Page 1 USER' S UIDE...
Page 2 User’s Guide...
Page 3: Copyright Notice
Seiko Epson Corporation. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of information contained herein. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, Seiko Epson Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Page 4: Fcc Compliance Statement
If the interference stops, it is caused by either the peripheral device or its I/O cable. These devices usually require shielded I/O cables. For Epson peripheral devices, you can obtain the proper shielded cable from your dealer. For non-Epson peripheral devices contact the manufacturer or dealer for assistance.
Page 5: Table Of Contents
Contents Introduction ........1 How to Use This Manual .
Page 6 Chapter 3 Using Diskettes and Disk Drives ...3-1 How Diskettes Work ......3-2 Choosing Diskettes for the Apex .
Page 7 Chapter 6 Troubleshooting ......6-1 The Computer Fails to Start Up ....6-2 The Video Display Does Not Appear .
Page 8: Introduction
The Apex monochrome monitor is the most inexpensive choice. However, if you select the Apex color monitor, which has good resolution, you will be able to use software designed for color graphics. Introduction ® by Epson personal computer comes with ®...
Page 9 Your Apex comes with a built-in parallel interface that lets you connect an Epson printer or plotter, or any other parallel printer. (Parallel refers to the way data is transmitted; a parallel interface is a high-speed interface used primarily for printers.) Besides a printer, you can add other accessories to further expand the capabilities of your Apex.
Page 10 Apex. Be sure to refer to your Apex MS-DOS or GW-BASIC manual, however, where you’ll find descriptions of special features added by Epson. If you already have software products designed for the IBM PC, you’ll be able to use them with your Apex.
Page 11: How To Use This Manual
How to Use This Manual By reading this manual, you’ll learn how to set up and care for your Apex by Epson. You’ll also learn how you can start using the MS-DOS operating system and how to connect optional equipment. You may not need to read everything in this manual;...
Page 12 You can refer to the appendixes to find out how to set DIP switches and for hardware specifications. DIP switches give the computer information about itself. You should not need to change the DIP switches on your Apex; they are already set when you purchase the computer.
Page 13: Setting Up Your System
Chapter 1 Setting Up Your System Setting up your Apex by Epson personal computer is easy. Just follow the nine steps in this chapter and you’ll be on your way. You can also refer to the “Quick Guide To Setting Up” on the inside back cover.
Page 14 A GW-BASIC programming language diskette (version 3.2) with a GW-BASIC manual. You’ll find one registration card with your Apex; fill it out now and mail it to Epson. With your registration card on file, Epson can send you any update information.
Page 15: Choosing A Location
2 Choosing a Location Before you set up your Apex, it’s important that you decide on the right place to locate the computer. Whether you use your Apex at home or in the office, you’ll need a comfortable, convenient place to use it. When considering a location, make sure that it provides the following A large area and sturdy surface, such as a desk or...
Page 16 Appropriate power sources. Static charges can be damaging. Connect all your equipment to three- prong, 120-volt, grounded outlets. You can plug the monitor into the auxiliary power outlet on the back panel of the Apex, but you still need one outlet for the main unit and one outlet for your printer.
Page 17: Arranging The Components
3 Arranging the Components First things first. Decide how you want to arrange your system components. The most common setup is with the monitor on top of the main unit and the keyboard directly in front (leaving enough space for you to insert diskettes into the disk drives): Of course, if you have special computer furniture, you can arrange your Apex components to suit your own...
Page 18: The Front Panel
Before you begin to connect the cables, take a look at the front and back panels of the main unit. The front panel On the front panel you’ll see two floppy disk drives, the power light, and two buttons you press to control the operation of your Apex.
Page 19 POWER light. When this light is red, it means that the power is on and the system is running at 4.77MHz (megahertz). When this light is green, the system is on and running at 8MHz. (Your Apex operates at two different speeds. The difference between these speeds is explained in Chapter 2.) SPEED button.
Page 20: The Back Panel
The back panel Take a look at the back panel and find the Apex power switch, input/output ports, and keyboard cable socket. This is where you turn on the Apex and connect the peripheral devices, such as the monitor and printer. Setting Up Your System...
