Acorn A3010 Operating and safety instructions

Acorn A3010
Welcome Guide

Acorn A3010
Welcome Guide

ii

Welcome to the Acorn A3010 computer!
As the Acorn family grows larger, so our range of products continues to increase and
diversify. Your new computer is the result of on-going development here at Acorn,
and is made to the high standards of quality and reliability that existing Acorn users
have come to expect.
We value your comments and feedback, so please let your supplier know of any
suggestions you have as to how we might improve our service to you — the Acorn
A3010 incorporates many such suggestions from existing Acorn owners. Your supplier
will also assist you should you ever feel dissatisfied with any aspect of our product or
service — Acorn suppliers have full support from Acorn itself.
To help us provide you with the best service, please complete and return the enclosed
Owner Registration Form. This enables us to keep our valued and growing family of
users informed about new developments. You are not of course obliged to answer all
the questions, should you prefer to leave any of them blank.
The first part of this guide introduces the computer to you, it explains how to
connect it together and how to start using it.
It doesn't matter if you've never used a computer before, the system is easy to use, and
you need learn only a few simple techniques to get going. You can pick up the details
as you go along.
The Hardware reference section gives you some advice about looking after your
computer, along with more detailed information, which you may need to refer to
when you want to add things like printers.
Once you have set everything up and mastered the basic techniques described in this
guide, the RISC OS 3 User and Applications Guide also supplied will help you to get
the best out of your computer and answer many other questions you may have about
how the computer works.
Managing Director
Acorn Computers Limited
III

Copyright © 1992 Acorn Computers Limited. All rights reserved. Published by
Acorn Computers Technical Publications Department.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature, without the written permission of the
copyright holder and the publisher, application for which shall be made to the publisher.
This product is not intended for use as a critical component in life support devices or any
system in which failure could be expected to result in personal injury.
The product described in this manual and products for use with it are subject to continuous development and improvement.
All information of a technical nature and particulars of the product and its use (including the information and particulars in
this manual) are given by Acorn Computers Limited in good faith. However, Acorn Computers Limited cannot accept any
liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any information or particulars in this manual, or any incorrect use of
the products. All maintenance and service on the product must be carried out by Acorn Computers' authorised dealers or
Approved Service Centres. Acorn Computers Limited can accept no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by
service, maintenance or repair by unauthorised personnel.
If you have any comments on this manual, please complete the form at the back of the manual, and send it to the address
given there.
Acorn supplies its products through an international distribution network. Your supplier is available to help resolve any
queries you may have.
Within this publication, the term 'BBC' is used as an abbreviation for 'British Broadcasting Corporation'.
ACORN and ECONET are trademarks of Acorn Computers Limited
Amiga is a trademark of Commodore-Amiga, Inc. Apple is
a trademark of Apple Computer Inc. Atari is a trademark of
Atari Corporation DOS is a trademark of Microsoft
Corporation PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems
Inc.
Centronics is a trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation
LaserWriter is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc. Multisync
is a trademark of NEC Limited NEC is a trademark of NEC
Limited
Panasonic is a trademark of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd
Philips is a trademark of Philips Electronics Ltd Taxan is a
trademark of Kaga Electronics Co. Ltd All other trademarks
are acknowledged.
Note: Various third party monitors and other peripheral equipment are depicted or described in this Guide. The illustration or
description of these or any other third party equipment does not imply any recommendation or endorsement by Acorn
Computers Limited, and users must satisfy themselves as to the suitability of any peripheral equipment (including monitors)
on advice from the equipment supplier.
Published by Acorn Computers Limited
ISBN 1 85250 107 3
Part number 0494,050
Issue 1, April 1992
iv

