AST Premmia GX Series User manual

User Guide
Premmia
GX Series

2Premmia GX 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 Computer cannot be
responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions.
Copyright © 1999 AST Computer
Reproduction of this document or any parts of it without prior written approval is
prohibited.
Acknowledgments
AST is a registered trademark of AST Computer, LLC.
Intel and Pentium 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 GX Series 3
As an ENERGY STAR® Partner,
AST Computer has determined that this
product meets the ENERGY STAR®
guidelines for energy efficiency.

4Premmia GX 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 disks that are not perfectly round or are otherwise unbalanced. Due to
the very high rotation speeds inside the CD drives, an unbalanced disk can cause
vibration and malfunctions.

Premmia GX Series 5
Contents
An Overview........................................................................................................................9
The Front of the Computer............................................................................................10
The Back of the Computer............................................................................................13
Ergonomic Considerations................................................................................................16
Arrange Your Work Environment..................................................................................16
Get Seated................................................................................................................16
Typing........................................................................................................................17
Viewing the Screen ...................................................................................................17
Turning the Computer On and Off ....................................................................................18
Powering the Computer.................................................................................................18
Turning On the Computer .............................................................................................19
Using the Network to Turn On the Computer............................................................20
Using the Modem to Turn On the Computer.............................................................21
Turning Off the Computer .............................................................................................22
Using Power Management........................................................................................22
Restarting the Computer...........................................................................................22
Shutting Down the Computer....................................................................................23
Turning Off the Computer Manually..........................................................................23
Power Management..........................................................................................................24
ENERGY STAR, ACPI and APM ..................................................................................24
Controlling Power Management....................................................................................25
Windows Power Management ..................................................................................25
The Computer’s Power Management .......................................................................26
Using the Power Button.....................................................................................................27
Using Audio.......................................................................................................................27
Using the Diskette Drive....................................................................................................28
Using the Keyboard and Mouse........................................................................................28
Using the MIDI/Game Port................................................................................................29

6Premmia GX Series
Using a Modem.................................................................................................................29
Using a Network Card.......................................................................................................30
Using the CD-ROM Drive..................................................................................................30
Using the Parallel Port.......................................................................................................31
Security..............................................................................................................................32
User Password..............................................................................................................32
Windows Password.......................................................................................................33
Using the Serial Ports........................................................................................................34
Using the USB Ports .........................................................................................................34
Using the Video Controller ................................................................................................34
Using the Zip Drive............................................................................................................35
Changing Your Computer..................................................................................................36
Before You Begin..........................................................................................................36
Getting Inside the Computer .........................................................................................37
Removing the Front Bezel.........................................................................................37
Replacing the Front Bezel.........................................................................................37
Removing the System Cover.....................................................................................38
Replacing the System Cover.....................................................................................38
Motherboard Layout ......................................................................................................39
Adding Memory.............................................................................................................41
Removing a Memory Module ....................................................................................41
Installing a Memory Module.......................................................................................42
Changing Drives............................................................................................................43
Changing Drives in the 3.5” Drive Bays.........................................................................45
Removing a 3.5” Drive...............................................................................................46
Installing a 3.5” Drive.................................................................................................47
Changing Drives in the 5.25” Drive Bays.......................................................................48
Removing a 5.25” Drive.............................................................................................48
Installing a 5.25” Drive...............................................................................................50
Changing Option Cards.................................................................................................51

Premmia GX Series 7
Resetting PCI Configuration Data.............................................................................52
Installing an Option Card...........................................................................................53
Removing an Option Card.........................................................................................55
Changing the Processor................................................................................................56
Removing the Processor...........................................................................................56
Installing a Processor................................................................................................57
Replacing the RTC Battery............................................................................................59
Setup Program..............................................................................................................61
Main Menu.....................................................................................................................61
Standard CMOS Menu..................................................................................................62
BIOS Features Menu.....................................................................................................64
Chipset Features Menu.................................................................................................66
Power Management Menu............................................................................................68
PNP/PCI Configuration Menu........................................................................................70
Integrated Peripherals Menu.........................................................................................71
Troubleshooting and Error Codes.....................................................................................73
Start-Up Error Messages ..............................................................................................73
Modem AT Commands.....................................................................................................75
Basic AT Commands ....................................................................................................75
Extended AT Commands..............................................................................................77
MNP, v.42 and v.42bis AT Commands.........................................................................77
Fax Class 1 Commands................................................................................................78
Specifications....................................................................................................................79
Index..................................................................................................................................82
Regulatory Notices............................................................................................................84

8Premmia GX Series

Premmia GX Series 9
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.

10 Premmia GX Series
The Front of the Computer{XE "Diskette drive" }{ XE "CD-
ROM drive" }{ XE "Front panel" }{ XE "Drive bays" }{ XE
"Zip drive" }{ XE "Hard disk:LED" }{ XE "Device bays" }{
XE "Power LED" }