Compaq N115 User manual

b
Users Guide
Evo Notebook N115
Document Part Number: 260624-002
January 2002

© 2002 Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P.
Compaq, the Compaq logo, and Evo are trademarks of Compaq Information
Technologies Group, L.P. in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.
and/or other countries.
Compaq shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions
contained herein. The information is provided “as is” without warranty of any
kind and is subject to change without notice. The warranties for Compaq
products are set forth in the express limited warranty statements accompanying
such products. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional
warranty.
Users Guide
Evo Notebook N115
First Edition January 2002
Document Part Number: 260624-002

Users Guide iii
Contents
1 Introduction
Where Can I Find Information? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2
Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2
Viewing or Printing a Guide on the CD . . . . . . . . . . 1–3
Symbols and Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5
Graphics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–6
Turning Off Your Notebook PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–6
Protecting Your Notebook During an
Electrical Storm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7
2 Your Notebook at a Glance
Front of Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2
Common Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2
Lower Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3
Lights and Easy Access Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4
Function Key Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–6
Left and Right Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–8
Components on Left Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–8
Components on Right Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–9
Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–10
Components on Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–10
Underside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–11
Components on the Underside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–11

iv Users Guide
Contents
3 Using Your Notebook
Power On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2
Plugging and Unplugging AC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–2
Turning Your Notebook On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–4
Using Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–5
Using Keyboard and Pointing Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–7
Using the TouchPad Instead of a Mouse . . . . . . . . . . 3–8
Tapping and Double-Tapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–9
Edge Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–10
Easy Access Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–11
Reprogramming the Easy Access Buttons. . . . . . . . 3–11
Storage Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–12
Identifying Your Storage Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–12
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–12
Using the Security Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–13
Power-On Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–13
4 Common Tasks
S-Video Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–2
Switching Between Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–2
Connecting and Enabling S-Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–3
Software and Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5
Adding and Removing Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5
Installing Hardware Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–6
Upgrading your Notebook’s Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–6
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–10
Connecting a Modem Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–10
Connecting a Network Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–12
5 Using the CD or DVD Drive
CD or DVD Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–2
Inserting a Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–2
Removing a Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–3
Manually Ejecting a Disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–3

Contents
Users Guide v
Audio CDs and Non-DVD Video Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–4
Playing Audio CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–4
Playing Non-DVD Video Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–5
DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–6
Using the DVD Player. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–6
On-Screen Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–7
Identifying Your DVD Region Setting . . . . . . . . . . . 5–8
CD-RW Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–10
Installing CD-RW Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–10
Accessing CD-RW Software
User Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–11
Using CD-RW Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–12
Preventing Buffer Underrun Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–13
6 Caring for Your Battery
Battery Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–2
Using the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–2
Storing the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–3
Recycling the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–4
Battery Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–5
Calibrating the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–5
Maximizing Battery Operating Time . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–8
What Is Power Management? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–8
Fixing a Low-Battery Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–11
7 Maintenance, Shipping and Travel
Updating Your System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–1
Obtaining Update Information and Software . . . . . . 7–1
Downloading Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–2
Installing Software Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–3
Restoring Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–5
Installing a Retail Version of an Operating System. . . . . 7–6
Virus Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–7
Monitoring Computer Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–7

vi Users Guide
Contents
Caring for the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–8
Caring for Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–9
Preparing the Computer for Shipping or Travel . . . . . . 7–10
Traveling with the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–10
Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–12
8 Solutions
Basic Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–2
Backup Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–2
Using Backup Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–2
Compaq Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–3
Accessing Compaq Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–3
Using Online Help and Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–4
Helpful Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–5
Finding Solutions Quickly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–6
Solution Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–7
Audio and Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–7
Battery and Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–11
Mass-Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–12
Games and Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–14
Keyboard and TouchPad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–15
Memory and PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–17
Glossary
Index

Users Guide 1–1
1
Introduction
Congratulations! As the owner of a new Compaq notebook
computer, you have joined the worldwide community of mobile
computer users. After your notebook is set up and connected to
the Internet, you can explore vast regions of information,
entertainment, and services online.
To help you access the information you need on your notebook,
this chapter covers the following main topics:
■Where Can I Find Information?, 1-2
■Symbols and Graphics, 1-5
■Safety, 1-6
This Users Guide is designed for both experienced computer
users and beginners. This easy-to-scan guide helps you find the
information you want as quickly as possible. It’s also designed to
familiarize you with the following:
■Features you’ll want to try
during the first few days or
weeks.
■Keeping your notebook running
smoothly.
■Solving common problems
as they occur.