Guidelines for safe operation
The equipment described in this guide is designed and manufactured to comply with international safety standards EN60950 (
BS7002) and is intended for use only as a desktop computer It must not be used for other purposes. It is most important that
unpacking and operation is carried out in accordance with the instructions given in this guide. In the interests of continued safe and
reliable operation, observe the following guidelines:
• Keep the machine at a room temperature of +5°C to +35°C (+41° to +95° Fahrenheit) and a relative humidity of 20% to 80% (
non-condensing). As a rough guide, if you feel much too hot, cold or humid, the conditions are probably too extreme for the
computer as well.
• Avoid sudden extremes in temperature, exposure to direct sunlight, heat sources (e.g. electric fan heater) or rain.
• Make sure that the equipment is standing on a suitable rigid horizontal flat surface, allowing enough space for air to
circulate when it is in use.
• Ensure that any wires and cables are routed sensibly so that they cannot be snagged or tripped over Don't tug or twist any
wires or cables, or use them to hang or lift any of the units.
• Make sure you have read and understood any installation instructions supplied with upgrade kits before attempting to fit them.
If you have any doubts, contact your supplier
• Keep the original packaging in case you need to transport the computer, and avoid bumping, jarring or dropping it in transit.
• Keep the plastic bags contained in the packaging away from children.
• If you're going to move the computer, make sure you park the hard disc first (if fitted) See Switching off the computer on
page 57.
• Switch off and unplug the computer from the power outlet on the wall at night, or if you're not going to use the
computer for a few days.
• Switch off and unplug the equipment and any accessories before opening the unit (e.g. to install an upgrade).
• The main computer unit should be operated with the top cover (which also acts as a safety fire enclosure) secured, to ensure
the correct airflow through the unit.
• DON'T attempt to open any display or monitor unit, whether supplied with the equipment or not.
• DON'T drop the equipment or subject it to excessive bumping and jarring.
• DON'T spill liquids on the equipment. If liquid does spill, turn the equipment off immediately and take it to your
supplier for assessment.
• DON'T obstruct or poke objects through the ventilation openings in the computer casing or the power supply, or cover them
with anything.
• DON'T exceed the maximum power consumption of 3 watts from the expansion card slot.
• DON'T balance any objects, or stand equipment on top of this equipment.
Warning: this equipment must be earthed
If the plug supplied is not suitable for the power supply in your country, please consult your supplier. Do not
attempt to repair or replace the mains cord yourself — refer to your supplier instead.
UK information
As the colours of the cores in the AC power lead of this equipment may not correspond to the coloured markings identifying the
terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
• The core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is coloured green and
yellow, or is marked by the letter E or by the earth symbol ±.
• The core which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal that is coloured black or marked with the letter N.
• The core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is coloured red or marked with the letter L.
The mains lead supplied is already fitted with a moulded plug incorporating a 3A fuse. If it does not fit your socket-outlet, the plug
should be removed from the mains lead and safely disposed of. The flexible cord insulation should then be stripped back as
appropriate. A suitable alternative plug should then be fitted. If the replacement plug is intended to take a fuse, then a 3A fuse must
be used. If you need to replace the fuse in the mains plug supplied, then you must use a 3A fuse ASTA-approved to BSI 362.
Never use mains plugs with the fuse carrier omitted. In the event of the loss of the fuse carrier, either replace with a carrier of the
same type and manufacturer or replace the moulded plug with another mains plug, wired as detailed above.
V

Guarantee (valid in UK only)
This equipment is guaranteed by Acorn Computers Limited ("ACORN") against mechanical and
electrical defects subject to the conditions set out below.
Note
Items which by their nature or design only have a restricted life are not guaranteed beyond such life.
Period of validity
This guarantee shall be valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of purchase.
Other conditions
1 This guarantee is personal to the original purchaser, is not transferable and shall not be valid
unless the equipment was purchased from ACORN or from an approved ACORN supplier.
2 This guarantee will be invalidated if the equipment is misused or damaged or is modified in any way
without the written consent of ACORN or if any original component or accessory has been replaced by
any component or accessory of a type not recommended or approved by ACORN, or if operated other
than in accordance with the Welcome Guide and RISC OS 3 User and Applications Guide.
3 Any claims made under this guarantee must whenever possible be made through the supplier from whom
the equipment was originally purchased. If this is not possible a claim may be made to any other
approved ACORN supplier appointed by ACORN to service the equipment (a list of whom can be
supplied on application). This guarantee together with proof of the date of purchase must be produced
when any claim is made. Any costs of carriage to and from the supplier must be paid by the purchaser.
4 If ACORN agrees with the supplier that the equipment should be forwarded to ACORN for repair then
ACORN will arrange for collection and return of the equipment at no charge. In all other cases the
supplier will be responsible for effecting any necessary repairs in accordance with ACORN's service
policy. Any repairs under this guarantee will be carried out at no cost to the original purchaser.
5 If any equipment returned is found to comply with its original specification ACORN reserves the right
to charge a reasonable fee for testing the equipment and for return carriage.
6 The liability of ACORN under this guarantee shall be limited to the cost of repair or complete
replacement (at ACORN's discretion) of equipment which proves to be defective.
7 ACORN does not accept liability for any loss or damage during transit to or from the supplier or
ACORN, but every effort will be made to investigate claims of loss or damage if these arise.
THIS GUARANTEE DOES NOT AFFECT OR PREJUDICE THE PURCHASER'S STATUTORY RIGHTS.
Guarantee procedure
To claim under this guarantee, proof of date of purchase is required. This is provided by your copy of the invoice from the
supplier from whom the equipment was originally purchased. Keep the invoice safe and produce it to support any claim you
may make under this guarantee.
You may find it useful to make a note in the box below of the serial number, date of purchase and details of any
upgrades you fit, and quote them in any correspondence.
v i

