Nec VERSA 2600 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 Computer Systems Division, Packard
Bell NEC (NECCSD, PBNEC) and/or its licensors. NECCSD and/or its licensors,
as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this
document, including all design, manufacturin g, reproduction, use, and sales rights
thereto, except to the extent said rights are expressly granted to others.

The NECCSD product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance
with the terms of the Warr anty 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 NECCSD.

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 portion s thereof with out prior written approval of NECCSD is pr o­hibited.

NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation and Versa is a U.S. registered trademark of NEC

Technologies, Inc.; all are used under license by NEC Computer Systems Division (NECCSD), Packard
Bell NEC, Inc.

All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trade-

marks of their respective trademark owners.

First Printing — January 1997

Copyright 1997

NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC, Inc.

1414 Massachusetts Avenue

Boxborough, MA 01719

All Rights Reserved

NEC Computer Systems Division,

A Division of Packard Bell NEC, Inc.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We, the Responsible Party

NEC Computer Systems Division

Packard Bell NEC, Inc.

1414 Massachusetts Avenue

Boxborough, MA 01719

[phone]

declare that the product

NEC V2600 Series

is in conformity with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation of this
product is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

Using this Guide

The NEC Versa® 2600 Series User’s Guide gives you the
information you need to maximize the use of your NEC
Versa 2600 Series notebook computer. Read this guide to
familiarize yourself with the system and its features. For
specific information see:



Chapter 1, “Getting Started,” to acquaint yourself with
the system hardware.

Chapter 2, “Introducing the Software,” for a summary



of the applications loaded on your system. We included
software to let you experience the full spectrum of the
system, from creating vivid multimedia presentations to
simply enjoying an audio CD.



Chapter 3, “Using Setup and Power Management,” to
customize your notebook’s system parameters and
power management settings.

Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC Versa,” for an understand-



ing of NEC Versa features and functionality. You’ll also
master procedures for connecting external options like
headphones, microphone or speakers.

Chapter 5, “Using Multimedia,” for steps on integrating



video and sound clips into impressive presentations.



Chapter 6, “Traveling with Your NEC Versa,” lists
valuable tips for getting the most out of your system
while on the road.



Chapter 7, “Solving Problems,” provides simple solu­tions to common problems that may arise while operat­ing your notebook.

Using this Guide ix

TEXT SETUP

Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work



Environment,” provides guidelines to help promote a
healthy work setting.



Appendix B, “Specifications and Environment,” to re­view NEC Versa 2600 Series system specifications and
operating conditions.

Appendix C, “Using DOS Programs,” explains how to



use power management in DOS mode and how to set up
DOS mode games in Windows 95.

To make this guide as easy to use as possible, text is set up
in the following ways.



Warnings, cautions, and notes have the following
format:

!

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

WARNING

x Using this Guide

!

Cautions indicate situations that can damage the
system hardware or software.

CAUTION

NOTE

Notes give particularly important information

about whatever is being described.

Names of keys are printed as they appear on the key-



board, for example,
Text that you must type or keys that you must press are



presented in bold type. For example, type

.

Enter

RELATED DOCUMENTS

See the following documents for additional information on
your NEC Versa 2600 Series notebook computer:



The NEC Versa 2600 Series Quick Setup sheet helps
you get your system up and running.

The NEC Versa 2600 Series Quick Reference card pro-



vides an easy-to-carry reference to LED meanings, con­trols, function key combinations, and NEC help
numbers.

Depending on the operating system installed, Microsoft



Windows 95 or Microsoft® Windows for Workgroups,
MS-DOS operating system online documentation comes
loaded on your NEC Versa computer.

Ctrl, Alt

, or

Enter

.

and press

dir

®

An online version of this user’s guide comes on your



hard disk drive. That way, you can leave the guide at
home and still have all the information you need at your
fingertips.

Using this Guide xi

Contents

Using this Guide

Text Setup................................................................ x

Related Documents ................................................... xi

1 Getting Started

Getting to Know Your NEC Versa 2600 ................... 1-2

Around the Front of the System............................ 1-3

Around the Back of the System ................................. 1-8

Around the Sides of the System................................. 1-9

The Left Side.......................................................1-10

The Right Side.....................................................1-10

Around the Bottom of the System.............................. 1-11

NEC Versa Power Sources ......................................1-13

Using the AC Adapter..........................................1-13

Using the Main Battery Pack................................ 1-15

How to Recharge the Battery Pack .......................1-16

Battery Handling..................................................1-17

Battery Life .........................................................1-19

Extending Battery Life.........................................1-20

Battery Charging .................................................1-20

LCD Panel...................................................... 1-3

Brightness or Contrast Control........................ 1-4

Power Button and Status LEDs....................... 1-4

Keyboard........................................................ 1-6

NEC VersaGlide............................................. 1-6

Microphone and Speakers ............................... 1-7

Battery Pack Bay............................................ 1-7

Drive Bays ..................................................... 1-7

Powering On...................................................1-15

Installing the Battery Pack ..............................1-16

Replacing the Battery Pack .............................1-18

Setting Up Your Computer iii

Battery Precautions..............................................1-21

Battery Disposal ..................................................1-22

Internal Batteries ......................................................1-22

CMOS Battery ....................................................1-22

Bridge Battery .....................................................1-22

System Care .............................................................1-23

Precautions..........................................................1-23

Storage Requirements ..........................................1-25

Routine Cleaning .................................................1-27

2 Introducing the Software

Windows Introduction............................................... 2-2

Windows 95 ........................................................ 2-3

Windows for Workgroups.................................... 2-3

DOS Introduction ..................................................... 2-4

Guide to Online Help ................................................ 2-5

Guide to the NEC Setup Utility................................. 2-6

Other Software ......................................................... 2-6

CardWizard™..................................................... 2-6

LapLink............................................................... 2-7

How to Use LapLink....................................... 2-8

McAfee AntiVirus Software................................. 2-9

VideoSaver..........................................................2-10

MediaMatics Arcade™ MPEG Player..................2-11

XingMPEG Player™...........................................2-11

Microsoft Works..................................................2-11

Microsoft Money .................................................2-12

Microsoft Sampler...............................................2-12

Microsoft Return of Arcade .................................2-12

PointCast Network...............................................2-12

Online Services.........................................................2-12

America Online....................................................2-14

AT&T WorldNet.................................................2-15

CompuServe and WOW! from CompuServe.........2-16

Microsoft Internet Explorer..................................2-17

Netscape Navigator Dial Up Edition.....................2-17

Official Airline Guide (OAG)...............................2-19

iv Setting Up Your Computer

3 Using Setup and Power Management

Setup Utility ............................................................. 3-1

How to Enter Setup.............................................. 3-1

How to Use Setup................................................ 3-2

The Setup Screen............................................ 3-2

Using Keys............................................................... 3-4

Checking/Setting System Parameters............... 3-4

Using Power Management.........................................3-13

Power Saving Modes ...........................................3-13

Power Management Settings ................................ 3-14

Using Fn-F3 ........................................................3-15

4 Using Your NEC Versa

LCD......................................................................... 4-1

Keyboard.................................................................. 4-2

Function Keys...................................................... 4-3

NEC VersaGuide...................................................... 4-5

Making VersaGlide Adjustments.......................... 4-6

Windows 95 VersaGlide Adjustments.............. 4-7

Windows for Workgroups VersaGlide Adjustments 4-7

VersaGlide Tips.............................................. 4-8

10X CD-ROM Reader.............................................. 4-9

CD Loading.........................................................4-10

Using Audio CDs in Windows for Workgroups 4-11

Adding the CD Audio Option..........................4-11

Playing Audio CDs.........................................4-11

Using Audio CDs under Windows 95..............4-12

Playing Entertainment CDs using Windows 95 4-12

CD Care..............................................................4-13

PC Cards..................................................................4-13

Type I Cards........................................................4-13

Type II Cards ......................................................4-14

Type II Extended Cards .......................................4-14

Type III Cards.....................................................4-14

Communication Cards.....................................4-14

PC Card Modems ...........................................4-15

Storage Cards.................................................4-15

Setting Up Your Computer v

Interface Cards ...............................................4-16

Other Cards....................................................4-16

PC Card Enablers................................................4-17

Disabling Preloaded PCMCIA Drivers.................4-17

PC Card Slots......................................................4-18

Inserting a PC Card ........................................4-19

Removing a Card............................................4-20

IR Port ................................................................4-21

Increasing System Storage and Memory ....................4-22

Hard Disk............................................................4-22

Removing the Hard Drive................................4-22

Inserting the New Hard Drive..........................4-23

Installing Memory Modules..................................4-24

Reviewing the Memory Map ...........................4-27

Installing Options......................................................4-28

External Monitor .................................................4-28

Printer.................................................................4-29

Parallel Devices..............................................4-30

Serial Devices.................................................4-31

External Keyboard or Mouse ............................... 4-33

Left Side..............................................................4-35

NEC Port Replicator 2600...................................4-36

Attaching the Port Replicator 2600 .................4-36

Port Replicator Ports ...................................... 4-36

Detaching the Port Replicator..........................4-37

5 Using Multimedia

Audio ....................................................................... 5-1

Recording............................................................ 5-1

Line-In ................................................................ 5-3

Microphone ......................................................... 5-4

Playing Back ....................................................... 5-4

Using Headphones .......................................... 5-5

Using the Built-In Speakers............................. 5-5

Using External Stereo Speakers....................... 5-6

MIDI Files........................................................... 5-6

Video........................................................................ 5-6

vi Setting Up Your Computer

Using Animation Files.......................................... 5-7

Multimedia Applications........................................... 5-7

VideoSaver.......................................................... 5-7

6 Traveling with Your NEC Versa

Power Connections ................................................... 6-1

Checklists................................................................. 6-2

What to Take....................................................... 6-2

Preparing Your NEC Versa for Travel ................. 6-3

7 Solving Problems

Problem Solving ....................................................... 7-1

Start-Up Problems.................................................... 7-3

POST Error Messages ......................................... 7-3

If You Need Assistance............................................. 7-5

Getting Help ............................................................. 7-6

Updating the System BIOS .................................. 7-7

Warranty/Non-Warranty Repair Service ................... 7-7

A Setting Up a Healthy Work Environment

Making Your Computer Work for You...................... A-1

Arrange Your Equipment .......................................... A-3

Adjust Your Chair .................................................... A-3

Adjust Your Input Devices........................................ A-4

Adjust Your Screen of Monitor ................................ A-5

Vary Your Workday ................................................. A-6

Pre-Existing Conditions and Psychosocial Factors..... A-7

B Specifications

C Using DOS Programs

Glossary

Index

Setting Up Your Computer vii

viii Setting Up Your Computer

1

Getting Started

!

Prolonged or improper use of a computer work­station may pose a ri sk of serious inj ury. To reduce
your risk of injury, set up and use your comput er in
the manner descri bed in Appendix A, S etting Up a
Healthy Work Environment.

After completing the steps in the quick setup sheet that
comes with your computer, your NEC Versa 2600 Series
system is ready to go! To get started:

Read Appendix A, Setting Up a Healthy Work Envi-



ronment, for guidelines that help you use your computer

productively and safely. Information includes how to set

up and use your computer to reduce your risk of devel-

oping nerve, muscle, or tendon disorders.

WARNING



Read through this guide to familiarize yourself with the

NEC Versa 2600.

Getting Started 1-1

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEC VERSA 2600

The NEC Versa 2600 Series notebook computer offers you
a portable system filled with exciting resources for home,
business, or travel. Standard features include a powerful

®

Pentium 133-MHz or 150-MMx microprocessor that

Intel
works together with the latest 16-MB Extended Data Out
(EDO) Random Access Memory (RAM) for exceptional
performance.

In addition, your system gives you: a high-performance hard
disk drive, a 10X CD-ROM reader, a diskette drive, built-in
VersaGlide (like a mouse), and PC Card slots (Personal
Computer Memory Card International Association ­PCMCIA). As a multimedia system, your NEC Versa 2600
also provides the tools needed to create and present impres­sive images using video clips and sound.

