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REFERENCE GUIDE
Compaq Armada M300 Series of Personal Computers
Second Edition June 2000
Part Number 170706-002
Compaq Computer Corporation
CONTENTS
chapter 1
TAKING A LOOK AT THE C OMPUTER
Top Components..................................................................... 1-1
Left Side Components ............................................................. 1-3
Right Side Components........................................................... 1-4
Front Components................................................................... 1-5
INDEX ............................................................................................I-1
xii Contents
chapter
1
AKING A LOOK AT THE COMPUTER
T
Top Components
Top Components
ComponentFunction
Display switchTurns off the computer display if the
1
Hard drive lightOn: The primary hard drive is being
2
Diskette drive lightOn: The external diskette drive is being
3
computer is closed while on.
accessed.
accessed.
Taking a Look at the Computer
Continued
1-1
Top Components
Continued
ComponentFunction
Num lock lightOn: Num lock is on and the embedded
4
Caps lock lightOn: Caps lock is on.
5
Scroll lock lightOn: Scroll lock is on.
6
Internal microphoneSupports audio input when the display is
7
Suspend button**Initiates and exits Suspend.* When pressed
8
Easy Access Buttons (available on
9
select models)
Windows application keyDisplays shortcut menu for item beneath
:
Battery lightOn: The battery pack is charging.
;
Power/suspend lightOn: Power is turned on.
<
Right-click buttonFunctions like the right-click button of an
=
Left-click buttonFunctions like the left-click button of an
>
TouchPadMoves the mouse cursor, selects, and
?
Microsoft logo keyDisplays Windows Start menu.
@
*In Windows 98 the term
**In Windows 98 the term
replaces the term
Standby
sleep button
numeric keypad is enabled.
open or closed.
with the Fn key, initiates Hibernation.
Allow direct access to predefined files,
programs, or websites.
mouse cursor.
Blinking: The battery pack that is the only
available power source has reached a
low-battery condition.
Off: Power is turned off.
Blinking: Computer is in Suspend.*
The power/suspend light also blinks
NOTE:
if a battery pack that is the only source of
power available to the computer reaches a
critical low-battery condition while
Hibernation is disabled.
external mouse.
external mouse.
Used with the TouchPad, drags and
highlights.
activates.
Suspend.
replaces the term
suspend button.
1-2
Taking a Look at the Computer
Left Side Components
Left Side Components
ComponentFunction
RJ-45 jack*Connects the network cable.
1
Power connectorConnects the AC power adapter.
2
Power buttonTurns the computer on or off or exits
3
VentsCools internal components.
4
Security cable slotAttaches an optional security cable to the
5
Hard drive bayHolds primary hard drive.
6
!
damage to the equipment, do not plug a telephone cable into
the Ethernet RJ-45 jack.
*WARNING:
To reduce the risk of electric shock, fire, or
A network cable is included with
NOTE:
network models.
Suspend.
computer.
Taking a Look at the Computer
1-3
Right Side Components
Right Side Components
ComponentFunction
PC Card slotSupports 32-bit (CardBus) and 16-bit
1
Air intake ventsCool internal components.
2
Air exhaust ventsCool internal components.
3
RJ-11 jack (internal modem models
4
only)
PC Cards.
Connects the modem cable to an internal
modem.
A modem cable is included with
NOTE:
internal modem models.
1-4
Taking a Look at the Computer
Front Components
ComponentFunction
Display release latchOpens the computer.
1
Stereo speaker/headphone jackConnects stereo speakers, headphones, or
2
Microphone jackConnects a single sound
3
Power/suspend lightOn: Power is turned on.
4
Battery lightOn: A battery pack is charging.
5
Front Components
headset audio.
channel microphone.
Off: Power is turned off.
Blinking: Computer is in Suspend.
The power/suspend light also blinks if
NOTE:
a battery pack that is the only source of
power available to the computer reaches a
critical low-battery condition while
Hibernation is disabled.
Blinking: A battery pack that is the only
available power source has reached a
low-battery condition.
Taking a Look at the Computer
1-5
Rear Components
ComponentFunction
USB connectorConnects USB devices.
1
Serial connectorConnects a serial device.
2
Parallel connectorConnects a parallel device.
3
External monitor connectorConnects an external monitor, overhead
4
Infrared portLinks to another IrDA-compliant device for
5
Rear Components
projector, or TV adapter.
wireless communication.
1-6
Taking a Look at the Computer
Bottom Components
ComponentFunction
SpeakerProduces sound.
1
Serial numberIdentifies computer; needed when you call
2
Real-time clock batteryProvides battery power to automatically
3
Battery latchesReleases the primary battery pack.
4
220-pin docking connectorConnects the computer to a docking base.
