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Acorn Computers Limited A4000 Welcome Manual

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Acorn A4000
Welcome Guide

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  • Page 1 Acorn A4000 Welcome Guide...
  • Page 3 Acorn A4000 Welcome Guide...
  • Page 5 As the Acorn family grows larger, so our range of products continues to increase and diversify. Your new Acorn A4000 is the result of on-going development here at Acorn, and is made to the high standards of quality and reliability that existing Acorn users have come to expect.
  • Page 6 Acorn Computers Limited in good faith. However, Acorn Computers Limited cannot accept any liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any information or particulars in this manual, or any incorrect use of the products. All maintenance and service on the product must be carried out by Acorn Computers' authorised dealers or Approved Service Centres.
  • Page 7 Guidelines for safe operation The equipment described in this guide is designed and manufactured to comply with international safety standards EN60950 (BS7002) and is intended for use only as a desktop computer. It must not be used for other purposes. It is most important that unpacking and operation is carried out in accordance with the instructions given in this guide.
  • Page 8 Guarantee (valid in UK only) This equipment is guaranteed by Acorn Computers Limited ("ACORN") against mechanical and electrical defects subject to the conditions set out below. Note Items which by their nature or design only have a restricted life are not guaranteed beyond such life.
  • Page 9 Documentation roadmap This roadmap will help you decide which tools and manuals you will need, as you start to use your Acorn A4000 computer and develop your skills...

  • Page 10: Table Of Contents

    Contents Getting started The chapters in this part contain all the information you need to get started on your computer. Unpacking 1 Describes what you should find when you open the box containing your computer. Setting up the computer 3 Explains how to connect everything together.
  • Page 11 Contents Hardware reference This part contains technical reference information and more detailed installation instructions, along with some advice on looking after your computer. The odd-numbered pages in this part have a grey block on the righthand edge. Appendix A: Maintaining your computer 67 Tells you how to look after your computer.

  • Page 13: Unpacking

    Unpacking his chapter tells you about unpacking your computer, and gives some hints on where to set it up. Unpacking Unpack your computer on a flat surface — either on the floor, or on a large table where there's plenty of room for the carton as well as for the computer. Take everything out of the carton, making sure you don't break the packaging material, as you may need this later (to transport your computer).

  • Page 14: Computer

    Checklist Complete the Owner Registration Form and post it back to Acorn (purchasers outside the UK should send it to their local supplier or national distributor). This will enable us to inform you of new products and upgrades to your computer as they become available.

  • Page 15: Setting Up The Computer

    Setting up the computer his chapter describes how to connect the components of the computer together and set it up ready for use. Before you start connecting it up, please read the Guidelines for safe operation in the front of this guide. Connect mouse to keyboard Take the mouse and the keyboard out of their plastic bags.
  • Page 16 Connect monitor Connect monitor You'll usually have two cables with each monitor: • a signal cable (carries the video signal from the computer to the monitor) • a power cable. Connect monitor signal cable to computer Put the monitor on top of the computer (unless you are using a monitor which weighs 25kg or more, in which case it will have to go alongside the computer unit, or on a strong shelf above it).
  • Page 17 Setting up the computer Connect other peripherals to computer Connect any other peripherals you have (such as a printer or a modem) before you switch on the power. Most printers use the parallel printer port on the rear of the computer. Appendix C: Attaching peripheral devices on page 79 gives you some advice.

  • Page 19: Switching On

    Switching on his chapter tells you how to power up your computer for the first time, and describes what you see on the screen when you do. Equipment check First check that you have connected all parts of the computer together properly, as described in the previous chapter.
  • Page 20 Switching on Switch the computer on, by pressing the ON/OFF switch on the front (the green light on the lefthand side of the computer's front panel will light up). Depending on your monitor (and whether it has warmed up yet) you might see the screen change colour while the computer performs some self-tests.

  • Page 21: What Now

    Switching on What now? Scenic route (for first-time users) Now you're ready to begin using your computer. If this is the first time you've used a computer (or at least an Acorn computer) take the following route: 1 Use the rest of this guide to get used to the RISC OS desktop, and to learn how to use the computer efficiently.

