Gericom XXL-8317 User manual

User’s Manual
Part Number: 5615 6809 0013 R00
(June 2005)

TRADEMARKS
All brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
NOTE
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice.

Table of Contents
Preface ........................................................................................ v
Notational Conventions ............................................................. vi
Chapter 1 Getting Started .....................................................1-1
Getting the Computer Running................................................1-2
Unpacking ..........................................................................1-2
Connecting to AC Power ...................................................1-2
Opening the Cover .............................................................1-3
Turning On and Off the Computer.....................................1-4
Taking a Look at the Computer...............................................1-6
Right-Side Components .....................................................1-6
Left-Side Components .......................................................1-7
Rear Components...............................................................1-8
Front Components..............................................................1-9
Bottom Components ........................................................1-11
Top-open Components.....................................................1-12
Where to Go from Here .........................................................1-14
Chapter 2 Operating Your Computer ...................................2-1
Starting and Stopping the Computer........................................2-2
Starting the Computer ........................................................2-2
Stopping the Computer ......................................................2-2
Using the Keyboard .................................................................2-4
Using the Touchpad.................................................................2-7
Configuring the Touchpad .................................................2-9
Using the DVD Drive ............................................................2-10
i

Inserting and Removing a Disc ........................................2-11
Using the Quick Player Buttons.............................................2-12
Using the Video Features.......................................................2-13
Configuring the Display Modes .......................................2-13
Using the Audio Features ......................................................2-14
Connecting Audio Devices ..............................................2-15
Using the Communication Features.......................................2-18
Using the Modem.............................................................2-18
Using the Bluetooth (Select Models Only) ......................2-19
Using the LAN .................................................................2-20
Using the Wireless LAN (Select Models Only)...............2-21
Chapter 3 Managing Power .................................................. 3-1
AC Adapter..............................................................................3-2
Battery Pack.............................................................................3-3
Charging the Battery Pack .................................................3-3
Initializing the Battery Pack...............................................3-4
Checking the Battery Level................................................3-4
Replacing the Battery Pack ................................................3-5
Battery Low Signals and Actions.......................................3-6
Power Management .................................................................3-7
Hibernation.........................................................................3-8
Power-Saving Tips...................................................................3-9
Chapter 4 Expanding Your Computer.................................. 4-1
Connecting an External Display ..............................................4-2
Connecting a TV......................................................................4-3
Connecting a USB Device .......................................................4-4
Connecting an IR Device.........................................................4-5
Connecting an IEEE 1394a Device..........................................4-6
Using PC Cards........................................................................4-7
PC Card Type.....................................................................4-7
CardBus Support ................................................................4-7
Inserting and Removing a PC Card....................................4-7
Using the Card Reader.............................................................4-9
ii

Internal Components Upgrade...............................................4-11
Chapter 5 Using BIOS Setup ................................................5-1
When and How to Use BIOS Setup.........................................5-2
When to Use.......................................................................5-2
Starting BIOS Setup...........................................................5-2
Moving Around and Making Selections ............................5-3
Main Menu ..............................................................................5-4
Advanced Menu.......................................................................5-5
Security Menu..........................................................................5-6
Exit Menu ................................................................................5-7
Chapter 6 Installing Software Drivers..................................6-1
How to Use the Driver CD ......................................................6-2
Chapter 7 Caring for the Computer......................................7-1
Protecting the Computer..........................................................7-2
Using the Password............................................................7-2
Using the Cable Lock.........................................................7-2
Using an Anti-Virus Strategy.............................................7-3
Taking Care of the Computer ..................................................7-4
Location Guidelines ...........................................................7-4
General Guidelines.............................................................7-4
Cleaning Guidelines...........................................................7-5
Battery Pack Guidelines.....................................................7-5
When Traveling .......................................................................7-6
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting...................................................8-1
Preliminary Checklist ..............................................................8-2
Solving Common Problems.....................................................8-3
Battery Problems................................................................8-4
Bluetooth Problems............................................................8-4
DVD Drive Problems.........................................................8-5
Display Problems ...............................................................8-6
Hardware Device Problems................................................8-7
Hard Disk Drive Problems.................................................8-7
iii

