Acorn Archimedes Operating and safety instructions

Copyright © Acorn Computers Limited 1988
Neither the whole nor any part of the information contained in, nor the
product described in this Guide may be adapted or reproduced in any
material form except with the prior written approval of Acorn Computers
Limited.
The products described in this manual are subject to continuous development
and improvement. All information of a technical nature and particulars of the
products and their use (including the information and particulars in this
Guide) 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 products must be
carried out by Acorn Computers' authorised dealers. Acorn Computers
Limited can accept no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by
service, maintenance or repair by unauthorised personnel.
All correspondence should be addressed to:
Customer Support and Service
Acorn Computers Limited
Fulbourn Road
Cherry Hinton
Cambridge CB1 4JN
Information can also be obtained from the Acorn Support Information
Database (SID). This is a direct dial viewdata system available to registered
SID users. Initially, access SID on Cambridge [phone]: this will allow
you to inspect the system and use a response frame for registration.
ACORN, ARCHIMEDES and ECONET are trademarks of Acorn Computers
Limited.
Within this publication, the term 'BBC' is used as an abbreviation for 'British
Broadcasting Corporation'.
Edition 2
First published 1988
Published by Acorn Computers Limited
ISBN 1 85250 055 7
Part number 0483,000
Issue 1
1

2

Welcome to the Archimedes
personal workstation
This guide introduces your new Archimedes personal workstation.
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
Archimedes system is easy to use, and you need learn only a few
simple techniques and terms to get going. You can pick up the
details as you go along.
Once you've set up the sytem and mastered the techniques
described in this guide, the User Guide will help you to get the best
out of your Archimedes system and answer many other questions
you may have.
Welcome to Archimedes 3

About this Guide
This Guide is an introduction to the Archimedes personal workstation for the first-time user, and is
divided into the following chapters:
Unpacking Describes the parts which make up the Archimedes computer. 5
Check the contents of the box to make sure you have everything.
Setting up the computer Explains how to connect everything together. 7
Getting started Tells you how to turn the computer on and describes the display 11
on the screen.
The Archimedes desktop Introduces the desktop facilities, explained in greater detail in 13
later chapters.
Using the mouse Describes what the mouse does and how you use it. 17
Disc drives Tells you about the floppy and hard discs used with Archimedes 23
computers.
Windows Explains the special features of the screen display. 27
Menus Explains how to select items from lists (menus) displayed on the 37
screen.
Using the keyboard Introduces the keyboard and some of its features. 41
Files & directories Introduces the Archimedes desktop filing system. 45
Outside the desktop Tells you how to enter *commands direct to the operating 51
system (this chapter will be of interest to computer users with some
experience).
If things go wrong Offers solutions to some common problems you might encounter. 53
Glossary Lists computer jargon used in the Welcome Guide and explains 55
its meaning. Each term in the Glossary is highlighted in italics the first
time it is used in the text.
If you want to know more about any particular part of the
Archimedes system, turn to the User Guide.
About this guide 4

Unpacking
This section tells you about unpacking your Archimedes system, lists the items which should be in the box when you
receive it, and helps you choose a spot where you can set it up.
Unpacking Unpack your Archimedes system on a flat surface - a large table where there's plenty of
room for the box as well as for the computer is best. Take all the pieces out of the box,
making sure you don't break the foam packing material, as you may need this later.
Checklist Check that you have all these components, and that they've arrived in good condition:
Unpacking 5

You'll probably have bought a monitor (with mains lead) and connecting cable at the
same time.
If you don't have all of these parts, or if any of them is damaged, notify your supplier
immediately.
Fill in the registration form and post it back to Acorn Computers, so that you can be
informed of developments and updates to your Archimedes computer. This will help
us to ensure that you get the best from your computer in the future.
Put all the packing back into the box and put it away somewhere safe. If you ever
want to transport your Archimedes system, it is best to use the box, even if you only
take it a short distance in a car. If you ever have to take it back to your dealer, too,
you'll have to pack it back into the original box.
Choosing where to put You'll probably want to put your computer on a table or a desk. Bear the
your computer following points in mind when deciding exactly where to situate it:
• you'll need a firm, flat surface with enough space at one side to move the mouse
around, and space at the other side for manuals and papers you may be working
on.
• don't place the computer where it will be exposed to direct sunlight, or any other
source of heat, such as a radiator.
• if you have any peripheral equipment (such as a printer) you'll need space nearby
for that too.
• sunlight or reflections from a window might make the screen difficult to see.
There must also be an accessible 13 amp power point within 1.5 metres of the
computer.
Unpacking 6

