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AST M Series User Manual

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Summary of Contents for AST M Series

  • Page 3: Declaration Of Conformity

    This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Description of EUT AST Ascentia™ M Series Computers Model Numbers AST Ascentia™ M Series Computers This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus”, ICES-003 of the...
  • Page 4 Users should not attempt to make electrical ground connections themselves but should contact the appropriate electric inspection authority or electrician. WARRANTY AND REPAIR SERVICE IN CANADA: AST Canada, Inc. 255 Matheson Boulevard West Mississauga, Ontario, L5R 3G3 Telephone: 905-507-3278 Warning: Replace the battery with an AST battery part number 503182-004, contact your authorized AST reseller for a replacement.
  • Page 5 Signed Declaration of Conformity Documents Signed Declaration of Conformity documents for AST products are on file at the AST Ireland facility located at: National Technology Park Plassey Limerick Ireland This product contains a Class 1 laser product with a Class 1 laser source employing a laser diode that emits invisible laser radiation at 5mW.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Contents Using Your Documentation Opening the Online Manual ... 1 Getting Around in the Online Manual ... 2 Using Hypertext Links in the Online Manual ... 2 Special Features of the User’s Manual ... 3 Using the Software User Documentation ... 4 Visiting the AST Web Site ...
  • Page 7 Main Menu ... 46 Advanced Menu ... 50 Security Menu ... 52 Power Savings Menu ... 53 Boot Menu ... 55 Exit Menu ... 56 ii Ascentia M Series User’s Manual ... 19 ... 23 ... 27 ... 29 ... 31 ...
  • Page 8 Using System Security Creating a Password ... 57 Deleting a Password ... 58 Requiring a Password When the Computer Starts ... 58 Locking the Hard Drive Boot Sector ... 59 Locking the Keyboard ... 59 Using Power Management Options Non-Turbo Mode ... 60 Standby Mode ...
  • Page 9 External Numeric Keypad ... 93 CD-ROM Drive and Floppy Cable ... 93 Docking Options ... 93 Specifications ... 94 Abbreviations ... 96 Glossary ... 99 Recording the Computer Hardware Configuration Index ... 109 iv Ascentia M Series User’s Manual ... 80 ... 105...

  • Page 10: Using Your Documentation

    Ascentia M Series documentation can help you get the most from your computer. To get up and running quickly, see your Ascentia M Series Quick Start. When you need more in-depth information, turn to your Ascentia M Series User’s Manual.

  • Page 11: Getting Around In The Online Manual

    Click on a page number in the Index to jump to that page in the manual. Click on a cross-reference in the text to jump to the section that is referenced. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 12: Special Features Of The User's Manual

    Special Features of the User’s Manual Three types of messages with icons appear in the manual: Keys that you need to press to perform certain functions are shown in the manual enclosed in angle brackets. For example, <Ctrl> indicates the control key (Ctrl on the computer’s keyboard). If you need to press two keys at the same time, the key names are shown joined by a plus sign.

  • Page 13: Using The Software User Documentation

    If you have an internet connection, you can visit the AST Web site at: http://www.ast.com Updates on your computer and other AST products are periodically added to the Web site. You can get a copy of the Ascentia M online user’s manual at this location: http://www.ast.com/support/manuals/main.htm Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 14: Introducing Your Computer

    Figures 1 through 3 show you the features of your computer. Mouse buttons Speaker Touchpad Status lights SmartBay™ (floppy drive shown) Microphone Speaker LCD latch Kensington lock support Battery compartment Figure 1. Front View of Computer Power button AC adapter connector Fan vent Hard drive compartment Introducing Your Computer 5...
  • Page 15 Parallel port Serial port Business card holder Label showing part number and serial number Figure 3. Bottom View of Computer Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Video port Infrared port PC Card compartment Figure 2. Back View of Computer Memory module...

