Dell 2100/200, 2100/180 manual Preface, About This Guide

Preface

About This Guide

This guide is intended for anyone who uses the Dell Pow- erEdge 2100/180 or 2100/200 computer systems. The guide can be used by both first-time and experienced computer users who want to learn about the features and operation of the systems or who want to upgrade their computers. The chapters and appendixes are summarized as follows:

•Everyone should read Chapter 1, “Introduction,” for an overview of the system features, a description of the controls and indicators on the front panel, and a general discussion of connecting external devices to the back panel of the computer.

•Users who want to use the utilities, the diagnostics, the online documentation, or install drivers for their operat- ing system should read Chapter 2.

•Everyone should read the first few sections of Chap- ter 3, “Installing and Configuring SCSI Drivers,” to find out which small computer system interface (SCSI) device drivers (if any) are required for a par- ticular system configuration. Users who need to install and configure particular SCSI device drivers should then read the appropriate section for their operating system.

•Everyone should read the first several sections of Chapter 4, “Using the System Setup Program,” to familiarize themselves with this important program. Only users who want to make configuration changes to their system or who want to use the password fea- tures need to read the rest of Chapter 4.

•Everyone should read Chapter 5, “Using the EISA Configuration Utility” whenever an Extended Indus- try-Standard Architecture (EISA) or Industry- Standard Architecture (ISA) expansion card is added, removed, or repositioned in the computer.

Also, when you change the memory size, or change settings for one of the built-in devices you must run this utility.

•Chapter 6, “Working Inside Your Computer,” Chap- ter 7, “Installing System Board Options,” Chapter 8, “Installing Drives in the External Bays,” and Chap- ter 9, “Installing Drives in the Internal Bays,” are intended for users who want to install or remove options inside the computer, such as dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), expansion cards, or drives.

•Appendix A, “Technical Specifications,” and Appendix B, “Hardware Configuration Features,” are intended primarily as reference material for users interested in learning more about the details of the system. Users who add internal options may need to refer to Appendix B to change jumper settings.

•Appendix C, “Maintaining the System,” describes preventive maintenance procedures that you should perform regularly to keep your computer system in top operating condition.

•Appendix D, “Regulatory Notices,” is for users who are interested in which regulatory agencies have tested and approved the Dell PowerEdge 2100/180 and 2100/200 systems.

•Appendix E, “Warranties and Return Policy,” describes the warranties for Dell PowerEdge 2100/ 180 and 2100/200 systems and the “Total Satisfac- tion” Return Policy.

•Appendix F, “Beep Codes and System Messages,” describes the beep codes and system messages that the system can generate when problems occur. The information in this appendix replaces the informa- tion in Chapter 3, “Messages and Codes,” in the Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide.

vii