Documentation roadmap
This roadmap will help you decide which tools and manuals you will need, as you
start to use your computer and develop your skills.
vii

Contents
Part 1 - Getting started
The chapters in this part contain all the information you need to get started
on your computer. The odd-numbered pages in this part are marked with a
grey box on the top righthand side.
Unpacking 1
Describes what you should find when you open the box containing your
computer.
Setting up the computer 3
Explains how to connect everything together.
Switching on 5
Tells you how to turn the computer on and describes the display on the screen.
The RISC OS desktop 9
Introduces the features of the RISC OS desktop.
Using the mouse 11
Describes what the mouse does, and how to use it.
Windows 15
Explains the special features of the screen display.
Menus 23
Explains how menus work within the RISC OS desktop.
Discs and disc drives 27
Tells you about floppy disc drives and hard disc drives.
Using the keyboard 35
Introduces the keyboard and some of its features.
Using applications 39
Tells you how to start running applications.
Files and directories 43
Introduces the desktop filing system
Printing 51
Gets you started using a printer.
Switching off the computer 57
Tells you how to switch off your computer after you've finished using it.
If things go wrong 59
viii Offers solutions to some common problems you might encounter.

Contents
Part 2 - Hardware reference section
This part contains technical reference information and more detailed
installation instructions, along with some advice on looking after your
computer. The odd-numbered pages in this part also have a grey block on the
righthand edge, but lower down than those in Part 1.
Appendix A: Maintaining your computer 63
Tells you how to look after your
computer.
Appendix B: Monitor connections 67
Lists some commonly-used monitors, and describes how to connect them to
your computer. In particular, it explains how to connect a TV and get the
best picture on the screen.
Appendix C: Attaching peripheral devices 77
Explains how to connect other devices to your computer, such as serial
and parallel printers and modems.
Appendix D: Hardware components and connectors 81
Identifies the main hardware features of the computer, including the sockets
on the back.
Appendix E: Inside the computer 87
Tells you how to open the computer's case, and where to fit memory
upgrades and expansion cards.
Glossary 91
Defines computer jargon used in this guide. Terms explained in the Glossary
are printed in italics the first time they appear in the guide.
Index 97
ix

X

Unpacking
Unpacking
Checklist
T
his chapter tells you about unpacking your computer, and gives some hints on
where to set it up.
Unpack your computer on a flat surface — either on the floor, or on a large table
where there's plenty of room for the carton as well as for the computer. Take
everything out of the carton, making sure you don't break the packaging material,
as you may need this later (to transport your computer).
Warning: the packaging contains plastic bags which can be dangerous to young
children. Please keep them out of their reach.
If you don't have all of these items, or if any of them appears damaged, notify
your supplier immediately.
1

Choosing where to set up your computer
Complete the Owner Registration Form and post it back to Acorn (purchasers outside
the UK should send it to their local supplier or national distributor). This will enable
us to inform you of new products and upgrades to your computer as they become
available.
Put all the packing back into the carton and put it away somewhere safe. If you ever
have to take the computer back to your supplier, you must pack it back into the original
carton
Choosing where to set up your computer
Bear the following points in mind when deciding exactly where to situate your
computer:
• Don't place the computer where it will be exposed to direct sunlight, or any
other source of heat, such as a radiator.
• Sunlight or reflections from a window will make it difficult to see things on the
screen properly, so position your computer so that you can see the screen
comfortably.
• Make sure the keyboard is at a comfortable height and position for you to
avoid repetitive strain injuries if you're going to type for long periods.
• Make sure the ventilation slots on the back edge of the computer are not
obstructed.
2

Setting up the computer
T
his chapter describes how to connect the components of the computer together and
set it up ready for use. Before you start connecting it up, please read the
Guidelines for safe operation in the front of this guide.
After you've checked the components against the checklist in the last chapter, you can
connect them together and begin to use your Acorn A3010 computer.
Follow these simple steps to set up your computer:
Connect mouse to computer
Take the mouse out of its plastic bag. The plug on
the end of the mouse cable goes into the socket
on the back of the computer. The plug has an
arrow moulded into it: this should be uppermost
when you push it in. The plug won't go in any
other way, so don't force it.
Connect joysticks to computer
If you've bought joysticks to play games on the
computer, connect them now. You can use up to
two Amiga- or Atari-style joysticks
(switch/digital type).
If you've only got one joystick, connect it to the
righthand of the two joystick connectors (as seen
from the back of the computer) unless the
instructions in any games you play tell you
otherwise.
Important: Make sure you connect joysticks to
the joystick ports. Don't connect to the serial port
by mistake.
3

