Toshiba PMAD00010014 Enhancing Productivity

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Chapter 5

Enhancing Productivity

In this chapter, you will explore some of the special features

of your Tecra® A2 Series notebook computer.

Exploring the desktop

The desktop is the launching pad for everything you can do in

the Windows®XP Professional operating system. You use its

features to start programs, find documents, set up system

components, and perform most other computing tasks.

HINT: The illustrated examples in this guide may appear

slightly different from the screens displayed by your system.

The differences are not significant and do not indicate any

change in the functionality of your system.

Contents

Main Models: Tecra A2 Series ReWritable CD/DVD Drives Protection of Stored Data Critical Applications FCC Notice Declaration of Conformity Information Industry Canada requirement FCC requirements Telephone Company Procedures If Problems Arise Disconnection Fax Branding Alarm Equipment Instructions for IC CS-03 Certified Equipment Wireless Interoperability Wireless LAN and your Health Regulatory Information Canada Industry Canada (IC) Europe EU Declaration of Conformity Page USA Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Caution: Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation Caution: Radio Frequency Interference Requirements Taiw an Using this Equipment in Japan Device Authorization Radio approvals for wireless devices Approved Countries/Regions for use for the Atheros AR5BMB-43/44 Mini PCI Wireless network adapter Europe - Restrictions for use of 2.4 GHz Frequencies in European Community Countries Europe - Restrictions for use of 5 GHz Frequencies in European Community Countries Approved Countries/Regions for use for the Atheros AR5001X Mini PCI Wireless network adapter Approved Countries/Regions for use for the Intel PRO/ Wireless LAN 2100 3B Mini PCI Adapter Approved Countries/Regions for use for the Toshiba Mini PCI Wireless LAN Card Bluetooth wireless technology Interoperability Bluetooth wireless technology and your Health Regulatory statements European Union (EU) and EFTA Canada Industry Canada (IC) Caution: FCC Interference Statement Caution: Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation Taiw an Using this equipment in Japan Device Authorization 2.4FH1 DVD-ROM, multi-function drive safety instructions Location of the required label Copyright Export Administration Regulation Notice Trademarks Page Contents Introduction................................................................................ 36 Chapter 1: Getting Started......................................................... 41 Page Chapter 2: Learning the Basics................................................. 83 Chapter 3: Mobile Computing.................................................114 Chapter 4: Expansion Options................................................ 131 Chapter 5: Enhancing Productivity......................................... 138 Chapter 6: Toshiba Utilities......................................................160 Chapter 7: If Something Goes Wrong....................................185 Page Introduction This guide 38 Safety icons Other icons used Other documentation 40 Service options Chapter 1 Getting Started Selecting a place to work Creating a computer-friendly environment Keeping yourself comfortable Placement of the computer Seating and posture Lighting Arms and wrists Work habits Other precautions Important information on your computers cooling fan Setting up your computer Setting up your software Registering your computer with Toshiba Setting up other devices Connecting to a power source Page Page Charging the main battery Using the computer for the first time Opening the display panel Your computers features and specifications Turning on the power Adding memory Installing a memory module Page Page Page Removing a memory module Checking total memory Hard Drive Recovery Utilities Creating Recovery CDs/DVDs Hard Disk Drive Recovery using the recovery partition Recovering the original factory image (recommended) Recovering the C: partition of the HDD without changing the current partition size Recovering the C: partition with a user specified size Hard Disk Drive Recovery using the Recovery media Recovering the original factory image (recommended) Recovering the C: partition of the HDD only Recovering the entire HDD without the HDD Recovery Area Checking the HDD operating status Deleting the Hard Disk Recovery Utility Installing drivers and applications Using the TouchPad Scrolling with the TouchPad Control buttons Disabling or enabling the TouchPad Page Turning off the computer Closing the display panel Using external display devices Connecting an external monitor or projector Directing the display output when you turn on the computer Adjusting the quality of the external display Using an external keyboard Using a mouse Connecting a local printer Page Connecting an optional external diskette drive Connecting external speakers or headphones Connecting a microphone Chapter 2 Learning the Basics Computing tips Page Using the keyboard Character keys Making your keyboard emulate a full-size keyboard Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys Function keys Windows special keys Overlay keys Using the overlay to type numeric data Using the overlay for cursor control Starting a program Starting a program from the Start menu Starting a program from Windows Explorer Starting a program from the Run dialog box Page Saving your work Saving files File names Using a file extension Printing your work Using the DVD-ROM or multi-function drive Page Inserting a compact disc Page Removing a disc with the computer on Removing a disc with the computer off Caring for CD or DVD Discs Using PC Cards Hot swapping Hot swapping precautions Using your computer at the office Using a computer lock Caring for your computer Cleaning the computer Moving the computer Backing up your work Restoring your work Preparing for communications Powering down the computer Using Turn Off Computer or Shut Down Shutting down more quickly Starting again after Shut down Using Hibernation Configuring your computer for Hibernation Starting again from Hibernation mode Using Standby Going into