Using Your
Notebook

 

Using Your Solo 3100

    This chapter covers using the components on your computer. Spend some time getting familiar with the versatility built into your Solo notebook.

Using the keyboard

    Your notebook features a keyboard that has the full functionality of a desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate functions, including shortcut keys, function keys for specific system operations, and pad lock keys for the numeric keypad.

Key Action

Fn (function) Combination keys

Press Fn key plus one of the Fn Combination keys (blue) to perform a specific function. For example, Fn+F2 shows the Pop-up status display.

Fn (function) keys

Press Fn key plus another Fn Combination key (such as F2 , F3 , F4 , etc.) to perform a specific function.

Numeric keypad

Press Fn+F9 to activate the numeric keypad.

Using key combinations

    For normal key functions:

Press the key to get numerals, punctuation marks, and lower case letters.
Press the key together with the Shift key to get symbols and standard upper case letters.

Special keys

    The following keys help you use shortcuts when working with some software:

    Key Description

    Use this key to display the Windows Start menu. Pressing Ctrl+Esc also displays the Start menu.

    Use this key to provide quick access to shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows. In many cases, this key functions like a right mouse click.

Function keys

    Press the Fn key together with one of the following keys (with blue letters) to get these "on-the-fly" functions:

    Key
    Combination     		Description

    Displays the power status in the upper left corner of the Windows 95 and Windows 98 desktop. Press the key combination again to make the display disappear. See "Pop-up status display" on page 55.

    Toggles between the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), external monitor, both displays at the same time, or TV display (NTSC or PAL format) as the active display. See "Using the LCD" on page 20.

    Places the system in Standby mode. See "Using the Suspend and Standby modes" on page 56 for more information about the Standby mode.

    Makes temporary changes to the power management (PM) mode settings by toggling the setting options:

      • PM ON - enables power management with AC or battery power
      • PM DC - enables power management when the notebook is using battery power only.
      • PM OFF - disables power management.

    The selected option is not saved when the system is turned off. The power management settings selected in the BIOS setup take effect when the system is restarted.

    Enables the Pad Lock function so you can use the numeric keypad.

    The Pad Lock icon stays lit while this function is enabled. Press the keys again to clear the display.

    In some programs you can scroll through large volumes of text.

    The Scroll Lock icon stays lit as long as this function is enabled.

    In some programs this key combination pauses the display when text is scrolling very quickly. Press any key to continue the text flow.

    In some programs this key combination breaks text scrolling in a DOS screen.

    Prints the screen if a printer is connected to your notebook (DOS only). In Windows, this key copies a picture of the screen to the clipboard. You can then paste the picture into another program display or print it.

    SysRq (System Request) is reserved for certain applications such as in some DOS programs.

    In some programs this key combination will send you to the starting point of your text.

    In some programs this key combination sends you to the end point of your text.

    Increases LCD brightness and displays the brightness meter for the Popup Status Display reflecting the changes. Use the Fn + F2 key combination to make the display disappear.

    Decreases LCD brightness and displays the brightness meter for the Popup Status Display reflecting the changes. Use the Fn + F2 key combination to make the display disappear.

Pad lock keys

    Press Fn+F9 ( Pad Lock ) keys to activate the keypad. The keypad section of the keyboard will function like a numeric keypad. Press Fn+F9 to put the keyboard back into standard mode.

Using the LCD

    Your notebook features a built-in, backlit, color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The LCD uses TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) technology that provides sharp resolution and brilliant colors. The notebook's display supports a maximum resolution of 800 x 600 and a maximum color depth of 24-bit color.

    In addition to using your LCD panel for display, you can also attach an external monitor for presentations and other multimedia purposes. See the next sections to learn about setting up external displays.

Setting up an external computer monitor

    You can connect an external computer monitor to your notebook through the VGA (Video Graphics Adapter) port on the back of your notebook. If you are using an optional port replicator, you can also connect an external computer monitor to the replicator's VGA port.

    To connect the computer to an external monitor

    1. Connect one end of a VGA cable to the VGA port on the back of the notebook, and the other end to the video connector on the monitor.
    2. Press Fn+F3 to change the active display from LCD only, to LCD and monitor, or monitor only. Continue changing the display options until you get the desired display.

    Depending upon the external monitor you are using, you may have to lower the video resolution to 640 x 480. Refer to your monitor manual to find out its display resolution capabilities.

    To change the display resolution for an external monitor

    1. Right-click the Monitor icon in the taskbar tray.
    2. Select the desired resolution. The screen resolution changes.

    If the Monitor icon does not appear on the taskbar and you want to have it display there, right-click on the desktop, select Properties , click the Settings tab, then check the Show settings icon on taskbar checkbox. The Monitor icon appears in the taskbar tray.

Using the EZ Point

    Your system includes the EZ Point TM stickpoint pointing device. Like a mouse, this pointing device controls the cursor movements on the display. You can also use an external mouse. Connect the mouse device to the PS/2 port or the serial port. Review this section to find out more about pointing device options.

