IBM Aptiva E2153, Aptiva E2170, Aptiva E2171, Aptiva E2178, Aptiva E2193 Reference Manual
...
Aptiva Reference Guide
Aptiva Reference Guide
IBM
Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read
the general information under Appendix C, “Product warranties and notices”
on page 137.
First Edition (December 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, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow disclaimer of express or implied
warranties in certain transactions, therefore, this statement may not apply to you.
This publication could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes
are periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new
editions of the publication. IBM may make improvements and/or changes in the
product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this publication at any time.
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 information is subject to change without notice.
Consult your local IBM representative for information on the products, services, and
features available in your area.
Requests for technical information about IBM products should be made to your IBM
reseller or IBM marketing representative.
Contents
Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Caution and danger conventions used in the book ........... vii
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Continued protection against electrical shock .............. viii
Safety while working with hardware ................... ix
Connecting your computer ...................... ix
Disconnecting your computer ..................... ix
Working inside the computer ..................... x
Safety while cleaning your computer ................... x
Modem safety information ........................ x
Lithium battery notice ........................... x
Regulatory safety notice for CD and DVD drives ............ xi
Laser compliance statement ..................... xi
Consignes de sécurité ......................... xiii
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Protection contre les risques d′électrocution ............... xiv
Consignes de sécurité lors de la manipulation du matériel ....... xiv
Branchement de l′ordinateur ..................... xiv
Débranchement de l′ordinateur .................... xv
Consignes de manipulation de l'ordinateur châssis ouvert ...... xv
Consignes de sécurité lors du nettoyage de l'ordinateur ......... xv
Consignes de sécurité relatives au modem ............... xvi
Consignes relatives à la pile au lithium ................. xvi
Consignes de sécurité pour l′unité et CD-ROM et de DVD-ROM ... xvii
Conformité aux normes relatives aux appareils laser ........ xvii
About this book ............................. xix
Conventions used in the book ...................... xix
Related information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx
Chapter 1. Product overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Identifying your computer ......................... 1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Selecting a location for your computer .................. 3
Ergonomic guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2. Operating your computer ................. 7
Starting your computer .......................... 7
Shutting down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using the Rapid Access II keyboard ................... 8
Using the IBM ScrollPoint II mouse ................... 9
Using diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Using a CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM drive ............. 12
Contents iii
Using video features ........................... 15
Using audio features ........................... 16
Using power-management features ................... 18
Using security features .......................... 20
Chapter 3. Aptiva Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Access Aptiva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Aptiva Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
README files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Software Selections CD ......................... 24
Product Recovery and Diagnostics CD .................. 24
Other programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Installing and using software with the AutoPlay feature ......... 26
Updating programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Chapter 4. Using the Configuration/Setup Utility program ..... 27
Starting and using the Configuration/Setup Utility program ....... 27
Using passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Other settings in the Configuration/Setup Utility program ........ 35
Chapter 5. IBM HelpWare support and services ........... 39
Before you call for service ........................ 39
Using electronic services ......................... 41
Getting help by telephone ........................ 43
Purchasing additional support ...................... 47
Chapter 6. Taking care of your computer .............. 53
Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Cleaning your computer ......................... 53
Moving your computer .......................... 55
Chapter 7. Installing internal options ................. 57
Handling static-sensitive devices ..................... 57
Backing up configuration settings .................... 58
Available options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Tools required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Removing the cover ........................... 59
Locating components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Moving the power supply ......................... 61
Working with options on the system board ................ 64
Setting the diskette write-protect switch ................. 66
Working with memory ........................... 66
Working with adapters .......................... 68
Working with internal drives ....................... 70
Installing a security U-bolt ........................ 81
Completing the installation ........................ 82
Replacing the cover and connecting the cables ............. 82
iv Aptiva Reference Guide
Updating the computer configuration ................... 83
Chapter 8. Installing external options ................. 87
Chapter 9. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Troubleshooting procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Power-on self-test (POST) ........................ 96
POST error codes and messages .................... 97
POST error codes ............................ 97
POST beep codes ........................... 103
Device troubleshooting charts ..................... 104
IBM Diagnostic Programs ....................... 123
Recovering from a POST/BIOS update failure ............. 127
Installing files from option diskettes and CDs ............. 128
Replacing the battery .......................... 129
Appendix A. Computer records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Appendix B. Computer features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Appendix C. Product warranties and notices ........... 137
Warranty Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Contents v
vi Aptiva Reference Guide
Safety information
Read the following safety information before you set up and use your
computer.
