Toshiba PORTEGE 650CT User manual

11
FindingYour
WayAround
theSystem
You’ve bought your Portégé 650CT computer and taken every-
thing out of the box. Now you may be asking yourself, “OK, what
do I do?” Well, this chapter explains how to set up your computer,
gives you tips on working comfortably and takes you on a tour of
the computer’s features.
Make Sure You Have Everything
Your Portégé 650CT computer comes with everything you need
to get up and running quickly. However, before you rush off, it's a
good idea to make sure you received everything you were sup-
posed to. This information is listed on the Quick Start Card at the
top of the box.
If any items are missing or damaged, notify your dealer immedi-
ately. For additional help, contact Toshiba as described in “If You
Need Further Assistance” on page 334.

Finding Your Way Around the System
Select a Place to Work
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
2
Select a Place to Work
Your Portégé 650CT is a portable computer, designed to be used
in a variety of circumstances and locations. However, by giving
some thought to your work environment, you can protect the com-
puter and make your work hours more comfortable.
Keep the Computer Comfortable
Use a flat surface with enough room to operate comfortably. If
you're planning to use a printer or other external device, make sure
there's enough space for it as well.
To keep your computer in prime operating condition, make sure
your work area is free from:
❖dust, moisture and direct sunlight.
❖liquids and corrosive chemicals.
Don’t spill liquids into the computer. If you spill a liquid into
the keyboard, turn the computer off, unplug it from the AC
power source, and let it dry completely before turning it on
again.
If the computer does not operate correctly after you turn it
back on, contact a Toshiba authorized service provider.
❖objects that generate a strong electromagnetic field, such as
stereo speakers or speakerphones.
❖rapid changes in temperature or humidity and sources of tem-
perature changes such as air conditioner vents or heaters.
❖extreme heat, cold or humidity. Operate the computer within a
temperature range of 40 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 35
degrees Celsius) and a relative humidity of 20 to 80 percent.

Finding Your Way Around the System
SelectaPlacetoWork
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
3
Keep Yourself Comfortable
Strain and stress injuries are becoming more common as people
spend more time using their computers. However, with a little care
and proper use of the equipment, you can work comfortably
throughout the day.
Using the computer keyboard incorrectly can result in dis-
comfort and possible injury. If your hands, wrists, and/or
arms bother you while typing, discontinue using the com-
puter and rest. If discomfort persists, consult a physician.
In addition to the hints provided in the following sections, there
are a number of books available on ergonomics, repetitive strain
injury, and repetitive stress syndrome.
Placement of the Computer
Proper placement of the computer and external devices is impor-
tant to avoid stress-related injuries:
❖Place the computer on a flat surface at a comfortable height
and distance. Your arms and hands should be in a relaxed posi-
tion with your forearms parallel to the floor. The top of the
LCD display should be no higher than eye level.
❖Maintain good posture with your body relaxed and your
weight distributed evenly. You should be able to type without
twisting your torso or neck, and see the display panel without
slouching.
❖Adjust the display panel to avoid glare.
❖Adjust the angle of the computer’s keyboard by unfolding the
keyboard legs.
❖If you use a paper holder, set it at about the same height and
distance as the computer.

Finding Your Way Around the System
Select a Place to Work
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
4
Seating and Posture
Proper seating is one of the primary factors in reducing work
strain. Some people find an ergonomic (backless) chair more com-
fortable than a conventional chair. Whichever type you choose,
refer to the following guidelines to adjust your chair for maximum
computing comfort.
Correct posture and positioning of the computer
❖Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly below the
level of your elbow. You should be able to type comfortably
with your shoulders relaxed.
If you are using a conventional chair:
❖Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. If neces-
sary, use a foot rest to raise the level of your knees and ease the
pressure on the back of your thighs.
❖Adjust the back of your chair so it supports the lower curve of
your spine. If necessary, use a cushion to provide extra back
support. Lower back support cushions are available at many
office supply stores.
❖Sit with your back straight so that your knees, hips and elbows
form approximately 90 degree angles when you work. Do not
slump forward or lean back too far.
Below eye level
Foot rest
Approximately 90
degree angles

Finding Your Way Around the System
Selecta PlacetoWork
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
5
Lighting
Proper lighting can improve the legibility of the display and
reduce eye strain.
❖Position the display panel so that sunlight or bright indoor
lighting does not reflect off the screen. Use tinted windows or
shades to reduce glare.
❖Avoid placing your computer in front of a bright light that
could shine directly in your eyes.
❖If possible, use soft, indirect lighting in your computer work
area.
Arms and Wrists
❖Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Keep them in
a relaxed, neutral position while typing.
❖Exercise your hands, wrists and arms to improve circulation.
Work Habits
The key to avoiding discomfort or injury from repetitive strain is
to vary your activities. If possible, schedule a variety of tasks into
your work day. Finding ways to break up the routine can reduce
stress and improve your efficiency.
❖Take frequent breaks to change position, stretch your muscles,
and relieve your eyes.
❖Avoid performing repetitive activities for prolonged periods of
time. Vary activities from one task to another.
❖Focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods
of time can cause eye strain. Look away from the computer
frequently and focus your eyes on a distant object.