To get comfortable with your notebook, read the following
sections and take a tour around your system!

1-2 Getting Started

NEC Versa 2600 Series notebook computer

Around the Front of the System

The NEC Versa 2600 is compact with features on every
side. First, look at the front of the system. The following
sections describe front features, beginning with the liquid
crystal display (LCD) panel.

LCD Panel
LCD Slide Bar

LCD Panel

Status
LEDs

VersaGlide

SpeakerSpeaker

Hard Drive

Diskette Drive

Microphone

Power
Button

Battery Bay

NEC

CD-ROM Reader

Front features

Your NEC Versa 2600 Series system comes with a color
LCD that you can adjust for a comfortable viewing posi­tion. The LCD is a 12.1-inch, cold cathode fluorescent tube
(CCFT), backlit Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA)
color display, of either the Dualscan Super-Twisted
Nematic (DSTN) or the Thin Film Transistor (TFT) type.
(TFT displays come only with models NEC Versa
2650CDT and 2655CDT models.)

Getting Started 1-3

Brightness or Contrast Control

Depending on the model of LCD panel the slide bar located
to the right of the LCD panel controls brightness or con­trast. Slide the bar up or down to adjust screen brightness,
if you have a TFT panel. Side the bar up or down to adjust
contrast for a DSTN panel.

Additionally models with DSTN-type screens, may use
key for the following results:





decreases LCD brightness.

Fn-F1

increases LCD brightness.

Fn-F2

Power Button and Status LEDs

NEC Versa systems offer the following features on the
hinge just under the LCD panel:

Power Button — The Power button turns NEC Versa 2600
power on and off. Press the button to turn power on; press
it again to turn power off. When power is on, the Power
LED lights. See “Setup Parameters” in Chapter 3 to use
this button as a Suspend/Resume buttom.

NOTE

After turning off the system, wait 5 seconds
before tur ning i t back on. Thi s gi ves system c om po­nents a chance to power down properly.

Fn

1-4 Getting Started



Power and Status LEDs (identified by icons) are found
to the right of the Power button, and inform you of the
status of your system and its components. Status LEDs
have the following meanings and light under the condi­tions noted:

Power Hard

Disk Drive

CD-ROM

Reader

Diskette

Drive

A

Caps

Lock

 Power – Lets you know that power to the system is

turned on. This LED is positioned so that you see
the power state whether the LCD panel is opened or
closed

– lights green when the system is powered on.
– lights yellow when battery power is below 10%.
– flashes yellow when battery power is below 5%.

Be sure to save your data immediately when the
Power LED turns to yellow, flashes yellow, or the
system beeps. Failure to do so can result in data
loss.

Num
Lock

!

CAUTION

Pad

Lock

Battery

Status LED icons

 Hard Disk Drive – Lights when the NEC Versa

2600 writes data to or retrieves data from the hard
disk drive.

 CD-ROM Reader – Lights when data is read from a

compact disc in the CD-ROM drive.

Getting Started 1-5

Keyboard

 Diskette Drive – Lights when data is written to or

retrieved from the 3.5-inch diskette drive.

 Caps Lock – Lights when Caps Lock mode is in ef-

fect.

 Num Lock – Lights when Num Lock mode is active.
 Pad Lock – Lights when the embedded numeric key-

pad lock is on.

 Battery Charging Status – Lights to indicate the

following:
– Green – the battery is fully charged.
– Orange – the battery is recharging.
– Light Off – the AC adapter is disconnected.

The NEC Versa 2600 Series system comes with an 86-key
keyboard, featuring an embedded numeric keypad and in­verted T cursor keys. See Chapter 4, “Using Your NEC
Versa,” for details about control keys, function keys, and
keyboard features.

NEC VersaGlide

The NEC VersaGlide works like a standard computer
mouse. Simply move your fingertip over the VersaGlide to
control the position of the cursor. Use the selection buttons
below the VersaGlide to select menu items. The left button
is configured to function like the left button on a mouse.
The right button is configured as a right-mouse button.

See “NEC VersaGlide” in Chapter 4 for information about
customizing VersaGlide settings.

1-6 Getting Started

Microphone and Speakers

A microphone is built into the keyboard's left palm rest
(beneath the small single hole), and lets you record mono­phonic sound directly into the NEC Versa 2600.

Two stereo speakers are also built into the keyboard's palm
rest, one on the left and one on the right, for your multime­dia presentations or listening pleasure.

Turn the volume control wheel (located on the left side of
the NEC Versa 2600) clockwise to increase, or counter­clockwise to decrease sound volume.

Battery Pack Bay

The NEC Versa (depending on the model) comes with either
a Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
rechargeable battery pack, located at the left front of the
Versa 2600.

Drive Bays

The NEC Versa 2600 comes with the following drives pre­installed as standard features:



CD-ROM Reader — A 10X CD-ROM lets you load and
start programs from compact discs, or insert and play
your favorite audio CDs. The CD-ROM reader is as­signed drive letter E.

NOTE

The CD-ROM reader ships with a plastic
shipping restrai nt installed. Remove the restraint by
lif ting on the pl astic edge near the center hole. Do
not insert CD with the restraint installed.

Getting Started 1-7

Diskette Drive — The 3.5-inch, 1.44-MB diskette drive



accepts 1.44-MB high-density diskettes as well as
720-KB double-sided double-density diskettes, and is
assigned drive letter A.

Hard Disk Drive — A removable hard disk drive ships



standard with your system and is located above the
diskette drive. Depending on your configuration, this bay
contains a 1.0-gigabyte (GB) or 1.44-GB hard disk
drive. It is assigned drive letter C.

AROUND THE BACK OF THE SYSTEM

System ports for connecting your NEC Versa 2600 to op­tional devices (like a printer or external monitor) are located
on the back of the system. For an understanding of each
feature, see the descriptions that follow the figure.

Port
Replicator Latch

IR Port

1-8 Getting Started

Serial
Port

AC Power
Port

Keyboard
Mouse Port

Expansion
Port

Monitor
Port

Parallel
Port

Back system features



Infrared (IR) Port — Use this port to transfer files be­tween your NEC Versa and an IR-equipped desktop or
notebook computer. You can also print to an IR­equipped printer without using cables. The IR port will
not function, when the NEC Versa 2600 is installed in
the Port Replicator. Transfer files by removing the Port
Replicator from the NEC Versa 2600.

Port Replicator Latches — Use these “ports” as latches



for securing the port replicator. A Port Replicator Latch
is located at each end of the back of the system.



Keyboard/Mouse Port — Use the standard PS/2 port to
connect an external PS/2-style mouse or a PS/2-style
keyboard to the system.

Expansion Port — This 200-pin port provides a connec-



tion for the NEC Port Replicator 2600.
Monitor (Video) Port — Use this 15-pin port to attach



an external monitor to your NEC Versa 2600. You can
run the LCD display and the external monitor simulta­neously or run either alone.

Parallel Port — Use this 25-pin port to connect a paral-



lel printer or other parallel device. This port provides
both ECP and EPP mode support. The ECP standard
provides you with a greater transfer speed than the con­ventional parallel port. It also supports bi-directional
and uni-directional protocols.

Serial Port — Use this 9-pin port to connect an external



modem or other serial device.
AC Power Port — This 4-pin AC power port lets you



attach the NEC Versa 2600 to the AC power source us­ing the AC adapter that comes with your system. Keep
the system connected to AC power whenever possible to
keep the battery pack and internal CMOS battery
charged.

AROUND THE SIDES OF THE SYSTEM

Your NEC Versa 2600 comes with features on both sides.
This section shows you where those features are located and
describes their use.

Getting Started 1-9

The Left Side

The left side of your NEC Versa 2600 provides the features
shown in the following figure. (Features are described after
the figure.)

Line In

Microphone Volume

Line In — Lets you use another audio system, like a



Headphones

Control Dial

Left side features

home stereo, as an input source. Use a cable to connect
to the Line-Out port on the other audio system to record
or play.



Microphone — Connects to an external microphone for
monophonic recording or amplification through the unit.
Plugging in an external microphone disables the built-in
microphone.



Headphones — Lets you plug in stereo headphones or
powered speakers.



The Right Side

The right side of the NEC Versa offers the features shown
in the following figure. (Features are described after the
figure.)

1-10 Getting Started

Volume Control Dial— Turn the volume control dial
clockwise to increase speaker volume, or counter­clockwise to decrease speaker volume.

PC Card

PC Card Slots — Two PC card slots let you insert one



Slots

or two Type II PC cards (formerly called PCMCIA
cards), or one Type II and one Type III PC card. See
“PC Cards” in Chapter 4 for more about PC cards and
their use.



Kensington Lock Port— Use this port (or slot) for added
security by attaching a Kensington Lock.

AROUND THE BOTTOM OF THE SYSTEM

The bottom of the NEC Versa 2600 is the location of the
system's memory module sockets, reset switch, battery pack
release latch, and support legs, as described next.

Legs

Kensington Lock
Port

Right side features

Battery
Release Latch

Expansion Memory
(RAM) Sockets

Battery
Reset
Switch

Bay

Bottom of the system

Getting Started 1-11

Expansion Memory (RAM) Sockets — Pop open the



protective cover to access two expansion RAM double
inline memory module (DIMM) sockets. Up to 64 MB
of RAM may be added to the standard 16 MB of RAM
that comes with the system, for a maximum total RAM
of 80 MB.

!

DIMMS must be added in pairs. When adding
memory always use DIMMS of the same capacity.
DIMMS with different capacity that are installed t o­gether will not work properly.

Battery Bay — Location of removable battery pack.





Reset Switch — This recessed switch lets you restart
your system. Use a pointed object, like a straightened
paper clip, to push in the Reset button. Use this button
only if your system hangs up, fails to respond to key­strokes, or fails to respond to the Power button.

CAUTION





1-12 Getting Started

Legs — Drop down the two support legs, and tilt your
NEC Versa forward for more comfortable keyboard op­eration.

Battery Release Latch — Lets you remove the battery
pack installed in the battery bay.

NEC VERSA POWER SOURCES

The NEC Versa 2600 can be powered using different
sources, making it a truly portable system. Operate your
NEC Versa system just about anywhere using one of the
following power sources:



the AC adapter connected to an electrical wall outlet
(using AC power)

the battery pack.



Read the following sections for specific steps on powering
on the system.

Using the AC Adapter

Use the AC adapter and power cable that came with your
NEC Versa 2600 to run your computer on alternating cur­rent (AC) power, or to recharge the battery pack. Use the
AC adapter whenever a wall outlet is nearby.

!

Do not att empt to disassemble t he AC adapter. The
AC adapter has no user-replaceable or serviceabl e
parts inside. Dangerous voltage in the AC adapter
can cause serious personal injury or deat h. The AC
adapter is intended for use with the NEC Versa
2600 only.

WARNING

The AC adapter, when connected, charges the battery
whether or not the computer is powered on. The AC adapter
LED lights a constant yellow when plugged into an electri­cal outlet.

Getting Started 1-13

!

Check that the AC outlet voltage registers in the
range of 100 – 240 Volts AC. Verify that the cord
and plug are appropriate for your AC source.

WARNING

!

Use only the A C adapter that comes wit h your NEC
Versa 2600 Series system. Although other AC
adapters may l ook simil ar, using t hem c an damage
the system.

CAUTION

Connect the AC adapter as follows:

1.

Connect the AC adapter cable to the power port on the
back of your NEC Versa 2600 Series system.

2.

AC

1-14 Getting Started

Power Cable

Plug one end of the AC power cable into the AC adapter
and the other end into a 120 or 240-volt wall outlet.

LED

AC

AC
Adapter

Power Port

Connecting the AC adapter

Do not cover or place objects on the AC adapter.
Doing so can cause the adapter to overheat.

Powering On

To power on, locate the power button on the hinge beneath
the LCD screen and push it in. To power off the system,
push the power button a second time.

Using the Main Battery Pack

The NEC Versa 2600 Series system comes with either of
two rechargeable batteries:

 a Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH) battery pack, or
 a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery pack (models

2650CDT and 2655CDT only).