Caution and danger conventions used in the book
The conventions used in this book denote text with special meaning. The
following are explanations of conventions related to your safety. For more
information about other conventions in this book, see “Conventions used in
the book” on page xix.
Installation
The construction of the IBM Aptiva Personal Computer provides extra
protection against the risk of electrical shock. The IBM Aptiva PC has a
power cord with a three-prong plug that is required to ground metal parts. It
is the responsibility of the person installing the computer to connect it to a
properly grounded electrical outlet. Seek professional assistance before
using an adapter or extension cord; these devices could interrupt the
grounding circuit.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is incorrectly
connected to the building wiring, serious electrical shock could result.
Convention Purpose/Explication
CAUTION!
A Caution notice contains important information that
can help you avoid potential injury.
ATTENTION !
Les consignes de sécurité de type ATTENTION
indiquent la présence d'un risque de blessures légères.
This convention is used in safety notices that are
translated into French. It is the equivalent of the
English caution notice.
DANGER
A Danger box contains important information that can
help you avoid the risk of serious personal injury or
death.
Les consignes de sécurité de type DANGER indiquent
la présence d'un risque de blessure grave ou mortelle.
Safety information
vii
DANGER
To avoid shock hazard:
Do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform
installation, maintenance, or reconfiguration of this product
during an electrical storm.
The power cord must be connected to a properly wired and
grounded receptacle.
Any equipment to which this product will be attached must
also be connected to properly wired electrical outlets.
Electrical current from power, telephone, and communications
cables is hazardous. To avoid shock hazard, use the steps
described in this section to connect and disconnect cables
when installing, moving, or opening the cover of this product.
Continued protection against electrical shock
For continued protection against the risk of electrical shock, follow these
steps:
Connect your computer only to an electrical outlet of the correct voltage.
If you are unsure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using,
contact your local power company.
If your computer has cables other than the power cords, you must
connect them before plugging the power cords into an electrical outlet.
Before removing these cables, you must first unplug the power cords
from the electrical outlet.
If your computer has a telephone connection, do not touch the
telephone cords when there is lightning in the area.
Do not use or store the computer in an area where it can become wet.
Make sure all replacement parts have characteristics identical or
equivalent to the original parts. Other parts may not have the same
safety features.
Personal injury or electrical shock might result if you undertake actions
other than those specifically described in this book. This is particularly
true if you try to service or repair the power supply, monitor, or built-in
modem. Always refer service or repairs to qualified service personnel.
viii Aptiva Reference Guide
Safety while working with hardware
Each time you open your computer, you must follow specific safety
procedures to ensure that you do not damage your computer. For your
safety, and the safety of your equipment, follow the steps for “Disconnecting
your computer” on page ix before you remove the cover of the system unit.
Connecting your computer
To connect your computer:
1. Turn off the computer and any external devices (such as a monitor or
printer) that have their own power switches.
2. Attach a signal cable to each external component (such as a monitor or
printer), and then connect the other end of the signal cable to the
computer.
3. Attach communication cables (such as modem cables or network
cables) to the computer. Then, attach the other ends of the cables to
properly wired communication outlets.
4. Attach the power cords to the computer and any external devices (such
as a monitor or printer), and then connect the other ends of the power
cords to properly grounded electrical outlets.
5. Turn on the computer and any attached devices that have their own
power switches.
Disconnecting your computer
To disconnect your computer:
1. Turn off the computer and any attached devices that have their own
power switches.
2. Unplug all power cables from electrical outlets.
3. Disconnect all communication cables (such as modem or network
cables) from communication outlets.
4. Disconnect all cables and cords from the computer; this includes power
cords, signal cables from external devices, communication cables, and
any other cables attached to the computer.
Safety information ix
Working inside the computer
DANGER
Do not detach the power-supply bracket from the power supply
or remove any of the power-supply screws.
