Nec POWERMATE CT 815 user Manual

Proprietary Notice and Liability Disclaimer

The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is the valuable property of NEC Computers Inc. (hereinafter “NECC”) and/or its licensors. NECC and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this document, including all design, manufacturing, reproduction, use, and sales rights thereto, except to the extent said rights are expressly granted to others.

The NECC product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance with the terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However, actual performance of each such product is dependent upon factors such as system configuration, customer data, and operator control. Since implementation by customers of each product may vary, the suitability of specific product configurations and applications must be determined by the customer and is not warranted by NECC.

To allow	for	design	and	specification improvements, the information in this
document	is	subject	to	change at any	time, without	notice.	Reproduction
of this document or portions thereof					without prior	written	approval of
NECC is prohibited.

NEC, PowerMate, and MultiSync are registered trademarks and AccuSync is a trademark of NEC Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. All are used under license.

Intel, Pentium, and LANDesk are registered trademarks and Celeron is a trademark of Intel Corporation.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective trademark owners.

First Printing — February 2001

NEC Computers Inc.

15 Business Park Way

Sacramento, CA 95828

Contents

Using This Guide
Text Conventions ...........................................................................................	x
Related Documents .......................................................................................	xi
1 Reviewing System Features
Front Features..............................................................................................	1-2
System Controls and Lamps ...............................................................	1-3
Diskette Drive.....................................................................................	1-4
Universal Serial Bus Port ...................................................................	1-4
CD-ROM Drive ..................................................................................	1-5
DVD-ROM Drive ...............................................................................	1-5
CD-RW Drive.....................................................................................	1-5
Zip Drive ............................................................................................	1-5
Rear Features...............................................................................................	1-6
External Connectors ...........................................................................	1-9
Power Supply Features .....................................................................	1-10
Inside Features ..........................................................................................	1-11
System Board....................................................................................	1-12
Power Management ..........................................................................	1-12
Hard Drive ........................................................................................	1-13
Network Board .................................................................................	1-13
Fax/Modem Board ............................................................................	1-13
AGP Video Board.............................................................................	1-14
Chassis ......................................................................................................	1-14
Speakers ....................................................................................................	1-14
System Overview ......................................................................................	1-15
Hardware ..........................................................................................	1-15
Software............................................................................................	1-16
Preloaded Software ..................................................................	1-16
NEC OS Restore CD................................................................	1-17
NEC Application and Driver CD .............................................	1-17
Security.............................................................................................	1-17

Contents iii

2 Setting Up the System
Chassis Orientation......................................................................................	2-2
Cable Connections.......................................................................................	2-2
Startup .........................................................................................................	2-3
Shutdown.....................................................................................................	2-4
Power-Saving Operation..............................................................................	2-5
System Care.................................................................................................	2-5
Protecting Your System From Damage ..............................................	2-6
Keeping Your System in Good Condition ..........................................	2-7
Moving or Shipping Your System ......................................................	2-7
More Information ........................................................................................	2-8
3 Configuring the System
Configuration Tools and Utilities ................................................................	3-2
BIOS Setup Utility ......................................................................................	3-4
How to Start BIOS Setup ....................................................................	3-4
How to Use Setup ...............................................................................	3-5
Main Menu..........................................................................................	3-6
Advanced Menu ................................................................................	3-10
Security Menu...................................................................................	3-19
Exit Menu .........................................................................................	3-21
Hard Drive Security...................................................................................	3-21
Establishing Hard Disk Drive Passwords .........................................	3-21
Changing Hard Disk Drive Passwords..............................................	3-22
Using Hard Disk Drive Password Protection....................................	3-23
Moving the Hard Drive .....................................................................	3-24
FLASH Utility...........................................................................................	3-24
NEC INFO Center .....................................................................................	3-25
NEC Application and Driver CD...............................................................	3-26
NEC OS Restore CD .................................................................................	3-28
System Board Jumper Settings ..................................................................	3-29
Intel Processor Serial Number Control Utility ..........................................	3-34
System Requirements........................................................................	3-34
Installation ........................................................................................	3-34
Processor Serial Number...................................................................	3-35
Frequently Asked Questions .............................................................	3-35
Technical Support .............................................................................	3-36

