SPARCbook
Portable Workstation
User Guide
SPARCbook 3000 and SPARCbook 3 Families
Copyright and Trademark Information
Copyright and Trademark Information
Copyright © 1997 by Tadpole Technology Inc
Copyright © 1995 by Sun Microsystems, Inc. 2550 Garcia Avenue, Mountain View, California 94043-1100 U.S.A.
All rights reserved. This product or document is protected by copyright and distributed under licenses restricting its use, copying,
distribution and decompilation. No part of this product or document may be reproduced in any form by any means without prior
written authorization of Sun and its licensors, if any.
Portions of this product may be derived from the UNIX®, licensed from UNIX Systems Laboratories, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of Novell, Inc., and from the Berkeley 4.3 BSD system, licensed from the University of California. Third-party software,
incuding font technology in this product, is protected by copyright and licensed from Sun’s Suppliers.
RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the government is subject to restrictions as set forth in
subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in T echnical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013 and FAR 52.227-19.
This product or the products depicted herein may be protected by one or more U.S. or international patents or pending patents.
TRADEMARKS
Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, OpenWindows, SunView and SunOS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun
Microsystems, Inc. UNIX and OPEN LOOK are registered trademarks of UNIX Systems Laboratories, Inc. All other product names
mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
All SPARC trademarks, including the SCD Compliant logo, are trademarks or registered trademarks of SPARC International, Inc.
SPARCbook is a trademark of SPARC International Inc, licensed exclusively to Tadpole Technology Inc. Products bearing SPARC
trademarks are based upon an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc.
The OPEN LOOK® and Sun™ Graphical User Interfaces were developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. for its users and licensees. Sun
acknowledges the pioneering efforts of Xerox in researching and dev eloping the concept of visual or graphical user interf aces for the
computer industry. Sun holds a non-exclusive license from Xerox to the Xerox Graphical User Interface, which license also covers
Sun’s licensees who implement OPEN LOOK GUI’s and otherwise comply with Sun’s written License agreements.
The X Window System is a trademark of X Consortium, Inc.
Notebook Computing Environment and NCE are trademraks of Tadpole Technology, Inc.
All other products or services mentioned herein are identified by the trademarks, service marks or product names of their respective
companies or organizations.
Issue 1.0 of 12 June 1997 © by Tadpole Technology plc
Part Number: 980380 Printed in United Kingdom
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SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
FCC Class B Notice
FCC Class B Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult your supplier or an experienced radio or television technician for help.
Properly shielded and grounded cables and connectors must be used in order to meet FCC emission limits.
Proper cables and connectors are available from your supplier. Tadpole Technology is not responsible for any
radio or television interference caused by using other than recommended cables and connectors or by
unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment. Unauthorized changes or modifications to the
equipment could void the authority granted by the FCC to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
external video monitor, the cable used to connect between this equipment and the external monitor must be of a
ferrite loaded type. If the cable used is not already fitted with ferrite cores, the user must install a split ferrite
core on the cable.
To ensure compliance with the Class B limit, when this equipment is operated with an
Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement
This equipment does not exceed Class B limits per radio noise emissions for digital apparatus set out in the
Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Avis de conformité aux normes du ministerè des Communications du Canada
Cet équipment ne dépasse pas les limites de Classe B d´émission de bruits radioélectroniques pour les appareils
numériques, telles que prescrites par le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique établi par le ministère des
Communications du Canada.
SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
iii
FCC Part 68 Modem Information
FCC Part 68 Modem Information
This information applies ONLY to SPARCbook 3, SPARCbook 3 LC, SPARCbook 3XP, SPARCbook 3
TX and SPARCbook Server models which are equipped with an internal modem.
This equipment complies with Part 68 of the FCC rules. On the underside of this equipment is a label that
contains, among other information, the FCC registration number and ringer equivalence number (REN) for this
equipment. If requested, this information must be provided to the telephone company.
This equipment uses the following USOC jacks: RJ12.
The REN is used to determine the quantity of devices which may be connected to the telephone line. Excessive
RENs on the telephone line may result in the devices not ringing in response to an incoming call. In most, but
not all areas, the sum of the RENs should not exceed five (5.0). To be certain of the number of devices that may
be connected to the line, as determined by the total RENs, contact the telephone company to determine the
maximum REN for the calling area.
If this equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the telephone company will notify you in advance that
temporary discontinuance of service may be required. If advance notice is not practical, the telephone company
will notify the customer as soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a complaint with the
FCC if you believe it is necessary.
The telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations or procedures that could
affect the operation of the equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will provide advance notice in
order for you to make the necessary modifications in order to maintain uninterrupted service.
If trouble is experienced with this equipment, please contact Tadpole Technology Inc., 12012 Technology
Boulevard, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78727 Tel: 512-219-2200 for repair and/or warranty information. If the
trouble is causing harm to the telephone network, the telephone company may request you remove the
equipment from the network until the problem is resolved.
The following repairs may be done by the customer: None.
This equipment cannot be used on telephone company-provided coin service. Connection to Party Line Service
is subject to state tariffs.
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful for any person to use a computer or any
other electronic device to send messages via a telephone fax machine unless such a message contains in a
margin at the top or bottom of each transmitted page or on the first page of the transmission, the date and time
it is sent and an identification of the business or other entity, or other individual sending the message and the
telephone number of the sending machine or such business, other entity or individual.
In order to program this information into this machine, you should follow the steps described in “FAXtool” on
page 9-22.
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SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
Electrical Safety Notice
WARNING!
THE AC ADAPTER SUPPLIED WITH YOUR COMPUTER CONTAINS
DANGEROUS VOLTAGES. IT CONTAINS NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS. DO
NOT REMOVE THE COVER.
The following message applies to SPARCbook 3 models with built-in
modem.
WARNING!
ELECTRICAL CURRENT FROM POWER, TELEPHONE AND
COMMUNICATION CABLES IS HAZARDOUS. TO AVOID SHOCK HAZARD,
CONNECT AND DISCONNECT CABLES AS DESCRIBED BELOW WHEN
INSTALLING, MOVING OR OPENING THE COVERS OF THIS PRODUCT OR
ATTACHED DEVICES.
To connect your computer:
1. Turn your computer and peripherals OFF.
Electrical Safety Notice
2. Connect all cables between your computer and any peripherals.
3. Connect all signal cables; for example, modem cable to a telephone
receptacle.
4. Connect the power cord to the outlet.
5. Turn the peripherals ON and then turn your computer ON.
To disconnect your computer:
1. Turn everything OFF.
2. Disconnect the power cord.
3. Disconnect the signal cables.
4. Disconnect all cables between your computer and peripherals.
SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
v
Environmental Notice
Lithium battery
WARNING!
Environmental Notice
Note
THIS UNIT CONTAINS AN INTEGRATED LITHIUM BATTERY WHICH IS NOT
A CUSTOMER SERVICEABLE PART AND MUST NOT BE REPLACED BY THE
CUSTOMER / END USER. IF THE LITHIUM BATTERY REQUIRES
REPLACEMENT, THE UNIT MUST BE RETURNED TO THE FACTORY OF
MANUFACTURE AS THERE IS A DANGER OF EXPLOSION IF THE BATTERY IS
INCORRECTLY REPLACED.
The fluorescent lamp located in the liquid crystal display (LCD) contains a small amount
of mercury. Dispose of it in accordance with your company’s safety procedures, local
procedures or return it to your supplier for safe disposal.
