Toshiba Satellite 3000 S Manual

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Chapter 2
Getting Started
This chapter provides tips for working comfortably, describes how 
to connect components, and explains what to do the first time you 
use your notebook computer.
Selecting a place to work
Your computer is portable and designed to be used in a variety of 
circumstances and locations. 
Creating a computer-friendly environment
Place the computer on a flat surface which is large enough for the 
computer and any other items you need to use, such as a printer. 
Leave enough space around the computer and other equipment to 
provide adequate ventilation and prevent overheating.
To keep your computer in prime operating condition, protect your 
work area from:

Dust, moisture, and direct sunlight. 
						

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Equipment that generates a strong electromagnetic field, such 
as stereo speakers (other than speakers that are connected to 
the computer) or speakerphones.

Rapid changes in temperature or humidity and sources of 
temperature change such as air conditioner vents or heaters.

Extreme heat, cold, or humidity.

Liquids and corrosive chemicals.
CAUTION: If you spill liquid into the computer, turn it off, 
unplug it from the AC power source, and let it dry out 
completely before turning it on again.
If the computer does not operate correctly after you turn it 
back on, contact a Toshiba authorized service provider.
Keeping yourself comfortable
Strain and stress injuries are becoming more common as people 
spend more time using their computers. With a little care and 
proper use of the equipment, you can work comfortably 
throughout the day.
This section provides hints on avoiding strain and stress injuries. 
For more information, consult books on ergonomics, repetitive-
strain injury, and repetitive-stress syndrome.
Placement of the computer 
Proper placement of the computer and external devices is 
important to avoid stress-related injuries.

Place the computer on a flat surface at a comfortable height 
and distance. You should be able to type without twisting your 
torso or neck, and look at the screen without slouching.

If you are using an external monitor, the top of the display 
should be no higher than eye level. 
						

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If you use a paper holder, set it at about the same height and 
distance as the screen.
Seating and posture 
When using your computer, maintain good posture with your 
body relaxed and your weight distributed evenly. Proper seating is 
a primary factor in reducing work strain. Some people find a 
backless chair more comfortable than a conventional chair. 
Correct posture and positioning of the computer
Whichever type you choose, use the following guidelines to adjust 
your chair for maximum computing comfort.

Position your chair so that the keyboard is at or slightly below 
the level of your elbow. You should be able to type 
comfortably with your shoulders relaxed and your forearms 
parallel to the floor.
If you are using a conventional chair:

Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. If 
necessary, use a footrest to raise the level of your knees and 
ease the pressure on the back of your thighs.

Adjust the back of your chair so that it supports the lower 
curve of your spine. If necessary, use a cushion to provide 
Below eye level
Footrest
Approximately 
90-degree angles 
						

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extra back support. Lower-back-support cushions are 
available at many office supply stores.

Sit with your back straight so that your knees, hips, and 
elbows form approximately 90-degree angles when you work. 
Do not slump forward or lean back too far.
Lighting 
Proper lighting can improve the visibility of the display and reduce 
eyestrain.

Position the display panel or external monitor so that sunlight 
or bright indoor lighting does not reflect off the screen. Use 
tinted windows or shades to reduce glare.

Avoid placing your computer in front of a bright light that 
could shine directly in your eyes.

If possible, use soft, indirect lighting in your computer work 
area.
Arms and wrists

Avoid bending, arching, or twisting your wrists. Keep them in 
a relaxed, neutral position while typing.

Exercise your hands, wrists, and arms to improve circulation.
WARNING: Using the computer keyboard incorrectly may 
result in discomfort and possible injury. If your hands, 
wrists, and/or arms bother you while typing, stop using the 
computer and rest. If the discomfort persists, consult a 
physician.
Work habits
The key to avoiding discomfort or injury from strain is to vary 
your activities. If possible, schedule a variety of tasks into your  
						

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working day. Finding ways to break up the routine can reduce 
stress and improve your efficiency.

Take frequent breaks to change position, stretch your muscles, 
and relieve your eyes. A break of two or three minutes every 
half hour is more effective than a long break after several 
hours.

Avoid performing repetitive activities for long periods. 
Intersperse such activities with other tasks.

Focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods 
can cause eyestrain. Look away from the computer frequently 
and focus your eyes on a distant object for at least 30 seconds.
Precautions
Your notebook computer is designed to provide optimum safety 
and ease of use, and to withstand the rigors of travel. You should 
observe certain precautions to further reduce the risk of personal 
injury or damage to the computer. 

Avoid prolonged physical contact with the underside of the 
computer. 
If the computer is used for long periods, its case can become 
very warm. While the temperature may not feel too hot to the 
touch, if you maintain physical contact with the computer for 
a long time (if you rest the computer on your lap, for 
example), your skin might suffer low-heat injury.

Never apply heavy pressure to the computer or subject it to 
sharp impacts. Excessive pressure or impact can damage 
computer components or otherwise cause your computer to 
malfunction.

