Kensington SCENTIA A User Manual
ASCENTIA
P ersonalNotebook
User'sManual
TM
M
®
ASCENTIA
P ersonalNotebook
User'sManual
TM
003754-001A
July1997
M
®
First edition (July 1997)
Copyright 1997 AST Research, Inc. All rights are reserved, including those to reproduce this book or
parts thereof in any form without permission in writing from AST Research, Inc.
AST Research periodically changes the information in this manual; changes are incorporated into new
editions. AST Research reserves the right to change product specifications without notice.
AST Research, Inc. shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor
for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this
material.
AST and AST Research are registered trademarks, and Ascentia, SmartBay, and SmartPoint are
trademarks, of AST Research, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their companies.
DOMESTIC
Declaration of Conformity
Statement of Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference.
1.
This device must accept any interference received, including
2.
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Description of EUT
AST Ascentia™ M Series Computers
Model Numbers
AST Ascentia™ M Series Computers
DOC Notice
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus
as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus”, ICES-003 of the
Department of Communications.
Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux appareils
numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matérial brouilleur: “Appareils Numériques”,
NMB-003 édictée par le ministre des Communications.
The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipment
meets telecommunications network protective, operation, and safety requirements as prescribed in the
appropriate Terminal Equipment Technical Requirements document(s). The De partment does not
guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction.
Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities
of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable
method of connection. The customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may
not prevent degradation of service in some situations.
Repairs to certified equipment should be coordinated by a representative designated by the supplier. Any
repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or equipmen t malfun ctions, may give the
telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.
Users should ensure, for their own protection, that the electrical ground connections of the power utility,
telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This
precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.
Industry Canada Notice
CAUTION
Users should not attempt to make electrical ground connections themselv e s but shou ld co ntact the
appropriate electric inspection authority or electrician.
WARRANTY AND REPAIR SERVICE IN CANADA:
AST Canada, Inc.
255 Matheson Boulevard West
Mississauga, Ontario, L5R 3G3
Telephone: 905-507-3278
Warning: Replace the battery with an AST battery part number 503182-004, co ntact your
authorized AST reseller for a replacement. Use of another battery may present a
risk of fire or explosion. Do not disassemble, heat above 100
Make sure that you follow all state and local requirements when you dispose of
the old battery.
Avertissement: Ne remplacez la batterie que par un modèle AST 503182-004, commandez-en un
autre à votre revendeur agréé AST. L’emploi de tout autre modèle présente des
risques d’incendie ou d’explosion. Ne démontez pas la batterie, ne portez pas sa
température au-dessus de 100
d’une batterie usagée, veillez à respecter tous les règlements nationaux et locaux
en vigueur.
INTERNATIONAL
If your equipment has a CE Mark, please note the following International CE Mark information
below.
o
C et ne l’incinérez pas. Pour vous débarrasser
o
C or incinerate.
CE Mark
AST Computers comply with the following directives and standards:
Directives
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Amending Directive 92/31/EEC
CE Marking Directive 93/68/EEC
Standards
Emissions
EN 55022/CISPR 22
Safety
EN 60950:1992+A1+A2:
IEC 950:1991+A1+A2+A3
Immunity
EN 50082-1:1992
IEC 801-2:1991/prEN55024-2:1992
IEC 801-3:1984/prEN55024-3:1991
IEC 801-4:1988/prEN55024-4:1992
Manufacturer
AST Research Incorporated (AST Computer)
16215 Alton Parkway
Irvine, CA 92718 USA
Signed Declaration of Conformity Documents
Signed Declaration of Conformity documents for AST products are on file at the AST Ireland facility
located at:
National Technology Park
Plassey
Limerick
Ireland
This product contains a Class 1 laser product with a Class 1 laser source emplo ying a laser diode that
emits invisible laser radiation at 5mW. The wavelength of the laser radiation is 760- 800nm.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.
CAUTION
The laser beam used by this CD-ROM drive unit can be harmful to the eyes. Do not attempt to open the
unit. All service procedures should be performed by an authorized dealer or distributor.
WARNING
Never use any optical instruments in conjunction with this unit. To do so will greatly increase the hazard
to your eyes.
