Winbook N4 User Manual

1

FCC Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Conventions of this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter 1: Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Hardware — Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

The WinBook Notebook — The Front; The Right Side;

The Rear; The Left Side; The Bottom; Inside the Notebook. . . . . . . 14

Power On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

The Keyboard — Keyboard System Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Mouse Buttons & Pointing Devices — Touchpad;

Pointing Stick (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

LCD Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Battery & Power Saving — Battery Icon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Power Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Audio/Sound — Built-in Speakers; Built-in Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . 29

CD-ROM Drive/DVD Drive/Combo Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

CD-R/CD-RW Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Software — Preloaded Software; Adding Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Chapter 2: Windows Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Using the Help and Support Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

WinBook Users’ Manual and the Help and Support Center . . . . . 39

System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Why use the Help and Support Center? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Chapter 3: Basic Computing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Hard Drives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

The Device Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

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Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Faxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Modem Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Internet and the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Your Version of Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Chapter 4: Mobile Computing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Battery Operation — Charging; Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Power Management — WinBook Notebook

Low Power Measures; Standby and Hibernate Modes . . . . . . . . . . 55

Safety & Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Travel — Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Chapter 5: Desktop Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Audio — Audio Software; Controlling the Sound Levels;

Playing an Audio CD; Playing Sound Files; Sound Recording;

External Speakers & Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Connecting Peripherals — Printer; Other Parallel Devices;

External Monitor; External Keyboard; External Pointing

Device; Serial Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

USB Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Scanners and Digital Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

LAN Port — Sharing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Optional Port Replicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Chapter 6: PC Cards (PCMCIA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

PC Cards — To Use the PC Card; PC Card Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

PCMCIA Network Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

PCMCIA SCSI Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

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PCMCIA Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Chapter 7: Video Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Video Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

External VGA Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Multiple Monitor Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Chapter 8: Configuring & Maintaining Your System. . . . . 85

BIOS Setup Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

System Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Security Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Boot Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Exit Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Security — Viruses; Passwords/System Security;

The Password Protection Available to You Includes . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Internet Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Physical Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

System Maintenance — Backup; Archiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Software Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Operating Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Battery Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Booting Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

CD-ROM/DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

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4

Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

PCMCIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Pointing Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

USB (Universal Serial Bus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

CD-R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

CD-RW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Chapter 10: Upgrading your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Memory — To Install Memory Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Upgrading Hard Drives — To Upgrade Your Hard Drive . . . . . . . . . 128

Firmware Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Other Upgrades (PCMCIA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

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5

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement

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. Their limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, 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 receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into 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.

Notice 1:

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Notice 2:

Shielded interface cables and AC power, if any, must be used in order to comply with
emission limits.

Limited Warranty:

WinBook Corporation, (“WinBook”), warrants to the original purchaser that this WinBook com­puter (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one
full year from the original date of purchase. Should the Product fail to conform with this warranty
during this one year warranty period, WinBook will, at its option, repair or replace the product at
no charge.

Exclusions:

This Limited Warranty does not cover software, disks or related documentation. WinBook will not
be liable for alteration or loss of software programs, operating systems, or data stored on equip­ment sent for repair or upgrade. The Purchaser is advised to back up all data prior to any servic­ing of the Product.

Items attached to or installed in the WinBook Computer will be removed at the Technicians dis­cretion prior to service. WinBook is not responsible to repairs or testing of non-covered items.

Preface

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User’s Manual

This Limited Warranty covers normal use. Preventive maintenance is not included. WinBook does
not warrant and will not be held responsible in any way for damages or loss resulting from a
cause other than defects in materials or workmanship, including damage or loss caused by;
neglect, accident, unreasonable use, software problems, peripheral equipment other than equip­ment installed at the time of product purchase, or servicing or modification by anyone other than
WinBook or its designee; transit of equipment to WinBook for service, return or evaluation; any
natural disaster, including flood, fire, earthquake, or lightning; or electrical surges or use of
improper power sources.

WinBook’s liability under this limited warranty shall be limited solely to repair or replacement as
provided for above, and WinBook assumes no risk of, and shall not in any case be liable for, any
other damages, including, without limitation, any special, incidental, consequential or punitive
damages, arising from breach of warranty or contract, negligence or any other legal theory,
including without limitation, loss of goodwill, profits or revenue, loss of use of the Product or any
associated equipment, cost of capital, cost of any substitute equipment, facilities or services,
downtime costs, or claims of any party dealing with the Purchaser for such damages. The
employees and agents of WinBook are not authorized to make modifications to warranties, or
additional warranties binding on WinBook; accordingly, additional statements, whether oral or
written, do not constitute warranties and should not be relied upon by the Purchaser.

The warranties set forth in this warranty statement allocate the risks of Product failure between
seller and buyer as authorized by the Uniform Commercial Code and other applicable law.
WinBook’s Product pricing reflects the allocation risk and the limitations of liability contained in
this statement.

This one-year limited warranty is exclusive. Some states do not allow limitations o how long an
implied warranty lasts or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so any such limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you spe­cific legal rights. You also have other rights which may vary from state to state.

To obtain service under this Agreement:

Merchandise must be received within one year of purchase and be accompanied by proof of pur­chase. If you ship the unit to WinBook for service, WinBook will not be responsible for shipping
charges, loss or damage in transit, shipping charges, loss or damage in transit, shipping contain­ers or packing supplies. You are responsible for all shipping materials should the original packag­ing materials not be available. The customer must call WinBook Technical Support and obtain an
RMA number before the unit can be sent to WinBook.

6

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Preface

Conventions of This Manual

Using this manual will help you get the most from your WinBook

®

notebook computer. Keep the manual with your WinBook notebook to refer
to when you want information and help. If you are an experienced user of
computers and/or Microsoft’s Windows

®

operating systems, you might find
it useful to read Chapter One on the features specific to your WinBook
notebook and then take advantage of the HTML-based help located in the
Help and Support center in Windows. The hypertext links will enable you
to move more quickly to the information you require. If you are a less
experienced user, you should read through the manual carefully before
using your system. Whether or not you are an experienced user, you should
consult Chapter 9 (Troubleshooting) if you encounter any problems with
your WinBook notebook. You will find answers there to many common
problems or errors.

Before proceeding, you should be aware of some of the conventions
of usage in this manual:

• Specific keyboard keys to be typed are indicated in square

brackets: [Tab].

• Combinations of keys are indicated with a plus sign between the keys:

[Shift]+[Tab]. For a combination of keys, you should depress the keys
simultaneously. You might also find it easier to hold down the control
keys ([Alt] or [Shift] or [Ctrl]) of the combination and then press the
final key of the combination.

7

This manual is for all
versions of the WinBook

notebook. Some of the

options mentioned inside may

not be available for your model.

Every attempt has
been made to keep

this manual current,

but there might be changes
between the writing of this
manual and your purchase
of the WinBook notebook.

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User’s Manual

In order to get the optimal usage out of your WinBook notebook,
you should remember the following:

• Read through all of the instructions for your WinBook notebook,
including this manual.

• Keep the area free of static electricity and magnetic fields.
These can damage the computer and/or diskettes.

8

This identifies information
that you might find partic­ularly helpful in using your
computer or this manual.

The pencil symbol indicates
that you should take
note of the accompanying
information.

This warning cautions
you against actions which

might be destructive to
your data or might disrupt proper
system operation.

The exclamation symbol
identifies information

which is important for
you to read to avoid damage
to the computer, loss of data,
or personal injury.

Windows has a built in application for supplying feature rich help and
support content called the “Help and Support Center”. Through the use

of the Help and Support Center, you may find more detailed information
about your machine and its operating system as well as tips and problem resolu­tions. This symbol will help you to directly find the information you are looking
for by supplying the keywords that should be searched for within the Help and
Support Center. For specific information on how to use the Help and Support
Center, refer to the “Windows Help and Support” chapter in this manual.

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• Be sure to discharge static electricity from your body before touching
the computer or keyboard.

• Use the same caution you would with any electronic equipment.
Keep food, drinks, smoke and ashes away from your computer.
Store the computer in an area that is not exposed to direct sunlight
or heating ducts. Keep the computer away from sources of excessive
moisture. Damage to the computer caused by immersion is not covered
by the warranty.

• When cleaning the computer or its components, apply the proper
cleaning solutions or sprays only to the cloth, not to the computer
or its components.

• If there is ever a need to disconnect internal components other
than those mentioned in the instructions that came with your system,
please have this done by a qualified service technician.

• You should never attempt to physically repair a CD-ROM, CD-R/RW
or DVD drive or diskette drive yourself.

• Do not attempt to repair or open a battery yourself. The battery should
not be exposed to extreme heat, as explosion can result. Proper battery
disposal is required. Do not

dispose of a battery in regular waste.

• Do not block the cooling fans on the sides or bottom of your unit.

9

Preface

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The information in this document and the associated WinBook notebook
Help file is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as
a commitment by the manufacturer.

The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions
that might appear in this document or the associated WinBook notebook
Help file.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license and
may be used and copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.
No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software or equip­ment that is not supplied by the manufacturer or its affiliated companies.

Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government
is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the
Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS

252.227-7013.

Acknowledgements:

WinBook® is a registered trademark of Micro Electronics, Inc. MS-DOS,
Internet Explorer, and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. Zip® is a registered trademark of Iomega Corporation. Active
Desktop is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. All other trade­marks and registered trademarks are property of their respective corpora­tions.

Copyright Notice:

Duplication or reproduction of this manual in any form without prior per­mission from Micro Electronics, Inc. represents an infringement of
copyright.

©2002 Micro Electronics, Inc.
Manual Version 2.1
Release Date: March 2002

10

User’s Manual

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Chapter 1: Getting Started

11

Chapter 1:

Getting Started

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12

Continuous use of a keyboard may cause repetitive stress injuries
or discomfort, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis
and tenosynovitis. You should seek medical advice if you feel
any aching, numbing or tingling in your arms, wrists or hands.

Suggestions for maximizing comfort in using a keyboard include:

• Take frequent breaks from typing

• Maintain a straight wrist position

• Avoid resting on your wrists while typing

• Use a light touch on keys

• Ensure that your chair, work surface, monitor and keyboard
are in the correct positions to keep your back and neck straight,
your shoulders relaxed and your elbows at your sides.

Consult your doctor or other health professional for medical advice
on how to reduce your risk of injury or discomfort from continuous
keyboard use.

WARNING

User’s Manual

Your WinBook notebook is designed for those who need the full power
of a desktop PC in an easily portable package. You can take the power
of your computer almost anywhere you go. The battery power of your
computer allows you to use the computer even where there are no electrical
outlets. You can add optional elements to your system that expand its use
as a desktop system. You can also use the PCMCIA port and the LAN to
connect to devices and computers, expanding the usability of your system.

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Hardware

Inventory

When you unpack your WinBook notebook, check that all the items you
ordered are present and in good condition. Check the inventory checklist
that came in the WinBook notebook box to be sure that all the components
and optional components you ordered are included. If anything is missing
or damaged, contact Customer Service immediately (the Customer Service
number can be found on the Quick Start Guide. Checklist follows:

• WinBook notebook with modular CD-ROM, DVD or Combo Drive

• Primary Battery (stored separately in the box)

• AC Power Adapter

• Power Cord

• This Manual

• WinBook Restore/Utility CD’s

• Phone cord (in units with a built-in modem)

• Any other optional components ordered

NOTE: The WinBook notebook uses proprietary accessories that
are designed specifically for your WinBook computer (such as a port
replicator) and you should only use those items that have been approved
for your computer. Contact WinBook for information about obtaining
approved accessories and upgrades. If you use items that are not approved
for use with this computer, you might cause the computer to malfunction
or to emit electromagnetic radiation in excess of local regulations. This
does not apply to non-proprietary accessories such as PC cards, USB
devices, printers, etc.

Save the inner box

and all inserts and inner

packaging. If you later

need to ship or store the
system, you will find these handy
to have. All software is preloaded
onto the hard drive of your
WinBook notebook. You can
store any included disks and
CDs in a safe place. Copies of
the Windows installation files
are also stored on your hard disk,
so that you will not need the CD
to add Windows features or dri­vers to your system.

13

Chapter 1: Getting Started

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14

User’s Manual

The WinBook Notebook

Before you begin using your WinBook notebook, you should take a
moment to familiarize yourself with the various ports, bays, connectors,
and indicators that make up your system.

The Front (Figure 1.1)

The Display Panel Release allows you to open the display panel

and reveal the LCD screen and the keyboard.
The Display Panel opens to reveal the LCD screen and keyboard

of the WinBook notebook. To open the display panel: slide the release
latch on the front of the system to the right and gently lift the display
panel to a vertical position.

Your WinBook comes equipped with two high-quality Integrated Stereo
Speakers. These are located to the left and right edges of the notebook
palm rest area.

Notebook Status Indicators: The three L.E.D.'s located on the front of the
unit perform the following functions:

The left L.E.D. indicates the power status of the notebook. This indicator
has two operational modes.

• Solid green indicates that the notebook is turned on.

• Flashing green indicates that the notebook is in StandBy mode.

The middle L.E.D. indicates hard drive activity. This L.E.D. will flash
green as the hard drive is accessed.

The right L.E.D. indicates battery status. This indicator has four opera­tional modes.

• Flashing green indicates that the battery is charging.