  • Page 23: The Risc Os Desktop

    The RISC OS desktop n introduction to the desktop environment of RISC OS. The RISC OS desktop RISC OS is the name of the operating system of your computer; it controls the way the computer screen appears to you, and how the computer performs various actions and tasks.
  • Page 24 The pointer Device icons The icons on the left of the icon bar represent the devices which are available – that is, the discs and other places where you can load information from, and save it to. At least one will appear on the icon bar: Floppy disc drive.

  • Page 25: Using The Mouse

    Using the mouse his chapter tells you how to use the mouse to select and move things displayed on the screen. What's a mouse? The mouse is one way of interacting with the computer (see Using the keyboard on page 39 for another). As you move the mouse on a flat surface, so the pointer moves around on the screen.
  • Page 26 The mouse buttons The mouse buttons The mouse has three buttons, known as Select, Menu and Adjust: You use the Select button to select and move icons displayed on the screen, or to choose from menus. You use the Menu button to make a menu appear. Menus are described in Menus and dialogue boxes on page 25.
  • Page 27 Using the mouse Clicking 1 Point at the object Move the mouse so that the pointer is over the object you want to select. For example, point at the Apps icon on the icon bar. 2 Click Select Press and release the Select (lefthand) button of the mouse.
  • Page 28 Dragging Dragging 1 Point at the object Move the mouse so that the pointer is over the object you want to move. For example, point at the title bar along the top of the Apps directory display. (The title bar is the part of the directory display containing the words Resources:$.Apps.) 2 Select and drag the object...

  • Page 29: Windows

    Windows his chapter describes windows and explains how they can be moved, resized, hidden and closed. It describes how to move through the contents of a document too large to display in one window all at once. What is a window? A window is an area of the screen displaying an activity or application.
  • Page 30 Practising manipulating windows Title bar The title bar displays the title of a window. This may be the name of an application, directory, or a document you're editing. Here's the title bar from the Apps directory display: Back icon Clicking on the back icon has the effect of putting a window to the back of the pile of windows on the screen.
  • Page 31 Windows Changing a window's size 1 Point at the adjust size icon Move the pointer over the adjust size icon. 2 Drag the adjust size icon Press and hold down the Select button. Move the mouse and drag the icon to change the size of the window.
  • Page 32 Toggling window size Toggling window size 1 Click on the toggle size icon Move the pointer over the toggle size icon and click Select. The window size will snap to nearly the width of the screen. 2 Click on the toggle size icon again Clicking on the icon again will reverse the process (note the changing toggle size icon).
  • Page 33 Windows Closing windows Click on the close icon Position the pointer on the close icon and click Select. For example, close the Apps directory display. The window will disappear from the screen. If it's an application window, and has some unsaved work in it (some changes you've made to a letter, for example) the application will usually ask you whether you want to save the changes.
  • Page 34 Scrolling The technique of moving the window around a large file is called scrolling. You move the window frame over the file, but because the window actually stays in the same position on the screen, it appears as though the file is scrolling past the window. This is not as complicated as it sounds.
  • Page 35 Windows Practising scrolling Click on the hard disc drive icon, then double-click on Appl (if you're not sure about this, read the chapter Discs and disc drives first, then come back to this point). When the directory contents are displayed, double-click on the DrawDemo icon, and a window with scroll bars will appear, containing some drawings and text.
  • Page 36 Moving through a file Moving through a file 1 Click on the slider Position the pointer on the slider, press Select and keep it pressed down. 2 Drag the slider Drag the slider to display the part of the file you want to view.