Safety while cleaning your computer
CAUTION:
Be sure to turn off the computer and monitor power switches before
cleaning the computer and monitor screen.
Modem safety information
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or injury when using telephone
equipment, always follow basic safety precautions, such as:
Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is
specifically designed for wet locations.
Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the
telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.
Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an electrical
storm. There may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.
Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
Lithium battery notice
CAUTION! Your computer uses lithium batteries. There may be a risk
of fire, explosion, or burns if the batteries are handled incorrectly. To
ensure safety:
x Aptiva Reference Guide
Do not recharge, disassemble, heat, or incinerate a lithium battery.
Replace the battery with an identical or equivalent type lithium
battery.
Do not throw or immerse the battery into water.
Discard used lithium batteries according to local country
dispositions.
Regulatory safety notice for CD and DVD drives
This notice contains required safety information about the CD or DVD drive
in your computer (if included with the model you purchased). The CD or
DVD drive is a Class 1 laser product, and Class 1 laser products are not
considered to be hazardous. The design of the laser system and CD or
DVD drive ensures that during normal operation, there is no exposure to
laser radiation above Class 1 level.
Please note that the CD or DVD drive does not contain any user adjustable
or serviceable parts. Service on this drive should be performed only by a
trained service provider.
Laser compliance statement
Some IBM Personal Computer models are equipped from the factory with a
CD or DVD drive. CD and DVD drives are also sold separately as options.
The CD or DVD drive is a laser product. The CD or DVD 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 or DVD 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 or DVD drive could result in exposure
to hazardous laser radiation. There are no serviceable parts inside the
CD or DVD drive. Do not remove the CD or DVD drive covers.
Safety information xi
Some CD and DVD 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.
xii Aptiva Reference Guide
Consignes de sécurité
Installation
La conception de fabrication de l′ordinateur personnel Aptiva IBM assure
une protection accrue contre les risques d′électrocution. Le PC Aptiva IBM
possède un cordon d′alimentation équipé d′une fiche à trois broches qui
permet une mise à la terre des principaux éléments métalliques de la
machine. Il incombe au responsable de l′installation de vérifier le
branchement. Si vous devez installer un adaptateur ou une rallonge, faites
appel à un professionnel pour ne pas risquer de créer une rupture dans le
circuit de mise à la terre.
Un socle de prise de courant incorrectement relié à l′alimentation électrique
du bâtiment peut être à l′origine d′une électrocution.
DANGER
Pour éviter tout risque de choc électrique :
Ne manipulez aucun cordon et n'effectuez aucune opération
d'installation, de maintenance ou reconfiguration de ce produit
au cours d'un orage.
Les cordons d'alimentation du présent produit et de tous les
appareils qui lui sont connectés doivent être branchés sur des
socles de prise de courant correctement câblés et mis à la
terre.
Le courant électrique circulant dans les câbles de
communication et les cordons téléphoniques et d'alimentation
est dangereux. Pour éviter tout risque de choc électrique,
respectez les consignes de la présente section pour connecter
et déconnecter des câbles lors de l'installation, du retrait ou de
l'ouverture du panneau de ce produit.
Consignes de sécurité xiii
Protection contre les risques d′électrocution
Pour vous prémunir contre les risques d′électrocution, respectez les
consignes ci-après:
Ne branchez l′ordinateur que sur un socle de prise de courant
présentant la tension adéquate.
Ne branchez le cordon d′alimentation sur le socle de prise de courant
qu′après avoir connecté tout autre cordon à la machine. Inversement,
débranchez le cordon d′alimentation du socle de la prise de courant
avant de déconnecter tout autre cordon.
Si votre ordinateur est doté d′un cordon téléphonique, ne manipulez
jamais ce cordon pendant un orage.
Évitez d′utiliser et de placer votre ordinateur dans un endroit humide.
Ne remplacez un élément que par un élément identique ou possédant
des caractéristiques équivalentes et équipé des mêmes dispositifs de
sécurité.
Le non-respect de ces consignes peut être à l′origine de blessures ou
d′une électrocution, en particulier si vous intervenez sur le bloc
d′alimentation, l′écran ou le modem intégré. Confiez la maintenance et
la réparation de l′ordinateur à une personne qualifiée.