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SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
Copyright and Trademark Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
FCC Class B Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
FCC Part 68 Modem Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Electrical Safety Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
To connect your computer: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
To disconnect your computer: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Lithium battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Environmental Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
About this Guide
Document Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi
Models Covered by this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
Associated Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
Typographical Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx
Chapter 1 Getting Started
Caring for your SPARCbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Installing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Connecting the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Powering On for the First Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Powering Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Powering off using a system shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Powering off using Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Using Full System Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Using Different Screen Environments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Starting NCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Using an External Keyboard and Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Contents
Chapter 2 Initial System Configuration
What System Configuration Entails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Initial Configuration – Worked Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Collecting the required system information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Network information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Time zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Setting a superuser password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Setting up a user account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Restarting the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
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vii
Chapter 3 Main System Components
Front Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Rear Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Underside Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
I/O Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Model differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Connector descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
The Built-In Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Viewing angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Display brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
The Built-In Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Function keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Microcontroller function keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Delete and interrupt keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Numeric keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Adjusting the keyboard angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
The Pointing Stick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Status Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Battery status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Machine and OS status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Chapter 4 Power Management
Power Management System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Battery charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Battery status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Battery warning LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Maximizing battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
The Internal Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Operating on internal battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Replacing the internal battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Battery behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Battery conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
The Internal Battery Pack Charger Unit (IBPC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Connecting the charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Using the charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Storing the charger’s cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Using an External Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Identifying the main components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Attaching the external battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Working with the external battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Charging your external battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Stand-alone charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Detaching your external battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
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SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
Storing the extension cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Using A 12V Car Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Important safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Connecting your car adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12
Using your car adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13
Disconnecting your car adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Operation during engine starts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14
Chapter 5 Save and Resume
How Save and Resume Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Powering Off Using Save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
How to ensure Save and Resume operates successfully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
What to do if Resume Fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Automatic Save Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Save on battery low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Save on system inactivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Sleep mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Save and Resume and Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Enabling and Disabling Save and Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Chapter 6 Using the Removable Hard Disk
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Fitting and Removing the Hard Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Caring for Removable Hard Disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Boot Disk Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Model differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Using Additional Removable Hard Disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Configuring a boot disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Configuring a hard disk for additional storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Using a Removable Hard Disk Drive Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
RHDD Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Chapter 7 Using SCSI Devices
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Connecting SCSI Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Maximum number of devices supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
SPARCbook positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
SCSI Terminators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
SCSI IDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Configuring an External Hard Disk – Worked Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Using a Tadpole SCSI Floppy Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
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Chapter 8 Using the Network Interface
Network Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Connecting Your SPARCbook to a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
An Overview of TCP/IP Networking and the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Internet addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Addresses used by systems not connected to the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Network names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Accessing the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Registering Internet addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Configuring Your SPARCbook for a TCP/IP Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Assigning a hostname and IP address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Configuring your SPARCbook to use a name server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11
Setting up a default router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Testing Your network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Sharing Filesystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Exporting local filesystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Mounting filesystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15
Automatic file mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16
Unmounting a remote filesystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
Executing Remote Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
Copying files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
Remote program execution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19
SLIP and PPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19
Chapter 9 Remote Computing
Getting Connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Configuring the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Checking the modem is alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Simple Terminal Login Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Remote Network Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Setting up PPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Loading the PPP packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Editing the system files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Editing the UUCP database files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Editing the passwd file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Editing the asppp.cf file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Starting and stopping PPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Testing the link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Using a SLIP Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Electronic Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Setting up email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