Finding Your Way Around the System
Find Out Where Everything's Located
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
6
Find Out Where Everything's Located
If you've never used a notebook computer before, you're probably
wondering how an entire computer can fit into so small a case.
The next few pages take you on a guided tour of the computer and
its components.
Rather than reading through this section, you may prefer to use it
as a reference as you move through the remainder of the manual
and need to locate specific parts of the computer. This information
is also available in the electronic form of this manual, described in
“Using the Electronic Guide” on page 283.
Don't worry if you don't know what some parts of the computer
do. Some items in this tour support more advanced computing
functions that you may want to use as your computing needs and
skills increase.
The Front with the Display Closed
The front with the display closed
The line-in jack provides an audio input connection for an exter-
nal stereo device, like a CD-ROM drive.
The microphone jack provides a connection for an external mon-
aural microphone. Connecting an external microphone automati-
cally disables the internal microphone.
The 3.5mm headphone jack provides a connection for stereo
headphones or other audio devices requiring an audio-out jack.
Connecting headphones or any other audio device automatically
disables the system speaker.
Line-in jack
Headphone jack
Microphone jack
Speaker Display latch
System indicator panel
PC Card eject buttons

Finding Your Way Around the System
FindOutWhereEverything's Located
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
7
The system speaker lets you hear system alarms and sounds asso-
ciated with your software.
The lights on the system indicator panel indicate the status of
various system functions. See “The System Indicator Panel” on
page 12 for a description of the panel lights.
Pressing the display latch opens the computer's display panel. For
more information, see “Open the Display” on page 24.
The PCCard ejectbuttonsallow you to eject a PC Card from the
PC Card slot located on the right side of the computer. For more
information, see “Ejecting a PC Card” on page 164.
The Left Side
The left side
Attaching a special cable to the security lock slot lets you anchor
your computer to your desk or other large, heavy object. For more
information, see “Applying Physical Restraints” on page 247.
The external diskette drive port provides a connection for the
external diskette drive. The diskette drive is compatible with
1.44MB and 720KB 3.5-inch diskettes. For more information, see
“Connecting the External Diskette Drive” on page 20.
The monitor port provides a connection for an external monitor.
For more information, see “Using an External Monitor” on
page 189.
The PS/2®port provides a connection for an optional PS/2 mouse
or keyboard. For more information, see “Using an External Key-
board” on page 192 or “Using a PS/2 Mouse” on page 195.
Monitor port Power button Modem/fax jack
Volume control
Reset button
PS/2 portPort coverExternal diskette drive port
Security
lock slot

Finding Your Way Around the System
Find Out Where Everything's Located
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
8
Pressing the power button turns the computer on and off. For
more information, see “Turn the Computer On” on page 25.
Pressing the reset button restarts the computer. Use this button
only if all other attempts at restarting the computer have failed.
The volume control dial lets you adjust the loudness of the
system speaker.
The modem/fax (RJ-11) jack lets you connect your computer to
a standard telephone line. For more information, see “Connecting
to a Telephone Line” on page 170.
The port cover protects the ports that allow you to connect an
external video device, PS/2 mouse/keyboard, and external diskette
drive.
The Back
The back
To uncover the ports, open the port cover by pulling down on its
center tab, and slide the cover into the slot at the lower edge of the
computer.
The power socket is where you plug in the AC adapter. For more
information, see “Connect to a Power Source” on page 15.
Use the parallel port to connect a printer or other parallel device.
For more information, see “Connecting a Parallel Printer” on
page 23.
On
Expansion port coverParallel port Serial port
Power socket Infrared port Cooling fan

Finding Your Way Around the System
FindOutWhereEverything's Located
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
9
The expansion port cover protects the computer’s expansion
port. By connecting the docking adapter to this port, you can
attach the computer to the optional NoteDock II Enhanced Port
Replicator or the Desk Station V Plus docking station. These
devices provide additional expansion capability while using your
computer at your desk. For more information, see “Using the
Optional NoteDock II Enhanced Port Replicator” on page 199 or
“Using the Optional Desk Station V Plus” on page 205.
The infrared port lets your Portégé 650CT communicate with
another infrared compatible device such as another computer or
printer. For more information, see “Transferring Files to Another
Computer” on page 95.
The serial port provides a connection for a serial mouse, printer
or other serial device. For more information, see “Using a Serial
Mouse” on page 194.
The cooling fan allows the processor to perform at maximum
speed by providing additional cooling to the computer’s Pentium
processor.
The Right Side
The right side
The PCCard slotcoverprotects the PC Card slots. These slots let
you install up to two Type I or Type II PC Cards or one Type III
PC Card. For more information, see “Little Cards that Do Big
Things” on page 157.
The battery release latch prevents accidental release of the
battery cover.
IR
PC Card slot cover Battery release latch

Finding Your Way Around the System
Find Out Where Everything's Located
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
10
The Underside
The underside
The notches align the computer with the docking adapter, which
allows you to use an optional NoteDock II Enhanced Port Repli-
cator or Desk Station V Plus. For more information, see “Using
the Optional NoteDock II Enhanced Port Replicator” on page 199
or “Using the Optional Desk Station V Plus” on page 205.
There are two keyboard legs on the bottom of the computer.
Using the legs together lets you adjust the angle of the computer.
The battery release latch prevents accidental release of the
battery cover.
The memoryexpansion slot coverprotects a slot for adding extra
memory to your computer. For more information, see “Adding
Memory (Optional)” on page 16.
The power button lock prevents the power from being turned on
inadvertently.
Notches
Keyboard leg
Keyboard leg
Memory
Battery release
latch
expansion
slot cover
Power
button lock