AST M Series Manuale utente

User's Manual
TM
ASCENTIA
®
P e r s o n a l N o t e b o o k
M

User's Manual
TM
ASCENTIA
®
P e r s o n a l N o t e b o o k
M
003754-001 A
July 1997

First edition (July 1997)
Copyright 1997 AST Research, Inc. All rights are reserved, including those to reproduce this book or
parts thereof in any form without permission in writing from AST Research, Inc.
AST Research periodically changes the information in this manual; changes are incorporated into new
editions. AST Research reserves the right to change product specifications without notice.
AST Research, Inc. shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor
for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this
material.
AST and AST Research are registered trademarks, and Ascentia, SmartBay, and SmartPoint are
trademarks, of AST Research, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their companies.
DOMESTIC
Declaration of Conformity
Statement of Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Description of EUT
AST Ascentia™ M Series Computers
Model Numbers
AST Ascentia™ M Series Computers
DOC Notice
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus
as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus”, ICES-003 of the
Department of Communications.
Cet appareil numérique respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques applicables aux appareils
numériques de Classe B prescrites dans la norme sur le matérial brouilleur: “Appareils Numériques”,
NMB-003 édictée par le ministre des Communications.
Industry Canada Notice
The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means that the equipment
meets telecommunications network protective, operation, and safety requirements as prescribed in the
appropriate Terminal Equipment Technical Requirements document(s). The Department does not
guarantee the equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction.
Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be connected to the facilities
of the local telecommunications company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable
method of connection. The customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions may
not prevent degradation of service in some situations.
Repairs to certified equipment should be coordinated by a representative designated by the supplier. Any
repairs or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may give the
telecommunications company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.
Users should ensure, for their own protection, that the electrical ground connections of the power utility,
telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This
precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.
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CAUTION
Users should not attempt to make electrical ground connections themselves but should contact the
appropriate electric inspection authority or electrician.
WARRANTY AND REPAIR SERVICE IN CANADA:
AST Canada, Inc.
255 Matheson Boulevard West
Mississauga, Ontario, L5R 3G3
Telephone: 905-507-3278
Warning: Replace the battery with an AST battery part number 503182-004, contact your
authorized AST reseller for a replacement. Use of another battery may present a
risk of fire or explosion. Do not disassemble, heat above 100oC or incinerate.
Make sure that you follow all state and local requirements when you dispose of
the old battery.
Avertissement: Ne remplacez la batterie que par un modèle AST 503182-004, commandez-en un
autre à votre revendeur agréé AST. L’emploi de tout autre modèle présente des
risques d’incendie ou d’explosion. Ne démontez pas la batterie, ne portez pas sa
température au-dessus de 100oC et ne l’incinérez pas. Pour vous débarrasser
d’une batterie usagée, veillez à respecter tous les règlements nationaux et locaux
en vigueur.
INTERNATIONAL
If your equipment has a CE Mark, please note the following International CE Mark information
below.
CE Mark
AST Computers comply with the following directives and standards:
Directives
Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and Amending Directive 92/31/EEC
CE Marking Directive 93/68/EEC
Standards
Emissions
EN 55022/CISPR 22
Safety
EN 60950:1992+A1+A2:
IEC 950:1991+A1+A2+A3
Immunity
EN 50082-1:1992
IEC 801-2:1991/prEN55024-2:1992
IEC 801-3:1984/prEN55024-3:1991
IEC 801-4:1988/prEN55024-4:1992
Manufacturer
AST Research Incorporated (AST Computer)
16215 Alton Parkway
Irvine, CA 92718 USA
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Signed Declaration of Conformity Documents
Signed Declaration of Conformity documents for AST products are on file at the AST Ireland facility
located at:
National Technology Park
Plassey
Limerick
Ireland
This product contains a Class 1 laser product with a Class 1 laser source employing a laser diode that
emits invisible laser radiation at 5mW. The wavelength of the laser radiation is 760- 800nm.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.