• Solid green indicates that the battery is fully charged.

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Chapter 1: Getting Started

15

• Solid orange indicates that the battery charge level is low. (10% or
less)

• Unlit indicates that the battery is discharging. (battery level is greater

than 10% and the unit is powered on)

The Hard Disk Drive is removable and can be upgraded to allow for
greater storage capacity.

Display Panel Release

Hard Disc Drive

Figure 1.1: Front View of the Closed WinBook Notebook

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User’s Manual

The Left Side (Figure 1.2)

The PCMCIA (PC Card) Slot allows you to connect Type I or II cards
to your system. Your WinBook notebook will accept one Type I or Type
II card. For more information about PCMCIA cards, see Chapter Five.
The eject button allows you to remove the PC Card from your system.

The 10/100 LAN port provides a standard RJ-45 connection for integra­tion with an existing network or highspeed (DSL or cable) connection via a
network cable.

The Cooling Fan Vent exhausts air from your WinBook and keeps the
interior within proper operating temperatures. Do not block this vent when
the notebook is in use. Do not operate your notebook inside a tight-fitting
cover or case that may block the cooling vent.

The Floppy Disk Drive is built into the system. You will be able to use

3.5” floppy disks in this drive.

PCMCIA Slot

Floppy Disk Drive

Figure 1.2: Left Side View of the Closed WinBook Notebook

16

LAN Port

Audio Line Out

Microphone Jack

Cooling Fan

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The Audio Line Out Jack allows you to direct audio output to a stereo
headphone, powered external speakers or an earphone set. You will need to
use a 1/8” phono plug for this connection. If your speakers or earphones
have a different plug, you will need to obtain an adapter from your local
retailer. Use of a headphone or external speakers will disable the integrated
speakers.

The Microphone Jack allows you to receive monophonic input from an
external microphone. Use of an external microphone will disable the built­in microphone. It is recommended that you purchase an external micro­phone for applications such as speech recognition that require precise input
quality.

The Rear (Figure 1.3)

The AC Connector should only be used with the proper AC adapter
supplied by WinBook.

Figure 1.3: Rear View of the Closed WinBook Notebook

17

Chapter 1: Getting Started

External VGA Port

Parallel Port

Cooling Fan Vent

AC Connector

USB Port

PS/2 Port

Although you can
connect up to 127

devices through the USB

port, not all USB devices have
a pass-through to permit a chain
of connected devices. You might
need to obtain a USB hub to
permit you to connect multiple
devices into a single port.

Modem Port

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:38 PM Page 17

The Parallel Port provides a connection for a parallel printer or other
parallel port device.

The External VGA Port allows you to connect any standard analog com­puter monitor to your system. You can display output simultaneously on
both the LCD and the external monitor or toggle between the two screens.
Refer to the Help and Support Center within Windows for directions
on how to adjust your display settings.

The Cooling Fan Vent admits air into your WinBook and keeps the interi-
or within proper operating temperatures. Do not block this vent when the
notebook is in use. Do not operate your notebook inside a tight-fitting
cover or case that may block the cooling vent.

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) Ports of your WinBook allow you to add
a wide variety of devices to your machine. These USB ports allow you to
connect at data transfer rates of up to 12Mbps (Megabits per second).

The Modem Port is an internal 56K voice/fax/data modem. You will con­nect your computer to your phone line through this port. This jack does not
provide a pass-through option for connecting a phone to the same line. You
can obtain adapters that will allow you to connect a phone to the same line
as your WinBook notebook.

The PS/2 Port allows you to add an external keyboard or mouse to the
notebook.

18

User’s Manual

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

desktop settings

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:38 PM Page 18

The Right Side (Figure 1.4)

The Optical Drive is modular and can be removed and replaced with
another optical device. The CD tray can be opened by pressing the eject
button on the tray while the unit is powered on.

The Kensington Lock Slot allows you to connect a special computer lock
to secure your system. You can purchase a lock at most computer retailers.

19

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Figure 1.4: Right Side View of the Closed WinBook Notebook

Optical Drive

Kensington
Lock Slot

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:38 PM Page 19

20

User’s Manual

The Bottom (Figure 1.5)

The Battery Bay stores the primary Lithium-Ion battery pack.
The Battery Release Lever ejects the battery from its bay.
The Battery Release Lever Lock prevents the battery release lever from

accidentally engaging. Move this switch from the locked to the unlocked
position in order to remove the battery.

The Hard Disk Drive is removable and can be upgraded to allow for
greater storage capacity.

The Memory Bay contains one SO-DIMM slot

Battery
Bay

Figure 1.5: Bottom View of the WinBook Notebook

Battery Release Lever

Battery Release Lever Lock

Hard Disk Drive

Fan

Memory Bay

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:39 PM Page 20

21

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Inside the Notebook (Figure 1.6)

Your WinBook notebook comes equipped with two high-quality
Integrated Stereo Speakers. These are located on the left and right edges
of the palm rest area.

The Integrated Microphone located to the left of the power button
allows for voice recording.

The Touchpad of your system pro­vides an internal pointing device
to control the mouse cursor of your
system.

The Mouse Buttons located just
below the touchpad provide left
and right mouse buttons for your
touchpad.

Status LED Indicator Panel from
left to right. (Figure 1.7)

Num Lock: A green light indicates
that the Num Lock function has
been activated. The embedded num­ber pad will be enabled.

Caps Lock: A green light indicates
that the CapsLock function has been
activated.

Scroll Lock: A green light indicates
that the Scroll Lock function has
been activated. In certain programs,
this will prevent the screen from
scrolling.

Figure 1.6:
Inside the Notebook

Power Button

Integrated
Stereo Speakers

Touchpad

Mouse
Buttons

The sharpness of the
screen will vary with

your viewing angle.

Try moving the display panel
slightly forwards or back to
find the optimal contrast.

Integrated
Microphone

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:40 PM Page 21

22

Play/Pause

(E-mail client)

Skip Backwards

(User Configuration 1

Skip Forwards

(User Configuration 2

CD Stop

(Internet Browser)

Figure 1.7: System Status LEDs

Power Button

Num
Lock

Caps
Lock

Scroll
Lock

The Power Button for your system is located just above the keyboard. You
can adjust the function of the power button within the Advanced tab of the
Power Options Properties located in the Windows control panel.

Your System also has 4 multi purpose Shortcut Buttons located just to the
left and right of the power button.

The functionality of these shortcut buttons is controlled by software pre­installed on your notebook. There are two user configurable buttons acces­sible through the keyboard applet within the Windows control panel. The
shortcut buttons function as described below from left to right.

• Email client / CD Audio Play and Pause

• Internet Browser / CD Audio Stop

User’s Manual

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:41 PM Page 22

• User configurable 1 / CD Audio Skip Backwards

• User configurable 2 / CD Audio Skip Forwards

Power On

The first time you use your WinBook notebook, use your AC power
adapter. This will allow your battery to fully charge. It is recommended
that you fully charge and discharge your battery 3 times. This will help cal­ibrate the electronics that monitor and maintain the battery charge. After
those three full discharges, you can partially discharge or charge your sys­tem as your use demands, although you should allow a full
discharge/recharge periodically to help optimize battery life. See Chapter 4
for more infor-mation on conditioning and maintaining your battery effi­ciency.

Connect your AC Adapter to your system. Connect the power cord to the
adapter and connect the cord to a wall outlet or power strip. Slide the dis­play panel release latch to the right and gently lift the display panel until it
is fully vertical. Press the power button on your computer to initiate a boot
of the system.

Every effort has been
made to make certain

that your WinBook

notebook system will function
properly. If you experience
a problem when you turn on
the computer, refer to Chapter 9.
If you cannot find the answer
there or are unsure how to pro­ceed, contact Technical Support
(at the number indicated on the
Quick Start Guide that came with
your system).

23

Chapter 1: Getting Started

If you ever need to
reinstall your Windows

Operating system and

are prompted for a User
Key, you can find your User
Key number on a sticker on
the bottom of your unit. Please
do not remove the Certificate of
Authenticity sticker (Product Key
xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx)
that is attached to the bottom of
your WinBook, as another num­ber cannot be issued. We can
NOT provide a replacement! It is
advisable to copy the product key
to another location in case the
sticker comes loose or is lost."

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:41 PM Page 23

24

Chapter 1: Getting Started

User’s Manual

The Keyboard (Figure 1.8)

Your main interface with your computer will be your keyboard. If you are
unfamiliar with the standard PC keyboard, some of its keys are explained
in this section. The keyboard has all the standard computer typing keys
and some control keys. If you are not familiar with the computer control
keys, the major ones are discussed below.

The [Alt] and [Ctrl] keys, like the [Shift] key alter the function of the
traditional typing keys and the function keys. Depending on the software
you are using, the actual function of the [Alt] and [Ctrl] keys will vary.
They might also be used in combination with each other and/or with
the [Shift] key to provide further possible combinations of functions
with the typing keys. For example, the [Alt]+[Ctrl]+[Del] combination
is used to close down an application in Windows that has “hung” or can
be used to provide a warm reboot of the computer system.

Figure 1.8: The N Series Keyboard (Shown With Optional Pointing Stick)

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 24

The function keys (F1-F12) serve different purposes and carry out different
tasks depending on the application you have running. They are often used
in combination with control keys. You should check the documentation for
your application, especially sections on keyboard shortcuts, for information
about what the keys do in that application.

The cursor (arrow) keys (which are all located in the lower right corner
of your keyboard) and the [PgUp], [PgDn], [Home] and [End] keys
(which are located along the right edge of the keyboard) allow you to
move the active cursor of the computer to various locations on the screen
or within the document. The [Ins] key (to the right of the space bar) and
[Del] key (to the right of the [Ins] key) allow you to insert and delete
characters. Your computer also has an embedded numeric keypad. This
numeric keypad is printed in purple on the keyboard. If the Num Lock
key is engaged, the pad will allow you to type numbers as you would
on a 10-keypad. If the NumLock is not engaged, the keys perform their
normal alphanumeric function.

Your keyboard also has two Windows keys: A start key (which bears the
Windows logo) that allows you to pull up the Start Menu and one menu
key which calls up pop-up menus just like the right mouse button (in pro­grams that support such menus).

Keyboard System Controls

In addition to its function as a normal keyboard, your keyboard also
contains controls for various aspects of your WinBook notebook, including
the intensity of the LCD screen. These controls appear in purple on the
keys and are activated by pressing the [Fn] key (the key in the lower left
corner of the keyboard between the [Ctrl] and [Alt] keys) in conjunction
with the key for the specific control function.

Once you are experi­enced with Windows,

you will find that you

can change the look and
configuration of the desktop
from the defaults provided for
you. Please refer to the Windows
Help and Support Center for
more information.

25

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

display settings

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 25

26

User’s Manual

KEYS FUNCTION(S)

[Fn]+[End] Mutes system audio

[Fn]+[Arrow Down] Decreases LCD brightness

[Fn]+[Arrow Up] Increases LCD brightness

[F7] Expands the display to full screen in programs that

use a 640x480 mode.

[Fn]+[F8] If an external monitor is present, pressing this hot

key combination toggles the display between the
built-in LCD screen, the external monitor and
simultaneous display on both screens.

[Fn]+[F10] Eject CD-ROM door

[Fn]+[PageUp] Increases system audio

[Fn]+[PageDown] Decreases system audio

Mouse Buttons & Pointing Devices

Your WinBook notebook comes with a built-in touchpad and can support
an external mouse via the PS/2 and USB ports. If you use an external USB
mouse, you can use it simultaneously with the touchpad.

Touchpad

The touchpad is a rectangular electronic panel located just below your
keyboard. You can use the static-sensitive panel of the touchpad as a
pointing device. Place your finger gently on the surface of the touchpad
and slide it to move the cursor. You can use the buttons below the touchpad
as left and right mouse buttons. You can also tap lightly on the touchpad,
which the system will recognize as a left mouse click. You can click
and drag an item with the touchpad by pointing at the item, tapping
to select it and then, while holding your finger on the pad, sliding your

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 26

finger in the direction of the movement desired.
No matter which pointing device you use, it can be adjusted to

accommodate your personal preferences. Refer to the Help and Support
Center within Windows for directions on how to adjust the settings
of your pointing device.

LCD Display

Your WinBook notebook comes with a back-lit LCD display panel.
The intensity of the panel will vary slightly with your angle to the screen.
You can adjust the angle of the panel to provide optimal clarity. You can
also make minor adjustments in screen brightness and contrast by using
the hot-key combinations built into your WinBook notebook—
[Fn]+[Arrow Up] and [Fn]+[Arrow Down]—to adjust brightness.

Depending on the screen that was built into your WinBook notebook,
your internal display will support a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels or
greater. If you use the Windows Display Properties window to change
down to a resolution lower than the standard resolution of your screen,
you might also notice a slight loss of clarity when using a resolution
below the default resolution for your LCD display. Notice that when you
put your computer into the DOS mode, which uses the VGA resolution
(640 x 480) as a default, the display will be stretched to fit the full screen.

When you are displaying the video on the built-in screen, you cannot
choose a higher resolution than the standard resolution. However, you
can use a higher resolution when you output the notebook’s video to
an external monitor that supports high resolutions. You can quickly adjust
the resolution and number of color settings through Windows’Display
Properties window. Refer to the Help and Support Center within Windows
for directions on how to adjust the settings of your display.