5
Hard drive release latchReleases a hard drive from the hard drive
6
Hard drive security screwSecures hard drive in computer hard drive
7
Modem compartmentProvides access to the internal modem
8
Bottom Components
Compaq customer support.
display the date and time.
bay.
bay.
(modem models only).
Taking a Look at the Computer
1-7
External Diskette Drive
The computer comes with an external diskette drive which can be
used with floppy diskettes.
Electrostatic discharge can damage electronic
IMPORTANT:
CAUTION:
components. Before touching the diskette drive, ensure that you
are discharged of static electricity by touching a grounded metal
object. Refer to Appendix C, Electrostatic Discharge.
If you are using Windows 95, Windows 98, or
Windows NT 4.0 preinstalled by Compaq, you do not need to turn
off the computer before connecting or disconnecting the external
diskette drive to the computer. If you installed Windows 95,
Windows 98, or Windows NT 4.0 that you purchased separately,
you must obtain additional software from Compaq to support
connecting or disconnecting the drive while the computer is on or
in Suspend (Standby). For more information about the software,
refer to the Compaq Internet site at http://www.compaq.com.
Connecting the Diskette Drive
To connect the external diskette drive to the computer:
1. Attach the small end of the drive cable to the external diskette
drive 1.
2. Attach the large end of the drive cable to the parallel port on
the rear of the computer 2.
1-8
Taking a Look at the Computer
Disconnecting the Diskette Drive
To disconnect the external diskette drive from the computer:
1. Remove the diskette from the diskette drive.
2. Unscrew the small end of the drive cable from the external
diskette drive 1.
3. Unscrew the large end of the drive cable from the parallel port
on the rear of the computer 2.
Versatile Battery Pack
The primary battery pack is a multifunctional feature of the
computer. In addition to providing portable power, it
Creates a comfortable tilt for working at the keyboard. Fold
■
the battery pack back and under the computer.
Provides a cover for the rear connectors. Place the battery pack
■
in a straight position while the computer is lying flat.
Taking a Look at the Computer
1-9
chapter
2
USING THE KEYBOARD
Using the Pointing Device
The built-in TouchPad functions with any software that
supports a Microsoft-compatible mouse.
NOTE: If you are using software that does not support a
Microsoft-compatible mouse, select Advanced
Options in Computer Setup, then select the Disable Multiple
Pointing Devices check box. For more information on running
Computer Setup, please refer to Chapter 14.
Move the mouse pointerMove your finger directionally
Increase or decrease cursor speedIncrease or decrease finger speed
Right-, left-, or double-clickPress the right- or left-click button as
Highlight an item*Press down on the TouchPad as
Select text or an object*Position the mouse pointer over the
Activate a selection*Position the mouse pointer over the
Select, then drag and drop an item*Press down on the TouchPad as
*To perform this task exactly as you would with an external mouse, use the
left-click button like an external mouse left-click button.
across the TouchPad surface.
across the TouchPad surface.
you would the corresponding click
button on an external mouse.
you move the mouse pointer over
the item.
highlighted text or object, then
quickly tap the TouchPad once.
selection, then quickly tap the
TouchPad twice.
NOTE: To select and activate a
preference, first tap the preference
once to select it, then tap the
preference twice to activate it.
you move the mouse pointer over
the item, then drag the item to the
new location. To drop the item,
release the pressure.
Setting TouchPad Preferences
To access all TouchPad features and settings including mouse
trails, cursor speed, double-click pace, and Windows 98
single-click mode, select Start
Panel
àMouse.
2-2 Using the Keyboard
à SettingsàControl
Easy Access Buttons
The Easy Access Buttons located at the top of your keyboard
provide quick access to the Internet. Before using these
buttons, you must have Internet service.
The Easy Access Buttons are programmed to do the following:
Easy Access Buttons
ComponentFunction
1
2
3
4
To use the Easy Access Buttons
n You must be connected to the Internet. Until you set up
your Internet Service Provider (ISP), each Easy Access
Button will launch the Compaq Internet Setup process.
n You do not have to be connected to your ISP to add,
change, or delete schemes.
n You can also connect an external Compaq keyboard to the
computer. When an external Compaq keyboard that has
seven or eight Internet buttons is connected to your
computer, the first four buttons on the external keyboard
will automatically default to the Easy Access Buttons.
Information —Direct link to Compaq
Armada mobile user information for quick
answers to your computer questions.
Home—Internet start point. Connects to a
personalized Web page filled with local
weather, news, sports, and financial
information.
Search—Opens the AltaVista search
engine website which helps you locate
information on the Internet.
Email—Provides one-touch access to your
default Email application for sending and
reading your Email.
