A Look at the Computer

Smart Card Keyboard Components

The Compaq USB Smart Card Keyboard (available with select models in some regions) has the same features as the Easy Access Keyboard with some additional Smart Card features.

The Smart Card features provide you with online shopping convenience and security. If you have a Smart Card or when you receive your Smart Card, you can insert your card into the terminal on the keyboard, enter a PIN number and make purchases from participating online merchants.

The Smart Card Keyboard is classified as a low power USB device that should be connected directly to one of the USB ports on the front or back of your computer. If an optional external USB hub is used, it must be a powered external USB hub.

Smart Card Keyboard Components

1

Smart Card Button

Press this button to apply for a Smart Card and/or shop

 

 

online at many of the participating online merchants.

 

 

 

2

Smart Card Activity Light

When lit, indicates that you have inserted your Smart

 

 

Card into the terminal.

 

 

 

3

Smart Card Terminal

Insert your Smart Card into the terminal (face up) to

 

 

purchase merchandise online.

 

 

 

2–20

Getting Started

Page 28
Image 28
Compaq 8000, 6000 manual Smart Card Keyboard Components

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.