CHAPTER 2 Operating Your Tablet PC This chapter provides information about the use of the computer. If you are new to computers, reading this chapter will help you learn the operating basics. If you are already a computer user but are new to Tablet PCs, you may choose to read only the parts containing information unique to your computer.
Starting and Stopping the Computer There are a number of ways to start and stop the computer. Starting the Computer You always start the computer using the power button . A computer starts up with an operating system (OS) existing on the storage device such as the hard disk; or from a floppy disk or CD if you have the docking station installed. The computer will automatically load the OS after you turn it on. This process is called booting.
If you choose to stop in Standby or Suspend mode, you can return to where you left off the next time you start up the computer. (See “Power Management” in Chapter 3 for more information.
Using the Wireless Keyboard (option) Before using the wireless keyboard, see section on “Positioning the Tablet PC and Wireless Keyboard” on chapter 1. Your wireless keyboard has all the standard functions of a full-sized computer keyboard.
Typewriter Keys Typewriter keys are similar to the keys on a typewriter. Several keys are added such as the Ctrl, Alt, Esc, and lock keys for special purposes. The Control key is normally used in combination with other keys for program-specific functions. The Alternate key is normally used in combination with other keys for program-specific functions. The Escape key is usually used for stopping a process. Examples are exiting a program and canceling a command.
Numeric Keypad A 15-key numeric keypad is embedded in the typewriter keys as shown next: Numeric keys facilitate entering of numbers and calculations. When Num Lock is on, the numeric keys are activated; meaning you can use these keys to enter numerals. NOTE: ! When the numeric keypad is activated and you need to type the English letter in the keypad area, you can turn Num Lock off. ! Some software may not be able to use the numeric keypad on the external wireless keyboard.
Windows Keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions: Application key. % Windows Logo key and The % Windows Logo key opens the Start menu and performs software-specific functions when used in combination with other keys. Application key usually has the same effect as a right mouse The click. (See your Windows manual for more information.) Function Keys On the top row of the keys are the function keys: F1 to F12.
Using the Touchscreen CAUTION: Do not use a sharp object such as a ballpoint pen or pencil on the touchscreen. Doing so may damage the touchscreen surface. Use the included touchscreen pen instead, which can be stretched for better grip and handling. The touchscreen is a touch-sensitive device that allows you to communicate with the computer by controlling the location of the pointer on the screen and making selection with the buttons.
Term Action Point Move your finger or pen on the touchscreen until the cursor points to the selection on the screen. Click Tap gently anywhere on the touchscreen. Double-click Tap twice on the touchscreen rapidly. Drag and drop Press lightly on the touchscreen and move your finger or pen until you reach your destination (drag). Finally, release your finger or pen (drop) when you finish dragging your selection to the destination. The object will drop into the new location.
Using the Floppy Disk Drive (option) Your Tablet PC comes with an USB floppy disk drive as drive A through the USB port on the right side, or port replicator on an optional expansion box, or through the USB port located on the plug of an optional CD-ROM drive module. A floppy disk drive allows you to install new programs into your computer, or to store information on a removable floppy disk so you can transfer information from one computer to another. The floppy disk drive is a high-density 3.
! Through the Expansion Port Plug of the CD-ROM Drive Module – Insert the USB plug of floppy disk drive into the USB port located on the expansion port plug of the CD-ROM drive module.
Inserting and Ejecting Floppy Disks To insert a floppy disk, hold it with the arrow facing up and towards the drive. Slide the disk into the drive until it clicks into place. To eject a floppy disk, first ensure that the floppy disk drive in-use indicator is off, and then press the eject button on the drive. When the floppy disk pops out of the drive, remove the floppy disk and store it properly. CAUTION: ! Never turn off or reset the computer while the floppy disk drive in-use indicator is on.
Using the Hard Disk Drive Your computer comes with a hard disk drive as drive C. A hard disk drive is a storage device with non-removable, rotating, magnetic storage platters inside it. It is where your operating system and application software programs are stored. Your hard disk drive is a 2.5-inch IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) hard disk drive.
Using the CD/DVD Drive (option) Depending on the model, your computer comes with a CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive module. This drive is usually configured as drive D and is connected to the expansion port located on the right side of the Tablet PC. The drive uses removable 5.25-inch silver CD-ROM discs, which look like standard music CDs. It is an ideal medium to use for distributing multimedia because of the huge amount of data that a disc can store.
Inserting and Removing a CD Follow this procedure to insert or remove a CD. 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Press the eject button and the CD tray will slide out partially. Gently pull on it until it is fully extended. 3. To insert a CD, place down the CD in the tray with its label facing up. Slightly press the center of the CD until it clicks into place. To remove a CD, hold the CD by its outer edge and lift it up from the tray. 4. Gently push the tray back into the drive.
NOTE: In the unlikely event that you are unable to release the CD tray by pressing the eject button, you can manually release the CD. (See “CD/DVD Drive Problems” in Chapter 8.
Using the Video Features The video subsystem of your computer features: ! 10.4-inch TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) 18-bit color LCD display with 1024x768 XVGA (Extended Video Graphics Array) resolution. ! Simultaneous display on LCD and external monitor, which is useful when you have a presentation as you can control the screen from your computer and face the audience at the same time.
Display Mode Resolution 640x480 720x480 800x600 848x480 1024x768 1152x864 2-18 LCD Only CRT Only Simultaneous Display Colors 8-bit √ √ √ 16-bit √ √ √ 24-bit √ √ √ 32-bit √ √ √ 8-bit √ √ √ 16-bit √ √ √ 24-bit √ √ √ 32-bit √ √ √ 8-bit √ √ √ 16-bit √ √ √ 24-bit √ √ √ 32-bit √ √ √ 8-bit √ √ √ 16-bit √ √ √ 24-bit √ √ √ 32-bit √ √ √ 8-bit √ √ √ 16-bit √ √ √ 24-bit √ √ √ 32-bit √ √ √ 8-bit √ 16-bit √ 24-bit √ 32-bit √
Display Mode 1280x1024 1600x1200 LCD Only CRT Only 8-bit √ 16-bit √ 24-bit √ 8-bit √ 16-bit √ Simultaneous Display TABLE NOTE: 8-bit = 256 colors; 16-bit = High Color or 65,536 (64 K) colors; 24 and 32-bit = True Color 16,770,000 (16 M) colors.
Using the Audio Features NOTE: ! To take advantage of the enhanced audio capabilities, the audio driver supplied with your computer must be installed. ! If you experience interference while recording, try lowering the microphone recording volume.
Ways of playing and recording sound vary with the operating system used. See your operating system documentation or online help for specific information. Connecting Audio Devices For higher audio quality, you can send or receive sound through external audio devices. ! Microphone Connector ( ) can be connected to an external microphone for recording voice or sound.
Using the Communication Features Using the Modem NOTE: To take advantage of the modem feature, the modem driver supplied with your computer must be installed. The internal 56 K fax/data modem allows you to use the telephone line to communicate with others by fax, email, or connect to an online service or bulletin board. To connect the telephone line to the modem, connect the end nearest the core on the modem cable to the computer’s RJ-11 connector and the other end to the telephone line.
NOTE: ! When using communication software, you may have to disable power management. ! Set the COM port of the modem to COM2. ! Set parameters such as modem speed (baud rate) and line type (pulse dialing or tone dialing). ! Do not enter Standby when using communication software.
