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

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.

Y74499100100

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. Use a damp cloth for cleaning, not liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.

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

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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

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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

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

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:

Technical assistance with the installation, configuration, and operation of Epson products

Assistance in locating your nearest Authorized Epson Reseller or Service Center

Sales of ribbons, supplies, parts, documentation, and accessories for your Epson product

Customer Relations

Epson technical information library fax service

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:

Copying the Reference and Utility diskette files

Using special keys on the keyboard

Stopping a command or program

Resetting the computer

Using a password

Using disks and disk drives

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

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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

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)

[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:

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

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:

If you are using press thecdDCW

MS-DOS, hold down a and

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.

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:

If you do not have a hard disk, insert your system diskette in drive A.

Turn on the computer or press completes its memory test, the screen displays the following prompt:

Enter Password :

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

the computer loads your operating system and

displays the command prompt. If

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

and try again.

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:

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.

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

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).

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:

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.

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

1-12

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

Do not place diskettes on top of your monitor or near an

external hard disk drive.

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

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; this 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

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

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.

1-16

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.

1-18

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 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.

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.

1-20

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

+ 166 hidden pages

Epson EQUITY 386-33 PLUS User Manual

Contents

Introduction

Where to Get Help

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