Everex Stepnote NC User manual

User Manual
*Covers StepNote NC Series Notebooks
Do it All with the Everex® StepNote® NC Series Notebook Computer.
Preinstalled with Windows Vista™ Home Basic and running on the power
of a VIA® C7 Processor, the latest PCs from Everex lets you create your
own CDs and DVDs, surf the Internet or email friends and family, all
on a 15.4” widescreen display.
StepNote®
NC Series
Notebooks*
15.4” WXGA
Widescreen
Display
Windows Vista™
Home Basic
VIA® C7
Processor
Lithium-Ion
Battery
* All Trademarks and Tradenames are the Sole Property of their Respective Owners. All Rights Reserved.
00-00000-00

Copyright©2006
All Rights Reserved - Printed in Taiwan
Notebook Computer User Guide
Original Issue: 2006/11
This manual guides you in setting up and using your new notebook computer.
Information in this manual has been carefully checked for its accuracy and is
subject to change without notice.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy,
recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission.
Trademarks
Product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be the
trademarks of their respective companies.
Microsoft, Windows XP, Windows MCE, Windows Vista, and Windows
Sound System are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
VIA C7TM-M is registered trademark of VIA Technologies, Inc.
Sound Blaster, Sound Blaster Pro are trademarks of Creative Technology.
All other brands or product names mentioned in this manual are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.

FCC Information to User
Safety and Care Instructions
No matter what your level of experience with computers, please make sure you
read the safety and care instructions. This information can help protect you and
your computer from possible harm.
For Safety Regulation:
zRisk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type.
zFor electrical safety concerns, only use telephone cables rated 26AWG or
higher.
zThe Optical drive is a Class 1 Laser Product.
zLi-Ion battery is vulnerable, do not charge it with other power adapter,
or it may cause fire or explosion.
zFor the power supply of this equipment,
ßAn approved power cord has to be used.
ßMake sure the socket and any extension cord(s) you use can support
the total current load of all the connected devices.
ßBefore cleaning the computer, make sure it is disconnected from any
external power supplies (i.e. AC adapter).
Radio and television interference
Warning: Use the specified shielded power cord and shielded signal cables
with this computer, so as not to interfere with radio and television reception. If
you use other cables, it may cause interference with radio and television
reception.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the

instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does not cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encourage to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
•Increase the separation between the device and receiver
•Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.
You may find helpful the following booklet, prepared by the Federal
Communications Commission: Interference Handbook (stock number 004-
000-00345-4). This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC20402
Warning: The user must not modify or change this computer without
approval. Modification could void authority to this equipment.
FCC RF Exposure
FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:
This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any
other antenna or transmitter.
This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for
an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated
with a minimum distance of 20 centimeters between the radiator and your
body.

15.247 (b)(4), the EUT meets the requirement that it be operated in a manner
that ensures the public is not exposed to radio frequency energy levels in excess
of the Commission’s guidelines (1.1307, 1.1310, 2.1091 and 2.1093)
Canadian Department of Communications Compliance
Statement
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirement of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Shielded Cables Notice
All connections to other computing devices must be made using shielded
cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations.
Peripheral Devices Notice
Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc) certified to
comply with Class B limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with
non-certified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV
reception.
Optical Disk Drive Notice
The optical disk drive is Class 1 Laser Product.
Caution
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer may
void the user’s authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications
Commission, to operate this computer.
Use Conditions
This part complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
European Notice
For the following equipment: Notebook PC
Is herewith confirmed to comply with the requirements set out in the
Council Directive on the Approximation of the Laws of the Member
States relating to Electromagnetic Compatibility (89/336/EEC), Lowvoltage
Directive (73/23/EEC) and the Amendment Directive
(93/68/EEC), the procedures given in European Council Directive
99/5/EC and 89/3360EEC.
The equipment was passed. The test was performed according to the
following European standards:
EN 300 328-2 V.1.2.1 (2001-12)
EN 301 489-1 V.1.3.1 (2001-09) / EN 301 489-17 V.1.1.1 (2000-09)
EN 50371: 2002
EN 55022: 2001
EN 55024: 2001
EN 60950: 2000
EN 61000-3-2: 2000
EN 61000-3-3: 1995 + A1: 2001

802.11b Restrictions:
- European standards dictate maximum radiated transmit power of 100mW
EIRP and frequency range 2.400-2.4835GHz;
- In France, the equipment must be restricted to the 2.4465-2.4835GHz
frequency range and must be restricted to indoor use."