!

WARNING

NOTE

Although the battery is fully charged at the
factor y, transit and shelf ti me may reduce the ini tial
battery charge. We recommend that the first time
you use your system, you connect it to AC power
using the AC adapter. This will also recharge your
battery.

Your NEC Versa 2600 Series system provides two tools to
help you keep track of the main battery's power level:



Battery Status LED (located at the right side of the
hinge beneath the LCD), described earlier in this chapter



Battery Gauge utility, which lets you quickly identify
how much battery power you have available.

Getting Started 1-15

When remaining battery power falls to 10%, the system
emits a single beep; when battery power falls to 5%, the
system beeps once every 60 seconds.

Installing the Battery Pack

Install the battery pack in your system as follows. (For in­formation about replacing a battery pack, see “Replacing
the Battery Pack,” later in this section.)

Be sure to sav e your data bef ore replaci ng the bat­tery pack or connecting the AC adapter. Failure to
do so can result in data loss.

1.

If your system is on, save your data, close any applica­tions running, and power off the system.

2.

Align the battery pack with the Battery Pack bay. Make
sure the battery contacts are aligned properly with the
connector inside the bay. Install the battery pack only in
this bay.

!

CAUTION

3.

Push the battery pack into the bay until the locking latch
on the bottom of the system clicks into place.

How to Recharge the Battery Pack

When battery power gets low, proceed as follows:

1.

Connect your system to the AC adapter and AC power
to recharge the battery pack . Your system is again
ready for use and will recharge as being used. The re­charge time will be about the same, no matter if powered
“on” of powered “off.” (see "Using the AC Adapter")

or

1-16 Getting Started

Place your system in Suspend Mode.

2.

Install a charged battery pack (see "Replacing the Bat-

3.

tery Pack").
Press the power switch to resume your system.

4.

To prev ent accidental battery igni tion or ex plosion,
adhere to the following:









Battery Handling

Review the following before handling either an NiMH or an
Li-Ion battery.

!

Keep the battery away from extreme heat.
Keep metal object s away from the batt ery termi -

nals to prevent a short circuit.
Make sure the battery is properl y install ed in the

battery bay.
Read the precautions printed on the battery.

WARNING



Use batteries only in the computer for which they are
designed. Mixing other manufacturer’s batteries can de­teriorate battery and equipment performance.



Turn off power to the system after use. Keeping system
power on can degrade battery performance and shorten
battery life.



Clean the battery terminals with a dry cloth if they get
dirty.

When not in use, store the battery in a cool dry area.



The following symptoms indicate that battery life is nearing
an end. Discard batteries that display these symptoms:

Getting Started 1-17

shorter work times




discoloration, warping
hot to the touch



strange odor.



Replacing the Battery Pack

Replace the battery pack installed in your NEC Versa 2600
system as follows.

Save your files, exit Windows, and turn off system

1.

power.
Close the LCD and turn the system over.

2.

Press the battery release latch and slide the battery out

3.

of the system, as shown next:

Battery
Release Latch

4.

1-18 Getting Started

Battery
Pack

Insert the new battery into the bay, pressing it firmly
until the release latch clicks (see next).

Battery Life

Battery
Pack

Turn the system over, open the LCD panel, and power on
the system.

The NEC Versa 2600 battery life, on a single charge, is as
follows.



For NiMH batteries

 2 − 4 hours, with power management enabled
 2 hours, without power management

for Li-Ion batteries



 2 − 3 hours, with power management enabled
 1 hour and 40 minutes, without power management.

These estimates are made under the following conditions:



When the battery is new and fully charged.



When no peripherals are connected to the NEC Versa.

Getting Started 1-19

Your actual operation time on a single battery charge may
vary significantly, depending on the intensity of system us­age.

Extending Battery Life

While on the road, it is important to be aware of the simple
things you can do to extend the life of the system’s main
battery. Use the power management features enabled
through Setup to extend battery life. See “Using Power
Management” in Chapter 3 for details.

Battery Charging

The time to completely recharge your main battery should
be about the same, no matter if the system is powered "on"
or powered "off," as follows:

for NiMH batteries — approximately 4 hours.





for Li-Ion batteries — approximately 3 hours.

For maximum battery performance, fully discharge the
battery before recharging it. To do so, unplug the AC
adapter, turn off power management features (through
Setup and Windows), and turn on the system. (Do not leave
any applications running.) Once the battery is fully dis­charged, plug in the AC adapter and recharge the battery.

The warning beep that sounds when battery power becomes
critically low is always a true indicator that battery power is
low. Be sure to save your data when you hear the beep and
take proper steps to provide power to your system.

1-20 Getting Started

Battery Precautions

Always comply with the following battery precautions.

There is a danger of ex plosion if t he battery is incor­rectly replaced. Replace only with the same or
equiv alent t ype recom mended by the manuf act urer.
Discard used batteries according to the manufac­turer’s instructions.



Keep the battery away from heat sources incl ud­ing direct sunlight , open f i res, m icrowav e ov ens,
and high-v oltage contai ners. Temperat ures over
60ºC (140ºF) may cause damage.



Do not drop or impact the battery.



Do not disassemble the battery.



Do not solder the battery.



Do not puncture the battery.



Do not use a battery that appears damaged or
deformed, has any rust on its casing, is discol­ored, overheats, or emits a foul odor.

!

WARNING



Keep the battery dry and away from water.



Keep metal object s away from batt ery t ermi nals.
Metal objects in contact with the terminals can
cause a short circuit and damage.



If the battery leaks onto skin or clothing, wash
the area immediately with clean water. Battery
fluid can cause a skin rash and damage fabric.



If bat tery f l uid get s int o eyes, DO NOT rub; ri nse
with clear water i mmediat ely and consult a doc­tor.



Take ext ra precauti ons to keep a leaki ng bat tery
away from fire. There i s a danger of ignition or
explosion.

Getting Started 1-21

Battery Disposal

Before disposing of the main battery, put adhesive tape on
the terminals. The main battery is made of either Nickel
Metal-Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium Ion (Li-Ion).

Contact your local waste management officials for infor­mation regarding environmentally sound collection, recy­cling, and disposal of batteries.

INTERNAL BATTERIES

Your nickel metal-hydride or lithium Ion battery is the main
power source in your NEC Versa 2600 computer.
Appendix B lists NiMH and Li-Ion battery specifications.
In addition to this battery, the CMOS battery and bridge
battery provide power for system backup.

CMOS Battery

This battery provides battery backup and prevents data loss
in the system’s complementary metal oxide semiconductor
(CMOS) RAM. This memory area contains information on
the system’s configuration, for example date, time, drives,
and memory. The CMOS battery lasts approximately two
years.

Only an authorized NEC service technician can replace the
CMOS battery.

Bridge Battery

The bridge battery provides power to the NEC Versa 2600
when main battery power is very low (and the system is
about to shut down), and during the time a spent main bat­tery is removed and replaced. The bridge battery gives you
time to



1-22 Getting Started

Save your unsaved data, close your open programs, and
shut down the system.



Only an authorized NEC dealer can change a bridge
battery.

SYSTEM CARE

The NEC Versa 2600 is a durable, dependable system built
for extensive use and travel. Follow these guidelines to
maintain the condition and performance of your computer.

install a fully charged battery or plug in an AC power
adapter.

!

Immediately turn off and unplug the NEC Versa
2600 under the following conditions:



The power cord is damaged or frayed.



Liquid spills on or into the NEC Versa.



Someone drops the system or damages the
cabinet.

CAUTION

Precautions

Follow these precautions when using your NEC Versa 2600
and AC adapter.



Always plug the AC adapter cord into an easily acces­sible outlet. It is important to be able to easily discon­nect power to the computer by unplugging the AC
adapter.



Avoid dropping or bumping the computer or the AC
adapter.



Do not stack heavy objects on the computer, the AC
adapter, or the battery pack.

Getting Started 1-23

Avoid moving the NEC Versa during system operation,



especially while the hard disk or diskette drive is being
accessed.



When using the AC adapter, make sure the power source
falls within the system’s compatible range of 100 – 240
volts AC and nominal 50 – 60 Hz. Never use the AC
adapter if the voltage falls outside of this range. (Watch
for this when traveling to other countries.)



Turn computer power off before attaching or removing
non-plug and play devices.

Do not push any foreign objects into the NEC Versa op-



tion bays, connectors, and slots.
Avoid using the computer or AC adapter for extended



periods in direct sunlight.



Do not use the system in humid or dusty environments.
Keep liquids and food away from the system.




Turn computer power off before cleaning the computer.
Avoid exposing the NEC Versa 2600 or AC adapter to



extreme changes in temperature or humidity. Allow
your NEC Versa to adjust to room temperature before
use, if it has been exposed to temperature or humidity
extremes.



When cleaning the system, use a soft, clean, dry cloth.
Avoid wiping the display surface with abrasive material,
including rough fabric. Do not use a cleaning solution;
this may damage the notebook’s plastic.



If the AC adapter becomes extremely hot, unplug the
adapter and let it cool.



Do not use the IR port directly under fluorescent light­ing, or near flashing incandescent light.



Do not direct an IR port towards the LCD panel.



Keep the AC adapter away from the IR port.

1-24 Getting Started

!

This equipment uses an ungrounded power cable.
Replace the cord if it becomes damaged. U.S. and
Canadian replacement cords must be UL-approved
(CSA certified in Canada) type SPT-2, 18 AWG, 2­conductor cord with a permanently attached NEMA
type 5-15P plug at one end, and a permanently at­tached connector body on the other. Cord length
may not exceed 15 feet. Outside the U.S. and Can­ada the cord must be rated for at least 250VAC at
10 amps, and must indicate international safety
agency approval. The plug must be a type appro­priate for the country where it is used.

Obtain replacement cords at an authorized service
center. The replacement must be of the same type
and voltage rating as the original cord.

Disconnect all supply lines before the expansion
memory slot cover is removed. Replace the expan­sion memory slot cover before the unit is restarted.

CAUTIONS

Storage Requirements

Store the computer and AC adapter in an environment that
meets the following conditions:

Maintain storage temperatures between –20°C and 60°C



(–4°F and 140°F).

Getting Started 1-25

!

If the tem peratur e of t he NEC Versa 2600 suddenly
rises or falls (f or exam ple, when you mov e the sys­tem f rom a warm place t o a cold pl ace), v apor c on­denses inside the system. Turning on the system
under this condition can damage the internal system
components.

Before turning on the system, wait until the system’s
internal temperature equalizes with the new envi­ronment and any internal moisture can evaporate.

Keep the storage area free from vibration and magnetic



CAUTION

fields.
Keep the system and its components away from organic



solvents or corrosive gases.



Avoid leaving the system and its components in direct
sunlight or near heat sources.

1-26 Getting Started

Routine Cleaning

Clean or dust your system as follows.

Never

spray cleaners that contai n caustic m aterials on the
NEC Versa 2600.

These cleaner s are usually high i n alkalinity which is
measured in pH. Using these cleaners can cause
the plastic surface to crack or discolor.

LCD screen — Carefully wipe the LCD screen with a



soft cloth or a screen wipe designed for that purpose.
Special screen wipes are available through your local
computer dealer.



System case — NEC recommends that you carefully
wipe the case with a slightly damp, almost dry cloth.

!

use harsh solutions, household cleaners, or

CAUTION

Getting Started 1-27

Introducing

2

the Software

This chapter introduces you to the software that comes with
the NEC Versa 2600 Series system, including:

the Windows 95 operating system or the Windows for



Workgroups operating system with MS-DOS
Online Help



Setup Utility





Other Software



CardWizard™ (standard on Windows for Work­groups)



LapLink



McAfee VirusScan™



McAfee WebScan™



VideoSaver™

®





MediaMatics Arcade™ (standard on Windows 95)



XingMPEG Player™ (standard on Windows for
Workgroups)



PointCast Network



Microsoft Works (standard on Windows 95 only
models)



Microsoft Money (standard on Windows 95 only
models)

Introducing the Software 2-1

 Return of Arcade (standard on Windows 95 only

models)

 Microsoft Sampler (standard on Windows 95 only

models)

NOTE

Wi ndows 95-only system s are av ailable only

in the United States.