iv Contents

4 Installing Options
General Rules ..............................................................................................	4-2
Safety Precautions .......................................................................................	4-3
System Unit Covers.....................................................................................	4-4
Removing the Cover ...........................................................................	4-4
Replacing the Cover ...........................................................................	4-6
Removing the Front Panel ..................................................................	4-7
Replacing the Front Panel...................................................................	4-9
Expansion Boards......................................................................................	4-10
Removing the Expansion Board Retainer Bar ..................................	4-11
Installing an Expansion Board ..........................................................	4-12
Removing an Expansion Board ........................................................	4-14
Installing the Expansion Board Retainer Bar....................................	4-15
System Board Options...............................................................................	4-16
Memory Upgrade..............................................................................	4-17
Checking System Memory.......................................................	4-18
Installing a DIMM Module ......................................................	4-18
Removing a DIMM Module.....................................................	4-20
Processor Upgrade............................................................................	4-21
Removing the Processor...........................................................	4-21
Installing an Upgrade Processor...............................................	4-23
Data Storage Devices ................................................................................	4-25
Device Bays......................................................................................	4-25
Device Preparation ...........................................................................	4-26
5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device Upgrade ............................................	4-29
Installing a 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device ................................	4-29
Removing a 5 1/4-Inch Accessible Device ..............................	4-32
3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Upgrade ............................................	4-35
Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device ................................	4-35
Removing a 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device ..............................	4-38
Internal Hard Drive Upgrade ............................................................	4-39
Installing a 3 1/2-Inch Internal Hard Drive ..............................	4-39
Removing a 3 1/2-Inch Internal Hard Drive ............................	4-42
Minitower and Desktop Setup Options .....................................................	4-43
Converting from Minitower to Desktop ...........................................	4-43
Converting from Desktop to Minitower ...........................................	4-45

Contents v

5 Solving System Problems
Solutions to Common Problems ..................................................................	5-2
System Problems.................................................................................	5-2
Diskette Drive Problems .....................................................................	5-4
Monitor Problems ...............................................................................	5-5
Keyboard/Mouse Problems.................................................................	5-6
CD-ROM Drive Problems ..................................................................	5-6
Speaker Problems................................................................................	5-7
How to Clean the Mouse .............................................................................	5-8
How to Replace the CMOS Battery...........................................................	5-10
6 Getting Services and Support
NECC Website ............................................................................................	6-2
NECC FTP Site ...........................................................................................	6-3
Email/Fax Technical Support Service .........................................................	6-3
NECC Technical Support Services..............................................................	6-4
A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment
Making Your Computer Work for You ......................................................	A-2
Arrange Your Equipment ...........................................................................	A-3
Adjust Your Chair ......................................................................................	A-4
Adjust Your Input Devices .........................................................................	A-6
Adjust Your Monitor ..................................................................................	A-8
Vary Your Workday .................................................................................	A-10
Pre-existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors ...................................	A-11
Checking Your Comfort: How Do You Measure Up? .............................	A-11
Checking Your Chair .......................................................................	A-11
Checking Your Keyboard ................................................................	A-12
Checking Your Mouse .....................................................................	A-12
Checking Your Monitor ...................................................................	A-12
Checking You ..................................................................................	A-12

vi Contents

B System Specifications
Models........................................................................................................	B-2
System Board .............................................................................................	B-2
Storage Devices..........................................................................................	B-3
Input/Output Devices .................................................................................	B-4
Expansion...................................................................................................	B-4
Power Management....................................................................................	B-5
System Management ..................................................................................	B-5
Operating System Software........................................................................	B-5
Operating Environment ..............................................................................	B-5
Compliance ................................................................................................	B-6

Index

Regulatory Statements

Contents vii

Using This Guide

The PowerMate® CT 815 User’s Guide provides a comprehensive reference to information about your system.

