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 informa tion contained
herein.
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 authorised 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 enclo sure.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
LASERSCHUTZKLASSE 1
PRODUKT
TO EN60825
CAUTION: This appliance contains a laser system and is
classified as a "CLASS 1 LASER PRGDUCT". To use this model
properly, read the instruction manual carefully and keep this
manual for your future reference. In case of any trouble with
this model, please contact your nearest "AUthGRISED service
station". To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do not
try to open the enclosure.
CAUTION: USE GF CGFTRGLS GR ADJUSTMENTS GR
PERFGRMANCE GF PRGCEDURES GTHER THAN THGSE
SPECIFIED IN the GWNER'S MANUAL MAQ RESULT IN
HAZARDGUS RADIATIGN EPPGSURE.
User's Manual
Notice
Trademarks
The information contained in this manual, including but not limited to
any product specifications, is subject to change without notice.
TOSHIBA CORPORATION (TOSHIBA) PROVIDE NO WARRANTY WITH
REGARD TO THIS MANUAL OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM 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. 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.
IBM and Wake on LAN are registered trademarks and PS/2 is a
trademark of IBM Corporation.
MS-DOS, Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel, LANDesk and Pentium are registered trademarks, and Celeron is a
trademark of Intel Corporation.
CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe Interactive
Services, Inc.
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox, Inc.
SoundBlaster Pro is a trademark of Creative Labs, Inc.
All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
EU Declaration of Conformity
This product carries the CE-Mark in accordance with the related European
Directives. CE-Marking is the responsibility of Toshiba Europe,
Hammfelddamm 8, 41460 Neuss, Germany.
Ci
User's Manual
Safety Instructions for Toshiba
Desktop and Minitower Computers
Important Safeguards
All safety instructions must be read carefully and must be fully
understood, before attempting to use your Toshiba desktop or minitower
Personal Computer (PC).
This manual contains the safety instructions that must be observed in
order to avoid potential hazards that could result in personal injuries or
could damage your computer. The safety instructions have been classified
according to the seriousness of the risk, as follows:
DANCER: This icon indicates the existence of a hazard that couid resuit
in death or serious bodiiy injury if the safety instruction is not
observed.
WARNINC: This icon indicates the existence of a hazard that couid resuit
n
in bodiiy injury if the safety instruction is not observed.
m
s
CAUTION: This icon indicates the existence of a hazard that couid resuit in
damage to equipment or property if the safety instruction is not observed.
NOTE: This icon indicates information that reiates to the safe operation
of the equipment or reiated items.
TECHNICAL NOTE: This icon provides technicai information about
the unit.
HINT: This icon denotes heipfui hints and tips.
DEFINITION: This icon indicates the definition of a term used in the text.
User's Manual
Computer Minitower
Warning: Never remove the cover or panels of the Computer Minitower,
except as specifically instructed by Toshiba. Never attempt to disassemble
the Minitower, to avoid the risk of electric shock or possible damage to
the computer. Contact an authorised Toshiba service provider for
assistance if repair or adjustment is necessary.
In the event that the cover or panels of the Minitower have been
removed, in accordance with the specific instructions of Toshiba, always
confirm that the cover, all panels and all mounting screws have been
properly replaced before attempting to operate this Toshiba desktop PC.
Power Cords
Warning: Never use damaged or worn power cords or plugs. The use of
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CD-ROM Drives
damaged or worn power cords or plugs could result in electric shock,
burns or fire. Contact an authorised Toshiba service provider immediately
to obtain suitable replacements.
Caution: Never bend or twist a power cord, and never pull on a power
cord in an attempt to remove a plug from a socket. Never place heavy
objects on a power cord, as this could result in damage to the cord.
Always grasp the plug directly when unplugging a power cord to avoid
causing any damage to the cord.
Warning: Never attempt to disassemble, adjust or repair a Toshiba
ri
Cl
Toshiba Optional Devices and Accessories
n
User's Manual
CD-ROM Drive as exposure to laser light or other safety hazards may
result. Always contact an authorised Toshiba service provider if repair or
adjustment is required.