 Netscape Navigator
 Microsoft Internet Explorer
 Official Airline Guide (OAG

WINDOWS INTRODUCTION

Some NEC Versa 2600 Series models give you the option
of loading either Windows 95 or Windows for Workgroups
to use on your system. (Other models come standard with
Windows 95 already loaded.) When you select one operat­ing system, the other is automatically deleted. Both Micro­soft operating systems provide a means of running
applications, navigating through your file structure, and
using your notebook computer. Each operating system of­fers its own look and tools.



)

Both Windows 95 and Windows for Workgroups employ a
graphical interface to make the operating systems easy to
use.

2-2 Introducing the Software

Windows 95

Windows 95 gives you the newest features offered by
Microsoft, including a Desktop with room to maneuver, a
Taskbar for quick navigation between open windows, plug
and play features, online networking functions, and more.

In Windows 95, the following icons are loaded on your
desktop:

My Computer — provides access to drives, printers, the



control panel, and network features.
Inbox — lets you access the Microsoft fax and mail



software as well as Microsoft network services.
Recycle Bin — gives you a trash container in which to



put unwanted files.
Network Neighborhood — shows you the computers



connected to your workgroup and those on the entire
network (if your system is connected to a network).

My Briefcase — allows easy file transfer between the



NEC Versa and another system.



Start — displays a pop-up menu with which to start
programs and applications, opens documents, accesses
system settings, accesses online help, and shut down
your system.



NEC Versa 2600 InfoCenter — gives you easy access to
online help and customer service information.

Windows for Workgroups

Windows for Workgroups offers the well-established Win­dows interface. Application icons are placed in groups,
which are represented by group icons. To start an applica­tion, highlight the application icon and double click or dou­ble tap on the VersaGlide.

Introducing the Software 2-3

The Program Manager contains the following groups.



Main — Includes programs and tools to help you control
printing; set up printers, plotters, and modems; custom­ize the desktop; and manage files.

Accessories — Includes desktop programs that come



with Windows, such as a simple word processing pro­gram, a drawing program, a calendar, and a calculator.

Startup — Lets you add programs to start automatically



when you enter Windows.



Games — Gives you a way to practice your VersaGlide
skills or just relax.

NEC Versa 2600 InfoCenter — Includes online topics



specific to the NEC Versa 2600 Series, NEC Customer
Support and the operating system (Windows 95 or Win­dows of Workgroups) installed in your NEC Versa

2600.



NEC Versa 2600 Utilities — Includes small programs
written by NEC to help you manage your NEC Versa

2600.

DOS INTRODUCTION

MS-DOS is the Microsoft disk operating system that runs
the computer in Windows for Workgroups systems. (In
Windows 95 systems, DOS is a stand-alone program.) DOS
uses commands that every personal computer user needs to
know, to operate a DOS system effectively. The Windows
environment makes it possible for you to manage your sys­tem and application programs without knowing DOS com­mands, but as you become more comfortable with
computers you may want to begin learning DOS.

2-4 Introducing the Software

GUIDE TO ONLINE HELP

The NEC Information group contains online information
about your NEC Versa, as follows.

NEC Versa 2600 Series Online User’s Guide



The NEC Versa 2600 Series Online User’s Guide pro-
vides general information on system usage as well as
more extensive topics including using power manage­ment, PC card technology and the system memory map.

NEC Customer Support Guide



The NEC Customer Support Guide discusses the vari-
ous levels of support NEC offers you, our customer. We
provide information to help you become self-sufficient
with your NEC Versa, but if you need help, we’re there
for you. (If you purchased your system outside of the
United States, please contact your local NEC dealer for
customer support information.)



NEC UltraCare Guide

The NEC UltraCare Guide describes NEC’s extended
warranty program to help you protect your investment in
an NEC Versa Series system. (If you purchased your
system outside of the United States, please contact your
local NEC dealer for extended warranty information.)



Using Windows 95

This online “book” lets you explore Windows 95 and
learn about navigating through the new interface. (This
file is available only when Windows 95 is the operating
system loaded.)



The Windows QuickStart Guide 3.11

This online “book” provides lessons on using Microsoft
Windows, which runs on the NEC Versa. (This file is
available only when Windows for Workgroups 3.11 is
the operating system loaded.)

Introducing the Software 2-5

The MS-DOS QuickStart Guide 6.22



This online “book” offers lessons on using MS-DOS,
which also runs on the NEC Versa. (This file is avail­able only when Windows for Workgroups 3.11 is the
operating system loaded.)

GUIDE TO THE NEC SETUP UTILITY

NEC provides a setup utility program which makes your
NEC Versa run more efficiently. This program is known as
the Setup utility. Setup utility automatically configures your
NEC Versa 2600 each time you start it up. This utility is
not accessible from Windows. Access Setup at power-on.
Just press

Fn-Esc

Press <Fn-Esc> to enter System Configuration Utility

when the following prompt appears.

See Chapter 3, “Using Setup and Power Management,” for
a discussion of the Setup utility. In addition, online help is
available to assists you in changing settings.

OTHER SOFTWARE

Your NEC Versa 2600 comes with other programs that let
you take full advantage of your system resources. The rest
of this chapter discusses each program, including what it
can do for you, how to get started, and how to use the pro­gram help.

CardWizard™

CardWizard is only installed on systems with Windows for
Workgroups as the operating system. CardWizard lets you
manage PC cards and slots in your Windows for Work­groups system. Through CardWizard you can:



view card slot activity and availability



be alerted to missing or improperly installed card drivers

2-6 Introducing the Software

LapLink

receive help to address resource conflicts and memory



allocation problems.

Once CardWizard identifies and resolves configuration
issues, it automatically configures PC cards each time they
are installed.

CardWizard is not available in Windows 95 because the
card management software is built into Windows 95.

LapLink helps you stay in touch with your home office
system or get in touch with other systems through the infra­red port, modem, network, or cable. Use LapLink to trans­fer files on a remote system, or exchange written
information with another user on a remote system. LapLink
even bridges the communication gap between Windows

3.11 and Windows 95 systems.
LapLink offers the following features:



File Transfer — lets you move or copy files between
computers. To speed file transfer, LapLink compares
files being updated and transfers only the changed in­formation.



Remote Control — gives you access and control over a
remote computer. Activity you perform on a system,
such as keystrokes, file access and change, and program
execution, actually occurs on the remote system.



Chat — provides a way for you to exchange informa­tion, instructions, or other messages with a user at a re­mote computer.

LapLink software must be loaded on both the sending
(local) and receiving (remote) system for communication
between them to work properly.

Introducing the Software 2-7

How to Use LapLink

Follow these steps to get started using LapLink. Once you
have LapLink up and running, refer to the LapLink online
help for more information.

Start LapLink as follows:

1.





If you do not have a port enabled, LapLink prompts

Once your ports are configured, select your communica-

2.

tion method by pressing the appropriate button. The
buttons give you the following connection options.

In Windows for Workgroups, locate and double click
the LapLink group icon. Select Laplink for Win­dows.

In Windows 95, press

, slide the cursor to Pro-

Start

grams, and locate the LapLink for Windows 95
folder. Highlight the LapLink line and press the Ver­saGlide selection button or tap the VersaGlide pad
once.

you to enable one. Press

to do so and follow the

Yes

on-screen instructions to configure the port. Other­wise, press

No

.



Connect over cable



Connect over wireless
Connect over modem (if installed)





Connect over network



Connect over dial-up network

Once communication is established between systems, the
LapLink window is displayed.

Select the procedure you want to use by pressing one of

3.

the last three buttons in the LapLink toolbar at the top of
the screen.

2-8 Introducing the Software

Press the File Transfer button to transfer files be-



tween systems.
Press the Remote Control button to exercise control



over a remote system.
Press the Chat button to converse with another user



at the remote system.

When you finish, press the Disconnect button to break

4.

the link between the local and remote systems. Press
The other system is notified of the break in

communication.

To find out more about LapLink capabilities and uses, refer
to the online help that is available when you open LapLink.

McAfee AntiVirus Software

The McAfee AntiVirus software is installed to scan your
system for any virus infections. WebScan and
VirusScan are two scanning software tools included on
the NEC Versa 2600 Series system. In Windows for Work­groups, a Vshield icon is shipped minimized as an icon on
the desktop to easily determine whether virus protection
software is running or not, as well as provide a virus alert
chime message when a virus is resident.

OK

.



WebScan software protects your system against virus
infection from files attached to mail messages or from
files you download from the Internet. WebScan is acti­vated any time you download executable and Microsoft
Word document files and scans mail through the Pega­sus Mail system. Also included is the SPRY Mosaic
browser and the WebScan Web browser, which give
access to the Internet.

Set up the WebScan software on your NEC Versa 2600
computer using the easy-to-follow setup program.

Introducing the Software 2-9

VirusScan detects, identifies and disinfects known DOS,



Windows for Workgroups, and Windows 95 computer
viruses. It checks memory and the system and data areas
of disks for virus infections. In most cases, it eliminates
the virus and fully repairs infected programs or system
areas to their original condition.

NOTE

Before you can use the WebScan software
and connect to the I nternet, you must f i rst purc hase
and install a modem card i nto y our NEC Ver sa 2600
computer. Make sure the PC car d is connected t o a
working phone line. The line must be an analog li ne.
If you are unsure what type of line you have, call
your local telephone company.

It i s strongly recomm ended that you instal l the mo­dem card in your NEC Versa prior to running the
WebS can Setup program . As part of the Setup pr o­gram, it recognizes the modem informati on. If you
run the Setup program without an instal led modem ,
you will have to manually enter the modem infor­mation the first time you use the online service.

VideoSaver

The VideoSaver software package that comes preloaded on
selected systems gives a variety of full-screen video clips
that you can use as screen savers. Simply select VideoSaver
from the list of screen savers in your Windows list.

Modify how the screen saver runs as follows:

Double click the Display icon in the Control Panel.

1.

Go to the Screen Saver tab and select VideoSaver (95)

2.

in Windows 95 systems or VideoSaver in Windows for
Workgroups systems.

2-10 Introducing the Software

Press the Preview button to see the current video clip

3.

selected. To modify the video settings, press the Settings
button.

The settings screen shows the available video clips and
gives you options to:

Rearrange the order in which the clips appear.



Mute the sound.




Preview the videos available.

MediaMatics Arcade™ MPEG Player

Provides MPEG Playback software for Windows 95. See
Chapter 5, “Using Multimedia” for instructions on using
this application.

XingMPEG Player™

Provides MPEG Playback software for Windows for
Workgroups. See Chapter 5, “Using Multimedia,” for in­structions on using this application.

Microsoft Works

Microsoft Works gives you all that you need to create
forms, format letters, start a data base and pull it all to­gether to create reports. Works includes a word processing
program, data base program, and sets of preformatted
documents for you to use. (Available in Windows 95-only
systems.)

clusively in the United States.

NOTE

Windows 95-only systems are available ex-

Introducing the Software 2-11

Microsoft Money

Microsoft Money gives you a new option for handling your
finances. With this package, you can balance your checking
account, track spending trends, and even make payments
over the network. (Available in Windows 95-only systems.)

Microsoft Sampler

This CD offers demonstration versions of other Microsoft
software. (Available in Windows 95-only systems.)

Microsoft Return of Arcade

This collection of electronic games includes classic favorites
like “Pac-Man” and many more. (Available in Windows 95­only systems.)

PointCast Network

The PointCast Network is a free internet news services that
delivers up-to-the-minute information to your Versa 2600
notebook computer 24 hours a day. You select the types of
information you wish to receive, and schedule the times for
your NEC Versa 2600 to get the latest news.

ONLINE SERVICES

Your NEC Versa comes with the most popular online
services available today including America Online, AT&T
WorldNet, CompuServe, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and
Netscape Navigator.

America Online, AT&T WorldNet and CompuServe are
found in the Online Services program group.