The guide contains the following information:

!Chapter 1, Reviewing System Features, provides a look at the front, back, and inside features of the system. It also gives a summary of the system’s hardware, software, and security features.

!Chapter 2, Setting Up the System, briefly describes how to set up, start up, and shut down the system. The chapter also provides information on installing applications, and tips on caring for the system.

!Chapter 3, Configuring the System, describes how to use the software shipped with your system, including the BIOS Setup Utility, the FLASH Utility, the NEC INFO Center, the NEC Application and Driver CD, and the NEC OS Restore CD. The chapter also includes information for setting system jumpers.

!Chapter 4, Installing Options, provides installation procedures for processor and memory upgrades, expansion boards, and storage devices.

!Chapter 5, Solving System Problems, contains troubleshooting tips for solving simple problems. The chapter also includes procedures for cleaning the mouse and replacing the system battery.

!Chapter 6, Getting Services and Support, describes the services available to you for information and help, and describes how to access the services.

!Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment, contains guidelines to help you use your computer productively and safely. This appendix also instructs you on how to set up and use your computer to reduce your risk of developing nerve, muscle, or tendon disorders.

!Appendix B, System Specifications, provides technical specifications for your system and its components.

Using This Guide ix

Prolonged or improper use of a computer workstation may pose a risk of serious injury. To reduce your risk of injury, set up and use your computer in the manner described in Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment.

Text Conventions

This guide uses the following text conventions.

! Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following meanings:

Warnings alert you to situations that could result in serious personal injury or loss of life.

Cautions indicate situations that can damage the hardware or software.

Note Notes give important information about the material being described.

!Names of keyboard keys are printed as they appear on the keyboard, for example, Ctrl, Alt, or Enter.

!Text or keystrokes that you enter appear in boldface type. For example, type abc123 and press Enter.

x Using This Guide

Related Documents

In addition to this guide, the following printed documentation ships with your system.

!NEC PowerMate CT 815 Quick Setup/Quick Reference

The Quick Setup shows how to quickly get the system connected and powered on.

The Quick Reference briefly describes the documentation, NEC utilities, software applications, and services available with the NEC PowerMate CT 815 system.

!How Does Your Workplace Measure Up?

This brochure provides information for setting up and using the computer productively and safely. Information includes guidelines to reduce the risk of injury associated with using a computer.

!NEC PowerMate CT 815 Release Notes

Release Notes provide additional information about the computer that was not available at the time the user’s guide was printed. Information in the Release Notes is the result of extensive product testing.

Your system also comes with the NEC INFO Center online documentation on your hard drive. The NEC INFO Center is an online guide to your PowerMate system. It provides information about the system through the following online modules: Tour, User’s Guide, Questions, Solutions, and Services.

In addition to the documentation that ships with the system, documentation is available from the NECC website.

!NEC PowerMate CT 815 Service and Reference Manual

This manual provides information for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the system. This manual also includes hardware and interface information for programmers, engineers, and others who need to know how the system is designed.

Service and reference manuals are available on the Internet at the Service and Support area of the NECC website (see Chapter 6 for access information).

!NEC PowerMate CT 815 User’s Guide

Check the NECC website for the most current online version of your printed user’s guide.

Using This Guide xi

Reviewing System Features

!Front Features

!Rear Features

!Inside Features

!Chassis

!Speakers

!System Overview

Prolonged or improper use of a computer workstation may pose a risk of serious injury. To reduce your risk of injury, set up and use the computer in the manner described in Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment.”

This chapter highlights system hardware and software features, and describes the security features of the system.

Front Features

You can use your PowerMate CT 815 system as a minitower or as a desktop system. The following figures show the features on the front of the system for both configurations. Brief descriptions follow the figures.

