4 Summary of the HP/Phoenix BIOS

Power Saving and Ergonometry

Power Saving and Ergonometry

Power-On from Space-Bar

The power-on from the space-barfunction is enabled, provided that:

The computer is connected to a Windows 95 keyboard (recognizable by the Power-On icon on the space bar).

The computer is running the Windows 95 operating system.

The function has not been disabled by setting SW-9 to closed on the sys- tem board switches.

The function has not been disabled in the “Power” menu of the Setup pro- gram.

Soft Power Down

When the user requests the operating system to shutdown, the environment is cleared, and the computer is powered off. At the time of release, the drivers bear the version number A.01.00 (or SPD.02.01 for Windows NT 4.0). They are supplied with Windows NT and Windows 95. Soft Power Down is not available with OS/2.

The hardware to do this, and the complement function, HP Off (as described in the next section), is contained within the HP ASIC chip, LittleBen. This chip is described on page 73.

HP Off

If the user attempts to turn the PC off at the status panel, the PC logic will delay the shutting down of the power supply until it is safe to do so. HP Off protects the user from some types of unintentional data loss, providing a safe shutdown of running applications and unsaved files. It is available under the Windows 95 operating system provided that the appropriate driver is installed.

1In the control panel, double-click on the Power icon.

2Click on the HP Off tab to select HP Off, or on Immediate Power Off to cancel it.

3Select the time-out period, between one and five seconds.

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Power Saving and Ergonometry, Power-On from Space-Bar, Soft Power Down, HP Off

Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 specifications

The HP Vectra VL 5/xxx was a series of desktop personal computers introduced by Hewlett-Packard in the mid-1990s. These machines were designed for both business and professional environments, making them suitable for a range of applications from basic office tasks to more demanding computing needs. This series played a significant role in HP's efforts to strengthen its market presence in the PC sector during a time when competition was intensifying.

One of the standout features of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line was its versatility. The series included various configurations designated by the '5/xxx' nomenclature, which indicated different performance levels and specifications. The performance was driven primarily by Intel Pentium processors, widely acclaimed for their reliability and efficiency. This allowed users to choose a model that suited their specific requirements, whether for everyday tasks or more resource-intensive applications.

In addition to its strong processing capabilities, the Vectra VL 5/xxx featured advanced graphics support, which was critical for visual applications and presentations. Many units in this series came equipped with onboard graphics capabilities that supported a range of resolutions, enhancing the user experience in both standard office environments and more creative settings.

Storage options were another highlight of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series. The machines typically featured a variety of hard drive configurations, allowing for ample data storage. Some models included the option for expanding storage through additional hard drives or external devices. Coupled with considerable RAM options, these machines ensured smooth multitasking and efficient performance across various applications.

Connectivity was also a core aspect of the Vectra VL 5/xxx. The systems typically included multiple USB ports, parallel and serial ports, and integrated networking capabilities. This made it easy for businesses to integrate the Vectra machines into their existing infrastructure, facilitating seamless interaction with peripherals and networks.

In terms of design, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series presented a robust yet compact form factor, which was ideal for office environments with limited space. Additionally, HP emphasized the reliability and serviceability of these machines, which included easy access to internal components for maintenance and upgrades, thereby extending the product life cycle.

Overall, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line offered a balanced combination of performance, flexibility, and reliability, making it a solid choice for organizations looking to leverage computing power for a range of professional applications. The series embodied HP's commitment to delivering quality and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing.