Gericom 1XA User Manual

72-11A00-018 Printed in Taiwan

Notice

The manufacturer reserves the right to make any updates, revisions or changes to the information contained herein as and when deemed necessary. The manufacturer is under no obligation to notify any purchaser or end-user of such actions in advance or afterwards.

1998

Trademarks

IBM PC, OS/2, PS/2, EGA, and VGA are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

Intel, Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.

MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, Windows NT and Microsoft Mouse are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Sound Blaster Pro is a trademark of Creative Labs, Inc.

SystemSoft is a registered trademark of SystemSoft Corp.

Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

FCC Notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CE – Certificate

This equipment is in compliance with the requirements of the following regulation:

EN 55 022: CLASS B

Warranty Provisions

Keep the product’s bar code legible to protect your right for warranty services.

The manufacturer warrants this personal computer to be in working order for a period of one year from the date of shipment. If this product fails within the one year warranty period the manufacturer will, at its option, repair or replace the product at no charge except as set forth below.

Warranty service will be furnished on an exchange basis. The manufacturer may repair or replace your product with a new or reconditioned one. Any replaced components or parts become the property of the manufacturer.

No warranty is expressed or implied for products damaged by accident, abuse, misuse, acts of god, or un-authorized modification. No warranties apply after the one year warranty period.

To obtain warranty service described herein, deliver the product along with proof of purchase date, to any of the manufacturer’s authorized distributors during the warranty period. The owner agrees to insure the product and assume the risk of damage or loss in transit, to pay in advance all shipping charges, and to use the original shipping container (or the equivalent).

The manufacturer is not liable to any purchaser or end-user for any damages including, but not limited to, lost revenue, lost wages, lost savings, or any other incidental or consequential damages arising from the purchase, use, or inability to use this product.

Safety Notice

The notebook computer is a delicate device that requires careful handling. Negligence or mistaken use may cause serious damage. Before you learn to operate or use this computer, you need to understand the instruction regarding safety handling.

The following mentions the incorrect handling that is seriously inhibited. To keep the computer from being damaged, please keep these precautions in your mind.

Do not turn off power in operation.

Do not turn off the peripheral device when the light is on.

Do not place the computer on unstable surface.

Do not touch the poisonous liquid when the LCD is broken.

Do not disassemble the computer yourself.

Do not touch power cord by wet hand. Do not use broken power cord.

Keep the computer away from any metal appliance.

Do not place anything heavy on the computer.

Do not throw the computer or accessories into fire.

The following mentions the actions that are important for your computer. To keep your computer in the most excellent condition, please follow the instruction as much as possible.

If there is unusual odor, heat or smoke, plug out the power cord immediately.

Follow the use instruction in taking airplane.

Plug out the power cord in attaching peripheral devices.

Use the same brand of peripheral devices.

Maintain your computer regularly. Do not place heavy thing on the

power cord.

Affix tape to the contact plate while putting the battery into keeping box.

The data is easy to lose in low power status.

Take a rest after a long term of work.

Please keep the computer away from humid environment.

Conventions

This manual uses the following conventions to describe, identify, and highlight terms and operating procedures.

Text Conventions

Text in boldface contains messages that are important for safe operation. Please read.

Characters in boldface represent specific items or keys, e.g. CardBus, Fn key. File names are presented in bold capitals, e.g. A:\>0VMAKFIL /Pn.

Abbreviations

For the purpose of clarity, abbreviations are enclosed in parentheses following their definition; for example, Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) mode.

Icons

Icons identify ports and jacks of the Notebook computer. The system status indicators are also identified with their relative icons.

Keys

Keys appear in boldface. A plus sign (+) between two keys indicates that they should be pressed simultaneously.

Messages

Note: A note is an advice that helps you make best use of your Notebook

computer. Please read.

