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Using the Computer: Dell™ Inspiron™ 3800 System Reference

	Storage Devices		Touch Pad and Track Stick
	CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD-ROM Drives		PC Cards
	Audio Devices		Display
	Embedded Numeric Keypad		Extended Desktop Mode
	Key Combinations

Storage Devices

Using the Media Bay

Your computer comes with a diskette drive installed in the media bay. You can also install a battery, a CD drive, a DVD-ROM drive, a SuperDisk LS-120 drive module, a second hard-disk drive, or a Zip drive in the media bay. To make the computer as light as possible, use the travel module in the media bay in place the available drives. of any of

If your computer is running Microsoft® Windows NT® with Softex Docking Services or Microsoft Windows® 98 with Softex BayManager, see "Installing Devices in the Media Bay With Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager Software."

If your system does not have Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager, see "Installing Devices in the Media Bay Without Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager Software."

Installing Devices in the Media Bay With Softex Docking Services or BayManager Software

Softex Docking Services for Windows NT and Softex BayManager for Windows 98 allow you to swap a device to and from the media bay while the computer is on. You do not have to shut down or restart the computer for the device to be recognized. You may swap diskette drives, hard-disk drives, SuperDisk LS-120 drives, CD-ROM drives, DVD-ROM drives, and Zip drives.

To install a device in the media bay, perform the following steps:

1. Verify that the Diskette Reconfig option in the System Setup program is set to Any Time.

NOTE: Softex BayManager and Softex Docking Services do not report a second battery installed in the media bay on the Storage Devices tab.

8. Click OK. Then click OK again to close the Softex BayManager window.

Installing Devices in the Media Bay Without Softex Docking Services or Softex BayManager

To install a device in the media bay, perform the following steps:

1. Verify that the Diskette Reconfig option in the System Setup program is set to Any Time.

Using the Diskette Drive

Your computer was shipped with a 3.5-inch diskette drive (see Figure 1) in the media bay. To use another device in the media bay, first remove the diskette drive. For detailed instructions on installing devices in the media bay, see "Using the Media Bay" in Chapter 2 of the Reference and Troubleshooting Guide.

NOTE: If the computer is docked to the advanced port replicator (APR), turn off the computer and undock it before installing or removing a diskette drive.

The diskette drive lets you install programs and transfer data using 3.5-inch diskettes.

Figure 1. Diskette Drive Installed in Computer

To use the diskette drive, insert a 3.5-inch diskette into the drive (label side up and metal end first). Push the diskette into the drive until the eject button extends outside the drive casing.

To remove a diskette from the drive, press the eject button to release the diskette, and then pull the diskette out of the drive.

When data is being accessed from the diskette drive in the media bay, the drive access indicator blinks.

NOTE: You can use the diskette drive externally by connecting it to the parallel port connector on the back of the computer. If you are running the Microsoft Windows 98 or Windows 2000 operating system on your computer and the Diskette Reconfig option is enabled in the System Setup program, you do not have to reboot the computer when you connect the diskette drive to the parallel port connector. If you are running the Microsoft Windows NT operating system on your computer, you do need to reboot the computer after you connect the diskette drive.

Setting Up a Second Hard-Disk Drive

The first time you install a second hard-disk drive in the media bay, you must format that drive. For instructions, see the documentation that came with the device.

Using the Diskette Drive as an External Device

If the external media bay in your computer is already occupied by another device, you can use the diskette drive as an external device.

Use the diskette drive cable to connect the diskette drive to the parallel connector on the back of the computer.

Figure 2. External Diskette Drive Connected to Computer

CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD-ROM Drives

Using the CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives

CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives are read-only devices that let you play most commercially available 8- or 12-centimeter (cm) sound and video CDs on the computer. The DVD-ROM drive can also play DVDs. CD-RW drives are read-writable devices that let you play CDs, and allow you to write information to a CD-RW disc. Dell installed the appropriate CD-ROM drive device drivers on your hard-disk drive.

Use the CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD-ROM drive in the computer’s media bay. None of the drives can be used externally. You must turn the computer off before installing the drive in the media bay. For detailed instructions on installing devices in the media bay, see "Using the Media Bay" in Chapter 2 of the Reference and Troubleshooting Guide.

Figure 3. CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM Drive Installed in Computer

To play a CD, press the eject button on the face of the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM drive or press <Fn><F10>. When the tray slides out, place the CD into the tray label side up. Make sure that the CD is seated correctly on the spindle by pressing down on the disc until it clicks in place. Then gently push in the tray.

To play a DVD, press the eject button on the face of the DVD-ROM drive or press <Fn><F10>. When the tray slides out, place the DVD into the tray label side up. Make sure that the DVD is seated correctly on the spindle by pressing down on the disc until it clicks in place. Then gently push in the tray.

When the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM drive is in use, the drive access indicator blinks on the computer’s front panel.

Caring for CDs and DVDs

When handling and using CDs and DVDs, follow these precautions:

• Never use a damaged or warped CD or DVD.

• Always hold the CD or DVD by its edges. Do not touch the surface of the disc.

• Use a clean, dry cloth to remove dust, smudges, or fingerprints from the surface of the CD or DVD. When cleaning, wipe from the center of the CD or DVD to the edge.

• Never use solvents, such as benzene, record cleaners, or antistatic sprays, to clean the CD or DVD.

• Do not write on the surface of the CD or DVD.

• Store CD or DVDs in their containers, placing them in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures may damage CDs or DVDs.

• Do not bend or drop a CD or DVD.

