AST PREMMIA GL Series Manual

Operator’s Guide

2Premmia GL Series
Disclaimer
Although this guide has been carefully checked for accuracy, there may have been changes
to the design and specification of the computer since the guide was printed. There are no
warranties as to the accuracy of the information in this guide, and AST cannot be
responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.
Copyright © 1999 AST Computers, LLC
Reproduction of this document or any parts of it without prior written approval is
prohibited.
Acknowledgments
AST is a registered trademark of AST Computers, LLC.
Intel, Pentium and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Other trademarks used in this manual are the property of their respective owners and are
used here for identification only.

Premmia GL Series 3
As an ENERGY STAR® Partner,
AST Computer has determined that this
product meets the ENERGY STAR®
guidelines for energy efficiency.

4Premmia GL Series
Important Safety Instructions
For your protection and safety, please read these instructions thoroughly and pay strict
attention to and follow all warnings and instructions.
1. Before cleaning the computer and monitor, be sure to disconnect them from AC power.
Do not use any liquid or spray cleaners -wipe with a damp cloth only.
2. Do not use the computer if the environment you are working in is wet or overly damp.
3. The computer can only be operated within the voltage range specified on the power
rating label. For information on the voltage range in your area, contact your electrical
utility company.
4. The AC power cable should only be used to connect your computer to an electrical
power supply. Make sure the outlet is easily accessible.
5. Unplug the computer from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
A. When the power cord is damaged.
B. If liquid has entered the computer.
C. If the computer does not operate normally when the operating instructions are
followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions.
Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and often requires
extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the computer to normal operation.
D. If the computer has been dropped or damaged.
E. If the computer exhibits a distinct change in performance.
6. Do not use CD or DVD disks that are not perfectly round or are otherwise unbalanced.
Due to the very high rotation speeds inside the CD and DVD drives, an unbalanced
disk can cause vibration and malfunctions.

Premmia GL Series 5
Contents
An Overview........................................................................................................................8
The Front of the Computer..............................................................................................9
The Back of the Computer............................................................................................12
Ergonomic Considerations................................................................................................15
Arrange Your Work Environment..................................................................................15
Get Seated................................................................................................................15
Typing........................................................................................................................16
Viewing the Monitor...................................................................................................16
Turning the Computer On and Off ....................................................................................17
Powering the Computer.................................................................................................17
Turning On the Computer .............................................................................................18
Using the Keyboard or Mouse to Turn On the Computer..........................................18
Using the Network to Turn On the Computer............................................................19
Using the Modem to Turn On the Computer.............................................................19
Turning Off the Computer .............................................................................................20
Restarting the Computer...........................................................................................20
Shutting Down the Computer....................................................................................21
Turning Off the Computer Manually..........................................................................22
Power Management..........................................................................................................23
ENERGY STAR, ACPI and APM ..................................................................................23
Controlling Power Management....................................................................................25
Windows Power Management ..................................................................................25
The Computer’s Power Management .......................................................................26
Using Audio.......................................................................................................................27
Using the Diskette Drive....................................................................................................28
Standard Diskette Drive ................................................................................................28
SuperDisk Drive ............................................................................................................28
Using the Keyboard and Mouse........................................................................................29

6Premmia GL Series
Using the MIDI/Game Port................................................................................................29
Using a Modem.................................................................................................................30
Using a Network Card.......................................................................................................31
Using the Optical Drive......................................................................................................31
Using the Parallel Port.......................................................................................................34
Security..............................................................................................................................35
User and Supervisor Passwords...................................................................................35
Windows Password.......................................................................................................37
Using the Serial Port .........................................................................................................37
Using the USB Ports .........................................................................................................38
Using the Video Controller ................................................................................................38
Using the Zip Drive............................................................................................................39
Changing Your Computer..................................................................................................40
Before You Begin ..........................................................................................................40
Getting Inside the Computer .........................................................................................41
Removing the Front Bezel.........................................................................................41
Replacing the Front Bezel.........................................................................................41
Removing the System Cover.....................................................................................42
Replacing the System Cover.....................................................................................42
Motherboard Layout ......................................................................................................43
Adding Memory .............................................................................................................45
Removing a Memory Module ....................................................................................45
Installing a Memory Module.......................................................................................46
Changing Drives............................................................................................................47
Changing Drives in the 3.5” Drive Bays.........................................................................48
Removing a 3.5” Drive...............................................................................................49
Installing a 3.5” Drive.................................................................................................50
Changing Drives in the 5.25” Drive Bays.......................................................................51
Removing a 5.25” Drive.............................................................................................51
Installing a 5.25” Drive...............................................................................................53

