[cbll
key and press
[cbll
key and press
[cl
m.
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
your operating system and try again. However, resetting erases
any data in memory that you have not saved; so reset only if
necessary.
1-4
Using Your Computer
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, the operating system 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 system diskette in drive A.
There are two ways to reset the computer:
0
If you are using
press thecdDCW
MS-DOS, hold down a and
m
and
key. The screen goes blank for a moment
and then the computer should reload MS-DOS. If it doesn’t,
try the next method.
0
Press the
RESET
button on the front panel. This method
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
system diskette in drive A. Then turn on the computer.
Using Your Computer
1-5
Using a Power-on Password
If you set a power-on password when you ran the SETUP
program, you must enter it every time you turn on or reset the
computer. Follow these steps to use your password:
1.
If you do not have a hard disk, insert your system diskette in
drive A.
2.
Turn on the computer or press
completes its memory test, the screen displays the
following prompt:
Enter Password :
3.
Type your password at the prompt. The screen does not
display the characters you type. Then press
After you type the password correctly and press I, you see
the
Press <Del> to start SETUP prompt.
press
m,
the computer loads your operating system and
displays the command prompt.
If
you do not enter the correct password the first time, press
EM
and try again.
c5
RESET.
After the computer
[Entwl.
If you do not
Note
If you turned on network server mode when you ran the
SETUP program, see “Using Your Computer as a Network
Server” in Chapter 2 for instructions on using the power-on
password.
If you want to change or delete your current password,
you must run the SETUP program. See Chapter 2 of the
Setup
Guide
for instructions. If you do not know the correct
password, see “Password Problems” in Appendix C.
1-6
Using Your Computer
Using Disks and Disk Drives
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
Make backup copies
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 (5¼-inch diskette) or hard (3½-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
1-7
A disk is further divided by sectors, which can be visualized as
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.
1-8
Using Your Computer
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:
Q
1.44MB drive-Use 3½-inch, double-sided, highdensity,
135 TPI (tracks per inch), 1.44MB diskettes. These diskettes
contain 80 tracks per side, 18 sectors per track, and hold up
to 1.44MB of information (approximately 600 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.
0
1.2MB drive-Use 5¼-inch, double-sided, high-density, 96
TPI, 1.2MB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks per
side, 15 sectors per track, and hold up to 1.2MB of
information (approximately 500 pages of text).
Using Your Computer
1-9
0
720KB drive-Use 3½-inch, double-sided, doubledensity,
135 TPI, 720KB diskettes. These diskettes contain 80 tracks
per side, 9 sectors per track, and hold up to 720KB of
information (approximately 300 pages of text).
Cl
360KB drive-Use 5¼-inch, double-sided, doubledensity,
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
(approximately 150 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
3M-inch diskette in a
5%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.
1-10
Using Your Computer
5¼-inch drive/diskette compatibility
Drive type
360KB
1.2MB 1.2MB, 360KB,* 320KB,* 180KB,* 160KB*
It 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.
3½-inch drive/diskette compatibility
Drive type
720KB 720KB
1.44MB 1.44MB, 720KB
Diskette types it can read from and write to
360KB, 320KB. 180KB. 160KB
Diskette types it can read from and write to
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) and you are using MS-DOS, 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 or other
operating system manuals.
Using Your Computer
1-11
Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives
Follow these basic precautions to protect your diskettes and
avoid losing data:
a
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.
a
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.
cl
Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.
a
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.
a
Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way.
a
Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. Don’t leave
diskettes sitting in the sun or in extreme cold or heat.
1-12
a
Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields, such as electrical
appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers. (Diskettes store
information magnetically.)
a
Do not place diskettes on top of your monitor or near an
external hard disk drive.
cl
Always hold a
5%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.
Using
Your
Computer
Q
Do not place anything on top of your diskettes, and be sure
they do not get bent.
D
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; this can make it difficult to
insert and remove the diskette in the drive.
P
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.
Q
Store diskettes in their protective envelopes and in a proper
location, such as a diskette container. Do not store diskettes
flat or stack them on top of each other.
Using Your Computer
1-13
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.
To write-protect a 5¼-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 5¼-inch diskettes.
+]I
-notch
l
0
To remove the write protection, peel off the write-protect tab.
1-14
Using Your Computer
On a 3½-inch diskette, the write-protect device is a small
switch on the back of the diskette in the lower right corner,
shown below. To write-protect a 3½-inch diskette, slide the
switch toward the edge of the diskette until it clicks into
position, exposing a hole in the comer.
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.
Using Your Computer
1-15
Using a Single Diskette Drive System
Most operating systems expect the computer to have at least
two diskette drives and display prompts and messages
accordingly. MS-DOS, for example, recognizes the first diskette
drive (the top drive) as drive A and a second diskette drive as
drive 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
write-protect 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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Using Your Computer
Inserting and Removing Diskettes
If you have a 5¼-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.
Slide the diskette all the way into the slot. 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 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.
Using Your Computer
1-17
If you have a 3½-inch diskette drive, insert the diskette with
the label facing up and the metal shutter leading into the
as
shown
in the following illustration. Slide the diskette into
drive,
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.
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Using Your Computer
Formatting Diskettes
Before you can store data on a new diskette, you must format it.
Formatting prepares the diskette so that the operating system
can write data on it. You need to do this only 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 you format it. See your operating system manual for
instructions on formatting diskettes.
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 operating system, Reference,
and Utility diskettes; then use only the copies. Store the original
diskettes away from your working diskettes. Also, copy your
data diskettes regularly, whenever you revise them, 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 or tapes.
Using Your Computer
1-19
Using a Hard Disk Drive
Using a hard disk is similar to using a diskette. However, the
hard disk provides several advantages:
a
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.
a
Your computer can perform all disk-related operations
faster.
a
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.
Most operating systems let you keep related files together in
directories and subdirectories so they are easy to find and use.
See your operating system manual for instructions on
managing your files and directories.
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Note
A hard disk must be partitioned and formatted before you
can use it. Be sure you have performed the procedures
described in your operating system manual to prepare your
hard disk for use.
Using Your Computer
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