AT Command Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
AT command set description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
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Class 2 Fax Command Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
FAXtool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Sending a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Chapter 10 PCMCIA Interface
Introduction to PCMCIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
The PCMCIA Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Removing the PCMCIA flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Installing a PCMCIA Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Removing a PCMCIA Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Using PCMCIA Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
Modem cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
Network interface cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
Memory cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Hard disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Chapter 11 Using Displays
SPARCbook Display Interface Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2
Display Interface Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
Native mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
Emulated mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
Pan and Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4
Display panning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4
Display zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4
Color Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-6
Setting the color mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-6
Resolution limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7
Simultaneous Display Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7
Connecting an External Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Configuring the Display Interface Using NCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Using the NCE Display Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Configuring the Display Interface at the Command Prompt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-11
Setting the Xserver resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-11
Setting up the display interface hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
Adding to the Display Types List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-14
Display Timing Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-16
Chapter 12 Serial, Parallel and Audio I/O
Using Serial Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Configuring serial connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Using Parallel Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3
Configuring parallel devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3
Using Audio Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4
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Adjusting the audio input and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4
Using the built-in microphone and speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4
External audio sources and outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-5
Chapter 13 Installing and Using Applications
Third-party Application Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-2
Methods of Installing Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
Applications and Graphics Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
Legibility of Text on a Small Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
Customizing the Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
Installing Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5
Displaying Package Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Removing Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Memory Usage and Swap Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8
Using swap space efficiently . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8
Checking swap space usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-10
Adding swap space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-10
Chapter 14 Backup and Restore
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Backup strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Further information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
File Backup Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
Backing Up Filesystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4
Backing up partitions to tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Making a complete tape backup – worked example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Backing up onto an external hard disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-6
Restoring Filesystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-6
Re-installing the Operating System from CD-ROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-8
Chapter 15 System Upgrades
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-2
Upgrading the Hard Disk Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-2
Upgrading the Main Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
Fitting new SIMMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
Repartitioning the hard disk drive – worked example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-7
Repartitioning the drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-11
Chapter 16 Problem Solving and Support
Getting Further Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-2
Problem Solving Checklists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-3
Startup problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-3
Save and Resume problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-4
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Network problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-6
Other hardware problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-7
Using the OpenBoot Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-8
Displaying the OpenBoot user interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-8
Checking SCSI devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-8
Checking the network interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-9
Full system hardware selftest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-10
Software Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-11
Stopping processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-11
Killing a program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-12
Operating system panic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-12
Failing program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-12
Warning messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-13
Resetting Your SPARCbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-14
Appendix A Technical Specifications
Appendix B Connector Reference
DC In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Parallel Port Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
SCSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Keyboard/Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Serial Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
ISDN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
Modem (SPARCbook 3 Models Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6
Appendix C Customer Support Information
What to do if You Suspect a Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Contact details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
System details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
Fault details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
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About this Guide
This Guide describes how to use the SPARCbook 3 and SPARCbook 3000
Series Notebook Workstations. It describes how to start up and shutdown, how
to add accessories and how to use the mobility features. To get the most from
your SPARCbook as quickly as possible, please take the time to read the first
five chapters of this guide. These provide the most essential information to get
your system up and running quickly.
This section provides the following information:
• Document Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi
• Models Covered by this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
• Associated Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix
• Typographical Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx
Document Summary
Document Summary
The SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide contains the
following chapters:
• Chapter 1 “Getting Started”
This chapter describes how to get your SPARCbook operational.
It describes how to install and charge the battery for the first
time, how to connect your system to an AC supply and how to
start up and shut down.
• Chapter 2 “Initial System Configuration”
This chapter describes how to carry out the initial system
configuration of your SPARCbook, including how to create your
own user account, how to configure an Internet Protocol (IP)
address and host name, and how to set the timezone.
• Chapter 3 “Main System Components”
This chapter identifies the main components of your
SPARCbook and briefly describes the function of each. Read
this chapter to familiarize yourself with the main components.
• Chapter 4 “Power Management”
• Chapter 5 “Save and Resume”
• Chapter 6 “Using the Removable Hard Disk”
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This chapter describes your SPARCbook’s power management
system. It discusses how to use internal and external batteries
and a 12V car adapter.
This chapter discusses how to use Save and Resume. The Save
and Resume feature provides an easy way to start and stop your
SPARCbook without having to perform lengthy shutdown and
startup procedures.
This chapter discusses how to use your SPARCbook’s
removable hard disk drive (RHDD). It describes how to fit and
remove the drive, how to use additional hard disks and how to
ensure a basic level of security for your RHDD.
Document Summary
• Chapter 7 “Using SCSI Devices”
This chapter describes how to connect and use external SCSI
devices. It describes how to set the SCSI ID and termination
correctly and provides an example of how to configure an
external hard disk.
• Chapter 8 “Using the Network Interface”
This chapter provides an introduction to networking concepts,
with particular regard to portable computing and describes how
to connect your SPARCbook to a network and configure the
network interface.
• Chapter 9 “Remote Computing”
This chapter discusses how to use your SPARCbook for remote
communications via a modem. It discusses how to set up the
internal modem on the SPARCbook 3 Series models, how to set
up PCMCIA modems on SPARCbook 3000 models, and how to
use remote communications.
• Chapter 10 “PCMCIA Interface”
This chapter discusses how to use the PCMCIA interface to add
memory or I/O facilities to your SPARCbook using industrystandard credit card-sized PCMCIA cards.
