Making sure you have everything

This chapter provides tips on creating a comfortable environment in which to use your Satellite computer. This chapter also describes how to connect the computer's components and explains what to do the first time you use the computer.

Selecting a place to work

Your Satellite computer is designed to be used in a variety of locations and situations. This section provides guidelines for setting up a comfortable computing environment.

Creating a computer-friendly environment

Place the computer on a flat surface that is large enough to hold the computer and any other devices you plan to use, such as a printer. Leave enough space around the computer and other equipment to allow adequate ventilation and prevent overheating.

To keep your computer in prime operating condition, protect your work area from:

Dust, moisture and direct sunlight.
Liquids and corrosive chemicals.

CAUTION: If you spill liquid into the computer, turn it off, unplug it from the AC power source and let it dry out completely before turning it on again.

Equipment that generates a strong electromagnetic field, such as stereo speakers (other than the computer's internal speakers), or speakerphones.
Rapid changes in temperature or humidity. Don't place the computer near heating or air conditioning vents.
Extreme heat, cold, or humidity. Operate the computer within a temperature range of 41 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 35 degrees Celsius) and 20 to 80 percent non-condensing humidity.

Keeping 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.

This section provides hints on avoiding strain and stress injuries. For more information, consult books on ergonomics, repetitive-strain injury, and repetitive-stress syndrome.

Placement of the computer

Proper placement of the computer and peripheral devices is an important step in avoiding stress-related injuries:

Place the computer on a flat surface at a comfortable height and distance. You should be able to look at the screen without slouching and type without twisting your torso or neck.
If you are using an external monitor, the top of the display should be no higher than eye level.
If you use a paper holder, set it at about the same height and distance as the display.

Seating and posture

Proper seating is a primary factor in reducing work strain. When using your computer, maintain good posture with your body relaxed and your weight evenly distributed. Some people find a backless chair more comfortable than a conventional chair. Whichever type you choose, use the following guidelines to adjust your chair for maximum comfort.

Correct posture and computer placement

Position your chair so that the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your elbow. You should be able to type comfortably with your shoulders relaxed and your forearms parallel to the floor.
Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. If necessary, use a footrest to raise the level of your knees and ease the pressure on the back of your thighs.
If you are using a conventional chair, adjust the back of your chair so that it supports your lower back. 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 visibility of the display and reduce eyestrain.

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.
While working, occasionally exercise your hands, wrists and arms to improve circulation.

WARNING: Using the computer keyboard incorrectly can result in discomfort and possible injury. If your hands, wrists, and/or arms bother you while typing, stop using the computer and rest. If the discomfort persists, consult a physician.

Work habits

The key to avoiding discomfort or injury from 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. A two or three minute break every half hour is more effective than a long break after several hours.
Avoid performing repetitive activities for long periods of time. Intersperse such activities with other tasks.
Focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods can cause eyestrain. Occasionally, look away from the computer and focus your eyes on a distant object for at least thirty seconds.

Setting up your computer

This section provides instructions on what to do to start using your computer.

Connecting the AC adapter

The AC adapter allows you to power the computer from an external AC power source and to charge the computer's batteries.

Power cable and AC adapter

To connect AC power to the computer:

Connect the AC adapter to the DC IN socket at the back of the computer.
Connect one end of the power cable to the AC adapter and the other end to an AC outlet.
The AC power indicator illuminates green if the battery is fully charged. If not, it illuminates amber.

Charging the battery

Your computer contains a rechargeable battery pack that must be charged before you can use it for the first time.

Connect the computer to an AC power source. See Connecting the AC adapter for detailed steps.
Allow the battery to charge for two to three hours with the computer turned off.
When the battery indicator illuminates green, the battery is completely charged and ready to power the computer.

TECHNICAL NOTE: Using the computer while it is connected to AC power causes the battery to charge at a slower rate. With the computer on, the amount of time required to charge the battery depends on how much power the computer consumes.

Connecting a printer

Before you can connect a printer, you must determine if it requires a serial or a parallel interface. Check the printer's documentation. If you can configure the printer as either a serial or parallel device, set it up for parallel operation.

You also need a suitable printer cable. A printer cable may have been provided with your printer. If not, you can purchase one from a computer or electronics store.

Parallel printers are the most common type of printers in use today. These instructions assume you have a parallel printer.

