Introduction In This Chapter Who Should Read This Guide?, 1-2 Symbols and Graphics Used, 1-3 Where Can I Find Information?, 1-4 Safety, 1-5 How Do I Find Information on the CD-ROM?, 1-6 —G RESARIO ETTING TARTED Congratulations! As the owner of a new Compaq Internet PC, you have joined the worldwide community of Presario computer users.
Who Should Read This Guide? This guide is designed for both beginners and experienced computer users.You can read the guide from cover to cover for basic information about your computer, or you can scan it for information on a specific topic.
Symbols and Graphics Used Warnings and cautions are displayed to protect you from injury, your equipment from damage, and your files from data loss. —G RESARIO ETTING TARTED The following words and symbols have special meaning in this guide and in the CD documentation: Warning Did you know ...
Where Can I Find Information? Information is available in several forms: printed documents, electronic documents on the CD that came with your computer, and the Compaq Web site. Use this guide as your first point of reference, and then refer to the following documents: ➜...
Safety Your computer is an electrical device. Treat it with care to avoid personal injury and damage to the equipment. Warning To reduce the risk of electric shock and damage to the equipment, read the Safety and Comfort guide on the My Presario—Learning More CD before performing any procedures involving the...
How Do I Find Information on the CD-ROM? The My Presario— Learning More CD has information on the following topics: ➜ Advanced features of your computer ➜ Solving computer problems ➜ Safety and comfort ➜ Compaq service and support ➜ Upgrading your computer ➜...
Setting Up Your Computer In This Chapter Your Computer at a Glance, Plug In and Go!, 2-3 Compaq/Logitech Wireless Wheel Mouse, Registration, 2-5 Internet Service Provider (ISP), 2-6 Printer Setup, 2-7 —G RESARIO ETTING TARTED Your Internet PC is designed for complete ease of use—from setting up your computer to upgrading your computer with new components.
Your Computer at a Glance Before you begin, you’ll want to become familiar with the components of your Compaq Presario. Some components have color-coded connectors that match the ports on the back of your computer. 2-2 S ETTING OMPUTER What’s in Front? 1 CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM drive 2 Disk drive...
Plug In and Go! If a cable is disconnected or you move your computer to another location, this topic helps you to set up again quickly. It’s a good idea to purchase a surge protector to protect your computer from electrical spikes and power surges.
Compaq/ Logitech Wireless Wheel Mouse (available on select models) Did you know ... The wireless wheel mouse does not alert you when the batteries are low. You must replace the batteries approximately every six months. For optimal performance, place the receiver at least eight inches (twenty centimeters) away from other electrical devices, such as the computer,...
Registration The first time you turn on your computer, you are guided through the registration process before you access the Windows desktop. It is very important that you register ➜ Windows with Microsoft. ➜ Your computer with Compaq. Registering with Microsoft...
I Already Have an Internet Provider and follow the on-screen instructions. Note: If you do not sign up for an ISP account now, you can click the Free Internet Trial icon on your desktop and sign up any time you like. —G...
Printer Setup After setting up and registering your computer, you are ready to set up your printer. A printer enables you to print any document from your My Presario— Learning More CD, your e-mail, and Web sites. Did you know ... Compaq registration must be complete before you plug in your printer and run the...
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2-8 S —G ETTING OMPUTER RESARIO ETTING TARTED...
The Windows desktop is your personal workspace. By using the mouse to click icons on the Windows desktop, you give your computer instructions to perform tasks, such as accessing files, copying files, connecting to the Internet, reading e-mail, and more.
Across the bottom of the desktop is a gray bar (called the Windows taskbar 3). The taskbar includes the Start button 6; next to the Start button is the Quick Launch area (provides easy...
Displays a recently accessed list of documents which you can select to open again. Settings Enables you to modify Windows desktop or computer settings. Search Enables you to search for files or folders located on a drive that you specify.
Help Microsoft Windows includes online documentation to help answer your questions about how the computer operating system works. Did you know ... If you are not familiar with the features of Microsoft Windows, several tutorials are available through Microsoft’s online Help file. The Microsoft Web site at www.microsoft.com offers numerous tools and...
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Using Your Computer In This Chapter Keyboard Basics, 4-2 Keyboard Buttons, 4-3 Scroll Mouse and Wireless Mouse, 4-9 Speakers, 4-11 Disk, Hard Drive, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, and Zip Drives, 4-12 Internet Video Camera, 4-18 —G RESARIO ETTING TARTED In this chapter, you learn about the following exciting, easy-to-use features of your computer: ➜...