  • Page 37: Menus And Dialogue Boxes

    Menus and dialogue boxes his chapter tells you what menus and dialogue boxes are, how to display them and choose things from them, and how to supply information when the computer asks you to be more specific about what you want. What is a menu? A menu in the desktop is similar to a menu in a restaurant —...
  • Page 38 Displaying a menu Displaying a menu 1 Point to the relevant icon Move the pointer over the window or icon you're interested in. For example, click on the Apps icon on the icon bar and move the pointer over the Apps directory display.
  • Page 39 Menus and dialogue boxes Keeping a menu on the screen You'll notice that after you click Select to choose a menu option, the menu then disappears. If you click with Adjust instead of Select, the menu will stay on the screen, and you can choose another option.
  • Page 40 What is a dialogue box? What is a dialogue box? Sometimes related menu options are grouped together in dialogue boxes. They're called dialogue boxes because you have to reply to the computer's questions. You'll come across different types of dialogue box as you work through this guide or use applications.
  • Page 41 Menus and dialogue boxes Arrow icon This is an arrow you click on to increase or decrease numeric values. Pop-up menu This is a text field with a single right arrow which, when you click on it, displays a submenu. Applying the changes you've made The way you apply the changes you've specified depends on the type of dialogue box.
  • Page 42 Choosing menu options — conventions in this Guide Choosing menu options - conventions in this Guide Now that you know about menus, here are the conventions we'll use in the rest of this Guide to tell you how to choose menu options and fill in writable menu boxes.

  • Page 43: Discs And Disc Drives

    Discs and disc drives his chapter tells you how to use and take care of your discs and disc drives, and how to format and make backup copies of discs. Floppy discs and hard discs You store information and programs on hard or floppy discs. Floppy discs Your computer uses 3.5 inch floppy discs.
  • Page 44 Inserting and ejecting floppy discs Inserting and ejecting floppy discs The floppy disc drive is on the front of the computer. Insert the disc into the floppy disc drive like this, with the label uppermost: The disc clicks into place when it is fully inserted. To eject a floppy disc from the computer, press the disc eject button below the disc slot, but only when the drive indicator light is off.
  • Page 45 Discs and disc drives The contents of the disc will be shown in a directory display: Write-protecting a floppy disc If you write-protect a disc, it means that you cannot change anything on the disc, delete anything by mistake, or save any new files to the disc. You should write-protect discs containing any information you don't want to lose (and don't want to change at present).
  • Page 46 Formatting a floppy disc Your computer can also format discs for filing systems other than ADFS, as shown in the following table. To ensure reliability, only format discs in accordance with this table Unformatted size* Filing system Formatted size Density ADFS 800KB double...
  • Page 47 Discs and disc drives Choose Format/ADFS 800K (E) (or Format/ADFS 1.6M, if you've got a high density disc). The Format dialogue box will appear: 4 Decide on a name for your disc Move the pointer over the Name: box and hold down the Ctrl key and press U to delete the default name.
  • Page 48 Renaming a floppy disc Renaming a floppy disc As well as writing the disc's name on a sticky label so that you know what it's called, you can use the computer to name the disc electronically (so the computer knows the disc's name too).

  • Page 49: Making Backup Copies

    Discs and disc drives Making backup copies It is a good idea to make a backup copy of any valuable files or discs from time to time, in case a disc is damaged or a file is accidentally deleted. You should also make backup copies of your program (application) discs, and use these rather than the originals, which you should keep safe.
  • Page 50 Making backup copies Backing up files from a hard disc Obviously, this only applies if your computer has a hard disc fitted. If you have any files on your hard disc that you can't afford to lose, it's a good idea to keep backup copies of them on a floppy disc, in case your hard disc develops any errors.

  • Page 51: Using The Keyboard

    Using the keyboard his chapter describes the keyboard and its functions. A quick tour of the keyboard The illustrations on the next two pages show how the keys are laid out on the keyboard. This chapter describes the main features of the keyboard, and tells you how to use the different groups of keys.

  • Page 52: The Keyboard

    The keyboard The computer control keys have different functions, depending on the software with which they are being used. Useful keys to know about at the moment are: Delete deletes a character to the left of the caret (e.g. in Edit) or deletes a selected object (e.g.
  • Page 53 Using the keyboard When to use the keyboard You will need to use the keyboard for many tasks, such as • supplying answers to questions the computer asks in writable menu boxes ( including giving names to files and documents you create) •...
  • Page 54 Typing special characters Typing special characters Sometimes you need to be able to type special characters that are not apparently on the keyboard, such as accented characters, or symbols like ©. You can in fact get at lots of extra characters using the Alt key. The keyboard map at the bottom of this page shows all the characters that are available.