  • Page 16: Using Your Computer For The First Time

    Using Your Computer for the First Time This section gives you detailed information on using your computer for the first time. Attaching the AC Adapter Your computer runs on power from the battery that came installed in the computer or from an electrical outlet. The first time that you use your computer, fully charge the battery by attaching the AC adapter to the computer and to an electrical outlet.
  • Page 17 When the battery is fully charged, the light turns green. See ”Using the Battery” on page 37 for more information on using your computer’s battery. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Adapter plug AC adapter Power cord...

  • Page 18: Turning On The Computer

    Turning On the Computer To turn on the computer’s power for the first time: 1. Slide the LCD cover latch to the right and hold it. 2. Lift up the LCD cover. 3. Press and then release the power button (Figure 5). The power light is on when the computer’s power is on.

  • Page 19: Adjusting The Lcd Display

    CD- ROM. To open the Microsoft Create System Disks utility, click the Start button on the taskbar, select Programs, select Accessories, select System Tools, and click Create System Disks. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 20: Turning Off Your Computer

    Turning Off Your Computer To turn off the computer in Windows 95: 1. Click the Start button on the taskbar. A pop-up menu appears. 2. Click Shut Down. 3. Select Shut down the computer? 4. Click the Yes button. The computer turns off. Restarting Your Computer You may need to restart (reboot) your computer when installing hardware or software or if the computer does not respond to...

  • Page 21: Tips For Using Your Computer

    If you have left your computer in a hot place, let it cool down slowly to room temperature (with the LCD panel open) before using it. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Do not try to disassemble your computer. Opening the system chassis voids your warranty.

  • Page 22: Traveling With Your Computer

    Do not remove the memory-module compartment door, or try to install a memory module when the computer is on. (See Figure 3 for the location of the door.) (For information on installing memory modules, see “Memory Modules” on page 88.) Set up your computer work area to avoid physical strain.

  • Page 23: Handling Spills

    (a month or more), you should charge the battery until it is completely full. After you have done so, remove the battery from the unit. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Sweet liquids leave a sticky residue that may jam the keyboard despite your efforts to dry it.

  • Page 24: Using The Keyboard

    Using the Keyboard Your computer has an 87/88-key keyboard (Figure 6). By pressing designated key combinations, you can have access to all the key functions of a full-sized keyboard. <Fn> key Windows Function keys Windows Typewriter keys keys Figure 6. Keyboard Although the layout of the keys on your computer’s keyboard is different from that on a desktop computer’s keyboard, the keyboard...

  • Page 25: Using The Numeric Keypad

    Press <Num Lock> to turn on the embedded numeric keypad. The numeric functions of the keypad are enabled and the Num Lock light turns on. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Figure 7. Numeric Keypad...

  • Page 26: Using Special Function Keys

    While the numeric functions are enabled, you can temporarily return a key to its normal function by pressing <Fn> and the key. For example to type the letter m, press <Fn+m>. To turn the numeric keypad off, press <Num Lock> again. The Num Lock light turns off.
  • Page 27 TFT LCD. <Fn+Right Brightness up: Increases the LCD brightness. Arrow> <Fn+Left Brightness down: Decreases the LCD brightness. Arrow> Ascentia M Series User’s Manual When you press a function key combination, the system sound is temporarily muted.

  • Page 28: Using The Touchpad

    Using the Touchpad Your computer is equipped with the SmartPoint™ touchpad, which is an integrated-pointing device that is used to perform standard mouse functions (Figure 8). The touchpad is an advanced and reliable pointing device that works with a touch of your finger.
  • Page 29 Windows taskbar. See the software’s Help for more information. For information on attaching and using another pointing device or keyboard with your computer, see “Connecting Peripheral Devices” on page 23. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 30: Reading The System Status Lights

    Reading the System Status Lights System Status lights show the status of computer functions. The lights appear on the left edge of the computer (Figure 9). Table 2 describes the meaning of the lights. Figure 9. System Status Lights Reading the System Status Lights 21...
  • Page 31 Battery charge light: Light gives information about the battery charge when the AC adapter is connected. When the battery is charging, the light is amber. When the battery is fully charged, the light turns green. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 32: Connecting Peripheral Devices

