NEC VERSA S User manual

First Printing — May 1994
Copyright 1994 Copyright 1994
NEC Technologies, Inc. NEC Corporation
1414 Massachusetts Avenue 7-1 Shiba 5-Chrome, Minato-Ku
Boxborough, MA 01719 Tokyo 108-01, Japan
All Rights Reserved All Rights Reserved
PROPRIETARY NOTICE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related
materials, is the valuable property of NEC Corporation (NEC) and/or its licensors.
NEC and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other
proprietary rights to this document, including all design, manufacturing,
reproduction, use, and sales rights thereto, except to the extent said rights are
expressly granted to others.
The NEC product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance with
the terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However, actual
performance of each such product is dependent upon factors such as system
configuration, customer data, and operator control. Since implementation by
customers of each product may vary, the suitability of specific product
configurations and applications must be determined by the customer and is not
warranted by NEC.
To allow for design and specification improvements, the information in this
document is subject to change at any time, without notice. Reproduction of this
document or portions thereof without prior written approval of NEC is prohibited.
UltraCare is a U.S. registered trademark of NEC Technologies, Inc.
Versa and SurePoint are U.S. trademarks of NEC Technologies, Inc.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective trademark owners.

About this Guide ix
About this Guide
This Versa™ S Series User’s Guide contains all the infor-
mation you need to use your notebook computer. To help
you get the most out of your Versa S, this guide describes
system features, options, and setup programs.
Read the following chapters to find out more about your
Versa S.
■Chapter 1 gives basic information like opening and
closing the LCD panel, attaching the external diskette
drive, connecting the AC adapter, and turning on
the system.
This chapter also describes the Versa S keyboard,
buttons, controls, and other features.
■Chapter 2 offers ideas for using your Versa S in the
office, at meetings, and on the road.
■Chapter 3 focuses on using options, like PCMCIA
cards, external printers, monitors, and keyboards.
■Chapter 4 introduces the Versa S System Configuration
Utility (SCU). This software lets you change the system
date and time, set a password, and define many other
system options.
■Chapter 5 describes how to use power management
options to conserve energy and save battery power.
■Chapter 6 gives you a checklist to follow if you have
problems with the Versa S. Solutions are also suggested.
■Chapter 7 provides telephone numbers for NEC help and
information lines. This chapter guides you to locating
the help you need for basic system service or upgrades.

x About this Guide
■Appendix A lists system specifications.
■Appendix B describes Advanced Power Management
settings and the Communications Assistant.
Use this guide along with the software documentation that
comes with your Versa S.
TEXT SETUP
To make this guide as easy to use as possible, text is set up
in the following ways.
■Cautions, notes, and tips have the following format.
CAUTION: Cautions indicate situations that can
damage the system hardware or software.
NOTE: Notes give particularly important information
about whatever is being described.
TIPS: Tips give helpful hints about getting the most
out of your system.
■Names of keys are printed as they appear on the key-
board, for example, Ctrl, Alt, or Enter.
■Text that you have to type or keys that you must press
are presented in bold type. For example, type dir and
press Enter.

About this Guide xi
RELATED DOCUMENTS
In addition to this guide, a number of other documents ship
with your Versa S system, including the following.
■The Versa S Series Quick Setup sheet shows you how to
set up your system after you unpack it.
■The Versa S Battery User’s Guide gives hints about
extending the life of your battery pack and suggests
energy conserving techniques.
■The Versa Series Quick Reference Card contains brief
descriptions of function keys, LEDs, NEC help tele-
phone numbers and troubleshooting tips. Tuck this card
inside the Versa S when you take it with you. The card
is designed as quick portable reference to frequently
used functions.
■The Versa Series PCMCIA Card User’s Guide con-
tains information about optional PCMCIA cards, their
installation, and use.
■A Microsoft®Windows™ user’s guide is a comprehen-
sive source of information for using Windows.
■The MS-DOS®user’s guide provides information about
the MS-DOS operating system that is pre-loaded on
your Versa S.