Ergonomics

Developing good work habits are important if you need to work in front of the computer for long periods of time. Improper work habits can result in discomfort or serious injury from repetitive strain to your hands, wrists or other joints. The following are some tips to reduce the strain:



Adjust the height of the chair and/or desk so that the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your elbow. Keep your forearms, wrists, and hands in a relaxed position.



Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest if necessary.



Use a chair with a back and adjust it to support your lower back comfortably.



Sit straight so that your knees, hips and elbows form approximately 90° angles when you are working.

Lighting

Proper lighting and comfortable display viewing angle can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue in your neck and shoulders.



Position the display to avoid glare or reflections from overhead lighting or outside sources of light.



Keep the display screen clean and set the brightness and contrast to levels that allow you to see the screen clearly.



Position the display directly in front of you at a comfortable viewing distance.



Adjust the display viewing angle to find the best position.

In addition, continuous concentration on computing work can result in discomfort and injury. Remember to:



Alter your posture frequently.



Stretch and exercise your body several times a day.



Take periodic breaks when you work at the computer for long periods of time. Frequent and short breaks are of greater benefit than fewer and longer breaks.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Unpacking ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-2 Operating Environment ------------------------------------------------------- 1-3 Quick Start-up ------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-4

Powering the System ------------------------------------------------- 1-4

AC Power Adapter -------------------------------------------- 1-4 Battery Pack---------------------------------------------------- 1-5

Inserting ------------------------------------------------ 1-5 Removing ---------------------------------------------- 1-5 Recharging by AC Power --------------------------- 1-6

Proper Handling of the Battery Pack -------------- 1-6 Opening the LCD Cover --------------------------------------------- 1-7 LED Indicators on the LCD Cover --------------------------------- 1-8

Top-Front View ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1-9

LCD Panel -------------------------------------------------------------- 1-9 Stereo Speakers -------------------------------------------------------- 1-9 Trackpad and Buttons ------------------------------------------------ 1-9 Keyboard---------------------------------------------------------------- 1-9 Microphone ------------------------------------------------------------- 1-9 System Status LED Indicators -------------------------------------- 1-10 Power Button ----------------------------------------------------------- 1-10

Rear View ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-12

Headphone Jack ------------------------------------------------------- 1-12 Microphone-in Jack --------------------------------------------------- 1-12 Security Connector ---------------------------------------------------- 1-12 PS/2 Type Port --------------------------------------------------------- 1-12 Serial Port --------------------------------------------------------------- 1-12 Parallel Port ------------------------------------------------------------ 1-12 External Monitor (CRT) Port ---------------------------------------- 1-12 USB Port ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1-12

Right-side View ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1-14

3.5” Floppy Diskette Drive ------------------------------------------ 1-14

5.25” CD-ROM Drive ------------------------------------------------ 1-14 PC Card Sockets ------------------------------------------------------- 1-14 Right-side Stands ------------------------------------------------------ 1-14

Left-side View ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1-16

DC-in Socket ----------------------------------------------------------- 1-16 Ventilation -------------------------------------------------------------- 1-16

Left-side Stands -------------------------------------------------------- 1-16

Bottom View ------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-17

2.5” Hard Disk Drive ------------------------------------------------- 1-17 CPU Cover ------------------------------------------------------------- 1-17 Battery Pack ------------------------------------------------------------ 1-17 CD-ROM Cover ------------------------------------------------------- 1-17

Chapter 2: Operation

Upgrading CPU ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2-2

Replacing CPU -------------------------------------------------------- 2-2

Setting DIP Switch ------------------------------------------------------------ 2-4

Accessing the 10-Pole DIP Switch --------------------------------- 2-4

CPU Core Frequency Settings ------------------------------- 2-5 Flash ROM BIOS Settings ----------------------------------- 2-5

Accessing the 8-Pole DIP Switch ----------------------------------- 2-6

CPU Core Voltage Settings ---------------------------------- 2-6

Accessing the 2-Pole DIP Switch ----------------------------------- 2-7

CPU I/O Voltage Settings ------------------------------------ 2-7

Expanding Memory ----------------------------------------------------------- 2-8

Accessing the Memory Sockets ------------------------------------- 2-9

Installing Memory Module ---------------------------------- 2-10 Removing Memory Module --------------------------------- 2-11