    Connecting Peripheral Devices The connectors on your computer enable you to attach peripheral devices to the computer (Figure 10). PS/2 Mouse and keyboard port Docking connector Parallel port Serial port Table 3 shows the icons located near each connector and tells you the devices that you can attach to the connectors.
  • Page 33 You can use the computer’s touchpad and a PS/2 keyboard at the same time. If you attach a PS/2 mouse to the port, the computer’s touchpad is disabled. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 34: Connecting The Floppy Drive To The Floppy Connector

    Connecting the Floppy Drive to the Floppy Connector Some Ascentia M computers ship from the factory with both a floppy drive and a CD-ROM drive included. These systems also ship with a floppy cable. To use the floppy drive and the CD-ROM drive at the same time, install the CD-ROM drive in the SmartBay.
  • Page 35 2. Pull the cable connectors away from the floppy drive and the computer. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual If the cable does not fit easily, do not force it. Make sure you have the correct end of the cable...

  • Page 36: Using The Smartbay

    Using the SmartBay Your computer includes the SmartBay™, a peripheral bay that can hold one of the following devices: Floppy drive: shipped installed in your computer. CD-ROM drive: shipped with some Ascentia M computers. Optional secondary hard drive: available as an option for your computer.
  • Page 37 3. Push the device in until it is flush with the chassis. 4. Push down on the SmartBay latch until the latch snaps into place. Your computer’s operating system automatically recognizes the device in the SmartBay and configures your computer accordingly. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 38: Using The Floppy Drive

    Using the Floppy Drive The computer comes with a removable 1.44-MB, 3.5-inch, high- density floppy drive, which can read, write to, and format the following disks: A high-density, 3.5-inch disk, which stores 1.44 MB of data. A double-density, 3.5-inch disk, which stores 720 KB of data.
  • Page 39 Do not write directly on a label on your disk; instead, write on a disk label first and attach the label to the disk. Make copies of all your important disks. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Magnetic fields can destroy the information on a disk.

  • Page 40: Using The Cd-Rom Drive

    Using the CD-ROM Drive Some Ascentia M computers ship from the factory with a CD-ROM drive included. The CD-ROM drive fits into the computer’s SmartBay. For information on installing the CD-ROM drive, see “Using the SmartBay” on page 27. Compact discs are designed so that you can easily insert one into the computer when you need it, and then remove it: 1.
  • Page 41 2. To adjust the sound, use the volume adjustment dial on the side of the computer or press the following key combinations: Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Do not place reflective objects in the disc slot because of possible hazardous laser emissions.
  • Page 42 To remove the CD: 1. Click the CD Player button on the Windows taskbar to open the CD Player window (Figure 15). Figure 15. CD Player Window 2. Click the Stop button in the CD Player Window. 3. Click the Eject button on the CD Player window or press the button on your CD-ROM drive.

  • Page 43: Using The Hard Drive

    FAT-32. Older software that you may have (16-bit software) requires FAT-16 to run. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual The hard drive that comes with your computer has already been formatted. Do not format the hard drive.

  • Page 44: Removing The Hard Drive

    Removing the Hard Drive To remove the hard drive from the computer: 1. If you are installing a new hard drive, backup the application and data files on the old hard drive before removing it from the computer. In Windows 95, you can use the Microsoft Create System Disks Utility to back up application files and the Microsoft Backup utility to back up data files.

  • Page 45: Installing A Hard Drive

    3. Install the screw that holds the hard drive in place. 4. If you intend to use save to disk mode, see “Creating a Save to Disk Partition” on page 64. 5. Format your drive and reinstall your files. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 46: Using The Battery

    Using the Battery Your computer uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack for power when the AC adapter is not attached to an electrical outlet. Charging the Battery Your computer’s battery starts charging automatically when you connect the AC adapter to the computer. If the computer is off, the battery charges faster than if the computer’s power is on.

