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Notice © 2001 Compaq Computer Corporation COMPAQ and the Compaq logo Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Compaq shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
CONTENTS C Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Who Should Read This Guide? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Using My Presario—Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Symbols and Graphics Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Computer Illustrations and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Keyboard Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Using CD/DVD Control Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Using Internet Zone Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Customizing the Internet Zone Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6 Using Quick Launch Web Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6 Assigning the My Program Button . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 3 Welcome to the Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 Basic Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 What Is the Internet? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 What Is a Hyperlink? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 5 Computer Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 Internal Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 Accessing Internal Computer Components . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 Upgrading Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Upgrading Computer Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Adding Components . . . . . . . . .
Introduction In This Chapter Who Should Read This Guide?, 1-2 1 Congratulations! As the owner of a new Compaq Internet PC, you have joined the world-wide community of Presario computer users. Once your computer is set-up and connected to the Internet, you can explore vast regions of information, entertainment, and online services.
Who Should Read This Guide? Who Should Read This Guide? Using My Presario—Getting Started This easy-to-scan guide helps you find the information you want as quickly as possible. The page layout allows you to see, at a glance, how the information is organised. This guide is designed for both beginners and experienced computer users.
Symbols and Graphics Used Warnings and cautions are displayed to protect you from injury, your equipment from damage, and your files from data loss. Symbols and Graphics Used The following words and symbols have special meaning in this guide and the CD documentation: Warning Did you know ... Tip See also ... Failure to follow directions may result in bodily harm or loss of life.
Where Can I Find Information? Information is available in several forms: printed documents, electronic documents on the CD that came with your computer, and the Compaq Web site. Use this guide as your first point of reference, and then refer to the following documents: ➜ Quick Set-Up poster ➜ Warranty Certificate ➜ My Presario—Learning More CD ➜ Getting Started: Microsoft Windows manual l Did you know ...
Safety Your computer is an electrical device. Treat it with care to avoid personal injury and damage to the equipment. Warning To reduce the risk of electric shock and damage to the equipment, read the Safety and Comfort guide on the My Presario—Learning More CD before performing any procedures involving the internal components of your computer.
! How Do I Find Information on the CD-ROM? The My Presario—Learning More CD has information on the following topics: ➜ Advanced features of your computer ➜ Solving computer problems ➜ Safety and comfort ➜ Compaq service and support ➜ Upgrading your computer ➜ Government regulatory information Did you know ... Electronic documents often have hyperlinks to help you find information quickly.
Using Your Computer In This Chapter Your Computer at a Glance, 2-2 In this chapter, you learn about the following exciting, easy-to-use features of your computer: ➜ Computer—Become familiar with all the components on the front and back of your computer.
Your Computer What’s in Front? 1 CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVDat a Glance Your Computer at a Glance Before you begin, you’ll want to become familiar with the components of your Compaq Presario. Tip Some components have colour-coded connectors that match the ports on the back of your computer.
Keyboard Basics The standard keys perform the following functions: ➜ Main keys are the typewriter-style keys. ➜ Function keys are the F1 through F12 keys. Two of these keys are active even without a program running. F1 allows you to get help on Windows-related topics. F3 allows you to search for files or folders. ➜ Arrow keys can be used for games and to navigate in a document or Web site.
Keyboard Buttons Keyboard Buttons The keyboard buttons are shown in the following illustration. They are discussed in detail on the following pages. The keyboard buttons make it easier and faster to get on the Internet, use your favourite software, or listen to your favourite CD. You might even want to watch a movie or send an e-mail.
Using Internet Zone Buttons With the press of a keyboard button, you can get on the Internet fast, read your e-mail, or check out the latest in entertainment. Depending on which Internet Service Provider (ISP) you have, the default options provided by the Internet Zone buttons may vary. Note: Button functions may vary by model and by region. No. Did you know ...
! Customizing the Internet Zone Buttons Some Internet buttons have a default function, and others can be assigned a function such as calling up your favorite Internet page or reading your e-mail. After being assigned a function, these buttons can be reassigned to a different function. You can access your favourite program, Web site, or document by pressing the Quick Launch Web buttons. These are the Help G and My Program D buttons. 1.