ADVARSEL
USYNLIG LASERSTRÅLING VED ÅBNING, NÅR SIKKERHEDSAFBRYDERE ER UDE AF
FUNKTION.
SE IKKE IND I STRÅLEN - HELLER IKKE MED OPTISKE INSTRUMENTER.
ADVARSEL
USYNLIG LASERSTRÅLING NÅR DEKSEL ÅPNES OG SIKKERHEDSLÅS BRYTES.
STIRR IKKE INN I STRÅLEN ELLER SE DIREKTE MED OPTISKE INSTRUMENTER.
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE.
VAROITUS!
LAITTEEN KÄYTTÄMINEN MUULLA KUIN TÄSSÄ KÄYTTöOHJEESSA MAINITULLA
TAVALLA SAATTAA ALTISTAA KÄYTTÄJÄN TURVALLISUUSLUOKAN 1 YLITTÄVÄLLE
NÄKYMÄTTöMÄLLE LASERSÄTEILYLLE.
KLASS 1 LASERAPPARAT.
VARNING
OM APPARATEN ANVÄNDS PÅ ANNAT SÄTT ÄN I DENNA BRUKSANVISNING
SPECIFICERATS, KAN ANVÄNDAREN UTSÄTTAS FöR OSYNLIG LASER-STRÅLNING, SOM
öVERSKRIDER GRÄNSEN FöR LASERKLASS 1.
Labels appearing on the drives:
CAUTION - INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE
TO BEAM.
VORSICHT! UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG TRITT AUS, WENN DECKEL
GEöFFNET. NICHT DEM STRAHL AUSSETZEN!
VARNING -OSYNLIG LASERSTRÅLNING NÄR DENNA DEL ÄR öPPNAD.
STRÅLEN ÄR FARLIG.
ADVARSEL - USYNLIG LASERSTRÅLING VED ÅBNING.UNDGÅ UDS/ETTELSE
FOR STRÅLING.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCTLASERSCHUTZKLASSE 1 PRODUKT TOEN 60825
Contents
Using Your Documentation
Opening the Online Manual ................................................................. 1
Getting Around in the Online Manual ..................................................2
Using Hypertext Links in the Online Manual ....................................... 2
Special Features of the User’s Manual ............................................... 3
Using the Software User Documentation ............................................4
Visiting the AST Web Site ...................................................................4
Introducing Your Computer
Using Your Computer for the First Time
Attaching the AC Adapter .................. .................................................. 7
Turning On the Computer .................................................................... 9
Understanding POST ..........................................................................9
Adjusting the LCD Display ................................................................. 10
Making Backup Disks ........................................................................ 10
Turning Off Your Computer ............................................................... 11
Restarting Your Computer ................................................................. 11
Tips for Using Your Computer ........................................................... 12
Traveling with Your Computer ........................................................... 13
Handling Spills ................................................................................... 14
Storing the Computer for Long Periods ............................................. 14
........................................................... 1
.......................................................... 5
.................................. 7
Using the Keyboard
Using the Numeric Keypad ................................................................ 16
Using Special Function Keys ............................................................. 17
........................................................................ 15
Contents i
Using the Touchpad
....................................................................... 19
Reading the System Status Lights
Connecting Peripheral Devices
Connecting the Floppy Drive to the Floppy Connector ...................... 25
Using the SmartBay
Using the Floppy Drive
Using the CD-ROM Drive
Using the Hard Drive
Removing the Hard Drive .................................................................. 35
Installing a Hard Drive ....................................................................... 36
Using the Battery
Charging the Battery ......................................................................... 37
Safely Using the AC Adapter and Batteries ...................................... 38
Removing and Installing the Battery .................................................. 38
Monitoring the Battery Charge .......................................................... 40
Using the Battery Gauge ............................................................ 40
Battery Warnings ............................................................................... 42
........................................................................ 27
.................................................................. 29
.............................................................. 31
...................................................................... 34
............................................................................. 37
........................................... 21
................................................. 23
Using System Setup
Starting System Setup ....................................................................... 44
Main Menu ......................................................................................... 46
Advanced Menu ................................................................................ 50
Security Menu ................................................................................... 52
Power Savings Menu ........................................................................ 53
Boot Menu ......................................................................................... 55
Exit Menu .......................................................................................... 56
ii Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
....................................................................... 43
Using System Security
Creating a Password ......................................................................... 57
Deleting a Password ......................................................................... 58
Requiring a Password When the Computer Starts ............................ 58
Locking the Hard Drive Boot Sector .................................................. 59
Locking the Keyboard ........................................................................ 59
.................................................................. 57