  • Page 47: Safely Using The Ac Adapter And Batteries

    Your computer comes with the battery pack installed. To remove the battery pack: 1. Turn the computer’s power off. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual All batteries eventually wear out and lose the ability to hold a charge. You may need to replace your battery pack after a year of average usage.
  • Page 48 2. Close the LCD panel, and turn the computer over so that the bottom of the unit faces up. 3. Slide the battery compartment cover straight up and off the computer (Figure 17). Figure 17. Removing the Battery Pack 4. Grasp the plastic tab on the battery and pull the battery out of the compartment.

  • Page 49: Monitoring The Battery Charge

    (Figure 18). The gauge is only available if the computer is operating from the battery, without the AC adapter attached. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Battery life estimates are subject to variation. The actual life of your battery may be less than the estimates given in the documentation.
  • Page 50 The gauge has three sections: The top section shows you whether or not power management is turned on. An icon of a water faucet that is dripping water indicates that power management is enabled and the computer is using minimum battery power.

  • Page 51: Battery Warnings

    Then try charging the battery again. The battery is defective. Replace the battery with a new battery. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Table 4. Battery Warnings Condition Battery low: The battery charge is about 10 percent.

  • Page 52: Using System Setup

    Using System Setup The System Setup program enables you to configure your computer hardware and set security and power-savings options. The settings you choose are stored in battery- maintained memory (CMOS memory) that saves the information even when the computer’s power is turned off. When your computer is turned back on, your computer is configured with the values found in this memory.

  • Page 53: Starting System Setup

    <Esc> <Left Arrow> and <Right Arrow> keys <Up Arrow> and <Down Arrow> keys Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Table 5. System Setup Menus Function Changes the basic system configuration. Configures advanced features on your computer. Enables security features, including passwords and backup and virus-check reminders.
  • Page 54 <Tab> <Tab+Shift> <Home> <PgUp> <End> <PgDn> <F5> <-> <F6> <+> or <Space> <F9> <F10> <Enter> A pointer symbol appearing to the left of a field indicates that you can open a submenu from this field. A submenu contains additional options for a field. To open a submenu, highlight the field and press <Enter>.

  • Page 55: Main Menu

    IDE Adapter 0 and IDE Adapter 1: Your computer can support two IDE drives. The Main menu contains two IDE adapter fields to configure these drives. IDE Adapter 0 defines the hard drive installed in the computer. IDE Adapter 1 defines the CD-ROM drive. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...
  • Page 56 To configure a replacement or upgrade hard drive, move the cursor to select the IDE Adapter 0 field in the System Setup Main menu, and then press the <Enter> key. The IDE Adapter submenu appears. Normally, you can use the Autotype Fixed Disk field in the submenu to automatically set the values for the other fields in the submenu.
  • Page 57 32 Bit I/O: Enables or disables 32-Bit I/O. When Enabled, your hard drive can work with applications with 32-bit input and output. If the field is Disabled (default), your computer works with 16-bit input and output and has lower performance. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...
  • Page 58 Ultra DMA Transfer Mode: Enables the hard drive to use ultra DMA transfer mode to transfer data between the drive and system memory. The default setting is Disabled. Transfer Mode: Selects the method for transferring data between the hard drive and system memory. Refer to your drive’s user documentation to specify the correct option for this field.

  • Page 59: Advanced Menu

    If you do not plan to use the infrared link, you can specify Disabled. This saves power and serves as an additional security measure because the infrared port will not function. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...
  • Page 60 COM2 Mode: Sets the mode for the COM 2 port. You can use the COM2 port for the internal infrared device. Options are FIR (fast infrared) (default) and Disabled. If you choose the option FIR, you can set an additional field, FIR Channel, to DMA 0, DMA 1, or DMA 3 (default).

