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" }

Premmia GX Series 11
A
B
C
DG
F
E

12 Premmia GX Series
A optical drive A CD-ROM drive, see page 30 for more details.
B 5.25” device bay Available for you to install additional devices; see page 43 for
more details.
C 3.5” diskette drive A standard 1.44MB diskette drive; see page 28 for more details.
D 3.5” device bay If you ordered a ZipTM drive with your computer, it will be
installed here; see page 34 for more details on using a Zip drive.
See page 43 for details on installing a drive here.
E Power button Use this to turn the computer on, turn it off, and put it into
power-saving Suspend mode: see page 18 for more details.
F Power LED Lights when the computer is turned on.
G Hard drive LED Lights when the hard disk is being accessed, do not turn off or
reset the computer when this is lit.

Premmia GX Series 13
The Back of the Computer
{XE "AC voltage switch" }{ XE "AC connector" }{ XE "PS/2
port" }{ XE "Mouse port" }{ XE "Keyboard port" }{ XE "USB
ports" }{ XE "Serial ports" }{ XE "Parallel port" }{ XE
"Printer port" }{ XE "Video port" }{ XE "Graphics port" }{
XE "Game port" }{ XE "Audio ports" }{ XE "Microphone
port" }{ XE "Speaker port" }{ XE "Option cards" }{ XE "MIDI
port" }{ XE "Padlock" }{ XE "Security:Padlock}{ XE "MIDI
port" }{ XE "ISA cards" }{ XE "PCI cards" }

14 Premmia GX Series
A
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
Q
R
N
B
O
P
A AC voltage selection
switch Use this to set up the computer to accept 110V or 220V AC power; you should not need to change this, but if you do, refer
to page 18 for more details.

Premmia GX Series 15
to page 18 for more details.
B AC power inlet Connect the AC cable here.
C Keyboard port Connect the keyboard here; see page 28 for more details.
D Mouse port Connect the mouse here; see page 28 for more details.
E
F
USB ports Connect USB devices here; see page 34 for more details.
G Serial port 1 Connect serial devices here; see page 34 for more details.
H Parallel port Connect parallel devices, such as a printer here; see page 31 for
more details.
IMonitor connector Connect your monitor here; see page 34 for more details.
JAudio input Connect external audio sources, such as a radio or VCR here;
see page 27 for more details.
K Audio output Connect your speakers here; see page 27 for more details.
L Microphone input Connect an external microphone here; see page 27 for more
details.
M MIDI/Game port This port can be used to connect a joystick/gaming device or a
MIDI audio device; see page 29 for more details.
N Serial port 2 Connect serial devices here; see page 34 for more details.
O Modem card This optional card is used to connect to a telephone line; see
page 29 for more details.
P Network card This optional card is used to connect to a local area network; see
page 30 for more details.
Q Expansion slots Used to add option cards; see page 51 for details.
R Padlock loop Use this to prevent access inside your computer; see page 32 for
details.

16 Premmia GX Series
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.

Premmia GX Series 17
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 Screen
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 screen brightness and contrast to enhance readability.
•Set up the screen 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.

18 Premmia GX Series
Turning the Computer On and Off{XE "Turning on
the computer" }{ XE "AC voltage switch" }{ XE "AC
connector" }
Powering the Computer
On the back of you computer, just above the AC power connector, is the AC voltage
selection 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.

Premmia GX Series 19
ACvoltage
selectswitch
ACpower
connector
Turning On the Computer
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 external devices to the computer when it is turned on, you risk damaging both
the computer and the device.

20 Premmia GX Series
You should also turn on external devices before you turn on the computer.
There are two ways to turn on the computer: manually, by pressing the power button on the
front panel and remotely, using an optional network card or modem card.
When the computer is turned on, the green power light on the front panel lights and the
computer runs a series of Power-On Self Tests (POST) to make sure everything is OK.
After that the operating system is started.{XE "Power LED" }
Using the Network to Turn On the Computer{XE "Wake on LAN" }{
XE "Network" }{ 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 39 for more details),
•Power On From LAN in the Power Management menu of Setup must be enabled (see page
68 for more details).
If you ordered your computer with the LAN card, it will have been set up to support Wake
on LAN.