Mitsubishi Apricot MS Series User guide

including
Quick Start
Guide
Apricot
MS SERIES
Owner’s Handbook

1
QUICK START GUIDE
APRICOT MS SERIES QUICK START GUIDE
COMPACT
For your own safety
Read through the Safety & Regulatory Notices section at the
start of the Owner’s Handbook before using the computer
for the first time.

2
QUICK START GUIDE
Connecting up your computer
Now follow the QUICK START GUIDE in the Owner's Handbook.
Connecting
items
Signal cable
3
The monitor signal cable must be connected
properly before you switch on, or it may result
in poor display or no picture at all.
2
1
7
Monitor
power cord
Keyboard Mouse
Monitor
Optional Subwoofer
with separately
powered speakers
4a
Separately
powered
speakers
8
Mains
cable
4b
5
Modem
AC
outlet
AC
outlet
Remember, this speaker set has its own power supply cable.
AC
outlet
AC
outlet
1010110101
6
Microphone
including
QuickStart
Guide
Apricot
MS
SERIES
Owner’sHandbook
APRICOT MULTIMEDIA PCsAPRICOT MULTIMEDIA PCs
Using the Welcome Mat
Use the Welcome Mat to help you unpack and connect
the components of your new personal computer. The
recommended order is:
1. Keyboard
2. Mouse
3. Monitor signal cable
4. Stereo speakers (and optional sub-woofer)
5. Modem cable
6. Microphone (optional)
7. Monitor power cord
8. System unit power cord
Once your computer is connected, switch on the power
at the wall socket. The Power Mode light next to the
POWER button (the large, round button on the front of
the computer) should glow red to show that the computer
is ready to start.

3
QUICK START GUIDE
The Power button
Power Mode
Light
Power Button
ThePOWER button is the large, round button on the front
of the computer.
♦Press the POWER button to turn on the computer,
to put it to sleep, and to wake it up.
♦Turn the POWER button to change the volume of
sound through the computer’s speakers.
The colour of Power Mode light shows whether the
computer is in Off [red], On or Standby [green] or
Suspend [yellow] mode.
The monitor has its own power button or switch; see the
monitor’s User Guide to find out where it is.

4
QUICK START GUIDE
Starting the computer
♦Press the POWER button to turn on the computer.
♦Turn on the monitor as described in itsUser Guide.
The colour of the Power Mode light turns from red to
green to show that the computer is now working.
Suspending the computer
Once Windows has started, you can give the POWER
button a brief press to suspend the computer when you
aren’t using it. Alternatively, you can click theStart button
in the Windows taskbar, then click Suspend.
To wake up the computer, you have to press the POWER
button again – just moving the mouse or using the
keyboard won’t work.
While the computer is suspended its processor stops, its
hard disk stops spinning and the monitor goes blank,
but none of your files are lost.
In Suspend mode the Power Mode light is yellow.
Note
Future versions of Windows will allow you to redefine the
POWER button so that when you press it the operating system
shuts down and the PC goes directly into Off mode.
Automatic power saving
During periods of inactivity the computer automatically
reduces the power consumption of idle components. For
example, the monitor screen may go blank. This power-
reduced state is known as Standby mode (the Power Mode
light stays green). If the inactivity is prolonged the
computer goes into full Suspend mode (the Power Mode
light is yellow).
While in Standby mode you can move the mouse or press
any keyboard key to resume working. Once the computer
goes into Suspend mode only the POWER button can wake
it.
You can adjust automatic power saving with the Power
Management program, which is provided as part of the
Easy Manager software collection.

