Users Guide

Back Panel
The computer's back panel contains various ports and connectors for attaching external devices and includes a security
cable slot. These features are described in the following subsections.
For information about enabling, disabling, or configuring input/output (I/O) ports and connectors, see Using the System
Setup Program. For detailed descriptions and illustrations of each port and connector on the back panel, see I/O Ports
and Connectors.
Connecting External Devices
You can connect various external devices, such as a mouse and printer, to the I/O ports and connectors on the
computer's back panel. The system BIOS detects the presence of most external devices when you boot or reboot the
system. When connecting external devices to the computer, follow these guidelines:
Check the documentation that accompanied the device for specific installation and configuration instructions.
For example, most devices must be connected to a particular I/O port or connector to operate properly. Also,
external devices like a mouse or printer usually require you to load software files called device drivers into
system memory before they will work. These software drivers help the computer recognize the external device
and direct its operation.
Dell recommends that you attach external devices only while the computer is turned off unless you are instructed
otherwise in the documentation for the particular device. Then turn the computer on before turning on any
external devices unless the documentation for the device specifies otherwise. (If the computer does not seem to
recognize the device, try turning on the device before turning on the computer.)
CAUTION: When disconnecting external devices from the back of the computer, wait 5 seconds after
disconnecting the computer from AC power before you disconnect the device to avoid possible damage to
the system board.