• Chapter 11 “Using Displays”
This chapter describes how to use your SPARCbook’s
sophisticated display interface to drive the built-in display and
external high resolution CRT displays.
• Chapter 12 “Serial, Parallel and Audio I/O”
This chapter describes how to use the serial, parallel and audio
interfaces.
• Chapter 13 “Installing and Using Applications”
This chapter provides details about running third-party
applications, and outlines any limitations that may apply.
SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
xvii
Document Summary
• Chapter 14 “Backup and Restore”
This chapter describes the backup and restore facilities provided
as part of the SPARCbook implementation of Solaris. In
particular it provides an example of how to use ufsdump and
ufsrestore to backup and restore filesystems.
• Chapter 15 “System Upgrades”
This chapter discusses how to carry out upgrades to your
SPARCbook. The user installed upgrades covered allow you to
add larger hard disk drives and more DRAM to your
SPARCbook.
• Chapter 16 “Problem Solving and Support”
This chapter provides information about solving common
problems that may arise with your SPARCbook. It describes
how to obtain technical assistance, provides a problem solving
checklist, describes how to use the OpenBoot diagnostics
software, and how to solve some common software problems.
• Appendix A “Technical Specifications”
This appendix provides detailed technical specifications for the
SPARCbook 3 GX and TX (S3GX and S3TX) and SPARCbook
3000 ST and XT models (S3000ST and S3000XT).
• Appendix B “Connector Reference”
• Appendix C “Customer Support Information”
xviii
SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
This appendix provides details of the connector pin assignments
for the interfaces on the I/O panel.
All Tadpole products are rigorously tested before dispatch to the
customer. However, if your system develops a serious fault it
may need to be returned to the factory for repair. This appendix
tells you what to do in this event.
Models Covered by this Guide
This guide covers the following models
• SPARCbook 3000ST
• SPARCbook 3000XT
• SPARCbook 3GX
• SPARCbook 3TX
Procedures and described in this guide can be applied to any
SPARCbook 3 model using the same operating system although
specific details, such as built-in display resolution, may differ.
Associated Documents
Models Covered by this Guide
Publication Topics
Read Me
SPARCbook NCE User Guide Describes how to use the Notebook Computing Environment. refered to in
First
Release notes for the version of Solaris currently offered for SPARCbook 3
and 3000.
this manual as the
NCE User Guide
SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
.
xix
Typographical Conventions
Typographical Conventions
A number of typographical conventions are used in this publication to
aid your understanding. These are summarized as follows:
Typeface Meaning Example
Monospace
Monospace Bold
Sans-serif Bold Used to indicate particular keys or key
Italics Used to emphasize important terms when
Used to indicate text displayed on screen
and OS file names.
Used to indicate commands you type in.
sequences that you press on the keyboard,
and buttons displayed in windows
they are first used and for titles of other
publications.
… the device file
#
more /etc/hotsts
To power off, press the Pause-O keys.
The term domain is often applied to a
group of networked computers within an
organization.
/dev/rdiskette
.
xx
SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
Getting Started
This chapter describes how to get your SPARCbook operational. It describes
how to install and charge the battery for the first time, how to connect your
system to an AC supply and how to start up and shut down.
It provides the following sections:
• Caring for your SPARCbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 2
• Installing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 3
• Connecting the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 5
• Powering On for the First Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 6
• Powering Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 7
• Using Full System Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 8
• Using Different Screen Environments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 9
11
1
• Starting NCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 9
• Using an External Keyboard and Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 10
Getting Started
Caring for your SPARCbook
Caring for your SPARCbook
Your SPARCbook is a robust mobile computer system but does require
careful handling. To prevent any damage and ensure prolonged
reliability, please observe the following precautions:
• Do not place heavy objects on top of your SPARCbook.
• Do not scratch or hit the surface of the display.
• Keep your SPARCbook at least 13 cm (5 in) away from
electrical appliances that generate strong magnetic fields, such
as motors, televisions, refrigerators or powerful audio speakers.
• Do not disassemble your SPARCbook.
• Do not move your SPARCbook while it is operating.
