Toshiba 8100 User Manual

®

Tecra 8100 Series User’s Guide

If you need assistance:

❖ www.pcsupport.toshiba.com

❖ InTouch

Calling within the United States [phone]

Calling from outside the United States [phone]

For more information, see Chapter 10 on page 206 in this guide.

sm

Center

ii

Model: Tecra 8100 Series

FCC Notice “Declaration of Conformity Information”

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, it 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 to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

❖ Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

NOTE: Only peripherals complying with the FCC Class B limits may be

attached to this computer. Operation with non-compliant peripherals or
peripherals not recommended by Toshiba is likely to result in interference
to radio and TV reception. Shielded cables must be used between the
external devices and the computer’s serial port, parallel port, monitor port,
USB port, PS/2™ port and microphone jack. Changes or modifications
made to this equipment not expressly approved by Toshiba or parties
authorized by Toshiba could void the user
equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

❖ This device may not cause harmful interference.

❖ This device must accept any interference received, including interference

that may cause undesired operation.

’s authority to operate the

Contact:

Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.
9740 Irvine Blvd.
Irvine, CA 92618-1697
[phone]

Industry Canada Requirement

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conformé à la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.

FCC Requirements

The following information is pursuant to FCC CFR 47, Part 68 and refers to
internal modems.

Installation

When you are ready to install or use the modem, call your local telephone
company and give them the following information:

❖ The telephone number of the line to which you will connect the modem.

❖ The FCC registration number of the modem.

❖ The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) of the modem, which is 0.8B.

The modem connects to the telephone line by means of a standard jack called the
USOC RJ11C.

iii

Type of Service

Your modem is designed to be used on standard-device telephone lines.
Connection to telephone company-provided coin service (central office
implemented systems) is prohibited. Connection to party lines service is subject
to State tariffs. If you have any questions about your telephone line, such as how
many pieces of equipment you can connect to it, the telephone company will
provide this information upon request.

iv

Telephone Company Procedures

The goal of the telephone company is to provide you with the best service it can.
In order to do this, it may occasionally be necessary for them to make changes in
their equipment, operations or procedures. If these changes might affect your
service or the operation of your equipment, the telephone company will give you
notice, in writing, to allow you to make any changes necessary to maintain
uninterrupted service.

If Problems Arise

If any of your telephone equipment is not operating properly, you should
immediately remove it from your telephone line, as it may cause harm to the
telephone network. If the telephone company notes a problem, they may
temporarily discontinue service. When practical, they will notify you in advance
of this disconnection. If advance notice is not feasible, you will be notified as
soon as possible. When you are notified, you will be given the opportunity to
correct the problem and informed of your right to file a complaint with the FCC.
In the event repairs are ever needed on your modem, they should be performed
by Toshiba Corporation or an authorized representative of Toshiba Corporation.

Disconnection

If you should ever decide to permanently disconnect your modem from its
present line, please call the telephone company and let them know of this change.

Fax Branding

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 makes it unlawful to use a
computer or other electronic device to send any message via a telephone fax
machine unless such message clearly 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, other entity or 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 your fax modem, you should complete
the setup for your fax software before sending a message.

Notes for users in Australia and New Zealand

For information on using a modem in Australia and New Zealand, see the
internal modem user’s guide that shipped with your unit.

Instructions for IC CS-03 certified equipment

1 NOTICE: The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This

certification means that the equipment meets certain telecommunications
network protective, operational and safety requirements as prescribed in the
appropriate Terminal Equipment Technical Requirements document(s). The
Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s
satisfaction.

Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to
be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The
equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection.
The customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions
may not prevent degradation of service in some situations.

Repairs to certified equipment should be coordinated by a representative
designated by the supplier. Any repairs or alterations made by the user to
this equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may give the
telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the
equipment.

Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground
connections of the power utility, telephone lines and internal metallic water
pipe system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be
particularly important in rural areas.

Caution: Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves,
but should contact the appropriate electric inspection authority, or
electrician, as appropriate.

2 The user manual of analog equipment must contain the equipment’s Ringer

Equivalence Number (REN) and an explanation notice similar to the
following:

The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) of this device is 0.4B.

NOTICE: The Ringer Equivalence Number (REN) assigned to each
terminal device provides an indication of the maximum number of
terminals allowed to be connected to a telephone interface. The termination
on an interface may consist of any combination of devices subject only to
the requirement that the sum of the Ringer Equivalence Numbers of all the
devices does not exceed 5.

3 The standard connecting arrangement (telephone jack type) for this

equipment is jack type(s): USOC RJ11C.

v

vi

CD-ROM / DVD-ROM Safety Instruction

The CD-ROM / DVD-ROM drive employs a laser system. To ensure proper
use of this product, please read this instruction manual carefully and retain
for future reference. Should the unit ever require maintenance, contact an
authorized service location.

Use of controls, adjustments or the performance of procedures other than those
specified may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do not try to open the enclosure.

Location of the required label

(Sample shown below. Location of the label and manufacturing information may
vary.)

Chinese

6

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
LASER KLASSE 1

CAUTION: This appliance contains a laser system and is classified as a
“CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.” To use this model properly, read the
instruction manual carefully and keep it for your future reference. In case of
any trouble with this model, please contact your nearest “AUTHORIZED
service station.” To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do not try to
open the enclosure.

Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other
than those specified in the owner’s manual may result in hazardous
radiation exposure.

Copyright

This guide is copyrighted by Toshiba Corporation, with all rights reserved.
Under the copyright laws, this guide cannot be reproduced in any form
without the prior written permission of Toshiba. No patent liability is
assumed, however, with respect to the use of the information contained
herein.

©1999 by Toshiba Corporation. All rights reserved.

Export Administration Regulation

This document contains technical data that may be controlled under the
U.S. Export Administration Regulations, and may be subject to the
approval of the U.S. Department of Commerce prior to export. Any export,
directly or indirectly, in contravention of the U.S. Export Administration
Regulations is prohibited.

Notice

The information contained in this manual, including but not limited to any
product specifications, is subject to change without notice.

TOSHIBA CORPORATION AND TOSHIBA AMERICA
INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. (TOSHIBA) PROVIDES NO
WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL OR ANY
OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR
PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING.
TOSHIBA ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES
INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM ANY
TECHNICAL OR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS
CONTAINED HEREIN OR FOR DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN
THE PRODUCT AND THE MANUAL. IN NO EVENT SHALL
TOSHIBA BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES,
WHETHER BASED ON TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE,
ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL
OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR
THE USE THEREOF.

vii

viii

Trademarks

Tecra, AccuPoint II, Fn-esse, Noteworthy, and SelectBay are registered
trademarks, and InTouch is a service mark of Toshiba America Information
Systems, Inc. and/or Toshiba Corporation.

IBM and Wake on LAN are registered trademarks, and PS/2 is a trademark of
IBM Corporation.

MS-DOS, Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, DirectX, and DirectShow are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Intel, LANDesk, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

LapLink is a registered trademark of Traveling Software, Inc.

DVDExpress is a trademark of Mediamatics, Inc.

Macrovision is a trademark of Macrovision, Inc.

SoundBlaster Pro is a trademark of Creative Labs, Inc.

CompuServe is a registered trademark of America Online, Inc.

RingCentral is a registered trademark of Ring Zero Systems, Inc.

S3 Savage/MX is a trademark of S3 Corporation.

IntelliSync is a trademark of Puma Technology, Inc.

Yamaha is a registered trademark of Yamaha Corporation.

*Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby” and “Dolby
Digital” are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies.

Energy Star Compliance

As an Energy Star partner, Toshiba has determined that this product is Energy
Star Compliant.

Contents

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Chapter 1: Finding Your Way Around ........................................ 1

Making sure you have everything.......................................... 1

Finding where everything’s located........................................ 1

Front with the display panel closed................................... 2

Left side................................................................................ 3

Back...................................................................................... 4

Right side............................................................................. 6

Underside............................................................................. 7

Keyboard and display features............................................... 8

Front with the display panel open...................................... 8

Indicator panel lights........................................................... 9

External diskette drive ........................................................... 11

Chapter 2: Getting Started........................................................ 13

Selecting a place to work...................................................... 13

Creating a computer-friendly environment..................... 13

Keeping yourself comfortable.......................................... 14

Other precautions.................................................................. 17

ix

x

Setting up your computer.................................................... 19

Connecting the AC adapter .............................................. 19

Charging the battery......................................................... 21

Connecting other external components......................... 21

Turning on the computer...................................................... 22

Opening the display panel................................................ 22

Turning on the power....................................................... 22

Operating system.................................................................. 24

Using the computer for the first time .................................. 24

Registering your computer.............................................. 25

When and how to turn off the computer ............................ 26

Chapter 3: Connecting Other External Devices....................... 31

Using external display devices............................................. 31

Connecting the display device......................................... 32

Directing the display output when you turn on the

computer ........................................................................... 34

Adjusting the quality of the external display................... 35

Video limitations ............................................................... 35

Using an external keyboard.................................................. 36

Making your external keyboard emulate the Fn key...... 36

Using a mouse...................................................................... 36

Setting up a PS/2 mouse with the AccuPoint II............. 37

Connecting a local printer..................................................... 38

Connecting the external diskette drive................................ 39

Connecting external speakers or headphones................... 40

Connecting an external microphone ................................... 40

Using an expansion device................................................... 40

Adding memory.................................................................... 41

Memory module sizes...................................................... 42

Installing a memory module............................................ 43

Removing a memory module......................................... 47

Swapping SelectBay modules ............................................. 47

Removing a module from the SelectBay........................ 48

xi

Inserting a module into the SelectBay............................. 50

Using the secondary battery in the SelectBay................ 51

Inserting and removing PC Cards........................................ 53

Inserting a PC Card........................................................... 53

Removing a PC Card ........................................................ 55

Setting up your PC Card for your computer................... 55

Connecting a modem ........................................................... 55

Connecting to a phone line .............................................. 56

Chapter 4: Learning the Basics................................................ 59

Precautions ............................................................................ 59