To connect the printer:

Turn off the computer. If the computer is connected to an AC power source, disconnect the AC power adapter.

CAUTION: Do not connect the printer cable while the computer is on. Doing so may damage the printer, the computer, or both.

Connect one end of the printer cable to the printer and the other to the parallel port at the back of the computer.

Identifying the ends of a parallel printer cable

Plug the printer's power cable into an AC outlet.
Refer to your printer documentation for additional configuration information, or see Setting up Windows 98 to work with your printer.

Adding memory (optional)

Your Satellite computer comes with 64 MB of RAM. This is enough memory to run most of today's popular applications. However, you may want to increase the computer's memory if you use memory-intensive software or process large amounts of data.

You can expand the computer's RAM to 192 MB. Additional memory is available in 32 MB, 64 MB and 128 MB memory modules. You can only install one memory module in your computer.

Installing a memory module

The memory module installs into the memory expansion connector that you access from the underside of the computer. You need a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the memory module cover.

Open the Start menu and click Shut Down.
Windows 98 displays the Shut down Windows dialog box.
Select Shut down, then click OK to shut down the computer.
Windows 98 shuts off the computer.
If you are running the computer on AC power, unplug the AC adapter from the AC outlet.

CAUTION: Installing a memory module while the computer is connected to an AC power source can damage the computer, the memory module or both.

Close the display panel and disconnect all cables connected to the computer.
Turn the computer upside down.
Locate the memory module cover. If you need help, see Underside.
Remove the two screws securing the memory module cover.

Removing the memory module cover

Remove the memory module cover and set it aside.

CAUTIONS: Static electricity can damage the memory module. Before you handle the module, touch a grounded metal surface to discharge any static electricity you may have built up.

Do not touch the connectors on the memory module or on the computer. Debris on the connectors can cause memory access problems.

Place the memory module in the memory expansion connector at a 45-degree angle, aligning the memory module's connector with the memory expansion connector.

HINT: The memory module only fits one way.

Gently press the free edge of the memory module into the connector until the latches snap, securing the memory module into place.

Placing the memory module into the memory expansion connector

Reposition the memory module cover and reinstall the two screws to secure the cover.
Turn the computer over.
Reconnect and turn on any peripheral devices that were disconnected from the computer.
If you want to power the computer using AC power, connect the AC adapter to the computer and plug the power cable into an AC outlet.
Press the power button to boot the computer.
When you turn on your computer, it automatically recognizes the new memory configuration.

Removing a memory module

The memory module is accessed from the underside of the computer. You need a small Phillips screwdriver to remove the memory module cover.

To remove the memory module:

Remove the memory module cover. For instructions, see steps 1 through 8 of Installing a memory module.
Gently press the latches on both sides of the memory module to release the module from the connector.
The memory module pops partially out of the connector.
Carefully remove the module from the connector.

NOTE: Do not touch the connectors on the memory module or on the computer. Debris on the connectors can cause memory access problems.

Position the memory module cover on the bottom of the computer. Secure the cover using the two screws removed earlier.
Reconnect and turn on any peripheral devices that were disconnected from the computer.
Connect the AC adapter to the computer and plug the power cable into an AC outlet.
Press the power button to boot the computer.
When you turn on your computer, it automatically recognizes the new memory configuration.

Connecting a mouse

You can connect a mouse to the computer instead of using the built-in AccuPoint. Your Satellite computer can support either a serial mouse or PS/2-compatible mouse.

Connecting a serial mouse

To connect a serial mouse, connect the mouse cable to the serial port at the back of the computer. Once connected, the mouse is ready to use

Refer to your mouse documentation for configuration information.

Connecting a PS/2 mouse

To connect a PS/2 mouse:

Open the Start menu and click Shut Down.
Windows 98 displays the Shut down Windows dialog box.
Select Shut down, then click OK to shut down the computer.
Windows 98 shuts off the computer.
Attach the PS/2 mouse cable to the PS/2 port on the right side of the computer.

Refer your mouse documentation for configuration information.