The first time you open America Online, AT&T WorldNet
or CompuServe, you need to install the software. Simply
highlight and click on the installation icon and follow the
on-screen instructions.

2-12 Introducing the Software

For a fee, online services give you access to the Internet,
e-mail, the World Wide Web, travel information, news re­ports, and more, depending on the service selected. Some
online services give you a free trial period.

NOTE

It is strongl y r ec ommended that you install the
modem card in your NEC Versa prior to running t he
online service setup program. As part of the setup
program, it recognizes your modem information. If
you run the setup program without an installed
modem, you will have to manually enter the m odem
information the first time you use the online service.

Here are the things you must do in order to use an online
service:



purchase and install a modem card into your NEC
Versa. Make sure the PC card is connected to a working
phone line. The line must be an analog line. If you are
unsure what type of line you have, call your local tele­phone company. You can also use an external modem
connected to the serial port.



set up the selected online service on your NEC Versa
using an easy-to-follow setup program.



select the newly created online service icon, register with
the service, and begin your online adventure.

Just follow these steps to set up and use your selected online
service:

Connect your modem card to a phone line.

1.

Continue as follows:

2.

Introducing the Software 2-13

From the Program Manager in Windows for Work-



groups, locate and double click on the Online Install
program group. Double click on the icon for the
service you want to install.

In Windows 95, press Start, move to the Programs



group, slide to Online Services, and slide to the on­line service group that you want to install. Tap the
VersaGlide pad once or click once.

The setup screen for the selected online service is dis-

3.

played. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the
service on your NEC Versa.

For both Windows for Workgroups and Windows 95, a
program group is created for your selected online serv­ice.

To use the selected online service, follow the on-screen

4.

instructions to log onto the service.

NOTE

If you are using this computer outside North
Ameri ca, there may not be any local access points
for this online servic e. It m ay r equire a long distance
or international call.

America Online

If you subscribe to America Online, you can use the service
to obtain information about NEC and its products. Use
America Online to E-mail technical questions to NEC’s
Technical Support staff, post technical questions and mes­sages on the Message Board, and access the NEC Software
Library to download files.

2-14 Introducing the Software

Use the following steps to access America Online and
NEC’s online information services.

Log onto America Online.

1.

From the opening screen, click on Go To in the Main

2.

Menu.
From the Go To menu, click Keyword.

3.

At the prompt, type either NECTECH or NEC, then

4.

press
From the NEC menu, double-click on one of the follow-

5.

or click on Go.

Enter

ing topics, then follow the prompts:



About NEC
Terms and Conditions





News
Product Information





Questions and Answers

6.

AT&T WorldNet

One of the world’s largest telephone service providers now
offers internet access. Click on AT&T WorldNet Signup in
the Online Services group to install this software, learn
more about it, and sign up with this service.



NEC Web Site



Message Board



Software Library.

Exit anytime by double-clicking on the rectangle in the
upper left corner of the screen.

Introducing the Software 2-15

CompuServe and
WOW! from CompuServe

Installation programs for CompuServe, and its youth­oriented counterpart WOW! from CompuServe, are part of
your Windows 95 software.

If you subscribe to CompuServe, you can use the service to
obtain information about NEC and its products. Use
CompuServe to E-mail technical questions to NEC’s
Technical Support staff, post technical questions and
messages on the Bulletin Board, and access NEC’s Bulletin
Board.

NOTE

You cannot download information from the
NEC Bulletin Board from CompuServe. You must
call the NEC Bulletin Board directly to download
information.

If you are using this com puter outside North Amer­ica, there may not be any local access points for
online services. It may require a long distance or
international call.

Use the following steps to access CompuServe and NEC’s
online information services.

Log onto CompuServe.

1.

At the opening screen, click on Service, type in

2.
NEC TECH

At the NEC menu, double-click on one of the following

3.

topics, then follow the prompts:



NEC Bulletin Board



Information About This Service

2-16 Introducing the Software

at the prompt, and click OK.

Access NEC BBS



Access CompuServe Information Services





Exit.

Exit anytime by double-clicking on the rectangle in the

4.

upper-left corner of the screen.
You may obtain information about NEC and its

products by visiting our web site at WWW.NEC.COM.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer is pre-installed in both your Windows 95
and Windows for Workgroups operating systems. It is
automatically registered with Microsoft when you register
your Windows operating system software.

In Windows 95 systems, plug in your PC modem card, then
start your NEC Versa 2600 system. Follow this Path with
your cursor clicking on each item to advance to the next:
Start\Programs\Internet Explorer and then click on Internet
Explorer. Follow the instruction and you will be ready to
go.

In Windows for Workgroups systems, from Program Man­ager click on Microsoft Internet Explorer and then click on
the “Read Me” file, before running this program, for infor­mation about modem and internet service connections.

Netscape Navigator Dial Up Edition

The first time you use Netscape Navigator, you must allow
the system to detect your modem and register your copy of
the program.

Introducing the Software 2-17

NOTE

Before setting up Netscape Navigator, con­nect your m odem. During the setup procedure, the
system tries to detect the m odem. If it is not con­nected, the process stops.

If you connect the modem and the system fai ls to
detect it, open the Windows Control Panel, select
the modem icon, and specif y your m odem type and
port.

Set up Netscape Navigator as follows:



Windows for Workgroups systems — In the Program
Manager, double-click the Netscape Navigator icon.
Next double-click the Netscape Navigator Install icon to
establish dial-up networking services within Windows
for Workgroups. When you complete the required in­formation, the system restarts Windows for Work­groups. Continue the installation by running the Account
Setup Wizard.



Windows 95 systems — use the Netscape Navigator
Install program in the Windows 95 Programs menu.

The Install program includes a Read.me document,
Online Books, Account Setup Wizard and Netscape
Navigator Install. Choose the Netscape Navigator Install
icon first to establish dial-up networking services within
Windows 95. When you complete the required
information, the system restarts Windows 95. Continue
the installation by running the Account Setup Wizard.

The completion of Netscape Navigator Install generates
a Netscape Navigator group and a shortcut icon on your
desktop.

2-18 Introducing the Software

Official Airline Guide (OAG)

This program demonstrates the convenience of “information
to go.” You can purchase the full package or subscribe to
future releases through the software publisher. The software
publisher also provides technical support for these pro­grams.

The Official Airline Guide is an online service that gives
you access to flight details for all commercial airlines
worldwide. NEC provides a sample of the monthly data that
OAG provides. You can call OAG for a free copy of the
most current information. OAG offers NEC Versa owners a
special rate when they subscribe to OAG for monthly
updates.

OAG is an invaluable service for anyone who travels on a
regular basis. All you have to do is enter your departure
city, destination city, and date. If you have a preferred air­line, you can also enter its name. The service then lists all
the flights available from the departure city, the times, and
the flight numbers. You can also check on seat availability
and prices.

Access OAG as follows.

1.



Purchase and install a modem card into your NEC
Versa. Make sure the card is connected to a working
phone line.



From the Program Manager in Windows for Work­groups, locate and double click on the OAG Flight­Disk Worldwide Edition icon in the OAG FlightDisk
program group.



In Windows 95, press

, move the cursor to the

Start

Programs group and open the OAG FlightDisk
group. In the group, highlight “OAG FlightDisk
Worldwide Edition” and click the mouse.

Introducing the Software 2-19

The first time you open OAG, an agreement screen ap-

2.

pears. Follow the on-screen instructions.
In the Trip Plan screen, fill in the fields with the trip in-

3.

formation requested. Press

after making selections

Enter

from the available drop-down lists.
To retrieve seat availability and price information, press

4.

the appropriate button.
Follow the on-screen instructions to register for a free

5.

trial of the OAG travel service.

2-20 Introducing the Software

Using Setup and

3

SETUP UTILITY

Power Management

Your NEC Versa 2600 Series system comes with a system
configuration program called Setup that allows you to view
and set system parameters. The system also comes with a
power management program that lets you conserve energy,
save battery power, extend the life of your LCD backlight,
and protect against data loss due to low battery power.

This chapter describes these NEC Versa 2600 features.

The NEC Versa 2600 Set up program lets you vie w and set
system parameters. Setup also includes security features that
protect your system from unauthorized use.

Use Setup to





set the current time and date
customize your operating system to reflect your com-

puter hardware



secure your system with a password



balance your performance needs with power
conservation.

How to Enter Setup

Access Setup immediately after you power-on your Versa
2600, during booting up. Just press the

simultaneously

and

Fn

when the following prompt appears

<Fn - Esc> to enter System Configuration Utility

Using Setup and Power Management 3-1

Esc

keys

NOTE

The Fn k ey is located on the f ront-lef t of the
NEC Versa 2600 keyboard. The Esc key is located
on the rear-left of the NEC Versa 2600 keyboard.

The Setup screen appears, displaying current system pa­rameter settings.

When you press
automatically displays current system parameter settings.

How to Use Setup

The following sections describe how to use Setup, including
these topics:

The Setup Screen





Using keys



Checking and setting system parameters.

The Setup Screen

The Setup screen looks similar to the one shown next and
has five separate areas.

Fn - Esc

and enter Setup, the system

3-2 Using Setup and Power Management

Menu Bar

SystemSoft SCU Nov 18, 1996 12:25:23 pm

Components Security Key Power Miscellaneous Exit

Startup

System Information

Hard Drive : 1031 MB
Current Display : LCD
LCD type : TFT (800x600)
Battery Remain : 54%
Password : Disable

Press <Alt> key to activate menus, and cursor keys to navigate. Spacebar or
<Enter> keys accept menu item. <Esc> key cancel current action.

Item Specific Help Area



Menu Bar

System

CPU Type = Pentium
CPU Clock = 133 MHz

Memory

Base = 640 KB
Extended = 15360 KB
Total RAM = 16384 KB
Cache (Ext) = 256 KB

Each of the seven menu items has its own drop-down
screen, where you may view and edit the system
configuration settings.



System Information
The left part of the screen. This area describes the cur­rent hardware, battery status, and password setting.



System
The upper-right part of the screen. This area contains in­formation about your system’s CPU.



Memory
The bottom right part of the screen. These lines display
the base and extended memory, total RAM, and the
Cache size, all in KB.

Using Setup and Power Management 3-3

USING KEYS

Item-Specific Help Area



The bottom of the screen describes the highlighted sys­tem configuration parameter and the available settings
for that parameter.

The following table lists Setup keys and their functions.

Setup Key Functions

KEY

Alt Activates the menu bar, by highlighting Startup.
← →

Enter or
Spacebar

Home/End Moves to the first/last parameter of the currently open drop-

↑ ↓

Tab For some parameter settings, moves the cursor between the

Esc Closes the current window or drop-down screen, de-activates

WHAT IT DOES

Scrolls, left or right, along the menu bar, and highlights the
current menu selection

Opens the currently highlighted menu or parameter item. After
highlighting a selection with the ↑ ↓ arrows, use the
Spacebar to select a highlighted parameter setting. Use the

Spacebar

down screen.
Moves the cursor up or down among the parameters on a

drop-down menu.

subfields. For example, for Startup / Date and Time, Tab
moves the cursor from day to month to year to hour to minute
to second, and to the OK and Cancel options.

the menu bar, or closes the Setup system configuration utility.

or

Enter

for OK or Cancel.

Checking/Setting System Parameters

See the following table for a list of parameters, their factory
default settings, and alternate settings. As you set each pa­rameter, its available settings are explained in the Item­Specific Help in the bottom of the screen.

3-4 Using Setup and Power Management

Reset the parameters on the displayed screen to their factory
default settings, selecting Default Values on the Exit screen.