27

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

pointing devices

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

display settings

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 27

Battery & Power Saving

When the AC Adapter is connected to your WinBook notebook, your
battery will charge whether the computer is on, off, or in the power saving
mode. It will, however, charge much faster if the computer is off or in the
Hibernate mode. When your battery charge level gets low, you will receive
several warnings.

• When the charge starts to get low, a red “X” will appear over the battery
icon on the taskbar.

• When about 10-15 minutes of battery power remains, you will receive
warnings: the system will beep periodically to warn you that you have
entered this low-charge.

• When about 5-10 minutes of battery power remains, the beeping will
accelerate. You should save your work and shut off the computer (or
enter the hibernate mode) or connect to AC power.

• Windows will provide warnings at the battery levels you select in the
Power Options Properties utility. Refer to the Help and Support Center
within Windows for more information.

If your battery drains completely without being placed into the hibernate
mode, you might lose information which has not been saved. It is a good
idea when using battery power to place the unit in the hibernate mode if
you think you will be leaving the unit for any substantial length of time.

Battery Icon

The battery icon provides a rough indicator of the battery charge level
by starting out all blue (full charge) and becoming grayer as the charge
level drops. You can also hold the cursor over the icon to get a pop-up
reading of battery charge level.

28

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

power settings

User’s Manual

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 28

Power Management

Your WinBook notebook should run for over two hours on a single, fully
charged battery and longer if power management is employed. The key
to obtaining optimal battery life for your system is effective power man­agement. You can set your system to the optimal power management level
for your usage by using the power management features in Windows
(Refer to the Help and Support Center within Windows for more informa­tion). You should familiarize yourself with the various power management
features designed into your system so that you can configure your system
for your needs. Keep in mind that power management takes advantage of
the times when you stop using resources. If you work continuously and use
resources extensively, power management will not be able to take effect
and extend battery life.

29

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

power management

If you will be using
your system primarily

in a desktop setting,

you should consider setting
the power management to less
aggressive settings. The aggres­sive settings are more appropriate
for mobile usage. You can switch
the settings as the specific situa­tion demands by making adjust­ments in the power management
features of Windows.

To check your battery
charge level, use the

battery icon provided in

the Windows system tray.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 29

Audio/Sound

Built-in Speakers

Your WinBook notebook comes with built-in audio hardware that plays
sounds through the speakers built into the cabinet of your system located in
the front of the unit, below the wrist rest area. Volume levels can be adjust­ed by using the shortcut buttons located on the Audio DJ control panel as
well as the software controls within Windows. Refer to the Help and
Support Center within Windows for more information.

Built-in Microphone

The microphone built into the case of your WinBook provides you with an
integrated source for adding sound to your applications or for using the
speech functions of your applications. You will need applications capable
of using such sound input to make use of the microphone. Refer to the
Help and Support Center within Windows for directions or how to enable
the built-in microphone.

CD-ROM Drive/DVD Drive/Combo Drive

The CD-ROM or DVD drive provides you with a means of having
access to programs or data that take up a lot of disk space, without having
to sacrifice a large section of your hard drive for that purpose. Each Optical
drive uses data CDs that are capable of holding hundreds of megabytes of
data (DVD disks can hold several gigabytes of information). The high­speed access rate of your CD-ROM enables it to search that data and
retrieve the specific data that you want very quickly. Data CDs are ROM
(Read Only Memory) disks and cannot be written to with your CD-ROM
drive. Their high capacity and fast speed makes them very useful for pro­grams such as encyclopedias and other reference works that require a lot of
space and a fast search mechanism, and to which you do not need to add
data. Your CD drive can also be used to play audio CDs through the audio
hardware built into your WinBook notebook.

30

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

audio properties

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

microphone

Connecting external
speakers to your
WinBook notebook
disables the built-in
speakers.

Connecting an external
microphone to your

WinBook notebook

disables the internal micro­phone. Your system will ship
with the microphone muted,
which helps reduce feedback
when the microphone is not
being used by an application.

Dirt in the CD/DVD tray
can affect performance.
Be sure to keep the tray
clean.

User’s Manual

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 30

Your CD-ROM will also be able to read from photo CDs.
You can load a CD-ROM/DVD into the drive as described below:

1. Press the Load/Eject button.

2. The disc tray opens.

3. Wait until the tray stops. If the tray does not open far enough to insert
the CD, gently ease the tray out until you have enough clearance to
insert the CD.

4. Carefully place the CD (audio or data), with the label side up, on the
disc tray. (Figure 1.12)

5. Be sure to carefully center the CD and press it into place on the
loading tray. Since your WinBook notebook is meant to be portable,
the CD is secured onto the tray rather than simply resting in a recess.

6. Close the tray. Be certain that it is closed
completely.

In general, your software will control the CD­ROM directly. Data CDs are accessed via the
software. Consult your software instructions for
the operations of a data CD. Windows compati­ble CD-ROMs will usually have an autoplay
feature that starts the program when the CD is
detected.

When the CD-ROM is to be used as an audio
CD player, you can use software control within
Windows or the Audio DJ control panel
to operate playback and volume levels. Refer to
the Help and Support Center within Windows
for directions on how to adjust these settings.

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

audio CD

31

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Label-side up

Figure 1.12: Loading a CD into the Drawer

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 31

If you need to open the CD drawer when the unit power is not on, you can
use the emergency release, which is the small hole located on the drive tray
to the right of the eject button. Use a paper clip to press on the release
inside the hole. The tray can then be pulled gently forward until the disc
can be retrieved. Slide the tray back into place until you feel it click. This
method is designed to be used occasionally for an emergency retrieval of a
disk and should not be used as a regular method of removing disks. Your
drive will last longer if you remove the disk using the normal unloading
method. Another alternative would be to use the [Fn]+[F10] hotkey combi­nation to eject the CD drawer.

If your WinBook notebook has a DVD drive, you will be able to use this
drive to play DVD video disks. See Chapter 7 for more information about
DVD use.

CD-R/CD-RW Drive

If your unit came the Combination Optical drive, you will have the ability
to write to CD-R and CD-RW disks. The physical operation of this drive is
the same as for a CD-ROM or DVD drive (as explained in the previous
section).

CD-R disks can be written to once, although you can continue to add
information to the disk until it is full. Once you have written data (or
audio) to the disk, that disk can be formatted for reading in most standard
CD-ROM drives or audio CD-players.

Note: some older drives will not be able to read from these disks.

You can write to CD-R disks and use them to distribute your data
to other users. CD-R drives come in two capacities:

1. 650MB (data)/74 minute (CD audio)

2. 700MB (data)/80 minute (CD audio)
CD-RW disks can be erased and reused many times. CD-RW disks

32

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

audio CD

User’s Manual

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 32

can be read only by CD-RW drives or by specially designed “multiread”
CD-ROM players, so these disks are primarily intended as a high-capacity
storage device rather than as a means of distributing data.

For more detailed information about this drive, check the Help and
Support Center in Windows.

Software

Preloaded Software

Your WinBook notebook comes preloaded with Windows as its operating
system. There is also the necessary software to use the various hardware
of the laptop. For instructions on using Windows, refer to the Help and
Support Center within Windows. In addition to the software that you run
and see, there is some preloaded software that runs in the background.
Specific drivers (files that allow pieces of hardware to communicate
effectively with the computer and operating system) have been preloaded
for the various hardware units that have been packaged with your system
(e.g. sound card, video). These drivers are also important in allowing you
to alter certain aspects of your system, such as the resolution of your video
image.

Adding Software

If you purchased some other software, or if you already own software
that you will be installing on your new WinBook notebook system,
or if you buy software at a later date, you will need to know how
to install that software on the WinBook system. Follow the instructions
provided by the software manufacturer. Most current software on CD­ROM will start automatically once the CD is inserted and recognized by
your notebook.

33

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

WinBook combo

Windows software
comes with uninstall

functions built-in. If

you ever want to remove a
Windows program, do not delete
it. Use the Add/Remove feature
to remove it. Refer to the Help
and Support Center within
Windows for directions on
how to uninstall software.

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

uninstall software

If you have to reinstall
Windows at some

point, you will lose some

of these drivers. To regain
normal functioning of your
WinBook notebook in such a
case, use the Restore CD that
came with your system.

Select Windows
Basics from the
help topic menu.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 33

34

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 34

35

Chapter 2:

Windows Help

and Support

Chapter 2: Windows Help and Support

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 35

36

User’s Manual

The Help and Support Center is your one stop shop for anything and
everything that relates to Windows and your WinBook. Through this
resource, you can find answers on a multitude of subjects such as basic

windows operations, detailed problem resolutions, and specifications of
your WinBook computer. Also found within this resource are applications

that you can run to help maintain and troubleshoot your WinBook such
as system restore, remote assistance, and system configuration utility.
For further information on any item in this chapter, just type the keyword
in the Search box of the Help and Support Center.

When connected to the internet, the Help and Support Center becomes
an even greater tool by expanding its capabilities in the following ways:

• Through Windows Update, your computer can always be up to date

with the latest patches and drivers from Microsoft. When connecting
to Windows Update, your computer will be scanned, and the appropriate
updates will be displayed for your unique installation of the operating
system.

• Through the Get Support feature, you can access various sources

of help and support information via newsgroups and manufacturer
websites.

No matter what your question or problem may be, the Help and
Support Center should be your first step towards finding the answer.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 36

37

Figure 2.1: Help and Support Center Window

Using the Help and Support Center

Obtaining access to the Help and Support Center is just a key press or
mouse click away. From the Windows desktop, press the [F1] key in order
to bring up the Help and Support Center. Alternatively you can click once
on the Start Menu and then select Help and Support. Once activated,
the Help and Support Center window will open up as depicted below.

(Figure 2.1)

Chapter 2: Windows Help and Support

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 37

User’s Manual

38

It is through this home page that you will find easy access
to the many resources the Help and Support Center has to offer.
Just click on the hypertext link of the topic that coincides with
the question that you have. If you find that you are unable to
bring up a resource for a particular question by clicking through
the topic links, the Help and Support Center allows you to
search its entire database through a comprehensive search utili­ty. Click once on the blank search box in the upper left corner of
the window and type in a keyword or keywords that the search
engine will scan for. (Figure 2.2)

After a quick scan, the Help and
Support Center will display any
resources that match the keywords
searched for. (Figure 2.3)

Click on one of the hypertext links
of the Suggested Topics in order to
display the information that
you are looking for. (Figure 2.4)

Note: The resources supplied
by the Help and Support Center
focus only on your WinBook
computer as well as the operating
system installed. The Help and
Support Center does not provide
resources for any 3rd party pro­grams or hardware that you may
have installed. Refer to the manu­facturer of your user installed hard­ware or software for help
on their products.

Figure 2.2: Help and Support Center Search Box

Figure 2.3: Help and Support Center Search Results

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 38

WinBook Users’ Manual and the Help
and Support Center

This manual was written to complement the Help and Support Center.
While the manual doesn’t directly answer many of the questions or
concepts explained in each chapter, the manual does refer the reader
to the Help and Support Center along with the exact keywords needed
in order to bring up the correct resource. Here is an example of the
Help and Support icon found within this manual. (Figure 2.5)

39

Chapter 2: Windows Help and Support

Figure 2.4: Help and Support Center Main Setup Menu

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 39

User’s Manual

40

Icons like this can be found throughout the entire manual as a sidebar
item pertaining to a question or concept being explained on that page.

System Restore

One of the powerful utilities within the Help and Support Center is
the System Restore utility. With this utility, you can recover from fatal
errors that are the direct result of failed hardware or software installations.
Your operating system automatically sets restore points whenever you
install a new piece of software or add a new hardware device. If you
find yourself in a situation in which your computer is malfunctioning
after you have recently installed something, running System Restore
from the Help and Support Center will allow you to revert back to a
point before the installation occurred, thus protecting your valuable
data and the integrity of your system.

Why use the Help and Support Center?

• Most likely the answer to your question can already be answered
within the Help and Support Center.

• The Help and Support Center gives you the user, the power to
solve your own problem or answer your own question without
having to rely on the traditional methods of support. (i.e. technical
support phone call, surfing the internet for answers)

Figure 2.5: Help and Support Center Icon

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

WinBook BIOS

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 40

Note: WinBook Technical Support is still an alternative resource for
your questions. Refer to the Quick Start Guide document that came with
your WinBook for the toll free telephone support number.

• The Help and Support Center is a dynamic resource from WinBook.
The Help and Support Center will be periodically updated by WinBook
in order to give you the latest information about your WinBook
computer. Download updated Help and Support files for your WinBook
at www.winbookcorp.com.

41

Chapter 2: Windows Help and Support

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42

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Chapter 3:

Basic Computing

43

Chapter 3: Basic Computing

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User’s Manual

44

The WinBook notebook is designed to be run straight out of the box. If you
are an experienced computer user, you should be ready to go. You can find
additional information about specific features of your system in the chap­ters that follow as well as the Help and Support Center feature found with­in Windows.

RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory), also sometimes referred to as system
memory, is the active memory of your computer, where it holds programs
and data that are currently in use. The more RAM your computer has, the
more space it has to run programs. Your WinBook notebook came with a
certain amount of RAM, but that is not the maximum limit of the memory
used by Windows. Windows will set up a swap file on your hard drive to
provide additional “virtual memory”. When the programs you are running
need more than the installed RAM on your computer, Windows will
“swap” some programs from RAM to that hard drive. When those bits of
memory are needed, Windows will swap them back into RAM (and, if nec­essary, swap other bits of memory to the hard drive). Even with the fast
data bus and fast hard drive in your WinBook notebook, the reading and
writing to the disk is slower than having the data available in RAM. Some
programs will require a large amount of RAM to run. As a result, the num­ber of programs that you can run simultaneously will vary with the type of
applications in use. If you find that you are running short of RAM and your
system is running slowly, you can add RAM to your system. See Chapter
10 for information about adding RAM.

When you place your WinBook into Standby mode, it will use a small
amount of battery power to keep the RAM active while shutting down the
other elements of your system. When you resume using the system, your
active sessions in RAM will be available just as you left them.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 44

Hard Drives

The hard drive is the fixed disk, which provides the primary storage
medium for your data. Most of your programs and data will be stored
on the hard drive. The capacity of your hard drive will probably be several
gigabytes (1 gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB or approximately 1 billion bytes).
The programs you run and the data you create will be stored on this hard
drive and take up some of that available space. Programs tend to take
up a large amount of disk space (some may take up over 100 megabytes,
with software suites taking up considerably more), while the files that
you create will generally take up much less (stored in plain text, a 1,000
page manuscript will fit in less than 1 megabyte).

Your hard drive is usually the C: drive in your system. There are a
number of system tools that will allow you to keep track of disk usage
and keep your hard drive running efficiently.

The Windows Help and Support Center contains more detailed
explanations of maintenance of your hard drive and file system.

If you start to run short of space on your hard drive, you can upgrade
to a larger capacity drive. See Chapter 10 for details about upgrading
your hard drive.

The Device Manager

While the Setup program (see Chapter 8) tells your computer what
equipment it is running, the Windows Device Manager tells the operating
system what equipment it is running. It is a good idea to learn about
the various components of your system and how they operate. You might
find that there are capabilities of your system that you had not anticipated.
You might also need to know what hardware is in your machine and to
what standards it conforms in order to know how well your system will
work with some new software you want to install. You might want to
add some additional equipment to your system and will need to know

45

Chapter 3: Basic Computing

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

hard disk

If your computer is
connected to a network,

you will also have access

to hard drives on other com­puters (if they are set up to share
data). See the networking docu­mentation in Windows to see
how to access such drives.

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

device manager

Be sure to read the
Windows manual
carefully before altering
any settings in Device
Manager.

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User’s Manual

if its settings will conflict with those in your WinBook notebook. Device
Manager is the place where you can learn this information about your
system. If you want to know more information about these pieces of the
computer, you can click on the particular device in the Device Manager
and then click on Properties. If there is a problem with the device,
you will get some basic information here on the source of the problem.
If there is a conflict between two (or more) devices, you will also be
told which devices are trying to use the same IRQ or resource. Refer
to the Help and Support Center within Windows for details on the device
manager.

Communications

Some WinBook notebook models come with a fax/modem (built-in
or a PCMCIA card) that allows you to take advantage of the fax and
communications functions of your system. The fax/modem is capable of
running two modes: as a fax and as a modem (which can be connected to
other computers via their modems).

Faxing

Your modem can allow the computer to send and receive faxes if you
obtain fax software. Any Windows application that has a print command
can be used to generate faxes. You can combine text and images from
different programs into a single fax transmission. To send a fax from
within a Windows program, you need only select the fax as your printer
for that document. Then print the document just as you would to your
printer. Your fax can also be used to receive faxes, which can be sent
directly to your printer to produce a hard copy of the fax transmission.

Software logs will enable you to track all of the faxes that you have
sent or received.

46

You must disengage
Call Waiting when

using the fax/modem.

The click from the Call
Waiting can interrupt or cancel
transmissions by the fax/modem.
Contact your local phone compa­ny for information about how
to disable Call Waiting.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 46

Modem Communications

You can use the modem to connect to other computers with a modem, or to
log into networks that allow modem access. Your modem can be set to
emulate a terminal for logging into remote systems. It can also be used
with login protocols to connect to certain providers and online services.
Your modem can be set to allow your computer to function as its own
mini-BBS (bulletin board system), enabling callers to login to your com­puter and exchange information.

The speed of your modem (e.g. 56K) represents the speed at which the
modem is capable of transmitting information. The FCC restricts the actual
transmission to slightly slower speeds. Your modem may be capable of
faster speeds of transmission from modem to computer. This does not
affect the rate of communication between modems, but, if both modems
are capable of such compression, a connection can have a higher effective
speed if the sending system compresses the data as it is sent from the send­ing computer to the sending modem and if the receiving system decom­presses the data as it is sent from the receiving modem to the receiving
computer. Thus, it is possible to “connect” at higher speeds. You should
always try to connect at the highest rate of connection available to you.
The modems will negotiate the connection and establish the actual rate of
transmission of information (the key is the compatibility of the
modems–the standards in this industry are fairly well-established and thus
compatibility is pretty much the norm).

To connect to anything with your modem, you will usually need to sign
on with a provider (unless you have log-in rights with some network
already–e.g. at work) or dial-in to another computer already set to receive
such connections. Online service providers will allow you to connect to an
extensive computer environment. You can use such providers to send and
receive e-mail (electronic mail), chat with other computer users, look up
information in their databases, participate in electronic discussions with
multiple parties, and even download software. The major service providers

47

Chapter 3: Basic Computing

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usually charge a monthly fee for connection time. Some services they
provide may entail an additional charge. Since such electronic connections
are an important resource for computer users, Windows comes with its own
software for making such connections, as well as with software from some
of the major service providers (in the Online Services folder). You can also
use your modem in conjunction with financial software to perform your
banking and pay your bills electronically. Such software can also be used
to track investments by logging into providers who transmit market data.
In addition, you can use commercial tax preparation programs to send your
tax forms to the IRS electronically. Your state and local tax offices might
also offer such services.

Keep in mind that your modem is a phone, but unlike other phones, it is
very sensitive to noise. While you might be able to listen through static and
line noise and make out what your caller is saying, modems, which com­municate in high-speed tones, are more finicky. If you find that your
modem has many disconnect problems, you might see if you can reduce
the line noise in your phone lines (sometimes the noise is in the lines from
your telephone service provider and there is little that you can do). Also, if
someone picks up a phone connected to the line and then hangs it back up,
this might be interpreted by your communications software to be a discon­nect signal.

Network Communications

All WinBook N4 models come with built-in 10/100 LAN adapters that
allow you to connect to Local Area Networks as well as Internet Service
Providers.

No matter which method you use to connect to a LAN or ISP, you will be
able to communicate with other users, printers or devices on the network at
high speed.

48

User’s Manual

Note: Due to the unlim­ited variety of network

implementations,

WinBook is unable to provide
technical support for networking
functions. Please see your net­work administrator or internet
service provider for all networking
questions.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:42 PM Page 48

Internet and the World Wide Web

If your WinBook notebook came with a modem, or if you have a network
connection, you can use your computer to connect to the Internet and
World Wide Web. Windows is designed to help provide quick access to the
Internet, so you will want to familiarize yourself with the Internet functions
of Windows. To enter the Internet, you will need to log your computer into
a network connected to other networks as part of the Internet. If your area
is wired for a high-speed Internet connection such as DSL or cable, you
will be able to use that connection with your WinBook N Series notebook.
Such connections use their own “modem” provided by the carrier rather
than your built-in modem. Your carrier will be able to provide you with
details. If you have a modem or high-speed connection, you can arrange
service with a provider. Some providers just provide access to the Internet.
Major commercial providers have their own content and also have connec­tions to the Internet. You might also have access to the Internet by dialing
into a network at home or school. Some communities have local “freenets”
which can be used to provide a connection to the Internet. If you have a
direct connection to a network line, you will find this connection to be a
much faster way to access the Internet than via modem. Once connected to
the Internet, you can use this connection to send e-mail, download and
upload files, and connect to a variety of information and entertainment
sources. You will need a web browser, such as the Internet Explorer pro­gram that is included with Windows, to be able to access information on
the World Wide Web. The browser program includes the necessary soft­ware to handle most of the program, text, graphics, sound and video files
of the web. In some cases, you might need additional software for certain
files, but this software should be available as a download from the web.
Internet connections are a useful way to exchange information and acquire
updates of programs, including updated drivers or files
for your WinBook notebook.

49

Chapter 3: Basic Computing

Your WinBook notebook
is designed for efficient

Internet use. You can

launch Microsoft Outlook
Express or your default e-mail
program at any time by pressing
the e-mail button located to the
right of the power button (the
button with the letter 'E'). You
can launch Microsoft Internet
Explorer or your default browser
at any time by pressing the
Internet button located just to the
right of E-mail button (the button
with the letter ‘I’).

Microsoft Windows has
have many integrated

features that will enrich

your Internet use. To learn
about these features, you can
check the Help and Support
Center in Windows by pressing
[F1] at the Windows desktop
or clicking on the Windows Start
Menu and selecting “Help and
Support”.

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Once you have become familiar with your WinBook notebook, you can
find more extensive information about the World Wide Web in the Help
and Support Center of Windows.

Your Version of Windows

If you are unfamiliar with Windows, you should familiarize yourself with
the operating system by running the introductory tour that is offered when
you first start up your system. If you have shut off that screen, you can find
the tour in the Help and Support Center of Windows.

50

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

control panel overview

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

desktop settings

User’s Manual

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51

Chapter 4: Mobile Computing

Chapter 4:

Mobile Computing

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Figure 4.1: WinBook N4 Notebook Battery

52

User’s Manual

Battery Operation

Charging

Your WinBook notebook comes equipped with a durable, lightweight,
rechargeable Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery that can power your system for
over two hours when fully charged (longer if power management is used).
(Figure 4.1) The actual duration of a charge will vary with how you use the
computer and with how much you take advantage of the power management
features of the system. In addition, you can obtain an additional battery that
can be swapped into the battery bay of your WinBook notebook to provide
even greater battery capacity.

The battery charges whenever the AC Adapter is connected to your system.
The battery will charge whether the system is off, in the Hibernate mode,
or operating. The fastest recharge occurs when the system is off or in
hibernate mode. It takes about 3.5 hours to fully recharge the primary bat­tery when the system is powered down or in hibernate mode, longer if you
are using the system (about 4 hours). If the system temperature exceeds
a safe level while the battery is charging, the system will stop the charging
process in order to protect the battery. Once the battery temperature
falls back within the safe range, the battery charging process will resume.

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Each time you charge and partially discharge the battery, it stores slightly
less power. After about twenty cycles, it might only store about 80% of
its potential charge. Similarly, if you do not use the battery for a few days,
it will slowly self-discharge, and when it is recharged, it will hold less than
100% of the potential charge. To correct battery charge problems, you
should allow the battery to fully discharge before beginning the charging
process.

Over time, as the battery is charged and discharged, it gradually stores
less charge. Li-Ion cells generally last for 500 or more cycles before
they begin to deteriorate. You should replace your battery when you
notice that it begins to store significantly less charge. If you replace the
battery with a new one, you might
first need to initialize the battery
so that the battery gauge in your
WinBook notebook will be able to
accurately measure the battery
charge level. Check the WinBook
section of the Windows Help and
Support center for information
about replacing a battery in your
system.

Changing

You can purchase a second
battery for your WinBook note­book. This second battery can be
installed in the battery bay.

(Figure 4.2)

1. Shut down the unit or place it
in the hibernate mode.

53

Chapter 4: Mobile Computing

Figure 4.2: Changing
the Battery

You can connect and
disconnect the power

cord while working with-

out disrupting the functioning
of the system, as long as your
battery is in place and has at
least some charge remaining.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 53

Disconnect the AC Adapter. Close the LCD panel and turn the unit
upside down. The front of the unit should be toward you.

2. Slide the battery release latch lock to the unlocked position.

3. Slide the battery release latch down (direction of the arrow) to release
the battery from the bay. The battery will now be slightly angled out of the
battery bay.

4.While still holding the release in place, grab the battery by the edges.
Angle the battery up from the bay and gently slide it out. (Figure 4.3)
You can now let go of the battery release.

5.Angle the new battery into the bay. The front edge of the battery
should slide under the lip of the system case.

6.Gently lower the battery into the bay and push it until it “clicks”
securely in the bay.

7. Reconnect the AC Adapter.

54

Figure 4.3:
Removing the Battery

User’s Manual

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When you install a new battery, you will need to should fully charge and
discharge the battery at least three times in order to calibrate the electronics
for proper battery gauge reading.

Power Management

In order to make the most of the mobile computing capabilities of
your WinBook notebook, you will need to be aware of how to manage
the power consumption of your system. Aggressive power conservation
can provide extended computer usage. Sometimes aggressive conservation
will not be needed, or you might prefer not to engage it. You should set the
default to match your most common needs. If you use the system primarily
as a mobile system with long-term battery needs, you can use an aggressive
setting. If your battery usage is usually limited, then you might prefer a
more moderate setting.