Cleaning the exterior surface of your SPARCbook and the liquid crystal
display (LCD) require different methods. It is recommended that you
clean your SPARCbook as follows:
• On the exterior surface, wipe with a soft cloth moistened with a
mild detergent.
• On the LCD, use a soft cloth dampened with lens cleaner,
antistatic fluid or VDU screen cleaner.
1-2 SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
Installing the Battery
Getting Started
Installing the Battery
When a battery is supplied with your SPARCbook, it is packed
separately to protect the battery and SPARCbook contacts while the
system is in transit.
Figure 1-1 Installing the Battery (SPARCbook 3000 Shown)
SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide 1-3
Getting Started
Installing the Battery
Install the battery as follows (refer to Figure 1-1):
1.
Turn your SPARCbook upside down.
2.
Remove the battery cover by pressing the catch with your
thumbnail towards the side of the SPARCbook. The cover
springs open slightly allowing you to lift it off.
3.
Insert the battery, ensuring correct orientation. The battery is
shaped to make this easier.
4.
Replace the cover.
Now go to “Connecting the AC Adapter” on page 1-5.
Battery Charging
ò Your SPARCbook charges the internal battery automatically when it is
connected to an AC adapter or optional car adapter. The AC adapter or car
adapter supplies power to your SPARCbook whether your SPARCbook is
operating or not.
ò The internal battery takes between 1.5 and 4 hours to charge the first
time, depending on SPARCbook model and whether it is operating or not.
ò The internal battery uses nickel metal hydride (NiMH) cells. One
characteristic of this type of cell is that it takes several full charge and
discharge cycles for them to yield their full storage capacity (to become
conditioned). Once the cells are conditioned, the charge percentage of the
battery pack is accurately indicated on the status display.
ò The internal battery provides around 45 minutes operating time from a
full charge, depending upon SPARCbook model and the power
management options in operation. See Chapter 4, “Power Management” .
1-4 SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
Connecting the AC Adapter
The AC adapter supplied with your SPARCbook operates at any AC
voltage in the range of 100 to 240 Volts at 50 or 60Hz. This means that
you can use the supplied AC adapter anywhere in the world where there
is a suitable supply. You may need to use different AC cords, however.
Connect the AC adapter to your SPARCbook as follows:
1.
Connect the DC cord from the AC adapter to the DC-In
connector on your SPARCbook.
2.
Connect the AC cord from the AC adapter into a wall socket or
distribution panel.
Getting Started
Connecting the AC Adapter
Figure 1-2 Connecting the AC Adapter
SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide 1-5
Getting Started
Powering On for the First Time
Powering On for the First Time
To power your SPARCbook on, press the Power On button, as
illustrated in Figure 1-3.
Power ON
Button
Note
Figure 1-3 Powering On
As your SPARCbook powers on, a number of codes are displayed in the
status display and then, after some delay, the system configuration
screen is displayed.
Configuring your system is described in Chapter 2, “Initial System
Configuration” .
On a new system, the Power On button is only configured to power your
SPARCbook on. It has no effect while the SPARCbook is running. However, it
can be configured as a Save button using the NCE Save and Resume panel. See
Chapter 5, “Save and Resume” in this guide and “Save and Resume Panel” in
your NCE User Guide.
1-6 SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
Powering Off
Your SPARCbook provides you with two methods of shutting down
and powering off:
• Conventional system shutdown
• Save
Powering off using a system shutdown
To shut your SPARCbook down, log in as root and enter the command:
# init 0
This takes the system down to the OpenBoot prompt and a safe state for
power-off. Power off by pressing Pause-O. The next time you power
on your SPARCbook carries out a full system startup and not a Resume.
Powering off using Save
Getting Started
Powering Off
The Save facility allows you to power off quickly without having to
perform lengthy shutdown procedures. To power off with Save, press
Pause-O on the keyboard. The built-in display, if it is in use, goes blank
and your SPARCbook system beeps before it powers off. It takes
between 30 and 90 seconds for the Save to complete.