Notice: All Toshiba CD-ROM Drives fully comply with all applicable
safety standards for laser products. The laser beam generated in any
Toshiba CD-ROM Drive is totally enclosed during all modes of normal
operation, and no hazardous laser light is emitted from any Toshiba
CD-ROM Drive.
Warning: Always use authorised Toshiba optional devices and
accessories. This will prevent incompatibility and will avoid any risk of
fire or other inadvertent damage to your unit. All authorised Toshiba
optional devices and accessories are fully compatible with this computer.
Using unauthorised and incompatible optional devices and accessories, in
violation of this warning, could result in bodily injury or property damage.
Monitor
Danger: To avoid the risk of electric shock and exposure to high
voltages, never remove the cover of the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor
for any reason. Contact an authorised Toshiba service provider for
assistance if repair or adjustment is necessary.
Warning: To avoid the risk of injury from flying glass, never strike the
n
face of the CRT with any object, and never drop the CRT monitor. Never
install the CRT monitor in an unstable location from which it might fall.
Proper Treatment of the Unit
Warning: To avoid any risk of short-circuit, fire or other internal damage,
n
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3
never allow any metal objects such as screws or paper clips to fall into
the unit or into the keyboard. If that should happen, immediately turn
off the power and unplug the power cord. Contact an authorised Toshiba
service provider for appropriate assistance.
Caution: To avoid damage to the computer, never allow any liquids to
spill into any part of a Toshiba desktop PC, and never expose the
computer to rain or to water. If any of those events should occur, turn the
computer off immediately. Contact an authorised Toshiba service
provider for assistance before attempting to use the computer again.
To prevent computer malfunction or equipment damage, never place a
computer on top of (or adjacent to) a heating device, and never expose
it to direct sunlight. Never store a computer in a locked and unventilated
vehicle (where excessive internal temperatures may be encountered).
Never press the reset button with the point of a pencil. A piece of the
lead could break off and enter the unit, causing a computer malfunction
or equipment damage.
Always unplug the power cord during lightning storms in order to
protect the unit from possible damage as a result of a power surge.
If the computer is ever dropped and damaged, or if you ever detect the
emission of an extraordinary odour or excessive heat, unplug the power
cord and shut off the computer immediately. Contact an authorised
Toshiba service provider for appropriate assistance.
Notice: If the computer has been exposed to cold temperatures, allow it
to warm to room temperature before turning it on. This will prevent the
occurrence of harmful condensation within the unit. (This is a particularly
important concern when the unit is being used in cold climates.)
Avoid using the computer in dusty areas since dust particles can affect
the reliability of the computer. Contact an authorised Toshiba service
provider, if your unit has become contaminated with dust or dirt
particles.
User's Manual
Work Environment
Notice: This computer must always be used at a well designed work
station. The keyboard and mouse-pad must be located so that your arms,
3
shoulders and hands will always be in natural and comfortable positions
when you are using the computer. This will minimise any physical
discomfort to the back, neck, wrists and other parts of your body.
(During normal computer use, your forearms should be parallel to the
floor, your wrists should be arched comfortably upward (i.e., so that your
hands are above your forearms), your fingers should be gently curved
downward and your upper arms should be hanging freely at your side.
This will minimise physical discomfort.)
Furthermore, you must always be seated in front of the computer in a
comfortable chair that provides firm support for your back, and that
permits your feet to be flat on the floor, you knees to be bent at an angle
of 90 degrees or more and your thighs to be at an angle of 90 degrees
or greater in relation to your torso.
In addition, the work station must always be well-illuminated and the
CRT monitor must always be positioned and adjusted so that both the
viewing distance and the viewing angle will be comfortable in relation
to your seat location. (The CRT monitor has been provided with both
swivel and tilt adjustments, to facilitate optimum positioning.)
The following safety instructions must therefore always be followed, to
avoid the adverse consequences that could otherwise result from the
misuse of a Toshiba desktop PC in a poorly designed work station.
Prevention of Eyestrain
Viewing Distance From$ and Viewing Angie of$ the CRT
Monitor Screen
When using a Toshiba desktop PC, the operator is linked to the
equipment through the eyes as well as through the hands. Viewing
distance and viewing angle are two of the controllable factors which
significantly affect the ability of the eyes to focus easily on the CRT
monitor screen.