Setup Parameters

PARAMETER
Startup

Date and Time

Boot Device

Boot Display
Power Switch

Components

Serial / IR Ports
Serial Ports

IR Ports

Parallel Port LPT1(378h) LPT2(278h), LPT3(3BCh),

Parallel IRQ IRQ7 IRQ5

DEFAULT
SETTING

DAY, MO, YR, HR,
MIN, SEC

Floppy Disk A/
Hard Disk C

LCD
ON/OFF

COM1(3F8h) IRQ4

COM2(2F8h) IRQ3

ALTERNATE
SETTINGS

Hard Disk C

CRT, LCD and CRT
Suspend/Resume

COM2(2F8h) IRQ3,
COM3(3E8h) IRQ4,
COM4(2E8h) IRQ3
DISABLED

COM1(3F8h) IRQ4,
COM3(3E8h) IRQ4,
COM4(2E8h) IRQ3,
DISABLED

DISABLED

Parallel DMAC
LPT DMA

Parallel Port Type
LPT Port Type

Audio Base Port 220h 230h, 240h
Audio, Midi, IRQ IRQ5 IRQ9, IRQ10, IRQ5 IRQ9,

DMA0

Bidirectional (PS-2) Standard AT (Centronics),

Using Setup and Power Management 3-5

DMA1

EPP, ECP

IRQ5 IRQ11, IRQ10 IRQ9,
IRQ10 IRQ11

PARAMETER

Audio DMAC DMA1 DMA0
Midi Port 330h 300h, 320h, DISABLED
Speaker Enabled (checked) Disabled (unchecked)

Security

Password

Key

Keyboard Type

Typmatic Delay 500 ms 250 ms, 750 ms, 1000 ms
Typmatic Rate 10 CPS 2, 6, 15, 20, 30 CPS

Power

Maximum Battery Life
Good Battery Life
Good Performance
Maximum Performance

User Setting Battery
Video Timeout

Disk Timeout
CPU Throttle

Standby Timeout
Suspend Timeout

Brightness
Lid Close

DEFAULT
SETTING

no password

U.S.A.

Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled

Enabled
2 Min

15 Seconds
Good Performance

2 Min
12 Minutes

Medium
Suspend

ALTERNATE
SETTINGS

user defined

U.K., French, Germany,
Japanese

Enabled (checked)
Enabled (checked)
Enabled (checked)
Enabled (checked)

1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 Min
Always On
15, 30, 45 Sec, 1, 2, 3, 4
Min, Always ON
Maximum Power Savings,
Good Power Savings,
Maximum Performance
Always On, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8,
10 Min
2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20 Min
Low, High
Standby, Backlight off

User Setting AC
Video Timeout
Disk Timeout

CPU Throttle

Standby Timeout
Suspend Timeout
Brightness

3-6 Using Setup and Power Management

Always On
Always On

Maximum
Performance

Always On
Always On
High

1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 Min
15, 30, 45 Sec, 1, 2, 3, 4
Min
Maximum Power Savings,
Good Power Savings,
Good Performance
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 10 Min
2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20 Min
Low, Medium

PARAMETER

Lid Close Suspend Standby, Backlight off
PCMCIA Power (Suspend) Enabled (checked) Disabled (unchecked)

Miscellaneous

Low battery beep
Wake Up Alarm
Hour
Minute

L2 Cache Enabled (checked) Disabled (unchecked)

Exit

Save and Exit

Save and Reboot

Exit (No Save)

DEFAULT
SETTING

Enabled (checked)
Disabled

To save the current
setup parameters
(with changes) and
exit setup.

ALTERNATE
SETTINGS

Disabled (unchecked)
One Time, Every Day
User input
User input

To save the current setup
parameters, then reboot
the computer.

To exit Setup without
saving any parameter

setting changes.
Default Settings
Version Info

Startup Menu

To restore the default

Setup settings, then Exit.

Displays
information about
Setup and BIOS.

As a new user, it will be important for you to check and,
perhaps, change the following parameter settings.

Date and Time



Set the System Date and Time to the current time and
date. Use numerical input (remember that the hour set­ting begins at 0 and ends at 23). The settings remain in
memory even after you turn off system power.

Using Setup and Power Management 3-7

Boot Device



Select the drive you want your system to read from when
the computer starts-up. Specify the boot sequence, by
instructing the system to look

 only to the Hard Disk, drive C
 first to the Diskette, drive A, and then to drive C.

Boot Display



Lets you specify the system display screen as the NEC
Versa 2600 LCD screen (the default), an external CRT
display, or both.

Power Switch



Lets you determine how the Power Switch (located on
the hinge beneath the LCD display) functions after the
NEC Versa 2600 is powered on.

 Suspend/Resume lets you use the Power Switch to

save battery power. This selection is appropriate for
Windows 95 systems, which automatically power
off when you shut down the Windows 95 software.

 ON/OFF (the default) turns the system on or off,

and should be used by Windows for Workgroups
systems.

Components

This drop-down screen displays configuration settings for
the serial and parallel I/O ports as well as the sound device
and speakers.

The Speaker item displays a check mark which means the
system’s built-in speakers are enabled (the default). An
empty underscore means the speakers are disabled.

3-8 Using Setup and Power Management

Security

Your NEC Versa 2600 supports a password for system
security. Using the Security screen, you can require that a
password be entered at each startup or boot.

You are not prompted to enter a password until you set an
initial password. Your system is not protected until you set
a password.

Once you set a password, you must enter it before your
system will boot up. This feature allows only an authorized
user to access your system, including the Setup program
where you can set or change system parameters.

Setting an Initial System Password

Set an initial password as follows.

Select Security from the menu bar.

1.

Open the Password screen by pressing

2.

Tab to the “Enter Password” field and enter a password

3.

up to eight characters long. Press

Enter

.

Enter

on the key-

board.
Reenter your password as prompted for verification.

4.

Press

and write your password down and keep it

Enter

in a secure place in case you forget it.
If you have successfully set a password, a check mark

5.

will appear next to the word “Password” on the Security
drop-down menu.

6.

Press

as many times as needed to close the screen,

ESC

and to exit Setup. When you exit Setup, be sure to save
your changes reboot your system.

Using Setup and Power Management 3-9

Key

Removing a Password
Remove a previously set password by opening the Password

screen and entering the previously set password. Press

on the keyboard. (The check mark should be removed

Enter

from the word “Password” on the Security drop-down
menu.)

These menu settings control the functionality of your NEC
Versa 2600 keyboard, and include

Keyboard Type



Lets you select the desired keyboard format. U.S.A. is
the default.



Typematic Delay
Sets the time delay between the moment a key is pressed
and the time the character appears on screen. The de­fault is 500 milliseconds (ms).



Typematic Rate
Sets the number of characters that appear on screen if a
key remains pressed for a second. The default is 10
characters per second (cps).

Power

The Power drop-down menu lets you balance system per­formance and energy conservation, for both battery and AC
operation, using the following parameters.

NOTE

Some operating systems such as Windows
for Workgroups and Windows 95 have their own
power management software which overrides
CMOS settings. In this case, be sure to set your
desired power management settings accordingly.

3-10 Using Setup and Power Management

Battery Operation









Maximum Battery life
Sets power savings to a maximum and system perform­ance to a minimum, by running the CPU at half speed all
of the time.

Good Battery life
Provides good power savings and moderate system per­formance, by reducing CPU clock speed to one-half of
its maximum speed any time the CPU is not engaged for
one-half a second.

Good Performance
Provides high system performance and moderate power
savings, by reducing CPU clock speed to one-half of its
maximum speed any time the CPU is not engaged for
eight seconds.

Maximum Performance
Sets system performance to a maximum and power sav­ings to a minimum, by running the CPU at full speed all
the time.

User Setting Battery (the default setting)



Lets you input your choice of performance and power
saving parameters. See “Using Power Management,”
later in this chapter, for details.

AC and PCMCIA Operation



User Setting AC
Lets you set performance and power saving parameters
for AC operation. Default settings are for maximum
system performance.



PCMCIA Power
Permits PC Card socket power to remain on while the
system is in Suspend Mode (see “Using Power Man­agement.”)

Using Setup and Power Management 3-11

Miscellaneous

Exit

Use this drop-down menu to set the following parameters:

Low battery beep (default)



This parameter lets you know when battery power is
low, by emitting a beep

 once, when battery power falls to 10%, and
 every 60 seconds, when battery power falls to 5%.

Wake Up Alarm



Lets you specify Resume time for your NEC Versa 2600
anytime of day from Suspend mode

 one time only or
 everyday at the same time.

L2 Cache



Level 2 Cache speeds up your system’s data processing
time, and is enabled (checked) by default.

Lets you save or not save parameter changes when you exit
Setup, as follows:



Save and Exit
Saves changes, but does not reboot. The changes are
effective only after the next system startup.



Save and Reboot
Saves changes and immediately shuts down and restarts
the system, so parameter settings take effect immedi­ately.



Exit (No Save)
Exits Setup, without saving changes.

Default Settings



Restores all Parameter settings to their default settings.
Default settings take effect on the next system startup.

3-12 Using Setup and Power Management

USING POWER MANAGEMENT

Power Management in the NEC Versa 2600 lets you con­serve energy, save battery power, extend the life of your
LCD backlight, and protect against data loss due to low
battery power.

You can set some features to function automatically or acti­vate them manually with the keyboard or a button.

Power Saving Modes

The NEC Versa 2600 has three different power consump­tion states. These include:

Active Mode — All components are turned on and



active.

NOTE

Even in Activ e Mode, you can specify time­outs for the LCD panel, hard disk drive and CPU.
See “Power Management Settings.”



Standby Mode — Eliminates unnecessary battery or AC
power consumption. The LCD panel, Hard Disk Drive
and CD-ROM reader all shut down, and the Keyboard
Controller and CPU slow down, providing both privacy
and power savings.

To end Standby mode, press any key and return to Ac­tive mode.



Suspend Mode — Shuts down every system component,
except those that preserve unsaved data in memory, or
system status and PCMCIA cards if so configured.

To end Suspend mode and return to Active mode, press
the Power button on the hinge beneath the LCD panel
and restart the system.

Using Setup and Power Management 3-13

You can set your system to enter Standby or Suspend
modes automatically after a specified number of minutes
of system inactivity. System activity includes keyboard,
VersaGlide, diskette or hard disk drive access, PC Card
modem, network, or LAN card, serial, or printer port
communications.

Power Management Settings

The system arrives set up with many power-saving features
already enabled. You can change the timeout period for
these devices in Setup, under the “Power” menu, with the
“User Setting Battery” and the “User Setting AC” parame­ters. The following table lists the default settings for “User
Setting Battery” operation.

Automatic Power-Saving Features

DEFAULT

DEVICE

Video Timeout 2 minutes Shuts off video screen after the timeout

TIMEOUT

COMMENT

specified elapses.

Hard Disk Timeout 15 Seconds Stops the hard disk motor when the hard

disk is not accessed for the specified
timeout.

CPU Throttle Good

Performance

Standby Timeout 2 minutes Specifies when the system enters

Suspend Timeout 12 Minutes This setting specifies how long the

Lid Close Suspend This setting determines what power-

3-14 Using Setup and Power Management

CPU “clocks down” to slower speeds.

Standby mode after total system
inactivity.

system remains in Standby mode before
entering Suspend mode.

saving action occurs when the notebook
cover is closed while the system is on.

Using Fn-F3

NOTE

In Wi ndows 95 systems, power managem ent
settings under W indows ov erride t he setti ngs estab­lished in Setup. Make the Windows 95 power sav ing
settings match those in Setup for the best results.

Press the

key combination to shut off the LCD panel

Fn-F3

when you need to be away from your system for a short pe­riod of time and want to return to where you left off. Press
the same key combination again to turn the LCD panel back
on.

Using Setup and Power Management 3-15

4

Using Your NEC Versa

The more you use your NEC Versa 2600 Series system, the
more proficient you will become at everything — from
using function keys to setting up presentations.

This chapter gives concise information on these and other
important tasks, including how to use:

the LCD panel



the keyboard



the NEC VersaGlide





drive bays



the 10X CD-ROM reader



PC card slots



the Infrared (IR) port

In addition, this chapter focuses on installing options, ex­panding hard disk space and memory.

LCD

The LCD panel on your NEC Versa 2600 Series system is
fully adjustable to provide a comfortable viewing angle. To
adjust the viewing angle, gently push the LCD panel into
position.

Using Your NEC Versa 4-1

KEYBOARD

To adjust the LCD panel’s brightness do the following:

for TFT panels, just slide the brightness control switch



located on the right side of the LCD panel; up or down.