Some PC Cards can become hot with prolonged use. If two 
cards are installed, both can become hot even if only one is 
being used. Overheating of a PC Card can result in errors or 
instability in its operation.  
						

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Setting up your computer
Be careful when you remove a PC Card that has been used for 
a long period. 

Avoid spilling liquids into the computer’s keyboard.
If you do spill a liquid that gets into the keyboard, turn off the 
computer immediately. Leave the computer turned off 
overnight to let it dry out before you use it again.

Never turn off the computer if a drive light indicates a drive is 
active.
Turning off the computer while it is reading from or writing to 
a disk may damage the disk, the drive, or both.

Keep the computer and disks away from objects that generate 
strong magnetic fields, such as large stereo speakers.
Information on disks is stored magnetically. Placing a magnet 
too close to a disk can erase important files. 

Scan all new files for viruses.
This precaution is especially important for files you receive 
via diskette, email, or download from the Internet. 
Occasionally, even new programs you buy from a supplier 
may contain a computer virus. You’ll need a special program 
to check for viruses. Ask your dealer to help you.
Setting up your computer
Your computer contains a rechargeable high-capacity battery that 
needs to be charged before you can use it.
To use external power or to charge the battery, you must attach the 
AC adapter. See “Connecting the AC adapter” on page 51. 
To register your computer online, or to sign up for an Internet 
account, you must connect the built-in modem to a telephone line. 
See “Using the modem” on page 83. 
						

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Getting Started
Setting up your computer
Before starting to use your computer, you may also want to: 

Add more memory

Connect a mouse

Connect a full-size keyboard (see “Connecting a monitor, 
keyboard and mouse” on page 140)

Connect an external monitor (see “Connecting a monitor, 
keyboard and mouse” on page 140)

Connect a local printer

Install PC Cards (see “Using PC Cards” on page 159)
Installing additional memory (optional) 
Your computer comes with enough memory to run most of today’s 
popular applications. You may want to increase the computer’s 
memory if you use complex software or process large amounts of 
data. 
Additional memory comes in 64 MB, 128 MB, and 256 MB 
modules. You can only install two modules in your computer’s 
expansion memory slots, located on the bottom of your computer. 
You need a standard Phillips no. 1 screwdriver to install a memory 
module. 
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer’s screws, use a 
standard Phillips no. 1 screwdriver that is in good condition.
If you are adding memory after you have started to use the 
computer, begin at step 1, otherwise skip to step 2. 
1If the computer is on, click Start, Shut Down, select Shut 
down, then click OK.
The operating system turns off the computer.  
						

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2Unplug and remove any cables connected to the computer. 
3Close the display panel and turn the computer upside down to 
locate the expansion memory slot cover.
Base of a Satellite Pro 3000/3005 Series computer
4Using the standard Phillips no. 1 screwdriver, unscrew the two 
screws that secure the expansion memory slot cover, then 
remove the memory slot cover. 
5Put the screws and the cover in a safe place so that you can 
retrieve them later.
CAUTION: Static electricity can damage the memory module. 
Before you handle the module, touch a grounded metal 
surface to discharge any static electricity you may have built 
up.
To avoid damaging the memory module, be careful not to 
touch its gold connector bar (on the side you insert into the 
computer).
6Remove the memory module from its antistatic packaging.
Expansion memory
slot cover 
						

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7Holding the memory module by its edges so that the gold 
connector bar faces the slot, fit the module into the socket. 
8Gently press down on the memory module connector until the 
clips snap into place.
Do not force the module into position. The memory module 
should be level when secured in place.
Inserting the memory module
CAUTION: Avoid touching the connectors on the memory 
module or on the computer. Grease or dust on the 
connectors may cause memory access problems. 
9Replace the expansion memory slot cover.
10Replace the screws and tighten them.
11Turn the computer over and reconnect any cables you 
removed.
When you turn on your computer, it automatically recognizes 
the additional memory. If the computer does not recognize the 
memory, shut down the computer, remove the memory slot 
cover, and make sure the memory module is seated properly, 
as described in step 8. 
						

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Removing a memory module
1Follow steps 1 through 5 in “Installing additional memory 
(optional)” on page 47.
2Gently pull up on the module to disconnect it, then gently pull 
it out of the slot. 
3Complete the procedure by following steps 9 through 11.
Connecting a mouse
You may want to use a mouse instead of the computer’s built-in 
pointing device. 
To connect a USB mouse, plug the mouse cable into one of the 
USB ports. 
Connecting a printer
CAUTION: Connecting the printer cable while the computer 
is on may damage the printer, the computer, or both.
Before connecting a printer, you need to know whether it uses a 
serial or a parallel interface. Check the printer’s documentation. If 
the printer can be switched between serial and parallel mode, 
choose parallel because it is faster.
You also need a suitable printer cable, which may come with your 
printer. Otherwise, you can purchase one from a computer or 
electronics store.
NOTE: If your printer is ECP- or IEEE-compliant, make sure 
your printer cable is an IEEE 1284 cable.