Using the Keyboard 2-3
Adding Easy Access Buttons Schemes
Schemes are a collection of up to four button assignments that
you define. You can add additional schemes so that the
buttons will perform different functions depending on which
scheme is currently selected. There is no limit to the number
of schemes that can be added, but the buttons will only work
for the scheme that is currently selected.
To add a new scheme:
1. Double-click the Easy Access Buttons icon located on the
Windows Taskbar
OR
Click Start
Keyboard
2. Click the Add button.
3. In the scheme box, type the name of the scheme to be
added.
4. In the Button Name box, type the new name for the button
being assigned.
5. In the Button Assignment box, type the name for the
button being assigned.
6. In the Button Assignment box, enter the item to which you
are assigning the button. To enter a button assignment
n Type the file path or website address in the Button
Assignment box.
or
n Use standard Windows procedures to copy a file path or
website address elsewhere, then paste it onto the Button
Assignment box.
à Settings à Control Panel à double-click
à click the Easy Access Buttons tab.
or
n Select the browse button, then double-click the item.
When the item displays in the File name box, select OK.
7. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for each of the Easy Access Buttons
you want to include in the new scheme.
8. Select the Apply or OK button.
2-4 Using the Keyboard
Changing Easy Access Buttons Schemes
To select a different scheme:
1. Double-click the Easy Access Buttons icon located on the
Windows Taskbar
OR
Click Start
Keyboard
2. In the Scheme drop-down list in the scheme box, select the
scheme that contains the button name or assignment being
changed.
3. In the Button name column, select the icon of the button
being changed.
4. To change the button name—select the Edit button beside
the Button Name box, then type the new name into the
Button Name box.
5. To change the button assignment—Enter the item to which
you are assigning the button in the Button Assignment
box. to enter a button assignment
n Type the file path or website address in the Button
Assignment box.
or
n Use standard Windows procedures to copy a file path or
website address elsewhere, then paste it onto the Button
Assignment box.
à Settings à Control Panel à double-click
à click the Easy Access Buttons tab.
or
n Select the browse button, then double-click the item.
When the item displays in the File name box, select OK.
6. Select the Apply or OK button.
Using the Keyboard 2-5
Deleting Easy Access Buttons Schemes
NOTE: The default schemes can not be deleted. Only the
schemes defined by you can be deleted.
To delete a scheme:
1. Double-click the Easy Access Buttons icon located on the
Windows Taskbar
OR
Click Start
Keyboard
à Settings à Control Panel à double-click
à click the Easy Access Buttons tab.
2. In the Scheme drop-down list box, select the name of the
scheme you want to delete.
NOTE: Schemes must be deleted one at a time.
3. Click the Delete button.
4. Click OK.
Programming the External Keyboard Internet Buttons
If a Compaq external keyboard with seven or eight Internet
buttons is connect to your computer, the first four Internet
buttons automatically default to the Easy Access Buttons
schemes. You can program the remaining external keyboard
Internet buttons or change the Easy Access Buttons to match
the first four Internet buttons on the external keyboard.
To program the remaining external keyboard Internet buttons:
1. Double-click the Easy Access Button icon located on the
Windows Taskbar
OR
Click Start
Keyboard
à Settings à Control Panel à double-click
à click the Easy Access Buttons tab.
2. Click Internal and select the type of external keyboard you
have connected to the computer.
3. Click on Add, then enter the name of the filenames,
programs, or websites you want assigned to the remaining
buttons on the external keyboard.
4. Click Apply.
To change the Easy Access Buttons on the computer to match
the first four button schemes on the External keyboard:
2-6 Using the Keyboard
1. Double-click the Easy Access Button icon located on the
Windows Taskbar
OR
Click Start
Keyboard
à Settings à Control Panel à double-click
à click the Easy Access Buttons tab.
2. Click Internal.
3. Click on Add, then enter the name of the filenames,
programs, or websites you want assigned to the four Easy
Access Buttons.
4. Click Apply. The Easy Access buttons on the computer are
programmed to be the same as the first four buttons on the
external keyboard.
Using Hotkeys
Hotkeys are preset combinations of the Fnkey 1 plus a second
key that take you to frequently used system functions. The
icons on the function keys
n To use hotkeys on an external keyboard which does not
have an
Fn key, press the Scroll Lock key twice, then the
second key only of the hotkeys combination. For example,
to use the
Fn+F3 hotkeys, press Scroll Lock+Scroll Lock+F3 .
(F1-F10) 2 represent these functions.
NOTE: The Fn+F6 (Initiate Quick Controls) hotkeys cannot be
used on an external keyboard connected through a USB
connector.
n To close a window opened with hotkeys, use standard
Windows procedures or press the hotkeys again.