Keyboard Basics The standard keys perform the following functions: ➜ Main keys are the typewriter-style keys. ➜ Function keys are the F1 through F12 keys. Two of these keys are active even without a program running. F1 enables you to get help on Windows-related topics.
Keyboard Buttons The keyboard buttons make it easier and faster to get on the Internet, use your favorite software, or listen to your favorite CD. You might even want to watch a movie or send an e-mail. The CD/DVD control buttons provide a quick and easy way to play a CD or a DVD movie at the...
Keyboard Buttons, cont. With the press of a keyboard button, you can get on the Internet fast, read your e-mail, or check out the latest in entertainment. Depending on which Internet Service Provider (ISP) you have, the default options provided by the Internet Zone buttons may vary.
TARTED Using Quick Launch Web Buttons Help takes you to service and support information on the Windows desktop. My Program can be programmed to launch your favorite software, Web site, or document. Note: Buttons and their function may vary by model and region.
Keyboard Buttons, cont. After you assign the My Program D button settings, pressing the button opens your selected software, Web site, or document automatically. See also ... Instructions for reassigning the My Program button are found on the My Presario—Learning More CD.
Keyboard Buttons, cont. If you’re going to be away from your computer but want to leave the power on, you can put your computer to sleep. This process allows you to run programs while your computer goes into a low-power state, which saves energy.
Keyboard Buttons, cont. The system lights on the keyboard provide a quick status of your computer and keyboard settings. Post Office Protocol (POP) is a commonly used messaging protocol. The most widely used implementation of this protocol is POP3. POP3 is a retrieval protocol used to retrieve mail messages from a POP server.
Wireless Mouse Your computer comes with a scroll mouse. The scroll mouse directs a cursor on the Windows desktop. Use the mouse to move quickly and easily through a document or Web site. Moving the scroll wheel on your mouse forward or...
Scroll Mouse and Wireless Mouse, cont. AutoScroll allows you to move forward and backward through a document without having to move the mouse or mouse wheel continuously. Did you know ... The scroll mouse can be customized for a left-handed user from the Mouse Properties dialog box.
Speakers (available on select models) Speaker options depend on which model you purchase. However, the JBL Platinum Series are the standard speakers that come with most new Compaq Presario monitors. You can use the speakers freestanding or mount them on the side of the monitor.
Disk, Hard Drive, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, and Zip Drives Your computer may have one or more drives depending on the model you purchased: ➜ Disk drive ➜ Hard drive ➜ CD-ROM drive ➜ CD-RW drive ➜ DVD-ROM drive ➜ Zip drive Each drive has a different capacity for storing information.
Disk, Hard Drive, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, and Zip Drives, cont. The CD-ROM drive enables you to read data from a CD or listen to a music CD. The CD-RW drive enables you to read and write data to a disc for storage, and enables you to listen to music or read data CDs.
Disk, Hard Drive, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, and Zip Drives, cont. A CD-ROM drive reads CDs, CD-R, and CD-RW media. A DVD-ROM drive reads all CD media plus DVD discs. When you have finished listening to the CD, store the disc in the storage compartment on the front of your computer or in its protective case.
Disk, Hard Drive, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, and Zip Drives, cont. You can only play a DVD movie from a DVD-ROM drive. When you finish watching a movie, store the DVD disc in its protective case. You can control the actions of the DVD player (pause, rewind, and so on.) from the CD/DVD control buttons on the...
Disk, Hard Drive, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, and Zip Drives, cont. The CD-RW drive allows you to create your own CDs. You can buy two types of media: CD-R and CD-RW discs. CD-R media can be played on most of the newer CD players, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM drives.
Disk, Hard Drive, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, and Zip Drives, cont. The Zip drive makes organizing, copying, storing, and transporting large files easy. The Zip drive uses a Zip disk, which gives you more storage space than a floppy disk. A Zip disk offers extra space for the following types of tasks: ➜...
Internet Video Camera The Logitech QuickCam Express Internet video camera provides many useful features: ➜ Captures images at the touch of a button ➜ Sends photo and video e-mail as easily as text ➜ Allows video chatting for a face-to-face get-together with faraway friends and family...