For DSTN panels

 Fn-F1 decreases LCD brightness
 Fn-F2 increases LCD brightness
 Use the slide control on the right side of the LCD to

adjust contrast.

The NEC Versa keyboard is equipped with many features.
These include:



Function keys



Cursor control keys



Typewriter keys



Numeric keypad



Control keys.

Feature keys are located as shown in the following figure.
Key operations are described after the figure.

4-2 Using Your NEC Versa

Function Keys

Pause

Esc

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 F11 F12

Setup

!1@2#3$4%5^6&7*8(9)

Q

Tab

Cap
Lock

WERTYUI OP{[}]|

A

SDFGHJKL:;"

Z

Shift

Fn

XCVBNM

Ctrl

Alt Alt

78 9 -

45 6 +

12 3 *

0

0

<,>.?

. /

PrtSc

Ins

Shift

BkSp

Scroll Lock

\

Enter

Del

Home

PgUp

PgDn

End

Break

SysReq

_

+

-

=

'

/

~

Ctrl

`

Control Keys Embedded Numeric Keypad Cursor Control Keys

Function Keys

A number of function keys (F1 through

NumLk, PadLk, Scroll Lock)

Versa keyboard. These keys work together with the
to activate special functions. Keys that are pre-programmed
with dual functions are identified by a blue icon or phrase
depicting the function.

Function keys
the specific application’s user guide for information about
how each function key works within the application you are
using.



Keyboard

F12, Esc, Setup,

are included in the NEC

key

Fn

through

F1

are application-driven. See

F12

The following function key combinations are pre­programmed for the NEC Versa.

Fn-Esc/Setup —

during boot-up,

opens the system’s
Setup program, where you can set, view or change sys­tem parameters.

Fn-F1 —

darkens the LCD brightness setting (in models

with a DSTN type LCD screen).

Fn-F2 —

brightens the LCD brightness setting (in mod-

els with DSTN type LCD screen).

Using Your NEC Versa 4-3

Fn-F3
Fn-F9/NumLk

— toggles the LCD/CRT displays on and off.

— activates the embedded numeric

keypad. Hold down the Fn button, then press a numeric
keypad key to use that key (or use

Fn-F10/PadLk

— with

NumLk

Fn-F10/PadLk

activated, lets you use

the embedded numeric keypad without holding down the

button.

Fn

Windows 95 keys — You can use the following two key



combinations to facilitate your work:
 Shortcut/Application key – provides quick access to

shortcut menus. (This key acts like a right mouse
button.)

 Floating Window key – displays the Start menu.



Cursor Control keys — Cursor control keys let you
position the cursor on the screen where you want. On the
screen, the cursor is a blinking underline, block, or
vertical bar depending on the application. The cursor
indicates where the next typed character will be inserted.

).

Typewriter keys — The typewriter keys (also called



alphanumeric keys) are used to enter text. Keys with
blue printing on them behave differently when combined
with

Numeric Keypad — Pressing



keyboard activates the numeric keypad numbers and
functions printed in blue on top of these keys.

The keypad lets you type numbers, a decimal point and
mathematical operands (+, –, *, /) as you would on a
calculator. The keypad is ideal for entering long lists of
numbers.

To use the numeric keypad, first press
then either

4-4 Using Your NEC Versa

Fn

.

Fn-F9/NumLk

on the

Fn-F9/NumLk

,

 hold down the

 press

When you press

Fn-F10/PadLk

functions as typewriter keys.



Control keys —
used in conjunction with other keys to change their
functions. To use control keys, press and hold the con­trol key while pressing another key. For example, “press

Ctrl c

letter
applications you are running.

NEC VERSAGLIDE

The NEC VersaGlide is an easy way to control the cursor
with your finger. Lightly glide your finger across the NEC
VersaGlide and the cursor follows. You can select items in
one of two ways:

key, and press your choice of keys

Fn

on the numeric keypad, or

Fn-F10/PadLk

without pressing down the

Fn-F9/NumLk

and use the numeric keypad

key.

Fn

(and, if activated,

) again, the keys revert to their normal

Ctrl, Alt, Fn

” means to hold down the

. How the key combination works depends on the

c

, and

Ctrl

are controls

Shift

key and type the



Tap your finger on the VersaGlide.



Click the left, or primary button.

A double tap on the VersaGuide is the equivalent to a dou­ble click on the left or primary button.

Using Your NEC Versa 4-5

VersaGlide

Left
Selection Button

Try both ways and decide which you prefer. If you find the
tapping difficult to use, go to the next section for general di­rections about adjusting the touchpad properties.

NOTE

If you install another mouse driver over the

shipping default, the tap capability may be lost.

Making VersaGlide Adjustments

The NEC VersaGlide lets you customize how it functions
with the cursor. You can control the size and color of the
cursor, cursor speed, double-click speed, and selection but­ton orientation.

Use the online help button for details about configuring
your VersaGlide. See the appropriate section that follows
for your operating system.

Right
Selection Button

VersaGlide features

4-6 Using Your NEC Versa

Windows 95 VersaGlide Adjustments

To access and adjust your VersaGlide and cursor, follow
these steps.

Select Start, Settings, Control Panel.

1.

From the Control Panel, highlight and double tap (or

2.

double click) on the Mouse icon. A Mouse Properties
screen appears.

Along the top of the Mouse Properties screen, tabs rep-

3.

resent the primary functions available.

Buttons – lets you select or change which button is



the Primary or Secondary button. Also lets you
modify the speed required when double clicking
selection buttons.

Pointers – lets you change the pointer scheme and



define which symbols you want to use for various
Windows tasks.



Motion – lets you adjust the pointer speed and spec­ify a short or long pointer trail.

General – lets you change or update mouse drivers.



Click OK or

4.

Cancel

to accept or cancel the adjustments

you make.

Windows for Workgroups VersaGlide Adjustments

To access and adjust your VersaGlide and cursor, follow
these steps.

From the Program Manager, open the Main program

1.

group, and double-click the Control Panel icon.

Using Your NEC Versa 4-7

Double click on Alps GlidePoint icon. A control panel

2.

screen appears.
Along the top of the screen, tabs represent the primary

3.

functions available.

Pointer – lets you define the color and size of the on-



screen mouse cursor.
Motion – fine-tunes the responsiveness of the screen



pointer, VersaGlide double-click speed, cursor accel­eration, and extra precision functions for using
key/button combinations for some pointer functions.



Orientation – adjusts the direction of the pointer de­vice motion (rotation) and lets you specify the Pri­mary and Secondary VersaGlide button.

Shortcuts – assigns autojumps and hotspots to reduce



the keystrokes or button clicks needed. You can also
customize keyboard functions or VersaGlide buttons.



Tapping – sets tapping sensitivity.

Click OK or

4.

Cancel

to accept or cancel the adjustments

you make.

VersaGlide Tips

Follow these basic ergonomic tips while working:



Use a light touch on the VersaGlide surface.



Set up the NEC Versa with your keyboard and
VersaGlide at a comfortable height. Keep your forearms
parallel to the floor. Your wrists should be relaxed and
straight.



While using the keyboard and VersaGlide, keep your
shoulders and arms as relaxed as possible.



Take regular breaks from the computer to rest your eyes.
Perform stretching exercises to relax your fingers,
hands, wrists, forearms, and shoulders.

4-8 Using Your NEC Versa

See Appendix A, “Setting Up a Healthy Work Environ­ment,” for more information.

10X CD-ROM READER

The NEC Versa 2600 comes with a 10X CD-ROM reader
that features the latest in CD-ROM technology. The CD­ROM reader is assigned the drive letter E:.

NOTE

The CD-ROM reader is a Class 1 Laser

product.

Use the CD-ROM reader to load and start programs from a
compact disc (CD). You can also use the CD-ROM reader
to play your audio CDs (see “Playing Audio CDs” in this
chapter). The 10X CD-ROM reader is compatible with Ko­dak Multi-session Photo CDs™ and industry data and
audio CDs.

The CD-ROM reader 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.

CD-ROM reader features include the following:



Release Button — ejects the CD tray. Press this button
to insert a CD into or remove a CD from the reader.

Status LED — lights during data read operations. Do



not eject the CD or turn off the NEC Versa when the
indicator is lit.

Using Your NEC Versa 4-9

CD Loading

Auto Vibration Prevention Mode Switch — accessible



with CD drawer open and no CD inserted. When this
switch is on, the drive detects unbalanced CD and
changes its rotational speed in order to reduce drive vi­bration.

To insert a CD into the CD-ROM reader, follow these
steps.

NOTE

The CD-ROM reader ships with a shipping
restraint installed. Remove the restraint by l ifting on
the plastic edge near the center hole. Do not insert
a CD with the restraint installed.

Press the release button and pull the CD tray out of the

1.

reader bay.
Put your CD, printed side up, into the circular impres-

2.

sion in the tray.
Push the CD tray in until it clicks shut.

3.

NOTE

not affect CD-ROM reader functioning.

4-10 Using Your NEC Versa

Some CDs vibrate when playing. This does

Using Audio CDs in Windows for Workgroups

Follow these instructions to play audio CDs in Windows for
Workgroups. The first time you play an audio CD, you
need to add the device to the Media Player’s Device option
list. Follow these steps to do so. You only need to perform
this procedure the first time. After that, go directly to
“Playing Audio CDs.”

Adding the CD Audio Option

Add the CD Audio option to the Media Player’s Device list
as follows:

Insert the audio CD into the CD-ROM reader tray.

1.

From the Program Manager, open the Main program

2.

group and double click the Control Panel icon.
Double click the Drivers icon and select “Add.”

3.

Scroll through the list of drivers and highlight

4.

and click “OK.”

Audio

[MCI] CD

A message similar to the following appears:

If you see a prompt stating that the mcicda.drv is al­ready on the system, select “New.”

Press “OK” and close the Control Panel.

5.

Go to the next section, “Playing Audio CDs.”

6.

Playing Audio CDs

Play audio CDs in Windows for Workgroups as follows:

If you have not yet done so, insert a CD into the tray.

1.

From Windows, double click on the Accessories pro-

2.

gram group.

One CDROM drive was detected. Installation is complete.

Using Your NEC Versa 4-11

In Accessories, highlight and double click on the Media

3.

Player icon.
From the Device drop down menu, select “CD Audio.”

4.

From the media player control panel that appears, click

5.

on the play button.
Use the slide bar displayed to specify a particular track

on the CD.

Using Audio CDs under Windows 95

Follow these instructions to play audio CDs in
Windows 95. For more details, see your Microsoft Win-
dows 95 User’s Guide.

Insert the audio CD into the CD-ROM reader tray.

1.

Push the CD tray in until it clicks shut. If configured in

2.

the Windows 95 Device Manager, the software auto­matically detects the audio CD and begins playing.

Playing Entertainment CDs using Windows 95

Use the following steps to run a game or educational CD.

Press the Stop/Eject button to open the CD tray. Insert a

1.

CD into the tray. Push the CD tray in until it clicks shut.
Follow the installation instructions that come with your

2.

CD-ROM title. For example, you will have to enter the
drive letter assigned to the CD-ROM reader.

Exit the installation utility. Select

3.

settings.
Click on the game icon created when you ran the CD

4.

title’s installation utility. You are now ready to play!

4-12 Using Your NEC Versa

Yes

to save your

CD Care

When handling CDs, keep the following guidelines in mind.

Always pick up the CD by its edges.



Avoid scratching or soiling the side of the CD that has



no printing or writing on it. This is the data side of the
CD.

Do not write on or apply labels to either side of the CD.





Keep the CD away from direct sunlight or high
temperatures.

Clean fingerprints or dust from the CD by wiping it with



a soft cloth. Gently brush the cloth from the center of the
CD toward the edge.

!

Av oid using benzene, pai nt thinner, recor d cleaner,
static repellent, or any other chemical on the CD.
Chemicals and cleaners can damage the CD.

CAUTION

PC CARDS

Type I Cards

PC cards are all approximately the same size and vary only
in thickness. All have a standard 68-pin connector. There
are three types of cards, which vary in thickness.

