Mitsubishi Electronics APRICOT 340 User Manual

OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Apricot 340

apricot

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

APRICOT 340 & XEN PC
OWNER’S HANDBOOK

APRI COT VS340
APRICOT MS340
APRICOT LS340
APRICOT XEN PC

Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows 95 are registered trademarks

of Microsoft Corporation.
SIMM is a registered trademark of Wang Laboratories.
LOC Technology and KeyLOC are trademarks of Apricot Computers

Limited.
Other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice

and does not represent a commitment on the part of Apricot Computers
Limited. Any software described in this manual that has been supplied with
this computer is supplied subject to a license agreement. The software may
be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of this agreement. It
may be an offence punishable by law to copy any disk or part of a disk
supplied for any other purpose than the purchaser’s personal use unless
specifically authorized within the licence agreement.

All rights reserved. No use or disclosure or reproduction of this manual, in
any form, is permitted without prior written consent from the publishers.

Copyright © Apricot Computers Limited 1995

Published by:
Apricot Computers Limited
3500 Parkside
Birmingham Business Park
B37 7YS

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

Printed in the United Kingdom

Safety and Regulatory Notices

Read the separate Power Connection Guide and Health and Comfort
Guide before using the computer for the first time.

Electrical

The computer uses a safety ground and must be earthed. The system
unit AC power cord is its “disconnect device”. Ensure that the system
unit is positioned close to the AC power outlet, and that the plug is
easily accessible.

The power cord packed with the computer complies with the safety
standards applicable in the country in which it is first sold. Use only
this power cord. Do not substitute a power cord from any other
equipment.

It is imperative that the system unit is set to the correct voltage range
before use. If not, the machine may be irreparably damaged.

To prevent fire and electric shock, do not expose any part of the
computer to rain or moisture.

Safety & Regulatory Notices

Battery

Turn off the computer and unplug all power cords before moving
the system unit, cleaning the computer or removing the system unit
top cover.

This product contains a replaceable lithium battery.
Do not use a metal or other conductive implement to remove the

battery. If a short-circuit is made between its positive and negative
terminals, the battery may explode.

Replace a discharged battery with one of the same type; another
type may explode or ignite. Follow the instructions contained in the
Owner’s Handbook to replace the battery.

Dispose of a discharged battery promptly and in accordance with
the manufacturer’s recommended instructions.

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK i

Safety & Regulatory Notices

Do not recharge, disassemble or incinerate the discharged battery.
Keep away from children.

Laser products

Any CD-ROM drive fitted in this system is classified as a CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT according to IEC825 Radiation Safety of Laser
Products (Equipment Classification: Requirements & User’s Guide). The
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT label is located on the underside of
the system unit or on the door to the removable-media drive bay.

The CD-ROM drive contains a laser system which is harmful to the
eyes if exposed. Do not attempt to disassemble the CD-ROM drive;
if a fault occurs, call an authorized maintainer.

Use the CD-ROM drive only as described in this manual; failure to
do so may result in exposure to hazardous radiation.

Ergonomic

When positioning the system unit, monitor and keyboard, take into
account any local or national regulations relating to ergonomic
requirements.

Acoustic noise

German Acoustic Noise Regulation

Sound power level is less than 70 dB(A) according to DIN 45635
Part 19 (ISO 7779).

Die Deutsche Akoustische Lärm-Regulierung

Der Grad der Klangstärke ist weniger als 70 dB (A) je nach DIN
45635 Teil 19 (ISO 7779).

ii APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Safety

This equipment complies with the following European safety
standards:

EN60950

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

This product complies with the following European EMC standards:

Emissions EN55022 Class B
Immunity EN50082-2
Harmonics EN60555 Parts 2 and 3

To ensure continued compliance:
♦ All ancillary equipment using an AC power cord must be

earthed.

♦ All interconnecting cables (e.g. cables for microphones,

headphones or external speakers), and communication cables,
must be less than 2 metres in length. If cable extensions are
used, ensure that adequate earth connections are provided and
that screened cables used.

Safety & Regulatory Notices

♦ Use only Apricot tested and approved upgrades.
Failure to observe these requirements cancels Apricot’s responsibility

for this product’s European EMC compliance.

