Solving computer problems

Starting BIOS Setup Utility

Your computer provides a program, called IBM BIOS Setup Utility, that enables you to select various setup parameters. The panels in this utility are as follows:

vConfig: Change the configuration of your computer.

vDate/Time: Set the date and time.

vPassword: Set a password.

vStartup: Set the startup device.

vRestart: Restart the system.

Note: You can set many of these parameters more easily by using the ThinkPad Configuration Program. For more information on this program, refer to the on-board help.

To start IBM BIOS Setup Utility, do as follows:

1.To protect yourself against accidental loss of data, refer to “Backing up your registry” in Access ThinkPad. Open Access ThinkPad by pressing the ThinkPad button. Backing up your registry will save your computer’s current configuration.

2.Remove any diskette from the diskette drive, and then turn off the computer.

3.Turn on the computer; then, while the “ Press F1 for IBM BIOS Setup Utility” message is displayed at the lower-left of the screen, press F1.

If you have set a supervisor password, the “IBM BIOS Setup Utility” menu appears after you enter the password. You can start the utility by pressing Enter instead of the supervisor password; then, however, you cannot change any parameters that are protected by the supervisor password. For more information, refer to the on-board help.

4.Using the cursor keys, move to an item you want to change. When that item is highlighted, press Enter. A submenu is displayed.

5.Change the items you wish to change. To change the value of an item, use the F5 or F6 key. If the item has a submenu, you can display it by pressing Enter.

6.Press F3 or Esc to exit from the submenu.

If you are in a nested submenu, press Esc repeatedly until you reach the IBM BIOS Setup Utility menu.

Note: If you need to restore the settings to their original state at the time of purchase, press the F9 key to load the default settings. You can also select an option in the Restart submenu to load the default settings or discard the changes.

7.Select Restart; then press Enter. Move to the option you want for restarting your computer; then press Enter. Your computer restarts.

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IBM A21e manual Starting Bios Setup Utility
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A21e specifications

The IBM A21e is a notable entry in the realm of Lenovo's ThinkPad series, primarily aimed at the educational sector and consumers seeking a reliable, budget-friendly option. Released as a part of IBM's initiative to enhance educational technology, the A21e brings together essential features, practical technologies, and robust characteristics that cater to students and everyday users alike.

One of the most distinguishing features of the A21e is its display. The laptop typically comes with a 14.1-inch screen, offering a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. This size provides a balance between portability and usability, making it ideal for students who need to carry their devices between classes without sacrificing screen real estate.

The keyboard is another highlight of the A21e. Renowned for its tactile feedback and comfortable typing experience, the spill-resistant keyboard enables users to write long essays or perform programming tasks with ease. Additionally, the laptop's design includes function keys that make it convenient to perform common computing tasks swiftly.

Under the hood, the A21e is powered by Intel processing technology, typically featuring Intel Celeron or Pentium processors. This ensures that the device is equipped to handle daily tasks such as word processing, web browsing, and multimedia playback. The laptop usually features a discrete graphics option for users who may require a bit more graphical power, catering to casual gamers or multimedia creators.

The memory options for the A21e generally range up to 1GB of RAM, which supports smooth multitasking for basic applications. With a hard drive capacity extending to 40GB or more, users have ample storage for documents, media files, and educational resources. It also features a DVD-ROM drive, allowing for the playback of multimedia and installation of software from physical media.

Connectivity-wise, the IBM A21e supports a variety of ports, including USB 1.1 for peripheral connections, a multimedia card slot, and an Ethernet port for networking capabilities. This emphasis on connectivity ensures that users can integrate the laptop into diverse environments, whether for classroom use or home study.

The laptop's build quality contributes to its perceived durability. With rugged features designed to withstand the rigors of school life, the A21e stands as a practical choice for students and educational institutions alike. Overall, the IBM A21e combines essential features with flexible technologies, making it an enduring tool for learning and productivity.
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