HP ARMADA 6500 User Manual

WHITE PAPER

.

September 1998 Prepared By Portable Software

Marketing

Compaq Computer Corporation

CONTENTS

Highlights ......................3

Defining Support ............ 3

Support Software............ 3

Compaq QuickRestore CD ..... 3

Compaq Software CD ............ 3

Compaq Support Software CD 3

Preinstalled

Operating Systems ......... 4

Supported

Operating Systems ......... 5

Supported Features by Operating

System........................... 5

Windows 98 ......................... 7

Windows 95 ....................... 10

Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 ... 15 DOS 6.2x & Windows 3.1x ... 18 Microsoft Windows NT 3.51.. 21

IBM OS/2 Warp 3.0 & 4.0..... 23

Frequently Asked

Questions ..................... 24

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Operating System Support for Compaq

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Portable Platforms

.

The purpose of this White Paper is to present operating system features supported on

.

Compaq portable computers. Compaq supports Microsoft DOS 6.2x, Windows 3.1x,

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Windows for Workgroups 3.1x, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, and IBM

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OS/2 Warp. In addition to features inherently supported in the operating system itself,

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Compaq also provides software to enhance the user experience and usability of the

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mobile PC. Specific Compaq software deliverables are reviewed here as well as

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information about the various ways customers can obtain these components.

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Features supported through Compaq software include:

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This is the fifth edition of the document. This edition includes updated information about

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operating system support for the new Armada 3500 and Armada 6500.

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This document is intended for external audiences with a need for information about

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operating system support for Compaq commercial portables.

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1

• Software to manage and extend battery life

• Software to enhance the ease of use and configuration of PC Cards

• Intelligent Manageability software to provide Asset Control, Fault

Prediction, and Security

• Multibay support to enable warm and hot swapping of IDE devices

• Programmable Keys utility to support four special keyboard keys

• Infrared support for ease of use in wireless transfers of speeds up to 4Mbps

• Communications software to provide telephony capabilities and enhance ease

of use

WHITE PAPER (cont.)

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NOTICE

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The information in this publication is subject to change without notice.

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THE COMPETITIVE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLICATION IS BASED ON

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DATA AVAILABLE FROM PUBLIC SOURCES AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION. COMPAQ

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COMPUTER CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INACCURACIES,

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ERRORS, OR OMISSIONS IN INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, INCLUDING, BUT NOT

.

LIMITED TO, INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THIRD PARTY SOURCES, SUCH AS

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PUBLICATIONS OF OTHER COMPANIES, THE PRESS, OR COMPETITIVE DATA

.

ORGANIZATIONS.

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THIS PUBLICATION IS MADE AVAILABLE ON AN “AS IS” BASIS AND COMPAQ

.

SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL ASSOCIATED WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR

.

IMPLIED. IN NO EVENT WILL COMPAQ BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL,

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INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF OR

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RELIANCE ON THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLICATION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF

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THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. COMPAQ RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE

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IMPROVEMENTS OR CHANGES TO THIS PUBLICATION AND THE PRODUCTS AND

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SERVICES HEREIN DESCRIBED AT ANY TIME, WITHOUT NOTICE OR OBLIGATION.

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This publication does not constitute an endorsement of the product or products that were tested.

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The configuration or configurations tested or described may or may not be the only available

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solution. This test is not a determination of product quality or correctness, nor does it ensure

.

compliance with any federal, state or local requirements. Compaq does not warrant products other

.

than its own and then, only as strictly stated in Compaq product warranties.

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ARMADA, Compaq, LTE, Deskpro, Presario, ProLiant, and ProSignia are trademarks registered

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in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

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LTE 5000, MultiBay, and Netelligent are trademarks of Compaq Computer Corporation.

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Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their

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respective companies.

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Microsoft, Windows NT are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

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Operating System Support for Compaq Portable Platforms

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Fifth Edition (September 1998)

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Fourth Edition (August 1998)

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Third Edition (June 1998)

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Second Edition (February 1998)

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First Edition (September 1997)

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NA120C/0598

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2

WHITE PAPER (cont.)