  • Page 61: Security Menu

    Normal (default) and Write protect. When you choose the option Write protect, you must enter your password before you can write to the hard disk boot sector. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 62: Power Savings Menu

    System backup reminder: Enables the computer to prompt you to backup your files. The prompt appears each time you start your computer or reboot until you respond with Y (yes). The options for this field are Daily: Every day when you start your computer for the first time, the prompt appears.
  • Page 63 The computer will resume only if the Rest Mode field is set to Power On Suspend, not Save To Disk. The default setting is Off. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 64: Boot Menu

    Resume On Time: Enables the computer to resume operation from rest mode at a scheduled time. The computer will resume only if the Rest Mode field is set to Power On Suspend, not Save To Disk. If you set this field to On, you must set the Resume Time field as well.

  • Page 65: Exit Menu

    You can now select Save Changes & Exit or make other changes before exiting System Setup. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Pressing <Esc> does not exit this menu. You must select one of the options from this menu or...

  • Page 66: Using System Security

    Using System Security This section describes the security options provided with your computer. Creating a Password The computer password prevents unauthorized access to the computer. You can set security fields in System Setup so that a password is needed at startup or to access the hard disk boot sector.

  • Page 67: Deleting A Password

    To enable the prompt, select the option Enabled in the Password on boot field in System Setup. For more information about the Password on boot field, see “Security Menu” on page 52. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 68: Locking The Hard Drive Boot Sector

    Locking the Hard Drive Boot Sector After you set a password, you can lock the hard drive boot sector to protect against viruses or alterations. To lock the hard drive boot sector, select the option Write protect in the Fixed disk boot sector field in System Setup. For more information about the Fixed disk boot sector field, see “Security Menu”...

  • Page 69: Using Power Management Options

    When you touch the touchpad or press a key or when there is device activity, the computer returns to full-speed (turbo) operation. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Some applications may require the computer to run at full speed to operate correctly. If you experience any problems with an application, try disabling power management.

  • Page 70: Standby Mode

    Standby Mode The Standby Timeout field in System Setup enables you to specify the time period that the computer can remain idle (no user input or disk activity) before the computer enters standby mode. You can disable this option by selecting Off, or you can specify a Standby Timeout delay time of from 1 to 16 minutes.

  • Page 71: Rest Mode Precautions

    2 MB before you enable save to disk mode. See “Creating a Save to Disk Partition” on page 64 for more information. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual When you use the <Fn+F11> key combination, your computer may postpone entering rest mode during a critical operation, such as reading from or writing to the hard drive.
  • Page 72 Do not try to resume to full-power mode using battery power if the battery charge is low. If the battery charge is too low, the system may not be able to resume fully. Plug in the AC adapter if your computer cannot resume normal operation because of a low battery charge.

  • Page 73: Creating A Save To Disk Partition

    Start button on the Windows 95 taskbar, select Programs, select Accessories, select System Tools, and click Backup. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual If you do not intend to use save to disk mode, you do not need to create a save to disk...
  • Page 74 After you complete the above procedures, use PHDISK to create a save to disk partition: 1. Turn off the computer, remove your old hard drive, and insert the new one into your computer. (See “Using the Hard Drive” on page 34 for instructions.) 2.
  • Page 75 10. Do one of the following to reinstall your applications: 11. Reinstall any data files that you backed up. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual If you have a CD-ROM drive, insert your Restore CD in the CD-ROM drive and start the computer.

  • Page 76: Changing The Video Configuration

    Changing the Video Configuration Your computer includes either a DS-STN screen or a TFT screen. DS-STN screens use less energy than TFT screens but are not as sharp or bright. TFT screens, or active-matrix displays, consume more power but create sharper and brighter images. The capabilities of the screen plus the video drivers installed on the computer determine the quality of the image your LCD can display.

  • Page 77: Configuring Display Features

    1. Click the Start button on the Windows 95 taskbar. 2. Select Settings. 3. Click Control Panel. The Control Panel window appears. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Table 7. Video Driver Capabilities Number of Colors 65,536 16.8 million...

  • Page 78: Changing Color Depth And Resolution

    4. Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties window appears. 5. Click the Settings tab. The Settings screen appears. 6. Click the Advanced Properties button. The Advanced Properties screen appears. 7. Click the Monitor tab. 8. Click the Change button. The Select Device screen appears.