Save and Resume
ò The Save and Resume feature makes it easy to
start and stop your SPARCbook without having to
perform the lengthy Solaris shutdown and startup
procedures of a conventional UNIX system. The
system’s complete operational state is saved onto
specially assigned partition on the hard disk and is
completely restored when you next power on. You do
not have to close applications before performing a
Save because they are completely unaffected by Save
and Resume, allowing you to take up exactly where
you left off.
4 Use Save and Resume only if your SPARCbook is
going to be used in the same way when you next
power-on.
5 Use a system shutdown and reboot if you change
or remove disks, change displays or change the
system’s network environment while it is powered
off.
Your SPARCbook provides several ways to initiate a
Save. These are described in Chapter 5, “Save and
Resume” .
SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide 1-7
Getting Started
Using Full System Startup
Using Full System Startup
Your SPARCbook can be booted in the same way as any conventional
desktop SPARC workstation running Solaris.
• Use a full system startup if you have reconfigured your system’s
• Use a full system restart if, for any reason, you do not wish to use
In cases where you have previously used Save to power off or if Resume
fails, a full system startup can be carried out as follows:
1.
2.
hardware in any way while it has been powered off. Save and
Resume may fail in cases where the system hardware has been
reconfigured.
the Save and Resume facility.
If your system is powered on, press Pause-O to power off.
Press the power on button or, if your system already has power
but is failing to Resume, press Pause-R.
3.
When the OpenBoot start-up screen is displayed, press Pause-A.
4.
At the OpenBoot prompt, type in the following commands:
ok create no-resume?
ok boot
1-8 SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
Tadpole S3 SPARCbook, keyboard present
ROM Rev 2.15 V1.00
32 MB memory installed, Serial #10683270
Ethernet address 0:0:83:a3:3:86, Host ID: Host ID:
80a30386
Initializing memory Type help for more information
ok
Using Different Screen Environments
Your SPARCbook’s built-in display operates in two modes: terminal
mode and Xwindows mode. The default mode is Xwindows mode.
When your system starts up, the Solaris login window allows you to
select the display mode from the Option menu.
Session Allows you to select between the CDE or the
OpenWindows desktop environments, both of which
operate in Xwindows mode.
Command Line Login
Allows you to select the terminal mode. In this mode,
your display operates as a simple ASCII terminal and
displays the Solaris command line.
Note
If your SPARCbook starts at the command prompt, you can enter
OpenWindows by typing the command openwin.
Getting Started
Using Different Screen Environments
Starting NCE
The factory installed Solaris 2.5.1 may not have CDE installed. If you wish to use
CDE it must be installed from the supplied SunSoft CD-ROM.
The Notebook Computing Environment (NCE) provides a suite of
graphical tools that make mobile system administration easier. For
example:
• The Display Panel allows you to configure your system to
operate at different display resolutions.
• The Save and Resume Panel allows you to configure the
operation of the Save and Resume feature.
For information about using NCE, refer to your NCE User Guide.
SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide 1-9
Getting Started
Using an External Keyboard and Mouse
Using an External Keyboard and Mouse
Although the built-in keyboard and pointing stick provide full
functionality, you may find it convenient when using your SPARCbook
as a desktop machine to use a Sun-compatible keyboard and mouse with
your SPARCbook.
The external keyboard and mouse interface is combined, and can be
used to connect a type 4 or 5 Sun keyboard and mouse.
Note
Your SPARCbook supports the connection of a Sun-compatible keyboard and
Sun-compatible optical or mechanical mouse. Other types of mouse or keyboard should
not be connected.
The pinout of the combined keyboard and mouse interface is standard,
allowing you to connect any Sun-compatible external mouse and
keyboard with their standard cables. The combined keyboard and
mouse interface allows you to connect an external mouse and keyboard.
The mouse can be connected directly to the SPARCbook or indirectly
via a connector provided on the external keyboard. The internal
pointing stick and keyboard remain active while an external keyboard
and mouse are connected.
Your keyboard is enabled as soon as it is connected to your
SPARCbook. You can alter the operation of your keyboard and change
the keyboard layout if you wish by using the Keyboard panel of the
Notebook Computing Environment. See “Keyboard Panel” in your
NCE User Guide.
1-10 SPARCbook Portable Workstation User Guide
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