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HIGHLIGHTS

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NOTE:

In this White Paper, all references to Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 should be taken to mean Windows NT Workstation 4.0.

NOTE: On some platforms, Compaq

provides the System Enhancements diskette. This deliverable is available as a SoftPaq on the Compaq Web site or on the Compaq Support Software CD. This deliverable features an automated install and includes all operating system fixes from Microsoft, registry modification and INF changes included on the hard drive image pre-installed by Compaq. For customers who create their own hard drive image, it is important that this deliverable be installed.

This edition includes operating support information for the Armada 6500 and Armada 3500.

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DEFINING SUPPORT

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Compaq supports all operating systems that are currently preinstalled by Compaq on its portable

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computers. Today, the preinstalled operating systems are Windows 98, Windows 95 OSR2.1/2.5

.

and Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 3. These operating systems support all hardware features.

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For legacy operating systems such as Windows 3.1x, Windows 95 Retail and OSR1, Windows NT

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3.51 or IBM OS/2 Warp 3.0 & 4.0, Compaq provides support; however, in some cases, limitations

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in the operating system prevent enabling of new hardware functionality included on newer

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hardware platforms.

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SUPPORT SOFTWARE

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Compaq software support is available to customers in a number of different ways including various

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support CD-ROM (CD) disks, individual SoftPaq diskettes and the Compaq Web site.

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Compaq QuickRestore CD

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The Compaq QuickRestore CD is provided with Armada 7800, 7400, 6500, 4200, 3500, 1700, and

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1500 notebooks. The CD provides an easy to use and complete restore solution. The pre-installed

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operating system (i.e. Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0) and all Compaq software

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enhancements are provided on the CD. The solution allows customers to perform a complete

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restore by reformatting the hard drive, and restoring the image to its original pre-install state.

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Compaq Software CD

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The Compaq Software CD is made available for each portable product at the time of

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announcement beginning with products introduced in 1997. The Software CD contains all drivers

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and Compaq software for all supported operating systems including those that may have been

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preinstalled. The Software CD does not include the operating system itself. Customers can

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purchase the Software CD by contacting Compaq Customer Service & Support.

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Beginning with new products announced 2Q98, the Compaq Software CD will no longer be made

.

available. The Compaq QuickRestore CD includes all software included on the factory installed

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hard drive image as well as the operating system itself. Together these two aspects provide a more

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comprehensive recovery solution than was previously provided by the Compaq Software CD.

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The Armada 6500 ships with the Compaq Software CD. This CD provides additional software not

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included as part of the factory pre-install. Applications included on the CD are described in the

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White Paper titled Armada 6500 Software Overview, First Edition, September 1998.

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Compaq Support Software CD

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The Compaq Support Software CD set is yet another way for customers to get access to the latest

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drivers and software for their computer. This set of three CDs is updated monthly with new files

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also made available on the Compaq Web site. This CD contains support files for not only Compaq

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portables, but desktop and workstation computers as well. It is the ideal tool for the corporate MIS

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professional responsible for maintaining a number of different types of Compaq personal

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computers. The Software Support CD set can be purchased via an annual subscription or as a one-

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time purchase.

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3

WHITE PAPER (cont.)

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Customers who do not need the additional convenience of having all drivers and other support

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software on single CD can download individual software drivers and utilities, called SoftPaqs,

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from the Compaq Web site at www.compaq.com.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Compaq software deliverables referenced in this White Paper are

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available through all three mediums of distribution.

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PREINSTALLED OPERATING SYSTEMS

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Compaq currently gives customers the choice of Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows

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NT 4.0 as the preinstalled operating system. Windows 95 is available as the preinstalled operating

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system for the Armada 1500, Armada 1700, Armada 4100, Armada 4200, Armada 6500 and

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Armada 7000 families. Windows 98 is available on select models in select regions on the Armada

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3500 and 1700 and is planned for the Armada 6500. Windows NT 4.0 is available on select models

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in the Armada 15001, Armada 3500 and Armada 7000 families. Table 1 summarizes the various

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combinations of operating systems available for preinstall by portable product family.