Using Power Management Options
Non-Turbo Mode ............................................................................... 60
Standby Mode ................................................................................... 61
Rest Mode ......................................................................................... 61
Rest Mode Precautions ..................................................................... 62
Creating a Save to Disk Partition
Changing the Video Configuration
Resolution and Color Depth .............................................................. 67
Configuring Display Features ............................................................ 68
Selecting a Monitor Type ............................................................ 68
Changing Color Depth and Resolution ....................................... 69
Working with PC Cards
Maintaining PC Cards ....................................................................... 70
Using PC Cards ................................................................................. 71
Watching Video
................................................................................ 73
................................................................. 70
......................................... 60
.............................................. 64
........................................... 67
Updating the System BIOS
Performing the BIOS Update ............................................................. 76
Troubleshooting the BIOS Update .................................................... 77
About Drivers and System Resources
Drivers ............................................................................................... 78
IRQs .................................................................................................. 78
.......................................................... 76
................................... 78
Contents iii
Troubleshooting
Operating Problems .......................................................................... 80
Infrared Problems .............................................................................. 83
............................................................................... 80
Using Options
AC Adapter ........................................................................................ 84
Auto/Airline Adapter .......................................................................... 85
Battery Pack ...................................................................................... 87
Hard Drives ....................................................................................... 87
Memory Modules ............................................................................... 88
Before You Install Memory .......................................................... 88
Installing a Memory Module ........................................................ 88
Battery Cradle ................................................................................... 92
External Numeric Keypad .................................................................. 93
CD-ROM Drive and Floppy Cable ..................................................... 93
Docking Options ................................................................................ 93
Specifications
Abbreviations
Glossary
.............................................................................................. 99
Recording the Computer Hardware Configuration
................................................................................... 84
................................................................................... 94
.................................................................................... 96
.......... 105
Index
iv Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
................................................................................................... 109
Using Your Documentation
Congratulations on your purchase of an AST®Ascentia™ M
Series computer! Whether you are new to using a portable
computer or are an experienced user, your Ascentia M Series
documentation can help you get the most from your computer.
To get up and running quickly, see your Ascentia M Series Quick
Start. When you need more in-depth information, turn to your
Ascentia M Series User’s Manual. Your computer includes both a
printed user’s manual and an online copy of the manual.
Opening the Online Manual
Your Ascentia M online manual is included on the computer’s
hard drive in PDF format. You can view the manual through the
Adobe™ Acrobat™ Reader, which is also included on the hard
drive.
®
To open the online manual in Windows
1. Click the Start button on the Windows 95 taskbar.
95:
2. Select Programs.
3. Select Ascentia M Series Online Manual.
4. Click Ascentia M Series Online Manual in the Ascentia M
Series Online Manual folder. Your online manual appears
on the screen.
Using Your Documentation 1
Getting Around in the Online Manual
Go to the Acrobat Reader Help for tips on using the Reader
toolbar buttons to get around in the online manual.
To open the Help:
1. Click Help on the Acrobat Reader menu bar.
2. Click Reader Online Guide.
Using Hypertext Links in the Online Manual
Hypertext links are built into the online manual to take you
quickly from one page of the manual to another. You can click
on a hypertext link to go directly from the link to the topic
connected to the link.
When the screen cursor is on a hypertext link, the cursor changes
from an open hand to a hand with a pointing index finger. When
you see the cursor change, click the link to jump to the linked
topic:
•
Click on a section title in the Contents to jump to that
section in the manual.
•
Click on a page number in the Index to jump to that page
in the manual.
•
Click on a cross-reference in the text to jump to the
section that is referenced.
2 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
Special Features of the User’s Manual
Three types of messages with icons appear in the manual:
A note informs you of special circumstances.
A caution warns you of possible damage to
equipment.
A warning indicates the possibility of personal
injury.
