Dell Latitude C610 User manual

Dell™ Latitude™ C610/C510 User's Guide
This document describes the features and operation of your computer. This document is stored on your
computer hard drive. For information on other documentation included with your computer, see "Finding
Information."
CAUTION: Follow the safety instructions in the System Information Guide to help protect
your computer from damage and to ensure your own personal safety.
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to
avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
For a complete list of abbreviations and acronyms, see the "Glossary."
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2001–2003 Dell Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Computer Corporation is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, AccessDirect, Latitude, Dimension, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Dell Precision, Dell
TravelLite, and DellNet are trademarks of Dell Computer Corporation; Intel, Pentium, Celeron, and Intel SpeedStep are registered
trademarks of Intel Corporation; Microsoft,Windows, Windows NT, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation; ENERGY STAR is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As an ENERGY STAR Partner,
Dell Computer Corporation has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or
their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model PP01L
March 2003 P/N 7E406 Rev. A05

Finding Information
Documentation Updates
Using Windows®
Using Devices
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD
Fixing Problems
Installing Parts
Documentation Updates
Documentation updates are sometimes included with your computer to describe changes to your computer
or software. Always read these updates before consulting any other documentation because the updates
contain the latest information.
Readme files, which may be installed on your hard drive, provide last-minute updates about technical
changes to your computer or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or
technicians.
Using Windows®
Windows Help
Windows Help provides complete instructions for using the Microsoft® Windows operating system.
To access Windows Help:
In Windows XP, click the Start button and click Help and Support. For more information, see "Microsoft®
Windows® XP Features."
In Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click the Start button and click Help.
Microsoft Windows Guide
For more information on using the Windows operating system, see the Microsoft Windows documentation
that came with your computer.

Using Devices
Dell™ User's Guides
For help on using your computer devices (such as a modem) and options you purchase separately from your
computer, see the device user's guide.
In Windows XP, click the Start button and click Help and Support. From the Help and Support window,
click the link to access the user and system guides.
In Windows 98 or Windows 2000, from the Windows desktop or Start menu, double-click the Dell User's
Guides (or Dell Documents) icon.
Using the Drivers and Utilities CD
The Drivers and Utilities CD contains software, the Dell Diagnostics, and user's guides for your computer and
optional devices. If you ever need to reinstall a driver or utility, run diagnostics tests on your computer, or
access the user's guides, use the Drivers and Utilities CD. See "Reinstalling Software" and "Using Dell
Diagnostics."
Fixing Problems
For help with fixing computer problems, see "Solving Problems" and "Using Dell Diagnostics."
Microsoft Windows Guide
For more information on troubleshooting problems, see the Microsoft Windows documentation that came
with your computer.
Dell Support
For personalized online support, driver updates, and instant answers to your questions, access Dell Support
at support.dell.com.
Installing Parts
For help with adding parts to your computer, see "Removing and Replacing Parts."

For detailed information on the computer parts and assemblies and how to remove and replace them, see
the computer Service Manual on support.dell.com.

About Your Computer
Front View
Left Side View
Right Side View
Back View
Bottom View
Front View
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.
Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.

1
display latch
8
touch pad
2
display
9
battery bay
3
keyboard status lights
10
track stick/touch pad buttons
4
keyboard
11
track stick
5
microphone
12
power button
6
device status lights
13
AccessDirect button
7
module bay
Display Latch
Keeps the display closed.
Display
For more information on using your color LCD, see "Using the Display."
Keyboard Status Lights

The green lights located above the keyboard indicate the following:
Keyboard Status Lights
Turns on when the numeric keypad is enabled.
Turns on when the uppercase letter function is enabled.
Turns on when the scroll lock function is enabled.
Keyboard
The keyboard includes a numeric keypad as well as the Microsoft® Windows® logo key . For
information on supported keyboard shortcuts, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."
Microphone
Allows you to record audio.
Device Status Lights
The light turns on when the computer is turned on.
The light turns on when the computer reads or writes data.

The light turns on steadily or blinks when the computer is in a power management mode. It also
blinks to indicate battery charge status.
If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the light operates as follows:
Solid green: the battery is charging
Flashing green: the battery is fully charged
If the computer is running on a battery, the light operates as follows:
Off: the battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off)
Flashing orange: the battery charge is low
Solid orange: the battery charge is critically low
NOTICE: To avoid data loss, never turn off the computer while the light is flashing.
Module Bay
You can install devices such as a floppy drive, CD drive, CD-RW drive, DVD drive, Zip drive, second hard
drive, second battery, or Dell TravelLite™ travel module in the module bay. For more information, see "Using
the Module Bay."
Touch Pad
Use the touch pad and touch pad buttons as you would use a mouse. See "Using the Keyboard and Touch
Pad" for more information.
Battery Bay
When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting it to an electrical outlet. See
"Using a Battery."
Touch Pad/Track Stick Buttons
Correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.
Track Stick

Use the track stick and track stick buttons as you would use a mouse. See "Using the Keyboard and Touch
Pad" for more information.
Power Button
Press the power button to turn on the computer or to enter standby mode.
If the computer stops responding, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off completely
(this may take several seconds).
Dell AccessDirect™ Button
Press this button to launch a frequently used program, such as your default Internet browser. You can
reprogram the button to launch a program of your choice.
For more information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."
Left Side View

1
security cable slot
2
speaker
3
hard drive bay
4
PC Card slot
PC Card Slot
The PC Card slot has two connectors that support various types of PC Cards, including modems and network
cards. For more information, see "Using PC Cards."
Hard Drive
Reads and writes data on a hard disk.
Security Cable Slot

Lets you attach a commercially available antitheft device to the computer. Instructions for installing antitheft
devices are usually included with the device.
NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot.
Speakers
Press the volume control keyboard shortcuts to adjust the volume of the integrated speakers. For more
information, see "Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad."
Right Side View
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.
Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.