Computing tips ...................................................................... 60

Windows basics .................................................................... 61

Logging on to Windows NT............................................. 61

Using the keyboard............................................................... 63

Character keys .................................................................. 63

Making your keyboard emulate a full-size keyboard..... 64

Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys ......................................................... 64

Function keys.................................................................... 65

Windows special keys...................................................... 65

Overlay keys ..................................................................... 65

Using the AccuPoint II .......................................................... 68

Starting a program................................................................ 69

Starting a program from the Start menu........................ 69

Starting a program from Explorer................................... 69

Starting a program from Run menu on the taskbar...... 70

Saving your work .................................................................. 71

Printing your work................................................................. 72

Using diskettes ...................................................................... 73

Inserting and removing diskettes.................................... 74

Diskette care ...................................................................... 74

Backing up your files............................................................. 75

Copying to a diskette ........................................................ 75

Using the optional DVD-ROM drive..................................... 75

xii

Inserting compact discs................................................... 77

Removing compact discs................................................ 79

Caring for CDs and DVDs ................................................ 80

Using PC Cards..................................................................... 80

Using Cardbus-compliant PC Cards............................... 81

Hot swapping.................................................................... 81

Using your computer at the office....................................... 82

Using a computer lock.......................................................... 82

Caring for your computer..................................................... 84

Cleaning the computer..................................................... 84

Moving the computer....................................................... 84

Chapter 5: Power Management............................................... 87

Toshiba’s energy-saver design............................................. 87

Running the computer on battery power ........................... 88

Charging the batteries ...................................................... 88

Monitoring battery power ................................................ 89

What to do when the battery alarm sounds....................... 92

Starting where you left off.................................................... 93

Using Standby command ............................................... 94

Using Suspend/Resume (memory) mode .................... 95

Using Hibernation mode.................................................. 97

Shutdown mode hot key................................................ 101

Restarting a computer in Standby, Suspend or

Hibernate mode .............................................................. 102

Changing batteries.............................................................. 102

Taking care of your battery................................................. 104

Safety precautions.......................................................... 104

Maximizing battery life ................................................... 105

Disposing of used batteries safely ................................ 105

Conserving power............................................................... 106

Power usage modes in Windows 98 Second

Edition.............................................................................. 106

Additional options for power.............................................. 108

xiii

Part II: Technical Reference

Chapter 6: Exploring Your Options........................................ 113

Setting up Windows to work with your printer ................ 113

Setting up Windows 98 Second Edition to work

with your printer.............................................................. 114

Setting up Windows NT to work with your printer...... 116

Exploring audio features..................................................... 118

Using external speakers or headphones....................... 118

Recording sounds .......................................................... 119

Using Microsoft CD Player............................................. 121

Using the DVDExpress DVD Player................................... 122

Starting DVDExpress...................................................... 123

Status display window.................................................... 123

DVD Player controls ....................................................... 124

Using the DVDExpress shortcut keys........................... 128

Using DVDExpress options............................................ 129

Playing CDs and files ...................................................... 130

Exchanging data with another computer.......................... 132

Using the computer’s telephony feature ....................... 133

Setting up for communications..................................... 134

Connecting the modem to a telephone line.................. 137

Sending a fax................................................................... 137

Connecting directly to a remote computer................... 137

Connecting your computer to a network...................... 137

Toshiba’s online resources............................................. 138

Using MS-DOS programs.................................................. 138

Chapter 7: Toshiba Utilities..................................................... 141

Fn-esse ................................................................................ 141

Starting Fn-esse ............................................................. 142

Assigning a key to a program or document ................ 143

Viewing existing key assignments ................................ 145

Changing or removing existing key assignments ....... 146

xiv

Hardware Setup ................................................................. 146

Hardware Setup in Windows 98 Second Edition........ 146

Hardware Setup in Windows NT................................... 148

TSETUP ............................................................................... 151

Using Power Management ............................................... 152

Power Saver ........................................................................ 154

Power Saver in Windows 98 Second Edition.............. 154

Power Saver in Windows NT ........................................ 156

Expansion device properties .............................................. 158

Chapter 8: Keeping Your Files Safe........................................ 161

Using passwords in Windows .......................................... 161

User-level passwords ........................................................ 162

Protecting against forgetfulness.................................... 162

Setting a user-level password........................................ 163

Disabling the user-level password ............................... 166

Using the power-on (user-level) password.................. 168

Using the instant (user-level) password....................... 170

Supervisor-level passwords............................................... 170

Setting a supervisor-level password............................. 170

Deleting a supervisor-level password........................... 173

Hard disk drive passwords - Windows 98 Second

Edition .............................................................................. 175

Setting a hard disk drive User password...................... 175

Deleting the hard disk drive User password ................ 178

Setting a hard disk drive Master password.................. 179

Deleting a hard disk drive Master password................ 181

Hard disk drive passwords - Windows NT....................... 182

Setting a hard disk drive password............................... 182

Creating a password backup diskette........................... 187

Deleting the hard disk drive password......................... 188

Chapter 9: Managing Your Tecra 8100 Computer............... 195

Industry standard architecture........................................... 195

Wired for Management.................................................. 195

xv

Desktop Management Interface.................................... 196

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface.............. 196

Operating system compatibility ......................................... 197

System management.......................................................... 197

Asset management......................................................... 197

Fault management .......................................................... 199

Enterprise management software compatibility .......... 200

Advanced features via the NetDock............................... 201

Security management......................................................... 203

System password in Flash, Not CMOS......................... 203

Supervisor password..................................................... 203

Boot String....................................................................... 204

Hard disk drive password.............................................. 204

HDD supervisor level password.................................... 204

Eject password................................................................ 205

Dock prevention lock...................................................... 205

Cable connection............................................................. 205

Chapter 10: Troubleshooting Guide ...................................... 207

Problems that are easy to fix.............................................. 207

Problems when you turn on the computer....................... 208

Resolving a hardware conflict............................................ 213

Using the Windows 98 Second Edition

troubleshooting feature.................................................. 213

A plan of action................................................................ 213

Resolving hardware conflicts on your own.................. 213

Fixing device-related problems .......................................... 216

Memory card problems ................................................. 216

Power and the batteries.................................................. 217

Keyboard problems ........................................................ 219

AccuPoint II problems.................................................... 220

Display problems............................................................ 220

Disk drive problems........................................................ 222

Modem problems ........................................................... 225

xvi

Problems with the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive........ 226

Sound system problems ............................................... 227

Optional devices.............................................................. 228

PC Card problems .......................................................... 228

Printer problems............................................................. 232

DVD operating problems–Windows 98 Second Edition. 233

DVDExpress problems................................................... 236

Developing good computing habits.................................. 242

If you need further assistance............................................ 243

Contacting Toshiba......................................................... 244

Toshiba's worldwide offices ............................................. 247

Part III: Appendixes

Appendix A: Hot Keys............................................................. 255

Appendix B: Features and Specifications.............................. 261

Appendix C: Power Cable Connectors.................................. 273

Appendix D: System Resources............................................ 275

Appendix E: Video Modes...................................................... 283

Glossary................................................................................... 287

Index......................................................................................... 317

xvii

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx

Safety icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx

Other documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxii

Operating system differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxii

Service options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxiii

Introduction

Welcome to the world of powerful, portable multimedia
computing. Your new Toshiba Tecra
designed just for you. Because you or your company’s IT
personnel have been given the opportunity to choose among so
many options—display, memory, hard disk drive capacity,
processor speed, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, and operating
system—you have a computer that truly meets your specific
needs.

The Tecra 8100 notebook’s modular design also lets you add,
change, or update components at any time, making this computer
one of the most flexible tools you’ve ever owned.

This User’s Guide also contains information about your operating
system, either Microsoft
Microsoft Windows NT
with your computer.

HINT: Throughout this guide, the Windows NT Workstation

4.0 operating system is referred to as Windows NT.

®

Windows® 98 Second Edition, or

®

Workstation 4.0, and how they work

®

8100 notebook computer is

xix

xx

About this guide

This product comes with a user’s guide in printed form and
electronic form on the Configuration Builder CD.

The “electronic book” lets you keep your guide with you wherever
you and your computer go. Special indexing features and quick
access to related topics make the electronic book an easy reference
to use.

The printed guide introduces the computer’s features in which you
can:

❖ Read the entire guide from beginning to end.

❖ Skim through and stop when a topic interests you.

❖ Use the tables of contents and the index to find specific

information.

If you are new to computers or have not used a notebook
computer before, read through the first couple of chapters to
familiarize yourself with the components of the computer. After
that, seek out whatever interests you most.

Safety icons

This manual contains safety instructions that must be observed in
order to avoid potential hazards that could result in personal
injuries or damage to your equipment. The safety instructions
have been classified according to the seriousness of the risk, and
are highlighted with icons as follows:

DANGER: This icon indicates the existence of a hazard that
could result in death or serious bodily injury if the safety
instruction is not observed.

WARNING: This icon indicates the existence of a hazard that
could result in bodily injury if the safety instruction is not
observed.

CAUTION: This icon indicates the existence of a hazard that
could result in damage to equipment or property if the safety
instruction is not observed.

NOTE: This icon indicates information that relates to the safe
operation of the equipment or related items.

Other icons used

Additional icons highlight other helpful or educational
information:

xxi

TECHNICAL NOTE: This icon highlights technical
information about the unit.

HINT: This icon denotes helpful hints and tips.

DEFINITION: This icon indicates the definition of a term used
in the text.

xxii

Other documentation

In addition to this guide, your computer may come with the
following documentation:

❖ An electronic user’s guide you can install by using your

Configuration Builder CD supplied with your system.

❖ The To sh i b a Companion Diskette Guide explains when to use

the Toshiba Companion Diskette and how to use the
programs on the diskette that are not discussed in this guide.

❖ The Toshiba Configuration Builder CD Instructions explain

how to completely recover, selectively reinstall, or custom
configure your system.

❖ The Windows documentation explains the features of the

Microsoft Windows operating system.

❖ Guides for other software that may come preinstalled on your

computer and additional software on your Configuration
Builder CD.