Controlling the EZ Point

    The EZ Point provides an easy way to move the cursor across the screen and navigate through software. The EZ Point consists of a stick located on the keyboard between the G and H keys and two buttons located below the spacebar on the keyboard.

      1. EZ Point
      2. EZ Point select button (left mouse button)
      3. EZ Point select button (right mouse button)

To use the EZ Point

    1. Place your hands in the typing position and press the EZ Point (A) in the direction you want to move the cursor.
    2. Press the EZ Point select buttons (B and C) located below the spacebar to select as you would with a mouse. You can also press the EZ Point directly downward to perform a mouse click.

Changing EZ Point properties

    You can change EZ Point properties such as button assignments, cursor speed, and acceleration. You can also enable scrolling, press to select, release to select, and magnifying glass.

    To customize the EZ Point

    1. Click Start , Settings, then Control Panel . The Control Panel appears.
    2. Double-click the EZ Point icon. The EZ Point Properties dialog box appears.
    3. Click the tab of your choice to customize functions of the EZ Point.

Replacing the EZ Point cap

    The cap on the EZ Point is removable. If the cap becomes worn or damaged, remove the cap from the stick and replace it with one of the spares included with your notebook.

Using an external mouse or keyboard

    You can attach an external mouse or keyboard to the notebook using the PS/2 port, the USB port, or the serial port. The optional port replicator also has ports for external connections. It is not necessary to shut down the system to connect an external PS/2 mouse or keyboard. Just connect it to the port and start to work.

    If the EZ Point drivers do not support the external mouse, refer to the mouse documentation and follow the installation instructions.

Connecting the modem

    Your Solo 3100 notebook comes with a built-in 56K data/fax modem and a telephone cable.

To connect and use the modem

    1. Insert one end or the telephone cable into the modem jack on the rear panel of the notebook.
    1. Insert the other end of the telephone cable into any analog telephone wall jack.
    2. Start your computer, then start your communications software.

    For more information on using your notebook's modem and network connections, see Chapter 4, "Getting Online."

Using the audio

    Your system provides 16-bit stereo audio with SoundBlaster Pro compatibility. You can record audio for presentations, attach voice messages to your e-mail, listen to audio CDs, and use it for many other multimedia applications.

Adjusting the volume

    You can use several methods to adjust audio input and output on your Solo notebook computer. The volume control wheel on the left side of the system controls the Speaker Out port and the internal system speakers. The volume level for other ports is controlled by the multimedia software, as explained below.

    To adjust playback and recording volume levels

    1. Click Start , Settings , and Control Panel .
    2. Double-click the Multimedia icon. The Multimedia Properties dialog box appears.
    3. Click the Audio tab, then set the Playback and Recording levels to your preference.

To "quick-adjust" volume controls

    1. Double-click the Speaker icon on the taskbar. The Volume Control dialog box appears. This dialog box contains volume and balance controls for master volume, wave, microphone, CD audio, MIDI, and synthesizer.
    2. Slide the volume and balance controls to suit your listening requirements.

Making an audio recording

    To make an audio recording, use the built-in microphone or connect an external microphone to the port replicator. Connecting an external microphone will disable the built-in microphone.

To make an audio recording

    1. Click Start , Programs , Accessories , Multimedia , then Sound Recorder . The Sound Recorder opens.
    2. Click Edit , then Audio Properties to set or record volume levels.
    3. Click OK .
    4. Click the (Record) button to start recording.
    5. Click the (Stop) button to stop recording.
    6. Click File , then Save As .
    7. Name the recording, then click Save .The recording is saved.

To play back a recording in Media Player

    1. Click Start , Programs , Accessories , Multimedia , then Media Player. The Media Player opens.
    2. Click File , then Open . The Open dialog box appears.
    3. Select the file to play back, then click Open .
    4. Click the (Play) button to play the file.
    5. Click the (Stop) button to stop playing the file.

Using 3.5" diskettes

    Your system has an external 3.5" diskette drive, which enables you to use 3.5" diskettes with up to 1.44 MB capacity.

    To connect the external diskette drive

    1. Turn off your notebook.
    2. Plug the drive cable into the parallel port on the back of the notebook.
    1. Tighten the connector screws, then start up your notebook.

Using CD-ROMs and DVDs

    Your system has a CD-ROM or DVD drive. This section describes some of the ways to use CD-ROM or DVD media.

To insert a CD or DVD

    1. Press the CD or DVD drive's eject button. The drive tray opens.
    2. Insert the CD or DVD. Press down carefully on the disc to ensure it snaps onto the clips that hold the disc in the tray.

    1. Press the eject button to close the tray.

To access information on the CD or DVD drive

    1. Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.
    2. Double-click the CD-ROM drive icon.

Playing an audio CD

    The CD-ROM accepts standard CDs, music CDs, and photo CDs. You can play and control an audio CD using the CD Player application in Windows. If your notebook has the optional DVD drive, it can also play DVDs.