Keys that you need to press to perform certain functions are
shown in the manual enclosed in angle brackets. For example,
<Ctrl>
indicates the control key (Ctrl on the computer’s keyboard).
If you need to press two keys at the same time, the key names are
shown joined by a plus sign. For example,
<Fn+F11>
means that you should press the Fn key and hold it and then
press the F11 key.
If you are new to using computers, see the Glossary. The
Glossary explains general computing terms that are used in this
manual and tells you about some of the differences between
portable computers and desktop computers.
Using Your Documentation 3
Using the Software User Documentation
Your computer shipped from the factory with several software
programs installed. The software may include its own online or
printed documentation. Refer to the documentation or the Help
options in the software for more information.
Visiting the AST Web Site
If you have an internet connection, you can visit the AST Web
site at:
http://www.ast.com
Updates on your computer and other AST products are
periodically added to the Web site.
You can get a copy of the Ascentia M online user’s manual at this
location:
http://www.ast.com/support/manuals/main.htm
4 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
Introducing Your Computer
Your Ascentia M computer is a lightweight portable computer
that includes features to meet your computing needs at home or
on the road.
Figures 1 through 3 show you the features of your computer.
LCD latch
Mouse
buttons
Speaker
Touchpad
Status
lights
AC adapter
SmartBay™
(floppy drive
shown)
Microphone
Speaker
Battery
compartment
Hard drive compartment
Kensington lock support
connector
Fan vent
LCD
Power
button
Figure 1. Front View of Computer
Introducing Your Computer 5
PS/2™
mouse and
keyboard
port
Docking
connector
Parallel port
Business card
holder
Serial port
Volume control
Microphone and
audio-line-in jack
Video
port
Infrared
port
PC Card
compartment
USB port
Floppy connector
Figure 2. Back View of Computer
Memory module
compartment
SmartBay latch
Audio-line-out jack
Label showing
part number and
serial number
Figure 3. Bottom View of Computer
6 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
Using Your Computer for the First Time
This section gives you detailed information on using your
computer for the first time.
Attaching the AC Adapter
Your computer runs on power from the battery that came
installed in the computer or from an electrical outlet. The first
time that you use your computer, fully charge the battery by
attaching the AC adapter to the computer and to an electrical
outlet.
All batteries lose their charge if they sit unused
for an extended time period. When not used,
your Ascentia M battery can discharge fully in 2
to 3 months. The battery may have discharged in
the time it took for the computer to go from the
factory to you.
To attach the AC adapter:
1. Plug the AC adapter into the power connector on the right
side of the computer (Figure 4).
2. Connect the power cord to the AC adapter and then to an
electrical outlet.
Using Your Computer for the First Time 7
Battery
charge
light
Adapter plug
Power cord
AC adapter
Figure 4. Connecting the AC Adapter
The battery starts charging as soon as you plug the AC adapter
into an electrical outlet. The battery charges faster if the
computer is turned off during charging.
If the battery is fully depleted and the computer is turned off, the
battery charges in about 3 hours. If the computer is turned on,
the battery charges in about 5 hours. When the battery is
charging, the battery charge light is amber. When the battery is
fully charged, the light turns green.
See ”Using the Battery” on page 37 for more information on
using your computer’s battery.
8 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
Turning On the Computer
To turn on the computer’s power for the first time:
1. Slide the LCD cover latch to the right and hold it.
2. Lift up the LCD cover.
3. Press and then release the power button (Figure 5).
The power light is on when the computer’s power is on.
Power button
Power light
Figure 5. Turning On the Computer’s Power
Understanding POST
When you turn on your computer, a routine called POST
automatically runs to test the computer components. Several
messages appear on the screen during POST. After POST is
successfully completed, the computer beeps once.
Screen messages are built into the computer to report both
normal and abnormal system conditions. If an error message
appears, take any action suggested in the message. If the
message identifies the error condition but does not suggest any
corrective action, write down the message and contact AST or an
authorized AST service center for assistance. (See
”Troubleshooting” on page 80 for information on contacting
AST.)
Using Your Computer for the First Time 9
Adjusting the LCD Display
You may wish to adjust the LCD display when you begin using
your computer. A TFT LCD does not require adjustment for
contrast because the contrast is set to remain at maximum. You
can adjust both the brightness and contrast on a DS-STN LCD.