Contents iii
Contents
About this Guide ...................................................................... ix
Text Setup ............................................................... x
Related Documents................................................... xi
1 Getting to Know Your Versa S
What’s in the Box .................................................... 1-2
The Outside of the Unit ............................................ 1-3
AC Adapter Features........................................... 1-7
Diskette Drive Features ....................................... 1-8
Versa S Setup .......................................................... 1-9
Opening the LCD Panel....................................... 1-9
Closing the LCD Panel........................................ 1-9
Connecting the AC Adapter................................. 1-10
Attaching the Diskette Drive................................ 1-11
Disconnecting the Diskette Drive ......................... 1-12
Replacing a Battery Pack..................................... 1-12
Turning On the Versa S....................................... 1-14
Features................................................................... 1-15
LCD Panel.......................................................... 1-16
Keyboard............................................................ 1-16
Functions Keys............................................... 1-17
Typewriter Keys............................................. 1-17
SurePoint and Selection Buttons ..................... 1-18
Cursor Control Keys ...................................... 1-19
Embedded Keypad.......................................... 1-19
Control Keys.................................................. 1-20
LED Status Bar................................................... 1-22
Controls.............................................................. 1-24
Online Help......................................................... 1-25
System Care............................................................. 1-25
Precautions ......................................................... 1-26
Storage Requirements.......................................... 1-27
Routine Cleaning................................................. 1-27

iv Contents
2 Using Your Versa S
In the Office............................................................. 2-1
Organizing and Managing Your Work ................. 2-1
Time Management.......................................... 2-2
Contact Management...................................... 2-2
Data Management.......................................... 2-2
Scanner.......................................................... 2-3
Security ......................................................... 2-3
Creating Presentations......................................... 2-3
Creating Slides and Charts ............................. 2-3
Using a CD-ROM.......................................... 2-3
Using Audio................................................... 2-4
Communicating from Your Office........................ 2-4
Modem........................................................... 2-4
Pager ............................................................. 2-4
Data Transfer................................................. 2-4
E-Mail ........................................................... 2-5
Unwinding with the Versa S ................................ 2-5
In Meetings.............................................................. 2-5
Creating Agendas and Outlines............................ 2-5
Organizing Teams and Goals............................... 2-6
Communicating the Essentials ............................. 2-6
VGA Connector ............................................. 2-6
Wireless LAN ................................................ 2-6
Giving Demos ..................................................... 2-6
On the Road............................................................. 2-7
Creating Your Own Itinerary............................... 2-7
Organizing on Your Trip..................................... 2-7
Communicating with Home ................................. 2-7
Modem........................................................... 2-8
Pagers............................................................ 2-8
Global Positioning.......................................... 2-8
Unwinding on the Road ....................................... 2-8
Before You Go......................................................... 2-9
Checking Power Connections............................... 2-9
Taking What You Need....................................... 2-10
What to Do ......................................................... 2-11

Contents v
3 Adding Options
PCMCIA Cards ....................................................... 3-2
Modem Card Connection..................................... 3-3
External Devices ...................................................... 3-6
Parallel Devices................................................... 3-7
Serial Devices ..................................................... 3-8
Keyboard............................................................ 3-9
Mouse................................................................. 3-10
Monitor............................................................... 3-12
4 Using the SCU
What Is the SCU? .................................................... 4-1
SCU Access............................................................. 4-2
SCU Use.................................................................. 4-3
SCU Menu Options.................................................. 4-4
Standard ............................................................. 4-4
Date............................................................... 4-4
Time.............................................................. 4-4
COM Port A.................................................. 4-4
Stick Pointer (SurePoint)................................ 4-5
LPT Port Address .......................................... 4-5
Diskette Drive................................................ 4-5
Hard Disk ...................................................... 4-5
Video Display ................................................ 4-6
Preferences.......................................................... 4-6
Quick Boot..................................................... 4-6
Num Lock...................................................... 4-6
Boot Speed..................................................... 4-6
Typematic Rate.............................................. 4-7
Typematic Delay............................................ 4-7
Boot Password............................................... 4-7
SCU Password............................................... 4-8
First Boot....................................................... 4-8
VGA................................................................... 4-9
Display Mode................................................. 4-9
Memory .............................................................. 4-9
Cache Enable................................................. 4-9