European Directives

This equipment complies with the relevant clauses of the following
European Directives:

Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
CE Marking Directive 93/668/EEC

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK iii

Safety & Regulatory Notices

Thermalcote bonding compound

The thermal bonding compound used between the system processor
and its heat sink can cause skin irritation and stain clothing. Avoid
prolonged or repeated contact with skin. Wash thoroughly with
soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes and
inhalation of fumes. Do not ingest.

iv APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

C ONTENTS

1 Introducing...

Unpacking 1/1
Pictorial guide to the system unit 1/2
Summary of features 1/6

2 Getting Started

General advice 2/2
Connecting the components 2/3
Turning on and booting the computer 2/5
Backing-up the pre-installed software 2/8
Using the 3.5-inch diskette drive 2/9
Using Help 2/11

Contents

3 Using the BIOS Setup Utility

Starting BIOS Setup 3/2
If BIOS Setup starts on its own 3/2
Control keys 3/3
Main menu screen 3/5
System Summary 3/6
Devices and I/O Ports 3/6
Date and Time 3/8
System Security 3/8
Start Options 3/11
Advanced Setup 3/12

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1

Contents

ISA Legacy Resources 3/13
Power Management 3/14

4 Using Floppy Disk, CD-ROM and Tape Drives

Using a 5.25" floppy disk drive 4/1
Using a CD-ROM drive 4/3
Using an FTD Travan tape drive 4/5
Using a SCSI QIC tape drive 4/8
Using a SCSI DDS-2 tape drive 4/9

5 Maintaining and Transporting

Cleaning the computer 5/1
Transporting the computer 5/3
Using the computer in another country 5/3

6 Adding Expansion Cards

Configuring the card 6/3
Installing the card 6/8

7 Upgrading

Inside the system unit 7/2
Adding more system memory 7/4
Adding cache memory 7/8
Adding more video memory 7/10
Upgrading the processor 7/12
Adding a removable-media drive 7/16
Adding a hard disk drive 7/21

2 APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

8 Troubleshooting

Problems when starting 8/1
Troubleshooting checklist 8/5

A Inside the System Unit

Anti-static precautions A/1
Opening the system unit A/3
Motherboard layout A/4
System connectors A/6
Changing jumper settings A/7
Replacing the configuration battery A/10

B Technical Information

Specifications B/1
Physical characteristics B/6

Contents

Electrical characteristics B/6
Port characteristics B/8

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 3

1 INTRODUCING . . .

This chapter gives you a quick tour of your new Apricot computer.
As soon as you’ve unpacked the components and familiarised
yourself with them, you should progress to the next chapter,
“Getting Started”.

Warning

Read the separate Power Connection Guide before using the computer for the
first time.

Unpacking

On unpacking the computer, you should find:

♦ Apricot PC system unit.
♦ Apricot/Mitsubishi monitor and accompanying User’s Guide.
♦ Apricot extended keyboard and two-button mouse.
♦ System unit AC power cord, and monitor power cord,

appropriate for the country of sale.

Introducing

♦ System documentation (this Owner’s Handbook, etc.)
♦ Microsoft Windows 95 or (if requested) Microsoft MS-DOS

and Windows for Workgroups documentation.

More elaborate systems may include software or hardware options
with accompanying installation diskettes and additional
documentation. Some of these options may have been factory­configured or installed by your supplier.

Keep the cartons, boxes and packaging materials; you will need
them again if you have to transport the computer elsewhere.

Make a note of the manufacturer’s data recorded on the various
components (product codes, serial numbers, etc.). A service engineer
may need this information if the computer develops a fault.

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/1

Introducing

2

1

5

6

7

4

4

3

Pictorial guide to the system unit

1/2 APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Introducing

1P

button: press to turn the system on or off. The green

OWER

indicator on the button lights when the system unit is
powered.

2 activity indicators, from left to right:

lights when a diskette, floppy disk or FTD Travan tape

drive is in use (depending on the operating system).

lights when a hard disk drive or SCSI tape drive is in use

(depending on the operating system).

3 infrared sensor: fitted only on Apricot LS340 models with a

built-in LOC Technology system.

4 speaker grille: Apricot MS340 and LS340 models have

internal stereo speakers. Apricot VS340 and XEN PC models
have a single internal speaker (right-hand side).

5 door (shown closed): hinges down to reveal the removable-

media drive bay.

6 3.5" diskette drive.
7system lock: prevents unauthorized access to the inside of the

system unit.

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/3

Introducing

16

15

14

18

10

9

17

8

7

6

13

12

11

10

1/4 APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

5

4

3

2

1

Introducing

1 AC power outlet: where the monitor power cord can plug in.
2 voltage selection switch: the system unit can be set to

operate with a 100-120 V or 220-240 V AC power supply.

