Chapter 1 provides simple step-by-step instructions for setting up your computer. On the inside back cover are illustrations identifying the different parts of the Equity 386; you may want to refer to this while you are setting up your system.

Chapter 2 describes how to run the Setup program to define your computer’s configuration. You must do this for a new computer before you use it. You may need to do it again later, if you change the configuration.

Chapter 3 explains how to prepare the hard disk for use. If your computer has a hard disk, you must follow the instructions in this chapter before you can use it. If you don’t have a hard disk, skip this chapter.

Chapter 4 covers some general operating procedures, including how to use and care for your disks and disk drives.

Chapter 5 provides basic instructions for using MS-DOS with your computer.

Chapter 6 describes some of the options you can use in your Equity 386 and contains instructions for installing option cards.

Appendix A contains troubleshooting tips in case you encounter any problems while using your computer.

Appendix B provides information about the power-on diagnostics.

Appendix C outlines the system diagnostic checks you can perform on your computer. If you are having trouble with any part of the hardware, you may want to run some of these diagnostic checks.

Appendix D describes how to perform a hardware-level format of a new hard disk that either you or your dealer have installed in the computer. You need to do this only if you are using a hard disk that has never received this type of low-level format; it is not the same type of format you perform with the MS-DOS FORMAT command.

Appendix E lists the types of hard disk drives you can use in the Equity 386.

Introduction 3