PowerMate CT 815 minitower front features

A – USB Port	F – Power/Sleep Button
B – CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive	G – Power/Sleep Lamp
C – 5 1/4-Inch Bay	H – Disk Activity Lamp
D – Diskette Drive	I – 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device
E – 3 1/2-Inch Accessible	Bracket
Device Bay

1-2 Reviewing System Features

PowerMate CT 815 desktop front features

A – Power/Sleep Button	F – 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Bracket
B – CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drive	G – 3 1/2-Inch Accessible Device Bay
C – 5 1/4-Inch Bay	H – Diskette Drive
D – Power/Sleep Lamp	I – USB Port
E – Disk Activity Lamp

System Controls and Lamps

System controls and lamps are identical for the minitower and desktop systems. The controls and lamps include a power/sleep button, power/sleep lamp, and hard drive activity lamp. The previous figures show the controls and lamps on the front of the systems.

!Power/sleep button

Press this button to turn on system power. To turn off power, close all applications, and shut down Windows. If you have Windows® 98 or

Windows 2000, the system automatically powers down. If you have Windows NT® , close all applications, shut down Windows NT, and press in the button until the system powers down (about four seconds).

Press and immediately release the power/sleep button to suspend system operation and go into a power saving mode. If you have a VESA-compliant monitor, your monitor also goes into a power-saving mode.

Press any key or move your mouse to resume system operation at the point where you stopped it.

Reviewing System Features 1-3

!Power/sleep lamp

The power/sleep lamp indicates whether system power is on or off. It also lets you know if the system is operating in a power-saving mode.

A steady green lamp indicates that the power is on to all system components. An unlit lamp indicates that power is not on.

A steady amber lamp and a blank monitor (VESA-compliant) screen indicates that the system is in a power-saving (sleep) mode, with full-power reduction.

!Hard drive lamp

A blinking lamp indicates that the hard drive is active. The blinking lamp tells you that the hard drive is reading or writing data.

Do not turn off the system unless absolutely necessary while the hard drive lamp is lit. To do so can damage your hard drive or data.

Diskette Drive

Use the diskette drive to copy data files to and from a diskette. You can also use the diskette drive as a bootable drive for loading and starting programs from a diskette.

To prevent damage to your diskette drive and data, do not turn off the system or remove a diskette while the diskette drive busy lamp is lit.

Universal Serial Bus Port

The universal serial bus (USB) port on the front of the system allows you to easily and conveniently add plug and play USB devices without opening up the system. You simply plug the USB device into the port. You can connect up to 127 devices including a mouse, monitor, keyboard, printer, scanner, speakers, and more. Two additional USB ports are on the rear of the system.

1-4 Reviewing System Features

CD-ROM Drive

Systems come with a 48X Max or higher variable speed compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) drive. Use the CD-ROM drive to load and start programs from a CD. You can also use the CD-ROM drive to play your audio CDs.

The CD-ROM drive operates at different speeds depending on whether the CD you are using contains data or music. This allows you to get your data faster and to see smoother animation and video.

DVD-ROM Drive

Some systems come with a 16X or higher digital video disc (DVD)-ROM drive. The drive offers many improvements over the standard CD-ROM technology, including superior video and audio playback, faster data access, and greater storage capacities.

The DVD-ROM drive uses DVD technology to read DVD discs as well as standard audio and video CDs.

CD-RW Drive

Some systems come with an 8X (record) 4X (rewrite) 32X (read) compact disk-rewritable (CD-RW) drive. Use the drive to record your data on a CD-RW disc, just like you would on a diskette, Zip® disc, or hard drive.

With a CD-RW drive, you can erase what you have recorded on the CD-RW disc and rewrite or record new data numerous times. CD-RW discs are available that hold up to 650 MB of data (74 minutes of audio) and up to 700 MB of data (80 minutes of audio).

You can read CD and DVD discs on the CD-RW drive. CD-RW discs can be read on CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives that support the MultiRead Standard.