" Assigning the My Program Button . After you assign the My Program D button settings, pressing the button automatically opens your selected software, Web site, or document. See also ... Instructions for reassigning this button are found on the My Presario—Learning More CD. 1. Press the My Program D button 1. The Compaq Easy Access Button Settings dialog box is displayed. 2.
# Putting Your Computer into Stand By If you’re going to be away from your computer but want to leave the power on, you can put your computer into Stand By mode. Press the Stand By E button 1 on the keyboard and your computer goes into Stand By mode. Did you know ... You can set the amount of time that passes before your computer goes into Stand By mode. See the My Presario— Learning More CD for instructions.
Understanding the System Status Lights The system lights on the keyboard provide a quick status of your computer and keyboard settings. Tip Post Office Protocol (POP) is a commonly used messaging protocol. The most widely used implementation of this protocol is POP3. POP3 is a retrieval protocol, used to retrieve mail messages from a POP server.
Scroll Mouse Your computer comes with a scroll mouse. The scroll mouse directs a cursor on the Windows desktop. You use the mouse to move quickly and easily through a document or Web site. Instead of using the scroll bar to display pages, move the scroll wheel on your mouse forward or backward through a document or Web site to save time.
Autoscrolling AutoScroll allows you to move forward and backward through a document without having to move the mouse or mouse wheel continuously. Did you know ... The scroll mouse can be customised for a left-handed user from the Mouse Properties dialog box. (Open the Control Panel and right-click the mouse icon.) MY PRESARIO—GETTING STARTED 1. Open a program and press the scroll wheel to begin autoscrolling. 2.
Speakers (available on select models) Speaker options depend on which model you purchase. However, the JBL Platinum Series are the standard speakers that come with most new Compaq Presario monitors. You can use the speakers freestanding or mount them to the side of the monitor. For more information, see the documentation that came with the speakers. To set up the speakers, follow the directions on the monitor Quick Set-Up poster.
Diskette, Hard Using the Diskette Drive Drive, CD-ROM, 1. Hold a diskette with the label facing up and the CD-RW, arrow on the diskette DVD-ROM, and pointing toward the drive; then gently push the diskette DVD-R/RW into the drive. Drives 2.
Inserting a CD or DVD into the CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, or DVD-R/RW Drive (number and style of drives vary by model) The CD-ROM drive allows you to read data from a CD or listen to a music CD. The CD-RW drive allows you to read and write data to a disc(s) for storage, and allows you to listen to music or read data CDs. The DVD-ROM drive allows you to view your favourite movies, listen to music, or read information from CDs.
Removing a Disc from a Drive A CD-ROM drive reads CDs, CD-R, and CD-RW media. DVD-ROM and DVD-R/RW drives read all CD media plus DVD discs. When you have finished listening to the CD, store the disc in the storage compartment on the front of your computer or in its protective case. 1. Press the Load/Eject ≤ 1 button to open the drive. 2. Carefully lift the CD or the DVD from the drive. 3.
! Playing a DVD-ROM Movie You can only play a DVD movie from a DVD-ROM or DVD-R/RW drive. When you are finished watching a movie, store the DVD in its protective case. 1. For best performance, close all running programs before inserting a DVD movie. Insert the DVD disc into the DVD-ROM drive. Playback begins automatically. 2. If playback does not begin automatically, click the Start button on the Windows taskbar. 3.
" Creating Your Own CDs The CD-RW drive allows you to create your own CDs. You can buy two types of media: CD-R and CD-RW. CD-R media can be played on most of the newer CD players, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM drives. CD-R media can be written to only once. However, you can write to CD-RW media using multiple recording sessions until you Close out the disc. CD-RW media can be used to make backups of your personal CDs or hard disk.
# 2-18 USING YOUR COMPUTER MY PRESARIO—GETTING STARTED
Welcome to the Web In This Chapter Basic Concepts, 3-2 Internet Connection, 3-3 Web Searches, 3-4 E-mail, 3-5 Content Advisor, 3-8 3 In just a few moments, you will be on the World Wide Web.
