About Your System 15

Connecting External Devices

When connecting external devices to your system, follow these guidelines:
• Most devices must be connected to a specific connector and device drivers must be installed before the
device operates properly. (Device drivers are normally included with your operating system software or
with the device itself.) See the documentation that accompanied the device for specific installation
and configuration instructions.
• Always attach an external device while your system and the device are turned off. Next, turn on any
external devices before turning on the system (unless the documentation for the device specifies
otherwise).
See "Using the System Setup Program" on page33 for information about enabling, disabling, and
configuring I/O ports and connectors.
NIC Indicator Codes
The NIC on the back panel has an indicator that provides information on network activity and link
status. See Figure1-3. Table 1-3 lists the NIC indicator codes.
Figure 1-3. NIC Indicators
1link indicator 2activity indicator
Table 1-3. NIC Indicator Codes
Indicator Indicator Code
Link and activity indicators are off The NIC is not connected to the network.
Link indicator is green The NIC is connected to a valid link partner on the network.
Activity indicator is amber blinking Network data is being sent or received.
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