  • Page 55: Using Applications

    Using applications his chapter tells you how to load and run applications on your computer. It uses the application Edit as an example. What are applications? Applications, like Edit or Draw, are the tools that you use to produce your letters, drawings, music and so on.
  • Page 56 2 Start the application Double-click on the application's icon. It will appear on the icon bar, ready for you to use. For example, double click on !Edit. Its icon will appear on the icon bar, indicating that it has been loaded into the computer's memory, and is waiting for you to use it.
  • Page 57 Using applications Using more than one application window Often you'll have more than one application window open on the desktop (this is the power of RISC OS — it lets you transfer data between different windows and applications). You can only enter information (e.g. write some text, or draw a picture) in one window at a time.
  • Page 58 Getting the most out of applications Getting the most out of applications These are some tips to help you use applications efficiently. They're not essential reading now, and indeed they'll mean more to you after you've read the next chapter, so by all means come back to them later.

  • Page 59: Files And Directories

    Files and directories his chapter explains how you can store information in an organised way, copy it, and delete it when you no longer need it. Files and directories Everything you create using an application or programming language can be saved as a file, whether it consists of text, graphics or a program.
  • Page 60 Building a file structure Double-clicking on an application directory loads the application, usually onto the icon bar ready for use. See the previous chapter for more on this. Three refinements you might find useful later on: • Double-clicking Adjust on a sub-directory icon opens the sub-directory display and simultaneously closes the directory display it came from (the parent).
  • Page 61 Files and directories To create a structure like this, you'll need to create directories, and save, copy or move files into them. To practise saving files, you'll need a work disc of your own. Create one by taking a new disc and formatting it, as described in Formatting a floppy disc on page 34.
  • Page 62 Saving (and loading) a file 2 Give your file a name Move the pointer over the work you want to save and press Menu to display the application menu. Enter a name in the Save as: dialogue box. For example, try this on the Edit file you created in the last chapter.
  • Page 63 Files and directories Copying (and moving) a file to another directory 1 Open the destination directory display If you haven't already done it, open the directory you want to copy the file into. For example, create another new directory, on your disc WorkDisc, called TestFiles2 ( follow the instructions in Creating a new directory on page 49).
  • Page 64 Deleting files and directories Deleting files and directories Warning: once you have deleted a file or directory, you can't get it back again, so use this option with caution! 1 Select the file or directory to be deleted Click on the icon of the file you want to delete. For example, select the copy of EditTest in directory TestFiles2.
  • Page 65 Files and directories Pinboard If you click Menu over a blank area of the desktop, you will see a menu called Pinboard. Don't worry too much about this at the moment. It's explained in the RISC OS 3 User and Applications Guide, and enables you to do things like •...

  • Page 67: Printing

    Printing his chapter gives you an introduction to printing a file from your computer. It uses an Acorn JP-150 printer as an example. Once you've used an application to produce some work, you'll probably want to print out what you've done. This chapter takes you through each stage involved in printing a file, from setting up the computer to producing a printed page.
  • Page 68 Setting up 1 Make a copy of !Printers Open the App1 directory display. Copy ! Printers to your root directory. Use the copy, not the original so that you always have an unchanged version you can fall back on. 2 Load !Printers Load !Printers by double-clicking on its icon.
  • Page 69 Printing Choose Configure... to display the configuration dialogue box. Change any settings that aren't correct (refer to the manual supplied with your printer). The only options you'll need to worry about for now in this window are Resolution, Paper feed... and Quality. For example, you can set Paper feed...

  • Page 70: Printing A File

    Printing a file Printing a file 1 Load the application If it's not loaded already, load the application you used to create the file. 2 Open the file you want to print Double-click on a file to open it. If it's not open already, open the TestFiles1 directory (on your workdisc) that you created in the previous chapter.
  • Page 71 Printing Another way of printing You can often print a file by dragging its icon and dropping it on the printer's icon bar icon. 1 Load the application If it's not loaded already, load the application you used to create the file. 2 Display the file's icon Open the directory containing the file you want to print.
  • Page 72 Problems with printing Problems with printing The most common problems with printing occur in the setup stage. If your computer thinks it is connected to the wrong printer, you will have trouble. Take care with the following when you set up: •...