Consignes de sécurité lors de la manipulation du
matériel
Lorsque vous ouvrez l′unité centrale, il convient de suivre un certain nombre
de consignes de sécurité afin de ne pas endommager l′ordinateur. Pour
votre sécurité et celle de votre matériel, suivez les instructions de la section
“Débranchement de l′ordinateur” on page xv, avant d′ouvrir l′unité centrale
(le cas échéant).
Branchement de l′ordinateur
Pour brancher l′ordinateur, procédez comme suit:
1. Mettez l′ordinateur hors tension ainsi que tout périphérique (écran ou
imprimante) que vous allez connecter, qui dispose d′un interrupteur
d′alimentation.
2. Connectez tous les câbles (de l′écran, par exemple) à l′ordinateur.
3. Branchez tous les câbles d′interface (par exemple, un câble
téléphonique) sur des socles de prise de courant correctement mis à la
terre.
xiv Aptiva Reference Guide
4. Branchez les cordons d′alimentation sur des socles de prise de courant
correctement mis à la terre.
5. Mettez l′ordinateur sous tension ainsi que tout périphérique connecté
disposant d′un interrupteur d′alimentation.
Débranchement de l′ordinateur
Pour débrancher l′ordinateur, procédez comme suit:
1. Mettez l′ordinateur hors tension ainsi que tout périphérique connecté
disposant d′un interrupteur d′alimentation.
2. Débranchez tous les cordons d′alimentation des prises de courant.
3. Débranchez tous les câbles (câble de téléphone, par exemple) de leurs
prises.
4. Débranchez tous les câbles de l′ordinateur (les cordons d′alimentation,
les câbles d′entrée-sortie et tous les autres câbles qui pourraient y être
connectés).
Consignes de manipulation de l'ordinateur châssis
ouvert
DANGER
Ne détachez pas le bloc d'alimentation de son support et ne
retirez aucune vis du bloc d'alimentation.
Consignes de sécurité lors du nettoyage de
l'ordinateur
ATTENTION !
Veillez à mettre l'ordinateur et l'écran hors tension avant de procéder à leur
nettoyage.
Consignes de sécurité xv
Consignes de sécurité relatives au modem
Lors de l'utilisation de votre matériel téléphonique, il est important de
respecter les consignes ci-après afin de réduire les risques d'incendie,
d'électrocution et d'autres blessures :
N'installez jamais de cordons téléphoniques durant un orage.
Les prises téléphoniques ne doivent pas être installées dans des
endroits humides, excepté si le modèle a été conçu à cet effet.
Ne touchez jamais un cordon téléphonique ou un terminal non isolé
avant que la ligne ait été déconnectée du réseau téléphonique.
Soyez toujours prudent lorsque vous procédez à l'installation ou à la
modification de lignes téléphoniques.
Si vous devez téléphoner pendant un orage, pour éviter tout risque de
choc électrique, utilisez toujours un téléphone sans fil.
En cas de fuite de gaz, n'utilisez jamais un téléphone situé à proximité
de la fuite.
Consignes relatives à la pile au lithium
ATTENTION ! Votre ordinateur est équipé de piles au lithium. Prenez
garde aux risques d'incendie, d'explosion ou de brûlures liés à une
mauvaise utilisation des piles. Respectez les consignes de sécurité
suivantesy:
Ne rechargez pas la pile, ne la démontez pas, ne l'exposez pas à la
chaleur et ne la faites pas brûler.
Ne la remplacez que par une pile identique ou de type équivalent.
Ne la jetez pas à l'eau.
Pour le recyclage ou la mise au rebut des piles au lithium,
reportez-vous à la réglementation en vigueur.
xvi Aptiva Reference Guide
Consignes de sécurité pour l′unité et CD-ROM et de
DVD-ROM
La présente consigne contient les informations de sécurité relatives à l′unité
de CD-ROM/ DVD-ROM de votre ordinateur (le cas échéant). L′unité de
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM est un produit à laser de classe 1. Les produits de
classe 1 ne sont pas considérés comme dangereux. Le système à laser et
l′unité de CD-ROM/DVD-ROM ont été conçus de façon telle qu′il n′existe
aucun risque d′exposition à un rayonnement laser de niveau supérieur à la
classe 1 dans des conditions normales d′utilisation.
