Front Panel Components 4000 Series | Compaq 8000, 6000 manual

A Look at the Computer

Front Panel Components - 4000 Series

1	Optical Drives	Depending on your computer model, this may be a
		CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM drive. If a second
		optical drive is not installed, a removable blank bezel
		is provided.

2	Optical Drive Activity	When lit, indicates the optical drive is being accessed.
	Lights

3	Diskette Drive	Reads and writes information onto a 3.5-inch diskette.

4	Diskette Drive Activity	When lit, indicates the diskette drive is being accessed.
	Light	(Do not remove the diskette while the light is on.)

5	Diskette Eject Button	Ejects the diskette from the diskette drive.

6	USB (Universal Serial	Connects USB peripheral devices, such as gamepads,
	Bus) Ports	joysticks, and video cameras.

7	Optical Drive Eject Button	Releases the optical drive disc tray.

8	Power Button	Turns on the computer. To turn off the computer, use
		the operating system “Turn Off Computer” command.

9	Power-On Light	When lit, indicates the power is turned on.

:	Hard Drive Activity Light	When lit, indicates the hard drive is being accessed.

✎ Arrangement and number of drives and connectors may vary by model.

2–2	Getting Started

6000, 8000 specifications

The Compaq 8000 and 8080 are notable entries in the history of personal computing, emerging in an era marked by rapid technological advancement and shifting consumer needs. Launched in the early 1990s, these models catered to a growing segment of both business and home users seeking reliable, efficient computing solutions.

The Compaq 8000 series was predominantly designed as a desktop workstation, offering robust performance tailored for professionals dealing with complex tasks like graphic design, data processing, and software development. Among its main features was a powerful Intel Pentium processor, which significantly enhanced its computational speed and multitasking capabilities. The 8000 series also supported a variety of RAM configurations, allowing for customization according to user needs — a flexible memory capacity of up to 128 MB, which was impressive for its time.

In terms of storage, users were presented with options for hard drives that ranged from 1 GB to as much as 8 GB, accommodating the increasing demand for data. The inclusion of a SCSI interface allowed for faster data transfer rates, providing users with quicker access to files and applications. Moreover, the systems supported various operating systems, primarily MS-DOS and Windows, making them versatile devices for different types of software applications.

The Compaq 8080, while closely related to the 8000, featured several enhanced functionalities that appealed to users seeking even greater performance. Notably, it offered improved graphics capabilities with options for more advanced video cards, enabling better rendering for graphics-intensive applications. This was a crucial development for graphic designers and multimedia professionals during that period.

Another characteristic of these models was their modular design philosophy. This allowed users to easily upgrade components like RAM, storage, and graphics cards, prolonging the lifespan of their systems and providing excellent value. The systems were also praised for their reliable build quality, something Compaq was known for, ensuring that users could depend on their machines for demanding workloads.

In conclusion, the Compaq 8000 and 8080 series represented an important evolution in desktop computing, characterized by performance-oriented technology, modularity, and adaptability. They laid the groundwork for user-friendly computing and remain memorable in the legacy of personal computers.