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PREINSTALLED OPERATING SYSTEMS

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Operating Systems

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DOS/Windows 3.1x

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and Windows 95 OSR1

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Dual Installation

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Windows 95 OSR 2.1

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and Windows NT 4.0

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(with Service Pack 2)

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Dual Installation

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Windows 95 OSR1

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Windows 95

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OSR2.1/2.5

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Windows 98

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Windows NT 4.0 with

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Service Pack 3

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Table 1 - Preinstalled Operating Systems

.

1

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Currently shipping Armada 1500 models including the Armada 1560DM, 1571DM, 1573DM, 1590DMT, 1592DMT and

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the 1598DMT only offer Windows 95 as the pre-installed operating system.

.

2

Compaq discontinued dual installations on the Armada 1530DM, 1550DMT and 1580DMT beginning in 3Q97.

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3

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Compaq discontinued dual installations on the Armada 7710MT, 7730MT, 7750MT, 7330MT and 7350MT beginning in

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3Q97.

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4

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Windows 95 OSR1 was preinstalled on the Armada 4100, 4110, 4115, 4110D, 4120, 4125D, 4120T, 4125T, 4130T,

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4136T, 4135T, 4131T only.

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5

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Compaq currently installs OSR2.1 and IE4.01 on the 1700 to remain consistent with the previous family. The latest QFE

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from Microsoft tare always included as part of the preinstall.

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6

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Windows 95 OSR2 was single installed on the Armada 4150, 4150T and 4160T.

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7

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Windows 98 is available on select models within the Armada 1700 and 1500, notebook families and late 4Q98 for the

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Armada 6500. .

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8

On selected models in selected regions.

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4

7

LTE 5000

YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

NO YES

NO NO NO NO YES

NO YES YES

NO YES YES YES

NO NO YES YES NO NO

Armada 1500

2

Armada 1700

NO NO NO NO NO YES

5

Armada 3500

YES YES

Armada 4100

8

NO NO YES

Armada 4200

4

NO NO NO NO

6

YES YES YES YES

Armada 6500

(4Q98) YES

(4Q98)

Armada 7700 & 7300

3

NO NO

YES YES

Armada 7800 & 7400

NO

WHITE PAPER (cont.)

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SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS

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In addition to supporting preinstalled operating systems, Compaq offers standard feature support

.

for legacy operating systems that are not preinstalled. Table 2 summarizes support offered for each

NOTE:

Support statements for Windows

3.1 on the Armada 7800, 7400 and 1700 are detailed in the White Paper titled Windows 3.1 Support on Compaq Armada and LTE 5000 portables. Refer to this White Paper for more information on the level testing conducted and availability of support software for these platforms.

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operating system by product family.

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SUPPORTED OPERATING SYSTEMS

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Operating Systems

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DOS/Windows 3.1x

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Windows 95 OSR1

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Windows 95

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OSR2.1/2.5

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Windows 98

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Windows NT 3.51

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Windows NT 4.0 with

.

Service Pack 2

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Windows NT 4.0 with

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Service Pack 3

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OS/2 Warp 3.0 & 4.0

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Table 2 – Supported Operating Systems

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The following sections list major Compaq software deliverables for each supported operating

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system. Customers should refer to the Compaq Web site or Compaq Support Software CD for the

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latest revisions and information regarding these software components.

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SUPPORTED FEATURES BY OPERATING SYSTEM

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Table 3 summarizes major software functionality and hardware support by operating system on

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Compaq portable computers. Some of this support is provided through Compaq device drivers and

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utilities, while other support is inherent to the operating system. The list is not intended to be

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exhaustive; only a high level review of functional areas found to be of most interest to Compaq

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portable customers are noted.

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9

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Standard Windows 95 OSR1 feature support is offered for the Armada 4150, 4150T and 4160T. Extended feature support

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for Windows 95 OSR1 on all other Armada 4100 models.

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10

Extended feature support for Windows 95 OSR2 on the Armada 4150, 4150T and 4160T.

.