Setting up the computer
This 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 the
User Guide.
After you've checked the components against the checklist in the last section, you can
connect them together and begin to use your Archimedes computer.
Follow these simple steps to set up your computer:
1. Connect mouse to Take the mouse and the keyboard out of
keyboard their plastic bags. The mouse has a straight
cable with a plug on the end of it. This goes
into the socket at the back of the keyboard. 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 try to force
it in.
2. Connect keyboard The keyboard has a curly cable with a
to computer plug on the end of it. Plug this into the socket
on the front right hand side of the computer
unit (just below the disc drive slot), with the
arrow uppermost: don't force it. Place the
keyboard in front of the computer.
Setting up the computer
7

3. Connect monitor to Put the monitor on top of the computer
computer (unless it weighs 15 kg or more, like the 19-
inch high-resolution monitor which can be
used for 400-series machines, in which case it
will have to go alongside, or on a strong shelf
above).
Colour monitors If you have a colour monitor, it will have a
cable with different connectors at either end.
Push the big plug into the back of the monitor,
and the small plug into the socket on the back
of the computer marked ANALOGUE RGB.
Both plugs and sockets are wider at the top
than at the bottom, so it isn't possible to put
them in the wrong way up. Secure the
connector to the computer with a small flat-
bladed screwdriver.
Standard-resolution If you have a standard-resolution
monochrome monochrome monitor for a 300-series
machine, it will have a cable with round plugs
on either end. Push one plug into the socket on
the back of the computer unit marked MONO
VIDEO, and the other into the socket marked
VIDEO IN on the back of the monitor.
Note - if you want to connect anything else to
your computer (like a monochrome monitor to
a 400-series machine, a printer or Econet
network), go to the end of this chapter now.
Setting up the computer

4. Connect mains If your monitor has an IEC-type mains
supply plug, plug this into the socket marked
UNSWITCHED 0/P 220-240V on the back of
the computer. If it has a normal mains plug,
plug this directly into the mains.
Finally, plug the connector on the mains cable
into the socket marked I/P 220240V on the
back of the computer unit.
Check that the computer is switched off (see
the next chapter). Connect the plug to the
mains and switch the mains on.
Connecting other things
Alternative monitors Connect a high-resolution monochrome monitor
to a 400-series machine with two leads (having
BNC twist-lock connectors at either end)
connected to the sockets marked VIDEO and
SYNC on the back of the computer.
If you want to connect a standard-resolution
monochrome monitor to a 400-series machine,
some internal adjustments to your computer
will be necessary consult your supplier for
advice.
Setting up the computer 9

Peripherals Peripherals should also be connected to the computer before the power is
switched on:
• If you have a parallel printer, connect it to the socket at the back of the
computer marked PARALLEL PRINTER. Connect a modem or a serial
printer to the socket marked SERIAL PORT.
• If you have an Econet network, connect your Archimedes computer to the
network using the socket marked ECONET. You will also need to install
an Econet module inside the computer (instructions on installing it come
with the module).
To continue connecting up your Archimedes system, go back to step 4 now.
Setting up the computer 10

Getting started
This chapter tells you how to switch on the computer and what you see on the screen when you do.
1. Equipment check First check that all parts of the computer have been properly connected together, as
described in the previous chapter.
2. Switch on the 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.
3. Switch on the Press the rocker switch on
computer the back of the computer:
0is Off
I is On
The Archimedes desktop will appear on the screen, looking something like this:
Getting started 11

Introducing icons The little pictures in the lower margin of the screen represent the facilities available.
They are called icons. The area they occupy is the icon bar. Icons are described in the
next section.
The pointer The arrow on the screen is the pointer. It is used to indicate items you want to use or
move.
The pointer moves around the screen as you move the mouse. The mouse moves best
over a firm, flat surface. Try moving the mouse to see how the pointer moves.
As soon as the desktop has appeared on the screen, you can begin working. It is
better, though, to read the next section, which explains briefly the principles of the
Archimedes desktop and its components.
Getting started 12