Zip Drive

Some systems come with a 250-MB capacity Zip drive. Use the Zip drive with 3 1/2-inch Zip disks to back up work, archive old files, and transport your work. The Zip drive supports 250-MB and 100-MB Zip disks.

Reviewing System Features 1-5

Rear Features

On the rear of your system, you’ll find the power supply socket, a monitor power socket, a voltage switch, external connectors, and expansion board slots. The following figures show these features.

PowerMate CT 815 minitower rear features

A – AC Power Connector	E – Expansion Slots
B – Power Supply	F – System Board Connectors
C – Keyboard/Mouse Anti-Theft Bracket	G – Monitor Power Socket
D – Cover Locking Tab	H – Voltage Switch

1-6 Reviewing System Features

PowerMate CT 815 minitower rear connector locations

A – Keyboard Port	G – Line In
B – Mouse Port	H – Line Out
C – USB Port	I – VGA Connector
D – Parallel Port	J – Serial Port 1
E – MIDI/Game Port	K – USB Port
F – Microphone In

Reviewing System Features 1-7

PowerMate CT 815 desktop rear features

A – Power Supply	E – System Board Connectors
B – Keyboard/Mouse Anti-theft Bracket	F – Monitor Power Socket
C – Cover Locking Tab	G – Voltage Switch
D – Expansion Slots	H – AC Power Connector

PowerMate CT 815 desktop rear connector locations

A – Mouse Port	G – Serial Port 1
B – USB Port	H – VGA Connector
C – Parallel Port	I – Line Out
D – MIDI/Game Port	J – Line In
E – Keyboard Port	K – Microphone In
F – USB Port

1-8 Reviewing System Features

External Connectors

External connectors let you attach peripheral devices, such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and printer to your system. Your system has the following external connectors.

!Mouse port

Attach the mouse that comes with your system to this port. The mouse port supports a personal system/2-compatible (PS/2® -compatible) mouse.

!Keyboard port

Attach the keyboard that comes with your system to the keyboard port.

The keyboard port supports a PS/2-compatible 101-key or 104-key keyboard (in the U.S. and Canada) or a 102-key keyboard (in the United Kingdom and Germany) with a 6-pin mini DIN connector.

!Universal Serial Bus ports

Two USB ports add USB capability at the rear of the system. A third USB port is on the front of the system.

!Serial port 1 (COM A)

Attach a serial device with a 9-pin connector to this serial port. Serial devices include a pointing device, serial printer, or a modem. Some systems might ship with a second serial port (serial port 2, COM B) installed in an expansion slot.

!Printer port

Use this port to connect a parallel printer with a 25-pin connector to the system.

!VGA monitor connector

Attach the signal cable from your monitor to the VGA connector on

the rear of the system. Use this port to connect an NEC MultiSync® monitor, NEC AccuSync™ monitor, or other VGA-compatible monitor with a 15-pin connector.

!MIDI/game port

Use this port to attach a musical MIDI device or a gaming device to your system.

Reviewing System Features 1-9

!Audio connectors

The system comes with sound integrated on the system board. The following audio connectors are at the rear of the system (see the preceding figure for locations).

—Microphone in jack

Use this jack to connect a microphone for recording audio information in your data system files.

—Line in jack

Use this jack to connect a stereo audio device such as a stereo amplifier or a cassette or minidisc player for playback or recording.

—Line out jack

Use this jack to connect an amplified output device, such as powered speakers or headset, a stereo tape recorder, or an external amplifier for audio output.

!Fax/modem port

Some systems come with a V.90 rated 56-kilobits per second (Kbps) PCI fax/modem board. The board allows the connection of a phone line to the system for data communications functions.

!LAN port

Some systems come with a local area network (LAN) board or a Communications and Networking Riser (CNR) board. Use the RJ-45 compatible LAN port on the board for connecting the system to an Ethernet LAN.

Power Supply Features

Your system has the following power supply features:

!Power socket

Connect your power cable to this socket.