Premmia GL Series 7
Changing Option Cards.................................................................................................54
Resetting PCI Configuration Data.............................................................................56
Installing an Option Card...........................................................................................57
Removing an Option Card.........................................................................................59
Changing the Processor................................................................................................60
Removing the Processor...........................................................................................60
Installing a Processor................................................................................................62
Replacing the RTC Battery............................................................................................63
The Setup Program...........................................................................................................65
Auto-Configuration ........................................................................................................65
Auto-Detect Hard Drives ...............................................................................................65
Exiting Setup .................................................................................................................65
Standard CMOS Setup Menu........................................................................................66
Advanced CMOS Setup Menu......................................................................................68
Advanced Chipset Setup Menu.....................................................................................69
Power Management Setup Menu..................................................................................70
PCI/Plug and Play Setup Menu.....................................................................................72
Peripheral Setup Menu..................................................................................................73
Startup Error Messages and Beep Codes ........................................................................75
Start-Up Error Messages...............................................................................................75
Start-Up Beep Codes....................................................................................................77
Modem AT Commands.....................................................................................................79
Basic AT Commands ....................................................................................................79
Extended AT Commands..............................................................................................81
MNP, v.42 and v.42bis AT Commands.........................................................................81
Fax Class 1 Commands................................................................................................82
Specifications....................................................................................................................83
Index..................................................................................................................................88
Regulatory Notices............................................................................................................90
Important Information........................................................................................................94

8Premmia GL Series
An Overview
Your computer combines high-performance components in a design that meets multiple
industry standards and supports most common operating systems
(for example Microsoft® Windows 98® and Windows NT®) and applications (for example
Microsoft Word or Excel, Internet browsers and email programs).
Getting the most out of your computer requires a good understanding of how the features
of the computer work with the operating system and with applications. You should spend a
few moments to review this user guide to get an idea of what your computer can do, as well
as checking out the operating system and applications manuals to see how they work
together.
The next few pages gives you a quick tour of the computer; the following sections have a
more in-depth description of each feature.

Premmia GL Series 9
The Front of the Computer
{xe "Diskette drive"}{xe "Floppy diskette" \t "See Diskette drive"}{xe "CD-ROM drive"}{xe
"DVD drive"}{xe "CDR-W drive"}{xe "Optical drive"}{xe "Reset button"}{xe "Front
panel"}{xe "Drive bays"}{xe "Hard disk drive:LED"}{xe "Device bays"}{xe "Suspend
mode"}{xe "Power LED"}{xe "Power button"}{xe "LS-120 drive" \t "See SuperDisk
drive"}{xe "Zip drive"}

10 Premmia GL Series
A
B
C
DG
F
E
A
B5.25” device bays These bays may contain one or more optical drive (CD- ROM, DVD or CD-RW drive).
See page 31 for more details on optical drives and page 47

Premmia GL Series 11
for details on installing devices in these bays.
C3.5” diskette drive A standard diskette drive or a SuperDiskTM drive, see page
28 for more details.
D3.5” device bay If you ordered a ZipTM drive with your computer, it will
be installed here; see page 39 for more details on using a
Zip drive.
See page 47 for details on installing a drive here.
EPower button Use this to turn the computer on, turn it off, and put it
into power-saving Standby mode; see page 22 for more
details.
FPower LED Lights when the computer is turned on, flashes when the
computer is in power-saving Suspend mode.
GHard drive LED Lights when the hard disk is being accessed, do not turn
off or reset the computer when this is lit.