To adjust the brightness of the LCD:
•
Press <Fn+Right Arrow> to increase the display
brightness.
•
Press <Fn+Left Arrow> to decrease the display
brightness.
•
Press <Fn+Up Arrow> to increase the display contrast.
•
Press <Fn+Down Arrow> to decrease the display
contrast.
Making Backup Disks
Ascentia M computers that ship from the factory with Windows
95 installed include one or two restore CD-ROMs. The restore
CD-ROM contains a copy of your computer’s operating system
and some of the factory-installed software.
In the unlikely event that programs on the computer hard drive
become corrupted or are erased, you can use the restore CDROM to reinstall them. To restore software, follow the directions
included with the CD-ROM.
Before you use the Restore CD-ROM, make sure that System
Setup specifies the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device. For
more information on selecting the boot device, see “Boot Menu”
on page 55.
Use the Create System Disks utility in Windows 95 to make
backup disks of any software not included on the restore CDROM. To open the Microsoft Create System Disks utility, click
the Start button on the taskbar, select Programs, select Accessories,
select System Tools, and click Create System Disks.
10 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
Turning Off Your Computer
If your operating system is Windows 95, turn off
your computer by performing the shutdown
procedure described in this section. Otherwise,
you may lose data.
To turn off the computer in Windows 95:
1. Click the Start button on the taskbar. A pop-up menu
appears.
2. Click Shut Down.
3. Select Shut down the computer?
4. Click the Yes button. The computer turns off.
Restarting Your Computer
You may need to restart (reboot) your computer when installing
hardware or software or if the computer does not respond to
your input. A warm (or soft) boot prompts you to save your files,
turns off the computer, and then restarts the computer. A cold
boot turns off the computer without saving your files.
Do not perform a cold boot unless your
keyboard and touchpad have no effect and you
cannot perform a warm boot.
When you perform a cold boot, you lose data
unless it was saved to a storage medium.
To perform a warm (or soft) boot in Windows 95:
1. Click the Start button on the taskbar.
2. Click Shut Down.
3. Select Restart the Computer.
4. Click the Yes button.
5. Save your files if prompted. Your computer reboots.
Using Your Computer for the First Time 11
You can also perform a soft boot by saving your files and
pressing <Ctrl+Alt+Del>.
You can perform a cold (or hard) boot by pressing the power
button to turn the computer off, waiting five seconds, and then
pressing the power button to turn the computer on.
Tips for Using Your Computer
The following information helps you avoid potential problems
as you use your computer:
Do not try to disassemble your computer.
Opening the system chassis voids your
warranty. Only an authorized AST service center
can replace or add any parts inside the chassis.
•
Follow all the instructions and cautions in your
computer user documentation.
•
The LCD has a polarized surface and can be damaged
easily. To prevent damage, avoid touching the screen.
•
Use only AST approved AC adapters, automobile
adapters, airline adapters, and memory modules.
•
Because a portable computer is small and has restricted
air flow around components, it is more likely to overheat
than a desktop computer. A fan inside your computer
runs when needed to help eliminate some heat. Make
sure the fan vent on the side of your computer is not
blocked when you use the computer. (See Figure 1 on
page 5 for the location of the vent.) Occasionally check
the vent and remove any accumulated dust on the
outside.
•
Avoid using or storing the computer in extremely hot or
cold areas, such as a car on a hot day. Keep the computer
away from heaters and out of direct sunlight. Exposure
to excessive heat may damage computer components.
If you have left your computer in a hot place, let it cool
down slowly to room temperature (with the LCD panel
open) before using it.
12 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
•
Do not remove the memory-module compartment door,
or try to install a memory module when the computer is
on. (See Figure 3 for the location of the door.)
(For information on installing memory modules, see
“Memory Modules” on page 88.)
•
Set up your computer work area to avoid physical strain.
Sit with your back straight and supported by your chair.
Adjust your chair or work table so that your arms and
wrists can remain in a relaxed position, parallel with the
floor. Avoid bending or twisting your wrists as you
work. Your hands should “float” slightly above the
keyboard. Refer to a book on office ergonomics for more
information on setting up your work area.