1
modem connector
5
audio connectors
2
network connector
6
infrared sensor
3
S-video TV-out connector
7
speaker
4
air vent
Modem Connector
If you ordered the optional internal modem, connect the telephone line to the modem
connector.
For information on using the modem, see the online modem documentation supplied
with your computer. See "Finding Information."
Network Connector
NOTE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. Do not plug a telephone
line into the network connector.

Use this connector to connect the computer to a network. The green and yellow
lights next to the connector indicate activity for both wired and wireless network
communications.
For information on using the network adapter, see the online network adapter
documentation supplied with your computer. See "Finding Information."
S-video TV-out Connector
Connects your computer to a TV. For more information, see "Playing CDs and Movies."
Air Vent
The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from
overheating.
NOTE: The computer turns on the fans only when the computer gets hot. The fans may make a noise,
which is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.
Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.
Audio Connectors

Attach headphones or speakers to the connector.
Attach a microphone to the connector.
Infrared Sensor
The infrared sensor lets you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-compatible device without
using cable connections.
When you receive your computer, the infrared sensor is disabled. To enable the infrared sensor, see "Using
the System Setup Program." For information on transferring data, see the documentation that came with

your infrared-compatible device or Windows Help or Windows Help and Support Center.
Back View
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before you
disconnect an external device.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.
Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.
NOTE: The computer turns on the fans only when the computer gets hot. The fans may make a noise,
which is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.
1
serial connector
6
video connector
2
parallel connector
7
AC adapter connector
3
docking connector
8
air vent
4
PS/2 connector
9
fan
5
USB connector
Serial Connector
Connects serial devices, such as a mouse or handheld device.
Parallel Connector

Connects a parallel device, such as a printer. You can also connect the optional
floppy drive directly to the parallel connector using the optional floppy drive cable.
Docking Connector
NOTE: Docking devices may not be available in all countries.
Connects the optional docking device. A docking device allows you to easily use
external devices with your computer, such as an external keyboard, mouse, and
monitor.
See the documentation that came with your docking device for additional
information.
PS/2 Connector
NOTE: You can use the integrated keyboard and an external keyboard at the same time. When you
attach a keyboard or numeric keypad, the keypad is disabled.
Connects PS/2-compatible devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or external numeric
keypad.
Shut down the computer before attaching or removing a PS/2-compatible device. If
the device does not work, install the device drivers from the floppy disk or CD that
came with the device, and restart the computer.

USB Connector
Connects USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer.
Video Connector
Connects an external monitor. See "Using the Display."
AC Adapter Connector
Connects an AC adapter to the computer.
The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the AC
adapter with your computer either turned on or off.

CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power
connectors and power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or
improperly connecting the cable to the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or
equipment damage.
NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter from the computer, grasp the adapter cable
connector, not the cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.
Fan
The computer uses an internal fan to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer from
overheating.
NOTE: The computer turns on the fans only when the computer gets hot. The fans may make a noise,
which is normal and does not indicate a problem with the fans or the computer.
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents.
Doing so can damage the computer or cause a fire.
Bottom View

1
Mini PCI card, modem, and memory module cover
2
device release latches
3
docking device latch
Mini PCI Card, Modem, and Memory Module Cover
Contains the memory module(s), optional modem, and optional Mini PCI card. See "Removing and Replacing
Parts."
Device Release Latches
Press a release latch to remove a device in the module bay. See "Using the Module Bay" for instructions.
Docking Device Latch
Latches onto the docking device.

Microsoft® Windows® XP Features
Overview
New User Interface
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Application and Device Compatibility
System Restore
User Accounts and Fast User Switching
Home and Small Office Networking
Internet Connection Firewall
Overview
Based on an enhanced version of the Windows 2000 operating system, Windows XP is available in consumer
and business editions: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. The features discussed are
available in both editions, but the Professional version, designed for business environments, includes
additional productivity, security, networking, and management features important in business environments.
For home users, Windows XP brings the significantly increased stability and security inherent in the Windows
2000/Windows NT® operating systems. It also provides better support for portable computers. Key new
Windows XP features include:
An improved desktop and user interface
Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
Application program compatibility enhancements
System Restore
Fast User Switching*
Expanded home and small office networking functions*
A personal firewall for always-on Internet connections*
*Home and small office features
Help and Support Center
The Help and Support Center, introduced with Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me), replaces Windows
Help from earlier operating systems. The Help and Support Center provides an integrated resource center for
information and assistance in using, configuring, and troubleshooting your computer and installed hardware
devices and software. For Windows XP, the Help and Support Center features expanded search capabilities,
including full-text search and the capability to search across multiple remote sites in addition to files resident