  • Page 73: Switching Off The Computer

    Switching off the computer his chapter describes the correct procedure to follow before switching off your computer (do this at night, or if you're not intending to use the computer for a few days). Normal shutdown procedure When you've been doing some work on the computer and want to switch it off, you can simply switch off using the ON/OFF switch on the front of the computer.
  • Page 74 Normal shutdown procedure The computer will perform any 'tidying-up' operations necessary, such as quitting any applications you've been using. A window will appear when this has happened, telling you that the computer is ready to be switched off. 3 Switch off the computer and peripherals Remove any floppy discs from the disc drive.

  • Page 75: If Things Go Wrong

    If things go wrong his chapter offers solutions to some problems you might encounter while you I are getting started with your computer. If none of these help, consult your supplier. No picture Check that • the screen has not simply blanked as a result of the Blank delay set in !Configure ( if this is the case, moving the mouse or pressing Shift will restore the display)The RISC OS 3 User and Applications Guide explains how to use !Configure •...
  • Page 76 If things go wrong Flashing floppy drive light If the floppy drive indicator light flashes more than once when you switch on, and the computer doesn't power up properly (you can't see the RISC OS desktop after a few seconds) consult your supplier. If the light only flashes once, this is normal.
  • Page 77 The desktop disappears The desktop disappears You have used the Exit option on the Task Manager menu and exited from the desktop completely. Type desktop and press the Return key. The desktop will return, but you will have lost any unsaved work. Alternatively, hold down Ctrl and press the Reset button (on the back of the keyboard) to bring back the desktop.

  • Page 79: Appendix A: Maintaining Your Computer

    Appendix A: Maintaining your computer his chapter tells you more about looking after your computer and its internal battery. It describes how to clean the computer and the mouse. The internal battery While it is switched off, the computer 'remembers' the time and other useful information such as its 'configuration' (features like how fast the pointer moves when you move the mouse).
  • Page 80 Cleaning the mouse Clean the mouse occasionally to keep it running smoothly. To clean the mouse, you need the following items: • some tape head cleaner • a cotton swab • a lint-free, dry cloth. To remove the ball and clean the mouse, take the following steps: Unplug the mouse and turn it upside down.
  • Page 81 Appendix A: Maintaining your computer Wipe the ball with the clean, dry cloth. Do not use a cloth which may leave lint, and do not use cleaning liquid on the ball. To replace the ball and retainer, take the following steps: Turn the mouse upside down and place the ball back in the case.

  • Page 83: Appendix B: Monitor Connections

    Appendix B: Monitor connections his appendix tells you how to connect different types of monitor to your computer. Your computer has been designed so that you can use it with a wide variety of monitors. In most cases the monitor can be directly connected to the computer using the cable (or cable and adaptor) supplied with the monitor.
  • Page 84 Table 1: Monitor information Table 1: Monitor information Monitor family Examples Adaptor req'd ¢ , or Multiscan with Acorn AFK18 None* 15-way connector NEC Multisync 3D None* NEC Multisync II (supplied) Taxan 795 None* Philips 3CM 3209 None* Panasonic TX-14H8BT None* Acorn AKF40 None...
  • Page 85 Appendix B: Monitor connections Cables and adaptors This section gives you the pinouts on standard cables supplied with monitors, and tells you how to make adaptors if they are required. The pinout of the video connector on the back of the computer is illustrated in Appendix D: Hardware components and connectors.
  • Page 86 Cables and adaptors Cable type G This cable is supplied with TV standard monitors with a 15-way signal connector, such as the Acorn AKF40. The table below shows the typical pinout for the computer end of this type of cable. You can use this cable without modification. Acorn AKF40 Green Blue...
  • Page 87 Appendix B: Monitor connections Adaptor type C The cable supplied with some Multiscan monitors requiring composite sync is terminated at the computer end with a 9 pin D-type plug. In this case you need a 15- way plug to 9-way socket adaptor: Note: HSync (pin 13) linked back into ID2 (pin 4) tells the computer that...
  • Page 88 Cables and adaptors Cable type E You need this cable (if it's not supplied) for use with televisions and monitors using a SCART input socket: Note 1: HSync (pin 13) linked back to IDO (pin 11) tells the computer that composite (rather than vertical) sync is required, and that only...
  • Page 89 Appendix B: Monitor connections Cable type F You need this cable to use with monochrome monitors which have a phono input socket. You need a 15-way plug to phono socket adaptor with resistors, to mix the separate red, green and blue signals into a composite monochrome signal (you can fit these components into a 15-way connector shell).
  • Page 90 MonitorType and screen modes MonitorType and screen modes MonitorType is a variable that controls which screen modes (see the RISC OS 3 User and Applications Guide) your computer can display. The following types are defined: MonitorType Description Screen modes available TV standard including SCART TV/UHF modulator 0-17, 24, 33-36 Multiscan...