Using Hard Disk Drive ------------------------------------------------------- 2-12

Removing --------------------------------------------------------------- 2-12 Inserting ----------------------------------------------------------------- 2-12 Replacing Hard Disk Drive ------------------------------------------ 2-13

Using Floppy Disk Drive ----------------------------------------------------- 2-14 Inserting/Removing Diskettes --------------------------------------- 2-14

Write-Protecting Diskettes ------------------------------------------- 2-15 Do’s and Don’ts ------------------------------------------------------- 2-15

Using CD-ROM ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2-16

Removing CD-ROM Module --------------------------------------- 2-17 Loading Compact Discs ---------------------------------------------- 2-18 Handling of Compact Discs ----------------------------------------- 2-19

Using PC Card Sockets ------------------------------------------------------- 2-20

Inserting PC Cards ---------------------------------------------------- 2-20 Removing PC Cards -------------------------------------------------- 2-21

Using Hot Keys ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2-22 Using Numeric Keypad ------------------------------------------------------- 2-24 LCD Panel ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-25 Using Power Management --------------------------------------------------- 2-27

Advanced Power Management (APM 1.2)------------------------ 2-27 Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) ---------- 2-27 Hard Disk Standby ---------------------------------------------------- 2-28 Global Standby -------------------------------------------------------- 2-28 Suspend and Resume ------------------------------------------------- 2-28

Powered On Suspend (POS) -------------------------------- 2-29

Resume from POS Mode -------------------------- 2-29

Suspend To RAM (STR) ------------------------------------ 2-29

Resume from STR Mode ------------------------- 2-29

Suspend To Disk (STD) ------------------------------------- 2-30

Resume from STD Mode-------------------------- 2-30

Attaching Peripheral Devices ------------------------------------------------ 2-31

Attaching a Security Lock ------------------------------------------- 2-31 Attaching a PS/2 Keyboard or Mouse ----------------------------- 2-32 Attaching a Serial Mouse -------------------------------------------- 2-33 Attaching a Parallel Printer ------------------------------------------ 2-34 Attaching an External Monitor (CRT) ----------------------------- 2-35 Attaching a USB-compatible Device ------------------------------ 2-36

Chapter 3: BIOS Utilities

Power On Self Test (POST) ------------------------------------------------- 3-2

POST Message: Normal Operation -------------------------------- 3-2 POST Message: Error Detected ------------------------------------- 3-3

System Configuration Utility ------------------------------------------------ 3-4

Information in the System Configuration Utility ---------------- 3-4 Initiating the System Configuration Utility ----------------------- 3-5

Working with the Menu Bar of the SCU ------------------ 3-6 Working with the Pull-down Menu of the SCU ---------- 3-7

Features of the System Configuration Utility --------------------- 3-8

Startup Menu -------------------------------------------------- 3-8 Memory Menu ------------------------------------------------- 3-10 Disks Menu ---------------------------------------------------- 3-11 Components Menu -------------------------------------------- 3-12 Power Menu---------------------------------------------------- 3-15 Exit Menu ------------------------------------------------------ 3-18

Chapter 4: Troubleshooting

Battery --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-2 Power ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-3 Hard Disk Drive --------------------------------------------------------------- 4-3

Floppy Disk Drive ------------------------------------------------------------- 4-4 Hardware Installation --------------------------------------------------------- 4-4 LCD Panel ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-5 Memory Module --------------------------------------------------------------- 4-6 PC Card ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-6 Boot Password ----------------------------------------------------------------- 4-7 Audio ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-7 CD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-8 Printer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4-9

Appendix A: Specifications--------------------------------------------------------- A-1

Appendix B: I/O Port Pin Assignments ----------------------------------------- B-1

Appendix C: Installing Drivers --------------------------------------------------- C-1