Operating system differences

Under Windows 98 Second Edition, the following features are not
supported:

❖ Suspend/Resume (memory) mode

Under Windows NT, the following features are not supported:

❖ CardAid

❖ Universal Serial Bus (USB) port

❖ Device Manager

❖ Microsoft online registration

❖ Hibernation mode

❖ Standby command

❖ RingCentral

❖ PC Card hot swapping

❖ Plug and Play device installation

❖ Safe mode

TECHNICAL NOTE: Though Windows NT does not support
USB (Universal Serial Port) specifications, you can still use
a USB-compliant mouse or keyboard by setting the USB
Legacy item in TSETUP to Enabled.

Service options

Toshiba offers a full line of service options built around its
SelectServ™ warranty programs. See the warranty and service
material included with your computer for registration information.

xxiii

If you have a problem or need to contact Toshiba, see “If you need
further assistance” on page 243.

PART I

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR

COMPUTER

What’s in Part I

This part explains the computer components of your Tecra 8100 and how
to use them. Don’t hesitate to skip around. Guides, such as this one, are not
meant to be read from cover to cover.

Chapter 1

Making sure you have everything . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Finding where everything’s located . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Keyboard and display features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

External diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Finding Your Way Around

This chapter presents a “grand tour” of your Tecra 8100 computer
with illustrations to guide you along your way.

It serves as a reference when you need to locate specific parts of the computer.

Making sure you have everything

Before you do anything else, consult the Quick Start card shipped
with your unit to make sure you received everything.

If any items are missing or damaged, notify your network administrator.

Finding where everything’s located

The next few pages take you on a guided tour of the computer and its components.

1

Finding Your Way Around

2

Finding where everything’s located

Front with the display panel closed

System indicator panel

Battery
Reset button
Volume control dial

The system indicator panel is made up of several status lights that
provide information about various system functions. See “System
indicator lights” on page 9 for a description of each of the panel
lights.

Sliding the display latch opens the computer display panel. For
more information, see “Keyboard and display features” on page 8

The battery powers the computer when it is not connected to an AC outlet.

Display latch

.

The volume control dial lets you adjust the loudness of the system
speakers.

Pressing the reset button restarts the computer. This button
overrides the Suspend/Standby command in Windows, which
enable you to continue working from where you left off. Use this
button when other methods of restarting the computer have failed.

CAUTION: Never use a pencil to press the reset button.
Pencil lead can break off inside the computer and damage it.
Instead, use a slim object such as a straightened paper clip.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Left side

Finding Your Way Around

Finding where everything’s located

3

PC Card ejection tabs
PC Card slots

Cooling vent
PC Card lock

External diskette drive port cover

Speaker
Headphone jack

Microphone jack

Power button
Power button cover

The PC Card ejection tabs allow easy removal of PC Cards.

The PC Card slots allow you to use Type I, Type II, or Type III PC Cards.

The left side speaker lets you hear stereo sound from a CD or
DVD in addition to system alarms and audible warnings
associated with your software.

The 3.5 mm headphone jack lets you connect stereo headphones
or other audio output devices. Connecting headphones or other
devices to this jack automatically disables the internal speakers.

The 3.5 mm microphone jack lets you connect an external
monaural microphone or other audio input device. Connecting a
microphone or other device to this jack automatically disables the
internal microphone.

The cooling vent provides ventilation to keep the computer’s
Pentium

®

processor from overheating. This lets the processor

continue performing at its maximum speed.

CAUTION: To prevent possible overheating of the Pentium
processor, make sure you don’t block the cooling vent.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

4

Finding Your Way Around

Finding where everything’s located

The PC Card lock, when used with the security lock, prevents unauthorized removal of the PC Cards.

The external diskette drive cover protects the external drive port.
To connect the external diskette drive, fold back the cover to
expose the port.

For more information about the external diskette drive, see
“External diskette drive” on page 11.

On

Back

USB port
PS/2 port
Infrared port
Monitor port
Expansion port

The power button cover protects the power button. Slide this cover
toward the rear of the computer to reveal the power button. For
more information, see “Turning on the computer” on page 22.

Serial port
Parallel port

DC IN socket

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port provides a connection for
USB peripherals. USB is a single-cabling and connection standard
that supports a data transfer rate of up to 12 million bits per second
(Mbps) for peripherals such as keyboards, pointing devices, and a
video camera. USB allows “hot swapping” of peripherals, which
means that components may be plugged and unplugged while the
computer is on.

NOTE: The USB port is not supported in Windows NT.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Finding Your Way Around

Finding where everything’s located

The PS/2™ port lets you connect an optional PS/2-compatible
mouse or keyboard. You can use an optional Y-cable to connect
both a mouse and a keyboard to the port.

The fast infrared port allows cable-free communication with
another device, such as a computer or printer, that has a
compatible infrared port.

The monitor port allows you to connect an external monitor. For
more information, see “Using external display devices” on
page 31.

The expansion port allows you to connect one of several available
expansion stations. These devices provide additional expansion
capability. For more information, see “Using an expansion device”
on page 40 and “Expansion capability” on page 269.

The serial port lets you connect a serial mouse, serial printer, or other serial device.

The parallel port lets you connect a parallel printer or other parallel
device. For more information, see “Connecting a local printer” on
page 38.

_

+

The DC IN socket is where you plug in the AC adapter.

5

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

6

Right side

Finding Your Way Around

Finding where everything’s located

Speaker

The right side speaker lets you hear stereo sound from a CD or
DVD in addition to system alarms and audible warnings
associated with your software.

The SelectBay
SelectBay modules. The DVD-ROM drive is shown in place. For
more information on using your DVD-ROM, see “Using the
optional DVD-ROM drive” on page 75. For further information
on SelectBay devices, see “Swapping SelectBay modules” on
page 47.

The modem port lets you connect the computer’s internal modem
directly to a conventional telephone line.

The composite video port lets you connect your computer to an
external video device such as a standard television set.

Attaching an optional PORT-Noteworthy Computer Lock Cable
to the security lock slot lets you anchor your computer to a large,
heavy object such as your desk. For more information, see “Using
a computer lock” on page 82.

®

SelectBay device
(DVD-ROM drive shown)

Modem port
Composite video port

Security lock slot

allows you to use one of several possible

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Underside

The battery module enables you to use the Tecra when a standard
electrical outlet is not available. For further information about
using the battery, see “Power Management” on page 87.

Finding Your Way Around

Finding where everything’s located

Memory module

PC Card lock
PC Card lock retaining screw

7

Battery module

SelectBay lock

SelectBay module

The SelectBay lock ejects the SelectBay module from the computer.

The SelectBay of the Tecra can contain one of several
interchangeable devices, offering exceptional system flexibility.
For more information, see “Swapping SelectBay modules” on
page 47.

The memory module lets you add more memory to your Tecra
computer. For more information, see “Adding memory” on
page 41.

The PC Card lock keeps the PC Cards secure in their slots.

The PC Card lock retaining screw prevents the PC Card lock from
accidentally releasing the PC Card lock.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Finding Your Way Around

8

Keyboard and display features

Keyboard and display features

To view the front of the computer with the display panel open:

1 Locate the display latch on the front of the computer.

2 Slide the display latch to the right and lift the display panel.

3 Adjust the display panel to a comfortable viewing angle.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the display panel, be careful
when opening and closing it. Never force the panel beyond
the point where it moves easily, and never use it to lift the
computer.

Front with the display panel open

System
indicator panel

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

AccuPoint II
buttons

Screen

Keyboard
indicator panel

AccuPoint II
pointing device

Microphone

Finding Your Way Around

Keyboard and display features

The computer’s screen is a liquid crystal display (LCD) that
provides clear, sharp images.

The 85-key keyboard provides all the functionality of a full-size
keyboard. For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on
page 63.

The lights on the keyboard indicator panel provide information
about various keyboard functions. See “Keyboard indicator lights”
on page 10 for a description of the panel lights.

The AccuPoint
mouse with the convenience of never having to remove your
hands from the keyboard. See “Using the AccuPoint II” on
page 68.

The built-in microphone lets you record sounds.

The system indicator panel is made up of several status lights that
provide information about various system functions. See “System
indicator lights” on page 9 for a description of each of the panel
lights.

®

II pointing device combines the function of a

9

Indicator panel lights

Two sets of indicator lights, the system indicator panel and the
keyboard indicator panel, display the current state of your system.

System indicator lights

This panel is located on the front of the computer.

The AC power light glows green when the computer is connected to an external power source.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

10

Finding Your Way Around

Keyboard and display features

On

The on/off light glows green when the computer is on. It flashes
amber when you turn off the computer using either the Windows
98 Second Edition Standby command, or Windows NT Suspend
command. The on/off light may also flash amber if the computer
is overheating.

The main battery light indicates the state of the main battery. The
light glows amber when the battery is charging and green when
the battery is fully charged. When the light flashes amber, the
battery charge is running low. For more information, see
“Monitoring battery power” on page 89.

The SelectBay battery light indicates the state of a secondary
battery in the SelectBay, if installed. The light glows amber when
the battery is charging and green when the battery is fully charged.
The light does not glow if there is no battery in the SelectBay.

The hard disk drive light indicates that the hard disk is currently in use.

The SelectBay drive light indicates that the module installed in the
SelectBay or the external diskette drive is currently in use.

Keyboard indicator lights

The lights on the keyboard indicator panel provide information about keyboard functions.

The caps lock light glows when you press the caps lock key. When
this light is on, pressing a letter key on the keyboard produces an
uppercase (capital) letter. The caps lock key does not affect the
number and symbol keys.

The cursor control mode light glows when the cursor control
overlay is on. When this light is on, pressing an overlay key moves
the cursor as shown by the white arrow or command printed on the

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

left front of the key instead of the letter printed on the top of the
key. For more information, see “Using the overlay for cursor
control” on page 67.

The numlock light glows when the numeric overlay is on. When
this light is on, pressing an overlay key produces the white number
printed on the right front of the key instead of the letter printed on
the top of the key. For more information, see “Using the overlay to
type numeric data” on page 66.