Basic Concepts Internet, Web, URL, hyperlinks, cyberspace— sound confusing? The Internet definitely has its own terminology. Take a few moments to understand some basic concepts that will help you start surfing the Web. To begin surfing, you need to establish an Internet Service Provider (ISP) account. What Is the Internet? Basic Concepts The Internet is a network of computers connected using standard telephone lines.
Internet Connection Web pages are viewed with a Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer . A Web browser is a program that lets you view and explore information on the Web. Connecting with AOL Internet Connection If you have chosen AOL as your ISP and completed “Setting the Internet Buttons to AOL,” press the Instant Internet ∆ button to access the AOL home page. Screen varies with version of AOL.
Web Searches One way to find what you’re looking for on the Web is to use a search engine—your personal guide to the Web. Searching the Web Using AOL Web Searches 1. Complete the “Setting the Internet Buttons to AOL” procedure. F button on the Internet keyboard. 2. Press the Search The AOL search page is displayed.
E-mail E-mail (electronic mail) is very similar to the mail the postal carrier delivers to your home or office— except much faster. You can send letters, pictures, postcards—even music and video clips—to friends, family, and co-workers in an instant. Outlook Express is an e-mail program that comes with your computer. Other e-mail programs include AOL and Hotmail.
! Understanding E-mail Addresses To send and receive e-mail, you need an e-mail address so that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will know where to “pick up” and “deliver” mail. See also ... The My Presario—Learning More CD has information on finding e-mail addresses.
" Sending an E-mail Using Outlook Express Now that you’ve connected to an ISP, set up Outlook Express, and have an Internet address, it’s time to write your first e-mail message. Tip E-mail addresses are written in a very specific way. Be sure the e-mail address you enter contains no spaces and has a period after the server name. Dashes and underscores may be used. Capital letters may be required.
# Content Advisor You receive e-mail messages automatically, even when your computer is shut down! Your ISP stores these messages until you decide to open your e-mail program and read them. Reading Your Outlook Express E-mail Messages Content Advisor 1. Press the Instant E-mail ƒ button on the Internet keyboard. 2. Click Inbox. New messages appear in bold type. 3. Double-click the message to display the message text. 4.
Restricting Internet Content The Internet provides you with access to a wide variety ofinformation, but some information may not be suitable for every viewer. 1. On the Windows taskbar, click Start, point to Control Panel, then Network and Internet Connections, then click Internet Options. 2. Click the Content tab 1. 3. In the Content Advisor area, click Enable 2. 4. Click Settings, and then type your password in the Password box. 5.
3-10 WELCOME TO THE WEB MY PRESARIO—GETTING STARTED
Common Tasks In This Chapter Print Basics, 4-2 4 In this chapter, you learn how to perform some of the more common activities with your new Internet PC. More details about these and other everyday activities can be found on the My Presario—Learning More CD.
Print Basics To print one or more pages from a document file or Web page, you have to connect your printer and install the necessary software. These procedures are detailed in the “Setting Up Your Computer” chapter in this guide. To see what the document will look like when printed, select the Print Preview option from the File menu. This option is available in most software packages. Using the Menu to Print Print Basics 1.
Digital Audio Files In addition to music CDs, your computer can play digital audio files, such as music downloaded from the Internet. You can download MP3 files and play them using Audio Manager software (available on select models). MY PRESARIO—GETTING STARTED Playing Digital Audio Files Digital Audio Files 1. From the Windows taskbar, click the Start button. 2. Point to All Programs and then select the Windows Media Player program.
Games Did you know ... You should always use the same disc drive (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM) that you used to install the game when you play the game. If you experience problems installing or playing a game, contact the game manufacturer for assistance, or visit their Web site for updates. 4-4 COMMON TASKS Games Your new Internet PC is not only a powerful tool for surfing the Internet and running software, it can also allow you to play games.
Software You may want to purchase and install additional software. Software can be installed from a CD, DVD, or diskette, and it can be downloaded from a Web site. The installation process automatically begins when you insert the CD in the disc drive. If the installation process doesn’t automatically begin, refer to the documentation that came with the software.