Page 21 Here is some background information on each component: POWER switch. You turn the main unit ON and OFF with this switch. AC OUTPUT This is the auxiliary power outlet. You can plug your monitor (or another device) into the main unit here, instead of into a wall outlet.
Page 22 DIP switches. These switches give the computer information about its keyboard, coprocessor status, memory size, video card type, floppy disk drives, and parallel interface. The switches are preset to match your system configuration. (Refer to Appendix A to see how to set these switches if you change your system configuration.) Parallel port.
Page 23: Connecting The Monitor
Connecting the Monitor Now you can connect your monitor by placing it on top of or near the Apex main unit. It is easiest to connect the monitor cable if the backs of the monitor and the main unit are facing you. Your Apex has a color/graphics adapter (CGA) video card installed.
Page 24 2. Next, connect the monitor cable to the connector at the back of the main unit: the screws (if any) on the plug with 3. Then, tighten a screwdriver. 1-12 Setting Up Your System...
Page 25 Finally plug the monitor’s power cable into the AC OUTPUT outlet on the back panel of the Apex or into an electrical outlet. If you are using anything other than the color/ graphics adapter, you need to check the DIP switch settings (defined in Appendix A) to be sure they are set correctly for the type of video card you have.
Page 26: Connecting The Keyboard
Connecting the Keyboard It’s easy to connect the keyboard. Just insert the keyboard connector into the KEYBOARD socket on the back panel of your Apex. Be careful not to force the connector, but make sure you insert it all the way by pushing on it gently.
Page 27: Connecting A Printer
Printer Your Apex has a easily connect a printer or plotter. Epson offers a fill range of printer products for you to choose from. If you have a printer you’d like to connect to your Apex, make sure you have an IBM PC-compatible printer cable.
Page 28 Before you connect the printer, make sure the power switches on the main unit, the monitor, and the printer are off. Connect the printer cable to the parallel port on the back panel of the main unit. If the plug has retaining screws, tighten them with a small screwdriver.
Page 29 Connect the other end of the cable to the printer. Secure the cable by pressing together the squeeze locks at each side of the printer port and pushing them into the connectors on each side of the cable. 5. Plug the printer’s power cable into an electrical outlet.
Page 30: Connecting The Power Cord
onnecting the Power Cord The last step before turning on your computer is to insert the power cord into the AC INPUT connector on the back panel. To avoid an electric shock, be sure to plug this end into the main unit first and then plug the other end into the wall socket.
Page 31: Turning On The Computer
Do not attempt to dismantle any part of the computer. If there is a hardware problem you cannot solve after reading Chapter 6 on troubleshooting, call your Epson Customer Care Center. (Refer to Chapter 6 for information.) Do not unplug cables from the computer while the power switch is on.
Page 32: Removing The Disk Drive Protector Sheets
Always wait at least five seconds after you switch the power off before switching it on again. Turning the power off and on rapidly can damage the computer’s circuitry. Never leave a beverage on top of, or next to, your Apex or any of its components.
Page 33 Be sure to remove both protector sheets before you turn the computer on. Turn the latch that covers the disk slot until it is horizontal and carefully pull out the sheet. Save these protector sheets and put them back whenever you move the computer, even if you are just moving it to another part of the room.
Page 34: System Startup
System startup Now you’re ready to turn on your Apex; however, it’s a good idea to turn on the monitor and printer before you turn on the computer. Make one last check to be sure that the power cord is plugged into the power inlet (AC INPUT) on the back panel of the main unit and into a 3-prong, 120-volt, grounded electrical outlet.
Page 35: Initial Screen Display
Initial screen display After the Apex completes its self test, you see a message telling you how much internal memory is available: 512KB OK Then the following messages are displayed: Non-system disk or disk error Insert system diskette in dirve A and strike any key when ready These messages tell you that the computer is ready to load the MS-DOS operating system from a diskette in...