External diskette drive

Your computer comes with an external diskette drive designed for use with 3.5-inch diskettes.

Finding Your Way Around

External diskette drive

11

You may connect the external diskette drive using the external
diskette drive port on the left side of the computer, or you may
remove the drive from its case and install it in the SelectBay. To do
this, follow the instructions in “Connecting the external diskette
drive” on page 39. For information on using the external diskette
drive, see “Using diskettes” on page 73.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Chapter 2

Selecting a place to work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Other precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Setting up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Turning on the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Operating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Using the computer for the first time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

When and how to turn off the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Getting Started

This chapter provides tips for working comfortably, describes how
to connect components, and explains what to do the first time you
use your Tecra computer.

Selecting a place to work

Your computer is designed to be used in a variety of locations and
situations. This section provides guidelines for setting up your
computing environment.

Creating a computer-friendly environment

Place the computer on a flat surface that is large enough for the
computer and any other items you need to use, such as a printer.
Leave enough space around the computer and other equipment to
give adequate ventilation; otherwise, they may overheat.

To keep your computer in prime operating condition, protect your work area from:

❖ Dust, moisture, and direct sunlight.

❖ Liquids and corrosive chemicals.

13

14

Getting Started

Selecting a place to work

CAUTION: If you spill liquid into the computer, turn off the
computer, unplug it from the AC power source, and let it dry
out completely before turning it on again.

If the computer does not operate correctly after you turn it
back on, contact your network administrator.

❖ Equipment that generates a strong electromagnetic field, such

as large stereo speakers (other than speakers that are
connected to the computer) or speakerphones.

❖ Rapid changes in temperature or humidity and sources of

temperature change such as air conditioner vents or heaters.

❖ Extreme heat, cold, or humidity. Operate the computer within

a temperature range of 41 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (5
degrees to 35 degrees Celsius) and 20 percent to 80 percent
non-condensing humidity.

Keeping yourself comfortable

Strain and stress injuries are becoming more common as people
spend more time using their computers. However, with a little care
and proper use of the equipment, you can work comfortably
throughout the day.

WARNING: Using the computer keyboard incorrectly can
result in discomfort and possible injury. If your hands,
wrists, and/or arms hurt while typing, stop using the
computer and rest. If the discomfort persists, consult a
physician.

This section provides hints on avoiding strain and stress injuries.
For more information, consult books on ergonomics, repetitive­motion injury, and repetitive-stress syndrome.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Getting Started

Selecting a place to work

15

Placement of the computer

Proper placement of the computer and external devices is
important to avoid stress-related injuries. Consider the following
when placing your computer.

❖ Place the computer on a flat surface at a comfortable height

and distance. You should be able to type without twisting your
torso or neck and look at the screen without slouching.

❖ If you use an external monitor, the top of the screen should be

no higher than eye level.

❖ If you use a paper holder, set it at the same height and distance

as the screen.

Seating and posture

When using your computer, maintain good posture with your
body relaxed and your weight distributed evenly. Proper seating is
a primary factor in reducing work strain. Some people find a
backless chair more comfortable than a conventional chair.
Whichever type you choose, use the following guidelines to adjust
your chair for maximum computing comfort.

Below eye level

Footrest

Correct posture and positioning of the computer

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Approximately
90° angles

16

Getting Started

Selecting a place to work

❖ Position your chair so that the keyboard is at or slightly below

the level of your elbow. You should be able to type
comfortably with your shoulders relaxed and your forearms
parallel to the floor.

If you are using a conventional chair:

❖ Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. If

necessary, use a footrest to raise the level of your knees and
ease the pressure on the back of your thighs.

❖ Adjust the back of your chair so that it supports the lower

curve of your spine. If necessary, use a cushion to provide
extra back support. Lower-back support cushions are
available at many office supply stores.

❖ Sit with your back straight so that your knees, hips, and

elbows form approximately 90-degree angles when you
work. Do not slump forward or lean back too far.

Lighting

Proper lighting can improve the readability of the display and reduce eyestrain.

❖ Position the display panel or external monitor so that sunlight

or bright indoor lighting does not reflect off the screen. Use
tinted windows or shades to reduce glare.

❖ Avoid placing your computer in front of a bright light that

shines directly into your eyes.

❖ If possible, use soft, indirect lighting in your computer work

area.

Arms and wrists

❖ Avoid bending, arching, or twisting your wrists. Keep them in

a relaxed, neutral position while typing.

❖ Exercise your hands, wrists, and arms to improve circulation.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Work habits

The key to avoiding discomfort or injury from strain is to vary
your activities. If possible, schedule a variety of tasks into your
working day. Finding ways to break up the routine can reduce
stress and improve your efficiency.

❖ Take frequent, short breaks to change position, stretch your

muscles, and relieve your eyes. A break of two or three
minutes every half hour is more effective than a long break
after several hours.

❖ Avoid performing repetitive activities for long periods.

Intersperse such activities with other tasks.

❖ Focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods

can cause eyestrain. Look away from the computer frequently
and focus your eyes on a distant object for at least 30 seconds.

Other precautions

Getting Started

Other precautions

17

Your Tecra computer is designed to optimize safety, minimize
strain, and withstand the rigors of portability. However, you

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

18

Getting Started

Other precautions

should observe certain precautions to further reduce the risk of
personal injury or damage to the computer.

CAUTION: Do not apply heavy pressure to the computer or
subject it to sharp impacts. Excessive pressure or impact can
damage computer components or cause your computer to
malfunction.

CAUTION: Some PC Cards can become hot with prolonged
use. If two cards are installed, both can become hot even if
only one is used extensively. Overheating of a PC Card can
result in errors or instability in the PC Card operation.

Be careful when you remove a PC Card that has been used
for lengthy periods of time.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Setting up your computer

Setting up your computer

If you are using the computer for the first time, you need to
connect the AC adapter to power the computer and to charge its
battery.

Connecting the AC adapter

The AC adapter enables you to power the computer from an
electrical outlet and to charge the computer’s batteries.

Power cable

Power cable and AC adapter

Getting Started

19

AC adapter

To connect AC power to the computer:

1 Connect the power cable to the AC adapter.

Connecting the power cable to the AC adapter

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

20

_

Getting Started

Setting up your computer

+

2 Plug the AC adapter into the DC IN socket on the rear of the

computer.

Connecting the AC adapter to the computer

3 Connect the power cable to a live electrical outlet.

If the electrical outlet is live, the system indicator panel’s AC
power light ( ) glows green.

DANGER: Damaged power cables can cause fire or electric
shock. Never modify, forcibly bend, place heavy objects on
top of, or apply heat to the power cable.

If the power cable becomes damaged or the plug overheats,
discontinue use. There is a risk of electric shock.

Never remove the power plug from the outlet with wet hands.
Doing so may cause an electric shock.

CAUTION: Use of the wrong AC adapter could damage your
computer. Toshiba assumes no liability for any damage in
such cases.

Never pull directly on the power cable to unplug it. Hold the
power plug when removing the cable from the outlet.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Charging the battery

Before you can use the battery to power the computer, you must
charge it. Connect the computer to a live electrical outlet using the
AC adapter and power cable. When the AC adapter is connected
to a live electrical outlet, the system indicator panel’s AC power
light ( ) glows green and the battery light ( ) glows amber.
When the battery light turns green, the battery is completely
charged and ready to power the computer.

Charging time for the battery varies depending upon the demand
placed on the AC adapter. If the computer is off, the battery should
fully charge in about three hours. If the computer is on, the battery
will charge in four to ten hours, provided the computer is not
consuming full power. If you are also charging a secondary battery
housed in the SelectBay, charging time will be longer.

NOTE: Once the battery is charged for the first time, avoid
leaving the computer plugged in and turned off for more than
a few hours at a time.

Getting Started

Setting up your computer

21

For more information on battery use, see “Running the computer
on battery power” on page 88.

Connecting other external components

You should attach any other external components and devices to
your Tecra computer before you turn it on. For more information
about other external components, see “Connecting Other External
Devices” on page 31.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Getting Started

22

Turning on the computer

Turning on the computer

The computer is now ready for you to turn it on and begin using it.

Opening the display panel

1 Release the display latch.

2 Lift the display panel.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the display panel, do not force
it beyond the point where it moves easily, and never lift the
computer by the display panel.

Turning on the power

To turn on the computer:

1 Make sure any external devices (such as the AC adapter) are

properly connected and ready.

2 If the diskette drive is connected, check that it is empty.

3 Slide the power button cover on the left side of the computer

toward the rear, revealing the power button.

Exposing the power button

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Getting Started

Turning on the computer

23

On

4 Press and hold the power button in until the on/off light on the

system indicator panel turns on (green)—about one second.

Turning on the power

The AC power light glows when the computer is connected to
an external power source.

The battery light does not glow if the AC adapter is not
plugged in. If the adapter is plugged in, the battery light glows
amber while the battery is being charged, and glows green
when it is fully charged.

If a battery is installed in the SelectBay, the SelectBay battery
light glows amber when the battery is charging and green
when the battery is fully charged. Otherwise the light is off.

The hard disk drive light flashes to indicate that the hard disk
drive is currently in use.

If there is a disk device installed in the SelectBay, the
SelectBay drive light flashes periodically to indicate that the
device is available, and flashes when the device is in use.

CAUTION: Never turn off the computer while any of the
drives are in use.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Getting Started

24

Operating system

5 The preinstalled operating system will load automatically.

CAUTION: When you turn on the computer for the first time,
don’t turn off the power again until the operating system has
loaded completely.

Operating system

Your computer comes with one of the following operating systems preinstalled:

❖ Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition

❖ Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0

The appropriate Microsoft operating system documentation comes with your Toshiba computer.

Using the computer for the first time

When you start your computer for the first time, it prompts you to:

❖ Set up your software

❖ Set date/time properties

❖ Set up your printer

❖ Complete the initial start-up procedure

❖ Register your computer

Windows automatically detects and installs the devices it finds on
your computer. Follow the instructions on the screen to properly
set up and register your computer.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Using the computer for the first time

Registering your computer

The last step in setting up your computer is to register your computer.

