Dell Xps Gen 2 Manual

							A Tour of Your Computer21
DIGITAL-VIDEO INTERFACE (DVI) CONNECTOR
VIDEO
 CONNECTOR
AIR
 VENTS (2) —The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the 
computer from overheating. 
 
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store 
your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting 
the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.
AC 
ADAPTER CONNECTOR—Attaches an AC adapter to the computer.
The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by the computer. You can connect the 
AC adapter with your computer turned either on or off.
 
CAUTION: The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However, power connectors and 
power strips vary among countries. Using an incompatible cable or improperly connecting the cable to 
the power strip or electrical outlet may cause fire or equipment damage. Connects an external DVI-compatible monitor. With an 
adapter cable, you can also connect an external 
VGA-compatible monitor to the DVI connector.
Connects an external VGA-compatible monitor. For more 
information, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the 
help file, see page 9.
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							22A Tour of Your Computer
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 NOTICE: When you disconnect the AC adapter cable from the computer, grasp the connector, not the 
cable itself, and pull firmly but gently to avoid damaging the cable.
USB 
CONNECTORS
S-VIDEO TV-OUT CONNECTOR
NETWORK
 CONNECTOR (RJ-45)
 
NOTICE: The network connector is slightly larger than the modem connector. To avoid damaging the 
computer, do not plug a telephone line into the network connector.
MODEM CONNECTOR (RJ-11)Connect USB devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or printer. 
Connects your computer to a TV. Also connects digital 
audio capable devices using the TV/digital audio 
adapter cable.
Connects the computer to a network. The green, orange, and 
yellow lights next to the connector indicate both link status 
and activity for wired network communications. Solid green 
indicates a 10-Mb/sec link, solid orange indicates a 
100-Mb/sec link, and solid yellow indicates a 1000-Mb/sec 
link. Blinking yellow indicates activity on the wired network 
connection.
For information on using the network adapter, see the 
online network adapter documentation supplied with 
your computer.
To use the internal modem, connect the telephone line to 
the modem connector.
For additional information on using the modem, see the 
online modem documentation supplied with your computer.
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							A Tour of Your Computer23
Bottom View
BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE—Provides information on the battery charge. For more information, see 
Checking the Battery Charge on page 32.
BATTERY-BAY LATCH RELEASE—Releases the battery from the battery bay. For more information, see 
Removing a Battery on page 33.
BATTERY—When a battery is installed, you can use the computer without connecting the computer to 
an electrical outlet. For more information, see Using a Battery on page 31.
COVER FOR OPTIONAL INTERNAL CARD WITH BLUETOOTH® WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY—For more 
information, see the documentation that came with your card. To quickly enable or disable all wireless 
devices, press .
HARD DRIVE—Stores software and data. For more information, see Hard Drive on page 85.
AIR VENT—The computer uses fans to create airflow through the vents, which prevents the computer 
from overheating. 
 