Page 36: Loading Ms-Dos
Loading MS-DOS Before you can run a software program designed to run on the MS-DOS operating system, MS-DOS itself must be running in the Apex’s memory. Loading MS-DOS into memory is called booting the system. Once MS-DOS is loaded, you can give instructions to the computer and begin to use various software programs.
Page 37 2. When you can feel that the diskette is all the way in, turn the latch down until it locks in the vertical position. For a complete description of inserting diskettes, see Chapter 3, Using Diskettes and Disk Drives. Next, your computer begins loading MS-DOS into memory A message on the screen notifies you that MS-DOS is loading.
Page 38 5. The next item to appear on your screen is the date prompt, which appears every time you boot the system: Current date is Enter new date: At this point, you can either enter the correct date or leave it unchanged by pressing press 6.
Page 39 Now that you’ve made it to the MS-DOS command prompt, you should immediately make a working copy of the MS-DOS system diskette, and then store the original safely away. In fact, make two copies—one that you’ll work with, and one to store in a different location (away from your original MS-DOS diskette).
Page 40 1-28 Setting Up Your System...
Page 41: Using Your Apex
Chapter 2 Using Your Apex Once you have set up your Apex, you’re ready to take advantage of its versatility. In this chapter you’ll learn about the special keys on the keyboard, how to change your computer’s operating speed, and how to reset and turn off your computer.
Page 42 Take a look at the special keys and their functions: Name Function keys 1-10 Control Shift Alternate Backspace Enter Caps Lock Escape Purpose Perform special functions within application programs. Moves the cursor to the right in normal mode (and to the left in shift mode in some application programs).
Page 43 Key Name Numeric Lock Scroll Lock Print Screen Home, End, Page Down, Insert Delete Caps Lock, Num Lock, work as toggles-that is, on-off switches—when you press them. When you press the Num Lock right corner of the keyboard goes on. When you press these keys a second time, the light goes off.
Page 44: Selecting Execution Speed
Selecting Execution Speed With the Apex you have the flexibility of operating at two execution speeds: 4.77MHz or 8 MHz. At 8MHz, the Apex simply performs all tasks faster. You will normally want to run at the faster speed and take advantage of this feature, but you can select the slower speed to run application programs that have specific timing requirements.
Page 45: Resetting The Computer
Resetting the Computer There are a number of ways that you can reset your Apex. You may want to do this if an error occurs and the computer does not respond to your keyboard commands. In this case, you can reset the computer and try the same operation again.
Page 46 Should you need to reset your computer, there are three different ways to reset the Apex. Because each one is more powerful than the last, try them in the order listed here: 1. If you are using MS-DOS, hold down the keys and press the on the numeric keypad at the right of the keyboard.
Page 47: Turning Off The Computer
Turning Off the Computer Normally when you are through working with an application program, you will save your data and exit the program. Then, before you turn off your computer, remove all diskettes from the disk drives. Turn off the monitor and peripherals first; then turn off the main unit using the switch on the back panel.
Page 48: Using Diskettes And Disk Drives
Chapter Using Diskettes and Disk Drives The disk drives in your computer serve a very important function; they let you store your work and programs on removable diskettes for use at any time in the future. All Apex systems have two 360KB floppy disk drives installed.
Page 49: How Diskettes Work
How Diskettes Work The diskettes you insert in your computer’s floppy disk drives are round pieces of flexible plastic coated with magnetic material and enclosed in protective jackets. Like a record, a diskette has circular tracks on both sides. Your computer stores the data you enter as magnetic patterns on these circular tracks.
Page 50: Choosing Diskettes For The Apex
Choosing Diskettes for the Apex With the floppy disk drives on the Apex, you must use 514-inch, double-sided, double-density 48 TPI (tracks per inch) diskettes. These diskettes are compatible with those used for the IBM PC. This means you can use diskettes on the Apex that were prepared another IBM-compatible computer.
Page 51: Caring For Your Diskettes And Disk Drives
Caring for Your Diskettes and Disk Drives To avoid damaging diskettes, you need to care for them properly. Following these basic precautions will help you avoid losing data: Keep your diskettes away from dust and dirt. Small particles of dust or dirt scratch the magnetic surface (destroying data).
