Toshiba Tecra 500CS User manual

Chapter 1
Make Sure You Have Everything . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Select a Place To Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Find Out Where Everything's Located . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
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11
FindingYour
Wayaround
theSystem
You’ve bought your computer and taken everything out of the
box. You may be asking yourself, “Now, 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 computer comes with everything you need to get up and run-
ning quickly. However, before you do anything else, 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 357.
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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 computer is portable, designed to be used in a variety of
circumstances and locations. However, by giving some thought to
your work environment, you can protect the computer and work in
comfort.
Keep the Computer Comfortable
Use a flat surface which is large enough for the computer and any
items you need to refer to while your work. Allow sufficient space
behind the computer for adjusting the display panel. If you're plan-
ning to use a printer or other external device, make sure there's
enough room for it as well.
Leave enough space around the computer and any other devices to
give adequate ventilation. Otherwise they may overheat.
If you are going to use a power outlet, make sure it is nearby and
easily accessible.
To keep your computer in prime operating condition, make sure
your work area is free from:
❖dust, moisture and direct sunlight.
❖corrosive chemicals.
❖sources of water or other liquids that could spill into the
computer.
Ifyouspillaliquid into the computer. If you spillaliquidinto
the keyboard, turn the computer off, unplug it from the AC
power source, and let it dry out 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.
❖equipment that generates a strong electromagnetic field, such
as stereo speakers or speakerphones.
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Finding Your Way around the System
SelectaPlaceToWork
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
3
❖rapid changes in temperature or humidity. Keep the computer
away from sources of temperature change such as air condi-
tioner 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.
Keep Yourself Comfortable
Strain and stress injuries are becoming more common as people
spend more time using their computers. However, if you use your
computer properly, you can work comfortably all day.
When you cannot place your computer in the best position for
working (on a journey for example) be careful to use it for short
periods only.
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 the 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, directly in front of you, at
a comfortable height and distance. When you use the key-
board, your arms and hands should be in a relaxed position
with your forearms parallel to the floor. You should be able to
type without twisting your body or neck, and look at the screen
without slouching.
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Finding Your Way around the System
Select a Place To Work
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
4
❖If you plan to use an external monitor, the top of the screen
should be no higher than eye level.
❖Adjust the screen to avoid reflections and glare.
❖If you use a paper holder, set it at the same distance as the
screen. If possible, adjust the holder so that the paper is at the
same height as the screen.
Seating and Posture
When using your computer, sit comfortably and maintain good
posture with your weight evenly distributed.
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 that the keyboard is at or slightly below
the level of your elbow. You should be able to type comfort-
ably with your shoulders relaxed.
Below eye level
Foot rest Approximately90
degree angles
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SelectaPlaceToWork
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
5
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.
Lighting
Proper lighting can improve the legibility of the display and
reduce eye strain.
❖Position the display panel (or external monitor) 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 twisting your wrists. Keep them in
a relaxed, neutral position while typing.
❖Exercise your hands, wrists and arms several times during the
day to improve circulation.
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Finding Your Way around the System
Find Out Where Everything's Located
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
6
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 working day. Finding ways to break up the routine can
reduce stress and improve your efficiency.
❖Take frequent short breaks to change position, stretch your
muscles, and relieve your eyes. A break of two or three min-
utes every half hour is more effective than one long break after
several hours.
❖Avoid performing repetitive activities for prolonged periods of
time. Plan your work so that you intersperse such activities
with other tasks.
❖Focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods
of time can cause eye strain. Look away from the computer
frequently, say every 15 minutes, and focus your eyes on a dis-
tant object for 30 seconds or so.
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 303.
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.
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Finding Your Way around the System
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Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
7
The Front with the Display Closed
The front with the display closed
The SelectBay™usually holds either a CD-ROM drive module or
a diskette drive module. You can also use it to hold a second hard
module. An external drive chassis holds the diskette drive module
when you install another module in the SelectBay, so the diskette
drive is always available. For more information about the Select-
Bay, see “Swapping Drives in the SelectBay” on page 115.
The SelectBay lock prevents the SelectBay module from being
removed accidentally.
Pressing the display latch lets you open the computer's display
panel. For more information, see “Open the Display” on page 28.
The serial infrared port allows wireless communication with a
computer or other device, such as a printer, that has an infrared
port. There is another infrared port on the back of the computer.
The lights on the system indicator panel provide information
about various system functions. See “The System Indicator Panel”
on page 14 for a description of the panel lights.
System indicator panelSelectBay lock
Infrared port
Display latch
SelectBay with diskette drive module
IR
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Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
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The Left Side
The left side
The SelectBay eject lever lets you remove the module installed in
the SelectBay.
The volume control dial lets you adjust the loudness of the
system speakers.
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 270.
The cooling fan provides extra cooling when necessary to help
keep the computer’s Pentium processor from overheating. This
lets the processor keep performing at its maximum speed.
To prevent possible overheating of the Pentium processor,
make sure you don’t block the fan vent.
Pressing the power button turns the computer on and off. For
more information, see “Turn the Computer On” on page 30.
The PC Card slot lets you install up to two Type I or Type II
PCMCIA-compatible PC Cards, or one Type III PC Card. For
more information, see “Little Cards that Do Big Things” on
page 193.
Pressing the reset button restarts the computer when it does not
respond to the keyboard. Restarting the system in this way over-
rides Suspend and Resume modes, which enable you to continue
Reset buttonSecurity lock slot Power button
SelectBay eject leverCooling fan
External diskette drive port cover
Volume control dial PC Card slot
On
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FindOutWhereEverything'sLocated
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
9
working from where you left off. So use this button only if all
other attempts at restarting the computer have failed.
Don’t use a pencil to press the reset button. Pencil lead can
break off inside the computer and damage it. Instead, use a
slender object such as a straightened paper clip.
The external diskette drive port cover protects the external dis-
kette drive port. You use this port to connect the external 3 1/2
inch diskette drive when the CD-ROM drive module is installed in
the computer’s SelectBay.
The Back
The back
The display hinges attach the display panel to the computer.
The power socket is where you plug in the power cable. For more
information, see “Connect to a Power Source” on page 17.
The expansion port allows you to connect the optional
NoteDock II or Desk Station V Plus docking station. These
devices provide additional expansion capability. For more infor-
mation, see “The Desk Station V Plus” on page 233 and “The
NoteDock II” on page 237.
Keep foreign objects away from this port. Pins and other
small objects can slip inside the port and damage computer
circuitry.
Monitor portSerial port
Parallel portPower socket Infrared port
PS/2 mouse/keyboard portMicrophone jackHeadphone jack
Line-in jack Line-out jack
Expansion port
Display hinge
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