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 page 29 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 Figure 1-3. Table 1-3lists the NIC indicator codes.

Figure 1-3. NIC Indicators

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 link indicator

2

activity indicator

Table 1-3. NIC Indicator Codes

 

 

 

 

Indicator Type

Indicator Code

Description

 

 

 

Activity

Off

When off at the same time that the link indicator is off,

 

 

the NIC is not connected to the network or the NIC is

 

 

disabled in the System Setup program. See "Using the

 

 

System Setup Program" on page 29.

 

Blinking yellow

Indicates that network data is being sent or received.

 

 

 

Link

Off

When off at the same time that the activity indicator is

 

 

off, the NIC is not connected to the network or the NIC is

 

 

disabled in the System Setup program. See "Using the

 

 

System Setup Program" on page 29.

 

On (green)

Indicates active link.

 

 

 

14About Your System