12 Premmia GL Series
The Back of the Computer
{xe "AC voltage switch"}{xe "AC connector"}{xe "PS/2"}{xe "Mouse"}{xe "Keyboard"}{xe
"USB"}{xe "Serial ports"}{xe "Parallel port"}{xe "Printer port"}{xe "Video:port"}{xe
"Graphics port"}{xe "Game port"}{xe "Audio"}{xe "Microphone"}{xe "Speaker port"}{xe
"Option cards"}{xe "MIDI port"}{xe "Padlock"}{xe "Security:Padlock"}{xe "MIDI
port"}{xe "Modem"}{xe "Network card"}{ XE "LAN:card" }

Premmia GL Series 13
B
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
P
R
A
C
Q
O

14 Premmia GL Series
A AC power inlet Connect the AC cable here.
B AC voltage selection
switch Use this to set up the computer to accept 110V or 220V AC power; see page 17 for more details.
C Power enable switch This must be in the on (1) position to enable the computer to
power on.
D Keyboard port
(purple) Connect the keyboard here; see page 29 for more details.
E Mouse port (green) Connect the mouse here; see page 29 for more details.
F
G
USB ports Connect USB devices here; see page 38 for more details.
H Serial port (teal) Connect serial devices here; see page 37 for more details.
IParallel port
(burgundy) Connect parallel devices, such as a printer here; see page 34 for more details.
JVideo (blue) Connect your monitor here; see page 38 for more details.
K Audio output (lime) Connect your speakers here; see page 27 for more details.
L Audio input
(light blue) Connect external audio sources, such as a radio or VCR here; see page 27 for more details.
M Microphone input
(pink) Connect an external microphone here; see page 27 for more details.
N MIDI/Game port
(gold) This port can be used to connect a joystick/gaming device or a MIDI audio device; see page 29 for more details.
O Modem card This optional card is used to connect to a telephone line; see
page 30 for more details.
P Network card This optional card is used to connect to a local area network; see
page 31 for more details.
Q Option card slots Used to add option cards; see page 54 for more details.
R Padlock loop Use this to restrict access inside your computer; see page 35 for
details.

Premmia GL Series 15
Ergonomic Considerations{xe "Ergonomics"}{xe
"Carpal Tunnel Syndrome"}
Any physical activity, repeated frequently over a long period of time, may pose a risk of
serious injury. Some nerve, tendon and muscle disorders may be associated with repetitive
activities, improper work environments and incorrect work habits. Although some studies
have shown an association between long-term use of a keyboard and the development of
nerve, tendon and muscle disorders such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it is still unclear
whether working at a computer causes these disorders.
We've designed your computer to be as easy to use as possible, but please follow the
guidelines in this section to reduce the risk of injury.
If you do experience pain, tenderness, swelling, burning, cramping, throbbing, weakness,
soreness, tingling and/or numbness anywhere in your body, please contact a doctor. If you
do have to work on your computer for long periods of time, make sure you vary your tasks
throughout the day, and take frequent breaks -get up and stretch, walk around.
Arrange Your Work Environment
Arrange your work environment so that you are working in an easy and relaxed position.
Get Seated
Adjust your chair according to the following guidelines:
•Keep your body in a relaxed, upright position; make sure the back of your chair
supports the inward curve of your back.
•Use the entire seat and backrest to support your body. The angle between your back and
thighs should be 90º or greater.
•Place your feet flat against the floor. Extend your lower legs slightly so that the angle
between your upper and lower legs is greater than 90º.

16 Premmia GL Series
Typing
When you use the keyboard, follow these guidelines:
•Adjust your seat height so that your elbows are near to your body and your forearms are
parallel to the floor. If your chair has armrests, try and use these to support your arms.
•Type with your wrists straight and your hands floating above the keyboard. Lower your
wrists only between typing to rest them.
•Try to avoid bending your wrists, hands or fingers sideways; if you have to press a hard-
to-reach key, move your entire arm.
•Keep your shoulders, arms, wrists and hands relaxed. Type gently; don't bang the keys.
Viewing the Monitor
Use the following guidelines to reduce eye, shoulder and neck stress:
•Position the screen so that it is at 90° to windows, ceiling lights or other light sources.
•Adjust the brightness and contrast to enhance readability.
•Set up the resolution and icon and font sizes so that you can read things easily.
•Clean the screen regularly.
•Rest your eyes periodically by focusing on an object at least 20 feet away. Blink often.