•
Take frequent breaks from working at the computer to
rest your eyes and stretch your muscles.
•
Remember to save your data files frequently and to make
backup copies of your files.
Traveling with Your Computer
If you are traveling by airplane, follow these tips:
•
Take the computer with you as carry-on luggage. Do not
check the computer with your baggage.
•
Allow the computer and disks to go through the
X-ray security devices. Do not hand-carry disks through
the walk-through metal detectors, which can cause loss
of data.
•
Make sure that the battery is charged or the AC adapter
is easily accessible. You may be required to turn on the
computer for airport security personnel.
•
Be prepared to turn off the computer during take off and
landing.
•
Contact your airline for information about using an
optional airline adapter to power your computer while
traveling by airplane.
Using Your Computer for the First Time 13
Handling Spills
Do not spill anything on your computer. The best way to avoid
spills is to avoid eating and drinking around your computer. If
you do spill something on your computer, turn off your
computer, unplug it immediately, and do the following:
•
If you spill liquid on the keyboard, drain as much of the
liquid from the keyboard as possible. Be careful not to let
the liquid drip onto the LCD panel. Allow the system to
dry for several days before trying to use it.
•
If you spill liquid on an external keyboard or keypad,
unplug it and drain as much of the liquid as possible.
Allow the keyboard to sit at room temperature for a full
day before trying to use it.
Sweet liquids leave a sticky residue that may jam
the keyboard despite your efforts to dry it.
•
If you spill liquid on the LCD panel, clean it immediately
with a soft cloth and denatured alcohol. Do not use
water, window cleaner, acetone, aromatic solvent, or dry,
rough towels to clean it.
Some liquids damage the polarized LCD screen.
If your screen is damaged, contact your
authorized AST service center for a replacement.
Storing the Computer for Long Periods
If possible, leave the AC adapter connected to the computer
when the computer is not in use. This helps extend the life of the
battery and keeps the battery fully charged.
If you will not be using the computer for an extended period of
time (a month or more), you should charge the battery until it is
completely full. After you have done so, remove the battery
from the unit.
14 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
Using the Keyboard
Your computer has an 87/88-key keyboard (Figure 6). By
pressing designated key combinations, you can have access to
all the key functions of a full-sized keyboard.
Function keys
<Fn> key
Windows
key
Typewriter
keys
Windows
keys
Cursor-control
keys
Figure 6. Keyboard
Although the layout of the keys on your
computer’s keyboard is different from that on a
desktop computer’s keyboard, the keyboard
feels like a full-sized keyboard when you use it.
The distance between the keys (the pitch) is the
same as on a full-size keyboard (19 mm). The
travel, or space the key goes down when
pressed, is also the same (3 mm).
Using the Keyboard 15
The keys on the keyboard can be grouped into the following
categories:
•
Full-sized typewriter keys are arranged like a standard
typewriter keyboard and are used for text entry.
•
Function keys, when pressed together with the <Fn> key,
enable special functions.
•
Cursor control keys move the cursor. They may perform
other functions, depending on your software.
•
Windows keys open Windows menus and perform other
special functions.
To clean the computer keyboard, use slightly damp cotton
swabs. Scrub the keys and the surface around the keys. Do not
allow liquid to drip into the keyboard or you may damage the
keyboard.
Using the Numeric Keypad
Your keyboard includes a numeric keypad, which is a group of
keys that you can set to type numbers and mathematical
symbols, such as the plus sign (Figure 7). A number or symbol
on the right corner of each keypad key shows its numeric
function.
Figure 7. Numeric Keypad
Press <Num Lock> to turn on the embedded numeric keypad.
The numeric functions of the keypad are enabled and the Num
Lock light turns on.
16 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
While the numeric functions are enabled, you can temporarily
return a key to its normal function by pressing <Fn> and the key.
For example to type the letter m, press <Fn+m>.
To turn the numeric keypad off, press <Num Lock> again. The
Num Lock light turns off.
Using Special Function Keys
The <Fn> key activates special functions when it is pressed in
combination with another key. Table 1 shows the special key
combinations.
Table 1. Description of Special Function Keys
<Fn> Key
Combination
<Fn+F1>
<Fn+F2>
<Fn+F3>
<Fn+F4>
<Fn+F5>
Function
Print screen:
and puts it on the clipboard.