Using the Keyboard 2-7
Hotkeys Quick Reference
TaskHotkeys
Switch the display and imageFn+F4
Adjust system volumeFn+F5
Initiate Quick ControlsFn+F6
Set a power conservation levelFn+F7
View battery charge statusFn+F8
Adjust screen brightnessFn+F10
Display system informationFn+Esc
Stretch textFn+T
Switching the Display and Image
In Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 toggle Fn+F4 to switch
the image among the computer display, an external display,
and simultaneous display. The external display can be
connected through the external monitor connector.
In Windows 98 toggle
Fn+F4 to switch the image between the
computer display and an external display that is connected
through the external monitor connector.
n When MultiMonitor is enabled, press Fn+F4 to turn off the
external display and disable MultiMonitor.
2-8 Using the Keyboard
n When MultiMonitor is disabled, toggle Fn+F4 to switch the
image among the computer display, the external display,
and simultaneous display.
Adjusting System Volume
n To adjust system volume with an onscreen slide button or
with the keyboard arrow keys, press
n To mute or restore volume
n Press Fn+F5+Mor
n Press Fn+F5, then select or clear the Mute checkbox.
Fn+F5.
Initiating Quick Controls
Quick Controls security features disable the keyboard and
pointing device and clear the screen. Before you can use
Quick Controls, you must set a power-on password and enable
Quick Control preferences. For instructions, refer to Chapter
11.
n To initiate Quick Controls manually, press Fn+F6.
n To exit Quick Controls, enter your power-on password.
The
Fn+F6 hotkeys cannot be used on an external keyboard
connected through a USB connector on the computer or an
optional docking base.
Using the Keyboard 2-9
Setting a Power Conservation Level
In Windows 98 press Fn+F7 to open the Power Schemes
window.
In Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 press
Fn+F7 to open the
Battery Conservation Settings window.
n To select a preset battery conservation level, choose
among
n High—Maximizes running time from a single charge.
n Medium—Balances system performance with running
time.
n None (Drain)—Runs the computer at full power.
n For information about the Custom level, refer to “Using
Power Preferences” in Chapter 3.
Viewing Battery Charge Status
Press Fn+F8 to view the status of all installed battery packs.
Battery packs are listed by location.
n To display the location of a listed battery pack, select the
corresponding battery icon.
n A lightening bolt icon beside a battery icon indicates that
the battery pack in that location is charging.
Adjusting Screen Brightness
Press Fn+F10 to adjust the brightness of the computer screen
with an onscreen slide button or with the arrow keys.
Displaying System Information
Press Fn+Esc to display information about system hardware
components and software version numbers.
NOTE: The number beside System BIOS is the version number
of your system ROM.
2-10 Using the Keyboard
Stretching Text
When the computer is running MS-DOS under Windows and
the desktop area resolution is set lower than the display
resolution, press
Fn+T to toggle the image between Text
Stretch, which stretches the text to fill more of the screen, and
Regular. Text Stretch is the default. While Regular is selected,
a graphics accelerator cannot be enabled.
Enabling the Eurocurrency Symbol
Your computer can generate the Eurocurrency symbol when
pressing the
AltGr+4, 5, e, or u key combinations. The key
combination for your computer is dependent on the keyboard
for your country and the keyboard language settings in the
operating system. On keyboards without the
graphics) key, use the
Alt key to the right of the spacebar.
Alt Gr (alternate
Using the Embedded Numeric Keypad
Toggling the Keypad On and Off
n n To convert the embedded numeric keypad section 1 of the
computer keyboard to a numeric keypad, press
2.
Fn+Num Lk
n When the embedded numeric keypad is enabled, the
characters upper-right on the keypad keys are active
and the Num Lk light 3 is on.
n To disable the embedded numeric keypad, toggle
Fn+Num Lk.
n The embedded numeric keypad cannot be enabled while
an optional external keyboard or numeric keypad is
connected to the computer.
Using the Keyboard 2-11
Operating the Keypad Keys as Standard Keys
To use the embedded numeric keypad keys as standard
keyboard keys while the keypad is enabled:
n Press and hold Fn to type in lowercase.
n Press and hold Fn+Shift to type in uppercase.
Enabling the Keypad at Startup
To set the computer to start up with the embedded numeric
keypad enabled:
1. Turn on or restart the computer, then press
blinking cursor appears in the upper-right corner of
the screen.
n To change the language, press F2 .
n For navigation instructions, press F1 .
2. Select Advanced
àDevice Options, then press Enter.
3. Toggle the field beside Num Lock State at Boot to On,
then press
F10 .
4. To save your preferences, close Computer Setup, and
restart the computer, select File
then press
Enter.
àSave Changes and Exit,
5. When you are prompted to confirm your action, press
2-12 Using the Keyboard
F10 when the
F10 .
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