Premmia GL Series 17
Turning the Computer On and Off
Powering the Computer{xe "AC voltage switch"}{xe "AC
connector"}{xe "Power supply"}
On the back of your computer, just below the AC power connector, is the AC voltage select
switch. The switch has two settings, depending on the AC supply: 115 VAC (from 100 to
127 VAC) and 230 VAC (from 200 to 240 VAC). Check with your utility company for the
correct range for your area.
AC voltage
select switch
Power enable
switch
AC power
connector
Plug one end of the AC cable into the wall outlet and the other end in to the AC power
connector.
Make sure the Power enable switch is in the on (1) position.

18 Premmia GL Series
Turning On the Computer{xe "Turning on the
computer"}{xe "POST"}
The back of your computer has a lot of ports that you can use to connect external devices
such as the keyboard and mouse, printers, scanners and so on. However, the only ports to
which you can connect external devices when the computer is turned on are the two USB
ports. Devices that use other ports must be connected before you turn on the computer; if
you connect these external devices to the computer when it is turned on, you risk damaging
both the computer and the device.
You should also turn on external devices before you turn on the computer.
There are several ways to turn on the computer:
•by pressing the Power button on the front panel
•by pressing a key or entering a password on the keyboard
•by pressing a mouse button
•using an optional network or modem card.
When the computer is turned on, the green power LED on the front panel lights and the
computer runs a series of Power-On Self Tests (or POST) to make sure everything is OK.
After that the operating system is started.{xe "Power LED"}
Using the Keyboard or Mouse to Turn On the Computer
You can set up the computer so that it will turn on whenever a key on the keyboard is
pressed, or you can set a power-on password so that the computer turns on when the
password is typed. You can also set up the computer to turn on whenever a mouse button is
clicked.
These functions are controlled by the Keyboard and Mouse PowerOn options in the Peripherals
menu in Setup, see page 73 for more details.

Premmia GL Series 19
Using the Network to Turn On the Computer{xe "Wake on LAN"}{xe
"Network card"}{xe "LAN:Remote boot"}
Your computer supports the Wake On LAN standard that allows a network administrator to
start your computer remotely by sending a signal over the network to which your computer
is connected. To use Wake on LAN:
•the installed network interface card must support Wake on LAN,
•the card must be connected to the Wake On LAN connector on the motherboard (see
page 43 for more details),
•Resume on LAN Header in the Power Management menu of Setup must be enabled (see
page 70 for more details).
If you ordered your computer with an Ethernet card installed, it is set up to support Wake
on LAN.
Using the Modem to Turn On the Computer
Your computer supports the Wake On Ring standard that allows it to wake up when an
installed modem receives a phone call. To use Wake on Ring:
•the installed modem card must support Wake on Ring,
•the modem card must be connected to the Wake On Ring connector on the
motherboard (see page 43 for more details),
•Resume on Ring Header in the Power Management menu of Setup must be enabled (see page
69 for more details).

20 Premmia GL Series
Turning Off the Computer{xe “Turning off the computer”}
There are several ways that you can shut down the computer:
•put the computer into power-saving Suspend mode
•restart the computer
•shut down Windows
•turn off the computer manually.
When the computer returns from Suspend mode, Windows and your application programs
should be exactly the same as they were when you entered the mode. This is part of the
computer’s power management, described in detail on page 23.
Restarting the Computer{xe “Restarting the computer”}{xe
“Resetting the computer”}
Restarting the computer reloads the operating system and then you’ll have to re-start the
applications you want to use again.
To restart Windows, click the Start button in Windows, select Shut Down…, then select
Restart and click OK. Windows prompts you to save any data that hasn’t been saved, closes
down open applications, then restarts the computer.
It is very important to always try to restart Windows this way, if you don’t, you risk
damaging the files in use at the time, and you may not be able to start Windows again. If you
do restart the computer without using the Restart feature, the next time you turn it on, you’ll
see some warning messages and Windows will want to start a program called ScanDisk to
make sure there’s nothing wrong with the hard disk.
If Windows or a program you are using seems to have stopped responding, press the Ctrl,
Alt and Delete keys at the same time. Windows opens the Close Program window (it may take
a few minutes to appear). The window lists the active programs, and you should be able to
close the problem program from here. After that you should be OK, but you should go
ahead and close everything else down normally, then restart the computer through the Shut
Down utility on the Start menu.
If closing programs using the Close Program window still does not let you restart the
computer, you can press Ctrl-Alt-Del two times to restart the computer.