Your WinBook notebook is ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power
Interface) compliant and can take advantage of Windows’ built-in power
management features. Windows is designed to help manage power on
portable computers and you will find its features useful in conserving
battery life. ACPI also allows certain applications to exert control over
power management.

Taking advantage of power management features can have a significant
effect on the battery use you can get on a single charge. Afully charged
battery should provide you over two hours of system use, but aggressive
power management can extend that time. There are some measures that
you can take as a user to help optimize battery use in your WinBook
notebook. If you are running one or more PCMCIA cards, using the
system audio and making frequent calls to the CD-ROM or hard drive,
you will find that battery power will be consumed much more quickly
than with standard system use.

You can send your WinBook notebook into Stand-by or Hibernate
by hitting the power button (if you have set the button for this function

55

Chapter 4: Mobile Computing

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

winbook battery

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 55

as described in the Windows Help and Support Center) or by hitting
Start/Turn Off Computer and selecting the Standby mode from the
menu.

WinBook Notebook Low Power Measures

When you are running on battery power, your WinBook notebook
tracks battery charge. When battery power gets low, the unit will provide
warnings and eventually take action to help preserve data. Power level
warnings in Windows will be activated according to the settings you have
established. In the default setting, a red “X” will appear over the battery
when approximately 15% of battery power remains. When the battery
level reaches 10%, you will receive a warning to save your work. When
the battery level reaches 3%, the unit will move to the Hibernate mode.

When the WinBook notebook estimates that there are about 10-15
minutes of power remaining (the actual time will vary with usage),
the unit will start to give periodic beeps to remind you to save your
work. When approximately 5-10 minutes of battery power remain,
the beeps will accelerate.

Note: You can silence the beeps by hitting the [Fn]+[End] hot-key
combination.

When you receive the low power warnings, you should shut down your
system, hibernate your system or connect to a power source. If you respond
immediately after receiving the warnings, you should have sufficient power
to shut down completely, including saving large files. Do not attempt
to restart your system until you have connected to the AC adapter or
changed or charged your battery.

Windows allows you to activate the Hibernate function in Power
Management. If you do so, when the system reaches a critical power
level, it will enter a Standby or Hibernate mode (depending on your
settings). Enabling this function will permit you to preserve data in
RAM from being lost when the battery is about to use the last of its

56

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

hibernate

User’s Manual

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 56

power. You should familiarize yourself with those settings in Windows
to help prevent data loss.

Standby and Hibernate Modes

While both Standby mode and Hibernate mode permit power savings,
each serves a different purpose. The Standby mode uses a trickle of
battery power to keep the RAM active. This option provides you with
a faster resume. Hibernate provides more substantial power savings, as
well as providing the safe mode for switching batteries. Since the sys­tem is powered-down it takes longer to resume operation. This Suspend
to Disk option will allow you to suspend for a longer time, since it does
not require battery power to hold the session in RAM. Resuming from
RAM is much quicker than resuming from disk. The WinBook notebook
can remain in the hibernate mode for up to a week on a fully charged
battery. You should consider these factors when deciding which mode
to use.

The Hibernate mode, since it does not consume any power, can also be
a useful way to save you time in getting started on your work. If you
like to work with a number of programs open on a regular basis, you
can use the hibernate mode to save the active session with those pro­grams already opened. Rather than wait for the system to shut down
each program and then manually reloading each program the next time
you are ready to work, you can suspend and be ready to work once the
session has been resumed.

57

Chapter 4: Mobile Computing

If your WinBook note­book is unable to

Hibernate, which sus-

pends to disk, (for example if
your Save-to-File file is too small
or damaged), it will suspend to
RAM (Standby). When the unit is
suspended to RAM, there will be
a slow trickle of power and the
battery could drain completely
and data could be lost. When
the unit is in Standby, the power
management system cannot
gauge battery charge levels. Since
the Standby mode uses a trickle
of battery power to maintain the
information in RAM, the battery
will slowly discharge in this mode.
As a result, it is possible, if the
unit remains in Standby until the
battery is completely discharged,
for the information in RAM to
be lost. If you will be suspending
the system for a long period, you
should use the Hibernate method.

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58

Keep in mind, it is still a good idea to shut down and restart your system
over a few uses, just to refresh the system or to allow your virus software to
perform a complete scan of your system, if you have enabled such an option.

Safety & Operation

The WinBook notebook does not have a handle or a rough surface for a
sure grip, so use a carrying case when traveling. At times, you may want
to put both the case and the WinBook notebook within a larger briefcase to
conceal the system and reduce the risk of theft. Do not use this product in
an unstable location. Serious damage could result if the system should fall.
When using the AC adapter, be certain that the cord is not placed where
someone might trip over it (since this might cause your computer to fall.)
Avoid rough handling of your WinBook notebook. Jolts to the system can
damage components or result in data loss. Transport your WinBook note­book in a case or bag that provides adequate cushioning and a secure posi­tion. Never check your WinBook notebook in as luggage when you are
traveling. Even the toughest carrying case won’t protect it from such rough
handling. Although it is tempting to pack your WinBook notebook in your
luggage, it is apt to result in a broken system. The best solution is to carry
the WinBook notebook with you.

Avoid high and low temperatures. While you travel in the summer, do not
leave your WinBook notebook in a car trunk on a hot day. Trunk tempera­tures can reach 140° F, beyond the safe range for the WinBook notebook.
Do not leave the unit sitting in direct sunlight in your car on a hot day. The
heat can cause system damage. Also be careful when shipping or storing
your WinBook notebook so that it is not exposed to high or low tempera­tures. The batteries will not operate as well under extremes of temperature.
They are specified to work from 41° to 95° F (5° to 35° C).

Running your WinBook notebook in temperatures below 41° F or above
95° F will reduce the battery life.

If a battery module is left in the sun and gets quite hot, it is apt to fail to

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59

Chapter 4: Mobile Computing

charge. This is due to a safety switch in the battery module that is aimed at
preventing overheating due to overcharging. Once the battery cools down,
you will be able to charge it. In extremely cold weather, you may find that
it takes longer for the battery to charge or that it does not fully charge.

Slots and openings in the system are for ventilation purposes. Do not
obstruct or cover these openings or the system could overheat. Do not
place the system in close proximity to a source of heat or a source of dust.

Protect your modem. Be aware that phone systems can be either analog
or digital. Your modem is designed to work on an analog phone system.
Most residential telephones are analog. Digital phone systems typically
involve building–or company–specific PBX (Private Branch eXchange)
systems. Some PBX systems can use voltages that will damage an analog
modem. Before you hook up your modem in a hotel or at a new company,
check with the facilities manager. To find an analog line, you might look
for a fax machine. Your WinBook J Series notebook has built-in circuitry
protection for the modem in your system. This circuitry will help protect
your system from electrical damage, but it is still recommended that you
locate an analog line where possible. Note that there are products available
that will support analog modems on digital PBXs.

If an extension cord is used with this product, ensure that the total ampere
ratings of all the devices sharing the extension cord do not exceed the
rating of the extension cord, nor the rating of the wall outlet. As with the
AC Adapter, be certain that the cord is placed so that no one will trip over
it (since this might cause the computer to fall).

The WinBook notebook can be used safely in a moving car. Power
adapters that will connect between the WinBook notebook and a cigarette
lighter socket are available. For information, contact Sales at the number
listed on the “Read Me First” brochure that came with your system.

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60

Contact technical support if:
a) The power cord appears damaged or frayed
b) Liquid has been spilled on the product
c) The product does not operate normally
d) The product has been dropped or the cabinet impeached
e) The product shows a distinct change in performance

Travel

Travel Tips

• It is a good idea to load common printer drivers onto your WinBook
notebook (such as HP Laser Jet and DeskJet drivers). This will allow
you to print from many printers at your destination, even if you do
not carry your own printer with you.

• Take along a bootable CD or floppy disk, just in case there is damage
to your hard drive.

• Travel can present considerable risks of system shock or theft.
Complete a full system backup before traveling.

• Be familiar with your Setup settings, or print a copy of them,
in case there is damage to those settings while you travel.

• If you will be traveling to another country, check with your travel
agent to determine whether or not you will need special adapters
to use the electrical outlets and telephone connections.

• If you do a lot of traveling, you might find it useful to purchase
an acoustic coupler for your modem (which hooks to the handset
instead of directly to a phone jack), to allow connection even
where compatible phone jacks cannot be found. Most public phones,

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61

Chapter 4: Mobile Computing

however, are now being upgraded to accept a fax/modem connection
from a portable computer.

• Hand your WinBook notebook to an airport attendant rather than
setting it on the convey or for security checks. This will help reduce
the possibility of theft.

Note: X-rays will not damage your system.

• Password protect your system (with at least one level of password)
to help preserve your data.

• Consider purchasing a lock for your WinBook notebook. The WinBook
notebook comes with a slot for connecting a lock located on rear of your
system case.

• Brand or physically mark your computer to make for easy identification.

• If you will be using an Internet provider or other on-line service,
call ahead to find out local access numbers for your destination(s).

• In case your destination does not have outlets near convenient work
spaces, you might want to pack a short extension cord.

Remember to pack:

• Your WinBook notebook

• Your WinBook notebook Restore CD’s (which contain the drivers
for your system)

• Your AC adapter/power cord

• Any international converters for your AC adapter

• Any international converters for your modem

• Network cable, if you will be connecting directly to a network

• Printer and/or printer cable

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User’s Manual

• PCMCIA cards and any detachable connections for those cards

• Spare battery packs (if any)

• Bootable floppy or CD

• A spare floppy or two for easy file exchange

• Manuals for any critical software (printed or CD), including Windows

Remember to:

• Charge your battery

• Change your power management settings to more aggressive settings,
if appropriate

• Transfer the working files you will need

• Change your security settings (passwords and Floppy Disk Controller
access) if you will be traveling in an insecure environment.

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63

Chapter 5: Desktop Operation

Chapter 5:

Desktop Operation

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 63

While your WinBook notebook is capable of providing you with efficient
and productive mobile computing, it has the speed and capacity to serve as
a desktop system. Even if you have an existing desktop system, you will
find it useful on occasion to be able to connect your WinBook notebook as
if it were a desktop system. This chapter discusses those functions of your
WinBook notebook that are typical of desktop systems.

Audio

Audio Software

Your WinBook notebook comes equipped with an integrated sound system
capable of providing you with quality audio sound through the built-in
speakers or through external speakers connected via the jack on the rear of
the system.

Controlling the Sound Levels

In addition to the hot keys on your keyboard there are software controls
that you can use to set your audio volume. Refer to the Help and Support
Center within Windows for directions on how to adjust your audio volume.

Playing an Audio CD

You can play audio CDs through the sound system. Place the audio CD in
the drive (see Chapter 1 for instructions on inserting a disk). The Media
Player in Windows will recognize the audio CD and launch the program to
control the playback of the CD.

The Windows Media Player is designed to take advantage of Internet
music databases. When you load the CD, you will be asked if you would
like to check an Internet Database for information about the CD (artist,
title, tracks). It will automatically check its database for your CD. You
can modify the information once it has been downloaded. See the Help
and Support Center for more information.

64

You can mute system
audio instantly by press-

ing the [Fn]+[End] hot

key combination. To restore
audio, press the combination
a second time.

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

volume

User’s Manual

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 64

Playing Sound Files

In addition to playing music from audio CDs, your WinBook notebook
can play audio files stored in MIDI, WAVE or MP3 file formats, as well
as sound stored in audio form and used in programs and games. With the
proper software, you can also use the sound system to play audio files
via the World Wide Web, including live audio broadcasts. Check the Help
and Support Center in Windows for information on the functions of the
Media Player.

Sound Recording

You can obtain applications that will allow you to use your system
microphone to record sounds and store them as files on your system.
You can also use the Sound Recorder program built into Windows for this
purpose. This program can also be used to modify the sound files with
certain audio effects. Check the Windows Help and Support Center in
Windows for information on using the various elements of this program. For
sound files that require excellent sound quality, you should consider buying
an external microphone designed for high-quality voice recording (which
can be connected to your WinBook notebook through the microphone jack
on the back of the system).

Wave files that you have recorded can be added to documents that support
OLE. Sounds embedded in a document will be played via the Windows
software when double-clicked in the document. Check your software
documentation to determine if your software will support embedded
sounds.

External Speakers & Microphone

The sound system is capable of providing high-quality sound to external
speakers and receiving and processing sounds from an external
microphone or external sound source. To connect external speakers,
follow the instructions provided with your speakers. When the speakers

65

Chapter 5: Desktop Operation

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

media player

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

sound recorder

The Media Player can be
used to play sound files,

play audio CDs, and run

video clips or streaming video
from the Internet. For information
on playing video on your system,
see the Windows documentation.
or search the Help and Support
Center.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 65

are connected, the built-in speakers of your WinBook notebook will
automatically be disabled. An external microphone will disable the
built-in microphone.

Connecting Peripherals

Your WinBook notebook has ports (parallel, USB), a slot (PCMCIA) and
jacks (microphone and audio out) that allow you to connect peripheral
devices to your computer.