Viewing distances of less than 40 cm (16") can cause eye-strain and
headaches, both in persons with normal vision and in persons who must
wear corrective glasses or contact lenses. Consequently, viewing
distances of at least 40 cm (16") must be maintained. Closer viewing
distances will create stress both on the binocular (eye-aiming) system and
on the accommodating (eye-focusing) system.
Most persons also find it to be more restful on the eyes if the viewing
angle is adjusted so that the top line of the CRT monitor screen is located
20
degrees or more below eye-level, rather than straight ahead or
upward. In general, the closer the location of the CRT monitor screen,
the lower it should be placed.
User's Manual
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Warnings:
a. Always locate the CRT monitor directly in front of you, at a
comfortable viewing distance, always greater than 40 cm (16") both
for persons with normal eyesight as well as for those who wear
corrective glasses or contact lenses.
b. Always adjust the viewing angle to ensure that the top line of the
CRT monitor screen is located at least 20 degrees below eye level.
When using a copy stand or document holder, always position it so
that the viewing distance for the document from which you are
working is also greater that 40 cm (16") and the viewing angle for
the top line of the page is also at least 20 degrees below eye level.
c. Always adjust the brightness and contrast controls to maximise the
character and image quality on the CRT monitor screen.
Ambient Lighting
Adequate lighting increases work effectiveness and reduces eye-strain.
Sources of illumination should be selected which are located outside of
the peripheral field of vision, to minimise both direct and reflected
disability glare (i.e., glare that results in a reduction of the readability of
the information displayed on the CRT monitor screen), and discomfort
glare (i.e., glare that produces visual distraction).
Ambient illumination, comprised of general lighting and local (task)
lighting, must be sufficiently bright, uniform, and free from both disability
and discomfort glare, or from flicker, to permit the use of the Toshiba
desktop PC without any noticeable visual impairment or eye-strain.
Warnings:
a. Always position the CRT monitor (in relation to the available sources
of light) so that direct glare or reflected glare will be minimised at the
CRT monitor screen, in order to maximise visibility.
b. If the room in which you are working has windows, uses available
blinds, shades or drapes to control the amount of direct or reflected
light in the room. Always locate the CRT monitor so that the side of
the unit faces the windows, in order to minimise direct or reflected
glare on the screen.
c. Always position the CRT monitor between rows of overhead lights, if
possible, to avoid direct glare.
d. Always combine the available general and task lighting to best suit
your lighting needs, but avoid placing bright light sources within
your field of vision.
e. Always use indirect lighting where possible, in order to avoid bright
spots on the CRT monitor screen.
User's Manual
rj
Vision Care
All new users of desktop PCs must have vision tests performed before
undertaking computer use, and all users must have vision tests performed
periodically thereafter, to ensure that they have adequately corrected
their vision (if necessary) to satisfactorily handle such work.
An association between bifocal use and vulnerability to neck disorders is
also known to exist. Bifocal use while operating a Toshiba desktop PC
may result in more head movements from keyboard to screen, a
backward declination of the head and increased static loading of the
neck muscles, which could cause neck discomfort. The use of bifocals
reportedly may also result in awkward postural adjustments, which could
cause further discomfort to the body.
Consequently, all individuals who wear bifocals must have vision tests
performed before beginning computer work and must then be evaluated
periodically by a vision-care specialist, to determine whether their
current lenses are appropriate for the computer work that they will be
performing.
Warnings:
a. Always have your eyes examined periodically by a vision-care
specialist, to maintain good vision.
b. Always wear corrective glasses or contact lenses, where required, to
minimise eye-strain when using the CRT monitor.
c. If you wear bifocals, always have vision tests performed before your
first use of this computer, and then periodically thereafter, to protect
against eye-strain and possibly physical discomfort, as well.
d. Always keep your glasses, contact lenses, and the CRT monitor screen
as clean as possible.
e. Always take frequent rest breaks, and relax the focusing system of the
eyes by looking at distant objects, (i.e., objects located at a distance
greater than 4.5 m or 15 feet).
f. If you experience vision-related problems including (but not limited
to) eye-strain, irritation or pain, blurred or double vision, excessive
tears or dry eyes or excessive blinking or squinting, always consult a
vision-care specialist to protect your eyesight.