CAUTION: Do not block, push objects into, or allow dust to accumulate in the air vents. Do not store 
your computer in a low-airflow environment, such as a closed briefcase, while it is running. Restricting 
the airflow can damage the computer or cause a fire.
memory module cover
hard drive
air vent 
(CPU fan)battery battery charge gauge
battery-bay latch release
optical-drive locking screw
air vent 
(VGA fan)
Mini PCI card/modem cover subwoofer
cover for 
internal card 
with 
Bluetooth
® 
wireless 
technology
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MINI PCI CARD/MODEM COVER—Covers the compartment that contains the Mini PCI card and the 
modem. For more information, see Modem on page 90.
MEMORY MODULE COVER—Covers the compartment that contains the memory modules. For more 
information, see page 88.
OPTICAL-DRIVE LOCKING SCREW—Secures the optical drive in the optical drive bay. For more 
information, see Optical Drive on page 99. 
SUBWOOFER—Produces a broader bass output than is provided by the speakers. 
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							Setting Up Your Computer25
Setting Up Your Computer
Connecting to the Internet
 NOTE: ISPs and ISP offerings vary by country.
To connect to the Internet, you need a modem or network connection and an Internet service 
provider (ISP), such as AOL or MSN. Your ISP will offer one or more of the following Internet 
connection options:
 Dial-up connections that provide Internet access through a telephone line. Dial-up 
connections are considerably slower than DSL and cable modem connections.
 DSL connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your existing telephone 
line. With a DSL connection, you can access the Internet and use your telephone on the same 
line simultaneously.
 Cable modem connections that provide high-speed Internet access through your local cable 
TV line.
If you are using a dial-up connection, connect a telephone line to the modem connector on your 
computer and to the telephone wall jack before you set up your Internet connection. If you are 
using a DSL or cable modem connection, contact your ISP for setup instructions.
Setting Up Your Internet Connection
To set up an AOL or MSN connection:
1
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2Double-click the MSN Explorer or AOL icon on the Microsoft® Windows® desktop.
3Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
If you do not have an MSN Explorer or AOL icon on your desktop or if you want to set up an 
Internet connection with a different ISP:
1
Save and close any open files, and exit any open programs.
2Click the Start button and click Internet Explorer.
The 
New Connection Wizard appears.
3Click Connect to the Internet.
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							26Setting Up Your Computer
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4In the next window, click the appropriate option:
 If you do not have an ISP and want to select one, click 
Choose from a list of Internet 
service providers (ISPs)
.
 If you have already obtained setup information from your ISP but you did not receive a 
setup CD, click 
Set up my connection manually.
 If you have a CD, click 
Use the CD I got from an ISP.
5Click Next.
If you selected 
Set up my connection manually, continue to step 6. Otherwise, follow the 
instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
 NOTE: If you do not know which type of connection to select, contact your ISP.
6Click the appropriate option under How do you want to connect to the Internet?, and then 
click 
Next.
7Use the setup information provided by your ISP to complete the setup.
If you are having problems connecting to the Internet, see E-Mail, Modem, and Internet 
Problems on page 63. If you cannot connect to the Internet but have successfully connected in 
the past, the ISP might have a service outage. Contact your ISP to check the service status, or 
try connecting again later.
Customizable Lights
You can color-customize your computer with lights visible in three zones: the speaker grilles, the 
side air vents, and the back of the display. Using Dell™ QuickSet or the system setup program, 
you can select from a variety of colors and color intensities, and the color for each zone can be 
set independently of the other, allowing you to choose a different color for each of the three 
zones. For information on using the system setup program, see page 109. For more information 
about Dell QuickSet, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 9.
speaker grilles (2)
side air vents (2)display back cover
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							Setting Up Your Computer27
Setting Up a Printer
 NOTICE: Complete the operating system setup before you connect a printer to the computer.
See the documentation that came with the printer for setup information, including how to:
 Obtain and install updated drivers.
 Connect the printer to the computer.
 Load paper and install the toner or ink cartridge.
 See your printer 
Owner’s Manual for technical assistance, or call the printer manufacturer.
Printer Cable
Your printer connects to your computer with a USB cable. Your printer may not come with a 
printer cable, so if you purchase a cable separately, ensure that it is compatible with your printer. 
If you purchased a printer cable at the same time you purchased your computer, the cable may 
arrive in the computer box. 
Connecting a USB Printer
 NOTE: You can connect USB devices while the computer is turned on.
1Complete the operating system setup if you have not already done so.
2Attach the USB printer cable to the USB connectors on the computer and the printer. The 
USB connectors fit only one way.
USB printer 
cableUSB connector on 
computer
USB connector 
on printer
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							28Setting Up Your Computer
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3Turn on the printer and then turn on the computer. If the Add New Hardware Wizard 
window appears, click 
Cancel.
4Install the printer driver if necessary. See the documentation that came with your printer.
Power Protection Devices
Several devices are available to protect against power fluctuations and failures:
 Surge protectors
 Line conditioners
 Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
Surge Protectors
Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help to prevent damage to 
your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or following power 
interruptions. The level of protection is usually commensurate with the cost of the surge 
protector. Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of 
damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a 
higher joule rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative 
effectiveness of different devices.
 NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power interruptions 
caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line 
from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.
Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector 
documentation for modem connection instructions.
 NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the network cable from 
the network wall jack during electrical storms.
Line Conditioners
 NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.
Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies
 NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in data loss or file damage.
 
NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to a UPS. Connect other 
devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.
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							Setting Up Your Computer29
A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices contain a battery that 
provides temporary power to connected devices when AC power is interrupted. The battery 
charges while AC power is available. See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information 
on battery operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters 
Laboratories (UL).
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							30Setting Up Your Computer
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