Setting up a PS/2 mouse

Connecting a PS/2 mouse to your computer, allows you to use the mouse, the AccuPoint, or both. To configure the PS/2 mouse to work with the AccuPoint:

Click Start, Settings, then Control Panel.
Windows 98 displays the control panel screen.
Click the Hardware Setup icon.
Select the Hardware Options tab.
Select the Pointing Devices tab.
Under Pointing Devices Options, select one of the following:
- Auto-selected
Auto-selected configures the PS/2 mouse to work when it is connected at power on, or the AccuPoint to work otherwise. Auto-selected is the default option.
- Simultaneous
Simultaneous configures both the AccuPoint mouse and PS/2 mouse to work with the computer, at the same time. You must reboot the computer for the settings to take effect.

HINT: The computer cannot detect a PS/2 mouse if you connect it after booting the computer.

Click OK, then click Exit.

Using the computer for the first time

This section provides information on what to do when using the computer for the first time.

Opening the display panel

Slide the display panel latch to the right to release the display panel.
Lift the display panel.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the display panel, do not force it open beyond the point where it moves easily.
Never lift or move the computer using the display panel.

Turning on the power

To tun on the computer:

Make sure the diskette drive is empty.
If a printer or other device is connected to your computer, turn on the device.
Press and hold the power button until the on/off indicator glows.

The AC power indicator only glows if the computer is connected to an AC power source.

If you are turning on the computer for the first time, do not turn it off until the operating system has loaded completely.

Using the AccuPoint pointing device

The circular button in the middle of the keyboard is the AccuPoint pointing device. Use the Accupoint pointing device to move the cursor and to select items on the screen.

AccuPoint pointing device

Connecting a mouse

To move the cursor, gently push the AccuPoint in the direction you want the cursor to move. Pushing harder on the AccuPoint moves the cursor faster.

When a step instructs you to click or choose an item, move the cursor to the item, then press and release the primary AccuPoint button. To double-click, press the primary AccuPoint button twice in rapid succession. The primary AccuPoint button corresponds to the primary (typically left) mouse button.

The function of the secondary AccuPoint button depends on the program you are using. It corresponds to the secondary (typically right) mouse button. Check your program's documentation to determine whether it uses the right mouse button.

Setting up your software

The first time you turn on the computer, Windows Setup installs the devices it detects on your system. Setup then displays the Finishing Setup screen.

To set up your software:

Click Finish to restart the computer.
In the User Information screen, type your name and company in the appropriate boxes, then click Next.
Read the license agreement, click the button labeled I accept the agreement, then click Next.
In the Certificate of Authenticity screen, type the number from the certificate affixed to the Windows 98 manual that came with your computer, then click Next.
Click Finish.
Setup displays the Date/Time Properties dialog box.

Setting date/time properties

To set the current date and time:

At the Date/Time Properties dialog box, click the Date and Time tab.
Set the correct date and time, as necessary.
Click the Time Zone tab.
Select your time zone by clicking the up and down arrow keys.
Click Close.
Setup displays the Add Printer Wizard.

Setting up your printer

To use the Add printer Wizard to set up your printer:

When the system prompts you to set up your printer, click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you plan to install a printer later, click Cancel.
Select your printer manufacturer and model from the Printers dialog box and click Next.
If the driver for your printer is on diskette, insert the diskette into the diskette drive, click Have Disk, then in the Install From Disk dialog box, click OK.
Select the port to which you want to connect the printer. Typically, a parallel printer is set to port LPT1 and a serial printer is set to COM1. (If you are not sure which type of printer you have, check your printer manual.)
Enter the printer name.
If you want setup to print a test page, click Yes, then click
Finish.

Completing the initial start-up procedure

Setup displays the Welcome to Windows 98 screen. This screen displays the following options:

Register Now - Allows you to register your copy of Windows 98 with Microsoft online.
Connect to the Internet - Launches the Internet Connection Wizard and connects you to the Internet.
Discover Windows 98 - Provides a brief overview of Windows 98 essentials, new features, and a tutorial. For a more complete introduction, see Getting to Know Windows 98.
Maintain your Computer - Launches the Maintenance Wizard in Windows 98.

When you are ready to start Windows 98, click the Close button on the Welcome to Windows 98 screen.

Registering your computer online

The first time you use your computer, either fill in and mail the registration card or register your computer with Toshiba online.

To register your computer with Toshiba online, double-click the icon provided on the desktop and follow the on-screen instructions.

Registering your computer allows Toshiba to keep you up to date with information about new products and upgrades, and also extends your Toshiba warranty worldwide at no charge to you. See the registration card and warranty information for details about the warranty options available from Toshiba.

Chapter 2

Getting Started