Page 52 Store your diskettes properly. using them, keep your diskettes in their protective envelopes and store them in a diskette container. Do not place anything on top of your diskettes, and do not bend them. A diskette will not rotate properly in the drive if it has been damaged. Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way.
Page 53: Inserting And Removing Diskettes
Inserting and Removing Diskettes When you insert a diskette into a disk drive, hold it with the label face up and the write-protect notch to the left (so that the read/write slot is away from you). Then gently slide the diskette into the disk drive, being careful not to force it into the slot.
Page 54: Protecting Your Data
When you feel that the diskette is all the way in, turn the latch down until it locks into the vertical position. This keeps the diskette in place and enables the read/ write heads in the disk drive to access the diskette. When you want to remove the diskette, turn the latch up until it is horizontal.
Page 55: Write-Protecting Diskettes
Write-protecting diskettes It's easy to write-protect a diskette to prevent its data from being altered. When a diskette is write-protected, you can read data from it, but you cannot store new data on the diskette or delete any files it contains. If you try to change data stored on a write-protected diskette, you get an error message.
Page 56: Making Backup Copies
Making backup copies Many disasters can be avoided by making backup copies of all your data and system diskettes. Copy all diskettes that contain programs, such as the master system diskettes that come with your Apex, and use only the copies. Store your original system diskettes in a safe place away from your working diskettes.
Page 57: Using Ms-Dos With Your Apex
Using MS-DOS with Your Apex In this chapter, you’ll learn how to use the MS-DOS operating system with your Apex by Epson. The MS-DOS operating system’s job is to manage the routine work of your system, such as keeping the computer’s memory organized, controlling monitor...
Page 58 so that the operating system can accept your instructions and make the right connections. You already learned how to load MS-DOS in Chapter 1. To communicate with the operating system, you need to enter MS-DOS commands. How much you need to know about the MS-DOS commands depends on how you plan to use your Apex.
Page 59: Starting And Exiting Ms-Dos
How to change the default drive How to start an application program. Starting and Exiting MS-DOS Remember, before you can run an MS-DOS application program, MS-DOS itself must be running in memory. Follow these steps to load MS-DOS: Turn on your monitor and any peripherals, the printer.
Page 60 Before you end a session with MS-DOS, make sure you are at the A) prompt. Then it is safe to remove your diskettes, turn off all peripherals, and finally turn off the computer. When you’re in the middle of a program, you can stop a program’s operation and return to the MS-DOS command prompt by pressing any data not stored on diskette at the time is lost.
Page 61: Entering Ms-Dos Commands
Entering MS-DOS Commands You can enter an MS-DOS command whenever you see the A) prompt. This means that you type the command name and any necessary then press include items that identify the data to be processed and switches that alter the effects of a command. You can enter command names and parameters in either uppercase or lowercase letters.
Page 62: Storing Data
Storing Data All your work and programs are stored in files on your diskettes. Each file must have a unique filename, so that you can retrieve it whenever you need to. The filename consists of two parts: the file name and the file extension.
Page 63 Your files are stored in several directories, and even directory. This is especially useful when working with hard disks, which have a very large storage capacity. With floppy disks, you will normally have only one directory on each diskette. The directory of your diskette contains specific information about each file, such as its name, size, location, and the date and time you last updated the file.
Page 64: Preparing Diskettes For Data
Preparing Diskettes for Data You may have just purchased a brand new box of diskettes, but before you can store data on a diskette, the diskette must be diskette to accept data written by MS-DOS. You can also reformat previously-used diskettes. However, once you reformat a diskette, all data on that diskette is erased.
Page 65 3. After you insert the diskette you want formatted into drive B, press MS-DOS formats the diskette, it displays the head and cylinder numbers as it formats each cylinder of the diskette: Head: When the diskette incompletely formatted, you see these messages: Format complete XXXXXX bytes total disk space...
Page 66: Copying Data
You have several choices: you can back up an entire diskette using the DISKCOPY command, or you can back up selective files using the COPY command. Epson also provides a disk utility called DU that you can use to copy diskettes; this utility is described in your MS-DOS manual.