!Monitor power socket

If you have a plug adapter, plug the monitor power cable into this socket instead of a wall outlet.

!Power supply fan

The power supply fan cools the power supply and other system components to keep them from overheating. Keep the area near the fan clear for proper ventilation.

1-10 Reviewing System Features

!Voltage switch

Sets the voltage for your system to 115 volts or 230 volts.

Set the switch correctly for the voltage in your area. Most wall outlets in the United States and Canada are 115 volts. Outlets in Europe are 230 volts.

Inside Features

See the following figure for the location of major features within the system. Feature descriptions follow.

Inside the system

A – Power Supply	D – Internal Drive Bracket
B – System Board	E – Expansion Board Slots
C – Accessible Device Cage

Reviewing System Features 1-11

System Board

The system processor, memory, system battery, internal connectors, and most external connectors are on the system board. For information on the external connectors, see “External Connectors” earlier in this chapter.

Internal connectors on the system board include:

!diskette drive connector

!primary and secondary IDE connectors that support up to four IDE drives

!processor Socket 370 that supports Pentium III and Celeron processors

!three DIMM sockets

!three PCI connectors and one CNR connector for expansion boards (expansion slots support up to three PCI boards or up to two PCI boards and one CNR board)

!AGP board connector for AGP video and graphics boards

!CD audio connector for a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive

!digital flat panel/TV Out (DFP/TV) header for connecting an optional DFP/TV board

!front panel connectors for system lamps and USB

!power connectors

!additional connectors, including Modem In (MDM), Auxiliary In (AUX), Wake-On LAN (WOL), Wake-On Ring (WOR), case open, and CPU fan.

Power Management

Your system comes with Advanced Power Management (APM) and Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). Included as a subset to ACPI is Instantly Available Technology.

APM features Soft Power Off, which automatically powers down your system when you exit Windows 98 or Windows 2000 (not available for Windows NT). This feature is enabled or disabled through your system’s BIOS (see Chapter 3, “Configuring the System,” for Power Management BIOS settings).

1-12 Reviewing System Features

Instantly Available Technology features the ACPI sleep mode which maximizes power savings. When in the sleep mode, your system appears to be off. The power supply and fans are off and the power lamp is amber. Pressing a key or moving the mouse instantly wakes up your system and returns it to where you were before placing the system in the sleep mode. This feature is enabled or disabled by setting jumpers on the system board (see Chapter 3, “Configuring the System” for information on setting system board jumpers).

If you have an optional internal or external modem installed, you can use the Wake On Ring (WOR) and Resume On Ring (ROR) features of your system. With WOR, your system can be powered up through the modem from either the Soft Power Off or ACPI modes. The first call through the modem powers on the system and a second call allows access to your system.

The ROR feature allows a single call on your modem to resume system operation and allow you system access. The ROR feature can be used while the system is in the sleep mode or the ACPI power on state.

See Chapter 3, “Configuring the System,” for information on setting the WOR and ROR features through the system’s BIOS. In addition, for the WOR feature, a cable must be connected to the modem and to the WOR connector on the system board.

Hard Drive

All systems come standard with a 10-GB or higher Ultra DMA 66/100 hard drive.

Network Board

Some systems come with an Intel® Ethernet 10/100 network PCI board, a 3Com® 10/100 3C905C TX-M Ethernet network PCI board, or a CNR network board.

Fax/Modem Board

Some systems come with a V.90 PCI fax/modem board installed in a PCI slot. Connect your telephone line to this board.

Reviewing System Features 1-13

AGP Video Board

Some systems come with an AGP 4X video board. Connect your monitor to the VGA connector on this board.

Chassis

The NEC convertible chassis conforms to the Intel ATX form factor specification. The chassis has the following features:

!standardized chassis size and dimensions

!standardized system board size and dimensions

!standardized ATX 235-watt power supply with WOL capabilities

!switchable drive cage so system can be used in a minitower or desktop orientation.

Note The system can be placed in the minitower or desktop position. Choose the position that best suits your space. See Chapter 4 for procedures on converting your system to a different orientation.

