IBM 6862, 300PL Type 6862, 300PL Type 6892, 300GL Type 6275, 300GL Type 6285 User Manual
Personal Computer
Using Your Personal Computer
PC 300PL Types 6862 and 6892
PC 300GL Types 6275 and 6285
Personal Computer
Using Your Personal Computer
PC 300PL Types 6862 and 6892
PC 300GL Types 6275 and 6285
IBM
Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general information
under Appendix D, “Product warranties and notices” on page 165.
Fourth Edition (July 1999)
The following paragraph does not apply to the United Kingdom or any country where such provisions
are inconsistent with local law: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION PROVIDES
THIS PUBLICATION “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
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IBM may make improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this
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This publication was developed for products and services offered in the United States of America. IBM
may not offer the products, services, or features discussed in this document in other countries, and the
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Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 1999. All rights reserved.
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Contents
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Laser compliance statement ................................ x
Lithium battery notice ................................... xi
About this book ...................................... xiii
Related publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv
Chapter 1. Your IBM personal computer ....................... 1
Identifying your computer ................................. 1
Desktop models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Tower models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What Your IBM personal computer offers ....................... 4
Microprocessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
System memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
PCI bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ISA bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Graphics subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Audio subsystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Ethernet support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Hard disk drive ...................................... 6
CD-ROM drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Parallel port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Serial ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Universal Serial Bus ports ............................... 7
IBM-preinstalled software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Operating system support ............................... 8
Diagnostic software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
System management features ............................. 9
Asset security features .................................. 9
Power management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Ease-of-use features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Ergonomic features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Expandability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
External connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Service and support ................................... 15
Features at a glance ..................................... 16
System specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Desktop model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Tower model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Copyright IBM Corp. 1999 iii
Chapter 2. Setting Up Your Computer ......................... 21
Installing options? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Selecting a location ..................................... 21
Setting up the computer (Tower Model) ........................ 22
Setting up the computer (desktop model) ........................ 24
Turn on power ........................................ 26
Finish the Installation .................................... 26
Chapter 3. Arranging your workspace ......................... 27
Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Glare and lighting ...................................... 28
Air circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Electrical outlets and cable lengths ............................ 28
Chapter 4. Operating your computer .......................... 29
Using controls and status indicators ........................... 29
Starting your computer - PC 300GL ........................... 31
Starting your computer - PC 300PL ........................... 32
Startup sequence information ............................. 33
Information for network administrators ....................... 34
Settings that affect the startup procedure ........................ 35
Starting your computer over a network ......................... 36
Shutting down your computer .............................. 36
Using mouse features .................................... 37
Mouse basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Using the ScrollPoint mouse .............................. 38
Using audio features .................................... 39
Using a CD-ROM drive .................................. 40
Handling a CD ...................................... 41
Loading a CD ....................................... 41
Loading a CD into a vertically positioned desktop model ............ 42
Using video features .................................... 46
Video device drivers .................................... 47
Using Universal Manageability features ......................... 48
Wake on LAN ...................................... 48
LANClient Control Manager (LCCM) ........................ 49
System Migration Assistant (SMA) .......................... 49
Alert on LAN support .................................. 49
DMI BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
System management controller ............................ 50
Built-in network protocols ............................... 51
Asset ID capability .................................... 51
Remote administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
iv Using Your Personal Computer
IBM System Management Tools ............................ 52
Using security features ................................... 52
Security provided through the Configuration/Setup Utility program ..... 53
Security U-bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Anti-intrusion features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Component protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Data protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Enhanced security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Updating system programs ................................ 58