5
QUICK START GUIDE
Shutting down the computer
To shut down the computer safely, do the following:
1. Wait until all the activity indicators on the front
bezel show ‘not busy’.
2. Turn off any attached peripherals, except for the
monitor and other peripherals that are designed to
be kept on permanently.
3. Click the Start button in the Windows taskbar, then
click Shut Down. Select Shutdown the computer
and click Yes.
The Power Mode light goes from green to red.
Note that you do not have to press the POWER button if
Windows is running.
You don’t have to turn off the monitor
Because the monitor gets its power from the computer, once
you turn the monitor on you should never need to turn it
off, except to move or open up the computer.
Emergency shut down
In exceptional circumstances, you can shut down your
PC without shutting down Windows first. To do this,
press and hold down the POWER button for at least four
seconds.
The computer also shuts itself down if you press the
POWER button in MS-DOS or before Windows starts.
Make sure it is an emergency!
In an emergency shut down, you may lose any recent changes
made to the files you are currently working on. The Microsoft
ScanDisk program will run automatically when the
computer next starts, to check for disk errors.
Energy Star
The aim of these various power modes is to cut your
electricity bill and conserve resources. Energy Star is an
internationally recognised standard for such energy-
efficient computer systems.
Your computer will always meet the Energy Star standard
in Suspend mode, when the Power Mode light is yellow.

6
QUICK START GUIDE
Registering Windows 95
Your computer has the Microsoft Windows 95 operating
system already in place or pre-installed, so that it is ready
for you when you turn on the computer.
The first time you turn on the computer you must tell
Windows 95 your name (and the name of the company
for which you work, if applicable) and agree to the legal
terms and conditions of the Windows 95 Licence
Agreement.
Windows 95 then spends a few minutes analysing your
computer and configuring itself to take full advantage of
your computer’s components. Windows 95 also offers
you the opportunity to install a printer. However, you
do not have to install a printer at this time if you don’t
want to.
You only register once
All of this only happens the first time you turn on your
computer. After that Windows 95 starts normally, except
that you may be reminded if you haven’t made any back-up
diskettes yet.

7
QUICK START GUIDE
Electronic Fingerprinting
Electronic Fingerprinting allows you to ‘brand’ your
computer by storing personal information in its
permanent memory. If you include your name, address
and phone number this will aid the police if your
computer is stolen.
The Apricot Electronic Fingerprinting program appears
every time you start Windows 95 until you have branded
the computer. If you don’t brand your computer
promptly, someone else might do it before you!
After you have entered your details you are prompted to
set a branding password.This password will be requested
if you ever need to run the Electronic Fingerprinting
program again to change the branding information (for
example, if you change address).
Optionally, for extra security, you can decide that this
same password is requested every time the computer is
turned on, or every time the mains power supply is
interrupted.
If you forget your branding password, you can use a
special fall-back password instead.The fall-back password
is a 12-digit number that is unique to your computer. It
is displayed only once, the first time you set a branding
password.
Click the Help button in Electronic Fingerprinting for
more information.
Be careful
Do not turn off the computer while using the Electronic
Fingerprinting program. It might corrupt your computer’s
memory.
Write down the fall-back password
The fall-back password is displayed only once.You must make
a note of the password immediately, because you will never
see it again.There is a page at the end of this manual where
you can write it down.

8
QUICK START GUIDE
Increasing the resolution and colours displayed by your monitor
At first, Windows 95 is configured for a standard
monitor setting (640 by 480 pixels in a maximum of
256 different colours) so that Windows 95 is sure to
display correctly whatever monitor you have.
However, Mitsubishi Electric’s Apricot monitors can
do much better than this standard setting. You should
therefore change the display setting to get the best
performance from your system.
1. Right-click with the mouse while pointing at
the background of the Windows 95 desktop,
then select Properties from the pop-up menu.
2. Click the Settings tab of the Display Properties
dialog.
3. You can now select the Display Area (resolution)
and Colour Palette (number of colours). We
suggest at least 800 by 600 pixels in 256 colours.
Tips
You may have to specify the make and model of your monitor
before you can increase the resolution. In this case, click the
Advanced Properties button on the Settings tab.
You can get an even better display by upgrading your
computer’s video memory from 2 to 4 Mbytes. Ask your
Mitsubishi Electric PC supplier for details.