Welcome to the Web In This Chapter Basic Concepts, 5-2 Compaq Connection Helper, Internet Connection, 5-4 Web Searches, 5-5 E-mail, 5-6 Content Advisor, 5-10 My Presario Web Site, 5-12 —G RESARIO ETTING TARTED In just a few moments, you will be on the World Wide Web.
Basic Concepts Internet, Web, URL, hyperlinks, cyberspace— sound confusing? The Internet definitely has its own terminology. Take a few moments to understand some basic concepts that will help you start surfing the Web. To begin surfing, you need to establish an Internet Service Provider (ISP) account.
Compaq Connection Helper Once you have signed up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), there are a few things you need to know to be able to surf the Web. If you choose Compaq.NET powered by MSN as your ISP, the Internet buttons on your keyboard are automatically set.
Internet Connection Web pages are viewed with a Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. A Web browser is a program that lets you view and explore information on the Web. Common features of a Web browser include: ➜...
Web Searches One way to find what you’re looking for on the Web is to use a search engine—your personal guide to the Web. A search engine takes information that is scattered on Web sites all around the world and lists it for easy viewing and printing.
E-mail E-mail (electronic mail) is very similar to the mail the postal carrier delivers to your home or office, except much faster. You can send letters, pictures, postcards, even music and video clips, to friends, family, and co-workers in an instant. Outlook Express is an e-mail program that comes with your computer.
E-mail, cont. To send and receive e-mail, you need an e-mail address so that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will know where to pick up and deliver mail. See also ... The My Presario—Learning More CD has information on finding e-mail addresses. Did you know ...
E-mail, cont. Now that you’ve connected to an ISP, set up Outlook Express, and have an Internet address, it’s time to write your first e-mail message. E-mail addresses are written in a very specific way. Be sure the e-mail address you enter contains no spaces and has a period after the server name.
E-mail, cont. Now that you’ve connected to an ISP, set up Outlook Express, and have an Internet address, it’s time to write your first e-mail message. E-mail addresses are written in a very specific way. Be sure the e-mail address you enter contains no spaces and has a period after the server name.
Content Advisor You receive e-mail messages automatically, even when your computer is shut down! Your ISP stores these messages until you decide to open your e-mail program and read them. Your e-mail status light on the keyboard will glow when you have e-mail. The e-mail status light only works with POP3 Internet services such as...
Content Advisor, cont. The Internet provides you with access to a wide variety of information, but some information may not be suitable for every viewer. With Content Advisor, you can: ➜ Control Internet access ➜ Set up a password ➜ Set up a list of Web sites that people who use your computer...
My Presario Web Site One of the first places you'll want to visit on the Internet is the My Presario Web site: www.compaq.com/ mypresario Whatever your interests, Compaq has something for everyone: ➜ entertainment ➜ gaming ➜ travel ➜ health ➜...
Common Tasks In This Chapter Print Basics, 6-2 Digital Audio Files, 6-3 Games, 6-4 Software, 6-5 —G RESARIO ETTING TARTED In this chapter, you learn how to perform some of the more common activities with your new Internet PC. More details about these and other everyday activities can be found on the My Presario—...
Print Basics To print one or more pages from a document file or Web page, you have to connect your printer and install the necessary software. These procedures are detailed in the “Setting Up Your Computer” chapter in this guide. To see what the document will look like when printed, select the Print...
Digital Audio Files In addition to music CDs, your computer can play digital audio files, such as music downloaded from the Internet. You can download MP3 files and play them using Audio Manager software (available on select models). —G RESARIO ETTING TARTED Playing Digital Audio Files...
Games Your new Internet PC is not only a powerful tool for surfing the Internet and running software, it can also allow you to play games. Your computer came with several Windows games preinstalled, and many more are available for purchase or by downloading them from the Internet.
Software You may want to purchase and install additional software. Software can be installed from a CD, DVD, or disk, and it can be downloaded from a Web site. The installation process begins automatically when you insert the CD in the disc drive.
Software, cont. If you download software from a Web site, follow the installation instructions that are usually displayed on the Web page. If installation instructions are not available, complete the steps listed here. Before downloading files of any kind from the Internet, make sure that call-waiting is disabled and that your anti-virus utility is running.
Computer Upgrades In This Chapter Internal Components, 7-2 Upgrading Components, Adding Components, 7-6 —G RESARIO ETTING TARTED In this chapter, you learn how to access the internal parts of the computer and how to perform basic upgrades. Many components of the computer are replaceable and upgradable.