Chapter 5. Using the Configuration/Setup Utility program ............ 61
Starting and using the program .............................. 62
Viewing and changing settings ............................ 63
Exiting the program ................................... 65
Instructions for most frequently used procedures ................... 66
Viewing the system summary ............................. 66
Setting the date and time ................................ 67
Using a power-on password .............................. 67
Using an administrator password ........................... 71
Setting the startup sequence .............................. 75
Setting remote administration ............................. 76
Setting power management features ......................... 76
Configuration/Setup Utility option tables ........................ 80
System Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Product data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Devices and I/O Ports .................................. 82
Start Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Date and Time ...................................... 87
System Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Advanced Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
ISA Legacy Resources .................................. 91
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Quick reference for network-related settings ...................... 95
Pentium III processor serial number feature ...................... 97
Chapter 6. Taking care of your computer ....................... 99
Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Cleaning your computer .................................. 99
Computer and keyboard ................................ 99
Monitor screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Replacing the battery ................................... 101
Moving your computer .................................. 101
Contents v
Chapter 7. Solving problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Using diagnostic tools .................................. 103
Power-On Self-Test (POST) .............................. 104
Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
POST message charts ................................. 108
POST Beep Codes ..................................... 124
POST Beep Code Table ................................ 124
Troubleshooting charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Diagnostic programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
IBM Enhanced Diagnostics .............................. 136
PC Doctor for Windows ................................ 137
PC Doctor for Windows NT ............................. 138
CoSession Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Installing files from option diskettes .......................... 139
Managing TSR programs (DOS or Microsoft Windows 3.1x) ........... 139
Chapter 8. Getting help, service, and information ................ 141
Service support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Before you call for service ................................ 142
Getting customer support and service ......................... 143
Using the World Wide Web ............................. 143
Using electronic support services .......................... 144
Getting information by fax .............................. 145
Getting help online ................................... 145
Getting help by telephone .............................. 145
Getting help around the world ........................... 147
Purchasing additional services ............................. 147
Enhanced PC support line .............................. 147
900-number operating system and hardware support line ........... 148
Network and server support line .......................... 148
Ordering support line services ............................ 149
Warranty and repair services ............................. 149
Ordering publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Appendix A. Computer records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Serial numbers and keys ................................. 151
Device records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Appendix B. Additional Ethernet information ................... 157
Connector and Cable Specifications .......................... 157
Diagnostic LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
vi Using Your Personal Computer
Appendix C. Using the IBM Software Selections CD and the IBM
Ready-to-Configure Utility Program CD ...................... 163
Features of the IBM Software Selections CD and the IBM Ready-to-Configure
Utility Program CD ................................... 163
Starting the CD ...................................... 164
Appendix D. Product warranties and notices ................... 165
Warranty Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
IBM Statement of Limited Warranty for United States, Puerto Rico, and
Canada (Part 1 - General Terms) .......................... 165
IBM Statement of Warranty Worldwide except Canada, Puerto Rico, Turkey,
United States (Part 1 - General Terms) ...................... 168
Part 2 - Worldwide Country-Unique Terms .................... 171
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Year 2000 readiness and instructions ........................ 175
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Class B Notices ..................................... 176
Class A Notices ..................................... 177
Other Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Power cord notice ................................... 181
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Contents vii
viii Using Your Personal Computer
Safety Information
Turn ever ything OFF.
Attach signal cables to
receptacles.
First, remove power cord from
outlet.
To Disconnect
Turn device ON.
DANGER:
Turn ever ything OFF.
To Connect
Remove signal cables from
receptacles.
Remove all cables from devices.
Attach power cord to outlet.
First, attach all cables to devices.
Electrical current from power, telephone, and communication
cables is hazardous.To avoid shock hazard, connect and
disconnect cables as shown below when installing, moving or
opening the covers of this product or attached devices.The
power cord must be used with a properly grounded outlet.
Copyright IBM Corp. 1999 ix
Laser compliance statement
Some IBM Personal Computer models are equipped from the factory with a
CD-ROM drive. CD-ROM drives are also sold separately as options. The CD-ROM
drive is a laser product. The CD-ROM drive is certified in the U.S. to conform to
the requirements of the Department of Health and Human Services 21 Code of
Federal Regulations (DHHS 21 CFR) Subchapter J for Class 1 laser products.
