About This Guide - Dell 2100 User Manual

Preface
A
bout This Guide
This guide is intended for anyone who uses the Dell Pow-
erEdge 2100/180 or 2100/200 computer systems. The
guide 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.
•
Users who want to use the utilities, the diagnostics, the
online documentation, or install drivers for their operat-
ing system should read Chapter 2.
•
Everyone should read the first few sections of Chap-
ter 3, "Installing and Configuring SCSI Drivers," to
find out which small computer system interface
(SCSI) device drivers (if any) are required for a par-
ticular system configuration. Users who need to
install and configure particular SCSI device drivers
should then read the appropriate section for their
operating system.
•
Everyone should read the first several sections of
Chapter 4, "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 4.
•
Everyone should read Chapter 5, "Using the EISA
Configuration Utility" whenever an Extended Indus-
try-Standard Architecture (EISA) or Industry-
Standard Architecture (ISA) expansion card is
added, removed, or repositioned in the computer.
Also, when you change the memory size, or change
settings for one of the built-in devices you must run
this utility.
•
Chapter 6, "Working Inside Your Computer," Chap-
ter 7, "Installing System Board Options," Chapter 8,
"Installing Drives in the External Bays," and Chap-
ter 9, "Installing Drives in the Internal Bays," 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
Appendix B, "Hardware Configuration Features,"
are intended primarily as reference material for users
interested in learning more about the details of the
system. Users who add internal options may need to
refer to Appendix B to change jumper settings.
•
Appendix C, "Maintaining the System," describes
preventive maintenance procedures that you should
perform regularly to keep your computer system in
top operating condition.
•
Appendix D, "Regulatory Notices," is for users who
are interested in which regulatory agencies have
tested and approved the Dell PowerEdge 2100/180
and 2100/200 systems.
•
Appendix E, "Warranties and Return Policy,"
describes the warranties for Dell PowerEdge 2100/
180 and 2100/200 systems and the "Total Satisfac-
tion" Return Policy.
•
Appendix F, "Beep Codes and System Messages,"
describes the beep codes and system messages that
the system can generate when problems occur. The
information in this appendix replaces the informa-
tion in Chapter 3, "Messages and Codes," in the
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide.
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