  • Page 91: Appendix C: Attaching Peripheral Devices

    Appendix C: Attaching peripheral devices his appendix gives you advice on attaching different peripheral devices to your computer. Introduction There are a number of peripheral devices that you can attach to your computer to expand its capabilities – for example, printers and modems. This chapter offers some general guidelines for connecting peripherals to your computer.
  • Page 92 Serial port Printers on the serial port Hardware connection You should check carefully what options for flow control your printer uses, and if possible set it to XOFF/XON flow control. Some printers have alternative flow control mechanisms involving ETX/ACK (different control characters from XOFF/XON, transmitted under slightly different circumstances), or RTS/CTS ( signals on additional wires on the interface cable).

  • Page 93: Parallel Port

    Appendix C: Attaching peripheral devices Hardware connection You may need to ask your supplier for an adaptor cable to connect a modem or other standard RS232 DCE device. Here is the wiring guide for connecting to a standard RS232 25-way D-type connector: In practice you may leave out RI and DSR.
  • Page 94 Parallel port Software connection Printing on page 55 tells you how to configure your computer to use a Acorn JP-I 50 printer. You'll find more information in Printing in the RISC OS 3 User and Applications Guide and the manual supplied with your printer.

  • Page 95: Appendix D: Hardware Components And Connectors

    Appendix D: Hardware components and connectors his chapter describes the hardware components of the computer, and gives details about the connections of the different sockets. The front of the computer The drawing below shows the front of the computer. ON/OFF indicator light This light comes on when you turn the computer on.
  • Page 96 The back of the computer Drive indicator light The indicator light comes on when the floppy disc drive is being accessed by the system. WARNING: When the floppy disc drive indicator light is on, the computer is actually reading or writing data. Do not remove the floppy disc or turn off the computer while the light is on.

  • Page 97: Keyboard Connector

    Appendix D: Hardware components and connectors Keyboard connector The keyboard has a 6-way plug on the end of its cable, that goes into the 6-way. socket on the back of the computer. The pins on the socket are wired as follows: Parallel port A parallel printer needs a 25-way D-type plug to go into the 25-way D-type socket on the back of the computer.
  • Page 98 The back of the computer The pins on the connector are as follows: Network interface connector This requires an optional network interface expansion card to be fitted. This needs a 15-way D-type plug to go into the 15-way D-type socket on the back of the computer. Use this socket to connect the computer with other Acorn computers on a local area network (LAN).
  • Page 99 Appendix D: Hardware components and connectors Video This 15-way D-type socket is used to connect your monitor to the computer (it is not suitable for TTL RGB monitors). The pins on the socket are as follows: See Appendix B: Monitor connections on page 71 for information on monitors that use this socket.
  • Page 100 Mouse Keyboard feet You can pull these down, making the keyboard slope more steeply if you wish. RESET button The RESET button is used to restart the computer without turning it off at the ON/OFF switch (press Ctrl RESET). Refer to the RISC OS 3 User and Applications Guide.

  • Page 101: Appendix E: Inside The Computer

    However, to be able to fit them, you first need to know how to remove the computer's cover and what to look for inside. Acorn Computers Limited cannot accept any liability for damage done to the product during the installation of internal upgrades whether or not carried out in accordance with the instructions in this chapter.