Elsewhere, the drive is certified to conform to the requirements of the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 825 and CENELEC EN 60 825 for Class 1 laser
products.
When a CD-ROM drive is installed, note the following.
CAUTION:
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein might result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Removing the covers of the CD-ROM drive could result in exposure to hazardous
laser radiation. There are no serviceable parts inside the CD-ROM drive. Do not
remove the CD-ROM drive covers.
Some CD-ROM drives contain an embedded Class 3A or Class 3B laser diode. Note
the following.
DANGER
Laser radiation when open. Do not stare into the beam, do not view
directly with optical instruments, and avoid direct exposure to the beam.
x Using Your Personal Computer
Lithium battery notice
CAUTION:
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
When replacing the battery, use only IBM Part Number 33F8354 or an equivalent
type battery recommended by the manufacturer. The battery contains lithium
and can explode if not properly used, handled, or disposed of.
Do not:
Throw or immerse into water
Heat to more than 100°C (212°F)
Repair or disassemble
Dispose of the battery as required by local ordinances or regulations.
ATTENTION
Danger d'explosion en cas de remplacement incorrect de la batterie.
Remplacer uniquement par une batterie IBM de type 33F8354 ou d'un type
équivalent recommandé par le fabricant. La batterie contient du lithium et peut
exploser en cas de mauvaise utilisation, de mauvaise manipulation ou de mise au
rebut inappropriée.
Ne pas :
Lancer ou plonger dans l'eau
Chauffer à plus de 100°C (212°F)
Réparer ou désassembler
Mettre au rebut les batteries usagées conformément aux règlements locaux.
Safety Information xi
xii Using Your Personal Computer
About this book
This book helps you become familiar with your IBM Personal Computer and its
many features. It describes how to configure, operate, and maintain your computer.
In the unlikely event you experience problems, you can also find helpful
troubleshooting information and instructions for obtaining service.
Edition Note
This edition contains information about new models with some additional
features that might not be reflected in the online publications included with
some preloaded models. For the latest information about your computer, go to:
http://www.ibm.com/pc/us/desktop
The book is organized as follows:
Chapter 1, "Your IBM personal computer," contains an overview of the features
of your computer.
Chapter 2, "Setting up your computer," contains instructions for connecting the
keyboard, mouse, monitor, power cables, and other optional devices.
Chapter 3, "Arranging your workspace," contains information about setting up
your work area to optimize use of your computer. Safety considerations are
also discussed.
Chapter 4, "Operating your computer," contains instructions for the day-to-day
use and management of your computer. Startup and shutdown procedures,
information on using a CD-ROM drive, and system management and security
features are all included in this chapter.
Chapter 5, "Using the Configuration/Setup Utility program," contains
instructions for configuring your computer.
Chapter 6, "Taking care of your computer," contains information about the
proper handling and care of your computer.
Chapter 7, "Solving problems," contains information that will help you identify
and correct problems that might arise as you use your computer.
Chapter 8, "Getting help, service, and information," contains a description of the
wide variety of resources available from IBM to assist you in the use of your
computer. This chapter also describes how to obtain additional information
about IBM products.
Copyright IBM Corp. 1999 xiii
Appendix A, "Computer records," contains forms for recording information
about your computer, which can be helpful if you decide to install any
additional options, or if you ever need to have your computer serviced.
Appendix B, "Additional Ethernet information," contains information about the
Ethernet controller included with some models, along with cable specifications
and error codes.
Appendix C, "Using the IBM Software Selections CD and the IBM
Ready-to-Configure Utility Program CD," describes features of the IBM Software
Selections CD and the IBM Ready-to-Configure Utility Program CD, and includes
instructions for using the CDs that come with your computer.
Appendix D, "Product warranties and notices," contains hardware product
warranty, trademark acknowledgments, electronic emission notices, and other
legal and general notices for your computer.
xiv Using Your Personal Computer
Related publications
The following publications, together with this book, contain information about your
computer.
