If you want basic information on turning the computer on and off, using your disk drives and keyboard, stopping commands, or resetting the computer, read the first five sections in this chapter.

If you are familiar with these aspects of operating a computer, you can skip to page 1-23 to learn about system operations specific to your computer, such as using a password and changing the processor speed.

Turning On the Computer

Before turning on your computer, check the following safety rules to avoid accidentally damaging your computer or injuring yourself:

Do not connect or disconnect any peripheral device cables (including the mouse or keyboard) or power cables when the computer’s power is on.

Never turn on the computer with a protective card in a 5.25-inch diskette drive.

Never turn off or reset your computer while a disk drive light is on. This can destroy data stored on the disk.

Always wait at least 20 seconds after you turn off the power before you turn it on again. This prevents possible damage to the computer’s electrical circuitry.

Do not leave a beverage near your system. Spilled liquid can damage the circuitry of your equipment.

Follow these steps to turn on your system:

1.Turn on the monitor, printer, and any other peripheral devices connected to the computer.

1-2Using Your Computer