5

LTE 5000

YES YES YES NO YES YES YES YES YES

YES YES YES YES YES

NO YES YES YES YES

YES (3Q98)

YES YES NO NO YES NO NO YES NO

YES YES YES YES YES YES NO YES YES

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

YES NO NO NO YES NO NO YES NO

Armada 1500

YES YES YES

Armada 1700

Armada 3500

Armada 4100

9

10

YES (3Q98)

Armada 4200

YES NO YES YES

YES YES YES YES

YES

Armada 6500

YES (4Q98)

(4Q98)

Armada 7700 & 7300

YES YES

Armada 7800 & 7400

WHITE PAPER (cont.)

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SUPPORTED FEATURES

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NOTE:

“CC” represents functionality provided through a specific Compaq software or firmware component.

“OS” represents functionality provided by the operating system itself.

“CC/OS” represents functionality that is supported by the native operating system but which is enhanced through additional software components provided by Compaq.

“NA” represents functionality that is not available on Compaq portable platforms.

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Compaq Audio

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Drivers

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Compaq Video

.

Drivers

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Power Management

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Standby CC CC CC CC CC CC

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Hibernation CC CC CC CC CC CC

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Power conservation

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6

12

timers ACPI Support NA NA CC/OS APM Support

Programmable Keys

PC Card Support

PC Card 16 Support CC OS OS OS CC/OS OS CardBus (32-bit)

Support Plug ‘n Play Support CC OS OS NA CC

Compaq Ethernet Network Drivers

Compaq Intelligent Manageability

Multibay Hot Swapping Support

11

Some features are not supported on all platforms where limitations in the hardware prevent a feature from being enabled.

12

Includes all activity based timers that power down used components after a user defined period of inactivity.

13

ACPI is only supported on the Armada 7800, 7400, 6500, 4200, 3500 and 1700. All future platforms will also be ACPI

hardware ready.

14

Microsoft Windows 3.1x does support APM version 1.1. Customers interested in power management support under IBM

OS/2 Warp should contact IBM directly for more information.

15

Armada 1500 and Armada 7000 families only.

16

For Plug ‘n Play support, some limitations exist with some PC Cards and is dependent on the PC Card drivers. Contact

your PC Card vendor for more information about Plug ‘n Play support under Windows NT 4.0.

17

Multibay Exchange refers to warm swapping support for CDROM, floppy drive and batteries in the Compaq MultiBay.

18

Armada 6500 only.

19

Armada 6500 only.

14

DOS & Windows 3.1x Windows 95 Windows 98

CC CC CC CC CC CC

CC CC CC/OS CC CC CC

OS OS CC/OS NA CC/OS NA CC CC CC CC CC CC

CC

CC CC CC CC CC OS

NA CC CC NA CC NA

NA CC

17

11

Windows NT

3.51

13

15

OS OS NA CC NA

18

CC

19

NA NA NA

NA CC NA

Windows NT

4.0

16

OS/2 Warp

3.0 & 4.0

NA

WHITE PAPER (cont.)

.

Infrared Support

.

1.15 Mbps Transfer CC OS OS NA NA NA

.

4 Mbps Transfer NA CC CC NA NA NA

.

Compaq Software

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MPEG Support

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Communications

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Data Support OS OS OS OS OS OS

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Facsimile Support OS

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Table 3 – Supported Features

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Windows 98

.

Compaq now offers Windows 98 as a pre-installed operating system on select models within the

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Armada 1500, Armada 3500, and Armada 1700. In 4Q98 Compaq intends on offering Windows 98

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as the pre-installed operating system on select models within the Armada 6500 family. (Refer to

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Table 2 for information on preinstalled operating systems by portable family). Compaq offers full

.

support on all models within the Armada 1500, 1700, 3500, 4200, and 7000 families. Refer to

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Table 4 for information on specific Compaq software deliverables for Windows 98 by product

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family.

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Although Compaq will support customers that upgrade to Windows 98 on the Armada 6500, 4100

.

and LTE 5000 families, Compaq has not yet made software deliverables available and does not

.

recommend customers upgrade at this time. Compaq software for Windows 98 for these platforms

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will be made available 4Q98. These deliverables will be posted to the web site and this document

.

will be updated to reflect the change.

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WINDOWS 98 SOFTWARE DELIVERABLES

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Windows 98

.

Enabling Audio

.

Hardware

.

Enabling Video

.

Hardware

.

20

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Requires third-party software application not provided by Compaq.