About Your Notebook Computer
Congratulation for having purchased your new Everex
StepNote. This notebook incorporates the newest features to
serve all your computing needs.

About Your User Guide
Welcome to your Everex StepNote User Guide. This
manual introduces you to the basic concepts of your new
computer.
This manual is divided into eight chapters.
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Getting Started
Chapter 3 Using Your Notebook Computer
Chapter 4 Multimedia Setup
Chapter 5 Connecting External devices
Chapter 6 System BIOS Setup
Chapter 7 Upgrade Options
Chapter 8 Care and Maintenance
Appendix A System Specifications
Appendix B System Recovery and Driver Installation

Table of Contents
ABOUT YOUR NOTEBOOK COMPUTER..........................................8
ABOUT YOUR USER GUIDE.................................................................9
1INTRODUCTION.............................................................................15
1.1 FEATURE HIGHLIGHT.............................................................16
1.2 UNPACKING THE COMPUTER...............................................18
1.3 THE INSIDE OF THE NOTEBOOK .......................................... 18
Notebook Status Icons ..................................................................21
1.4 THE FRONT SIDE OF THE NOTEBOOK.................................23
1.5 THE REAR SIDE OF THE NOTEBOOK...................................23
1.6 THE LEFT SIDE OF THE NOTEBOOK.................................... 25
1.7 THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE NOTEBOOK ................................. 26
1.8 THE UNDERSIDE OF THE NOTEBOOK................................. 27
1.9 NOTEBOOK ACCESSORIES..................................................... 29
1.10 NOTEBOOK OPTIONS ..............................................................30
2GETTING STARTED ...................................................................... 31
2.1 USING THE BATTERY PACK..................................................32
Extending Battery Life..................................................................34
2.2 CONNECTING THE AC POWER SOURCE............................. 35
2.3 STARTING YOUR COMPUTER ...............................................36
2.4 ADJUSTING THE DISPLAY CONTROLS ............................... 37
2.5 TURNING OFF YOUR COMPUTER.........................................37
3USING YOUR NOTEBOOK...........................................................39
3.1 STARTING YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM.............................. 40
3.2 UNDERSTANDING THE KEYBOARD FUNCTIONS.............40
Basic Keyboard Functions............................................................42
Cursor Control Keys..................................................................... 44

Screen Control Keys.....................................................................44
Windows Hot Keys........................................................................45
Special Function Keys..................................................................45
3.3 USING THE TOUCHPAD POINTING DEVICE.........................46
3.4 CONFIGURING YOUR SCREEN DISPLAY............................ 48
Possible Display Configurations..................................................49
ChangingtheDisplayPropertiesunderWindows..................................50
3.5 KNOWING THE POWER SAVING FEATURES......................50
3.6 WORKING WITH THE BUILT-IN HDD.....................................51
3.7 HOW TO ACCESS THE OPTICAL DRIVE .............................. 52
4FUN WITH WINDOWS VISTA EXPERIENCE.......................... 55
4.1 WHAT IS WINDOWS VISTA? .................................................. 56
4.2 GET READY FOR WINDOWS VISTA ..................................... 56
4.3 ENJOY YOUR MULTIMEDIA APPLICATION....................... 59
Internet Explorer .......................................................................... 59
Windows Calendar ....................................................................... 59
Windows Contacts ........................................................................ 60
Windows Defender........................................................................ 61
Windows DVD Maker...................................................................62
Windows Fax and Scan ................................................................63
Windows Live Messenger Download............................................ 64
Windows Mail............................................................................... 65
Windows Media Center ................................................................66
Windows Media Player................................................................. 67
Windows Meeting Space...............................................................67
Windows Movie Maker.................................................................68
Windows Photo Gallery................................................................69
Windows Update...........................................................................70
Windows Sidebar and Gadgets.....................................................71
Gaming ......................................................................................... 72