Connect monitor (or TV) to computer
Connect monitor (or TV) to computer
Put the monitor or TV on the table, next to or behind the computer. Don't balance it
on top of the computer.
Colour monitor or colour TV with SCART cable
If you have a colour monitor, push the plug on
one end of the cable into the back of the monitor,
and the other into the 15-way connector on the
back of the computer. Secure the plug to the
computer with a small flat-bladed screwdriver.
If you have a colour TV with a SCART cable,
push the SCART connector into the back of the
TV. You need a I 5-way connector on the other
end of the cable to plug into the back of the
computer (see Cable type Eon page 71).
Colour TV with aerial cable
You can connect a colour TV to your computer
using the aerial cable supplied. Connect one end
of the cable into the TV, and the other end into
the computer's TV modulator socket.
Connect other equipment to computer
Peripherals – if you have any – should also be connected to the computer before the
power is switched on:
• If you have a parallel printer, connect it to the parallel socket at the back of the
computer.
• If you want to use a modem or a serial printer, first make sure that you have the
correct adaptor cable (see Appendix C: Attaching peripheral devices on page 77).
Then connect the modem or printer to the serial port socket (marked RS 232) on
the back of the computer (don't confuse this with the joystick connectors).
Connect power supply
Plug the monitor and computer power cables into power outlets on the wall. Don't
switch on yet: follow the instructions in the next chapter.
4

Switching on
T
his chapter tells you how to power up your computer for
the first time, and 1 describes what you see on the screen when you do.
Equipment check
First check that you have connected all parts of the computer together properly, as
described in the previous chapter.
Before switching on the mains supply
Check that the monitor (or TV), printer and computer ON/OFF switches are set to
OFF. The monitor and printer have separate switches. Their manuals will explain
where they are.
The ON/OFF switch for the computer is the rocker switch on the back:
Switch on the mains supply
Switch on the mains supply for the computer (at the mains outlet on the wall), and that
for the monitor (or TV) and printer.
5

Switch on the monitor or TV
Switch on the monitor or TV
Monitor
The monitor has a separate switch. The manual for your monitor will explain how to
turn it on and, if necessary, adjust the brightness control.
TV
If you're using a TV with a SCART connector, the TV's manual should explain how to
switch your TV into the correct mode for displaying a picture generated by the
computer.
If you're using a standard aerial cable to connect your TV, you'll find all the
instructions for getting a picture on your TV in Connecting a colour TV with a
coaxial aerial cable on page 73 of Appendix B: Monitor connections.
Switch on the computer
Press the ON/OFF rocker switch on the back of the computer:
Switch on peripherals
Now switch on any peripherals that you have connected, such as a printer (when you'
re familiar with the computer and want to print some work, see Printing on page 51).
6

Switching on
The desktop
Depending on your monitor (and whether it has has warmed up yet) you might see
the screen change colour while the computer performs some self-tests. The LED
on the floppy disc drive will also flash once when the drive is being checked.
Next, you will see an introductory screen:
After a few seconds, you should have a picture on your screen, looking
something like this:
If the display does not look similar to that shown above (or if the floppy drive
light flashes more than once) see If things go wrong on page 59.
7

What now?
What now?
Scenic route!
Now you're ready to begin using your computer. If this is the first time you've used a
computer (or at least an Acorn computer) take the following route:
I Use the rest of this guide to get used to the RISC OS desktop, and to learn how to use
the computer efficiently. You'll need to know the basics explained here, whatever
you use the computer for later, although you can probably do without this guide
after a couple of weeks
2 Try using some more of the programs supplied with your computer — they're
described in the RISC OS 3 User and Applications Guide.
Check in the RISC OS 3 User and Applications Guide if you need more
detailed information on a particular topic or technique.
3 Ask your supplier what other applications are available to suit your purposes.
If you want to stop for the moment, you can just switch off at the ON/OFF switch (
and then switch off the monitor and any other peripherals too). Later on, when you've
been using your computer a while, you'll find that it's better to follow the instructions
in Switching off the computer on page 57.
Motorway route!
If you're familiar with computers, mice, discs and so on, and you want to start doing
something right away, start by trying out some of the computer's own applications.
For example, play a tune with !Maestro (this will sound even better if you listen
through a pair of 'personal stereo' headphones — see Headphones on page 85):
1. Put the Applications disc into the floppy disc
drive and click Select (the lefthand mouse
button) on the floppy drive icon.
2. Double-click Select on the App2 directory.
3. Double-click on the Tunes directory.
4. Double-click on Fanfare (for example)
5. Click Menu (middle mouse button) over
Fanfare's window to display a menu. Click
Select on the Play option to start. Choose
Play again to stop!
Don't despair if the above description sounds like it's written in a foreign language —
just take the scenic route instead, and you'll pick up the jargon as you go.
8