! Installing Software Downloaded from the Internet If you download software from a Web site, follow the installation instructions that are usually displayed on the Web page. If installation instructions are not available, complete the steps listed here. 1. Before you start downloading, note the location on the hard drive where the files will be stored. Also, be sure that you have enough hard drive space available. 2.
Computer Upgrades 5 In This Chapter In this chapter, you learn how to access the internal parts of the computer and how to perform basic upgrades. Internal Components, 5-2 Many components of the computer are replaceable and upgradable. This chapter should be used as a supplement to the instructions provided with your new component.
Internal Components Your Computer is constructed with an Easy Access panel. This design makes accessing the internal parts easy. Accessing Internal Computer Components Internal Components 1. Press the Power button to turn off the computer. 2. Disconnect the power cable from the wall and computer. Warning Failure to disconnect the power from the computer may result in personal injury.
Upgrading Components Memory is the workspace for your computer. Data and instructions are stored temporarily in memory. The most powerful processor and the fastest hard drive will not perform well without the workroom to keep the programme and data close at hand. Upgrading Computer Memory Upgrading Components 1. Complete the Accessing Internal Computer Components procedure. 2.
Adding Components An expansion card is a circuit board that fits into a computer expansion slot to add a certain function such as a modem, sound or audio card, Network Interface Card (NIC), or Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) adapter. Adding an Expansion or Option Card Adding Components Note: Some Presarios come with AGP slots for graphics card options only. 1. Complete the “Accessing Internal Computer Components” procedure. 2.
Need Some Help? In This Chapter Compaq Support, 6-2 6 This chapter provides information on how to identify and fix common problems that may occur with your computer. Without contacting a technician, you can easily diagnose and fix many computer problems on your own.
Compaq Support Compaq Support If you have a computer problem or question, check the following resources for answers: ➜ ➜ ➜ Review the “Need Some Help?” chapter in this guide for suggestions on how to fix the problem.
Preventative Care & Maintenance Tip Try running the Help & Support troubleshooting tools if you are experiencing problems with your PC.
How to Access Help How to Access Help The first step when you need help is to press the Help G button on your keyboard, giving you access to an integrated help and assistance tool from Microsoft and Compaq.
How to Access Help, cont. Tip Everything added to the drive since the last User Backup is lost when you perform a User Restore. How to Access Help, cont. ➜ Reinstall the software to its original state when you purchased the computer by using the Recovery CD. You also have the option of restoring your computer to the way it was when you performed the last User Backup.
! Troubleshooting If a solution does not fix your problem, try all solutions for the symptom or try the solution a second time. Tip Troubleshooting Information in this section is divided into three areas: Symptom, Problem, and Solution. The Symptom line describes the symptom or warning for the type of problem you are having. The Problem column identifies one or more reasons why the symptom may have occurred.
" CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM Symptom CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM drive cannot read a disc or takes too long to start. Problem Solution CD has been inserted upside down. Reinsert the CD with the label facing up. The DVD-ROM drive will take longer to start because it has to determine the type of media being played, such as audio or video. Wait at least 30 seconds to let the DVD-ROM drive determine the type of media being played.
# Diskette Drive Symptom Not reading drive: “Abort, Retry, Fail?” message appears. “Non-system disk or disk error” message is displayed. Diskette drive light stays on. Diskette drive cannot save information to diskette. 6-8 NEED SOME HELP? Problem Solution A non-formatted diskette has been inserted. To format the diskette: 1. On the Windows desktop, click Start then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window is displayed. 2.
Symptom Diskette drive cannot read a diskette. Problem Solution Diskette drive has failed. Call Compaq Technical Support. Refer to your Certificate of Warranty for details. Diskette is not formatted. To format the diskette: 1. On the Windows desktop, click Start then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window is displayed. 2. Select the diskette (A) drive. 3. Click File, and point to Format. 4.