Windows Flip and Windows Flip 3D............................................ 73
5CONNECTING TO PERIPHERALS.............................................75
5.1 USING THE USB PORT............................................................. 76
5.2 USINGANEXTERNALMONITORPORT..................................... 77
5.3 USING THE EXTERNAL AUDIO SYSTEM ............................ 78
5.4 USING THE LAN PORT.............................................................79
5.5 USING THE WIRELESS LAN ...................................................80
5.6 USING THE MODEM PORT...................................................... 80
6CUSTOMIZING YOURNOTEBOOK..............................................83
6.1 RUNNING THE BIOS SETUP PROGRAM............................... 84
6.2 USING THE MAIN MENU SETUP............................................86
6.2.1 Internal HDD Sub-Menu................................................... 88
6.2.2 Internal Optical Drive Sub-Menu.......................................88
6.3 USING THE ADVANCED CMOS SETUP................................ 90
6.4 SECURITY MENU SETUP......................................................... 92
6.5 USING THE BOOT SETUP........................................................94
6.6 HOW TO EXIT THE SETUP PROGRAM ................................. 95
6.7 HOW TO UPGRADE THE BIOS................................................96
7USING OPTIONS.............................................................................97
SYSTEM UPGRADE.............................................................................98
7.1 MEMORY UPGRADE ................................................................ 98
Installing Memory Module ...........................................................99
7.2 HARD DISK UPGRADE........................................................... 100
7.3 WIRELESS MODULE INSTALLATION ................................ 102
8CARING FOR YOUR NOTEBOOK............................................103
8.1 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS...............................104
8.2 CLEANING YOUR COMPUTER............................................. 106
8.3 MAINTAINING THE LCD QUALITY .................................... 107

8.4 MAINTAINING YOUR HARD DISK......................................107
8.5 BATTERY CARE GUIDELINES ............................................. 108
8.6 WHEN YOU TRAVEL..............................................................109
APPENDIX A SYSTEM SPECIFICATION......................................111
SYSTEM SPECIFICATION................................................................112
Processor Unit............................................................................112
System Memory...........................................................................112
LCD Display............................................................................... 112
VGA System ................................................................................ 112
Storage........................................................................................113
Audio System...............................................................................113
Touchpad.................................................................................... 113
Keyboard ....................................................................................113
Flash BIOS ................................................................................. 114
I/O Ports.....................................................................................114
Wireless devices..........................................................................114
AC/DC Power Supply Adapter................................................... 114
Battery ........................................................................................114
Weight and Dimension................................................................114
APPENDIX B SYSTEM RECOVERY AND DRIVER
INSTALLATION...................................................................................115
B.1 SYSTEM RECOVERY.............................................................. 116
Using Recovery Disk ..................................................................116
B.2 DEVICE DRIVERS INSTALLATION ..................................... 133
Installing Windows Vista from Optical Disk Drive....................... 133
Installing the VGA Device Driver ..............................................134
Installing the Audio Device Driver............................................. 134
Installing the Modem Device Driver.......................................... 135
Installing the Wireless LAN Device Driver................................ 135

Installing the LAN Device Driver...............................................136
Installing the TouchPad Device Driver......................................136
Technical Support.......................................................................139

1 Introduction
Your Everex Computer is a fully Windows®
compatible portable computer. With the latest
features in mobile computing and multimedia
technology, this notebook is a natural choice for uses
seeking portability and performance.
Your Everex StepNote NC Series Notebook runs a
wide variety of business, personal productivity,
entertainment and professional applications and is
ideal for use in the office, home and on the road.