Page 67 5. Insert your diskettes and press any key. 6. DISKCOPY checks to see if the destination diskette is formatted. If it is not, DISKCOPY formats the diskette. You see the message: Formatting while copying The copy operation begins when the format is complete.
Page 68: Using The Copy Command
Using the COPY command You can use the COPY command to copy files in several ways. You can: Copy individual files from one diskette to another or to the same diskette Copy a group of files using wildcard characters Copy one or more files and give them new names Combine or merge files into one file.
Page 69 Let’s say you want to copy a particular file from the diskette in drive A to the diskette in drive B using the same name. Type: COPY A: If you want to copy a file from the diskette in drive A to the diskette in drive B using a new name, type: COPY A: To copy a file onto the same diskette with a new name,...
Page 70: Listing The Contents Of A Diskette
Listing the Contents of a Diskette You will often want to see what files are stored on your diskettes. For example, before you format a used diskette and erase its contents, always list the contents of the diskette to be sure you will not erase any valuable files.
Page 71: Changing The Default Drive
Changing the Default Drive When you see the A) prompt, you know that MS-DOS is operating from drive A and you can now enter a command. However, if you want to run a program or find a file on a different drive, you must specify that drive. Y can do this by including the drive descriptor with the filename or by logging onto that drive.
Page 72: Starting Your Application Program
Starting Your Application Program Now that you have MS-DOS loaded, you can start using your application program. Remove your MS-DOS diskette from drive A and insert your application program diskette. From this point on, the documentation that comes with your application program will give you instructions on how to use it.
Page 73: Installing Option Cards
Option cards are available from Epson as well as other vendors. In addition, multifunction boards (available from various vendors) allow you to add other features without using additional slots.
Page 74: Removing The Cover
the Cover Removing To remove the cover, you’ll need a phillips-head screw driver. Follow these steps: 1. If your monitor is on top of the computer, disconnect it and move it to one side. Disconnect the keyboard and your printer and set them out of the way too.
Page 75 3. Now tilt the cover up slightly from the back push it away from you and the main unit. 4. Set the cover aside for now. Installing Option Cards...
Page 76: Inserting The Option Card
Inserting the Option Card Now that the cover is off, you can place the option card in either of the two remaining option slots. Even though option cards are designed to fit only one way, it is a good idea to examine the card first and follow the instructions closely.
Page 77 When you handle the card, be careful not to touch any of the contacts on the circuit board, especially along the gold edge connections. If you need to put it down before installing it, place it with the component side facing down on top of the original packing.
Page 78 Once you have the connector pins sitting in the connector slot, push down firmly (but carefully) to fully insert the card. If you feel that the connector isn’t going in smoothly do not force it; pull it all the way out and try again. Be sure to keep it straight.
Page 79: Replacing The Cover
Replacing the Cover With the installation of your option card completed, you have only to replace the cover of the main unit: 1. With the back of the main unit still facing you, position the cover over the computer with the front edge pointing slightly downward.
Page 80: Post-Installation Setup
Post-installation Setup With the option card in place, your Apex may need a few adjustments to accommodate it’s new configuration. If you have already replaced the main unit’s cover and reconnected the power cord, you may now need to change your DIP switches settings to reflect the new configuration.
Page 81: Removing Option Cards
Removing Option Cards If you find that you need to remove an option card, first turn off the computer and unplug the power cord, then detach any cable connected to the card. Disconnect the monitor and keyboard, and remove the main unit cover. Then refer to the option card installation instructions and follow them in reverse.
Page 82 5-10 Installing Option Cards...
Page 83: Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
Epson Customer Care Center (1-800-421-5426) about servicing the computer. Before you call Epson, please be ready to provide the serial number of your Apex, the configuration (such as number of drives, type of monitor, option cards), and the software you were using, This information will lessen the time it takes to diagnose the problem.
Page 84: The Computer Fails To Start Up
The Computer Fails to Start Up If your computer does not start up when you turn on the power switch, follow these steps to find a solution: 1. First, check to see if the POWER light on the front panel of the main unit is lit. If it is not, remove any diskettes you have in the drives and turn off the power.