Printer

Whether you purchase a portable computer or a desktop model, you will
probably connect the printer to the computer via the parallel cable. You
might also connect to a printer via a network connection or a USB
connection. Whatever the nature of the connection, you will need to set up
the necessary drivers for the printer. You can vary the port connection (or
network setup) at the step where it is requested. If you will be connecting
the device to a parallel or serial port, you should shut down the system
before connecting the printer (you do not need to shut down to connect a
USB printer). If your printer is Plug and Play compliant, your system will
detect the new hardware on boot and begin the process of setting up the
printer. Refer to the Help and Support Center within Windows for
directions on how to set up a printer.

Other Parallel Devices

Your parallel port can also be used with other parallel port devices (e.g.
a tape backup unit). Your parallel port is capable of supporting enhanced
ECP and EPP transfer modes. ECP transfer mode provides significant
performance increases for transfer to parallel devices (such as printers).
EPP transfer mode provides increased performance for 2-way transfers
such as those used to link another computer to your WinBook notebook
system for file transfer. You might need to check the documentation of
your device to determine the modes supported.

66

If you connect to your
printer via a network,

contact your network

administrator for details on
the printer and the specific setup
for your network connection.
You might need to have the
driver disk that came with your
printer available for the installa­tion of the printer drivers.

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

install printer

If your printer came with
an installation disk, it

might have drivers on it.

(this will often be the case if
the printer came into production
after the most recent release of
Windows). You should check your
printer manual for information
on using the installation disk. You
can click on the Have Disk button
if you have an installation disk.

User’s Manual

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 66

If you need to change the transfer mode for your printer, you can do so in
the BIOS

setup program (see Chapter 8). Be sure to shut down your system

before connecting the device to your system to prevent damage to your
system and the parallel device.

External Monitor

You can connect an external monitor to your WinBook through the VGA
port on the rear of the system. You can direct the output to the LCD, the
external monitor or both via the display properties.

External Keyboard

Your WinBook notebook comes equipped with a PS/2 port and two USB
ports, any of which can be used to connect an external keyboard to your
system. You can plug it in and it should be recognized by the system. USB
keyboards can be plugged or unplugged during operation. The external
keyboard will not disable the built-in keyboard, so you will be able to use
both devices simultaneously. You can use the two keyboards in combina­tion, since the computer will not distinguish between the input from each
keyboard.

External Pointing Device

You can connect a PS/2 or USB mouse to your WinBook notebook. If your
mouse is Windows compliant, the notebook should detect new hardware
and take you through the process of installing the hardware. A USB mouse
can be connected or disconnected during operation and the notebook will
automatically adjust to the presence or absence of the mouse. The presence
of a USB mouse will not affect the use of the internal touchpad.

67

Chapter 5: Desktop Operation

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

display properties

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 67

USB Ports

While the parallel port of your WinBook notebook provides you with con­nections for many current external devices, your WinBook notebook also
comes equipped with two v.1.1 compliant USB (Universal Serial Bus)
ports, which allow you to take advantage of a high-speed connection to
newer devices. A USB port can allow you to connect up to 127 devices
through a single port, at very high data transfer rates of up to 12 Mbps
(Mega-bits per second). Devices can be connected through a USB hub (a
USB external device that provides power and connection for other USB
devices) or connected one to the other in a chain. Your WinBook will auto­matically check the USB ports to determine what devices are attached. If
they are new to your system, the Plug and Play interface will detect and
identify the new equipment. The constant communication between the USB
ports and your devices allows you to connect and disconnect devices with­out shutting down your system. You can connect a USB device by plugging
the USB cable into the USB port (both on the rear of your WinBook). Since
the USB devices can be chained together, you can plug USB devices into
each other or into a hub that connects to the USB port of your WinBook.

Note: Not all USB devices provide a pass-through port for other devices.
You might need a USB hub to allow several devices to be connected to
the USB port of your system. The system should automatically detect the
new device and make it available for use. If the device is not immediately
recognized, check the documentation for the device. If the device is new
to your system, you might be asked to set up the device before use (for
example, a new printer will need to be set up to run under Windows).

The USB ports not only provide a connection between your WinBook
notebook and external devices, they are also capable of providing electrical
current to run those devices. If you make considerable use of your
WinBook notebook under battery power, you should consider how USB
devices might drain your battery or slow battery charging (when the AC
Adapter is in use). If you have a USB device (such as a printer) that has

68

If your USB-compatible
device comes with a

manufacturer’s installa-

tion disk, follow the manufac­turer’s instructions. Although
Windows includes USB support,
individual devices might need
specific drivers for optimal
operation. Since a USB device
is capable of very high speeds,
and since it does not use up
the access to an available port
(as a serial or parallel device
does), you should consider
available USB peripherals for
your system.

User’s Manual

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 68

its own electrical power source, you should consider using this device
as a hub for your other devices. You can also obtain a powered USB
hub from your local retailer. These devices can draw power through
the hub device, leaving your WinBook notebook free to conserve or
recharge battery power. If you have a mobile USB device and want
to make use of the WinBook notebook as the power source for the
device, consider using an aggressive power management setting to
help maximize battery life.

Scanners and Digital Cameras

Windows is designed for easy image acquisition and handling. No matter
what kind of connection the device uses (USB, Serial, Parallel), you
can take advantage of these functions in Windows. You will be able to
establish connections to the devices’ controls that can allow for smooth
handling of images. For example, you can stream images from your
camera into a slideshow-like format. See the Help and Support center
in Windows Help file for detailed information.

LAN Port

Windows is designed to allow for easy networking setup for a home
or office network. If you have a network to which you want to connect,
you can use a standard network cable with a RJ-45 jack to connect your
WinBook N Series notebook to that network. Your system should already
be set up with the appropriate software for the network, but you might need
to make adjustments based on the needs of your individual network con­figuration. Please see your Network Administrator for specific networking
questions. For general network questions, refer to the Help and Support
Center in Windows.

69

Chapter 5: Desktop Operation

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

scanner camera

WinBook Technical
Support does not

provide support for

networking functions (other
than hardware problems). Please
see your Network Administrator
for all networking questions.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 69

Sharing

If you want to make files on your WinBook available to another computer,
or if you want to allow another system to print to a printer attached to your
WinBook, you will need to set up your system for sharing. Refer to the
Help and Support Center for details on how to set up sharing.

Optional Port Replicator

You can “hot dock” your WinBook into an optional USB Port Replicator.
You will not need to shut down or suspend your computer to connect it to
the port replicator. If you have peripherals attached to your port replicator
that have never been recognized by your system, you might be asked about
the installation of new hardware. If you do not receive a window identify­ing the new hardware, that hardware might not be functional until you con­figure your system to recognize it. Refer to the Help and Support Center
within Windows for details on how to set up new hardware.

To connect your WinBook to the port replicator, plug the port replicator
into a USB port on the right side of your system. Using the port replicator
will allow you to make a single connection between your WinBook and the
port replicator and allow you to start right into your work, without having
to make the connections to your keyboard, printer, etc.
each time.

The I/O (input/output) controller of the port replicator takes control of
the I/O for the computer and directs input to the system as if the devices
were connected to the native ports of the notebook.

70

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

network

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

sharing

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

install device

The first time you use
a peripheral on your

system, you should be

able to plug it directly into
your port replicator. If the com­puter does not recognize the
new hardware, you can try plug­ging it directly into the native
port on the WinBook.

User’s Manual

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 70

71

Chapter 5: Desktop Operation

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

winbook port replicator

You can find more
information about
your port replicator
in the Windows Help
and Support Center.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 71

72

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 72

Chapter 6:

PC Cards (PCMCIA)

73

Chapter 6: PC Cards (PCMCIA)

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 73

User’s Manual

PC Cards

PC Cards (or PCMCIA Cards) can be used to extend the capabilities
of your system by providing a connection for adding a modem (or an
additional modem, such as a cellular modem), a network connection,
a SCSI interface, or other functions. PCMCIA cards provide a compact
source of such extended capabilities and a common interface with
your WinBook notebook. They can provide a very powerful source
for expanding your system. Your WinBook comes equipped with an ACPI­compliant PCMCIA slot (on the left side of the unit), which is able to use
cards that conform to the PCMCIA standard.

The slot of your WinBook supports Zoomed Video as well as 16bit and
32bit CardBus PC cards. Your WinBook notebook can accept Type I or
Type II cards.

If your card is not configured for power management, which usually
requires a driver (the software coding that communicates between the
card and the machine) specific to the card, this can drain your battery.
The PCMCIA port is ACPI-compliant and will manage the power use
by the card whenever possible.

The preloaded drivers will work with most cards designated as
Windows-compatible.

If you find that your card does not work with the preloaded drivers, use
the driver disk that came with your card or contact the card manufacturer
to determine how to get your card to work with the WinBook notebook.
If the driver for your actual card is not found in Windows database
of drivers and you choose a generic driver, you should consider taking
the card out of the slot when it is not in use to avoid draining the battery.

Most cards with some external connection will allow you to remove
or recess the connection for travel. Remember to take any removable
connections with you when you travel if you intend to use the card.

74

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

add hardware

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 74

For more information on how to install PCMCIA cards, refer to the Help
and Support Center within Windows.

To Use the PC Card:

1. Insert the card into the slot.

2. Push to make sure it is properly seated. When you insert your PCMCIA
card, Windows should recognize the card.

3. If the card is new to your system, Windows will attempt to recognize
it and load the necessary drivers. You might be asked to indicate the
source of the drivers. Windows has drivers for many PCMCIA cards,
but you should check the documentation for your card to determine
whether the manufacturer has provided more current drivers.

4. If Windows does not recognize the card, you will be prompted to

complete the installation of the necessary drivers. You can find the driver
for your card, use a standard driver for the hardware or, if you have a disk
from your manufacturer, you can load the drivers provided. Follow the
instructions provided by the installation wizard. If you use a standard
driver and one not specific for your card, the card should work, but
certain features, such as power management, might not be active.

5. If the card has any external connections, secure them to the card
and the necessary external device.

75

Chapter 6: PC Cards (PCMCIA)

Figure 6.2: PCMCIA Slot

Search Help and Support

Center using keywords:

add hardware

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 75

User’s Manual

6. When you are finished using the card, you should properly disable
the card. There are two ways to do this:

a) Left click once on the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the
taskbar. This will bring up a pop-up menu that will list the PCMCIA
card installed. Click on the device to be removed and you should
receive a message telling you when it is safe to remove the card.

b) Right click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar.
This will bring up the Safely Remove Hardware window. The PCMCIA
card to be removed will be listed in the hardware devices list. Select
the device to be removed and then click stop. You will be asked to
confirm your choice. Click OK and you should receive a message
telling you when it is safe to remove the card.

This procedure will protect your system and also help prevent
data loss that might occur if you attempt to remove a card that
is still actively linked to a network or modem connection.

7. You can now eject the card. Press the eject button in and the card

will pop out. Now press the button firmly in until the card ejects.
The button should remain in; if it pops back out, you can push it
in until it clicks into place.

PC Card Tips

You can “hotswap” PC cards while your computer is on, but you should
properly shut down the card before removing it.

And keep in mind the following:

• Do not remove a network card while your system is connected
to the network. This could cause loss of data for you or for other
users and could disrupt network functioning.

• In many cases, your network card has to be present when you boot
the system to be recognized by the network (since Windows identifies

76

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

add hardware

If you are unfamiliar
with adding new hard-

ware to your WinBook

computer, refer to the Help
and Support Center within
Windows.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 76

itself to the network as it boots). Unless you are an experienced
user and know how to connect to your network manually, you should
reboot your system if you want to install your network card.

• Do not remove a fax/modem card while the card is transferring
data to or from your computer.

• If you remove a fax/modem card, remember to shut off any automated
functions that use that card (such as fax receive-monitoring).

• Be aware if you have other software (such as e-mail) that accesses
a network card or fax/modem card and change the software settings
if needed.

• Do not remove a storage card (such as a hard disk or ATA card) or
a card connected to a storage device (such as a SCSI card connected
to an external drive) while the computer is accessing that card.

• If your card is a storage card or connects to a storage device, it might
need to be present when you boot the system in order to be assigned
its proper drive letter. Check the documentation for your card and/or
device for further information.

• Some PC cards may require additional system resources. You might
have to disable the serial port or another device to free resources for
the card (Refer to the Help and Support Center within Windows for
information about hardware resources). Check the card documentation
for more information.

PCMCIA Network Connections

If your WinBook computer did not come with a LAN connection, you can
purchase a PCMCIA Network Interface Card.

If you purchase a network PCMCIA card, you will first need to have
your WinBook recognize the card and load the necessary drivers. Refer to
the Help and Support Center within Windows for more information.

77

Chapter 6: PC Cards (PCMCIA)

Search Help and Support

Center using keywords:

device manager

Search Help and Support

Center using keywords:

add hardware

Although most current
PC cards are Plug and

Play, you should always

refer to the manufacturer’s
documentation for your card.
Some manufacturers might have
optimal ways for using their card.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 77

User’s Manual

Once your network card has been recognized and Windows has installed
the necessary networking files, you might be required to restart your
system to allow the new networking environment to function. Once
you have established the networking with your PC card, you can use
that network just as you would use the built-in network connection
(see Chapter 6).

PCMCIA SCSI Interface

In order to use devices that require a SCSI interface, you will need
to install a SCSI interface card in the PCMCIA slot in your notebook. Once
your card has been recognized and the proper drivers loaded, you will be
able to connect SCSI devices to your WinBook.