User's Manual
Prevention of Physical Discomfort
When using your Toshiba desktop PC for an extended period of time,
prudent precautions must be taken to prevent physical discomfort to the
body or to the hands, wrists and arms. Physical discomfort can be
avoided by taking frequent rest breaks and by periodically initiating
changes in activity, environment or work tempo.
Prevention of Physical Discomfort to the Body
To prevent physical discomfort to the back, neck, shoulders and other
parts of the body when using your Toshiba desktop PC for an extended
period of time, the following work practices must always be observed:
Warnings:
0
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a. Always avoid sitting in one position for long periods of time, by
periodically performing alternate tasks or by periodically moving to a
different environment.
b. In order to avoid exposing the body to physical discomfort when
using this computer for an extended period of time, always initiate
periodic changes in work-tempo and always take periodic breaks.
c. Always avoid any awkward working positions that could cause
discomfort or stress to the back, neck or shoulders.
d. Always take time to stretch and exercise your body periodically,
throughout the workday, to avoid experiencing muscular and skeletal
aches and pains.
Prevention of Physical Discomfort to the Hands,
Wrists and Arms
To prevent physical discomfort to the hands, wrists and arms when using
your Toshiba desktop PC for an extended period of time, the following
work practices must always be observed:
Warnings:
a. Always avoid performing repetitive tasks with your hands when
using your Toshiba desktop PC for an extended period of time, either
by taking periodic breaks or by periodically engaging in other
activities.
b. Always position the keyboard and mouse-pad so that your arms,
wrists and hands will be in natural and comfortable positions at all
times when using this computer.
c. Always avoid working in uncomfortable positions that result in
discomfort or stress to either the hands, wrists or arms.
User's Manual
Avoidance of Exposure to Electromagnetic Field
(EMF) Emissions
Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Emissions
(50Hz (Europe) or 60Hz (US))
Notices:
3
_____
a. Since Toshiba desktop PCs are 50Hz or 60Hz alternating current (AC)
devices, the power cord and power supply of this computer may emit
low levels of EMF energy in the ELF range.
The intensity level of those ELF emissions, however, even in close
proximity to the power supply and its AC power cord, is relatively
low in comparison to those of other common household appliances.
In addition, that intensity level rapidly falls off further with distance.
The minute levels of EMF energy in the ELF range that are emitted by
the power supply and its AC power cord pose no known health
hazards to human beings.
b. Toshiba CRT monitors use a cathode ray tube and require the
generation of a vertical sweep-frequency in the 50 to 110 Hz (ELF)
range. Consequently, the CRT monitor unit is an emitter of stray EMF
energy in the ELF range, as are all CRT monitors.
The intensity level of ELF energy are relatively low, however, in
comparison to those of other common household appliances, and
rapidly fall off further with distance.
The intensity levels of stray EMF energy in the ELF range that are
emitted by this CRT monitor pose no known health hazards to human
beings.
Very Low Frequency (VLF) Emissions (30,000Hz to 66,000Hz)
Notice: Toshiba CRT monitors use a cathode ray tube, and require the
generation of a horizontal sweep-frequency in the 30,000 to 66,000Hz (VLF)
a
User's Manual
range. Consequently, the CRT monitor unit is an emitter of stray EMF energy
in the VLF range, as are all CRT monitors.
The allowable levels of stray VLF energy that may be emitted by Toshiba
desktop PCs are severely limited in their intensity by existing FCC
Regulations, (47 CFR Section 15.109(a)), to prevent interference with the
operation of other nearby electronic devices.
Toshiba CRT monitors have therefore been equipped with internal
shielding, to significantly reduce the stray emission of EMF energy in the
VLF range.
The minute levels of stray EMF energy in the VLF range that are in fact
being emitted by this CRT monitor unit fall off rapidly with distance and
pose no known health hazards to human beings.
Radío Frequency (RF) Emissions
Notice: All personal computers generate digital timing pulses at
frequencies within the RF range, and consequently may emit minute
a
levels of stray EMF energy in the RF range.