Page 85: The Video Display Does Not Appear
The Video Display Does Not Appear If your computer starts up (the power indiator on the main unit is on) but you don’t see any images on the screen, follow these steps to try to find a solution: First, check to see that the monitor’s power switch is on and the power indicator on the monitor is lit.
Page 86: The Computer Locks Up
The Computer Locks Up If you’re working on your computer and it locks up and does not respond to the keyboard, try the following: 1. Wait a few seconds. Remember that some operations take longer to perform than others, and your computer may still be performing some internal fuction.
Page 87: Floppy Disk Problems
Floppy Disk Problems If you have trouble with one of your diskettes, answer the following questions to see if they apply to the problem: Is the diskette damaged? To find out, copy the diskette and repeat the operation that caused the problem using the copy you just made.
Page 88: Software Problems
Software Problems If you are having trouble with a software program, check the following possible problems and solutions: 1. The software program does not start. Check to be sure that you are following the correct procedure for an MS-DOS application. Make sure you inserted the application diskette in the top drive.
Page 89: Printer Problems
Printer Problems Your printer manual describes methods to solve most of your printer problems. However, if your printer does not work correctly right after you install it, you can quickly make sure the printer has power and is properly connected to the computer. If you need aciditional help, the printer manual gives detailed instructions on how to connect your printer.
Page 90: Option Card Problems
Option Card Problems If you install an option card and get unexpected results, check the following: Is the option card installed correctly? Recheck the setup and operation procedures in the option card instructions. Did you set the necessary DIP switches or jumpers on the option card? See your option card instructions for these settings.
Page 91: Setting The Dip Switches
Appendix A Setting the DIP Switches The DIP switches on the Apex are set to provide your computer with information about its configuration. Each time you turn on your Apex, it checks these switch settings to determine the type of keyboard, coprocessor status, memory size, type of monitor, number of floppy disk drives, and the type of inter- faces being used.
Page 92 These switches have been preset for you by the manufacturer. However, read this appendix so you will be familiar with the DIP switch settings and able to check that the settings match your system’s setup. If you add optional devices to your system, you may need to alter the DIP switch settings.
Page 93 Switch Options Keyboard type Standard* Not installed* Coprocessor 8087 Installed Memory size 256KB 512KB* 640KB ‘Monitor and Color(40x25) adapter type Color(80x25)* Monochrome Reserved Number of floppy disk drives Parallel Disabled port Inhibit Secondary Primary* *Factory setting Setting the DIP Switches Table A-1.
Page 94 Switches 3 built-in memory is available. You only change these switches if you install a memory card and you want to use part of the optional memory instead of the built-in main memory. The factory setting is switch 3 OFF; switch 4 ON.
Page 95 Switches 7 and many floppy disk drives are installed in your Apex. These switches are very important and should be set as follows: For the standard Apex system, which has two floppy disk drives, set switch 7 OFF and switch 8 ON.
Page 96 If you install two option cards with parallel ports, you must designate one as the primary port and the other as the secondary port. In this case, you need to set switches 9 and 10 ON in order to disable the built-in port. The number of parallel ports you have is information that MS-DOS uses also.
Page 97: Specifications
Appendix B Specifications Main Unit 16-bit CPU Main memory Coprocessor Read Only Memory (ROM) Interrupt (8259) Timer/counter (8253-5) Parallel interface Specifications 8088 microprocessor; 4.77MHz or 8MHz clockrate; push-button selectable 512KB; expandable to 640KB 8087 microprocessor (optional)–for use only at 4.77MHZ 8087-2 microprocessor (optional)–for use only at 8MHZ...
Page 98: Keyboard
Speaker interface Option slots Keyboard Layout Function keys Mass Storage Standard Internal, controlled by timer/ counter Three IBM PC-compatible, 8-bit, input-output expansion slots (one used by video card) Detachable, two positions, 83 sculpted keys 56-key QWERTY main keyboard, 17-key numeric pad, 10 function keys (user- definable);...