You can check the documentation for your SCSI controller or your
SCSI devices to determine what other steps might be required for
proper operation.

PCMCIA Modem

Even if your unit came with a built-in modem, you might purchase
a PCMCIA modem (e.g. one that connects to a cellular phone). Follow
the steps above for installing and configuring your card. Once the correct
driver has been installed and the modem is ready for use, you might be
asked to fill in the settings for using this modem (if you have not set
up a modem on this system before).

Fill in the information requested to assure proper operation of your
PCMCIA modem. Refer to the Help and Support Center within Windows
for more information about using a fax/modem with this system.

78

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

install modem

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 78

79

Chapter 7:

Video Settings

Chapter 7: Video Settings

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 79

User’s Manual

Video Settings

Your WinBook provides you with a wide range of video controls and
options. You should take a little time to familiarize yourself with these
aspects of your machine.

Your WinBook allows you to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen by
using hot-key combinations: [Fn]+[Arrow Up] to increase screen bright­ness and [Fn]+[Arrow Down] to decrease screen brightness. You will need
to hold this combination for several seconds to see any effect. These keys
will not set the screen completely bright or dark; they will provide small
adjustments to account for room lighting. Your WinBook will support a
number of resolutions. Resolution is a measure of the number of pixels (a
pixel is a single dot of color on the screen). Depending on the unit you
purchased, your display will support a resolution of 1024 x 768 or greater
with 16 million colors. Notice that when you put your computer into the
DOS mode, which uses the VGA resolution (640 x 480) as a default, the
display will be stretched to fit the full screen. Your unit also has a hot-key
combination that allows you manually to expand or decrease the size of the
display for programs set to the 640 x 480 mode; press [Fn]+[F7] to toggle
the size of the display.

If you lower the resolution of your LCD, you may find that the desktop area
might be slightly pixilated. The highest resolution of your LCD screen will
provide the sharpest image. This should not be the case for an external moni­tor. When you are displaying the video on the built-in screen, you cannot
choose a higher resolution than the standard resolution. However, you can
use a higher resolution when you output the notebook’s video to an external
monitor that supports high resolutions. When using an external monitor, the
notebook will readily support the resolution settings of your monitor.

Your notebook provides easy access to various video settings and utilities
through the use of the display properties. Refer to the Help and Support
Center within Windows for more information on the various settings
that can be modified through the display properties.

80

It may be necessary to
install the proper moni-

tor driver for your exter-

nal monitor in order for your
WinBook to support all of the
modes the monitor it is capable
of displaying.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 80

External VGA Port

Your WinBook has an external VGA port for directing video output to an
external monitor. (Figure 7.1) You can connect an external VGA or SVGA
monitor to your notebook through the VGA port on the rear of the system.
You can direct output to the LCD, the external monitor or both through the
display properties. Refer to the Help and Support Center for further infor­mation on the options available in the display properties. Your external
monitor might require that you change the video driver from the default
driver for the LCD screen. Check the Help and Support Center for specific
instructions regarding video drivers.

A higher resolution on your external monitor might also mean a slower
refresh rate, the speed at which a monitor sends a new image to the screen.
A cathode ray tube (CRT) sends an image vertically down a screen one
line at a time. The whole screen is thus refreshed at a certain interval (as
the CRT cycles down the screen and then returns to the top). This speed
is usually measured in Hz (cycles per second), which is a unit of frequency.
A refresh rate of 60 Hz will produce a slightly perceptible flicker of the
screen that can cause eyestrain. A rate of 72 Hz or faster will usually pro­duce a comfortable image. Your monitor may refresh at different frequen­cies depending on the resolution. Check your monitor specifications for the
refresh rate; this may help prevent eyestrain. If you do need to use another
driver with your external monitor, you might need to reset the driver for
the LCD to achieve optimal display quality on the LCD. Windows will

81

Chapter 7: Video Settings

External VGA Port

Figure 7.1: Location of ports on the rear of the WinBook notebook

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

display settings

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

video driver

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 81

User’s Manual

usually provide you with a chance to review the changes and cancel them.
It will also usually instruct you if you need to restart the system.

Be sure to shut down your system before connecting the device to your
system to prevent damage to your system and the external monitor.

Multiple Monitor Support

If you are using Windows your WinBook supports Multiple Monitor func­tionality, which allows you to expand the size of your desk-top with the use
of an external monitor. You can easily drag or stretch items across the two
monitors. This can allow you to have two programs side by side, each
occupying a “full screen” or can allow you to stretch out a document or
spreadsheet or image. Even though the monitors might be side-by-side for
you, you do not have to think in those terms: the Multiple Monitor mode
allows you to treat the monitors as if they were in any physical arrange­ment. You can set them to stretch vertically, allowing you to let a long doc­ument run “down” onto the second screen. One monitor serves as the pri­mary display refer to the Help and Support Center for directions on how to
enable multiple monitor support. Most programs and dialog boxes will
open in the primary display, but you can drag them to the secondary moni­tor. To enable the Multiple Monitor function, you will need to connect an
external monitor to the External VGA Port on the back of your notebook. It
is recommended that you reboot after connecting the monitor as this allows
the WinBook to properly recognize the presence of the external monitor.

DVD

If your WinBook notebook came equipped with a DVD-ROM drive,
you will be able to use this drive to run software on DVD or to watch
movies stored in DVD format. Your WinBook comes equipped with soft­ware MPEG-2 support that will play video at 24 frames per
second. MPEG-2 compresses video signals for quicker transmission.
This compression standard is adequate for smooth DVD video playback.
If you require even more precise video playback, you can look into a

82

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

multiple monitor

Not all programs
support the use of

more than one monitor.

If you attempt to use a pro­gram with the Multiple Monitor
function enabled and the pro­gram will not work, shut off the
Multiple Monitor function and
try running the program again.

Directing the video
output to both the LCD
and the external moni­tor will slightly slow the
video response time.

Your DVD software does
not come pre-installed

on your notebook. Before

you can playback DVD movies,
you must install the accompanying
DVD installation CD located in the
accessories box.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 82

hardware MPEG-2 decoder on a PCMCIA card. Movies on DVD provide
menus and additional information about the movie. The software DVD
player will provide access to these additional features of the DVD. Insert
the DVD disk into your drive and close the drive door. The computer will
identify the disk as a DVD-ROM and launch the DVD player software.

Check the Help and Support Center within Windows for more specific
information about using the DVD software in your system.

83

Chapter 7: Video Settings

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

DVD options

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

power scheme

In order to play a DVD
on your LCD screen, you

should have the screen

set to the default resolution
and color depth. If you use
another setting, your DVD play­back might lose clarity or the soft­ware might be unable to func­tion.

Since DVD activity
will not reset power

management timers,

you should disable power
management when using the
DVD drive as a video playback
system. You might find it useful
to create a power scheme for
DVD use. Refer to the Help and
Support Center within Windows
for information about power
management.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 83

84

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 84

Chapter 8:

Configuring &

Maintaining

Your System

85

Chapter 8: Configuring & Maintaining Your System

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 85

User’s Manual

Setup Program

The Setup program writes information about the equipment, security
and power management of your computer directly into ROM (Read-Only
Memory) in the computer’s hardware (it is stored in the computer’s BIOS
chip). When you turn on your computer, it first looks at this information
to see what the physical devices the system has available for its use.
Access to the Setup menu is during the boot process. When you first
start the computer, you will be able to enter the Setup mode (by pressing
the [F2] key). If your system begins with the BIOS logo (this is the
default boot option), you should press the [F2] key when you see the
logo. If you wish to enter after the computer has booted, you will need
to exit Windows (or whatever operating system you are running). You
can restart the computer by selecting Turn Off Computer in the Start
menu, then selecting the Restart option. When the computer starts to
reboot, press the [F2] key to enter the program.

Main Menu

Once you have entered the Setup program, you will be greeted by the
Main Menu. (Figure 8.1) This menu allows you to make changes to the
basic setup of your system (e.g. time or default display). You will notice
that at the bottom of the window are the commands for navigating the
Setup program. These commands are the same for all menus in the Setup
program.

[F1] Brings up the Help information for the Setup Program
[Esc] Takes you to the Exit menu
Up arrow Moves up one item in the menu
Down arrow Moves down one item in the menu
Left arrow Moves one menu to the left

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Right arrow Moves one menu to the right
[+]/[-] Allow you to cycle down [-] or up [+] through the values

for that item

[Enter] Opens the Submenu for the item or executes the command
[F9] Restores the default values for the Setup program
[F10] Saves and Exits the Setup Program

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Chapter 8: Configuring & Maintaining Your System

Check the Help and
Support Center within

Windows for the most

current BIOS information for
your system. You can also obtain
updated BIOS software from the
WinBook technical support site:
http://www.winbookcorp.com/.

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

WinBook BIOS

Figure 8.1: The Main Menu

PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility

F1 Help
ESC Exit

Select Item
Select Menu

-/+ Change Values
Enter Select Sub-Menu

F9 Setup Defaults
F10 Save and Exit

<Tab>, <Shift-Tab>, or
<Enter> selects field.

System Time: [16:19:20]
System Date: [02/27/2002]
CPU Type Pentium (R) 4-M 1.6/1,2GHz

Floppy Drive 1.44MB 31/2”

Hard Disk IBM 30006MB

S/N CSL300D3G02W1A

Atapi CD-ROM Matshita CD-RW UJDA- (SM)

Quite Boot [Enabled]
Video Display Device LCD Mode
System Memory 128MB
Video Memory 16MB
L2 Cache 512 KB

Main System Devices Security Boot Exit

Item Specific Help

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User’s Manual

Main Menu

System Time: This item allows you to adjust the time of your computer’s
internal clock. Use the [-] or [+] keys to change the values of the fields.
You can use the [Tab] or [Shift]+[Tab] keys to move among the hour,
minute and second fields. Use the [-] or [+] keys to change the values
of the fields.

System Date: This item allows you to adjust the date of your computer’s
internal clock. You can use the [Tab] or [Shift]+[Tab] keys to move among
the month, date and year fields. Use the [-] or [+] keys to change the
values of the fields.

CPU Type:This item displays the type and speed of the CPU installed in
your notebook.

Floppy Drive: This item displays the type of floppy drive installed in your
notebook.

Hard Disk: This item displays information about the drive on
the primary IDE master, which should be your hard disk drive. Scroll
down to this item and hit [Enter] to enter the Primary Master Submenu.

ATAPI CD-ROM: This item displays information about the drive
on the secondary IDE master, which should be your CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM drive. Scroll down to this item and hit [Enter] to enter
the Secondary Master Submenu.

Quiet Boot: This item causes the WinBook logo to be displayed during the
power on sequence. Disabling this item will display the BIOS P.O.S.T.
information during power on.

Video Display Device: This item sets the preferred display device.
System Memory: This field shows the amount of installed RAM. This is a

display-only item and cannot be altered.
Video Memory: This field shows the amount of installed video RAM.

88

You do not need to
enter the Setup program

to adjust the time and

date of your computer. You
can adjust these from within
Windows by double-clicking
on the clock on your taskbar
and adjusting the information
in the Date/Time Properties win­dow. Windows will also adjust
your system time automatically
to account for Daylight Savings
Time if you choose that option.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 88

L2 Cache: This field shows the size of L2 cache available within the
installed CPU.

System Devices

Internal Touchpad: This item allows you to turn off the internal touchpad
to prevent conflicts with external PS/2 scroll mice.

Parallel Port: This item allows you to enable or disable the parallel port.
When enabled, this port should be set to “Auto” (which will automatically
set the address on system start-up). If you choose the Auto option, you will

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Chapter 8: Configuring & Maintaining Your System

Figure 8.2: The System Devices Menu

PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility

F1 Help
ESC Exit

Select Item
Select Menu

-/+ Change Values
Enter Select Sub-Menu

F9 Setup Defaults
F10 Save and Exit

If Auto Disabled is
selected, the Internal
Touchpad will be dis­abled when an external
pointing device is con­nected. If enabled is
selected, both the
Internal touchpad and
any external device will
be enabled together.

Internal Touchpad [Enabled]

Parallel Port: [Auto]

Mode: [ECP]

Main System Devices Security Boot Exit

Item Specific Help

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User’s Manual

have the option of setting the Parallel Port mode.
Parallel Port Mode: This item allows you to set the communication

mode of the Parallel Port. There are four options:

Output Only: This setting assumes that the communication is primarily
from the computer to a peripheral (such as a printer). This setting is not
intended for a parallel connection between your WinBook notebook and
another computer for file transfers.

Bi-Directional: This setting allows two-way transfers between your
computer and the parallel device.

ECP: This is an enhanced bi-directional transfer mode. A bi-directional
mode is required for file transfers between computers via a parallel
connection.

EPP: This is an enhanced bi-directional transfer mode. A bi-directional
mode is required for file transfers between computers via a parallel
connection.

Security Menu (Figure 8.3)

WARNING: Write down your password and store it in a safe place.
If you lose your password, you will be unable to use your computer.
There is no way to clear or change a forgotten password. You will
have to send the computer back to the service department to have
the password reset.