Hard Drive Symptom Computer seems to be locked up. Hard drive fault protection error message is displayed. Problem Solution Programme in use has stopped responding to commands. Attempt a normal Windows shutdown. If this fails, press the Power button for four or more seconds to turn off the power. To restart your computer, press the Power button again. Part of hard drive has potential to fail or could already have failed.
Keyboard and Scroll Mouse Symptom Keyboard commands and typing are not recognised by computer. Problem Keyboard connector is not properly connected. Programme in use has stopped responding to commands. Solution 1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button. 2. On the Start menu, click Turn Off Computer The Turn Off Computer dialog box is displayed. 3. Select the Turn Off option. 4. Click OK. 5.
Memory Symptom Insufficient memory message is displayed. Problem All memory in computer is being used by open programmes, and memory is needed for desired task. Solution To avoid Windows running unnecessary programs automatically at startup: 1. Press the Help G button. 2. Select Adjust your startup resources to improve performance. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions. Power Symptom Computer will not turn on.
Glossary G This Glossary defines commonly used terms to help new users understand computer concepts. Some of the terms are used in this guide. An extensive Glossary is provided on the My Presario—Learning More CD. 1394 port A new type of connector for plugging in peripherals with extremely fast data transfer rates, such as video cameras.
E e-mail (electronic mail) Messages sent over the Internet. F fax modem A modem that allows your computer to transmit and receive faxes. file extension A period and three characters after a file name that indicate the programme in which the file was created. For example, filename.doc. The .doc extension indicates that the file was created in Microsoft Word.
minimise To shrink a running programme window into a button on the Windows taskbar by clicking the Minimise Q button—the button with the minus sign in the upper-right corner of a window. Click the button on the taskbar to view the window again. modem A device inside the computer that converts data from digital format to analogue format so that it can be transferred through a standard telephone line to another computer.
search engine A programme, accessed on the Internet, that allows you to search large databases for information, using keywords or phrases. serial port A small connector on the back of the computer (or keyboard) for plugging in a thin cable attached to a serial device, such as a mouse. server A computer with a large hard disk that serves (provides information to) other computers connected to it by a network.
I Index Symbols .
CD-ROM drive inserting a disc 2-14 removing a disc 2-14, 2-15 CD-RW drive backup disc 2-17 Compaq Web site 1-4 Compaq Support 6-2 computer set up 2-2 computer problems 6-2 connector colour coding 2-2 Content Advisor 3-9 password 3-9 D digital audio files 4-3 .
H hard drive backup 2-17 damaged 6-12 problems with 6-10 storing system files 2-13 using 2-13 Help accessing 6-4 tools 6-3 Hotmail 3-5 hyperlink 1-6 defined 3-2 I icons New Mail Message 3-7 Instant E-mail 3-5 internal components upgrading 5-2 Internet defined 3-2 hyperlink 3-2 parental controls 3-9 password 3-5 problems with 6-10 searching 3-9 Internet buttons Activity 2-5 E-mail 2-5 Entertainment 2-5 Instant Internet 2-5 My Presario 2-5 Ret
P parental controls 3-9 password 3-9 remembering 3-5 ports 5000 Series 2-2 power button 2-2 problems with 6-12 printing documents 4-2 from the Internet 4-2 options 4-2 problems 6-6 audio driver 6-6 computer 6-2 diskette 6-8 hard drive 6-10 hard drive damaged 6-12 identifying 6-6 Internet 6-10 Internet Service Provider 6-10 keyboard commands 6-11 memory 6-12 monitor 6-9 power 6-12 sleep mode 6-6 speakers 6-6 volume 6-6 Q Quick Launch Web butt
V status lights caps lock 2-9 e-mail 2-9 number lock 2-9 scroll lock 2-9 sleep 2-9 surge protector 1-5 system files 6-12 volume adjusting 2-7 W T Tip notices defined 1-3 U upgrading components 5-2 User Backup 6-5 MY PRESARIO—GETTING STARTED Warning notices defined 1-3 warranty 1-4 Web See also Internet accessing favourite sites 2-6 browser 3-3 site 3-2 World Wide Web See also Internet INDEX 5
6 INDEX ! MY PRESARIO—GSTTING STARTED