Internal Components Your Computer is constructed with an Easy Access panel. This design makes accessing the internal parts easy. Warning Failure to disconnect the power from the computer may result in personal injury. Caution: Before working with the components inside the computer, you must ground yourself and the equipment to prevent...
Upgrading Components The CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD-ROM drives are often called optical drives because they use light to read and write information. Your CD-ROM drive reads data from a CD. They are a popular choice for software and data distribution due to the combination of a large storage capacity and high-quality performance.
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Upgrading Components, cont. The upper front panel door is designed with finger holes to make opening the door easy. The drive data cable has a color pull-tab to help you identify the cable. The drive rails snap on and off the drive(s).
Upgrading Components, cont. Random access memory (RAM) is the working space of your computer. Data and instructions are stored temporarily in memory. The most powerful processor and the fastest hard drive will not perform well without the workroom to keep the program and data close at hand.
Adding Components The hard drive is used to store information permanently inside your computer. Did you know ... You need a screw and a data (ribbon) cable to install an optional hard drive. The empty bracket for the optional hard drive already exists in your computer chassis.
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Adding Components, cont. —G RESARIO ETTING TARTED 4. Line up the hard drive data cable with the pins on the hard drive. Make sure you do not bend the pins. Connect the hard drive data cable 1 and power cable 2 to the new hard drive.
Adding Components, cont. An expansion card is a circuit board that fits into a computer expansion slot to add a certain function such as a modem, sound or audio card, Network Interface Card (NIC), or Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) adapter. This topic shows you how to add or replace expansion and option cards in your...
Need Some Help? In This Chapter Helpful Hints, 8-2 Recovery CD, 8-3 Compaq Support, 8-4 Troubleshooting, 8-5 —G RESARIO ETTING TARTED This chapter provides information for identifying and solving common problems that may occur with your computer. You can easily diagnose and solve many computer problems on your own without contacting a technician.
Helpful Hints Did you know ... For Compaq.NET technical support, dial (toll free) 1-800-952-3513. For Compaq.NET customer support, dial (toll free) 1-800-952-3512. To avoid long-distance charges when connecting to the Internet, always use a local area telephone number. See also ... For additional troubleshooting information relating to your printer or monitor, see the...
Extracts the data in the USER.PQI files from the D drive Restore and restores the desktop to the settings existing at the time of your last User Backup. Any files, data, or programs you added after your last User Backup are deleted.
Compaq Support 8-4 N If you have a computer problem or question, check the following resources for answers: ➜ Review the “Need Some Help?” chapter in this guide for suggestions to solve the problem. Press the Help G button on the keyboard to access service and ➜...
Troubleshooting If a solution does not solve your problem, try all solutions for the symptom or try the solution a second time. Audio Symptom No sound —G RESARIO ETTING TARTED Before contacting Technical Support, keep in mind that the information needed to correct the problem may be at your fingertips.
CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM Symptom CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM drive cannot read a disc or takes too long to start. Recording audio CDs is difficult or impossible. 8-6 N Problem CD has been inserted upside- down. The DVD-ROM drive will take longer to start because it has to determine the type of media being played, such as audio or video.
Hard drive has failed. Solution To format the disk: 1. Double-click the My Computer icon on the Windows desktop. 2. Select the disk (A) drive. 3. Click File, and point to Format. 4. Select the desired options, and click Start to begin formatting the disk.
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Maintenance Wizard. 3. Select Perform maintenance now. 4. Click OK. To format the disk: 1. On the Windows desktop, double- click the My Computer icon. 2. Select the disk (A) drive. 3. Click File, and point to Format. 4. Select the desired options, and click Start to begin formatting the disk.
Call Compaq Technical Support. Refer to your Certificate of Warranty for details. To format the disk: 1. On the Windows desktop, dou- ble- click the My Computer icon. 2. Select the disk (A) drive. 3. Click File, and point to Format.
Hard Drive Symptom Computer seems to be locked up. Hard drive error message is displayed. Hard drive fault protection error message is displayed. 8-10 N Problem Program in use has stopped responding to commands. Part of hard drive has failed. Part of the hard drive is about to fail or could already have failed.
6. Click OK to close the identification window. 7. Click Close to close the Modems Properties Window. 8. Click the Close button in the upper-right corner of the Control Panel window to return to the Windows desktop. ? 8-11...
