Getac A790 User manual

A790
Operation Manual
Part Number:799001190001 7990 0114 3001 R00
(OCT-2006)

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

i
Table of Contents
Preface......................................................................................vii
Chapter 1 Getting Started.....................................................1-1
Getting the Computer Running................................................1-2
Unpacking ..........................................................................1-2
Connecting to AC Power ...................................................1-2
Opening the Cover .............................................................1-4
Turning On and Off the Computer.....................................1-5
Taking a Look at the Computer...............................................1-6
Right-Side Components .....................................................1-6
Left-Side Components .......................................................1-7
Rear Components...............................................................1-8
Front Components............................................................1-10
Top-open Components.....................................................1-11
Where to Go from Here .........................................................1-13
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
Typewriter Keys.................................................................2-4
Cursor-Control Keys..........................................................2-5
Numeric Keypad ................................................................2-5

ii
Euro Symbol ......................................................................2-6
Windows Keys ...................................................................2-6
Function Keys ....................................................................2-6
Fn Key................................................................................2-7
Hot Keys ............................................................................2-7
Using the Touchpad .................................................................2-9
Configuring the Touchpad ...............................................2-11
Using the Touchscreen (Optional) .........................................2-12
Using the Hard Disk Drive ....................................................2-14
Replacing the Hard Disk Drive ........................................2-14
Using the Video Features.......................................................2-17
Configuring the Display Modes .......................................2-17
Using the Audio Features ......................................................2-19
Connecting Audio Devices ..............................................2-20
Using the Communication Features.......................................2-21
Using the LAN .................................................................2-21
Using the Wireless LAN (Optional).................................2-22
Using the Modem.............................................................2-25
Using the Wireless Modem (Optional) ............................2-26
Using the GPS (Optional) ................................................2-27
Using the Bluetooth Feature (Optional) ...........................2-28
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................................................3-5
Replacing the Primary Battery Pack ..................................3-5
Battery Low Signals and Actions.......................................3-7
Power Management .................................................................3-8
Hibernation.........................................................................3-9
Power-Saving Tips.................................................................3-10

iii
Chapter 4 Expanding Your Computer..................................4-1
Connecting an External Monitor .............................................4-2
Connecting a Parallel Device...................................................4-3
Connecting a Serial Device .....................................................4-4
Connecting an IR Device.........................................................4-5
Connecting a USB Device.......................................................4-7
Connecting an IEEE 1394b Device .........................................4-8
Using PC Cards .......................................................................4-9
PC Card Type.....................................................................4-9
CardBus Support................................................................4-9
Inserting and Removing a PC Card....................................4-9
System Memory Upgrade ......................................................4-11
Chapter 5 Setup Configuration Utility (SCU).......................5-1
When and How to Use the SCU Program................................5-2
When to Use.......................................................................5-2
Starting SCU ......................................................................5-2
Moving Around and Making Selections ............................5-4
Main Menu ..............................................................................5-5
Advanced Menu.......................................................................5-6
Intel Menu................................................................................5-7
Security Menu..........................................................................5-8
Boot Menu ...............................................................................5-9
Exit Menu ..............................................................................5-10
Chapter 6 Installing Software Drivers..................................6-1
How to Use the Driver CD ......................................................6-2
Touchscreen Driver............................................................6-6
Chapter 7 Caring for the Computer......................................7-1
Protecting the Computer..........................................................7-2
Using the Cable Lock.........................................................7-2
Using an Anti-Virus Strategy.............................................7-2
Taking Care of the Computer ..................................................7-3
Location Guidelines ...........................................................7-3

iv
General Guidelines.............................................................7-3
Cleaning Guidelines ...........................................................7-4
Battery Pack Guidelines.....................................................7-4
When Traveling .......................................................................7-5
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting...................................................8-1
Preliminary Checklist ..............................................................8-2
Solving Common Problems .....................................................8-3
Battery Problems................................................................8-4
Bluetooth Problems............................................................8-4
Display Problems ...............................................................8-5
Hardware Device Problems................................................8-6
Hard Disk Drive Problems .................................................8-6
Infrared Problems...............................................................8-7
Keyboard, Mouse and Touchpad Problems .......................8-7
LAN Problems ...................................................................8-8
WLAN Problems................................................................8-8
Modem Problems .............................................................8-10
PC Card Problems ............................................................8-10
Power Management Problems..........................................8-11
Printer 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

v
European Union CE Marking and Compliance Notices ... B-9

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

viii
zAppendix B, Regulatory Information, provides regulatory
statements and safety notices on your computer.
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 which, 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 Management, set it to Enabled, and then click the
OK button.

CHAPTER 1
Getting Started
Congratulations on purchasing this computer.
This high performance notebook computer is especially designed for the
practical applications of warehouses, automobiles, vehicles, public
security, repairing, assisting the handicapped, and other demanding
situations where conventional notebook computers just cannot measure
up.
This chapter first tells you step by step how to get the computer up and
running. You will find instructions for these procedures:
zUnpacking
zConnecting to AC power
zOpening the cover
zTurning on the computer
zTurning 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.