  • Page 79: Working With Pc Cards

    The following sections tell you how to work with PC Cards in Windows 95. Maintaining PC Cards To maintain your PC Cards, follow these guidelines: Keep cards away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and liquids. Do not drop, bend, flex, or crush cards when handling. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 80: Using Pc Cards

    Keep dust, magnets, and static electricity away from PC Cards. When a card is not in use, carry it in its protective carrying case. Some PC Cards include cables that extend from the back of the cards. Be careful not to bend or put excessive strain on these cables.
  • Page 81 3. Push the card eject button on the side of the PC Card slot when prompted to do so. 4. Pull the card out of the PC Card slot. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Use the following procedures to remove PC Cards, or you may lose data that is being stored...

  • Page 82: Watching Video

    Watching Video The SoftPEG™ MPEG software on your computer enables you to run full-motion video movies or games that are formatted under MPEG-1, Video CD, and CD-I standards. To start a video compact disc: 1. Insert a compact disc into the CD-ROM drive. (See “Using the CD-ROM Drive”...
  • Page 83 The video begins to play. 4. Use the other buttons on the controller as needed while watching the video. Table 8 lists the buttons that are numbered in Figure 20 and gives their functions. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Figure 20. SoftPEG Controller...
  • Page 84 Table 8. SoftPEG Controller Buttons Number in Function of Button Figure Power: Exits the program. Eject: Ejects the compact disc. Iconize: Reduces the program to an icon. Load: Starts the video. Play controls: Manipulate the video. The buttons include Stop, Play, Pause, Fast Forward, and Fast Backward.

  • Page 85: Updating The System Bios

    (See “Boot Menu” on page 55 for information on setting the option.) Write down your System Setup settings before you perform a BIOS update. (See “Recording the Computer Hardware Configuration” on page 105.) Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 86: Troubleshooting The Bios Update

    To perform the BIOS update: 1. Attach the AC adapter to your computer, plug the adapter into an electrical outlet, and turn on the computer. 2. Copy the BIOS disk image from the BBS or the AST Web site onto your computer’s hard drive. 3.

  • Page 87: About Drivers And System Resources

    The number of IRQs available for any computer is limited by industry standards. Because it ships with numerous features, the Ascentia M Series computer uses most of the available IRQs. If you add another device to your computer, you may need to disable an existing device to free up an IRQ for the new device.
  • Page 88 The IRQs that are used by your computer are listed in Table 9. Table 9. Ascentia M Series IRQs Component System timer Keyboard Internal Controller COM 2, COM 4 COM 1, COM 3 Sound Floppy controller LPT1 (parallel port) CMOS/Clock...

  • Page 89: Troubleshooting

    The computer is not behaving as expected. Operating your computer at high speed with the cache enabled may cause system instability and incompatibility with some operating systems. If your computer is not behaving as expected and no error messages appear, disable Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...
  • Page 90 the External Cache setting in the Memory Cache field of System Setup. Nothing appears on the LCD panel when you turn on the computer. Adjust the brightness and contrast on an DS-STN LCD or the brightness on a TFT LCD. Are you using an external monitor? If so, press <Fn+F5>...
  • Page 91 Normally, the CMOS battery lasts for several years. Do not attempt to open the chassis and replace this battery yourself or your warranty is void. Have an authorized AST service center replace the CMOS battery. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 92: Infrared Problems

    Infrared Problems If you are unable to transfer files with the infrared port, check the following: The receiving device must be positioned properly. There must be no more than three feet of distance between the computer’s infrared port and the receiving infrared device.