  • Page 102: Reassembling The Computer

    Reassembling the computer Switch off the computer and disconnect it from the mains supply by unplugging the power supply cable from the wall socket. Place the main unit on your work surface covered with the blanket, and turn it over so that it rests on its top cover. Remove the two fixing screws on the underside of the main unit: Rest the main unit on its base again and slide the cover backwards to the rear of the unit.

  • Page 103: Glossary

    Glossary his glossary defines any new terms that you may have come across in the guide. Terms in italics have their own definitions in this glossary. adaptor — See power adaptor. ADFS — Advanced Disc Filing System (see the RISC OS 3 User Guide for more information). adjust button —...
  • Page 104 Glossary clicking — Pressing and releasing one of the mouse buttons once (normally the Select button, unless otherwise stated). clicking on — Pointing at with the mouse pointer and clickning Select. close icon — Click Select on this to close a window or directory display. Click Adjust to close the window and simultaneously open its parent.
  • Page 105 Glossary drag — Press and hold down the Select or Adjust button and move the mouse, whilst the pointer is over the object you want to drag. drive indicator light — This is an LED that lights when the disc drive is being used by the computer.
  • Page 106 Glossary input focus — When the input focus is on a particular file's window, you can alter that file ( type in text, add graphics etc). The title bar and other icons on the window will change colour. keyboard — Built in or attached to computer by a curly cable. You use it to input information to the computer.
  • Page 107 Glossary operating system — Actions you tell the computer to perform via the desktop are translated by the operating system into instructions that the computer can understand. option icon — Icon that appears in a dialogue box. Click on it to toggle (switch) an option on or off.
  • Page 108 Glossary ROM — Read Only Memory – similar to RAM, but ROM doesn't go away when you switch the computer off. The operating system and several applications and fonts are permanently present in ROM. root directory ($) — The top-level directory in a filing system (all other files, subdirectories etc are contained in it).
  • Page 109 Glossary storage device — See devices. subdirectory — Directory in a parent directory. submenu — Menu accessed by moving the pointer over an arrow on a main menu. system application — Contains some of the resources that are common to all applications. system disc —...

  • Page 111: Index

    Index Symbols !Fonts 46 back icon – see windows !Maestro 9, 47 backup – see floppy discs and hard discs !Scrap 46 battery, internal 67 !System 46 $ (root directory) 46 CapsLock key 44 CapsLock key – see keyboard access 52 caret accessing discs 32 moving in Edit 44...
  • Page 112 Index creating a work disc 49 dropping icons on the desktop – see Ctrl (control) key – see keyboard Pinboard Ctrl RESET printing a file 59 restarting the computer 62, 64 saving a file 50 Ctrl U starting applications 43 deleting defaults in writable menu boxes 28, 35 cursor...
  • Page 113 Index flashing display – see troubleshooting displaying large or small icons 27 floppy discs 12, 31 files 47 backups 37 selecting and deselecting 51 care of 32 IEC 320 outlet 84 creating a work disc 49 input focus disc eject button 84 changing 45 disc format errors 35 inserting and ejecting floppy discs –...
  • Page 114 Index connector pinout 88 holding 13 letterbox modes 78 moving the pointer 13 loading techniques 14 applications 65 moving files 51 loading a file 49 multiple keystrokes – see keyboard multitasking (working in more than one window) – see also input focus 45 !Maestro 9, 47 memory 65, 67, 94 memory allocation...
  • Page 115 Index peripherals adding 79 connecting to computer 5, 79 radio icon 28 switching off 62 RAM (Random Access Memory) 95 Pinboard 25 removing top cover 89 dropping icons on the desktop 53 renaming discs – see floppy discs iconising files 53 RESET button 64, 88 problems 65 resizing windows –...
  • Page 116 Index shutdown 61 slider – see windows unpacking the computer 1 source disc 37 upgrades special characters fitting 89 typing 42 using applications on floppy discs – see starting applications – see applications applications stereo headphones connecting to computer 86 structure –...
  • Page 117 Reader's Comment Form Acorn A4000 (0494,650 issue 5) We would greatly appreciate your comments about this Manual, which will be taken into account for the next issue: Did you find the information you wanted? Do you like the way the information is presented?
  • Page 120 AGJ 10...

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