    To play an audio CD

    1. Insert an audio CD. After a few seconds, the CD starts playing.
    2. Click the CD Player taskbar button to use the CD Player software.
      - OR -
    1. If the CD did not auto-start, click Start , Programs , Accessories , Multimedia , and CD Player . The CD Player appears.
    2. Hold the mouse pointer over the control buttons on the CD Player to get familiar with each button function. You can change music tracks, view playing times, control the volume, define a play list, and even set continuous or random play.
    1. Control audio play as desired.

Using manual eject for disc media

    You may encounter a circumstance when it is not possible or convenient to open the CD or DVD drive using the eject button (for example, when the computer is shut down).

    To use the manual eject button

    1. Carefully insert a stiff wire (such as a straightened, heavy-duty paper clip) into the manual eject hole until you feel resistance.
    1. Gently press harder until the drive tray slides out.
    2. Grasp the front of the tray and pull it out.

Using the USB port

    USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a new type of serial interface that serves as a single-port alternative to connecting devices that traditionally have required their own specific ports, such as mice, joysticks, keyboards, scanners, video cameras, and speakers.

    To use, connect the USB-compatible peripheral into the USB port (see "Using the USB port" on page 31). The USB automatically installs and configures the necessary drivers and the system resources.

Removing and replacing the hard disk drive

    You can remove the hard disk drive from your notebook to swap to a second drive. If you decide to add a new drive, use the documentation that comes with the drive to prepare the it for use.

To remove the hard disk drive

    1. Save all work.
    2. Click Start , Shut Down , then click OK .
    3. Close the LCD panel, then disconnect the AC power.
    4. Remove the battery .
    5. Remove the two screws that secure the hard disk drive.
    1. Pull the drive straight out.

To replace the hard disk drive

    1. Make sure the power is turned off, the AC power is disconnected, and the battery is removed.
    2. Slide the new drive firmly into the bay.
    3. Secure the drive with the two screws.
    4. Turn the notebook over and reconnect the AC adapter and replace the battery pack.

    1. Start up the system when you are ready to use it.
    2. If this is a first-time installation, follow the information that accompanied the drive to prepare it for use.

Using PC Cards

    Your notebook's PC Card slot (also known as a PCMCIA card slot) is located on the right side of your notebook. This slot accepts PC Card 16, PC Card 32 (CardBus), or Zoomed Video cards. Your notebook is configured to automatically accept most PC Cards.

    You do not need to restart your notebook when changing most cards because your notebook supports "hot-swapping." This means that you can usually insert a PC Card and the system recognizes it without shutting down the notebook. If your PC Card does not work when hot-swapping, refer to the PC

    To insert a PC Card

    Card manufacturer's documentation for further information.

    1. Insert the PC Card with the label facing up.
    2. Slide the card firmly into the PC Card slot. When the card is installed correctly, the computer emits a two-toned beep.
    1. Follow the Windows Setup Wizard installation steps the first time you insert a PC Card. Operate the device as recommended in the PC Card manufacturer's manual.

To remove a PC Card

    1. Click the PC Card icon in the taskbar, then click the card you want to remove.
    2. Click Stop . A message states that you may safely remove the device.
    3. Click OK .
    4. Press the PC Card eject button, located to the right of the PC Card slot, to release the eject button.
    1. Press the PC Card eject button a second time to eject the PC Card.
    2. Press the PC Card eject button a third time to replace the button into the chassis.

Using the IR port

    The IR (infrared) port built into the back of your notebook uses infrared technology to send and receive signals between the notebook and a remote device equipped with an IR port. A variety of desktop computers, printers, and other peripherals are IR-equipped. Use the manufacturer's documentation to setup a remote IR device.

Using McAfee VirusScan

    McAfee VirusScan is a software program installed to help you protect your system from computer viruses. Each time you start your system, McAfee VirusScan scans your hard drive for computer viruses that are potentially harmful to your system.

    A computer virus is a software program that attaches itself to another program on the computer and spreads from one program to another. Some viruses can go unnoticed for long periods of time because they are tied to a certain time or date before they become active. If transmitted unnoticed, viruses can damage data, cause computers to crash, or display bothersome or offensive messages. Avoiding computer virus infection is important, and McAfee VirusScan helps you protect your system from computer viruses.

    If you are using diskettes to transfer information to your system, you can run the McAfee VirusScan software on the diskette to check it before copying files from it to your system.

To scan a diskette

    1. Place the diskette in the diskette drive.

    1. Click Start , Programs , McAfee VirusScan , and VirusScan .
    2. Change the C:\ drive setting to A:\, then click All Files .
    1. Click the Scan Now button to begin scanning the diskette.

Updating McAfee VirusScan

    Because new viruses are continuously being introduced in the computer world, a message appears approximately every six months reminding you to update your version of McAfee VirusScan. Updating your version of McAfee VirusScan is important because it keeps your virus protection current.

    If you have a subscription to an Internet service provider and your notebook is properly connected to a phone line, you can update McAfee VirusScan software. Click the Update button and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.