System request:
Speed:
<Fn+F3> to disable all the power-management options in System
Setup. Press <Fn+F3> again to return the power-management
options to their previous settings. This key combination disables
power-management options only until you turn your computer off
and then back on again.
This key combination functions only when the computer is run
from the battery. (See ”Power Savings Menu” on page 53 for
more information on power-management settings.)
Backlit
<Fn> key) to turn the LCD display back on.
CRT/LCD:
monitor, and simultaneous display on both the LCD and the
external monitor.
In Windows 95, takes a picture of the open screen
Reserved for use in software programs.
Enables you to turn power management on and off. Press
: Turns the LCD display off. Press any key (except the
Switches the display between the LCD, the external
Using the Keyboard 17
<Fn+F6>
<Fn+F7>
<Fn+F8>
<Fn+F9>
<Fn+F10>
<Fn+F11>
<Fn+F12>
<Fn+Up
Arrow>
<Fn+Down
Arrow>
<Fn+Right
Arrow>
<Fn+Left
Arrow>
Displays the battery gauge in the upper-right corner of
Gauge:
your screen. This key combination functions only when the
computer is run from the battery.
To disable or enable the power-management settings in System
Setup, press <F1> while the gauge is displayed. An icon of a
dripping water faucet indicates that power management is
enabled. An icon of a water faucet with water running at full force
indicates that power management is disabled. The powermanagement level you choose through <Fn+F6> remains in force
when you turn off the computer.
The gauge closes in a few seconds, or you can press <Esc> to
close the gauge. (See ”Monitoring the Battery Charge” on page
40 for more information on the battery gauge.)
KeyLock:
Type your password and press <Enter> to unlock the keyboard.
The <Fn+F7> key combination has no effect unless a password is
enabled in System Setup. The Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll
Lock lights blink when the keyboard is locked.
Mute:
Volume down:
Volume up:
Rest:
operation from rest, press the power button. (See ”Using Power
Management Options” on page 60 for more information about the
rest mode.)
Scroll:
the page up or down while the cursor position does not change.
Pressing <Fn+F12> again turns off the scrolling function.
Contrast up:
not needed on a TFT LCD.
Contrast down:
is not needed on a TFT LCD.
Brightness up:
Brightness down:
Locks the keyboard and activates password protection.
Turns the audio output on and off.
Decreases the audio volume.
Increases the audio volume.
Puts the computer into rest mode. To resume normal
In some applications, sets the cursor-control keys to scroll
Increases the LCD contrast. Contrast adjustment is
Decreases the LCD contrast. Contrast adjustment
Increases the LCD brightness.
Decreases the LCD brightness.
When you press a function key combination, the
system sound is temporarily muted.
18 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
Using the Touchpad
Your computer is equipped with the SmartPoint™ touchpad,
which is an integrated-pointing device that is used to perform
standard mouse functions (Figure 8). The touchpad is an
advanced and reliable pointing device that works with a touch
of your finger.
Touchpad
Mouse buttons
Figure 8. Touchpad
To use the touchpad:
•
Place your finger on the pad and move your finger in the
direction you want the cursor to move. The faster you
move your finger, the faster the cursor moves across the
screen.
•
Roll your finger from side to side to move the cursor
short distances.
•
Quickly tap your finger on the touchpad to click an item.
•
Tap your finger twice to double-click an item.
•
Tap and drag your finger on the touchpad to click and
drag an item.
•
Press on the touchpad gently. The touchpad responds to
light pressure.
Using the Touchpad 19
You can also use the buttons at the bottom of the touchpad in the
same way you use standard mouse buttons.
You can adjust the way the touchpad operates through the
Synaptics TouchPad software. To open the software, click on the
icon showing a touchpad that is located in the right corner of the
Windows taskbar. See the software’s Help for more information.
For information on attaching and using another pointing device
or keyboard with your computer, see “Connecting Peripheral
Devices” on page 23.
20 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
Reading the System Status Lights
System Status lights show the status of computer functions. The
lights appear on the left edge of the computer (Figure 9). Table 2
describes the meaning of the lights.
Figure 9. System Status Lights
Reading the System Status Lights 21
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