Dell Precision 400 User Manual page 9

Preface
A
bout This Guide
This guide is intended for anyone who uses the Dell
workstation midsize computer systems. It can be used by
both first-time and experienced computer users who want
to learn about the features and operation of the systems or
who want to upgrade their computers. The chapters and
appendixes are summarized as follows:
•
Everyone should read Chapter 1, "Introduction," for
an overview of the system features, a description of
the controls and indicators on the front panel, and a
general discussion of connecting external devices to
the back panel of the computer.
•
Everyone should read the first few sections of Chap-
ter 2, "Using the Software Support Utilities," to find
out which utilities and drivers have been included
with the system. Only users who want to use one of
the utilities or drivers need to read the rest of
Chapter 2.
•
Everyone should read the first several sections of
Chapter 3, "Using the System Setup Program," to
familiarize themselves with this important program.
Only users who want to make configuration changes
to their system or who want to use the password fea-
tures need to read the rest of Chapter 3.
•
Users who add or remove an Industry-Standard
Architecture (ISA) expansion card while using a
non-Plug and Play operating system should read
Chapter 4, "Using the ISA Configuration Utility."
•
Users who want to connect their system to a network
should read Chapter 5, "Using the Network Interface
Controller." This chapter provides information on
connecting the system to a network, configuring the
optional network interface controller (NIC), and
installing drivers for the NIC.
•
Users who need information on the integrated sound
features of the computer system should read
Chapter 6, "Using the Integrated Audio Controller."
Chapter 6 provides information on connecting audio
equipment to your computer, installing audio drivers,
and reconfiguring the integrated audio controller.
•
Chapter 7, "Working Inside Your Computer,"
Chapter 8, "Installing System Board Options," and
Chapter 9, "Installing Drives," are intended for users
who want to install or remove options inside the
computer, such as dual in-line memory modules
(DIMMs), expansion cards, or drives.
•
Appendix A, "Technical Specifications," and Appen-
dix B, "Hardware Configuration Features," are
intended primarily as reference material for users inter-
ested in learning more about the details of the system.
Users who add internal options may need to refer to
Appendix B to change jumper or switch settings.
•
Appendix C, "ISA Configuration Utility Messages,"
describes error messages generated by the ISA
Configuration Utility (ICU), possible causes, and
corrective actions.
•
Appendix D, "Maintaining the System," describes
preventive maintenance procedures that you should
perform regularly to keep your computer system in
top operating condition.
•
Appendix E, "Regulatory Notices," is for users who
are interested in which regulatory agencies have
tested and approved the Dell workstation midsize
systems.
•
Appendix F, "Warranties and Return Policy,"
describes the warranty for your Dell system and the
"Total Satisfaction" Return Policy.
•
The Glossary provides definitions of terms, acro-
nyms, and abbreviations used in this guide.
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