1–2 Users Guide
Introduction
Where Can I Find Information?
All the information you’ll need to use the basic features of your
new notebook is available in the documents included with your
notebook. Some of these documents are printed and some are
provided on the Documentation Suite CD.
Documentation
Your new notebook computer comes with documentation
containing helpful reference material. If you have access to the
Internet, you can also view these and other documents on the
Compaq Web site. See the “Using Online Help and Support”
section in Chapter 8 for specific Web site information.
■The Warranty Statement and setup card are included in
your kit.
■The Users Guide and Safety and Comfort Guide can be found
on CD.
✎Note Additional documents may vary by region.
Setup Card
This card shows you how to set up your notebook. For more
information about the hardware that came with your new
notebook, see “Your Notebook at a Glance” later in this guide.
Users Guide
This easy-to-scan guide explains how to set up your notebook and
get acquainted with its features. It also introduces:
■Common computer tasks
■The Internet
■Notebook maintenance

Introduction
Users Guide 1–3
■Solutions for computer problems
■Compaq service and support tools
SDid you know... The User’s Guide and the Safety and Comfort
Guide is available on the Compaq Web Site. See the “Using
Online Help and Support” section in Chapter 8 for specific Web
site information.
Safety and Comfort Guide
This document explains how to protect your equipment from
damage, protect yourself from injury, and ensure your comfort
while using your notebook.
Warranty Certificate
The warranty details the Compaq commitment to service during
the warranty period. Keep the warranty in a safe place for future
reference.
Viewing or Printing a Guide on the CD
For information about using the CD drive, including instructions
for inserting or removing a CD, refer to Chapter 5, “Using the CD
or DVD Drive.”
To view or print a document on the Documentation Suite CD:
1. Insert the Documentation Suite CD into the CD drive.
2. Select a guide from the Documentation Suite menu.

1–4 Users Guide
Introduction
3. If Adobe Acrobat Reader information is displayed and you
are asked to respond, follow the instructions on the screen to
accept the Adobe Acrobat Reader license agreement.
(Acrobat Reader is a software application that enables you to
view and print the documents on the Documentation Suite
CD. You will also use Acrobat Reader to view and print some
documents available on the Internet.)
4. For information about closing Acrobat Reader or using it to
view or print a document on the Documentation Suite CD,
click the Help button near the top of the Adobe Acrobat
Reader window.

Introduction
Users Guide 1–5
Symbo s and Graphics
Symbo s
The following words and symbols have special meaning in this
guide and in the electronic documentation:
ÅWARNING: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow
directions in the warning could result in bodily harm or loss of life.
ÄCAUTION: Text set off in this manner indicates that failure to follow
directions could result in damage to equipment or loss of
information.
SDid you know... Text set off in this manner provides important
information that may help you solve a problem.
JTip Text set off in this manner provides helpful hints that make
using your notebook easier and faster.
☞See also Text set off in this manner refers to another document
or another page in this document that has related information.
✎Note Text set off in this manner provides commentary, sidelights,
or interesting points of information.
Graphics
The illustrations shown and features described in this document
may differ slightly from those provided with your notebook
computer.

1–6 Users Guide
Introduction
Safety
ÅWARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock and damage to the
equipment, read the Safety and Comfort Guide.
SDid you know... To protect your equipment from power surges,
plug all power cords into a high-quality surge protector. If you
have a dedicated telephone line for the modem, buy a surge
protector with a telephone jack.
Turning Off Your Notebook PC
To shut down your notebook properly:
1. Close all open programs.
2. Shut down the Windows operating system by selecting the
Start menu from the taskbar, then select the Turn Off
Computer icon, and the Turn Off button.
✎Note If the notebook does not turn off automatically, press and
hold the Power ªbutton until the notebook shuts down. Compaq
does not recommend turning off your computer this way.
3. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet and unplug the
modem line from the wall jack.