Page 99: Power Supply
Power Supply Switching type, fan-cooled Environmental Requirements Temperature Humidity Physical Characteristics (CPU Only) Width, 14.4” (367mm) Depth, 15.2” (385mm) Height, 5.3” (135mm) Weight, 22 lbs. (9.99kg) Specifications Output voltage: -5 VDC, +5 VDC, -12 VDC, + 12VDC Auxiliary AC (80 watt) Power Requirements: 115/230 VAC Power Rating:...
Page 100: Video And Display Options
80-character x 25-line display (high-resolution text); 640 x 200 (high-resolution graphics), 320 x 200 four colors, 160 x 200 eight colors; installed in option slot Supports Epson- and IBM- compatible monochrome or color monitor; monochrome text, color graphics, and Hercules (monochrome) text/graphics (720 x 348), switch-selectable;...
Page 101: Glossary
Glossary ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A standardized coding system for representing characters, such as numbers, letters, and graphic symbols. An ASCII character occupies one byte of storage. Files transmitted in ASCII code can be used by many different computers, printers, and programs.
Page 102 Character Anything that can print in a single space on the page or the screen. Includes numbers, letters, punctuation marks, and graphic symbols. CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor. A method for making silicon chips. Code A system of symbols for representing data or instructions.
Page 103 The highlighted marker that shows your position on the screen and moves as you enter and delete data. Data Information stored or processed by a computer. diskette Data A formatted diskette used to store files. Diagnostics The tests and procedures the computer performs to check its internal circuitry and set up its configuration.
Page 104 Diskette A flat piece of flexible plastic coated with magnetic material and used to store data permanently. Also called floppy disk. The Disk Operating System that controls the computer’s input and output functions. See Operating system. Double-density A type of diskette format that allows you to store twice as much data as the standard-density format.
Page 105 GW-BASIC Microsoft’s extended version of the Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. A programming language designed to be easy to use and understand. Hard disk The enclosed unit used to store data permanently Unlike a floppy disk, it is fixed in place. It can process data more rapidly and store many more files than a floppy disk.
Page 106 Light Emitting Diode. An electronic component that illuminates when electricity passes through it, like the indicator lights on the front panel of the Apex. Main unit The Apex computer. Megabyte (MB) A unit used to measure storage space (in a computer’s memory or on a disk).
Page 107 MS-DOS An operating system from Microsoft. See DOS, Operating system. Operating system A collection of programs that allow a computer to control its operations. The operating system determines how programs run on the computer and supervises all input and output—for example, MS-DOS.
Page 108 R A M Random Accesss Memory, The part of memory that a computer can both read and write to. The programs you use are temporarily stored in RAM. All data stored in RAM is erased when you turn off the power. Read To copy data from one area when you open a text file stored on disk, the computer...
Page 109 Sector A contiguous section of a disk track that provides a space where the computer can store data. Self test The initial diagnostics procedures a system performs to check its hardware. Serial The type of interface that transmits data one bit at a time.
Page 110 Glossary G-10...
Page 111: Index
Index AC power inlet, 1-9, 1-18, 1-22,6-2 AC power outlet, 1-9, 1-13,6-3 Air circulation, 1-3 AN key, 2-2 Application programs, 4,4-1,4-16, 6-6 Arranging components, 1-5 Auxiliary outlet, 1-9, 1-13 Back panel, 1-8, 5-2 Backspace key 2-2 Backup copies, 1-25, 3-9 Booting, 1-24 Cable, connections, 1-8...
Page 112 Composite monitor, 2, 1-11, A-4, B-4 Contrast control, monitor, 1-23 Cooling fan, main unit, 1-22 Coprocessor, 3, B-1 DIP switch, A-2, A-3 COPY command, 4-12 – 13 Copying files, 4-12-13 Cover, main unit, 1-8 removing, 5-2 replacing, 5-7 CPU, B-1, B-3 Ctrl Alt Del, Ctrl C, 4-4 Ctrl...