Infrared Problems...............................................................8-7
Keyboard, Mouse, and Touchpad Problems ......................8-8
LAN Problems ...................................................................8-9
WLAN Problems................................................................8-9
Modem Problems .............................................................8-10
PC Card Problems ............................................................8-11
Power Management Problems..........................................8-11
Software Problems ...........................................................8-12
Sound Problems ...............................................................8-12
Startup Problems ..............................................................8-13
Other Problems.................................................................8-13
Resetting the Computer .........................................................8-14
Appendix A Specifications.................................................... A-1
Appendix B Regulatory Information..................................... B-1
On the Use of the System ....................................................... B-2
Class B Regulations .......................................................... B-2
Safety Notices ................................................................... B-3
On the Use of RF Device ........................................................ B-6
USA and Canada Safety Requirements and Notices......... B-6
European Union CE Marking and Compliance Notices ... B-9
Index ................................................................................I-1
iv

Preface
This manual contains information that will help you operate the
computer. It is divided into 8 chapters, 2 appendices, and an index.
 Chapter 1, Getting Started, takes you through the process of setting
up the computer and identifying its external components.
 Chapter 2, Operating Your Computer, tells you how to use the
computer’s components and features.
 Chapter 3, Managing Power, provides information on power.
 Chapter 4, Expanding Your Computer, provides information on
installing and using peripheral devices.
 Chapter 5, Using BIOS Setup, describes the SCU program that
configures the computer’s BIOS settings.
 Chapter 6, Installing Software Drivers, describes how to install the
drivers and utilities supplied with the computer.
 Chapter 7, Caring for the Computer, gives you tips in care and
maintenance.
 Chapter 8, Troubleshooting, gives solutions to common problems
you may encounter when using the computer.
 Appendix A, Specifications, gives a brief specification of the
computer.
 Appendix B, Regulatory Information, provides regulatory
statements and safety notices on your computer.
v

Notational Conventions
Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used to
distinguish elements of text.
NOTE: identifies additional information that requires special attention.
CAUTION: identifies important information that, if not followed, may result in loss of
data or damage to the computer.
Keyboard keys are shown in a bold typeset. For example:
Press Enter to complete.
When keys are joined by a plus sign (+), press the first key, and, while
keeping the first key down, press the remaining keys, finally release all
the keys. When necessary, keys are also shown in graphics.
A title, command, setup item, or button that you can see on the screen is
shown in boldface. A value or an option that you can select for a setup
item is shown in italic. For example:
Select Power Schemes, set it to Portable/Laptop, and then click
the OK button.
vi

CHAPTER 1
Getting Started
Congratulations on purchasing this computer.
Your computer incorporates desktop computer capabilities into a
compact notebook-sized package. It can greatly enhance your
productivity either in the office or at home. And, of course, wherever you
need it, the computer is ready and easy “to go.”
This chapter first tells you step by step how to get the computer up and
running. You will find instructions for these procedures:
 Unpacking
 Connecting to AC power
 Opening the cover
 Turning on the computer
 Turning off the computer
Then, you will find a section briefly introducing the external components
of the computer. And the last section navigates you to the information you
may need after the computer is ready for use.

Started
Getting the Computer Running
This section guides you through the procedures for getting the computer
ready for operation.
Unpacking
After unpacking the shipping carton, you should find these standard
items:
 Notebook computer
 Accessories:
−AC adapter
−AC power cord
−Driver CD
−Ferrite core(s) −option
Inspect all the items. If any item is damaged or missing, notify your dealer
immediately.
Keep the shipping carton and packing materials in case you need to ship
or store the computer in the future.
Connecting to AC Power
The computer operates either on the external AC power or internal battery
power.
CAUTION:
 Use only the AC adapter included with your computer. Using other AC adapters
may damage the computer.
 Before using your computer with the battery pack installed for the first time, it is
highly recommended that you initialize the battery pack. For information on
initializing the battery pack, see Chapter 3.
1. Make sure that the computer is turned off.
2. Plug the DC cord of the AC adapter to the power connector on the
rear of the computer ().
1-2 Getting

Getting Started 1-3
3. Plug the female end of the AC power cord to the AC adapter and the
male end to an electrical outlet ().
4. When the AC adapter is connected, power is being supplied from the
electrical outlet to the AC adapter and onto your computer.
CAUTION:
 When you disconnect the AC adapter, disconnect from the electrical outlet first and
then from the computer. A reverse procedure may damage the AC adapter or the
computer.
 When unplugging the connector, always hold the plug head. Never pull on the cord.
NOTE: When the AC adapter is connected, it also charges the battery pack. For
information on using battery power, see Chapter 3.
Opening the Cover
CAUTION: Be gentle when opening and closing the cover. Opening it vigorously or
slamming it shut could damage the computer.
Open the top cover by sliding the cover latch toward the right () and
lifting up the cover (). You can tilt the cover forward or backward for
optimal viewing clarity.