3 AC power inlet: where the system unit power cord plugs in.
4 keyboard port: connect the keyboard to this port.
5 mouse port: connect the mouse to this port.
6 serial port 1: (110 baud to 9600 baud): typically used for

connecting an external modem or a serial printer signal cable.

7 serial port 2: identical to serial port 1.
8 parallel port (standard, bi-directional or ECP/EPP): typically

used for a printer signal cable.

9 monitor port: connect the monitor signal cable to this port (if

you are using the on-board graphics system).

10 casing screws: unfasten these to remove the top cover.
11 joystick/MIDI port: (MS/LS models) intended for either a

standard PC analog joystick, or a MIDI In/Out adapter.

): (MS/LS models) mainly intended

12 audio input socket (

MIC

for a microphone. Alternatively, you could attach a personal
stereo (tape or CD). The socket provides “phantom power” for
electret condenser type microphones.

): (MS/LS models) intended for a line-in

13 line in socket (

IN

signal from a high-fidelity tape deck or CD player.

): (MS/LS models) intended for a line-

14 line out socket (

OUT

out signal to a high-fidelity amplifier or tape deck.

): (MS/LS models) intended for

15 audio output socket (

SPK

headphones or a pair of external self-powered loudspeakers.

16 security loop: you can feed a security chain through this loop

and secure it to prevent theft of the system unit.

17 blanking plates: for the expansion card slots.
18 air vents: do not block these vents or the system will overheat.

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/5

Introducing

Summary of features

This section is intended mostly for people who already know a bit
about computers and want to get an idea of what this one can do.

Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with some of the computer
terminology used here. It’s provided as a useful “shorthand” for more
experienced readers. Be assured, you don’t need to understand any
jargon to use the computer safely and efficiently. (On the other
hand, it can’t hurt to learn; introductory books about computers can
be found in your local bookshop or library.)

The Apricot 340 range is divided into three series. The economical
VS-series (Apricot VS340 and Apricot XEN PC), the multimedia
MS-series (Apricot MS340), and the business-minded LS-series
(Apricot LS340 and Apricot LS340E).

Standard features

The standard features of the range include:

♦ Intel Pentium processor with upgrade capability.
♦ 8 Mbytes of system random-access memory (RAM),

upgradeable to 128 Mbytes by the use of standard 32-bit,
70 nanosecond SIMMs (single in-line memory modules).
Extended Data Output (EDO) SIMMs are supported.

♦ BIOS Setup configuration utility in read-only memory (ROM).
♦ Cirrus Logic CL-GD543x local bus Enhanc ed Video Graphics

Array (EVGA) controller with at least 1 Mbyte of video
memory, upgradeable to 2 Mbytes.

♦ Primary and secondary local bus Integrated Drive Electronics

AT-Attachment (IDE/ATA) interfaces for IDE hard disk drives
and ATA-PI (ATA Packet Interface) CD-ROM drives
respectively.

1/6 APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

♦ 1.44 Mbyte 3.5" diskette d rive; 3.5" hard disk d rive bay with

room for two one-inch drives (various capacities); one 5.25"
removable-media drive bay.

♦ Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and Industry

Standard Architecture (ISA) expansion card slots: one full­length PCI/ISA slot, one full-length ISA slot, and (in cacheless
models) one half-length ISA slot.

♦ Parallel port with either standard, EPP (Enhanced Parallel

Port) or ECP (Extended Capabilities Port) functionality; two
serial ports; extended keyboard; two-button mouse.

Energy-efficient features

All models in the range comply with the requirements of the US
Environmental Protection Agency’s “Energy Star” programme for
energy-efficient computers. These models support:

♦ System Management Mode (SMM) of Intel SL Enhanced

processors.

Introducing

♦ Operating systems and applications that use the

Intel/Microsoft Advanced Power Management (APM) interface
standard.

♦ VESA BIOS Extensions for Power Management (VBE/PM), for

use with energy-efficient monitors that support Display Power
Management Signalling (DPMS).

Caution

Do not attempt to use the computer’s energy-saving features with a
monitor that does not support DPMS; the monitor may be permanently
damaged.

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 1/7

2 GETTI NG STARTED

You should read this chapter even if you do not read any other. It
provides important information to help you site, connect, power and
configure the computer.

This chapter will tell you all you need to know in order to start
work. The chapters after this one deal with the BIOS Setup utility
and various removable-media drives.

Warning

Read the separate Power Connection Guide before using the computer for the
first time.