Speakers

Some systems come with two high-quality stereo speakers. If the speaker set has a volume control, adjust the speaker volume by using this control. You can also use the Windows® sound software to control the speakers.

To launch the Windows sound software, double click the speaker icon on the taskbar (next to the system clock). Use the software to control speaker volume or to balance the sound between the left and right speakers.

1-14 Reviewing System Features

System Overview

Your system hardware and software deliver the performance and technologies you need for all your challenging tasks today and into the future. See the following sections for information about your system’s hardware, software, and security features.

Hardware

The PowerMate CT 815 system includes the following hardware features:

!PC99 compliance

All the hardware in the system has been certified by Microsoft® to be PC99 compliant.

!Processor

The system comes with an Intel® Pentium® III 600-MHz or higher processor with a 133-MHz or higher FSB. Processor speed and FSB depends on the system configuration.

!Flashable ROM BIOS

The system’s ROM BIOS features system setup configuration, plug and play support, and flash support for easy and economical BIOS upgrades.

!System memory

Your system comes with at least 64 MB of non-ECC synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM). The system supports up to 512 MB.

!Power management options

The system comes with power management features that help you conserve energy and reduce power costs (see “Power Management Features” earlier in this chapter).

Reviewing System Features 1-15

Software

NECC provides a variety of applications and hardware utilities with your system to let you take advantage of your hardware capabilities.

Preloaded Software

Your system comes preloaded with the Microsoft® Windows® 98 operating system or the Windows 2000/Windows NT® operating system configuration.

If you have a Windows 2000/Windows NT configuration, you must choose the operating system you want to load. The operating system you choose is your only operating system and is the one that the NEC OS Restore program restores.

NECC-provided applications, drivers, and utilities come loaded on the hard drive. You can install some of your applications from icons on the Windows desktop. Software available on your system includes the following applications:

!Microsoft® Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer provides a top-notch browser with preloaded links for easy access to the world wide web. Also use Internet Explorer to access one of the many new browser-based utilities.

! Norton AntiVirus™ 2000 Software

Protect your system from viruses by running Norton’s virus scan software.

!Adobe® Acrobat® Reader

Use the Adobe Acrobat Reader to read and print portable document format (PDF) files found on the Internet and PDF documents included with various software applications.

!NEC INFO Center

Get quick access to information about your system in the online NEC INFO Center. NEC INFO Center modules include Tour, User’s Guide, Questions, Solutions, and Services. See “NEC INFO Center” in Chapter 3 for a description of the modules and how to use the INFO Center.

!Intel LANDesk® Client Manager

Use LANDesk software to track system information such as serial number, BIOS version, memory capacity, disk capacity, expansion board settings, and applications. Use LANDesk software for remote starts from a server system using Wake-On LAN and remote reboot.

1-16 Reviewing System Features

NEC OS Restore CD

Your system comes with an NEC OS Restore CD and bootable diskette. Should a problem occur that causes data loss or corruption, you can use the NEC OS Restore CD to restore your system to its original factory state or you can restore just the operating system and drivers. A full system restore loads the operating system and all the factory-supplied software that comes on your hard drive. See “NEC OS Restore CD” in Chapter 3 for information about using the restore options.

NEC Application and Driver CD

Use the NEC Application and Driver CD to install drivers for NEC system options that are not part of the factory configuration. Also use the NEC Application and Driver CD to reinstall NECC-supplied software. See “NEC Application and Driver CD” in Chapter 3 for information about installing software from the CD.

Security

The system has hardware, software, and mechanical security features that offer protection against unauthorized access to your system and data. The following security features are available with the system.

!Password security

The BIOS Setup Utility includes a feature that lets you set up a user password, a supervisor password, or both.

The user password controls booting of the system and controls access to the Setup Utility and the keyboard. (User access to the BIOS Setup Utility is limited to a subset of all BIOS Setup parameters when a supervisor password has been set.)