Installing Options in Your Personal Computer
This documentation contains instructions for adding memory, adapters, drives,
and other options to your computer. It is provided on the IBM
Ready-to-Configure Utility Program CD or the IBM Software Selections and is also
available from the IBM PC Web site.
Understanding Your Personal Computer
This online publication includes general information about using personal
computers and in-depth information about the specific features of your
computer. It is provided on your hard drive and on the IBM Ready-to-Configure
Utility Program CD or the IBM Software Selections CD.
About Your Software
This publication (provided only with computers that have IBM-preinstalled
software) contains information about the preinstalled software package.
The following publications contain more information about your computer.
Hardware Maintenance Manual
This publication contains information for trained service technicians. To order a
copy, see Chapter 8, “Getting help, service, and information” on page 141. It is
also available from the IBM PC Web site.
Technical Information Manual
This publication contains more information about the technical aspects of your
computer. It is available from the IBM PC Web site.
To access these publications using the World Wide Web, go to:
http://www.ibm.com/pc/us/support/
About this book xv
xvi Using Your Personal Computer
Chapter 1. Your IBM personal computer
Thank you for selecting an IBM Personal Computer. Your computer incorporates
many of the latest advances in personal computer technology and is easy to expand
and upgrade as your needs change. With its enhanced video and system
management capabilities, your computer is particularly suited for your corporate
intranet environment.
Identifying your computer
In most instances, the best way to identify your computer is by the machine
type/model number. The type/model number indicates the various features of the
computer, such as the type of microprocessor or the number of bays. You can find
this number on the small label on the front of your computer. An example of a
machine type/model number is 6862-123.
You need to know whether your computer is a PC 300PL or a PC 300GL. You also
need to know whether the computer is a desktop or tower.
PC 300PL tower models have 6 drive bays, 3 PCI slots and 3 ISA slots. PC 300PL
desktop models have 4 drive bays, 2 PCI slots, 1 ISA/PCI slot, and 1 ISA slot. All
PC 300PL models have an AGP slot on the system board.
PC 300GL tower models have 6 drive bays, 3 PCI slots, and 3 ISA slots. PC 300GL
desktop models have 4 drive bays, 2 PCI slots, 1 ISA/PCI slot, and 1 ISA slot.
There is no AGP slot on PC 300GL models.
The desktop model can be set on its side in a floor stand, but the orientation of the
drives will be vertical in that position, rather than horizontal. Towers and desktops
used in their normal orientations have horizontal drive bays.
Throughout this book, we will be describing PC 300PL and PC 300GL models, in
both desktop and tower versions. These naming conventions are used only where it
is appropriate. Instructions without these naming conventions apply to all the
computer models.
Desktop models
The desktop model PC 300PL comes with four drive bays and five expansion slots.
The fifth expansion slot is for an AGP adapter.
Copyright IBM Corp. 1999 1
The desktop model PC 300GL comes with four drive bays and four expansion slots.
Some computers have a hard disk drive in bay 3 and a diskette drive in bay 4. If
your computer has a CD-ROM drive, it is installed in bay 1. You can install an
additional hard disk drive in bay 2.
Note: Keyboard and mouse vary by model.
2 Using Your Personal Computer
Tower models
The PC 300PL tower model comes with six bays and seven expansion slots. The
seventh expansion slot is for an AGP adapter.
The PC 300GL tower model comes with six bays and six expansion slots. Some
computers have a hard disk drive in bay 6 and a diskette drive in bay 4. If your
computer has a CD-ROM drive, it is installed in bay 1. You can install additional
hard disk drives in bays 2, 3, and 5.
Note: Keyboard and mouse vary by model.
Chapter 1. Your IBM personal computer 3
What Your IBM personal computer offers
This section describes many of the features of PC 300PL and PC 300GL models. To
view the hardware features specific to your system, see “Viewing the system
summary” on page 66.