Keyboard and Scroll Mouse Symptom Keyboard commands and typing are not recognized by the computer. 8-12 N Problem Keyboard connector is not properly connected. Program in use has stopped responding to commands. Keyboard needs repair. Solution 1. On the Windows taskbar, click the Start button.
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Symptom Mouse does not respond to movement or is too slow. Mouse will only move vertically or horizontally. —G RESARIO ETTING TARTED Problem Mouse connector is not properly plugged into the back of the computer. Mouse roller ball is dirty. Program in use has stopped responding to commands.
Wireless Wheel Mouse Symptom Mouse does not work after installation or is not detected. Poor reception. Mouse stops functioning. 8-14 N Problem Receiver is not connected properly. Batteries are not installed properly. Communication between receiver and mouse not established. Receiver too close to other electrical devices.
Microsoft-certified for your version of Windows. Solution To avoid Windows running unnecessary programs automatically at startup: 1. From the Windows desktop, click the Start button. 2. Select Run. 3. In the Open box, type MSCONFIG. 4. Click OK. The System Configuration Utility dialog box is displayed.
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Symptom “Illegal Operation has Occurred” error message is displayed (continued). Computer will not start. 8-16 N Problem Configuration files are corrupt. System files may have been damaged. You will need to insert a startup disk or the Windows StartUp disk to restart your computer.
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Glossary This Glossary defines commonly used terms to help new users understand computer concepts. Some of the terms are used in this guide. An extensive Glossary is provided on the My Presario—Learning More CD. 1394 port: A new type of connector for plugging in peripherals with extremely fast data transfer rates, such as video cameras.
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e-mail (electronic mail): Written messages sent over the Internet. fax modem: A modem that allows your computer to transmit and receive faxes. file extension: A period and three characters after a file name that indicate the program in which the file was created. For example, filename.doc.
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TARTED pop-up menu: A list of options that pops up when you right-click an icon on the desktop or taskbar, the vacant part of the desktop, a selection in a document, or a file in Windows Explorer. See right-click. program: A set of instructions, written in a...
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LOSSARY virus: A set of software instructions written to harm computers. window: A screen displayed on the Windows desktop after you select an item or open a program. Windows desktop: The main screen you see when your computer completes startup.
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Index Symbols @ sign 5-7 AC power port 2-2 Adaptec Easy CD Creator creating CDs 4-16 Add/Remove Programs 6-5 America Online 2-6 hyperlink 2-6 AOL 2-6 connecting with 5-4 icon 5-3 searching 5-5 Application and Web buttons Help 4-5 My Program 4-5 arrow keys 4-2 audio playing a CD 4-14...
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3-3 set up 2-2 problems 8-4 NDEX connector color coding 2-2 Content Advisor 5-11 password 5-11 desktop 3-1 features 3-2 icons 3-2 viewing 3-2 Did you know... notices defined 1-3 digital audio files 6-3 MP3 6-3 disk disk error 8-7...
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4-16 damaged 8-16 failure 8-7 problems with 8-10 storing system files 4-12 using 4-12 Help Service and Support folder 4-5 Windows desktop 4-5 helpful hints 8-2 home networking 2-3 Hotmail 5-6 hyperlink 1-6 defined 5-2 icons 3-2 AOL 5-3...
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Internet buttons Activity 4-4 E-mail 4-4 Entertainment 4-4 Instant E-mail 5-3 Instant Internet 4-4 My Presario 4-4 Retail/Affinity Central 4-4 Search 4-4 setting 5-3 Internet Service Provider See also ISP 4-4 Internet Video Camera features 4-18 ISP 5-2 account 2-6 MSN 2-6 problems with account 8-11 server name 5-7...
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parallel port 2-2 parental controls 5-11 password 5-11 remembering 5-6 port 1394 2-2 audio 2-2 Ethernet 2-2 microphone 2-2 modem 2-2 monitor 2-2 parallel 2-2 power 2-2 PS2 2-2 serial 2-2 USB 2-2 power port 2-2 problems with 8-16 Power On button 2-2 printer setting up 2-7 printing...
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Compaq Store site 5-12 downloading files 6-6 keyword 5-5 My Presario site 5-12 searching 5-5 site 5-2 Windows desktop 3-1 Help 3-4 wireless mouse installing 2-4 problems with 8-14 World Wide Web See also Internet Zip drive or Zip disk...