  • Page 93: Using Options

    AST reseller for updated information. AC Adapter The optional AC adapter operates in the same way as the adapter that came with your computer does. See “Attaching the AC Adapter” on page 7 for information about the AC adapter. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 94: Auto/Airline Adapter

    Auto/Airline Adapter The auto/airline adapter enables you to power your computer and charge the computer battery In an automobile, through the +12 volt cigarette lighter socket. In an airplane that is equipped with a portable computer connector (Figure 21). Top of adapter casing Portable computer connectors on airplanes differ.
  • Page 95 Replace the fuse with an 8 amp fuse. In an automobile, you may need to replace the fuse in the cigarette lighter socket. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Contact your airline for information on using an airline adapter on your flight.

  • Page 96: Battery Pack

    When you connect the adapter to the cigarette lighter or the airplane connector, the battery starts charging immediately. Battery Pack You can order another lithium-ion battery pack for your computer. See “Using the Battery” on page 37 for information on the battery.

  • Page 97: Memory Modules

    1. Turn the computer over so that the bottom faces up. 2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw that holds the memory-module compartment door in place (Figure 22). Ascentia M Series User’s Manual To avoid possible system problems, use only AST-approved memory modules in your computer.
  • Page 98 Figure 22. Removing the Memory Module Compartment Door 3. Grasp the edge of the door and pull the door off the chassis. 4. Remove installed modules if necessary: When removing modules, pull on the plastic portion of the connector slots tabs only. Do not pull on the metal part of the tabs, or you may damage the tabs.
  • Page 99 (Figure 24). 7. Push down on the edge of the memory module until the module snaps into place. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual b. Hold the memory module by the edges and pull it forward out of the compartment.
  • Page 100 Figure 24. Installing a Memory Module 8. Align the memory module compartment door with the compartment and push the door down until it snaps into place. 9. Reinstall the screw you removed in step 2. 10. Turn on the computer and perform a complete POST to check the memory integrity.

  • Page 101: Battery Cradle

    The light turns amber when the battery begins to charge. 3. When the indicator light on the cradle turns back to green, the battery is fully charged. The battery is fully charged in approximately 3 hours. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Figure 25. Battery Cradle...

  • Page 102: External Numeric Keypad

    External Numeric Keypad The external numeric keypad has the same features as the integrated keypad. The external keypad plugs into the PS/2 mouse and keyboard port. CD-ROM Drive and Floppy Cable If your system did not ship with a CD-ROM drive included, you can order a drive and a floppy cable.

  • Page 103: Specifications

    LCD viewing area (13.3 TFT) Ambient temperature, operating Ambient temperature, storage Relative humidity (noncondensing), operating Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Table 10. System Specifications Dimension System with 12.1 DS-STN LCD 12.2 in (30.9 cm) 1.7 in (4.2 cm) 9.5 in (24.1 cm)
  • Page 104 Relative humidity (noncondensing), storage Altitude, operating Altitude, storage Shock, operating Shock, nonoperating Weight Nominal open circuit voltage Capacity, typical Charging time, approximate, with computer turned off Charging time, approximate, with computer turned on Average battery life, with no power management enabled Width Height Length...

  • Page 105: Abbreviations

    ..gram G..Gravity GB ..Gigabytes Ascentia M Series User’s Manual interface in an AT-compatible computer) (German electrical standards association)
  • Page 106 hr ..hour Hz..Hertz IDE..Integrated drive electronics in ..Inches I/O .
  • Page 107 VDC..Voltage direct current VGA..Video graphics array whr..Watt hour XGA ..Extended graphics array Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 108: Glossary

    Glossary AC adapter The AC (or alternating current) adapter regulates current coming into your computer from the wall outlet. The current at the wall outlet is alternating current and needs to be changed by the adapter to DC (direct current) before your computer can use it for power.
  • Page 109 A software device that accumulates copies of recently used disk sectors in RAM. The application program can then read these copies without accessing the disk. This, in turn, speeds up the performance of the application. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...
  • Page 110 A cache is a buffer for transferring disk sectors in and out of RAM. Data stored in a disk cache is a copy of data already stored on the physical disk. DMA (direct memory access) A method of transferring data from a device to memory without having the data pass through the microprocessor.
  • Page 111 The PC slot is the hardware slot in the computer where the PC Card is placed. Pixel A pixel is an individual dot in a graphic displayed on your computer. The pixels are so close together that they look as Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...
  • Page 112 though they are connected. An LCD screen displays thousands or millions of pixels. Plug and Play A plug and play operating system automatically configures computer components to work with your system. With this type of operating system, you normally do not need to set jumpers on devices or set memory addresses or IRQs.
  • Page 113 This process improves video performance. Video conferencing and real-time multimedia devices, such as video cameras, are supported by zoom video. Ascentia M Series User’s Manual...