The Archimedes desktop
This section describes the appearance of the desktop, the principles of the window system and how to use the
desktop features.
The desktop When you first switch on the computer, the desktop is normally displayed on the
screen. This is your working area. At first it is clear, except for the icon bar. As you
perform tasks and use applications, items will be added to the desktop. You can move
them around the desktop as you wish, change their size, hide and remove them to
make room for others.
The Archimedes desktop and windows system is easy to use because you don't have to
remember long, complicated commands. When you see what you want you just point
at it, using the mouse, and select it.
The Archimedes desktop 13

The important features of the Archimedes desktop system are windows, icons, the
mouse and menus.
Windows A window is an area of the screen allocated for a special function. In a window you can
show a list of the files on a disc, write a memo or a program, draw a picture, alter the
colours used for the screen display or perform other types of task. You can have
several windows open on the screen at once, and you can even be doing something
different in each of them at the same time. Windows are described further in the
section Using windows.
Icons The icons which appear on the icon bar represent things available for use on the desktop. If you want to do
something, or examine the contents of a filing system, you look at the icon bar to see
if its icon is available. If it is, you can select it and a window containing the activity
you want is opened.
The Archimedes desktop 14

The icons on the left of the icon bar represent the information storage facilities - that
is, the discs and other places where you can load information from, and save it to. At
least one will appear on the icon bar:
Floppy disc drive. The Archimedes computer uses 3.5 inch floppy discs, loaded into
the drive slot on the front panel. You can save (store) information by copying it from
the computer's memory onto a floppy disc, and retrieve it later by loading it back into
the computer from the disc. Floppy discs are described in the chapter Disc drives.
There may also be:
Hard disc. If you have a hard disc, 'a hard disc icon will also appear in the lower left
hand corner.
Econet. If your computer is fitted with a card for an Econet local area network,
there will also be an Econet icon.
On the right hand side are the applications icons. These represent things you can do,
such as word-processing and drawing programs. Initially only two are 'loaded:
Palette. This enables you to change the colours or grey scales on the screen,
depending on your monitor type.
Task manager. This enables you to switch from the desktop to the operating system
and other tasks, and to look at and control the allocation of your computer's memory (
more information on this is given in the chapter Outside the desktop - it will be of
interest to experienced users.)
The Archimedes desktop 15

The mouse and pointer The mouse moves the pointer around the screen. The buttons on the mouse are used to
select or adjust items you are pointing at on the screen, or to display menus. Using the
mouse is explained in the next chapter.
Menus A menu is a list of tasks or other options from which you can choose what you want to
do next. Menus are an easy way of making a selection - you don't usually have to type
anything, you just point at what you want, then select it. See the chapter Menus for
more details.
The Archimedes desktop 16

Using the mouse
This chapter tells you how to hold and move the mouse, and how to carry out the different mouse techniques
used in the desktop. If you have any difficulties making it work, turn to the chapter "If things go wrong".
The mouse is used to select, move and adjust items displayed on the screen. It is your
principal means of communicating with the Archimedes desktop.
As you move the mouse, the pointer on the screen moves correspondingly. Try it and
see:
Holding the mouse Hold the mouse with the cable away from you so that your fingers rest easily on the
three buttons. If you are right-handed, you should hold it like this:
Move the mouse around and watch the pointer move around the screen. If you run out
of space to move the mouse, lift it up and put it down again in a more convenient
spot. While the mouse is lifted, the pointer will not move, and when you put it down
again you can carry on where you left off.
Using the mouse 17

The select button is used most of the time to select icons displayed on the screen.
Pressing the menu button usually makes a menu appear. Menus are
described in the chapter Menus.
The adjust button is not often used - the Menus chapter includes one instance. Try
using the select button first when you want to alter something.
Mouse techniques Normally, you press the mouse button just once and then release it immediately. This is
called clicking.
Two other mouse techniques are also used:
double-clicking - pressing and releasing twice in quick succession. This is used to
initiate an action, or to load an application, for example.
dragging - to move an icon from one place to another.
Clicking and dragging techniques are summarised on the next page.
Using the mouse 18