As a result, all desktop PCs have been certified by the US Federal
Communications Commission (FCC), by Industry Canada Requirements
(ICES: Interference-Causing Equipment Standards) and by European
Regulations and Standards (VDE, et al.) as being "Class B" digital devices.
("Class B" digital devices are authorised for use in residential
environments and are not permitted to intentionally emit RF energy.
Nevertheless, they are permitted to unintentionally emit low levels of RF
energy, as a result of the generation of digital timing pulses by their
clock oscillator circuits.)
The allowable levels of RF energy that may be emitted by Toshiba
desktop PCs are severely limited in their intensity by existing FCC
Regulations, (47 CFR Section 15.109(a)), and by ICES and European
Standards (EN55022) to prevent interference with reception on nearby
radio and T.V. receivers.
Toshiba desktop PCs have therefore been equipped with internal
shielding, to significantly reduce stray emissions of RF energy.
Because FCC Regulations and ICES and European Standards for "Class B"
digital devices severely limit the levels of RF energy that may be emitted
by a Toshiba desktop PC, the resulting emissions also fall well within the
allowable limits that have been adopted by OSHA in 29 CFR Section
1910.97, and that have been adopted by the promulgators of all other
known regulations and standards that relate to the emission of EMF
energy in the RF range.
Consequently, the minute levels of EMF energy in the RF range that are
emitted by Toshiba desktop PCs comply with all existing regulations and
standards, and pose no known health hazards to human beings.
Avoidance of Exposure to Emissions of Ionising Energy
in the X-Ray Frequency Range
Toshiba CRT monitors use a cathode ray tube monitor screen and are
therefore an emissive device. They consequently are a generator of some
ionising energy in the x-ray frequency range, as are all CRT monitors.
Most of that energy is absorbed by the glass envelope of the CRT and is
consequently not emitted.
The allowable levels of ionising energy that may be emitted by CRT
monitors are severely limited in their intensity by existing Federal Food
and Drug Administration Regulations. Toshiba CRT monitors have
therefore been designed to further suppress the emission of stray ionising
energy in the x-ray frequency range, in compliance with 21 CFR
Part 1000.
The minute levels of ionising energy in the x-ray frequency range that
are in fact emitted by a Toshiba CRT monitor unit fall off rapidly with
distance and pose no known health hazards to human beings.
If you need further assistance.............................................................................B-1
Index
User's Manual
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your high-performance VllOO
computer.
The Toshiba VllOO is a tower computer that offers the following
features:
□ A high-performance Intel Pentium III or Celeron processor.
□ 128 Kb (Celeron) or 256 Kb (Pentium III) of Level 2 Cache
□ VIA chipset
□ 64 MB of SDRAM (expandable to 768 MB)
• Other configurations may be possible
□ ATI Xpert 2OOO graphics controller with 64-bit BitBLT accelerator
□ Audio System supporting 16-bit stereo, Windows Sound System and
Sound Blaster Pro*- compatible
□ Ultra DMA IDE hard disk drive
□ A 48x IDE, ATAPI-compliant, CD-ROM drive as an optional
configuration
□ A 12x DVD-ROM drive as an optional configuration
□ An easily accessible mid-tower design
□ Five PCI expansion slots
□ Two Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors.
□ Microsoft Windows* Me operating system preinstalled.
3
User's Manual
This list may change without notice.
This guide introduces the computer's features and its options. You can:
□ Read it through.
□ Skim through and stop when a topic interests you.
□ Use the table of contents and the index to find specific information.
If you are new to computers, read through the first couple of chapters to
familiarise yourself with the components of the computer and how to
turn it on. After that, feel free to seek out whatever interests you.
Legends
The following legends appear next to each port and indicator on the
computer.
Computer ports
The PS/2™ keyboard port provides access to a PS/2-compatible keyboard.
^ The PS/2 mouse port provides access to a PS/2-compatible mouse.
^r*» The USB connector allows you to attach any of several USB devices as
^ they become available.
E-3 The serial port lets you connect a serial printer or other serial device.
□ Video port for connecting a monitor.
The parallel port lets you connect a parallel printer or other parallel
I I device, including ECP-compatible devices.