Microprocessor
Your computer is equipped with either an Intel Pentium II, an Intel Celeron, or
an Intel Pentium III processor. All of these MMX microprocessors supply the
speed and power you need to take advantage of even the most complex programs.
In addition, the microprocessor incorporates new multimedia extensions into the
Intel architecture, which improves the performance of multimedia and
communications applications by accelerating calculations commonly performed for
audio, video, speech synthesis and recognition, 2D and 3D graphics, and data
communications.
Note: To view the speed of the microprocessor in your computer, see “Viewing the
system summary” on page 66.
Also, L2 cache memory, which helps speed the exchange of information between the
microprocessor and system memory, is standard on some models.
System memory
If your computer contains an Intel Pentium II or Pentium III processor, it comes
standard with nonparity or ECC (error checking and correction) 100 MHz SDRAM
(synchronous dynamic random access memory). If your computer contains an Intel
Celeron processor, it comes standard with nonparity 100 MHz SDRAM. These
types of memory use advanced technology to increase system performance.
Note: To view the amount of system memory in your computer, see “Viewing the
system summary” on page 66.
PCI bus
Your computer has a PCI (peripheral component interconnect) bus. PCI is an
advanced input/output (I/O) bus standard developed by the computer industry to
keep up with performance improvements of microprocessor buses and advanced
peripheral devices. The PCI bus adds to the capability of the ISA bus, speeding up
the exchange of information among the microprocessor and peripheral devices
within your computer system. This improves the overall performance of your
computer.
4 Using Your Personal Computer
ISA bus
Your computer has an ISA (industry standard architecture) bus, which is a widely
used I/O (input/output) bus. The ISA bus is popular because so many adapters
and devices have been designed and marketed for it.
Graphics subsystem
Your computer has a high performance accelerated graphics port (AGP) graphics
subsystem that provides fast access to system memory for video functions.
Some models have an integrated S3 Trio3D graphics subsystem. This subsystem
provides a connector on the rear of the computer for attaching a monitor. Your
computer provides SGRAM (synchronous graphics RAM) video memory to further
improve video performance.
Note: To view the amount of video memory in your computer, see “Viewing the
system summary” on page 66.
For information on the refresh rates supported for the various resolutions
available with S3 Trio3D video, see “Using video features” on page 46.
If you decide to change the video capabilities of your computer and your computer
has an AGP connector, you can use the AGP connector on the system board for
installing a future AGP adapter. This connection can support bus speeds up to 133
MHz. Instructions for installing an AGP adapter are in Installing Options in Your
Personal Computer.
Some models might have a different graphics adapter, such as the Matrox G200,
Intense 3D Wildcat 4000, or the IBM Fire GL1. The systems with these new
graphics adapters do not have a video connector on the system board. The video
cable must be connected to the adapter itself. For information about obtaining the
latest device drivers for your graphics adapter, see Chapter 8, “Getting help,
service, and information” on page 141.
Audio subsystem
Some models have an integrated audio controller that provides all the digital audio
and analog mixing functions required for recording and playing high-quality sound
on your computer. This audio controller supports Sound Blaster Pro, Adlib, and
Microsoft Windows Sound System applications.
Chapter 1. Your IBM personal computer 5
Ethernet support
Some models have an integrated Intel 10/100 Mbit, PCI Ethernet controller and an
RJ-45 connector for a high-performance network connection.
Hard disk drive
Some models come with a hard disk drive that has an enhanced integrated drive
electronics (EIDE) bus-master interface. The EIDE drive plugs into one of two EIDE
connectors located on the riser card in your computer. You can connect an
additional hard disk drive to the ribbon cable already attached to the riser card, or
you can purchase another cable and connect up to two hard disk drives or other
IDE or EIDE devices to the second connector on the riser card.
Notes:
1. In the desktop model, a maximum of three internal IDE or EIDE devices can be
installed, depending on the number of available bays.