Veuillez noter qu′aucune pièce de l′unité de CD-ROM/ DVD-ROM n′est
réglable ni réparable. Ne confiez la réparation de cette unité qu′à une
personne qualifiée.
Conformité aux normes relatives aux appareils laser
Certains modèles d′ordinateurs personnels sont équipés d′origine d′une
unité de CD-ROM ou de DVD-ROM. Mais ces unités sont également
vendues séparément en tant qu′options. L′unité de CD-ROM/ DVD-ROM est
un appareil à laser. Aux Etat-Unis, l′unité de CD-ROM/ DVD-ROM est
certifiée conforme aux normes indiquées dans le sous-chapitre J du DHHS
21 CFR relatif aux produits à laser de classe 1. Dans les autres pays, elle
est certifiée être un produit à laser de classe 1 conforme aux normes CEI
825 et CENELEC EN 60 825.
Lorsqu′une unité de CD-ROM/DVD-ROM est installée, tenez compte des
remarques suivantes:
ATTENTION ! Pour éviter tout risque d′exposition au rayon laser,
respectez les consignes de réglage et d′utilisation des commandes,
ainsi que les procédures décrites. L′ouverture de l′unité de
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM peut entraîner un risque d′exposition au rayon
laser. Pour toute intervention, faites appel à du personnel qualifié.
Certaines unités de CD-ROM/DVD-ROM peuvent contenir une diode à
laser de classe 3A ou 3B. Tenez compte de la consigne qui suit:
Consignes de sécurité xvii
DANGER
Rayonnement laser lorsque le carter est ouvert. Evitez toute
exposition directe des yeux au rayon laser. Evitez de regarder
fixement le faisceau ou de l′observer à l′aide d′instruments
optiques.
xviii Aptiva Reference Guide
About this book
This book will help you become familiar with your IBM Aptiva Personal
Computer and its features. It describes how to operate, maintain, and install
options in your computer. In the unlikely event you experience problems,
you will find helpful troubleshooting information and instructions for obtaining
service in this book. The conventions used in this book denote text with
special meaning. The following are explanations of the conventions. (For
safety conventions used in this book, refer to “Caution and danger
conventions used in the book” on page vii.)
Conventions used in the book
The conventions used in this book denote text with special meaning. The
following are explanations of the conventions.
Highlighted text is also used as a convention in this book. There are several
ways that text is highlighted, and each highlighting convention has a specific
purpose.
Convention Purpose
Note: A Note contains information you might find especially
useful.
Important An Important notice warns you about possible
problems you could encounter.
Attention An Attention box contains important information that
can help you avoid damage to the hardware or
software that comes with your computer.
Highlight Purpose
Bold Bold font is used to identify items on the screen you
are instructed to click or double-click. Bold font is also
used in table titles, in numbered lists, and in certain
other lists to call attention to a term or phrase being
defined.
Example Example font is used to show text that you need to
type from your keyboard.
Italic
Italic font is used to show proper names of books and
disks, and to emphasize a particular word or
instruction. This font also is used to show variable
information, such as numbers in an error code or a
drive letter.
About this book xix
Related information
The following documentation contains additional information about your
computer:
Setup Guide
: This poster-style setup sheet provides easy-to-follow
instructions for cabling your computer and starting it for the first time.
Product Recovery and Diagnostics CD
instruction booklet: This
publication (packaged with the Product Recovery and Diagnostics CD)
provides step-by-step instructions to:
– Reinstall
all
of the software originally preinstalled by IBM on your
computer
– Reinstall
selected
programs that were originally preinstalled by IBM
on your compter
– Run the diagnostic program
Access Aptiva: This online program is accessible from the Microsoft
Windows desktop. It provides:
– How do I: This selection provides topics describing how to
complete a specific task.
– Customize: This selection provides information about customizing
the Access Aptiva program and adding other programs from the
Software Selections
CD.