^ The 3.5 mm mini line-out jack lets you connect stereo head phones or
other audio output devices, such as external speakers.
h.<— The 3.5 mm mini line-in jack lets you play and record stereo sound from
• an external audio device, such as a stereo system.
The microphone port accepts a monaural microphone or other audio
input device for audio input.
t
The joystick port lets you connect a joystick or other game device.
User's Manual
Indicator light and buttons
The drive-access light indicates that the hard disk is currently in use.
|o^ The power indicator light indicates that the power is on.
□ Green indicates the computer is on.
□ Orange indicates the computer is sleeping (in Stand by mode).
□ Off indicates the computer is off.
RES^
Pressing the reset button restarts the computer when it is not responding
to the keyboard. This overrides Stand by and Resume Mode, which
enable you to continue working from where you left off. Use this button
only if all other attempts at restarting the computer have failed.
Pressing the power button turns on/off the computer.
Other printed documentation
The computer comes with the following documentation:
□ The Quick Start poster you removed when you opened the box shows
how to connect the computer's components and get started quickly.
□ This user's guide contains the technical information about how the
computer works.
□ Operating system documentation explaining the features and use of
your Microsoft* operating system.
Service options
Toshiba offers a full line of service options built around its warranty
programs. See the warranty and service material included with the
computer for registration information.
If you have a problem or need to contact Toshiba, refer to the Product
Support appendix . This appendix provides phone numbers and
addresses for Toshiba offices in Europe.
User's Manual
Chapter 1
Getting Started
This chapter provides an overview of the VllOO com puter, including
locations of external ports and how to set up each one.
Make sure you have everything
Unpack the boxes and check the contents against your pur chasing order.
If any items are missing or damaged, notify your dealer immediately.
Creating a computer-friendly environment
The computer's mid-tower configuration allows use in any office
environment. Place the computer on an area of the desk that is large
enough for the computer and any other items you need to use, such as a
printer. To save space, you can place it on the floor next to your desk.
To prevent overheating, leave enough space around the com puter and
other equipment to provide adequate ventilation.
The work area must be free from:
□ Dust, moisture and direct sunlight.
□ Liquids and corrosive chemicals.
User's Manual
If you spill liquid into the computer, turn it off, 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 Toshiba-authorized service provider.
□ Equipment that generates a strong electromagnetic field, such as large
stereo speakers 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 lO to 35 degree Celsius and 3O% to 8O% non
condensing humidity.
Getting Started 1-1
Keeping yourself comfortable
Strain and stress injuries are becoming more common as peo pie spend
more time using their computers. However, with a little care and proper
use of the equipment, computer work can be comfortable throughout
the day.
Using the computer keyboard incorrectly may result in discomfort and
possible injury. If your hands, wrists, and/or arms bother you while
typing, stop using the computer and rest. If the discomfort persists,
consult a physician.
This section provides hints on avoiding strain and stress inju ries. For more
information, consult books on ergonomics, repetitive-strain injury, and
repetitive-stress syndrome.
Placement of the computer
Proper placement of the computer and external devices is important to
avoid stress-related injuries:
□ Place the keyboard 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.
□ The top of the display should be no higher than eye level.
□ If you use a paper holder, set it at about the same height and distance
as the screen.
Seating and posture
When using the computer, maintain good posture with your body relaxed
and your weight distributed evenly. Proper seat ing 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.
Correct posture and positioning of the computer
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 fore arms parallel to the floor.
1-2 Getting StartedUser's Manual
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 visibility of the display and reduce
eyestrain.
□ Position the monitor so that sunlight or bright indoor light ing does
not reflect off the screen. Use tinted windows or shades to reduce
glare.
□ Avoid placing the monitor in front of a bright light that could shine
directly in your eyes.
□ If possible, use soft, indirect lighting in the computer work area.
Arms and wrists
To protect your 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.
User's Manual
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. Some ways to improve your work situation are:
□ Take frequent breaks to change position, stretch your mus cles, 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 the computer screen for long peri ods can
cause eyestrain. Look away from the computer frequently and focus
your eyes on a distant object for at least thirty seconds.
Getting Started 1-3
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