1-2 Getting 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:
zNotebook computer
zAccessories:
−AC adapter (100~240 VAC, 50/60 Hz)
−AC power cord (US/CE/UK/SA)
−Driver CD
−This Operation Manual
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. It is suggested that you use AC power when you start up
the computer for the first time.
CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter included with your computer. Using other AC
adapters may damage the computer.

Getting Started 1-3
NOTE:
Power Supply Cord: (optional) Detachable, minimum 1.5 m long. Listed, rated
minimum 125 V, 7 A, having a 2/18 AWG, type SVT flexible cord. One end terminates
with a parallel blade, molded-on, attachments plug with a 7 A, 125 V (NEMA 1-15P)
configuration; other end terminates with a molded-on appliance coupler.
Alternative: (optional) Detachable, maximum 4.5 m (14.76 ft) long. Listed, rated
minimum 250 V, 6 A, having a 3/18 AWG, type SVT flexible cord. One end terminates
with a Tandem blade, grounding, listedmolded-on, attachments plug witha 6A, 250 V
(NEMA 6-15P) configuration; other end terminates with a molded-on appliance
coupler.
1. Make sure the computer is turned off.
2. Plug the DC cord of the AC adapter to the power connector on the
rear side of the computer (n) .
3. Plug the female end of the AC power cord to the AC adapter and the
male end to an electrical outlet (o) .
4. When the AC adapter is connected, the indicator on the AC adapter
lights up, indicating that power is being supplied from the electrical
outlet to the AC adapter and onto your computer. Now, you are ready
to turn on the computer.

1-4 Getting Started
CAUTION:
zWhenyoudisconnecttheACadapter,disconnectfromtheelectricaloutletfirstand
then from the computer. A reverse procedure may damage the AC adapter or the
computer.
zWhenunpluggingtheconnector,alwaysholdthe plughead.Neverpullonthecord.
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.
1. Open the top cover by pulling on the cover latch.
2. Lift up the cover. You can tilt the cover forward or backward for
optimal viewing clarity.

Getting Started 1-5
Turning On and Off the Computer
Turning On
1. Make sure 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.
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.

1-6 Getting 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:Dependingonthemodelyoupurchased,theappearanceofyourcomputermay
not exactly be the same as those shown in this manual.
Right-Side Components
Ref Component Description See Also
nPC Card Slot Accepts a PC card for additional functions. P. 4-9
oBay 2/Acess
Door An optional peripheral device of your choice can
be installed in Bay 2. P.1-6
pAudio Output
Connector Connects a set of headphones, external speakers
with amplifier, or an audio recording device. P. 2-20
qMicrophone
Connector Connects an external microphone. P. 2-20
rIEEE 1394B
Port Connects a 1394B device such as a mass storage
device, digital video (DV) camcorder, or a digital
audio device.
P. 4-8
sHard Disk
Drive
Compartment
Contains the hard disk drive of your computer. P. 2-14

Getting Started 1-7
Left-Side Components
Ref Component Description See Also
nBay2 Slot May contain an extra battery pack or wireless
modem (GPRS/GSM, CDMA) module.
oBattery Pack Supplies power to your computer when external
power is not connected.
P. 3-3

1-8 Getting Started
Rear Components
Ref Component Description See Also
nPower
Connector Connects the AC adapter. P. 1-3
oUSB Ports Each of the two ports connects a USB device,
such as a USB floppy drive, USB flash disk,
printer, digital camera, joystick, and more.
P. 4-7
pDocking Port For connecting to a Port Replicator / car mount
(both are available as an option).
qRJ-45
Connector Connects the LAN cable. Includes a Link
Indicator and an Active Indicator.
P. 2-21
rActive Indicator Blinks green when the system is accessing the
LAN.
P. 2-21
sLink Indicator Glows green when the system has an available
connection to LAN.
P. 2-21
tRJ-11
Connector Connects the telephone line. P. 2-25
uVGA Port Connects an external CRT monitor. P. 4-2
vParallel Port Connects a parallel device, such as a printer. P. 4-3

Getting Started 1-9
Ref Component Description See Also
wSerial Port Connects a serial device, such as an external
modem.
P. 4-4
Kensington
Lock Locks the computer to a stationary object for
security.
P. 7-2
IR Port Connects an IrDA-compliant device for wireless
data transfer.
P. 4-5

1-10 Getting Started
Front Components
Ref Component Description See Also
nTop Cover
Latch Locks the top cover. P. 1-4
oStereo Speaker
Set Sends out sound and voice from the computer. P. 2-19
pHandle Allows you to carry your computer for an easy
grip.

Getting Started 1-11
Top-open Components
Ref Component Description See Also
nLCD Screen Displays the output of the computer.
Can also have the optional touchscreen
function.
P. 2-17
P. 2-12