Sending in your product registration card lets Toshiba keep you up
to date with information about new products and upgrades.

Registering your computer also extends your Toshiba warranty
worldwide at no charge to you. See the registration card and
warranty information for details about the warranty options
available from Toshiba.

Windows NT does not support online registration. To register your
computer, complete and mail the registration card provided by
Toshiba.

HINT: After you turn on the computer for the first time, it may
give you the option to register online. To register online,
double-click the icon provided and follow the
instructions.(Online registration is not available in
Windows NT).

Getting Started

25

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Getting Started

26

When and how to turn off the computer

When and how to turn off the computer

It’s a good idea to turn off your computer when you’re not using it for a while.

Turning off the computer for a short period of time

If you have work in progress and expect to resume shortly, use the
Windows Suspend/Standby command to save your system
settings so that, when you turn on the computer again, you
automatically return to where you left off.

❖ In Windows 98 Second Edition,

click Start, Shut Down, select Stand by and click OK.

❖ In Windows NT,

click Start, then Suspend, or
click Start, Shut Down, select Stand by and click OK.

The computer saves the state of all open programs, turns off the
display, and goes into a low-power suspended state.

The on/off light pulsates amber indicating the machine is in Standby mode.

NOTE: To turn the computer completely off, press and hold
the power button until the computer stops beeping (4-5
beeps).

You may configure your Tecra 8100 for additional Suspend/
Standby options. For more information, see “Starting where you
left off” on page 93.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Getting Started

When and how to turn off the computer

Turning off the computer for a long period of time

To leave the computer turned off for a longer period, use the Windows Shut Down command.

To shut down Windows 98 Second Edition and turn off your computer:

1 Click the Start menu, then Hibernate, or

select Start, then Shut Down.

If you select Hibernate, the computer saves the current state to
disk and turns itself off.

If you select Shut Down, the Shut Down dialog box appears.

27

Shut down the computer (Windows 98 Second Edition)

2 Select Shut down and click OK.

The computer shuts down and turns itself off.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

28

Getting Started

When and how to turn off the computer

To shut down Windows NT and turn off your computer:

1 Click the Start menu, then click Shut Down.

Shut down the computer (Windows NT)

2 Select Shut down the computer, then click Ye s.

Windows NT shuts down. A message tells you to wait while data
is saved to disk. Then the computer switches itself off.

There are a few additional things to keep in mind when you turn off the power.

❖ Never turn off the power while the hard disk drive light or the

SelectBay drive light on the system indicator panel is on.
Doing so may damage your hard disk, diskette drive, or
DVD/CD-ROM drive.

❖ If you close the display panel while the computer is on, the

Panel Close Alarm beeps loudly.

❖ You can turn off the Panel Close Alarm using Toshiba

Hardware Setup’s Hardware Alarm tab in Windows 98
Second Edition, or TSETUP in Windows NT.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Getting Started

When and how to turn off the computer

29

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Chapter 3

Using external display devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Using an external keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Using a mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Connecting a local printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Connecting the external diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Connecting external speakers or headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Connecting an external microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Using an expansion device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Adding memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Swapping SelectBay modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Inserting and removing PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Connecting a modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Connecting Other External Devices

This chapter describes how to connect devices that can increase
the capabilities of your Tecra computer.

Using external display devices

Your Tecra computer comes with a built-in LCD display, but you
can also connect three different types of external display devices to
one of two available video ports:

❖ A television via the composite video port.

TECHNICAL NOTE: In Windows 98 Second Edition, you
don’t need an Internet connection to watch cable or
broadcast TV, but you must purchase a compatible TV tuner
card.

❖ A video display device, such as a video projection unit via the

composite video port.

❖ An external SVGA monitor via the monitor port.

31

Connecting Other External Devices

32

Using external display devices

Before connecting your television, video projector, monitor or
other display device, configure your computer for the type of
device you’re connecting. To do this, refer to your operating
system documentation.

Connecting the display device

If you’re connecting a television or other video display device to
the computer’s composite video port, refer to the following section
for guidelines on choosing a video cable, then refer to
“Connecting to the composite video port” on page 33.

HINT: You may choose to have both the LCD display and an
external video device display simultaneously. This is
available only if you’ve set the Controller Option to Dual
Controller.

Set the S3 Savage/MX video controller option by clicking
Start, Settings, Control Panel and clicking Display
Properties. Choose the Settings tab, click the Advanced
Properties button and select S3 Dual View.

If you’re connecting an SVGA monitor, skip to “Connecting an
external monitor” on page 33.

Selecting video cables

To connect a device to the composite video port, you need a
composite video cable. For the best video quality, always use a
properly shielded cable.

HINT: Toshiba recommends using a cable no longer than
20 feet (approximately 6 meters).

Using a poor quality cable may result in a dull or fuzzy picture,
poor color, ghosting, video noise, or loss of video.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

Using external display devices

33

Connecting to the composite video port

To connect the device:

1 Connect one end of the video cable to the external video

device.

Refer to the documentation provided with the device for the
location of its video-in port.

2 Connect the other end of the video cable to the plug on the

video port adapter (included with your computer).

3 Connect the other end of the video port adapter cable to the

composite video port on the left side of the computer.

4 Turn on the external video device.

5 Set the display mode by pressing

Display Properties settings. For more information, see
“Directing the display output when you turn on the computer”
on page 34.

Fn + F5, or by setting the

Connecting an external monitor

You can easily attach an external monitor to your computer if you
need a larger screen. To do this:

1 Connect the monitor’s video cable to the monitor port on the

back of the computer.

2 Connect the monitor’s power cable to a live electrical outlet.

3 Turn on the external monitor.

4 Set the display mode by pressing

Display Properties settings. For more information, see
“Directing the display output when you turn on the computer”
on page 34.

Fn + F5, or by setting the

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

34

Using external display devices

Directing the display output when you turn on the computer

Once you’ve connected an external display device, you can choose
to use the internal display only, the external device only, or both
simultaneously. The quickest way to change the display output
settings is to use the display hot key (

Fn + F5):

1 Press

2 While holding down

3 Release the

Fn and F5 simultaneously.

Fn, press F5 repeatedly until the setting

you want takes effect.

This hot key cycles through the settings in the following
order:

❖ Built-in display only

❖ Built-in display and external monitor simultaneously

❖ External monitor only

❖ Built-in display and TV (or other external video device)

simultaneously

❖ TV (or other external video device) only

Fn key.

TECHNICAL NOTE: You can also change these settings
using the Display Properties Box.

Set the option of the S3 Savage/MX™ video controller by
clicking Start, Settings, Control Panel and clicking Display
Properties. Choose the Settings tab, click the Advanced
Properties button and select S3 Dual View.

For more information on switching the display output, see
“Display modes” on page 258.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

Using external display devices

Adjusting the quality of the external display

To obtain the best picture quality from your television (or other
video display device), you may need to adjust the video settings.
See the video device documentation for additional configuration
steps.

TECHNICAL NOTE: In order to use one of the simultaneous
modes, you must set the resolution of the internal display
panel to match the resolution of the external display device.

Video limitations

Keep in mind that the quality of the display will be limited to the
capabilities of the external video device.

❖ If the external video device, such as an SVGA monitor, is

capable of displaying at a maximum resolution of 640 x 480
and your system is set for a higher resolution, only part of the
desktop will appear on the screen. You can view the “lost”
area by scrolling to it.

35

❖ Since most televisions and video projectors overscan by 15 to

20 percent, some of the desktop will be outside the viewing
area. You can view the edge of the desktop by scrolling to it.

❖ If you use the display hot key (Fn + F5) to change the display

output with the LCD Display Stretch option enabled and the
Display area (resolution) set to 640 x 480 or 800 x 600, the
image on the internal display panel may appear stretched.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

36

Using an external keyboard

Using an external keyboard

If you prefer to use a full-size keyboard, you can attach one to your
computer. The computer’s PS/2 mouse/keyboard port supports
any PS/2-compatible keyboard.

HINT: You can only connect one PS/2 device at a time,
unless you purchase an optional Y-cable. Connecting a
Y-cable to the computer’s PS/2 port allows you to connect
a PS/2-compatible mouse and a PS/2-compatible keyboard
simultaneously.

Windows 98 Second Edition gives functionality to your USB
port. If you have a USB mouse or keyboard, you can connect
multiple external devices to one another, with one of them
connected to the USB port.

Making your external keyboard emulate the Fn key

An external keyboard doesn’t have the Fn key contained on the
Tecra computer’s built-in keyboard. If you use the computer’s hot
keys or have set up key combinations in Fn-esse
miss these features when using an external keyboard. Don’t worry:
you can use a key combination on the external keyboard to
emulate the
the Windows Control Panel Toshiba Hardware Setup option icon.
For more information about Fn-esse, see “Fn-esse” on page 141.

In TSETUP, this option is called Ext. Keyboard “Fn.” To find out
how to set the Fn Key Emulation option using TSETUP, see
“TSETUP” on page 151.

Fn key. You can set up this key combination through

Using a mouse

You may want to use a mouse instead of the computer’s built-in
pointing device, the AccuPoint II. You can use a serial mouse or a
PS/2-compatible mouse.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

®

, you’ll probably

Connecting Other External Devices

Using a mouse

A serial mouse disables the AccuPoint II. With a PS/2 mouse, you
can choose to have the AccuPoint II active at the same time.

Setting up a PS/2 mouse with the AccuPoint II

When you connect a PS/2-compatible mouse to the PS/2 port, you
may use the mouse, the AccuPoint II, or both.

CAUTION: When connecting any PS/2 device, Toshiba
recommends turning off your computer to prevent any
possible hardware damage.

PS/2 mouse with Windows 98 Second Edition

To set the PS/2 mouse to work simultaneously with the
AccuPoint II:

1 Click Start, Settings, then point to Control Panel.

37

2 Double click the To sh i ba Hardware Setup icon.

3 Select the Pointing Devices tab and click Simultaneous.

TECHNICAL NOTE: You can also set this using the “Pointing
Devices” setting in TSETUP.