Supervisor Password Is: This item displays the current status of the
Supervisor Password: Set or Clear.

Set Supervisor Password: This item allows you to set or clear the
super-visor password. If the supervisor password has been enabled,
you will need to log in as the supervisor to clear or change the password.
Press [Enter] to set or clear the password.

• To set the password, enter a password in the space provided.

90

If you choose to enable
the password, be sure

to write down the pass-

word and store it in a safe
place. If you ever forget this
password, you will be unable
to use the system or change
the BIOS settings. You will need
to return the unit to WinBook
to restore full functioning to the
system in this event.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 90

Press [Enter]. Type the same password again (to provide verification
of the password) in the second line and press [Enter]. The password

will now be set.

• To clear the password you will need to first enter the existing password
in the first line and press [Enter]. Then press [Enter] twice to leave the
other two lines blank.

Password on boot: This item allows you to enable or disable the pass­word on boot option. If it is enabled, a password will be required to boot
the computer. Either the supervisor password or the user password can be

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Chapter 8: Configuring & Maintaining Your System

Figure 8.3: The Security Menu

PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility

F1 Help
ESC Exit

Select Item
Select Menu

-/+ Change Values
Enter Select Sub-Menu

F9 Setup Defaults
F10 Save and Exit

Supervisor Password
controls access to the
setup utility.

Supervisor Password Is: Clear

Set Supervisor Password [Enter]

Password on boot: [Disabled]

Main System Devices Security Boot Exit

Item Specific Help

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 91

User’s Manual

used. The default option is “Disabled.” Note: If the user password is used,
you will not have access to all BIOS settings. Only the supervisor has full
access to the BIOS settings.

Boot Menu (Figure 8.4)

This menu allows you to set the order in which devices are checked
for an operating system at boot. The WinBook notebook will check
the devices in the order selected and load the operating system from
the first device with one installed. The items with a [+]/[-] beside them
are expandable categories. Hit [Enter] to expand or collapse the category.
[Ctrl]+[Enter] expands all the categories. [Shift]+[1] enables or disables

92

Figure 8.4: The Boot Menu

PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility

F1 Help
ESC Exit

Select Item
Select Menu

-/+ Change Values
Enter Select Sub-Menu

F9 Setup Defaults
F10 Save and Exit

Keys used to view or
configure devices:
<Enter> expands or
collapses devices with
a + or –
<Ctrl+Enter> expands
all
<Shift + 1> enables or
disables a device.
<F6 and <F5> moves the
device up or down.

Hard Drive
CD-ROM
Floppy Devices
Onboard NIC
Cardbus NIC

Main System Devices Security Boot Exit

Item Specific Help

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 92

a device. A disabled device will not be checked during the boot process.
To move a device up or down in the boot order, use the [+] or [-] key.

This is true of categories or devices within a category. If you will be
booting from a floppy or CD-ROM/R/RW drive, you should set these
devices to be checked prior to the Hard Drive category.

If you have a bootable add-in card, you should set this card to be checked
prior to the internal hard drive within the Hard Drive category.

Exit Menu (Figure 8.5)

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Chapter 8: Configuring & Maintaining Your System

Figure 8.5: The Exit Menu

PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility

F1 Help
ESC Exit

Select Item
Select Menu

-/+ Change Values
Enter Select Sub-Menu

F9 Setup Defaults
F10 Save and Exit

Exit System Setup and
save your changes to
CMOS.

Exit Saving Changes
Exit Discarding Changes
Load Setup Defaults
Discard Changes
Save Changes

Main System Devices Security Boot Exit

Item Specific Help

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User’s Manual

Once you have made the necessary changes to your Setup program,
you can use this menu to exit.

Exit Saving Changes: This item will save all the changes that you made
during this session and exit the Setup program. Your system will then
reboot with the new settings. If you notice any problems with the operation
of your system, you will need to re-enter the Setup program and correct
settings that might be causing the problems.

Exit Discarding Changes: This item will abandon all changes that you
have made to the Setup program in this session and exit the Setup program.

Load Setup Defaults: Restores all the values to the default settings that
were in place when you received your WinBook notebook. You can now
save these changes and exit or return to the other menus to make additional
changes.

Discard Changes: Restores all values to the settings that were in place
before you entered the Setup program. You can now save these changes
and exit or return to the other menus to make additional changes.

Save Changes: This item allows you save the changes without exiting
the Setup Program. All changes made will be saved, but you can continue
to make changes in the other menus before exiting.

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Security

Viruses

It is possible that your computer might become infected by a virus, a
program that was designed to move into a computer’s system and cause
damage. Many viruses act by altering the boot record of your disk, thus
rendering it unusable. Some viruses are relatively harmless. Many are
very destructive and can cause serious data loss. If you never exchange
disks with anyone else, only buy software from major companies and
do not exchange information via modem, your risk of being infected
is relatively minimal (although not nonexistent).

Unfortunately, that is a very limiting way to use a computer. You should
regularly check your computer for viruses (not all viruses act immediately,
some are set to engage when a function is performed or when a specific
date and time arrives). There are programs designed for checking for
viruses on your system and eliminating those viruses if found. If you
have been making regular backups of your data, you should be able to
survive infection by a virus with minimal damage. If you use your modem
to upload and download files regularly, you should be sure that you are
checking the files for viruses. Many antivirus programs will check files
as they are received by the modem, this can include checking information
as it is accessed from the World Wide Web.

If your system is infected with a virus, you will usually need to boot
from a bootable floppy disk (if you have the optional USB Floppy Drive)
or CD-ROM or CD-R that you are sure is free of infection. You should
consider carrying a write-protected boot disk with your computer, to allow
for a clean boot wherever you might be using your system.

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Chapter 8: Configuring & Maintaining Your System

New viruses come along
frequently. You should

update your virus soft-

ware regularly (most virus
software manufacturers have
an update service) to keep your
system secure from new viruses.

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User’s Manual

Passwords/System Security

There are a number of opportunities that you will have to use passwords
to protect your system or your data. Keep in mind that a good password
should be easy to remember, but should not be a word or number that
could easily be guessed or that might be easily discovered in your other
possessions. A good password should also be as long as possible (within
the limits of your password utility) and should contain a combination of
numbers and letters (and non-alphanumeric characters-such as punctuation
marks-where permissible).

The Password Protection Available to You Includes:

BIOS Password Protection: You can set this password to restrict access
to your hard drive at bootup or at entry into the BIOS Setup program.
his aggressive form of password protection can be used to limit access
to your system and files. If this password is enabled at boot, it will restrict
the computer from booting unless your password is provided. It will not,
however, protect your data if the drive is removed and placed into another
machine. See above for information about setting this password.

Windows Passwords: Windows comes equipped with an array of security
features that allow an administrator (or the user designated as one) to
limit access by specific users.

WARNING: If you forget or lose your Windows password, you will
have to reformat your hard drive and restore Windows from your
Restore CD. This can result in loss of data. Be sure to store your
password in a safe place and keep a backup version of your data files.

Screen Saver Password: If you use a screen saver in Windows, you can

set the system to require a password to resume normal functioning. This
can be used to protect your current session from a casual observer, but it
does not provide any substantial security.

96

The System File
Protection in Windows

will help prevent the

overwriting of critical
Windows files, but this is not an
effective protection from viruses.
You should obtain virus software
as additional protection for your
system.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 96

Network/ISP Passwords: These passwords are used to restrict use of
your network or modem connection. Since many programs, including
Windows’Dial-up Networking, allow you to store these passwords
so that you will not have to enter them every time you connect, you
should consider how secure your environment is before storing such
passwords. If you work in a sensitive environment, you might want
to clear lists of recently used documents or recently visited web sites.

Encryption

Since passwords listed above will not protect your system from an aggres­sive attempt to gain access to your files, you might want to consider look­ing into file encryption for sensitive files. Encryption software is readily
available and can provide a much stronger set of protections for your data.
Windows comes equipped with an Encryption File System that can be used
for this purpose. Check the Help and Support Center within Windows for
information.

Internet Connections

Internet (and other network) connections are an area where you want
to be aware of the risk to your computer. In addition to viruses, another
security risk of Internet connection is that you can permit access to files
on your hard drive that have been designated for sharing. If you share an
Internet connection across a home network in Windows, you should be
aware of the level of file sharing that you have established for your home
network. If you have data that you do not want to be shared through that
Internet connection, you should look into available firewall software or
hardware for your network. A firewall is hardware or software that limits
access in and out of a local network without limiting exchange of files
within the local network. There is additional information on file sharing
in the Help and Support center.

You can provide a more secure connection on the Internet by taking
advantage of the Virtual Private Networking (VPN) functions built

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Chapter 8: Configuring & Maintaining Your System

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

password

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

encryption

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

sharing

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 97

User’s Manual

into Windows. Refer to the Help and Support Center within Windows
for information about these kinds of connections.

When conducting business on the Internet, be certain that you are
using a secure site before providing sensitive financial information
such as credit card numbers.

Physical Security

You can help protect your WinBook notebook from theft by taking
several steps:

• Clearly mark the system with your name and other identifying
information

• Obtain a lock to attach to the lock slot (on the right side of your

WinBook notebook). You can use this to secure the system to a heavy
object, such as a desk.

• You can obtain alarms and other anti-theft devices from computer
retailers.

• See the travel tips in Chapter 4 for more information about protecting
your system.

System Maintenance

Backup

It is a good idea to make backup copies of your files on a regular basis.
You can obtain a tape backup unit or other device that will allow you to
save your whole configuration of files at once. Software can be used to
make that process automated. If you are not likely to generate a lot of data,
you might be fine with backing up your work onto floppy disks. You will
still want to provide a backup of your whole system first (in case you ever
need to restore anything). You should try to back up your files on
a regular basis (daily if you generate a lot of hard-to-replace work,

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Chapter 8: Configuring & Maintaining Your System

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

virtual private

Although you may
have all the programs

on disk or CD and feel

that a complete backup is
not necessary, you should keep
in mind that reinstalling software
is time-consuming and that you
will then have to reset all the cus­tom settings that you have made
in all your software. A complete
backup is a much faster and safer
way to restore your disk in the
event of some technical or physi­cal problem. Your computer will
need to be on for the regularly
scheduled maintenance routines
to be completed at the right time.
If your system is off or suspended
to disk, those routines will be
delayed.

N4 manual w/no OS 3/7 3/11/02 3:43 PM Page 98

and certainly weekly in any event).
Alternative backup drives with large capacities, such as CD-R/RW and

ZIP drives, allow you to combine storage and backup with a single device.
If you download or create large files and do not want to limit your hard
drive space, you might consider such an option. These drives provide more
speed than a traditional backup-only drive. Most such drives can be con­nected to your WinBook parallel port or USB port or through
a PCMCIA card that provides a SCSI port or other interface port.

Archiving

In addition to backing up your work, it is also worth considering archiving
old files. This means moving them off the hard disk (to free up space) and
placing them into a safe location where they are less likely to be damaged
or altered. If you will not be going back to alter a file (e.g. a previous
year’s tax records), then leaving it on your hard drive is an easy invitation
for accidental alteration. Archiving such files will help prevent such
mishaps.

Software Updates

One way to insure the optimal operation of your WinBook notebook
is to be certain that you have the most current software. WinBook
posts updated versions of your system’s BIOS software on the technical
support website: www.winbookcorp.com. You can look for updates
to the BIOS of the WinBook and download them from the
site. There are instructions available for performing the upgrade, or
you can contact Technical Support for assistance.

WARNING: You must follow the directions carefully. Improper
installation can affect system performance.

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Chapter 8: Configuring & Maintaining Your System

Search Help and Support
Center using keywords:

backup

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User’s Manual

In addition to BIOS updates, the WinBook technical support website
also provides updated device drivers for system hardware as they become
available. You should check the site periodically and update your device
drivers to insure optimal performance of your WinBook notebook.

Manufacturers regularly update and repair programs and drivers. You
should check manufacturers’ sites for any additional hardware that you
have purchased for your system (e.g. your printer, external drives) and
update your drivers as needed.

The BIOS updates will help make sure that the hardware in your WinBook
notebook is running efficiently. You can also update Windows by taking
advantage of the Windows Update feature built into Windows. You must
have some kind of Internet connection (network, Dial-up, online service)
to take advantage of the Windows Update feature. To use this update, click
on the Windows Update icon found within the Help and Support Center.

Cleaning

Case: If your case becomes dirty, you can clean it. Make sure that the
computer is turned off and the AC Adapter is unplugged. You can clean
the case with a soft, lint-free cloth. If necessary, you can use a mild deter­gent (applied to the cloth, not to the computer). After cleaning, allow 30
minutes drying time. Avoid any cleaner than has abrasives in it and DO
NOT use cleaning solvents such as thinner, benzene or isopropyl alcohol­based products. Never spray or pour anything directly on the computer.

Display: Before cleaning the screen, be sure that you power the system
down and unplug it. Use a clean, soft cloth and appropriate anti-static
cleaning solution. Do not spray the screen. Spray the cleaning solution
onto the cloth and gently wipe the screen with the damp cloth.

Keyboard: After shutting off and unplugging the computer, use a hand­held vacuum or canned air to remove dust and debris that accumulate
in your keyboard. Never shake the computer to dislodge debris-this can

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