Started
Turning On and Off the Computer
Turning On
1. Make sure that the computer is connected to AC power.
2. Press the power button.
3. Each time the computer is turned on, it performs a Power-On Self
Test (POST), and the operating system such as Windows should start.
1-4 Getting

Getting Started 1-5
Turning Off
To turn off the computer power, use the “Shut Down” command of your
operating system.
NOTE: There are other ways you can stop the computer so that you will be back to
where you left off when you next turn on the computer. (See “Stopping the Computer” in
Chapter 2 for information.)
CAUTION: If you have to turn the computer on again immediately after turning it off,
wait for at least five seconds. Turning the computer off and on rapidly can damage it.

Started
Taking a Look at the Computer
This section identifies the external components of the computer and
briefly describes the function of each component.
NOTE: Depending on the model you purchased, the appearance of your computer may
not be exactly the same as those shown in this manual.
Right-Side Components
Ref Component Description See Also
RJ-11
Connector
Connects the telephone line. P. 2-18
Combo/
DVD Dual/
Super Multi
Drive
Accepts a compact disc for installing or loading
software, accessing data, and playing
music/video.
P. 2-10
1-6 Getting

Getting Started 1-7
Left-Side Components
Ref Component Description See Also
USB Ports Each of the six ports connects a USB device,
such as a USB disk, floppy disk drive, printer,
digital camera, joystick, and more.
P. 4-3
RJ-45
Connector
Connects the LAN cable. P. 2-19
S/PDIF
Connector
Connects a S/PDIF device such as a digital
speaker set for digital audio output.
P. 2-15
Audio Input
Connector
Connects a Hi-Fi set, radio set, synthesizer,
walkman, etc.
P. 2-15
Card Reader
Accepts a MMC (MultiMediaCard), SD
(Secure Digital), MS (Memory Stick), or MS
PRO card for removable storage media.
P. 4-9
PC Card Slot Accepts a PC card for additional functions. P. 4-5

Started
Rear Components
Ref Component Description See Also
Kensington
Lock
Locks the computer to a stationery object for
security.
P. 7-2
Power
Connector
Connects the AC adapter. P. 1-2
DVI-D
Connector
Connects an external LCD monitor or digital
CRT monitor.
P. 4-2
VGA Port Connects an external CRT monitor. P. 4-2
S-video
Connector
Connects an external video device, such as a
TV, supporting S-video input.
P. 4-3
1-8 Getting

Getting Started 1-9
Front Components
Ref Component Description See Also
Mute
Previous track
Play/pause
Next track
Quick Player
Buttons
Stop
P. 2-12
Quick Player
Switch ( )
Enables/disables the use of the quick player
buttons.
P. 2-12
WLAN Switch
Turns the WLAN on and off. P. 2-21
Bluetooth
Switch
Turns the Bluetooth on and off. P. 2-19
IEEE 1394a
Port
( )
Connects a 1394 device such as a scanner,
printer, DVCAM, VCR, and more.
P. 4-5
Audio Output
Connector
Connects a set of headphones, external speakers
with amplifier, or an audio recording device.
P. 2-15
Microphone
Connector
Connects an external microphone. P. 2-14
Volume Control
Increases or decreases the sound volume of the
computer.
P. 2-12

Started
Ref Component Description See Also
Top Cover
Latch
Locks the top cover. P. 1-3
IR Port Connects an IrDA-compliant device for
wireless data transfer.
P. 4-5
1-10 Getting

Getting Started 1-11
Bottom Components
Ref Component Description See Also
Inside are:
Memory slot for expanding the memory size of
your computer.
P. 4-9
Mini PCI slot for using an optional Mini PCI
card. Depending on your model, an internal
Mini PCI wireless LAN card may have been
pre-installed.
P. 2-21
CPU of your computer.
Components
Cover
Modem card of your computer. P. 2-18
Battery Pack Supplies power to your computer when external
power is not connected.
P. 3-3
Hard Disk
Drive
Compartment
Inside is the hard disk drive of your computer.

Started
Top-open Components
Ref Component Description See Also
LCD Screen Displays the output of the computer. P. 2-12
Glows green when the computer is turned ON.
AC Power
Indicator
Blinks green when the computer is in Standby
mode.
P. 3-2
1-12 Getting