– Get help: This selection provides help information and ways of
getting help from IBM.
– View license and warranties: This selection gives you access to the
warranty for your computer and the license that covers the
programs preinstalled by IBM (excluding the operating system) and
those programs on the
Software Selections
CD that are not covered
by their own licenses.
Windows 98 Start Here
guide: This publication provides information for
users who are new to the Windows 98 operating system. It describes
the basic features and functions of the Windows 98 operating system as
well as some of the more advanced features.
xx Aptiva Reference Guide
Chapter 1. Product overview
Thank you for selecting an IBM Aptiva computer. Your computer
incorporates many of the latest advances in computer technology and can
be upgraded as your needs change.
This section provides an overview of the computer features, information
about selecting a location for your computer, and ergonomic guidelines to
help you work comfortably.
Identifying your computer
In most instances, the best way to identify your computer is by the machine
type/model number. The machine 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 in the bottom-right corner. An example of a machine type/model
number is 2178-820. The four-digit number is the machine type, and the
three-digit number is the model number. You need to know these numbers
if you request service, order options, or use some of the IBM support
services (such as the IBM Online Assistant) available to you on the World
Wide Web. Record this number in Appendix A, “Computer records” on
page 131 for future reference.
Chapter 1. Product overview 1
Features
The following illustration shows the main components of your computer
system.
Monitor
CD-ROM, CD-RW or
DVD-ROM drive
Mouse
Diskette
drive
Microphone
Powered
speakers
Rapid Access II keyboard
Depending on your model, you might have an optional drive installed behind
the drive-access door.
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For a detailed listing of the features, see Appendix B, “Computer
features” on page 133.
For information about using these features, see Chapter 2, “Operating
your computer” on page 7.
For information about installing internal options, see Chapter 7,
“Installing internal options” on page 57.
For information about connecting external options, see Chapter 8,
“Installing external options” on page 87.
Selecting a location for your computer
Make sure you have an adequate number of properly grounded electrical
outlets for the computer, monitor, speakers, and any other devices that
require an ac power source. Select a location for the computer that will
remain dry. Leave about 50mm (2 in.) of space around the computer for
proper air circulation.
For information about arranging your computer for comfort and ease of use,
see “Ergonomic guidelines” on page 4. For information about setting up
your computer and starting it for the first time, refer to the
Setup Guide
sheet
provided with the computer.
Chapter 1. Product overview 3
Ergonomic guidelines
Viewing distance
Lower
back
support
Seat
height
Arranging a comfortable and productive work area
When you arrange your computer, position your monitor and keyboard
directly in front of you. Place the mouse close to the keyboard so that you
can use it without stretching or leaning over to one side.
The system unit is usually kept on the floor under or beside your desk. Be
sure to place it in an area that will not block the space you need to put your
legs under the work surface.
Organize your desk to reflect the way you use work materials and
equipment. Place the things that you use most regularly, such as a mouse
or telephone, within the easiest reach.
Choosing a chair
You should adjust your chair so that your thighs are horizontal and there is
support for your lower back. Your feet should rest flat on the floor or on a
foot rest when you are seated and using your keyboard.
Positioning the monitor
Place the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance. You can also use
the length of your arm to determine a comfortable viewing distance.
Adjust your monitor so that the top of the screen is at, or slightly below,
eye level.
Keep the screen clean. For cleaning instructions, refer to the
documentation that comes with your monitor.
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If you place the monitor near a window, consider using curtains or blinds
to minimize glare from sunlight. Also be sure to keep the monitor
perpendicular to the windows to reduce glare when the curtains or
blinds are open. Try to avoid placing the monitor directly in front of a
window.
Use dim room lighting. If you need more light on your work, you should
position the light so that it shines on your work surface but not onto the
monitor screen.
Use the monitor controls to adjust the screen brightness and contrast
levels to a comfortable level. You may have to do this more than once
a day if the light in the room changes. For monitor control adjustment
instructions, refer to the documentation that comes with your monitor.
When your eyes focus on a specific object for a long period of time,
they may become tired. If you spend a lot of time looking at your
screen, remember to take frequent breaks. Look up periodically and
focus on an object that is farther away. This will give the muscles in
your eyes a chance to relax.