vi Contents
Power Mgmt ....................................................... 4-9
Defaults.............................................................. 4-10
Exit..................................................................... 4-11
5 Utilizing Power Management
What Is Power Management..................................... 5-1
Power Management Access ................................. 5-2
Power Management Setup ................................... 5-3
Menu Options .......................................................... 5-4
Controls.............................................................. 5-4
Power Savings................................................ 5-5
LCD Bright Ctrl............................................. 5-5
Battery Low................................................... 5-5
Alarm Resume ............................................... 5-5
Cover Close Switch........................................ 5-6
Beeper On/Off................................................ 5-6
System................................................................ 5-6
CPU Idle........................................................ 5-6
Global Standby .............................................. 5-7
Auto Suspend................................................. 5-7
Video Monitoring........................................... 5-8
Device................................................................. 5-8
Video............................................................. 5-8
Hard Disk ...................................................... 5-9
Defaults.............................................................. 5-9
Exit..................................................................... 5-9
APM Program.......................................................... 5-10
Extending Battery Life ............................................. 5-11
6 Solving Problems
Problem Checklist .................................................... 6-1
Start-Up Problems.................................................... 6-3
If You Need Assistance ............................................ 6-5
Direct Technical Support..................................... 6-5
Remote Technical Support................................... 6-6
Features.............................................................. 6-7

Contents vii
7 If You Need Help
UltraCare Support.................................................... 7-2
Support from the NEC Reseller ................................ 7-3
Support from NEC................................................... 7-4
NEC FastFacts.................................................... 7-4
NEC Bulletin Board System ................................ 7-5
What Is the BBS?........................................... 7-5
How Do You Use the BBS?............................ 7-6
NEC Technical Support ...................................... 7-7
NEC Customer Service Response Center............. 7-7
Mail-In Service ........................................................ 7-7
Maintenance Contracts............................................. 7-8
A Specifications
B Other Utilities
APM........................................................................ B-1
Features.............................................................. B-1
Hardware............................................................ B-2
System................................................................ B-3
Device Status...................................................... B-3
NEC Communications Assistant............................... B-6
Glossary
Index
List of Tables
Troubleshooting ....................................................... 6-2
POST Error Messages.............................................. 6-4
Status of Devices in Auto Suspend Mode.................. B-4
Status of Devices in Power Saving Modes................. B-5

Getting to Know Your Versa S 1-1
Getting to Know Your
Versa S
The Versa™ S is a terrific tool that’s so easy to take along
that you’ll soon find it indispensable. The Versa S gives you
heavy-duty computing power in a lightweight package.
This versatile notebook computer weighs in under 5 pounds
and puts everything you need from a computer at your
fingertips. A SurePoint™ pointer replaces the traditional
mouse and is part of the keyboard. Two easy-to-reach
buttons replace the mouse selection buttons.
The keyboard itself is positioned towards the back of the
system base. This ergonomic design gives you a palm rest
for comfort. It also makes the Versa S easy to use when
you’re in a tight spot, like a narrow airplane seat.
This chapter describes the basic features, connectors, but-
tons, and controls on your Versa S. It also describes how to
connect the basic devices you need to use the system. Read
it to familiarize yourself with your system.
1

1-2 Getting to Know Your Versa S
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
Check the box when you unpack your Versa S. You should
have the equipment and documents shown in the following
figure. If anything is missing, contact your dealer.
Carton contents
When you first unpack your Versa S, follow the instruc-
tions on the quick setup sheet. They’ll help you get your
notebook computer up and running quickly. After setting
up your system the first time, use the instructions found in
this chapter.
Software
Diskettes
Documentation AC Adapter
Power
Cable
Versa S
Drive
Diskette

Getting to Know Your Versa S 1-3
THE OUTSIDE OF THE UNIT
Versa S external features are shown and described next.
You can see these ports, buttons, and features without
opening the LCD panel.
Some of the ports on the back of the system are behind a
protective cover. Use your fingernail to press down the port
cover latch and swing the cover open.
Opening the port cover
Port
Cover
Latch

1-4 Getting to Know Your Versa S
The following figure shows the ports on the back of the
system.
Ports on the back of the Versa S
■Power port. Lets you plug in the AC adapter so you can
run the Versa S on AC power.
■Keyboard/Mouse port. Gives you the option of attaching
a PS/2-style external keyboard or mouse to the system.
■Parallel port. Provides a place to connect an external
device, like a printer.
■Diskette Drive port. Gives you a quick and easy connec-
tion for using the external diskette drive.
■Monitor port. Allows you to attach a super VGA exter-
nal monitor for use with your system.
■Serial port. Lets you attach a serial device, like a serial
printer, to your Versa S.
Power
Port
Port
Mouse
Keyboard/
Parallel
Port
Port
Drive
Diskette
VGA
Monitor
Port Port
Serial