Getting Started

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/1

Getting Started

General advice

This computer is designed to be used in a normal home or office
environment. Here are a few hints for choosing a suitable site:

♦ Place the system unit flat on a sturdy, level surface. Unlike

♦ Site the computer away from moisture, direct sunlight, and

♦ When positioning the system unit, monitor and keyboard, take

some other computers, the system unit is not designed to be
stood on its side.

extremes of heat and cold. Avoid situations in which the
surrounding temperature or humidity may change rapidly. (See
Appendix B, “Technical Information”, for recommended
temperature and humidity ranges.)

into account any local or national regulations relating to
ergonomic requirements. For example, you should ensure that
little or no ambient light is reflected off the monitor screen as
glare, and that the keyboard is placed in a comfortable position
for typing.

♦ Give the computer plenty of room so that air can circulate on

all sides. Air is drawn into the system unit through vents on the
bottom and on the left-hand side, and expelled through the
vent on the back. Ensure that these vents are never obstructed.

Do not allow any cables, particularly power cords, to trail across the
floor where they can be snagged by people walking past.

Warning

The computer uses the system unit AC power cord as it s “disconnect device”.
Ensure that the system unit is positioned close to the AC power outlet, and that
the plug is easily accessible.

To prevent fire and electric shock, do not expose any part of the system unit to
rain or moisture.

2/2 APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Connecting the components

See Chapter 1, “Introducing...”, if you need help identifying the
various ports on the system unit.

Checking the AC power supply

When the computer is delivered, it is ready for the commercial AC
power supply generally available in the country in which it is first
sold. It has been set for the correct voltage range, and is supplied
with an AC power cord and plug which comply with the relevant
safety standards.

Before using the computer in a country other than that in which it
was originally sold, you must check the voltage and frequency of
that country’s AC power supply, and the type of power cord
required there. Check the power rating labels on the rear of the
computer’s system unit and its monitor to ensure that they are
compatible with the AC power supply.

If necessary, the AC voltage setting of the system unit can be
adjusted by the voltage selection switch on the rear of the system
unit. Refer to the chapter on “Maintaining and Transporting”, for
instructions on how to do this. It is likely that the monitor’s voltage
setting will also need adjusting; consult the User’s Guide that
accompanies the monitor, or ask your supplier for help.

Getting Started

Installing add-on options

If the computer arrived with uninstalled add-on options, (such as
expansion cards or memory modules) consult the relevant chapters in
this Owner’s Handbook for step-by-step installation instructions.
Expansion cards may also have their own documentation that
supplements or overrides the instructions in this manual.

Note that some options for which you have installation guides may
have already been installed for you at the factory or by your
supplier.

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/3

Getting Started

Connecting the components

Having assured yourself that the voltage settings, and the AC power
cords of the computer, the monitor and any other peripherals, are
correct, use the procedure below to connect these components
together. It is important that you take each step in the order
indicated.

1. If your AC power outlets have switches, set them to their Off
positions.

2. Ensure that the system unit, the monitor, and any peripherals
are turned off.

3. Connect the monitor signal cable between the monitor and the
monitor port on the rear of the system unit. (If the monitor
signal cable is connected after the computer is turned on, the
display may appear in monochrome or not at all.)

4. Where appropriate, connect other signal cables between your
peripherals and their respective ports on the system unit. Make
sure the signal cables are connected securely.

5. Plug the keyboard cable into the keyboard port on the system
unit. Be careful not to plug it into the mouse port by mistake.

6. Plug the mouse into the mouse port on the system unit. Never
connect either the keyboard or the mouse while the system
unit is turned on.

7. Where appropriate, connect the computer to the network.

8. Connect the monitor power cord between the monitor and the
AC power outlet on the rear of the system unit.

9. Connect the system unit power cord between the AC power
inlet on the rear of the system unit and a nearby, grounded AC
power outlet.

10. Where appropriate, connect power cords between your
peripherals and nearby, grounded AC power outlets.

11. If your AC power outlets have switches, set them to their On
positions.

2/4 APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Turning on and booting the computer

Turning the power on

To turn on the computer, simply press the P

button lights to s how tha t the sys tem un it is

indicator o n the P
powered. Remember that the monitor has its own power button or
switch; see the monitor’s User’s Guide for details.

Always make sure that the system unit is turned on before turning
on any attached peripherals.

OWER

Getting Started

button. The green

OWER

If the computer does not start when the P
check that the system unit and monitor power cords are securely
connected and that the AC power supply is switched on.