Introduction
Users Guide 1–7
Protecting Your Notebook During an
E ectrica Storm
During an electrical storm, you should take the following
precautions to protect your notebook from damage. You should
immediately disconnect your notebook from the power source.
JTip After your notebook is disconnected from AC power, you can
run your notebook on battery power.
■If you are not using a surge protector, unplug all power cords
from the wall outlets.
■Disconnect your notebook from the wall outlets.
■Turn off the power button on all surge protectors.
■If a telephone line from your notebook is plugged directly
into the wall jack (without going through a surge protector),
disconnect the line from the wall jack.

Users Guide 2–1
2
Your Notebook at a G ance
Before you begin using your new notebook computer, you’ll want
to look at some of the basic components.
To help you locate your notebook’s components, this chapter
covers the following main topics:
■Front of Your Notebook, 2-2
■Left and Right Panels, 2-8
■Back Panel, 2-10
■Underside, 2-11
To open your notebook, push the Display Release Latch 1and
gently lift up the lid.

2–2 Users Guide
Your Notebook at a Glance
Front of Your Notebook
Open your notebook and take a look at these components.
☞See also “Turning Your Notebook On and Off” in Chapter 3 of
this guide to learn more about how to start and shut down your
notebook.
Common Features
1Display Release Tab
2Display
3Power Button
4Keyboard
5TouchPad
6Left TouchPad Button
7Display Release Latch
8Easy Scroll
9Right TouchPad Button

Your Notebook at a Glance
Users Guide 2–3
Lower Front Pane
☞See also “Using Keyboard and Pointing Device” in Chapter 3
of this guide for more information on using the TouchPad.
1Power Light 2 Battery Charge Light

2–4 Users Guide
Your Notebook at a Glance
Lights and Easy Access Buttons
☞See also “Reprogramming the Easy Access Buttons” in
Chapter 3 of this guide to learn how to program the Easy Access
buttons to suit your needs.
JTip Pressing the volume down and volume up buttons at the
same time mutes the sound. Repeat to restore the sound.
1AC Adapter Light 7Digital Audio Button
2Num Lock Light 8Volume Down Button
3Instant Internet Access Button 9Volume Up Button
4Instant E-Mail Button -Caps Lock Light
5Search Button qHard Drive Access Light
6Power Button

Your Notebook at a Glance
Users Guide 2–5
Button
Button
Description Default Button Action
MDigital Audio Launches Windows Media Player to
play MP3 music.
∆Instant Internet
Access
Provides your daily start point to the
Internet. It connects you to a
personalized Web page filled with
local weather, news, sports, and
financial information.
ƒInstant E-mail Provides you with one-touch access
for sending and reading your e-mail.
aSearch Provides you with instant access to news and information on the
Internet. Search for topics including
shopping, images, music, and
videos.

2–6 Users Guide
Your Notebook at a Glance
Function Key Combinations
Preset function key combinations use the Fn key and a function
key to access or execute frequently used system functions.
Keys Description
Fn+F1 Compaq Help and Support Web site launch key*
Fn+F2 Help launch key†
Fn+F3 Switch between the display and external monitor in the
following order:
■Display
■External monitor
■Display and external monitor
■TV
Fn+F4 Sleep
Fn+F7 Brightness control down
Fn+F8 Brightness control up
Fn+F9 CD or DVD play/pause

Your Notebook at a Glance
Users Guide 2–7
Fn+F10 CD or DVD stop
Fn+F11 CD or DVD previous track
Fn+F12 CD or DVD next track
*Connects instantly to Compaq for product information, helpful hints,
performance updates, service, and more.
†Launches Compaq Help and Support and provides access to
Web-based service and support information.
Keys Description