PS/2 mouse with Windows NT

To set the PS/2 mouse to work simultaneously with the
AccuPoint II:

1 Click Start, select Programs, then select Toshiba Utilities.

2 Click Hardware Setup, click the Hardware Options button,

and then select the Pointing Devices tab.

3 Select the Simultaneous radio button and click OK.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

38

Connecting a local printer

Your computer will prompt you to reboot in order for your
changes to take effect.

Connecting a local printer

CAUTION: Never connect the printer cable while the
computer’s power is on. Doing so may damage the printer,
the computer, or both.

Before you can connect a printer, you need to know whether it
uses a serial or a parallel interface. Check the printer’s
documentation. If the printer can be switched between serial and
parallel mode, choose parallel because it is faster.

You also need a suitable printer cable, which may come with your
printer. Otherwise, you can purchase one from a computer or
electronics store.

NOTE: If your printer is ECP- or IEEE-compliant, make sure
your printer cable is an IEEE 1284 cable.

These instructions assume you have a parallel printer, which is the
most common type of interface.

To connect the printer:

1 If the computer is on, turn it off.

2 Connect the printer cable to the printer and to the computer’s

parallel port. Use the printer cable illustration as a connection
guide.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

Connecting the external diskette drive

To the computer To the printer

Identifying the ends of a parallel printer cable

3 Plug the printer’s power cable into a live electrical outlet.

4 See your printer documentation for additional configuration

steps.

For more information on getting your printer to print, see “Printing
your work” on page 72.

Connecting the external diskette drive

To connect the external diskette drive, connect the cable to the
diskette drive port.

39

Connecting the external diskette drive

TECHNICAL NOTE: You can also install the diskette drive as
a SelectBay device. For more information, see “Swapping
SelectBay modules” on page 47.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

40

Connecting external speakers or headphones

For more information about diskettes, see “Using diskettes” on
page 73:

Connecting external speakers or headphones

To attach an external stereo output device:

1 Locate the headphone jack on the left side of the computer.

It’s beside the external microphone jack.

2 Using any necessary adapters, plug the cable from the

external audio device into the headphone jack. The
headphone jack requires a 3.5 mm 16-ohm stereo jack.

For more information on using headphones or external speakers,
see “Using Microsoft CD Player” on page 121, or “Starting
DVDExpress” on page 123.

Connecting an external microphone

To record higher quality sounds, you can attach an external
microphone:

1 Locate the microphone jack on the left side of the computer.

2 Plug the microphone cord into the microphone jack.

3 Turn on the microphone.

The internal microphone is automatically disabled.

Once the external microphone is connected, the recording process
is the same as with the built-in microphone. For more information,
see “Recording sounds” on page 119.

Using an expansion device

The expansion port allows you to connect your computer to an
expansion device, which is an excellent

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

Adding memory

investment if you’re using your computer both in and out of the
office.

When you return to your desk, you probably want to connect to
your network, print reports from your computer, or use a mouse
instead of the AccuPoint II. Connecting cables for each of these
devices every time you return to the office is time-consuming and
inconvenient.

With an expansion device, you can leave external devices
connected while you are using your computer away from your
desk. When you return, you can quickly connect your computer
and have immediate access to all the devices.

Toshiba offers the following expansion devices for the Tecra 8100:

❖ NetDock

❖ Expansion Station

NOTE: The Expansion Station must be used with the
NetDock (purchased separately).

41

For more information, see “Expansion capability” on page 269
and the user guide that comes with the device.

These docking solutions may be purchased through the Toshiba

Accessories Catalog. You can access the Toshiba Accessories
Catalog online at

Adding memory

HINT: To purchase additional memory modules, see the
Toshiba Accessories Catalog.

www.toshiba.com.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

42

Adding memory

Your computer is equipped with a 100 MHz Front Side Bus (FSB)
SDRAM memory module. In addition, there are two memory
expansion slots in this computer to provide various memory
configurations. When additional memory is added, or original
memory replaced, it is recommended that you use only compatible
100 MHz memory. In the event original memory is replaced with
invalid memory, such as 66 MHz, the system will beep and will
not boot beyond the BIOS memory check. A message may
display. If this occurs, contact Toshiba’s support center at
[phone].

Since your Tecra 8100 computer was built to order, it should have
enough memory to run your current applications. However, if your
requirements change, you can install extra memory up to a
maximum of 256 MB.

Memory module sizes

Additional memory is easy to install. Memory modules come in
the following sizes:

❖ 64 MB PC100 SDRAM

❖ 128 MB PC100 SDRAM

The computer has two memory expansion slots. The following
table shows the possible memory configurations:

Memory Module Size

Total Memory

64 MB 64 MB none

128 MB 128 MB none

192 MB 128 MB 64 MB

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

(slot A)

64 MB 64 MB

64 MB 128 MB

Memory Module Size
(slot B)

Connecting Other External Devices

Adding memory

43

Memory Module Size

Total Memory

256 MB 128 MB 128 MB

(slot A)

Installing a memory module

You install additional memory modules into the memory
expansion slots on the base of the computer. You will need a small
Phillips screwdriver for this procedure.

Preparing to install memory with
Windows 98 Second Edition

Before you can install a memory module, you must first shut down
the computer. To do this in Windows 98 Second Edition:

1 Press

2 While continuing to press

3 Release

Fn and F3 simultaneously to display the Shutdown mode

pop-up window.

Shut down.

Fn.

Memory Module Size
(slot B)

Fn, press F3 until you select

The Shutdown mode pop-up window disappears.

4 Click Start, then click Shut Down.

Windows displays the Shut Down Windows dialog box.

5 Select Shut down the computer, then click Ye s or OK, as

appropriate.

Windows shuts down and automatically turns off the
computer.

Preparing to install memory with Windows NT

Before you can install a memory module, you must first shut down
the computer. To do this in Windows NT:

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

44

Connecting Other External Devices

Adding memory

1 Click Start then click Shut Down.

Windows NT 4.0 displays the Shut Down Windows dialog
box.

2 Select Shut down the computer, then click Ye s.

Windows NT Workstation 4.0 shuts down and automatically
turns off the computer.

Inserting a memory module

The computer has two memory expansion slots—Slot A and
Slot B. You can install one or two memory modules.

1 Unplug the computer.

CAUTION: Installing a memory module with the computer’s
power on may damage the computer, the module, or both.

2 Close the display panel and remove any cables you may have

connected.

3 Turn the computer upside down.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

Adding memory

4 Locate and remove the screws that hold the cover plate in

place.

Unscrewing the memory module cover

5 Lift off the cover.

45

Removing the memory module cover

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

46

Connecting Other External Devices

Adding memory

CAUTION: Static electricity can damage the memory module.
Before you handle the module, touch a grounded metal
surface to discharge any static electricity you may have built
up.

To avoid damaging the memory module, be careful not to
touch its pin connector on the side you insert into the
computer.

6 Remove the memory module from its anti-static packaging.

7 Insert the memory module in the slot and gently press it down

into place.

The clips on either side of the module will click to secure the
module.

Inserting the memory module into the slot

Pressing the memory module into the slot

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

Swapping SelectBay modules

8 Replace the cover plate and the screws.

9 Turn the computer over and restart it.

When you turn on the computer, it automatically recognizes
the additional memory.

Removing a memory module

If you need to remove a memory module:

1 Complete steps 1 through 5 in “Installing a memory module”

to turn off the computer and open the memory slot.

2 Pull the clips away from the memory module.

The memory module pops partially out of the slot.

47

Pulling the clips away from the memory module

3 Carefully remove the module from the slot.

4 Replace the cover plate and screws.

5 Turn the computer over and restart it.

Swapping SelectBay modules

The SelectBay gives you additional flexibility. By inserting and
removing SelectBay modules, you can configure your computer
for the task at hand without having to carry unnecessary

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

48

Connecting Other External Devices

Swapping SelectBay modules

components with you when you travel. Any one of several
modules can be used in the SelectBay:

❖ A CD-ROM drive that came with your computer or can be

purchased separately

❖ A DVD-ROM drive that came with your computer or can be

purchased separately

❖ A weight saver insert (a “honeycomb” piece of plastic) that

came in your computer’s accessories box

❖ An external diskette drive that came with your computer, in a

case designed for external use

❖ An optional secondary battery

❖ An optional secondary hard disk drive (HDD)

HINT: Items from this list that didn’t ship with your computer
may be purchased. See the Toshiba Accessories Catalog.

Removing a module from the SelectBay

1 Turn off the power.

CAUTION: Installing or removing a module while the
computer power is on can damage the computer, the
module, or both.

2 Turn the computer upside down and locate the SelectBay

cover.

3 Slide the SelectBay ejection bar towards the back of the

computer. Twist a coin in the ejection slot to push the
SelectBay module out about one-quarter inch.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

Swapping SelectBay modules

Unlatching the SelectBay

4 Slide the module out of the computer.

49

Sliding the module out

If you are removing the weight saver, retain it for transporting
the computer when no other module is installed in the
SelectBay.

NOTE: The modules are attached to covers. Usually you
leave the covers on the modules. However, you must remove
the diskette drive module from its cover to use it in the
external casing.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

50

Swapping SelectBay modules

Inserting a module into the SelectBay

This section explains how to install the module and its cover into
the SelectBay.

1 Snap the module into the cover, if necessary.

To install the diskette drive module, you must remove it from
its external casing. For details, see “Inserting the diskette drive
module” on page 50.

To install the battery, you must make sure it’s in the battery
case. See “Placing the battery into the adapter” on page 51
and “Removing the battery from the adapter” on page 52.

2 Slide the module all the way into the SelectBay.

Inserting the diskette drive module

The diskette drive module ships in a case, ready to connect to the
external diskette drive port. Before installing the diskette drive
module into the SelectBay, you must remove it from the case.

1 Simultaneously pinch the two eject buttons.

The diskette drive will partially eject from the case.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

Swapping SelectBay modules

2 Carefully pull the diskette drive by the front edges to

completely remove it from the case.