1.1 Feature Highlight
Before we identify each part of your Everex StepNote Notebook, we will first
introduce you to other notable features of your computer.
Processing Unit
•Your notebook runs on VIA C7TM -M microprocessor that is integrated
with 128KB L2 Cache. Check with your dealer on the CPU type and
speed.
•Fully compatible with an entire library of PC software based on operating
systems such as Windows Vista.
Memory
This notebook provides two memory slots for installing DDRII SDRAM 200-
pin SODIMM modules up to 4GB using 256MB, 512MB, 1024MB or 2048MB
DDRII SDRAM modules.
Wide Screen LCD Display
Provides extraordinary 15.4"1280x800 (16:10) wide screen LCD display. It is
the best choice for you to watch DVD movie.
Wireless LAN
IEEE 802.11b/g, Mini PCI Module.
Optical Disk Drive
Provides the DVD/CD-RW Combo, Super Multi, or DVD Dual.
USB 2.0
Provides three USB2.0 ports for fastest I/O data transmission.

Graphic System
VIA Chrome9TM HC IGP provides blazing graphics embedded in the VIA
VN896 chipset
PCI Local Bus Architecture
•32-bit PCI Enhanced IDE optimizes the data transfer between the CPU
and SATA hard disk drives. Support ultra DMA ATA-150 PIO Mode up
to PIO Mode 4, bus mastering for LBA Scheme.
Audio System
Full-duplex 16-bit stereo audio system output. Sound Blaster compatible.
Flash BIOS
Flash BIOS allows you to easily upgrade the System BIOS using the Phoenix
Flash utility program.
Power and System Management
•Integrated SMM (System Management Mode) on system chipset that
shuts down components not in use to reduce power consumption. To
execute power management, you can set up the parameter in Power
Options properties by pointing your mouse to Control Panel of Windows.
•Closing the Notebook computer (lowering the cover) allows you to
suspend the system operation instantly and resume at the press of the
power button.
•System Password for User and Supervisor included on the BIOS SETUP
Program to protect unauthorized use of your computer.
1.2 Unpacking the Computer

Your computer comes securely packaged in a sturdy cardboard shipping
carton. Upon receiving your computer, open the carton and carefully remove
the contents. In addition to this User Guide, the shipping carton should also
contain the following items:
1. ;The Notebook Computer
2. ;An AC Adapter and AC Power Cord
3. ;Li-Ion Battery Pack
4. ;DVD with Recovery, AP, Driver Utility
5. ;User Manual
Carefully inspect each component to make sure that nothing is missing and/or
damaged. If any of these items is missing or damaged, contact Everex (see Page
139). Be sure to save the shipping materials and the carton in case you need to
ship the computer or store for an extended period of time.
1.3 The Inside of the Notebook
The notebook computer is compact with features on every side. First, look
at the inside of the system. The following sections describe inside features.

1. Color Widescreen LCD Display 2. Built-in Speaker
3. Keyboard 4. Touchpad Pointing Device
5. Power On/Resume Button 6. LED Indicators
•Color Widescreen LCD Display
The notebook computer comes with a color LCD that you can adjust for a
comfortable viewing position. The LCD is 15.4” TFT color LCD with
1280 x 800 (Wide XGA with ratio 16:10) resolution panels. The features of
the Color LCD Display are summarized as follows:
ßTFT color LCD with Widescreen 15.4” 1280 x 800 (Wide XGA)
resolution panels.
ßCapable of displaying 16M colors (32-bit true color)
ßLCD display control hot-keys allow you to adjust the brightness of
the LCD.

ßSimultaneous display capability for LCD and external desktop
computer monitor.
•Built-in Speaker
Integrated mini speaker provides sound and audio output for your
multimedia presentations or listening pleasure.
•Keyboard
ßStandard QWERTY-key layout and full-sized 87 keys keyboard with
Windows system hot-keys, embedded numeric keypad, 6 hot keys,
inverted "T" cursor arrow keys, and separate page screen control
keys.
ßWide extra space below the keyboard panel for your wrist or palm to
sit-on comfortably during typing.
•Touchpad Pointing Device
Microsoft mouse compatible with two Touchpad click buttons. The two
select buttons located at each side support tapping selection and dragging
functions. These buttons work like a standard computer mouse. Simply
move your fingertip over the Touchpad to control the position of the
cursor. Use the selection buttons below the Touchpad to select menu
items.
•Power On/Resume Button
Switches the computer power on and off, or resumes whenever it is in
Suspend mode.
•LED Indicators
Keeps you informed of your notebook computer’s current operating
status. Description of the status icons appears in the latter part of this
section.