.

21

.

For the Armada 7800, Armada 7400 and Armada 1700 RingCentral Fax is being preinstalled. This software application is

.

not available for download from the Compaq web site.

.

22

.

Compaq provides the Trio Communications Suite for Windows NT 4.0 on the Armada 7700 and 7300 families. For the

.

Armada 7800, Armada 7400, Armada 1700 and Armada 3500, RingCentral Fax is being preinstalled. This software

.

application is not available for download from the Compaq web site.

.

23

.

Requires third-party software application not provided by Compaq.

.

24

.

For the most up-to-date drivers, applications and patches refer to the Compaq Web site at www.compaq.com or the latest

.

Compaq Software Support CD.

.

7

24

DOS & Windows 3.1x Windows 95 Windows 98

NA CC/OS OS NA CC NA

20

Armada 1500 ESS 1878 Audio

Driver Support

C&T Display Driver Support

OS CC

Armada 1700 & 3500

ESS 1869 Audio Driver Support

C&T Display Driver Support

21

Armada 4200 Native Audio

Support

C&T Display Driver Support

Windows NT

3.51

NA CC

Windows NT

4.0

Armada 7700 & 7300

ESS 1878 Audio Driver Support

S3 Display Drivers

22

Armada 7800 & 7400

ESS 1879 Audio Driver Support

S3 Display Driver/Utility Support

OS/2 Warp

3.0 & 4.0

23

OS

WHITE PAPER (cont.)

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Windows 98

.

Enhanced Video

.

Functionality

.

Enabling

.

Networking

.

Unique Compaq

.

Software

.

Functionality

.

Power

.

Management and

.

Extended Security

.

Features

.

Enhanced

.

Operating System

.

Support

.

Setup &

.

Diagnostics

.

Table 4 - Windows 98 Software Deliverables

.

Windows 98 Feature Considerations

.

In addition to providing enhanced performance and a more stable 32-bit operating environment

.

Windows 98 provides many new features and support for new hardware technologies over its

.

predecessor, Windows 95. Refer to Table 5 for more information on what is new in Windows 98.

.

NEW FEATURE & HARDWARE SUPPORT UNDER WINDOWS 98

.

Feature Description

.

Windows Update

.

Dial-Up Networking

.

Improvements

.

Client Support for

.

Virtual Private

.

Networking (VPN)

.

8

24

Armada 1500

Intel Ethernet Drivers

Insight Agents Programmable

Keys Utility

Compaq Power Management

Security 32

DOS Real Mode Support

Compaq Diagnostics

F10 Computer Setup

F10 Computer Diagnostics

Includes the Update Manager. This feature keeps users’ systems up-to-date by providing easy access to the latest drivers and operating system files on an on-going basis.

Includes Multilink Channel Aggregation enabling users to combine all available dial-up lines for higher transfer speeds. Supports Dial-up scripting, which can automate the process of connecting to bulletin boards and online services. User interface enhancements simplify setting up and using dial-up connections.

Networking support tool for remote users to access their corporate network via a secure connection. Utilizes the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).

Armada 1700 & 3500 Armada 4200

Intel Ethernet Drivers

Insight Agents Programmable

Keys Utility

Compaq Power Management

Security 32

DOS Real Mode Support

Compaq Diagnostics

F10 Computer Setup

F10 Computer Diagnostics

Armada 4200 Ethernet Drivers

Insight Agents Programmable

Keys Utility

Compaq Power Management

Security 32

DOS Real Mode Support

Compaq Diagnostics

F10 Computer Setup

F10 Computer Diagnostics

Armada 7700 & 7300

External CRT Configuration Utility

NetFlex 3 Ethernet Drivers

Insight Agents Programmable

Keys Utility

Compaq Power Management

Security 32

DOS Real Mode Support

Compaq Diagnostics

F10 Computer Setup

F10 Computer Diagnostics

Armada 7800 & 7400

External CRT Configuration Utility

NetFlex 3 Ethernet Drivers

Insight Agents Programmable

Keys Utility

Compaq Power Management

Security 32

DOS Real Mode Support

Compaq Diagnostics

F10 Computer Setup

F10 Computer Diagnostics