1-1

Chapter 1: Getting Started

This chapter provides a short introduction and tutorial that will familiarize you with the Notebook system and get you up and running quickly. This Chapter will discuss:

 Unpacking  Operating Environment  Powering the System by AC Power Adapter  Powering the System by Battery Pack  Charging the Battery Pack  Opening the LCD Cover  Identifying all Devices and Ports  Identifying all LED Indicators

Chapter 1: Getting Started

1-2

Unpacking

Carefully unpack the Notebook Computer and the included accessories (Figure 1-

1). If there is any discrepancy or problem, contact your dealer immediately. Be sure to save the packing materials in the event that the notebook needs to be shipped at some point in the future.

 Notebook Computer.  Carrying Bag.  Power Adapter.  Power Cord.  User Manual.  PS/2 Transfer Cable.  Battery Pack.  Utilities Diskettes.  CD for drivers.

User’s Manual

Figure 1-1

1-3

Operating Environment

As with any other precision electronic equipment, proper care and operation of your Notebook will provide long and reliable service. Be sure the computer system is not:

 Exposed to excessively heat or directly sunlight.  Subjected to shock or vibration.  Exposed to strong magnetic fields.  Left in a place where foreign matter or moisture may enter the system.

Figure 1-2

Chapter 1: Getting Started

1-4

Quick Start-up

Powering the System

AC Power Adapter

Use only the power adapter that comes with your Notebook Computer. System operation with an incorrect power adapter will cause damage to the Notebook and its components.

Plug the power adapter to the DC-in socket on the left panel of the Notebook.

Connect the power cord to the power adapter.

Plug the AC power cord into a properly grounded outlet (Figure 1-3).

Refer to Chapter 1, System Status LED Indicators for more information on system power status.

User’s Manual

Figure 1-3

1-5

Battery Pack

Power for continuous portable operation of the Notebook is provided by a battery pack. When using the battery no external power source is required. However, the actual operating time will be determined by the application used and the configuration set.

Inserting

Turn the Notebook over.

Position the battery pack and firmly fit it into the Notebook (Figure 1-4).

The two latches will click into place when it is seated.

Removing

Turn the Notebook over.

Press the two latches in the direction indicated to release the battery pack. (Figure 1-5)

Carefully lift the battery pack from the Notebook.

Figure 1-4 Figure 1-5

Chapter 1: Getting Started

1-6

Recharging by AC Power

The system’s battery pack will recharge whenever the system is plugged into the AC power supply, regardless of whether the system is being operated or not. Please refer to Chapter 1, System Status LED Indicators for more information concerning battery charge status.

Off-Line Charge The Notebook system is powered off. Connect the

AC adapter to the unit. Its DC output will be used solely to charge the battery. It will take hours to bring a completely discharged battery to its full charge state.

Trickle Charge The Notebook system is powered on. Again, make

sure the AC adapter is connected to the unit. Its DC output will both power the system and charge the battery. It may take more hours than off-line charge to charge the battery.

Proper Handling of the Battery Pack

•

Do not attempt to disassemble the battery under any circumstances.

•

The battery may explode if exposed to fire or high temperatures.

•

Avoid short circuiting the battery by preventing contact between the metal terminals (+, −).

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1-7

Opening the LCD Cover

To release the top cover slide the latch to the right (Figure 1-6).

Lift the top cover to reveal the LCD panel and keyboard (Figure 1-7).

Adjust the LCD panel to a comfortable viewing angle.

Press the power button to turn the system on or off (refer to Chapter 1, Top- Front View for the information of the power button).

Figure 1-6

Figure 1-7

Chapter 1: Getting Started

1-8

LED Indicators on the LCD Cover

Icon Color Description

Green Battery power is used with system turned on.

Red AC power is used with system turned on or

AC and Battery are used with system turned on.

Green Battery is fully charged.

Red Battery is being charged.

Blinking Red Battery power is critically low.

