Laser XT/3 User manual

Warning
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy. If it
is not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions, it may cause interference to
radio and television reception.
It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications
in Subpart J, Part
15, of FCC Rules. These rules are designed
to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a
residential installation. However, there
is no guarantee that
interference
will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment
off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
* Reorient the receiving antenna
* Relocate the computer with respect to the receIver
* Move the computer away from the receiver
* Plug the computer into a different outlet so that computer
and receiver are on different branch circuits
If necessary, you should consult the dealer or an experienced.
radio/television technician for additional suggestions. You
may·
find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communica-
tions Commission helpful:
"How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems"
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.
Warning:
To ensure that the use of this product does not contribute to
interference.
It is necessary to use shielded I/O cables.
1

Copyright
This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. No portion
of this document may be copied or reproduced by any means
without the prior consent in writing from Video Technology
Computers, Inc.
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of
this book, Video Technology assumes no. responsibility for errors
or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages
resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
© Copyright 1988 by Video Technology Computers, Ltd.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business
Machines Corp.
Hercules is a registered trademark of Hercules Computer
Technology.
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Lotus 1-2-3 IS a registered trademark of Lotus Development
Corporation.
DBase III is a registered trademark of Ashton-Tate.
WordPerfect is a registered trademark of WordPerfect
Corporation.
2

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Installation ................................................................ 5
Introduction.................................................................................... 5
Preparing for the Installation.................................................. 7
Checking the Contents of the Package .............................. 8
Hardware Features Overview .................................................. 9
Connecting Peripherals ..............................................................
11
Starting the computer ................................................................ 13
Setting the System Clock ........................................................ 15
Operation Speed .......................................................................... 16
Chapter 2: Using the Keyboard .......................................... 17
The Keyboard Security Lock .................................................. 17
Overview ........................................................................................ 18
Typewriter Keys .......................................................................... 19
Nunleric Keypad .......................................................................... 22
Editing and Cursor Control Keys ........................................ 25
Function Keys .............................................................................. 27
Chapter 3: Introduction for New Users ........................ 29
Facts You Should Know .......................................................... 29
Introduction to MS-DOS .......................................................... 30
Storing Files on a Computer ................................................ 31
Organizing Files into Directories ........................... ..... .......... 32
The Menu of MS-DOS Activities ........................................
34
How to Care for Your Computer ...................................... 38
Diskette Care .............................................................................. 39
3

Chapter 4: Enhancements .......................................................... 43
Special Note .................................................................................. 43
Opening the System Unit ........................................................ 44
Road Map of Internal Components .................................... 45
Expanding System Memory to 640KB ................................ 47
Installing Parity RAM .............................................................. 51
Installing Expansion Cards ...................................................... 54
Installing an 8087 Math Co-Processor ................................ 56
Installing Expanded Memory .................................................. 58
Using Expanded Memory ........................................................ 60
Installing a Hard Disk Drive ................................................ 62
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting Checklist .............................. 63
Symptoms and Suggestions ...................................................... 63
Beeps .............................................................................................. 65
Display Messages ........................................................................ 66
Chapter 6: Further Reading (Getting More Help) 67
Appendices: .......................................................................................... 69
Appendix 1: Dip Switches and Settings .............................. 69
Appendix 2: The Multi I/O Card ........................................ 73
Appendix 3: The Monochrome Graphics/
Color Graphics Card ........................................
79
Appendix 4: Glossary of Computer Terms ........................ 83
4

Chapter 1:
Installation
Introduction
The computer is a high performance, expandable personal com-
puter system which
is designed specifically to be compatible
.with software and peripherals conforming to the popular
MS-
DOS and mM PC-XT standard.
In some versions of the computer there may be differences in
memory size and expansion cards installed, you may need to
refer to a separate user's manual for
any other expansion card
installed.
• IBM PC/XT compatible processor running at
4.77 or 10
MHz.
• 512K memory, expandable to 1664K.
• 150 watt power supply.
• Two
5.25" 360K floppy drives, (some versions come with
one
5.25" 360K and one 3.5" 720K floppy drive), additional
space for one half-height hard disk drive.
• Some versions of computer have hard disk installed.
•
102 key enhanced keyboard.
• Multi
I/O Card supporting Centronics parallel printer
interface, RS232 serial interface, and game port for a
joystick.
• Monochrome Graphics/Color Graphics Card, supporting
RGB, Hercules
,and composite monitors. Some versions
of computer
will have EGA card installed, which supports
EGA, RGB, Hercules and composite monitors.
5

• Socket for an Intel 8087 math co-processor
• Eight expansion slots
In this
fIrst chapter, we will guide you through the installation
of the computer, and introduce
you to the basic structure of
the computer.
If you are unfamiliar with the meaning of a cer-
tain term,
you can consult the glossary in Appendix 4 for a
definition.
6

Preparing for the Installation
Before you install the computer, you should have a large clear
area on which to work. Clear a tabletop large enough to hold
the system unit and keyboard. The monitor can sit on top of
the system unit if space
is at a premium. You will need the
following:
• A grounded, three-prong power outlet
• A small flathead screwdriver
These tools are sufficient for a normal installation.
If you need
to open up the system unit to install additional memory, disk
drives, or expansion cards, you'll also need the following:
• A small Philips screwdriver
• A cup or an ashtray to hold loose screws
7

Checking the Contents of the Package
Carefully unpack the computer from its carton. Make sure the
carton contains the
following:
• The computer system unit
• A keyboard
• A power cord
• A video cable for composite monitors
• A package with manuals for MS-DOS®and GW/BASIC®(optional)
• A package containing four diskettes
• A warranty card
It is important to save the carton and packing materials in
case you need to ship your unit in the future. Be sure to
return the warranty card as soon as possible.
8

Hardware Features Overview
With the computer on a level surface, examine the following
features on the front panel:
Keyboard lock/unlock LED indicators
"B"
Space reserved for hard
When the security lock is switched at left position, keyboard is
unlocked and reset button is enabled; with the lock switched at
right position, keyboard is locked and reset button
is disabled.
The speed indicator
is used to indicate the operation speed of
the computer, a "5" will be displayed when computer operates
at normal speed (4.77MHz) and a "10"
will be displayed when
the computer operates at high speed
(10 MHz).
Notice the latch on each of the
disk drives. With the latch in
the horizontal position (pointing to the right), the drive is open,
and ready to receive a diskette. After inserting a diskette, close
the drive
by turning the latch clockwise so it's pointing down-
wards.
9