Power-on self-test

Whenever the computer is turned on, a power-on self-test (POST)
routine test various hardware components and compares the actual
configuration of the computer with that recorded in configuration
(CMOS) memory. During this time, BIOS sign-on and POST
messages are displayed.

The boot sequence

Provided that POST succeeds without discovering any serious errors
or configuration discrepancies, the computer attempts to find an
operating system; that is, it attempts to boot.

By default, the computer will look first for a system diskette, then
for a bootable hard disk, but this sequence can be changed with the
BIOS Setup utility.

System diskette

A system diskette is a diskette bearing at least the rudiments of an
operating system. If the computer finds such a diskette in the
diskette drive, it boots from it. If it finds a non-system diskette, the
computer invites you to replace it. If necessary, your operating
system manuals should tell you how to create a system diskette.

button is pressed,

OWER

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/5

Getting Started

Hard disk

Apricot computers fitted with a hard disk normally arrive with either
Microsoft Windows 95 or the MS-DOS/Windows operating system
already in place or pre-installed, so that it’s there ready for you
when you turn on the computer for the first time.

Note

A hard disk may contain more than one operating system, in different
partitions, but only one partition can be active at any one time. The computer
loads its operating system from the currently active partition.

Starting the computer for the first time

The first time you turn on your computer a message appears
explaining the legal terms and conditions that govern the use of the
software pre-installed on the computer’s hard disk. Once you have
read this message, you can press
acknowledging that you have read, understood and accepted the
terms and conditions.

Why your computer may seem to stop working

Your computer has a built-in energy-saving feature. If you leave it
for a while without doing anything, it goes into a special low-power
standby mode. The monitor display goes blank and the processor
slows down. The operating system and your programs continue to
run, although slowly (and of course you can’t see them because the
monitor is blank). The computer is still working, and you haven’t
lost any of your files.

3 to continue. By doing so you are

F

You can wake the computer again by pressing any keyboard key.
See the chapter on “Using the BIOS Setup Utility” for more
information.

Caution

The monitor supplied with your computer is designed to work with these
energy-saving features. If you want to use another monitor, make sure that it
supports the VESA standard for Display Power Management Signalling; if it
doesn’t, it may be permanently damaged.

2/6 APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Turning the power off

Before turning off the computer, run through the following
checklist:

♦ Quit or exit from the applications you are running; be sure to

♦ If you are logged-in to a network, logout before turning off

♦ Close down or quit any software that employs virtual memory

♦ Always turn off any atta ched p eriphe rals first. Howeve r, the re’s

♦ Wait until all the activity indicators on the front bezel are unlit.

Getting Started

save any files you have altered. Any unsaved information still
held in the computer’s memory will be lost when you turn off
the computer.

the computer. This gives the network operating system a
chance to free up the network resources you’ve been using.

or disk-caching (Windows 95 and Windows for Workgroups
do this automatically).

no need to turn off the monitor if it’s being powered from the
system unit.

button again. The

To turn off the computer, simply press the P

OWER

power indicator on the button goes out. If the monitor is powered
from the system unit, it will be turned off at the same time.

After you turn the computer off, wait at least 5 seconds before
turning it on again. The computer may not initialize itself properly if
you turn it off then on again in quick succession.

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/7

Getting Started

Backing-up the pre-installed software

Apricot computers with a hard disk normally arrive with an
operating system pre-installed. The hard disk also contains a
complete set of Cirrus Logic video display drivers, although initially
the computer is configured to use the standard VGA Windows
driver. Additional software may be pre-installed by your supplier.

We recommend that you copy or back up any pre-installed software
soon after setting up the system. This is particularly important for
systems which are supplied without installation diskettes for the
software on the hard disk. A back up copy will safeguard the pre­installed software against loss if the hard disk fails or if you
accidentally overwrite or delete files.

♦ A disk imaging utility is provided with Windows 95 and

Windows for Workgroups. This allows you to create
installation diskettes for the operating system, and some other
software, from disk images pre-installed on the hard disk. See
the utility’s on-line help for more information.

♦ To back up other pre-installed software (and your own files)

use the Backup tool in the System Tools folder (if you have
Windows 95) or Backup for Windows (if you have Windows
for Workgroups).

Any copy you make of pre-installed software must be used only as a
back-up copy, in case the pre-installed version is lost. You are not
allowed to use installation diskettes created from disk images to
install the software onto another computer.

2/8 APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Using the 3.5-inch diskette drive

The 3.5-inch diskette drive can read and write double-sided
diskettes with a formatted capacity of either 1.44 Mbytes (if marked
“HD” or “high density”) or 720 Kbytes (if unmarked, or marked
“DD” or “double density”).