2. For models with an IBM factory-installed CD-ROM, two ribbon cables (for
connecting IDE or EIDE devices) are shipped inside your computer.
Some models come with an ultra-wide SCSI (small computer system interface) hard
disk drive. These models have a SCSI adapter installed in one of the PCI expansion
slots. If your computer has an IBM-preinstalled SCSI adapter, refer to the SCSI
documentation provided with your computer for information on the adapter and for
instructions on installing SCSI devices.
CD-ROM drive
A CD-ROM drive is installed in some models. CD-ROM (compact disc read-only
memory) technology offers quick access to large amounts of information. A
compact disc can store more than 650 MB of data, such as the large files needed for
audio, still and full-motion video, and still and animated graphics. A CD-ROM
drive can play back or read from a CD, but it cannot write information on it.
Parallel port
Your computer has a parallel port that can be used to communicate with a parallel
printer or other parallel devices.
The parallel port can operate in several different modes. The default mode for your
computer is SPP (standard parallel port). However, your computer also supports
the ECP/EPP (extended capabilities port/enhanced parallel port) mode.
6 Using Your Personal Computer
ECP/EPP has two advantages over SPP. When your computer is in ECP/EPP
mode, you can print documents faster than when the computer is in SPP mode, and
you can attach devices other than printers, such as communication and storage
devices, to the parallel port. You can set modes of operation for the parallel port
using the Configuration/Setup Utility program.
Note: To minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI), use braid-shielded cables
with metal ends when connecting a device to the parallel port.
Serial ports
Your computer has two standard 16550-UART serial ports that can be used to
communicate with devices such as modems, plotters, and printers.
Note: To minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI), use braid-shielded cables
with metal ends when connecting devices to these ports.
Universal Serial Bus ports
The universal serial bus (USB) interface is a state-of-the-art technology developed to
add more diversity and capabilities to personal computers. As a standard feature,
your computer has two USB ports, so you can take advantage of new USB devices
as they become available.
Using this new technology, you can plug different types of optional,
USB-compatible devices into the USB ports on your computer. Because USB
incorporates Plug and Play technology, you can install and remove devices easily
without turning off your computer or opening the cover. Once installed, the
devices configure automatically. In addition, an option called a hub can be
connected to a USB port on your computer, which enables you to plug in more than
one device at a time. A hub converts a single USB connector into multiple ports
where USB devices can be attached.
For more information, see the USB Web site at:
http://www.usb.org/
IBM-preinstalled software
IBM-preinstalled software is provided with some models. This software includes an
operating system, device drivers to support built-in features, and other support
programs.
Chapter 1. Your IBM personal computer 7
Operating system support
Your computer is designed to use a variety of operating systems in order to meet
your particular needs. Computer models with IBM-preinstalled software use one of
the following operating systems:
Windows NT 4.0 Workstation
Windows 95 (OSR 2)
Windows 98 (when available)
Important
If your computer has Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 95, or Windows
98 preinstalled by IBM, drive C of your hard disk drive is formatted with a
partition size of 2 GB. See the IBM Welcome Center (part of the preinstalled
software) for additional details about the disk partition strategy for your
computer.
The following operating systems are supported by your computer:
1
Windows 98
Windows 95 (OSR 1)
PC DOS 7.0
OS/2 Warp 4.0
OS/2 Warp 3.0
OS/2 Warp Connect 3.0
Windows 3.11
Windows for Workgroups 3.11
Windows NT 3.51
Diagnostic software
If you have a problem with your computer, IBM provides an easy-to-use diagnostic
program that helps determine if a hardware component is causing the problem. If
your computer has preinstalled software, a startable IBM Enhanced Diagnostic
diskette image is provided is provided either on the IBM Ready-to-Configure Utility
1
The operating systems listed here are being tested for compatibility at the time this publication goes to
press. Additional operating systems might be identified by IBM as compatible with your computer
following the publication of this booklet. Corrections and additions to the list are available in IBM's
online compatibility report, which can be found on the World Wide Web
(http://www.ibm.com/pc/us/cdt/). For additional information, see Chapter 8, “Getting help,
service, and information” on page 141.