9
QUICK START GUIDE
Infotrade Internet - The Internet service from Mitsubishi Electric
By connecting your computer to the phone network,
you can use your computer as an answerphone and fax
machine. You can also access the Internet, and in
particular the World Wide Web (WWW).
To get you started, we have provided the Infotrade
Internet service (this offer applies only in the United
Kingdom). Infotrade is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi
Electric, the makers of your Apricot PC.
Details of the Infotrade Internet offer are given on the
promotional leaflet that came with your computer.
Infotrade also offers a variety of personal finance services.
These services are entirely optional and separate from
the Internet service. To find out more, double-click the
Infotrade Internet Help icon on the Windows 95
desktop.
Hint
Although we recommend the Infotrade Internet service, and
have made it very easy for Apricot PC users to subscribe to
it, there are other possibilities. On the Windows 95 desktop
is an icon for The Microsoft Network, which is the on-line
service provided by Microsoft itself. And in the On-line
Services folder (also on the desktop) you will find setup
programs for other on-line service providers.

10
QUICK START GUIDE
Setting up Infotrade Internet and Fax
If you decide to take advantage of the Infotrade Internet
offer, you will need the Infotrade Internet leaflet that
came with your computer.
Hint
You should run Infotrade Internet and Fax Setup even if
you don’t want to subscribe to Infotrade Internet, as it also
sets up the Microsoft Fax service.
1. Double-click the Infotrade Internet and Fax Setup
icon on the Windows desktop.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen, together with
the information provided on the Infotrade Internet
leaflet. When the setup is complete, you are
prompted to restart your computer.
Once your computer has restarted, you are ready
to connect to the Internet and register your new
account with Infotrade.
3. Make sure the modem cable is connected from the
back of the computer to your phone socket.
4. Double-click on The Internet icon on the
Windows desktop to start Microsoft’s Internet
Explorer.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen to register
with Infotrade.
Once you’ve finished the registration process, you can
either exit from Internet Explorer, or go on to explore or
“surf” the World-Wide Web.
In the future
You only have to register once, but whenever you use Internet
Explorer subsequently, you have to log on to the Internet
with your Infotrade user name and your Infotrade password.

11
QUICK START GUIDE
Easy Manager
Easy Manager is a collection of software from Mitsubishi
Electric, designed to make life easier for new computer
users.
In the Windows taskbar is a Mitsubishi Electric symbol.
If you click it a pop-up menu appears listing all the
elements of Easy Manager.
Use the Help option to learn how to use the Easy
Manager software.
Answerphone answers your incoming telephone calls
automatically. Calls may be either voice messages (voice
mail) or fax messages.
Easy Manager Configuration allows you to say which
parts of the Easy Manager collection you want to use.
Entertainment Centre offers easy access to a range of
games, reference and productivity programs, some of
which may be pre-installed on your computer’s hard disk
or supplied on CD.
Message Centre is the place where incoming electronic
mail (e-mail), voice and fax messages are available for
you to review, and where you can create and send your
own outgoing e-mail and fax messages. You can also set
up short “reminders” for yourself, family members, and
friends who use your computer.
Power Management allows you to program the automatic
power saving features of your computer.

12
QUICK START GUIDE
The Remote Control
The optional infra-red remote control makes your
computer easier to use.
It works with all Easy Manager programs, and also with
the audio CD Player and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
The remote will only work with TV tuner cards that are
approved by Mitsubishi Electric PC Division.
The remote control operates on two AA batteries, which
are provided. Insert the batteries as shown on the right.
Hint
To find out more about the remote control, click on the
Mitsubishi Electric symbol in the Windows taskbar, then
click Help.
-
+-
+

APRICOT MS SERIES OWNER’S HANDBOOK
COMPACT
D
ESKTOP
(MW) E
DITION

Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the US and other countries.
FireWire and the FIREWIRE logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the US and other countries.
Other trademarks mentioned within this document and not listed above are the properties of their respective owners.
Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the
part of Apricot Computers Limited. Any software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement. The
software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of this agreement. It is against the law to copy any disk
supplied for any purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical including
photocopying and recording, for any purpose, without the express written permission of the publishers.
Copyright © Apricot Computers Limited 1997. All rights reserved.
Published by:
Apricot Computers Limited
3500 Parkside
Birmingham Business Park
Birmingham, England
B37 7YS
http://www.apricot.co.uk
Printed in the United Kingdom

SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES
I
Safety and Regulatory Notices
Electrical
The computer uses a safety ground and must be earthed.
The system unit AC power cord is its ‘disconnect device’. Ensure
that the system unit is positioned close to the AC power outlet and
that the plug is easily accessible.
The power cord packed with the computer complies with the safety
standards applicable in the country in which it is first sold. Use only
this power cord. Do not substitute a power cord from any other
equipment.
To prevent fire and electric shock, do not expose any part of the
computer to rain or moisture. Turn off the computer and unplug
all power cords before moving or cleaning the system unit, or
removing the system unit top cover.
Battery
This product contains a lithium battery.
Do not use a metal or other conductive implement to remove the
battery. If a short-circuit is made between its positive and negative
terminals the battery may explode.
Replace a discharged battery with one of the same type; another
type may explode or ignite. Follow the instructions contained in the
Owner’s Handbook to replace the battery.
Dispose of a discharged battery promptly and in accordance with
the battery manufacturer’s recommended instructions. Do not
recharge, disassemble or incinerate the discharged battery. Keep
away from children.
Laser products
Any CD-ROM drive fitted in this system is classified as a CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT according to IEC825 Radiation Safety of Laser
Products (Equipment Classification: Requirements and User's Guide).
The CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT label is located on the
underside of the system unit.
The CD-ROM drive contains a laser system which is harmful to
the eyes if exposed. Do not attempt to disassemble the CD-ROM
drive; if a fault occurs, call an authorised maintainer.
Use the CD-ROM drive only as described in this manual. Failure
to do so may result in exposure to hazardous radiation.
Ergonomic
When positioning the system unit, monitor and keyboard, take into
account any local or national regulations relating to ergonomic
requirements.

SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES
II
Anti-static precautions
Static electricity can cause permanent damage to electronic
components. You should be aware of this risk, and take precautions
against the discharge of static electricity into the computer.
Anyone can generate static electricity by moving on a chair,
brushing against desks or walls, or simply walking across an
ordinary carpet. Items handed from one person to another, or being
wrapped or unwrapped, can acquire a static charge. Air
conditioning systems can also result in ambient static. Clothing
made of synthetic fibres is particularly likely to generate static
electricity; this static electricity is often completely unnoticed by the
wearer, but can be sufficient to cripple or impair an electronic
component.
The computer is at risk from static discharge while the top cover is
off. This is because the electronic components of the motherboard
are exposed. Memory modules, expansion cards and replacement
processors are other examples of electrostatic sensitive devices
(ESSDs).
All work that involves removing the cover must be done in an area
completely free of static electricity. We recommend using a Special
Handling Area (SHA) as defined by EN 100015-1: 1992. This
means that working surfaces, floor coverings and chairs must be
connected to a common earth reference point, and you should wear
an earthed wrist strap and anti-static clothing. It is also a good idea
to use an ionizer or humidifier to remove static from the air.
When installing any upgrade, be sure you understand what the
installation procedure involves before you start. This will enable
you to plan your work, and so minimise the amount of time that
sensitive components are exposed.
Do not remove the system unit cover, nor the anti-static bag or
wrapping of any upgrade, until you need to.
Handle static-sensitive items with extreme care. Hold expansion
cards and add-on components only by their edges, avoiding their
electrical contacts. Never touch the components or electrical
contacts on the motherboard or on expansion cards. In general, do
not handle static-sensitive items unnecessarily.
Keep all conductive material, and food and drink, away from your
work area and the open computer.
Thermalcote bonding compound
The thermal bonding compound used between the system
processor and its heat sink can cause skin irritation and stain
clothing. Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin. Wash
thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with
eyes and inhalation of fumes. Do not ingest.

SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES
III
Transporting
Use common sense when handling the computer; hard disks in
particular can be damaged if the computer is dropped or handled
roughly. As a precaution, back up the contents of the hard disks to
tape or diskettes before moving the computer.
Don’t try to move the computer while it is plugged into the AC
power supply or with any other cables, including network cables,
still attached.
When lifting and carrying the computer, grip the metal underside
of the system unit. Never attempt to lift the system unit with a
monitor on top.
If you need to transport the computer any great distance, use the
original packing materials.
Maintenance
Do not use sprays, solvents or abrasives that might damage the
system unit surface. Do not use cleaning fluids or sprays near air
vents, ports, or the diskette and CD-ROM drives.
Occasionally wipe the system unit with a soft, slightly damp, lint-
free cloth.
Occasionally wipe over the air vents on the rear and sides of the
system unit. Dust and fluff can block the vents and limit the
airflow.
Occasionally clean the diskette and CD-ROM drives using a
proprietary head cleaner.
Occasionally wipe the monitor with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free
cloth. It is best to use anti-static glass cleaner on the monitor screen,
but do not spray glass cleaner directly onto the screen; it could run
down inside the case and damage the circuitry.

SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES
IV
Power Connection
Typical AC plugs
250V
E
LN
E
NL
250V
E
NL
125V
BS1363A SHUCO NEMA 5-15P
U. K. Austria Belgium Taiwan
Finland France Thailand
Italy Germany Japan
Sweden Norway USA
Holland Canada
250V
NL
E
250V
SRAF 1962/DB16/87 ASE 1011
Denmark Switzerland
Checking the AC power supply
When this product is delivered, it is ready for the commercial AC
power supply generally available in the country in which it is first
sold. It has been set for the correct voltage range, and is supplied
with an AC power cord and plug which comply with the relevant
safety standards. Before using the product in a country other than
that in which it was originally sold, you must check the voltage and
frequency of that country’s AC power supply, and the type of
power cord required there. Check the power rating labels on the
rear of the computer’s system unit and its monitor to ensure that
they are compatible with the AC power supply.
The computer can function within two alternative AC power
supply ranges, according to the position of the voltage selection
switch on the rear of the system unit:
Switch setting AC power supply (voltage and frequency)
115 100 - 120 volt AC, 50 - 60 Hz
230 200 - 240 volt AC, 50 - 60 Hz
The voltage setting of the monitor must always be the same as the
voltage setting of the system unit. See the User Guide that
accompanies the monitor or consult your supplier to find out how
to change the voltage setting.
It is imperative that the computer is set to the correct voltage range
before use. If not, the machine may be irreparably damaged.

SAFETY & REGULATORY NOTICES
V
Connecting to the AC power supply
Important
Any peripheral equipment that requires an AC power cord must be
earthed.
Use the following guidance to connect the components together. It
is important that you take each step in the order indicated.
1. Before connecting any components, ensure that the AC
power supply is switched off or disconnected, and that the
system unit, the monitor, and any peripherals are turned off.
2. Connect the components’ signal cables to their respective
ports on the system unit: keyboard, mouse, monitor, audio
(where appropriate) and any other peripherals. Where
appropriate, connect the computer to the network.
3. Connect the components’ power cords: monitor to system
unit, and system unit and any other peripherals to nearby,
grounded AC power outlets. Then switch on or connect the
AC power supply.
4. Turn on the system unit first, then the monitor, then other
peripherals.
Power Cable Connections - UK ONLY
This equipment is supplied with an AC power cord that has a non-
removable moulded plug.
Always replace the fuse with one of the same type and rating which
is BSI or ASTA approved to BS1362. Always refit the fuse cover,
never use the plug with the fuse cover omitted.
Standards
Safety
This product complies with the International safety standard
IEC950 and the European safety standard EN60950 which will,
when applicable, include the national deviations for the country in
which it is first sold.
Electro-magnetic Compatibility (EMC)
This product complies with the following European EMC
standards:
Emissions EN50022 Class B
Immunity EN50082-1
This product also complies with the following International EMC
standard:
VCCI Level 1 (Japan)