Type I cards have a thickness of 3.3 millimeters (mm).
Type I cards are often used for memory devices such as
RAM and Flash cards.

Using Your NEC Versa 4-13

Type II Cards

Type II cards have a thickness of 5.0 millimeters (mm).
Type II cards are often storage or communications devices
such as battery backed Static Random Access Memory
(SRAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Flash Memory,
LAN, and Small Computer System Interface (SCSI). Typi­cal Type II cards include input/output (I/O) features such as
modems and LANs.

Type II Extended Cards

Many PC cards are Type II extended cards. The extended
card has an additional physical component that protrudes
beyond the traditional card size. The extension can be as
large as 40 mm deep by 9.65 mm high. This extension pro­vides room for additional electronics as well as a location
for external connectors.

Type III Cards

Type III cards are thicker (10.5 mm) than Type II cards and
allow no extensions. Type III card uses include advanced
function I/O cards with additional features such as wireless
modems, multimode cards (cards with more than one func­tion such as a combined modem and LAN card), and small
hard drive storage.

Communication Cards

You can use both fax/modem and network PC cards with
your NEC Versa. Here are some suggestions to help you get
the best system performance.



Network Cards



Fax/Modem Cards
You can insert a fax/modem in either slot.

4-14 Using Your NEC Versa

PC Card Modems

You can use a PC card modem with your NEC Versa to
communicate with others via fax, e-mail, or connect to an
online service or bulletin board.

Follow these steps to connect your system to a phone line.

1.

2.

Storage Cards

When you insert a memory or storage card in an NEC note­book computer, it appears as a unique drive depending on
the type of card and the slot you are using.

Always insert the fax/modem card before using your
fax/modem software application. If you start the appli­cation before inserting the fax/modem card, the applica­tion typically does not find the card.

Connect the telephone cable to the modem port.
Connect the other end of the telephone cable to the wall

outlet (you might have to unplug the telephone if it is
plugged into the outlet).

The following table provides sample drive designations.

Using Your NEC Versa 4-15

Sample Drive Designations

DRIVE LETTER

C: Internal hard disk
D: Internal hard disk, default is no partation
E: CD-ROM Reader
F: Slot 0, IDE/ATA memory card
G: Slot 1, IDE/ATA memory card
H: Slot 0, high-speed memory card
I: Slot 1, high-speed memory card

Interface Cards

You can connect most standard Small Computer System
Interface (SCSI) devices using the optional NEC PCMCIA
SCSI card. This PC card is also known as the New Media
Card.

Other Cards

Many other kinds of PC cards are available to notebook
computer users. They include the following cards:

LOCATION/DEVICE



Global Positioning System (GPS) − to enable the track­ing of remote units (for example, delivery trucks)

Paging − for receiving remote paging messages



Serial − for adding an extra serial communications port





Multimedia − for combining animation and sound



Video − for recording, displaying, and capturing full­motion video (NEC VersaVideo™)

Audio − to enable the use of sound.



4-16 Using Your NEC Versa

PC Card Enablers

Some PC cards have custom software written by the card
manufacturer, known as Enablers, instead of Card and
Socket Services. This custom software works well if only
one or two PC cards are used on a particular system.

Although many of these were considered compliant with
PCMCIA Release 2.0 specifications, they did not provide a
truly compatible environment for exchanging and sharing
PCMCIA operations. The following are some guidelines for
using PC cards with Enablers.

Do not use more than one Enabler at once unless you



know what system resources are used by each Enabler.
One Enabler may crash another if there is a conflict.



Hot swap may not work with some Enablers.



An Enabler may only work in Windows Standard Mode.



Enablers have minimal memory requirements. For ex­ample, they require as little as 4 KB for a modem,
16 KB for Ethernet, and 24 KB for Token Ring.

Know your system resources (see the CONFIG.SYS file);
command line arguments cannot use resources being used
by other devices.

Disabling Preloaded PCMCIA Drivers

You can disable all of the PCMCIA drivers that come pre­loaded in your NEC notebook computer. However, doing so
limits some of the flexibility of PCMCIA. You can still use
PC cards that have Enabler software, but you can install
and run only one at a time. The card must rely on the soft­ware supplied by the card vendor (Enablers).

Remove the preloaded PCMCIA drivers by modifying the
CONFIG.SYS file as follows.

Select the File menu in Windows Program Manager.

1.

Using Your NEC Versa 4-17

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

By default MTSRAM.exe and MTDRAM are remarked
out.

PC Card Slots

Your NEC Versa has two PC card slots for inserting PC
cards. One or two Type I or Type II PC cards (formerly
called PCMCIA cards), or one Type III PC card and one
Type I or Type II PC card may be inserted.

Run

Select

Enter

. This should take you to the System Configuration

, type

sysedit

in the command line, and press

Editor.
Click on the CONFIG.SYS window and scroll down to

the following line:

====== PCMCIA Device Drivers ======

Type

for "remark" in front of all lines showing

rem

PCMCIA device drivers. This tells the operating system
to ignore those lines.

Save and exit the file.
Reboot the system for the changes to take effect.

NOTE

but also accepts new cards.

Using the system’s PC card slots, you can add optional PC
cards and connect external devices to your NEC Versa.
These devices include peripheral devices, such as modems,
LAN cards, and storage cards.

4-18 Using Your NEC Versa

This 32-bit st ructure is backward compat ible,

Inserting a PC Card

To insert a PC card, open the slot cover and follow these
steps.

NOTE

slot cover open if you are using a PC card for a long
period of time. Some PC cards can overheat and
damage the system.

Align the card so that the 68-pin connector points to-

1.

wards the slot.

NEC recomm ends that you keep the PC car d

PC Card

Inserting a PC card

Slide the card into either slot. If you plan to use two

2.

cards at the same time; (one being a Type III) slide that
card into the top slot and the second into the bottom slot.
These two slots will support either two Type I , two
Type II or one each Type I and Type II or one each
Type III and one of either Type I or Type II at the same
time. A low tone followed by a high tone lets you know
that the card is fully inserted and recognized. (If you
turn off the sound, no sound is emitted.)

Using Your NEC Versa 4-19

Removing a Card

Remove PC cards from Windows for Workgroups systems
(Windows 3.11) as follows. Go to step 3 for Windows 95
systems.

1.

Other two-tone sequences such as high, then low tones
indicate that the card is inserted, but the card type is un­known.

To remove the card, press the PC Card Release button
on the side of the slot. A double tone sounds.

Pull the card firmly out of the slot.

2.

NOTE

To save energy , press the button to disconnect the
card when it is not i n use. You can l eave the c ard in
the slot while it is disconnected for easy storage.

4-20 Using Your NEC Versa

PC Card
Release Buttons

Removing a PC Card

PC cards draw power even when not in use.

IR Port

Remove PC cards from Windows 95 system as follows.

From the screen, select “My Computer,” then “Control

3.

Panel.”
Double click on the PC Card icon.

4.

Select the PC Card to remove and select “Stop.”

5.

Windows 95 alerts you if any applications are still using
the card. If all applications using that card are closed,
services for that card are shut down, and you get a
message telling you it is safe to remove the card.

Press the Release button on the side of the PC card in

6.

the slot.
Pull the card out of the slot.

7.

The IR port on the back of your system lets your NEC
Versa communicate with other devices that also use infrared
technology. The IR port is Infrared Data Association
(IrDA) compatible. You can easily transfer files between
your NEC Versa and an IR-equipped desktop, or print to an
IR-equipped printer without using cables.

When your NEC Versa ships, the IR port is enabled.
For the infrared technology to work, follow these guidelines:



position the NEC Versa no more than three feet way
from the IR peripheral device you are using

keep the IR port between the computer and the device



parallel.

The LapLink software that ships with your NEC Versa
system provides ways for you to use the IR port. Read the
instructions in Chapter 2 under “How to Use LapLink” for
steps on using the software with the IR port.

Using Your NEC Versa 4-21

Pull Down
Hard Drive Latch

INCREASING SYSTEM STORAGE AND MEMORY

As your needs grow and change, you may need to add an
optional hard disk drive with a greater capacity or addi­tional memory. Read the following sections to learn how to
install an optional hard disk drive or a memory module.

Hard Disk

You can increase the system’s storage capacity by replacing
the standard hard disk drive with a drive with greater stor­age capacity.

Removing the Hard Drive

Make sure your NEC Versa is powered off, all external op­tions are disconnected, and the LCD panel is closed. Then
perform the following steps:

NOTE

The NEC Versa must be powered off while
the hard drive is being removed and installed.

Pull down the hard drive latch located on the right front

1.

of the computer, as shown next.

4-22 Using Your NEC Versa

Remove hard drive (Step 1)

Pull the hard drive latch forward, as shown

2.

next.

Pull Out
Hard Drive Latch

Remove hard drive (Step 2)

Continue pulling on the latch, until you have removed

3.

the hard drive from its bay.

Inserting the New Hard Drive

Insert the new hard drive into the hard drive bay.

1.

Hard Drive

Remove hard drive (Step 3)

Using Your NEC Versa 4-23

Push the new hard drive all the way into the bay, until

2.

the front of the new hard drive is flush with the front of
the NEC Versa 2600.

Pivot the latch down, then slide up, until it snaps close.

3.

After you install the drive, you may need to go into

4.

Setup to specify your new drive type.

Installing Memory Modules

Your NEC Versa comes standard with 16 megabytes (MB)
of Extended Data Out (EDO) memory. This new technology
gives your system higher performance. You can increase
system memory to a maximum of 80 MB by installing two
double inline 32-MB memory modules (DIMM) in the sys­tem.

The following module capacities are available:



8-MB memory module
16-MB memory module



32-MB memory module.



Hard Drive

Insert hard drive

4-24 Using Your NEC Versa

NOTE

Always add memor y usi ng two DIMM memor y
modules of the same capacity . A single modul e, or
modules with different capacities installed will not
operate properly.

Install DIMMs as follows.

Make sure the system is powered off and that no periph-

1.

eral devices are attached.
Turn the system upside down.

2.

Locate and open the DIMM memory socket cover, as

3.

shown next.

DIMM Memory
Socket Cover

Open DIMM memory socket cover

Locate the DIMM sockets.

4.

Look at the DIMM card. Locate the notched corner on

5.

the DIMM.

Using Your NEC Versa 4-25

DIMM features

Hold the notched corner towards the left side of the

6.

system and insert the module as follows.

Hold the DIMM at a 60 degree angle and align



the DIMM connector with the socket in the sys­tem. Push the connector into the socket.



Press down on the DIMM until the locking tabs
on the sides snap into place, securing the mod­ule.

(Repeat these two steps for the second DIMM card.)

Double Inline
Memory Module
Card (DIMM)

Memory
Sockets (2)

4-26 Using Your NEC Versa

Inserting DIMMs

To remove a DIMM, press the locking tabs away from
the sides of the module until the module pops up. Then,
remove the DIMM.

Replace the memory socket cover.

7.

Run the Setup program to register the new memory

8.

installed.

Reviewing the Memory Map

The system supports system and video shadowing, both
controlled through complementary metal oxide semiconduc­tor (CMOS). The system supports BIOS as a cacheable
area with write protection. The following table shows the
system's memory map.

Memory Map

MEMORY SPACE SIZE FUNCTION

00000000h-0009FFFFh 640 KB DOS Applications & Optional Memory

Space Gap
000A0000h-000A7FFFh 96 KB Video (VGA) Graphics Memory
000B0000h-000BFFFFh 32 KB Text Mode Memory (SMM Space)
000C0000h-000CC7FFh 40 KB Video (VGA) BIOS
000CA000h-000CFFFFh 24 KB PnP BIOS / PCI BIOS
000D0000h-000DFFFFh 64 KB Setup / PCMCIA Window (Extended

Memory or Upper Memory Block)
000E0000h-000FFFFFh 128 KB System BIOS ROM
To -00FFFFFFh 16 MB Total Base Memory
To -FFFEFFFFh 80 MB Total Expansion Memory

Using Your NEC Versa 4-27