Eject buttons

Releasing the drive module

Once the drive module is out of its case, you can attach it to the
SelectBay drive cover.

51

Using the secondary battery in the SelectBay

The optional secondary battery is shipped with an adapter that fits
into the SelectBay.

Placing the battery into the adapter

You must assemble the secondary battery and the adapter before
placing the battery into the cover and installing it into the
SelectBay.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

52

Connecting Other External Devices

Swapping SelectBay modules

Battery

Adapter

Battery release lever

Snapping the battery into the adapter

To place the battery into the adapter:

1 Align the contacts on the battery with the contacts on the

adapter.

2 Push down to snap the battery into the adapter.

Removing the battery from the adapter

Removing the battery from the adapter

1 Holding the front of the battery adapter toward you, slide the

battery release latch to your right.

2 Holding the latch to the right, push up on the front of the

battery until it pops out of the adapter.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

Inserting and removing PC Cards

Inserting and removing PC Cards

Your Tecra 8100 computer comes with two stacked PC Card slots
and supports three types of PC Cards:

❖ Type I cards and Type II cards are used for modems, fax/

modems, data storage, network cards, and more. You can
install up to two of these cards, one in each slot.

❖ Type III cards are used for removable hard disks and other

functions that require a larger card. You can install just one of
these cards.

Inserting a PC Card

Before you insert your PC Card, read through the documentation
that comes with the card to see if you need to do anything before
you insert it.

53

CAUTION: Your Tecra 8100 computer came with all the Card
and Socket Services programs you need. Even if your PC
Card comes with its own version of Card and Socket
Services, you should use the files provided on your
computer.

To insert a PC Card:

NOTE: If your operating system is Windows NT, you must
turn off the computer before inserting PC Cards.

1 Locate the PC Card slot on the left side of the computer.

2 If the PC Card slots are locked, unlock them by turning the

computer over, locating the PC Card lock, removing the
retaining screw, sliding the lock into the unlocked position,
and replacing the screw.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

54

Connecting Other External Devices

Inserting and removing PC Cards

3 Insert the PC Card.

If you have a Type III card, insert it into the lower part of the
slot. If you have a Type I or Type II card, insert it into either
the upper or lower part of the slot.

Inserting a PC Card

4 When the card is almost all the way into the slot, push firmly,

but gently, to ensure a firm connection with the computer.
Don’t force the card into position.

5 Fold the PC Card eject lever into the case.

Stowing the PC Card eject lever

6 To lock the PC Cards in their slots, turn the computer over and

locate the PC Card lock, remove the retaining screw, slide the
lock into the locked position, and replace the screw.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Removing a PC Card

NOTE: If your operating system is Windows NT, you must
turn off the computer before removing PC Cards.

1 If the PC Card slots are locked, unlock them by turning the

computer over, locating the PC Card lock, removing the
retaining screw, sliding the lock into the unlocked position,
and replacing the screw.

2 Locate the PC Card ejection tab that corresponds to the slot in

which your PC Card is installed.

The top tab releases a card in the upper slot. The bottom tab
releases a card in the lower slot.

3 Fold out the PC Card eject lever and push it in to remove the

PC Card.

Connecting Other External Devices

Connecting a modem

55

The PC Card ejects slightly from the slot.

4 Grasp the edges of the PC Card and slide it out of the slot.

Setting up your PC Card for your computer

Some PC Cards are ready to use as soon as you install them.
Others, such as hard disk cards, network cards and SCSI adapters,
may need to be set up to work with your computer. To set up your
PC Card, refer to the documentation that came with the card or
refer to your operating system manual or online help.

Connecting a modem

A modem allows you to:

❖ Access a bulletin board service (BBS) or the Internet.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

56

Connecting a modem

❖ Communicate with your office’s local area network (LAN), or

a larger corporate wide area network (WAN).

For specific information about connecting to a LAN or WAN,
consult your network administrator.

❖ Send a fax directly from your computer.

TECHNICAL NOTE: Windows 98 Second Edition does not
support fax capability.

Connecting to a phone line

Before you can communicate using the modem, you need to
connect it to a telephone line. Your computer’s built-in modem
provides an RJ11 jack, allowing you to connect the modem to a
standard voice-grade telephone line.

1 Plug one end of the telephone cable into the modem jack on

the right side of the computer.

Connecting the telephone cable to the RJ11 modem jack

2 Connect the other end to the wall jack.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Connecting Other External Devices

Connecting a modem

Connecting to a wall jack

CAUTION: The modem is designed for use with a standard
analog telephone line. Don’t connect the modem to a digital
telephone line. A digital line will damage the modem.

Now you’re ready to send a fax or use the modem to connect to an
online service or the Internet.

57

HINT: If you’re using a telephone line at home, disable Call
Waiting before connecting through the modem. Call Waiting
interrupts transmission.

For more information on using a modem, see “Setting up for
communications” on page 134.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Chapter 4

Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Computing tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Windows basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Using the AccuPoint II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Starting a program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Saving your work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Printing your work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Using diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Backing up your files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Using the optional DVD-ROM drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Using PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Using your computer at the office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Using a computer lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Learning the Basics

This chapter covers precautions and computing tips as well as
providing important information about basic features.

Precautions

❖ Don’t spill liquids into the computer’s keyboard.

If you do spill a liquid that gets into the keyboard, turn off the
computer as soon as it is feasible. Leave the computer turned
off overnight to let it dry out before you use it again.

❖ Don’t turn off the computer if a drive indicator light indicates

a drive is active.

Turning off the computer while it is reading from or writing to
a disk may damage the disk, the drive, or both.

❖ Keep the computer and disks away from objects that generate

strong magnetic fields, such as large stereo speakers.

Information on disks is stored magnetically. Placing a magnet
too close to a disk can erase important files.

59

Learning the Basics

60

Computing tips

❖ Scan all new files for viruses.

This precaution is especially important for files you receive
via diskette, email, or download from the Internet.
Occasionally, even new programs you buy from a supplier
may contain a computer virus. Your computer is equipped
with a virus-scan program.

Computing tips

❖ Save your work frequently.

Your work stays in the computer’s temporary memory until
you save it to the disk. You will lose all the work since your
last save if, for example, the network you are using goes down
and you must restart your computer to reconnect, or your
battery runs out of charge while you are working.

HINT: Some programs have an automatic-save feature which
you can turn on. This feature saves your file to the hard disk
at preset intervals. See your software documentation for
details.

❖ Back up your files to disks (or other removable media) on a

regular basis. Label the backup copies clearly and store them
in a safe place.

It’s easy to put off backing up because it takes time. However,
if your hard disk suddenly fails, you will lose all the data on it
unless you have a separate backup copy.

❖ Use ScanDisk, Disk Defragmenter, and the Maintenance

Wizard regularly to conserve disk space and help your
computer perform at its optimal level. Consult your
Windows 98 Second Edition documentation for more
information on these and other utilities.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

❖ Take frequent breaks to avoid repetitive-motion injuries and

eyestrain.

❖ Before turning off the computer, always use the Shut Down or

Standby command in Windows 98 Second Edition, or use the
Shut Down or Suspend command in Windows NT.

CAUTION: Windows records information, such as your
desktop setup, during its shutdown procedure. If you do not
let Windows shut down normally, details such as new icon
positions may be lost.

Windows basics

Learning the Basics

Windows basics

61

Windows 98 Second Edition or Windows NT Workstation 4.0 is
the computer’s operating system. If you’ve used a Macintosh
Windows 98 or 95, you’ll find Windows 98 Second Edition or
Windows NT Workstation is similar in many ways.

For answers to common questions, click Start, click Help to open
the online help, then double-click If you’ve used Windows
before.

Logging on to Windows NT

A major difference between Windows NT and other versions of
Windows is that you have to log on, even when your computer is
not connected to a network.

To turn on your computer and log on to Windows NT:

1 If the external diskette drive is connected to the computer,

check that it is empty.

2 If a printer or other external device is connected to the

computer, turn on the device.

®

or

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

62

Learning the Basics

Windows basics

3 If the battery is not charged or you are running the computer

on AC power, connect the AC adapter. For information on
how to do this, refer to “Connecting the AC adapter” in your

®

Te cr a

8100 User’s Guide.

4 With the power button lock in the unlocked position, press

and hold the power button until the on/off indicator
illuminates green.

A screen appears prompting you to select the operating
system option in which you want Windows NT to start.

5 Use the arrow keys to select one of the following operating

system options:

❖ Windows NT Workstation - for normal operation

❖ Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (VGA mode) - for

troubleshooting

6 Press

7 Press the

8 Enter your user name and password, then click OK.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Enter.

The Begin Logon dialog box appears.

NOTE: If you don’t select an operating system option within
20 seconds, the system defaults to the currently highlighted
option.

Ctrl, Alt and Del keys simultaneously to begin the

Windows NT logon process.

The Logon Information dialog box appears.

The Windows NT desktop appears.

Using the keyboard

The Tecra keyboard contains character keys, control keys,
function keys, and special Windows keys, providing all the
functionality of a full-size keyboard.

Learning the Basics

Using the keyboard

63

Esc

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10

!

@

2

1345790

QW RTY UI OP

ASDFGHJKL

Caps
Lock

Shift

Fn

Ctrl

Keyboard

Character keys

Typing with the character keys is very much like typing on a typewriter, except that:

❖ The space bar creates a space character instead of just passing

over an area of the page.

❖ The lowercase letter l (el) and the number 1 are not

interchangeable.

❖ The uppercase letter O and the number 0 are not

interchangeable.

❖ The Caps Lock key changes only the alphabet keys to upper

case — the number and symbol keys are not affected. The
caps lock light on the keyboard indicator glows when you
press the

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Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Learning the Basics

64

Using the keyboard

Making your keyboard emulate a full-size keyboard

Although the Tecra computer’s keyboard layout is compatible
with a standard full-size keyboard, it has fewer keys.