8 Using Your Personal Computer
Program CD, the IBM Software Selections CD,or on the hard disk drive. See
“Diagnostic programs” on page 136 for more information.
System management features
Note: Some system management features might not be available for your
computer.
Features of some IBM Personal Computers make it possible for a network
administrator to manage and control the computer remotely over a network. These
features are:
Wake on LAN support
Alert on LAN support (PL models only)
Desktop Management Interface (DMI) BIOS and DMI software
System management controller (PL models only)
Integrated network protocols
Enablement for remote administration
Asset ID support (PL models only)
IBM System Management Tools
For information on settings for these features, refer to “Using Universal
Manageability features” on page 48.
Asset security features
Your computer has the following security features that help protect both your
hardware and software:
Security settings provided by the Configuration/Setup Utility program:
– Power-on and administrator password protection
– Startup-sequence control
– Hard disk drive and diskette drive access control
– I/O port control
– Enhanced security for administrator password and startup sequence (PL
models only)
Chassis-intrusion detector (PL models only)
Cover lock (in some models)
U-bolt and security cabling (optional)
Operating system security
Diskette write protection
Chapter 1. Your IBM personal computer 9
Power management
Energy conservation is an important concern. Your computer has Advanced Power
Management (APM) and Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
features that allow you to set different levels of energy conservation for specific
components of your computer. You can view and change APM and ACPI settings
using the Configuration/Setup Utility program or the Windows 95 control panel.
APM BIOS
Automatic Hardware Power Management
Activity Monitor
Automatic Power On
Wake Up on Alarm
Serial Port/Modem Ring Detect
Ease-of-use features
The system board in your computer is designed to make upgrading and servicing
your computer easier. Cable connections for standard devices are located on the
riser card. This arrangement helps to eliminate cable tangle and clutter on the
system board, allows shorter cables, and makes it easier to remove the system board
or to upgrade external options. In addition, the system board is on a sliding
mechanism so that you can slide the system board in and out of the computer
frame.
Support for Plug and Play technology is built into the system board of your
computer. This feature makes adding options easier. When you add an adapter
that is Plug and Play-compatible, the adapter is configured automatically. In most
cases, no switches or jumpers have to be set on the adapter.
10 Using Your Personal Computer
Ergonomic features
Your computer has ergonomic features that make it more comfortable to use. The
power switch and indicator lights are located for easy access and visibility. In
addition, you can easily change monitor settings to reduce or eliminate flicker and
jitter, and you can adjust the angle of the keyboard to make typing more
comfortable.
With some models, a keyboard extender is included with the keyboard. To attach
it, align the extender with the bottom edge of the keyboard and snap them together,
as shown below.
Chapter 1. Your IBM personal computer 11
Expandability
You can easily expand the capabilities of your computer by adding memory, drives,
or adapters. Your computer has a riser card for connecting adapters to the ISA or
PCI bus. Examples of adapters that can be added to your computer include
graphics, SCSI (small computer system interface), and network adapters. Also,
some computers have an accelerated graphics port (AGP) connection on the system
board for attaching an AGP adapter.
Desktop model: The desktop model has four drive bays. Unoccupied drive bays
can be used for installing additional devices such as hard disk and other drives.
The following illustration shows the drive bays in the desktop model.
3.5-Inch Bay
3.5-Inch
Diskette Drive
5.25-Inch CD-ROM
Drive (Standard
in some models)
5.25-Inch Bay
for Optional Drive
The PC 300GL desktop model has four expansion slots. One or more of these slots
might be occupied, depending on the model of your computer. Unoccupied slots
can be used for installing adapters. The PC 300PL desktop model has an additional
AGP adapter expansion slot. The following illustration shows the locations of the
expansion slots.
Expansion Slots
AGP Expansion Slot
12 Using Your Personal Computer
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