Figure 1-8

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1-9

Top-Front View

LCD Panel

The Notebook provides you with a large LCD panel. Depending upon the model you have purchased, it can either be a 14.1”/13.3” XGA (1024x768 pixels) compatible, using TFT technology, or a 12.1” SVGA (800x600 pixels) compatible, using DSTN or TFT technology. The LCD panel is driven by a PCI local bus video controller with 4MB video memory.

Stereo Speakers

Two built-in speakers provide clear stereo sound.

Trackpad and Buttons

The pointing device features a sensitive glide pad for precise movements. It functions like a two-button mouse does. The right trackpad button is equivalent to the right mouse button; the left trackpad button is equivalent to the left mouse button.

Keyboard

The Notebook utilizes a Windows 95 keyboard that is integrated with the numeric keypad. It is detachable for various language versions. You may refer to Chapter 2: Operation for more information.

Microphone

This is the built-in microphone for recording sound into your applications.

Chapter 1: Getting Started

1-10

System Status LED Indicators

The LED indicators display the system’s operation status.

Icon Color Description

Green Battery power is used with system turned on.

Red AC power is used with system turned on or

AC and Battery are used with system turned on.

Green

Green Battery is fully charged.

Red Battery is being charged.

Blinking Red Battery power is critically low.

Green The hard disk is being accessed.

The system has entered Suspend-To-RAM (STR) or Power-On-Suspend (POS) mode.

Power Button

Icon Description

Note: After turning off the system, wait for a few seconds to power it on

again when you need to.

Use this button to turn the system on or off.

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1-11

LCD Panel

Stereo Speakers

Power Button

Keyboard

Microphone

Figure 1-9

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Figure 1-10

Trackpad & Buttons

1-12

Rear View

Microphone-in Jack

Use this jack to connect a microphone to the system for audio input.

Headphone Jack

Headphone can be attached to the system through this jack for audio output, so can external speakers that have built-in output power amplifier.

Security Connector

The Security Connector is used to protect your Notebook from being stolen. Wrap the steel cable around your desk. Next, insert the locking device into this security connector.

PS/2 Type Port

A PS/2 type mouse and keyboard may be connected to the system using this port.

Serial Port

This port is UART 16C550 compatible. It features a 9-pin connector for the addition of an external mouse for example.

Parallel Port

This parallel port supports EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) and ECP (Extended Capabilities Port) modes.

External Monitor (CRT) Port

This port is used for transmission of the display to an external monitor. Simultaneous display with the LCD panel is available.

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1-13

USB Port

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) port simplifies the expansion capability for peripherals by daisy-chain connection of a number of USB-equipped devices.

Headphone jack Microphone-in jack

PS/2 type port

Security connector

Serial port

Parallel port

Figure 1-11

CRT port

USB port

Chapter 1: Getting Started

1-14

Right-side View

3.5” Floppy Diskette Drive

The Notebook comes standard with a 1.44MB floppy drive installed. Press the button on its top-right side to eject the diskette.

5.25” CD-ROM Drive

The 5.25” IDE CD-ROM module is designed to be changeable installing or removing the two screws that fasten the CD-ROM drive. The eject button is located in the middle of the front cover of the CD-ROM drive. Pressing it will release the CD tray. Refer to Chapter 2: Operation, for more information.

PC Card Sockets

One Type III or two Type II PC cards may be used. Both sockets will expand the system capabilities when a PC card is inserted. To eject the PC card, press the appropriate eject button (Figure 2-17).

Infrared

The system adopts infrared technology as the interface for simple, fast and convenient data exchange from the Notebook to an infrared-compatible device. It implements IrDA (HPSIR) and Amplitude Shifted Keyed IR (ASKIR). No object should be blocking the line of sight between the Notebook and the infrared-equipped device. For further information, refer to the manual of the wireless device you wish to connect on how to use the point-and-shoot operation.

Right-side Stands

When a high speed CPU is installed, the erecting stands on both sides will help heat dissipation during operation.

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