CAUTION
The laser beam used by this CD-ROM drive unit can be harmful to the eyes. Do not attempt to open the
unit. All service procedures should be performed by an authorized dealer or distributor.
WARNING
Never use any optical instruments in conjunction with this unit. To do so will greatly increase the hazard
to your eyes.
ADVARSEL
USYNLIG LASERSTRÅLING VED ÅBNING, NÅR SIKKERHEDSAFBRYDERE ER UDE AF
FUNKTION.
SE IKKE IND I STRÅLEN - HELLER IKKE MED OPTISKE INSTRUMENTER.
ADVARSEL
USYNLIG LASERSTRÅLING NÅR DEKSEL ÅPNES OG SIKKERHEDSLÅS BRYTES.
STIRR IKKE INN I STRÅLEN ELLER SE DIREKTE MED OPTISKE INSTRUMENTER.
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE.
VAROITUS!
LAITTEEN KÄYTTÄMINEN MUULLA KUIN TÄSSÄ KÄYTTöOHJEESSA MAINITULLA
TAVALLA SAATTAA ALTISTAA KÄYTTÄJÄN TURVALLISUUSLUOKAN 1 YLITTÄVÄLLE
NÄKYMÄTTöMÄLLE LASERSÄTEILYLLE.
KLASS 1 LASERAPPARAT.
VARNING
OM APPARATEN ANVÄNDS PÅ ANNAT SÄTT ÄN I DENNA BRUKSANVISNING
SPECIFICERATS, KAN ANVÄNDAREN UTSÄTTAS FöR OSYNLIG LASER-STRÅLNING, SOM
öVERSKRIDER GRÄNSEN FöR LASERKLASS 1.
Labels appearing on the drives:
CAUTION - INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE
TO BEAM.
VORSICHT! UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG TRITT AUS, WENN DECKEL
GEöFFNET. NICHT DEM STRAHL AUSSETZEN!
VARNING -OSYNLIG LASERSTRÅLNING NÄR DENNA DEL ÄR öPPNAD.
STRÅLEN ÄR FARLIG.
ADVARSEL - USYNLIGLASERSTRÅLINGVEDÅBNING.UNDGÅUDS/ETTELSE
FOR STRÅLING.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCTLASERSCHUTZKLASSE 1 PRODUKT TOEN 60825
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Contents i
Contents
Using Your Documentation ........................................................... 1
Opening the Online Manual ................................................................. 1
Getting Around in the Online Manual .................................................. 2
Using Hypertext Links in the Online Manual ....................................... 2
Special Features of the User’s Manual ............................................... 3
Using the Software User Documentation ............................................ 4
Visiting the AST Web Site ................................................................... 4
Introducing Your Computer .......................................................... 5
Using Your Computer for the First Time .................................. 7
Attaching the AC Adapter .................................................................... 7
Turning On the Computer .................................................................... 9
Understanding POST .......................................................................... 9
Adjusting the LCD Display ................................................................. 10
Making Backup Disks ........................................................................ 10
Turning Off Your Computer ............................................................... 11
Restarting Your Computer ................................................................. 11
Tips for Using Your Computer ........................................................... 12
Traveling with Your Computer ........................................................... 13
Handling Spills ................................................................................... 14
Storing the Computer for Long Periods ............................................. 14
Using the Keyboard ........................................................................ 15
Using the Numeric Keypad ................................................................ 16
Using Special Function Keys ............................................................. 17
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ii Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
Using the Touchpad ....................................................................... 19
Reading the System Status Lights ........................................... 21
Connecting Peripheral Devices ................................................. 23
Connecting the Floppy Drive to the Floppy Connector ...................... 25
Using the SmartBay ........................................................................ 27
Using the Floppy Drive .................................................................. 29
Using the CD-ROM Drive .............................................................. 31
Using the Hard Drive ...................................................................... 34
Removing the Hard Drive .................................................................. 35
Installing a Hard Drive ....................................................................... 36
Using the Battery ............................................................................. 37
Charging the Battery ......................................................................... 37
Safely Using the AC Adapter and Batteries ...................................... 38
Removing and Installing the Battery .................................................. 38
Monitoring the Battery Charge .......................................................... 40
Using the Battery Gauge ............................................................ 40
Battery Warnings ............................................................................... 42
Using System Setup ....................................................................... 43
Starting System Setup ....................................................................... 44
Main Menu ......................................................................................... 46
Advanced Menu ................................................................................ 50
Security Menu ................................................................................... 52
Power Savings Menu ........................................................................ 53