Getting to Know Your Versa S 1-5
The following figure shows features on the side and front of
the Versa S.
Side and front features
■Reset button. Lets you restart your system without
turning off power. (Only use this button if your system
locks up and fails to respond to keystrokes.)
■Power button. Lets you power on and power off your
Versa S. Simply push in the button.
■PCMCIA slots. Allows you to add optional PCMCIA
cards to enhance your system. The protective cover
keeps dust and foreign objects from getting into the unit.
■LCD latch. Locks the LCD panel when the system is
not in use. Also releases the LCD panel to let you use
the system.
Reset
Button
Power
Button Slot
PCMCIA
Latch
LCD

1-6 Getting to Know Your Versa S
You can see the features shown in the following figure when
you turn the system upside down.
Bottom view
■Retractable legs — let you adjust the angle at which the
system sits on a flat surface.
■Battery Release latch — secures and releases the battery
pack.
■Battery pack — provides battery power for running the
Versa S.
Retractable
Legs
Release
Latch
Battery
Battery
Pack

Getting to Know Your Versa S 1-7
AC Adapter Features
AC adapter features are shown in the following figure.
AC adapter features
■The AC Power LED lights when you connect the AC
power cable to the adapter and a wall outlet. The LED
lights even if the adapter is not attached to the Versa S.
■The Power Connector plugs into the power port on the
Versa S.
■The AC power cable port (not shown) lets you attach the
AC power cable to the adapter.
AC Power
Cable Port
(not shown)
AC Power LED
Connector
Power

1-8 Getting to Know Your Versa S
Diskette Drive Features
Diskette drive features are shown in the following figure.
Diskette drive features
■The diskette drive cable connector plugs into a special
port on the back of the system. It has two locking tabs
that secure the connection.
■The diskette drive Disk Release button allows you to
remove a diskette from the drive.
■The drive busy lamps lights when the diskette drive
is accessed.
Locking Tabs
Diskette
Release
Button
Drive
Busy
Lamp
Cable
Connector

Getting to Know Your Versa S 1-9
VERSA S SETUP
Follow the simple instructions in the next few sections to set
up your Versa S system.
Opening the LCD Panel
Open the LCD panel on the Versa S notebook as follows.
1. Locate the LCD latch on the front of the Versa S.
2. Slide the latch up and raise the LCD panel.
3. Adjust the panel to a comfortable viewing angle of up to
180 degrees.
Opening the LCD panel
Closing the LCD Panel
To close the LCD panel, simply lower the panel over the
keyboard. Press down until the latch catches to secure the
LCD panel.
Latch
LCD

1-10 Getting to Know Your Versa S
Connecting the AC Adapter
To use AC power, attach the AC adapter to your computer
as follows.
1. Plug the AC adapter cable connector into the power port
on the back of the system.
2. Connect one end of the power cable to the AC adapter.
3. Connect the other end to a properly grounded wall
outlet.
The LED on the AC adapter lights once the AC power
cable is connected to the adapter and a wall outlet.
Attaching the AC adapter
NOTE: When the AC adapter is attached to the
Versa S and a wall outlet, the Charge LED on the
system lights. The LED remains lit until you press
the power button and power on the system. To find
out what the Charge LED means, see “LED Status
Bar” later in this chapter.
Power
Port
AC
Adapter AC
Power
Cable

Getting to Know Your Versa S 1-11
Attaching the Diskette Drive
You can use your Versa S notebook with or without its
external diskette drive attached. Attach the diskette drive as
follows.
1. Turn off Versa S system power.
NOTE: Some programs do not recognize the
diskette drive unless the drive is attached when you
start up the system.
2. Open the port cover on the back of the system and locate
the diskette drive port.
3. Fit the drive cable connector over the port and press
them together. They only fit one way.
Once the connector clicks into place, the attachment
is secure.
Connecting the diskette drive
4. Put the diskette drive in a convenient location next to the
Versa S.
Diskette
Drive Port
Cable
Connector