Toshiba Satellite 200 Series User manual

11
FindingYour
Wayaround
theSystem
You’ve bought your new computer and taken everything out of the
box. Now you may be asking yourself, “OK, what do I do?” Well,
this chapter helps you 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 Satellite 200 Series 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
supposed 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 296.

Finding Your Way around the System
Select a Place To Work
2
Select a Place To Work
The Satellite 200 Series is a portable computer, designed to be
used in a variety of circumstances and locations. However, by giv-
ing some thought to your work environment, you can protect the
computer 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 (except ones you have connected to the com-
puter) 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 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 35
degrees Celsius) and a relative non-condensing humidity of 20
to 80 percent.

Finding Your Way around the System
SelectaPlaceToWork 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
important 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 dis-
play 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.
❖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
4
Seating and Posture
Proper seating is one of the primary factors in reducing work
strain. Some people find a backless chair more comfortable than a
conventional chair. Whichever type you choose, refer to the fol-
lowing 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 Approximately90
degree angles

Finding Your Way around the System
SelectaPlaceToWork 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 keyto 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
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 40.
Don't worry if you don't know what some parts of the computer
do. Some items in this tour are for 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
Pressing the display latch opens the computer's display panel. For
more information, see “Open the Display” on page 26.
The volume control dial lets you adjust the loudness of the
system speaker.
The 3.5 mm headphone jack lets you connect stereo headphones
or other audio output devices, such as external speakers. Connect-
ing headphones or other devices to this jack disables the internal
speaker automatically.
The speaker lets you hear system alarms and sounds associated
with your software. For more information, see “Using External
Speakers or Headphones” on page 160.
Display latchHeadphone jack
Volume control dial
Speaker

Finding Your Way around the System
FindOutWhereEverything'sLocated 7
The Left Side
The left side
The port cover protects the serial port and diskette drive port.
The serial port lets you connect a serial mouse, printer or other
serial device. For more information, see “Using an External
Modem” on page 187.
The diskette drive port lets you connect the external 3.5-inch dis-
kette drive if you have a CD-ROM drive module installed in the
computer’s SelectBay™.
Pressing the reset button restarts the computer. Use this button if
all other attempts at restarting the computer have failed.
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 238.
Pressing the power button turns the computer on and off. For
more information, see “Turn the Computer On” on page 27.
<<illustrationleftmargin pcmcia.bmp>>The PC card slot lets you
install up to two Type I or Type II, or one Type III PCMCIA-com-
patible PC cards. For more information, see “Little Cards That Do
Big Things” on page 173.
The 3.5 mm microphone jack lets you connect an external
monaural microphone or other audio input device. Connecting a
microphone or other device to this jack disables the internal micro-
phone automatically.
The line-in jack lets you play and record stereo sound from an
external audio device, such as a stereo system.
Serial port
Reset button
Security lock slot Power button
PC card slot
Microphone jackLine-in jack
Diskette drive port Port cover
On

Finding Your Way around the System
Find Out Where Everything's Located
8
The Back
The back
The PS/2 port provides access to an optional external PS/2-com-
patible mouse or keyboard. For more information, see “Using an
External Keyboard” on page 215.
The monitor port allows you to connect an external monitor. For
more information, see “Using an External Monitor” on page 211.
The NoteDock™port allows you to connect the optional Note-
Dock. The NoteDock provides all the ports of the Satellite 200
Series computer and a PS/2 keyboard port, PS/2 mouse port, line-
out jack, joystick/MIDI port, and two additional type III PC Card
slots. For more information, see “Using the Optional NoteDock”
on page 223.
Keep foreign objects away from this port. Pins and other
small objects can slip inside the port and damage computer
circuitry.
The power socket is where you plug in the power cord. For more
information, see “Connect to a Power Source” on page 15.
The parallel port lets you connect a printer or other parallel
device, including ECP-compatible devices. For more information,
see “Connecting a Parallel Printer” on page 24.
PS/2 port
Monitor port
NoteDock port
Power socket
Parallel port
Infrared port
CPU Fan

Finding Your Way around the System
FindOutWhereEverything'sLocated 9
The serial infrared port allows cableless communication with a
computer, printer or other device that has an infrared port. For
information about using the infrared port, see “Transferring Files
to Another Computer” on page 99.
The CPU fan prevents the computer’s central processing unit
(CPU) from overheating so it can continue to perform at its
maximum speed. You also have the option of reducing speed to
avoid the use of the fan.
To prevent possible overheating of the CPU, make sure you
don’t block the fan.
The Right Side
The right side
The battery release latch prevents the battery from falling out
accidentally. This release is locked when it is moved down. For
more information, see “Replacing Batteries” on page 136.
The SelectBay™holds either a CD-ROM drive or diskette drive.
An external drive chassis holds the diskette drive when it’s not cur-
rently installed. For more information about the SelectBay, see
“Swapping Drives in the SelectBay” on page 104.
The CD activity light glows when the system is accessing a disc
in the CD-ROM drive.
The CD-ROM eject button opens the 5.25-inch CD-ROM drive
in the SelectBay when the computer’s power is on.
IR
CD-ROM drive in SelectBayBattery release latch
CD-ROM eject buttonContrast control dial
CD activity light
Eject hole

Finding Your Way around the System
Find Out Where Everything's Located
10
The eject hole provides a way for you open the CD-ROM drive
when thecomputer’s power is off. If you left a compact disc inside
and have already turned the power off, insert a large straightened
paper clip in this slot to release the catch and open the drive.
The contrast control dial adjusts the contrast of the display.
The Underside
The underside
The memory slot coverprotects a slot for adding extra memory to
your computer. For more information, see “Adding Memory
(Optional)” on page 16.
The battery provides power to the computer when you’re not
usingawalloutlet. Forinformation about replacing the battery, see
“Replacing Batteries” on page 136.
The bay release lets you remove the drive in the SelectBay. For
more information about switching drives in the SelectBay, see
“Swapping Drives in the SelectBay” on page 104.
The bay release lock prevents accidental removal of the drive in
the SelectBay.
The NoteDock guides help align the optional NoteDock. For
more information, see “Using the Optional NoteDock” on
page 223.
Memory slot cover
Battery cover
Bay release lock
NoteDock guides
Bay release