Page 113 DIR command, 4-14 Directories, 4-7 current, 4-7 listing, 4-14 root, 4-7 Disk drives, current, 1-26, 4-4 DIP switches, A-3, A-5 floppy 1, hard, See inserting diskettes, 3-6 light, 1-6 lock/release latch, 1-6, 3-6 protector sheets, 1-20 read/write head, 3-2 Disk lock/release latch, 1-6, 1-21, 1-25,3-7 DISKCOPY command, 4-10 Diskettes, attaching labels, 3-5...
Page 114: Enter Key
Display, monitor, See options, B-4 Electrical outlet, 1-4, 1-13, 1-17, 1-18, 1-22, 6-2 Electromagnetic interference, 1-4, 3-4 key 2-3 Enter Environmental conditions, 1-3, 3-4 Environmental requirements, humidity B-3 temperature, B-3 key 2-2 Execution speed, selecting, 2-4 Exiting MS-DOS, 4-4 External devices, See Filename, 4-6 Files, 4-6 Floppy disk,...
Page 115 Hard disk, 4-7 Home IBM PC, diskette format, compatibility, 2-9 printer cable, 1-15 software, 1, 4 Input/output ports, 1-8 key, Interfaces, option slots, 1-10 parallel, 1, 1-10, 1-16 printer, 1-10, 1-16 Internal memory 1,3, 1-23, 2-5 Internal self-test, 1-22 Keyboard, adjusting the legs, 1-14 arranging the, 1-5, 1-14 cable, 1-1, 1-14...
Page 116 Labels, diskette, 3-5 Light, power, 1-7, 1-22, 2-4,6-2 Location, 1-3 Magnetic fields, 1-4 ,3-4 Magnetic surface of diskette, 3-2 Main memory B-1 Main unit, arrangement of, 1-5 back panel, 1-8 cover, removing the, 5-2 cover, replacing the, 5-7 front panel, 1-6 power switch, 1-9 specifications, B-1 Mass storage capacity B-2...
Page 117 RGB, 2, A-4, B-4 TTL, 3 video card, 1-10 video display, 6-3 MS-DOS, 3, 1-2, 1-7, 1-23 command prompt, 1-26, 4-3, 4-4 commands, 4-5 exiting, 4-4 introducing, 4-1 loading, 1-24 resetting, 2-6 starting, 4-3 using, 4-1 – 16 version 3.2, 1-23, 4-1 Multifunction boards, 5-1 Num Lock Operating system, See MS-DOS...
Page 118 Outlet AC, 1-9, 1-13 auxiliary, 1-9, 1-13 grounded, 1-4, 1-22 Parallel, cable, 1-15 DIP switches, A-3, A-5 interface, 1, 1-15, B-1 printer port, 1-10, 1-16 Peripherals, 1, 1-8 Pg Dn Pg Up Physical characteristics, B-2 Plotter, 2, 1-15 Port, 1-8 See also Parallel Power, cord, 1-8, 1-18...
Page 119 RAM, 1,3, Read/write head, 3-2 Rear panel, See Back panel Registration card, 1-2 RESET button, 1-7,2-6 Resetting the computer, 1-14, 2-5-6 ROM, B-1 Rules, safety 1-19 Safety, 1-19 Screw, back panel, 5-2 retaining, 5-4 Scroll Lock Self test, 1-22, 1-23 Service, See Shift key,...
Page 120 System, arrangement, 1-5 diskette, 1-2, 1-24,4-3 Tab key, 2-2 Time, 1-26 Timer, B1 Troubleshooting, 6-1 – 8 Turning off the computer, 1-19, 2-7 Turning on the computer, 1-19 Unpacking, 1-1 Video, card, 1-10 monitor, See Monitor options, B-4 Voltage switch, 1-9 Write-protect, diskettes, 3-8 notch, 3-8...
Page 121 Quick Guide To Setting Up Unpacking Your Computer Arranging the Components Connecting the Keyboard Connecting the Power Cord Loading MS-DOS Choosing a Location Connecting the Monitor Connecting a Printer Turning On the Computer...

Epson Apex User Manual

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

Appendix A Setting the DIP Switches

Appendix B

Quick Links

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Summary of Contents for Epson Apex

Table of Contents