Standby mode more quickly Starting again from Standby mode Toshibas online resources Chapter 3 Mobile Computing Toshibas energy-saver design Running the computer on battery power Battery Notice Charging the batteries Charging the main battery Charging the RTC battery Page Monitoring battery power Displaying remaining battery power Page What to do when the battery alarm sounds Changing batteries Page Taking care of your battery Safety precautions Maximizing battery life Page Disposing of used batteries Conserving power Power profiles in Windows XP Using a hot key to set the power profile Additional options for power Chapter 4 Expansion Options Devices for office computing Using an external keyboard Using a mouse Connecting a USB mouse Using a printer Setting up your printer Page Page Using the Wi-Fi Wireless LAN Mini PCI module Using an expansion device Page Chapter 5 Enhancing Productivity Exploring the desktop Finding your way around the desktop Icons Start button Taskbar System tray Setting up for communications Determining the COM port Connecting the modem to a telephone line Connecting your computer to a network Accessing a network Setting up the connection Using the Ethernet LAN Port Setting up a wireless connection Using Wireless LAN Connectivity An overview of using the Internet The Internet The World Wide Web Internet Service Providers Connecting to the Internet Surfing the Internet Internet features Uploading and downloading files from the Internet Exploring audio features Playing an audio CD Page Playing CDs using Auto-Run Creating a CD Recording sounds Using a microphone Adjusting recording quality Using external speakers or headphones Inserting and removing hard drives Page Inserting and removing PC Cards Inserting a PC Card Removing a PC Card Setting up a PC Card for your computer Connecting your modem to a telephone line Connecting to a phone line Chapter 6 Toshiba Utilities Fn-esse Starting Fn-esse Using drag-and-drop to assign a key Using the keyboard or pointing device to assign keys Making a direct key assignment Making a popup assignment Viewing existing key assignments Changing or removing existing key assignments TOSHIBA Console Customizing Your Computer Network Security TOSHIBA Power Saver Profiles Quickly creating a new power mode Customizing a power mode Mouse utility Hotkey utility TOSHIBA Mobile Extension Page TOSHIBA HW Setup Page Enabling Hibernation Setting user passwords Using an instant password Setting a user password Disabling a user password Using a supervisor password Setting a supervisor password Deleting a supervisor password Using the TOSHIBA Zooming Utility Using the TOSHIBA Touch and Launch utility Page Page TOSHIBA Touch and Launch Settings Disabling or enabling TOSHIBA Touch and Launch TOSHIBA Application Installer Page Chapter 7 If Something Goes Wrong Problems that are easy to fix Your program stops responding. Your program performs an illegal operation. Problems when you turn on the computer The computer will not start. The computer starts but, when you press a key, nothing happens. The computer is not accessing the hard disk or the external diskette drive. The computer displays the WARNING RESUME FAILURE message. The Windows operating system is not working Using Startup options to fix problems Internet problems My Internet connection is very slow. My browser cannot find the URL address I typed in. My browser cannot find a site I bookmarked. The Windows XP operating system can help you Resolving a hardware conflict A plan of action Resolving hardware conflicts on your own Interrupt Request Channel Direct Memory Access Resolving conflicts Fixing a problem with Device Manager Disabling a device Checking device properties Memory problems Power and the batteries The AC power light does not come on when you plug in the AC adapter and power cord/cable. The AC adapter and power cord/cable work correctly, but the battery will not charge. The battery appears not to power the computer for as long as it usually does. Keyboard problems The keyboard produces unexpected characters. Display problems The display is blank. The screen does not look right. The built-in screen flickers. Page Disk drive problems You are having trouble accessing a disk, or one or more files appear to be missing. Error-checking Your hard disk seems very slow. Your data files are damaged or corrupted. Some programs run correctly but others do not. A diskette will not go into the external diskette drive. The computer displays the Non-system disk or disk error message. DVD-ROM or multi-function drive problems You cannot access a disc in the drive. You press the disc eject button, but the drive tray does not slide out. Some discs run correctly, but others do not. Sound system problems You do not hear any sound from the computer. The computer emits a loud, high-pitched noise. PC Card problems Card Information Structure PC Card checklist Resolving PC Card problems The system does not recognize your PC Card. A PC Card error occurs. Printer problems The printer will not print. The printer will not print what you see on the screen. Modem problems The modem will not receive or transmit properly. The modem is on, set up properly and still will not transmit or receive data. Develop good computing habits Save your work frequently. On a regular basis, back up the information stored on your hard disk. Read the users guides. If you need further assistance Before you call Contacting Toshiba Toshiba voice contact Other Toshiba Internet Web sites Toshibas worldwide offices Toshibas worldwide offices Appendix A Hot Keys Volume Mute Instant password security Power usage profile Stand By mode Hibernation mode Display modes Display brightness Disabling or enabling the TouchPad Keyboard hot keys Appendix B Power Cord/Cable Connectors Appendix C Using ConfigFree with your Toshiba Computer Getting Started Starting ConfigFree ConfigFree Utilities Connectivity Doctor Page Page Search for Wireless Devices Page Profile Settings Page Quick Connect Page Page Using the Automatic Switch Semi-Automatic Switch Feature Glossary Acronyms Page Ter ms These terms may appear in this users guide. A B C D Page E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U W Index Numerics A B C D E F H I J K L M N O P Page R S T U V W