The supervisor password allows full access to the system and the BIOS.

!Windows network security features

To learn more about the network security features available through the Windows operating system, refer to your Windows documentation or consult your system administrator.

Reviewing System Features 1-17

!Keyboard/mouse anti-theft bracket

Secure the mouse and keyboard cables within the anti-theft bracket to make it difficult to remove them from your system. See “Cover Removal” in Chapter 4 for procedures on securing the cables in the anti-theft bracket.

!Cover locking tab

The system also has a cover locking tab on the rear of the chassis. The tab fits through a slot on the rear edge of the chassis cover when the cover is on. When a padlock is used in the tab, the system cover cannot be removed and is physically protected from chassis intrusion.

!Chassis intrusion notification

Whenever the chassis cover is removed, a hidden switch sends a signal to LANDesk Client Manager (LDCM). LDCM logs the incident and then reports it on screen the next time the system is rebooted.

!Hard drive security

Your system supports password protection for the hard drive. Hard drive password protection restricts access to the drive if the drive is removed and installed in another system. The system does not prompt for hard drive passwords while the drive remains in the current system.

The passwords are written to the system BIOS and to the hard drive to ensure that the password protection travels with the drive if it is moved to another system. See Chapter 3, “Configuring the System,” for additional information on using hard drive security.

1-18 Reviewing System Features

Setting Up the System

!Chassis Orientation

!Cable Connections

!Startup

!Shutdown

!Power-Saving Operation

!System Care

!More Information

This chapter provides the basic information you need to set up and use your system. This includes cable connections, system startup procedures, system shutdown procedures, and system care. The chapter also includes a chart showing where to find additional information about the system.

Chassis Orientation

The NEC PowerMate CT 815 system can be used either as a minitower or as a desktop system. The accessible drives in the system can be positioned to accommodate either orientation. Rubber feet on the system allow it to rest securely at your work area when the system is in either position.

The system ships ready for use as a minitower system. You can easily convert the system for use as a desktop. See “Minitower and Desktop Setup Options” in Chapter 4 for instructions on converting to a desktop orientation, or back to a minitower orientation.

Cable Connections

After unpacking the system, converting the system to the desktop orientation (if desired), and positioning the system unit in your work area, connect the system components using your Quick Setup poster and the following tips.

!Use the icons on the rear of the system unit to identify the keyboard, mouse, printer, USB, and monitor connectors.

!If the system comes with an optional LAN board, connect the LAN cable to the RJ-45 connector on the board. See your network administrator for guidelines on configuring the system for network access.

!If the system comes with an optional fax/modem board, connect it to the telephone line as follows:

—Unplug the telephone from the telephone jack on the wall.

—Plug the telephone cable that comes with the system into the line jack on the rear of the system and into the telephone jack on the wall.

—Plug the cable on the telephone into the phone jack on the rear of the system.

2-2 Setting Up the System

!For all other boards (CNR, DVI, AGP, sound), see the documentation provided with the board.

!Set the voltage switch correctly for your area. The correct setting for the U.S. and Canada is 115V.

Set the voltage switch correctly for your area.

!Connect system power cables to a surge protector (recommended) or a properly grounded wall outlet.

NECC recommends connecting the power cable to a surge protector.

Startup

Press the power button to start up your system. The power lamp lights green to indicate that the system is on. The system performs its Power-On Self-Test (POST). Several messages appear indicating that your system is checking its subsystems. To see the messages, press Esc during POST.

At the bottom of the NEC startup screen, the following message appears:

Press F2 to enter BIOS Setup

If you want to enter the BIOS Setup, immediately press F2 while the startup screen displays.

One beep indicates that the system has successfully completed the power-on test.

After a short delay, Windows starts up.

If a problem occurs, a series of beeps may sound. If this happens repeatedly after powering on, power off the system and turn to Chapter 5, “Solving System Problems.” The chapter provides helpful hints for solving system problems.

Setting Up the System 2-3

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