  • Page 114: Recording The Computer Hardware Configuration

    Recording the Computer Hardware Configuration In the spaces provided, write the System Setup program settings. If your computer ever loses configuration information, you can enter the information from this section into System Setup to restore it. MAIN MENU Diskette A: Not Installed IDE ADAPTER SUBMENU IDE Adapter 0:...
  • Page 115 Cache Video BIOS area: Cache Memory Region: CC00-CFFF: D000-D3FF: D400-D7FF: D800-DBFF: DC00-DFFF: BOOT OPTIONS SUBMENU Summary screen: Floppy check: Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Enabled Disabled Standard Fast PIO 2 Fast PIO 4 Fast DMA B PCI Bus Master DMA Enabled Enabled...
  • Page 116 ADVANCED MENU INTEGRATED PERIPHERALS SUBMENU COM1 port: COM2 port: COM2 Mode: FIR Channel: LPT port: LPT Mode: Diskette Controller: Local Bus IDE adapter: PS/2 Mouse: Enabled Screen Expansion: USB Device: Enabled Plug & Play O/S: Reset Configuration Data: Large Disk Access Mode: Disabled Auto 3E8, IRQ 4...
  • Page 117 Rest Mode: Power On Suspend Rest Timeout: Resume On Time: Resume On Modem Ring: Resume Time:________________________ BOOT MENU Boot option 1:________________________ Boot option 2:________________________ Boot option 3:________________________ Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Enabled Enabled Disabled Normal Daily Daily Turbo Time_________________ Time_________________...

  • Page 118: Index

    Index Numerics 16-bit PC Card 70 32 Bit I/O field 48 32-bit PC Card 70 Abbreviations used in documentation 96 AC adapter 99 optional 84 using 7 Adjusting brightness 10, 18 contrast 10, 18 display 10 Advanced menu, System Setup 50 AST Web site 4, 80 Autotype Fixed Disk field 47 Auto/airline adapter 85...
  • Page 119 Docking options 93 Drive light 22 Drivers 78 DS-STN (Dual-scan super twist nematic) LCD 67, 101 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual Exit menu, System Setup 56 Extended Memory field 50 External Cache field 49 External monitor 68, 81 External numeric keypad 93...
  • Page 120 Get Default Values field 56 Glossary 99 Hard drive 101 configuring 46 installing 36 locking the boot sector 59 optional drive for SmartBay 87 partitions 34 removing 35 using 34 Hardware specifications 94 Heads field 48 Icons port 24 status lights 21 IDE Adapter 0 field 46 IDE Adapter 1 field 46 Infrared, troubleshooting 83...
  • Page 121 9 Power button 9 Power light 22 Power management features 60 rest mode 61 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual standby mode 61 System Setup fields 53 Power on suspend mode 54, 61 Power Savings menu, System Setup 53...
  • Page 122 Screen Expansion field 51 Scroll Lock keys 18 light 22 Sector 104 Sectors/Track field 48 Security features 57 Security menu, System Setup 52 Set Password field 52 Shadow RAM (random access memory) 104 Shutting down the computer 11 SmartBay, using 27 SoftPEG MPEG video player 73 Software backing up 10...
  • Page 123 16 Microsoft Backup utility 64 Microsoft Create System Disks Utility 35 PC Card 72 playing compact discs 32 Ascentia M Series User’s Manual shutdown procedure 11 Write Precomp field 48 Zoomed video 70, 104...

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