Each diskette has a rigid plastic cover with a metal shutter that
guards the disk surface. The drive automatically moves the shutter
aside to read the diskette. Never touch the exposed surface under the
shutter; you could deform the disk or leave a fingerprint that might
make the diskette difficult to read.

Keep diskettes well away from dust, moisture, magnetic objects, and
equipment that generates magnetic fields. Also, avoid extremes of
temperature and exposure to direct sunlight. Otherwise, data
recorded on the diskette may become corrupted.

Inserting a diskette

A diskette is inserted into the diskette drive slot shutter-foremost,
and with its label side facing up (see diagram). Some diskettes have a
small arrow on the face of the diskette; this must point towards the
drive when you insert the diskette.

Getting Started

Push the diskette all the way in until it engages with the drive

button pops out, the diskette is

mechanism. When the drive’s

EJECT

fully engaged.

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/9

Getting Started

Removing a diskette

Before attempting to remove a diskette, make sure that the drive is
not currently in use (the diskette activity indicator on the computer’s
front bezel must be unlit).

Press the
disengages and the diskette is ejected half-way out of the drive.

If a diskette becomes stuck in the drive, perhaps because its label has
peeled back, do not attempt to remove it with tweezers or any
similar implement; you risk damaging the drive. Call an authorized
maintainer.

Write-protecting a diskette

A diskette can be write-protected by sliding a small tab towards the
edge of the diskette to expose the little hole beneath it (see
diagram). With the tab in this position, you can read, copy or print
files from the diskette, but you cannot create, rename or delete any
files.

button on the drive. The drive mechanism

EJECT

The BIOS Setup utility can completely disable the diskette drive.

2/10 APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK

Using Help

Getting Started

Along with the software pre-installed on your computer’s hard disk,
you will often find one or more Apricot Help files. These will
explain any special features of the system, and tell you how to install
the software needed to exploit those features.

Apricot Help may be supplied in various forms, depending on the
intended operating system; for the Microsoft Windows 95 and MS­DOS/Windows operating systems, they are usually Windows Help
files or README text files.

Apricot’s Windows Help files are usually pre-installed in the Apricot
folder (Windows 95) or program group (Windows for Workgroups).

Apricot’s README.1ST files, or other ASCII text files identified by
their .TXT file extensions, can be read by most text editors and
wordprocessing programs. Alternatively they can be displayed, one
screenful at a time, using the MS-DOS commands Type and More;
for example:

TYPE README.1ST | MORE

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 2/11

Using the BIOS Setup Utility

3 USING THE BIOS SETU P UTILITY

BIOS (pronounced “bye-oss”) stands for basic input/output
system. The BIOS operates at the boundary between the computer’s

hardware (the processor, memory, and so on) and its software (the
operating system and your programs), and effectively mediates
between the two.

The BIOS is permanently encoded in an area of read-only memory
(ROM), although it can be modified if necessary by an authorized
maintainer.

BIOS Setup is a utility programmed into the computer’s BIOS
ROM. Its main purpose is to allow you to view and alter the
computer’s hardware configuration. It is also used to configure
various security and power-saving options. Configuring the
computer is necessary to ensure that the software you use can
recognise and exploit the hardware’s capabilities.

The current configuration is kept in a special area of memory, called
CMOS memory, and maintained by a small battery so that the
configuration is preserved even while the computer is switched off.

Your computer arrives already configured, but may need to be
configured again after you add or remove add-on options such as
memory modules or expansion cards.

APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK 3/1

Using the BIOS Setup Utility

Starting BIOS Setup

Not long after turning on your computer, this symbol appears in the
top right corner of the screen:

~~~~ ~~
~~~~ ~~
~~~~ ~~

While this symbol is displayed, you can press the F1 key to start the
BIOS Setup utility.

If BIOS Setup starts on its own

This can happen for three reasons:
♦ POST detects a configuration error or fault. This may be

signalled by one or more of the POST error messages listed in
the “Troubleshooting” chapter. If a persistent fault is indicated,
make a note of any error messages and the current
configuration settings before calling an authorized maintainer.

♦ The CMOS battery may be running down. This may be

signalled by spurious POST error messages. If this happens
every time you turn on the computer, you may have to change
the battery as described in Appendix A.

♦ The computer’s configuration may have changed, for example

by the addition of more system memory, more cache memory,
or an expansion card. In this case you may have to define the
new configuration.

3/2 APRICOT 340 OWNER’S HANDBOOK