Positioning the keyboard
Make sure the keyboard height is comfortable for typing.
When you type, the keyboard should be positioned so that your arms
are relaxed and comfortable, and your forearms are roughly horizontal.
Your shoulders should be relaxed and not hunched up.
Type with a light touch, keeping your hands and fingers relaxed. Your
wrists should also be straight.
If your computer comes with a wristrest and you choose to use it, do not
rest your hands on the wristrest or desktop while you are typing.
Instead, use the wristrest only when resting. If you prefer not to use the
wristrest, you may remove it and use the keyboard without it.
Positioning the mouse
Position your mouse on the same surface as your keyboard so that they
are at the same level. Allow enough space so that you can use your
mouse without stretching or leaning over.
When you use the mouse, hold it lightly with all your fingers and click
gently. Move the mouse with your entire arm instead of only using your
wrist.
Chapter 1. Product overview 5
Where to find more information
For more detailed information and tips about how to use your computer, visit
the IBM Healthy Computing Web site at:
http://www.ibm.com/pc/ww/healthycomputing
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Chapter 2. Operating your computer
This chapter provides information to help you in the day-to-day use of your
computer.
Important
When the power cord is first plugged in, the computer might appear
to turn on for a few seconds, then turn off. This is a normal
sequence.
The power switch will normally operate with a single touch.
However, in some circumstances the computer might not turn off
immediately. In this case, press and hold the power button for
approximately 4 seconds. The computer will then turn off.
Always shut down the Windows operating system before turning off
the computer. Refer to your Windows operating system
documentation for the proper procedure to shut down your operating
system.
Proper cooling is required for the reliable performance of internal
components. Do not operate your computer with the cover off.
Starting your computer
What you see and hear when you start up your computer depends on the
settings in the Start Options menu of the Configuration/Setup Utility program.
For information about the Configuration/Setup Utility program, see
Chapter 4, “Using the Configuration/Setup Utility program” on page 27.
The following briefly describes what happens when you turn on your
computer if the Configuration/Setup Utility settings are set to the factory
default settings:
1. The IBM logo screen appears.
2. The following message appears:
Press F1 for Configuration/Setup
Do
not
press F1 at this time.
3. A quick power-on self-test (POST) runs. If any errors are detected
during POST, one or more error codes are displayed, sometimes
accompanied by a series of beeps. If an error occurs, see Chapter 9,
“Troubleshooting” on page 93.
4. The Windows operating system starts from the hard disk.
Chapter 2. Operating your computer 7
Note: If a self-starting (
bootable
) CD or diskette was inserted in one of
the drives, the computer would have started from that drive
instead of the hard disk. The computer first attempts to start
from the diskette drive; then from the CD-ROM drive. If there is
nothing in either drive, it starts from the hard disk.
If necessary, you can use the Start Options menu in the Configuration/Setup
Utility program to add or change features that affect what you see and hear
during startup.
For details on using the Configuration/Setup Utility program, see Chapter 4,
“Using the Configuration/Setup Utility program” on page 27.
Shutting down
When you are ready to turn off your computer, shut down the Windows
operating system to prevent the loss of unsaved data or damage to your
software programs. To shut down your Windows operating system, do the
following:
1. In the lower left corner of the Windows desktop, click Start.
2. Click Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows menu appears.
3. Click Shut down, and then click OK.
When the shutdown procedure is complete, the computer automatically turns
off.
If a malfunction prevents the computer from turning off automatically, press
and hold the power button for approximately 4 seconds.
Using the Rapid Access II keyboard
The Rapid Access keyboard features special buttons for your convenience.
The buttons provide
shortcuts
on the keyboard to start a program, open a
file, or perform a specific function when you press them. These keys enable
you to go straight to a file, program, or Internet address with the press of a
button instead of having to click an icon, search for the program in the Start
menu, or type an Internet address in your browser.
Some of the Rapid Access Buttons are preset to support important functions
on your computer (Mute, Volume, and CD/DVD controls); these cannot be
changed.
There are seven color-coded Rapid Access Buttons positioned across the
top of the keyboard. Some of these buttons are preset to start certain
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