Boot Menu ......................................................................................... 55
Exit Menu .......................................................................................... 56
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Contents iii
Using System Security .................................................................. 57
Creating a Password ......................................................................... 57
Deleting a Password ......................................................................... 58
Requiring a Password When the Computer Starts ............................ 58
Locking the Hard Drive Boot Sector .................................................. 59
Locking the Keyboard ........................................................................ 59
Using Power Management Options ......................................... 60
Non-Turbo Mode ............................................................................... 60
Standby Mode ................................................................................... 61
Rest Mode ......................................................................................... 61
Rest Mode Precautions ..................................................................... 62
Creating a Save to Disk Partition .............................................. 64
Changing the Video Configuration ........................................... 67
Resolution and Color Depth .............................................................. 67
Configuring Display Features ............................................................ 68
Selecting a Monitor Type ............................................................ 68
Changing Color Depth and Resolution ....................................... 69
Working with PC Cards ................................................................. 70
Maintaining PC Cards ....................................................................... 70
Using PC Cards ................................................................................. 71
Watching Video ................................................................................ 73
Updating the System BIOS .......................................................... 76
Performing the BIOS Update ............................................................. 76
Troubleshooting the BIOS Update .................................................... 77
About Drivers and System Resources ................................... 78
Drivers ............................................................................................... 78
IRQs .................................................................................................. 78
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iv Ascentia M Series User’s Manual
Troubleshooting ............................................................................... 80
Operating Problems .......................................................................... 80
Infrared Problems .............................................................................. 83
Using Options ................................................................................... 84
AC Adapter ........................................................................................ 84
Auto/Airline Adapter .......................................................................... 85
Battery Pack ...................................................................................... 87
Hard Drives ....................................................................................... 87
Memory Modules ............................................................................... 88
Before You Install Memory .......................................................... 88
Installing a Memory Module ........................................................ 88
Battery Cradle ................................................................................... 92
External Numeric Keypad .................................................................. 93
CD-ROM Drive and Floppy Cable ..................................................... 93
Docking Options ................................................................................ 93
Specifications ................................................................................... 94
Abbreviations .................................................................................... 96
Glossary .............................................................................................. 99
Recording the Computer Hardware Configuration .......... 105
Index ................................................................................................... 109
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Using Your Documentation 1
Using Your Documentation
Congratulations on your purchase of an AST®Ascentia™ M
Series computer! Whether you are new to using a portable
computer or are an experienced user, your Ascentia M Series
documentation can help you get the most from your computer.
To get up and running quickly, see your Ascentia M Series Quick
Start. When you need more in-depth information, turn to your
Ascentia M Series User’s Manual. Your computer includes both a
printed user’s manual and an online copy of the manual.
Opening the Online Manual
Your Ascentia M online manual is included on the computer’s
hard drive in PDF format. You can view the manual through the
Adobe™ Acrobat™ Reader, which is also included on the hard
drive.
To open the online manual in Windows®95:
1. Click the Start button on the Windows 95 taskbar.
2. Select Programs.
3. Select Ascentia M Series Online Manual.
4. Click Ascentia M Series Online Manual in the Ascentia M
Series Online Manual folder. Your online manual appears
on the screen.
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