A standard full-size keyboard has two
editing keys, cursor positioning keys, and a numeric keypad.
Pressing the

Fn key simultaneously in combination with one of the

specially marked keys allows you to emulate a full-size keyboard.

The computer’s built-in keyboard has only one
key. Most of the time this doesn’t matter. However, some
programs assign separate functions to the right and left
keys, or to the regular and numeric pad
keyboard. Using the
as follows:

❖ Press Fn and Ctrl simultaneously to simulate the Ctrl key on the

right side of the enhanced keyboard.

❖ Press Fn and Enter simultaneously to simulate the Enter key on

the numeric pad of the enhanced keyboard.

Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys

Alt

Fn

Ctrl

The Ctrl, Fn and Alt keys

Enter, Ctrl, and Alt keys,

Enter and one Ctrl

Ctrl and Alt

Enter keys on the full-sized

Fn key you can simulate these separate keys,

.

The

Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys do different things depending on the

program you are using. For more information, see your program
documentation.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Function keys

The function keys (not to be confused with the Fn key) are the 12 keys at the top of the keyboard.

Learning the Basics

Using the keyboard

65

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10

The function keys

F1 through F12 are called function keys because they execute

programmed functions when pressed. Used in combination with
the

Fn key, function keys marked with icons execute specific

functions on the computer. For more information, see “Fn-esse”
on page 141, or “Hot Keys” on page 255.

Windows special keys

The Windows special keys

The keyboard provides two keys that have special functions in
Windows: The Start key activates the Start menu. The Application
key has the same function as the secondary mouse (or
AccuPoint II) button.

Overlay keys

F11 F12

Start key
Application key

The keys with white numbers and symbols on the front of them
form the numeric and cursor overlay. This overlay lets you enter
numeric data or control the cursor as you would using the 10-key
keypad on a desktop computer’s keyboard.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

66

Learning the Basics

Using the keyboard

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Keyboard overlay keys

Using the overlay to type numeric data

The keys with the numbers on the right front of the keycaps are the cursor control overlay.

To turn the numeric overlay on, press
The numeric mode light on the keyboard indicator panel glows
when the numeric overlay is on.

You can still use the overlay keys to type alphabetic characters
while the numeric overlay is on. To do so:

❖ For lowercase letters, hold down Fn while you type the letters.

❖ For uppercase letters, hold down both Fn and Shift while you

type the letters.

To use the cursor control keys when the numeric overlay is on.

❖ Press and hold down Shift while you use the cursor control

overlay keys.

❖ To return to the numeric overlay, release Shift.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Fn and F11 simultaneously.

Learning the Basics

Using the keyboard

To disable the numeric keypad overlay, hold down the Fn key and
press

F11 again. The numeric mode light on the keyboard indicator

panel goes out.

67

Using the overlay for cursor control

The keys with the white arrows and white symbols on the left front are the cursor control overlay.

To turn the cursor control overlay on, press
simultaneously. The cursor control light on the keyboard indicator
panel glows when the cursor control overlay is on.

To type alphabetic characters while the overlay is on:

❖ For lowercase letters, hold down Fn while you type the letters.

❖ For uppercase letters, hold down both Fn and Shift while you

type the letters.

To use the numeric overlay keys while the cursor control overlay is on:

❖ Hold down Shift while you use the numeric overlay keys.

❖ To return to the cursor control overlay, release Shift.

To disable the cursor control overlay, hold down the
press

F10 again. The cursor control mode light on the keyboard

indicator panel goes out.

Fn and F10

Fn key and

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Learning the Basics

68

Using the AccuPoint II

Using the AccuPoint II

The AccuPoint II keys

The round button in the middle of the keyboard is the AccuPoint II
pointing device. It enables you to move the cursor and to select
items on the screen. (If you would prefer to use a mouse or
trackball, you can connect one to the computer’s serial port or
PS/2 port. See “Using a mouse” on page 36.

AccuPoint II
pointing device

Page up
Page down

Primary button

Secondary button

To move the cursor, gently push the pointing device in the
direction you want the cursor to move. Pushing harder on the
pointing device moves the cursor faster.

The primary button acts as the left button on a mouse. The
secondary button acts as the right mouse button.

The small left button performs the same function as the
key.

The small right button performs the same function as the

Page Down key.

When a step instructs you to click or choose an item, move the
cursor to the item, then press and release the primary button. To
double-click, press the primary button twice in rapid succession.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Page Up

Learning the Basics

Starting a program

Starting a program

In Windows there are three ways to start a program—from the
Start menu, from Windows Explorer, or from the Run menu on the
task bar.

Starting a program from the Start menu

To start a program that has an icon in the Programs menu, follow
these steps, which use the Windows Wordpad program as an
example:

1 Click Start, then point to Programs.

Windows displays the Programs menu, which lists programs
and program groups. If your program is listed, go to step 3,
otherwise, continue with step 2.

2 Point to the program group, in this example, Accessories.

Windows displays the Accessories menu.

69

3 Click the program, in this example, Wordpad.

Windows opens Wordpad—a scaled-down word processor.

That’s all there is to it. To close the program, click the Close
button at the upper-right corner of the window.

Starting a program from Explorer

If a program is not in the Programs menu, you can start it in
Windows Explorer. To use this method, you need to know the
name and location of the program.

The following method also opens Wordpad, using its file name of Wordpad.exe.

To start a program from Windows Explorer:

1 Click Start, then point to Programs.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Learning the Basics

70

Starting a program

2 Click Windows Explorer.

Windows opens Explorer.

3 In the left part of the screen, under the C: icon, double-click

the folder containing the program, in this case Program Files.

Explorer shows the contents of the Program Files folder on
the right side of the screen. The left side of the screen shows
all the folders contained within the Program Files folder.

4 Click Accessories.

Explorer shows the contents of the Accessories folder on the
right side of the screen.

5 Double-click Wordpad.

Windows opens Wordpad.

Starting a program from Run menu on the taskbar

You can start a program from the taskbar if you know its name and location.

To start a program using the taskbar:

1 Click Start on the taskbar.

2 Point to Run.

3 In the dialog box, type the command line. For example, to

access Paintbrush, type

4 Click OK.

Paintbrush opens.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

C:\Windows\pbrush.exe.

Saving your work

Before you turn off the computer, save your work to the hard disk
drive or a diskette. This is one of the most important rules of
computing.

NOTE: Save data even when you are using Standby, in case
the battery discharges before you return to work.

Many programs offer a feature that saves documents at regular
intervals, such as every 15 minutes. Check your programs’
documentation to see if they have an automatic-save feature.

To save:

❖ A file you are updating, open the File menu of your Windows

program and click Save.

❖ A new file, choose Save As from the File menu, type a name

for the file and click OK.

Learning the Basics

Saving your work

71

HINT: To make another copy of the file you are currently
working with, choose Save As from the File menu and give
the new file a different name.

File names

Windows 95 and newer operating systems support file names of
up to 255 characters. You may use all the letters and numbers on
the keyboard plus the following characters:
_,^,$,~,!,#,%,&,{,},(,),@,[,], +, -,; , and ‘. The names can include
spaces.

Most programs assign an extension of a period and up to three
characters that identifies the file as having a particular format. For
example, Microsoft Word saves files with a

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

.doc extension.

72

Learning the Basics

Printing your work

If you plan to share your files with a computer using MS-DOS® or
a pre-Windows 95 version of Windows, you must use a “short
filename” format. Short filenames are in the format xxxxxxxx.yyy,
(up to eight character filename followed by a three character
extension). An MS-DOS file name may not contain a space.

Windows NT supports the following file systems:

❖ File Allocation Table (FAT) - The computer can access files in

a FAT primary partition or logical drive when it is running
Windows NT, Windows 95, Windows 98, MS-DOS

®

OS/2

.

❖ Windows NT File System (NTFS) - The computer must be

running Windows NT to be able to access files on an NTFS
volume.

With Windows NT, long and short filenames can be used on both NTFS or FAT volumes.

®

, or

Printing your work

Make sure that Windows 98 Second Edition is set up for your
printer as described in “Setting up Windows to work with
your printer” on page 113.

TECHNICAL NOTE: You only need to set up the printer the
first time you connect it. If you use more than one printer or
are changing printers, you will need to set up Windows to
run with the additional printer(s).

To print a file:

1 If your printer is not on, turn it on now.

2 In the File menu of your Windows program, click Print.

The program displays a Print dialog box.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

A sample Print dialog box

3 Click OK to print.

Using diskettes

The diskette drive

Learning the Basics

Diskette in-use indicator light

Using diskettes

73

Eject button

The diskette in-use indicator light glows when the diskette drive is being accessed.

Push the eject button to remove a diskette from the drive. When a
diskette is fully seated in the drive, the button pops out. To remove
a diskette, push in the eject button and the diskette pops out for
easy removal.

CAUTION: Check the diskette in-use indicator light when
you use the diskette drive. Do not press the eject button or
turn off the computer while the light is glowing. Doing so
could destroy data and damage the diskette or the drive.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer

Learning the Basics

74

Using diskettes

Inserting and removing diskettes

To insert a diskette in the computer’s diskette drive:

1 Hold the diskette so that the arrow on its upper surface points

toward the drive.

2 Push the diskette gently into the drive slot.

When the diskette is in place, the eject button pops out.

To remove a diskette from the drive, push the eject button.

Diskette care

❖ Store your diskettes in their boxes or other containers to

protect them and keep them clean.

❖ If a diskette is dirty, clean it with a soft cloth moistened with

water. Do not use cleaning fluids.

❖ Do not slide back the protective metal cover.

❖ Do not touch the magnetic surface of a diskette. Fingerprints

can prevent the drive from reading the data stored on a
diskette.

❖ Do not twist or bend a diskette.

❖ Keep diskettes at room temperature and do not expose them

to direct sunlight. Otherwise data may be lost.

❖ Do not place heavy objects on your diskettes.

❖ Do not eat, smoke, or use erasers near your diskettes. Foreign

particles can damage the diskette’s surface.

❖ Keep your diskettes away from sources of magnetism, such as

speakers and radios, since these can destroy data.

Part I: Getting to Know Your Computer