• Do not place objects on top of a CD or DVD.

Types of Supported Discs

Your computer's CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD-ROM drives are able to play the following types of disc formats:

• CD-ROM red-book compact disc-digital audio (CD-DA)

• CD-ROM yellow-book mode-1 and mode-2 data discs

• CD-ROM Extended Architecture (CD-ROM/XA) (mode-2 form 1 and form 2; without Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation [ADPCM])

• CD-Interactive (CD-I) (mode-2 form 1 and form 2)

• CD-I Ready

• CD-Bridge

• Photo CD, CD-recordable (CD-R) (single and multisession)

• Video CD

• CD-rewritable (CD-RW) (The 24x CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives support reading CD-RW discs—this format is supported as read-only for CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives; only a CD-RW drive can write to this type of disc.)

• DVD-5 (The DVD-ROM drive supports the DVD-5 format.)

Audio Devices

You can connect speakers, a microphone, headphones, and record/playback devices such as cassette players, CD players, and VCRs to the audio connectors on the computer. The connectors are located on the right side of the computer. Dell recommends using amplified speakers for the best sound.

See your Microsoft Windows documentation for the location of sound application programs such as mixers and volume control.

You can control the sound coming from the external speakers and the computer's integrated speakers with the volume control dial. You can also use the keyboard to adjust the volumes. Press <Fn><Page Dn> to lower the volume. Press <Fn><Page Up> to increase the volume. Press <Fn><End> to enable or disable both the integrated and external speakers.

See "Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 98," "Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows NT® ," and "Utilities and Drivers for Microsoft Windows 2000" for information about reinstalling the audio drivers. The drivers are located on the System Software CD.

Embedded Numeric Keypad

As you work, you may want to use the embedded numeric keypad (see Figure 4) to enter numbers in spreadsheet or financial programs. The embedded numeric keypad shares some of the keys on your computer's keyboard. The number and symbol characters are marked to the right on these keys; the cursor-control functions are marked on the front of these keys. To activate the embedded numeric keypad, press <Num Lk>. (The Num Lock indicator lights up).

Figure 4. Embedded Numeric Keypad

Some key combinations can be used whether the keypad is off or on.

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions (see Table 1). To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press <Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Use the numeric keypad combinations in Table 1 to enable and disable several numeric keypad functions.

Table 1. Embedded Numeric Keypad Key Combinations

Key Combinations

Display Key Combinations

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions (see Table 2). To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press <Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Use the key combinations in Table 2 to adjust the computer's display.

NOTE: The display key combinations function for super-twist nematic (STN) displays only.

Table 2. Display Key Combinations

Power Conservation Key Combinations

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions (see Table 3). To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press <Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Use the key combinations in Table 3 to activate or turn off the computer's power conservation features.

Table 3. Power Conservation Key Combinations

* This key combination does not function with ACPI if the settings have not been configured with the Power Management Properties window in the Control Panel. See "Power Conservation."

Processing Speed Key Combinations

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions (see Table 4). To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press <Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Use the key combinations in Table 4 to change the computer's processing speed.

Table 4. Processing Speed Key Combinations

Speaker Key Combinations

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions (see Table 5). To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press <Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Use the key combinations in Table 5 to adjust the computer's speaker volume and to enable and disable the speakers.

Table 5. Speaker Key Combinations

System Function Key Combinations

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions (see Table 6). To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press <Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Use the key combinations in Table 6 to access MS-DOS, open the System Setup program, and open the Battery Status screen of the System Setup program.

Table 6. System Function Key Combinations

* This key combination does not function with ACPI.

CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drive Key Combinations

NOTE: When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions. To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press <Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

To eject the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive tray, press <Fn><F10>.

Touch Pad and Track Stick

Cursor Pointing Devices

Your computer it equipped with a Personal System/2 (PS/2)-compatible touch pad that provides full mouse functionality. A set of left and right buttons, located below the touch pad, operate like the left and right buttons on a mouse. You can also perform many pointing functions by tapping the touch pad, which is positioned for both left- and right-handed users. Click-and-drag buttonless functions are also supported.

An optional Dell™ DualPoint™ integrated pointing device is available, which provides a track stick in addition to the PS/2-compatible touch pad. The DualPoint option also includes a second set of left and right buttons, located above the touch pad (see Figure 5 and Figure 6). The track stick controls the cursor on the display screen and is positioned in the keyboard to allow you to move the cursor while keeping your fingers in a typing position. You can also perform many pointing functions by tapping the track stick. Click-and-drag buttonless functions are also supported.

DualPoint integrated pointing device software allows you to set the default for the type of cursor pointing device you want to use, as well as sensitivity, motion, and drag-and-drop features of both the touch pad and the track stick.

NOTES: When enabled, the DualPoint integrated pointing device (whether touch pad only, track stick only, or both) uses interrupt request (IRQ) 12. No other device can use IRQ12 while the DualPoint integrated pointing device is enabled. When you attach an external Personal System/2 (PS/2)-mouse to the computer, the DualPoint integrated pointing device is automatically disabled.

Using the Touch Pad

The PS/2 touch pad detects the position of your finger over a touch-sensitive area to position the cursor within the display screen. The touch pad provides the computer with full mouse functionality. The touch pad’s two buttons, located directly below the touch pad, correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.

Figure 5. PS/2 Touch Pad

To best use the touch pad, use the following techniques:

• To move the cursor, lightly slide your finger over the smooth sensor area.

• To select an object, gently tap once on the surface of the touch pad or use your thumb to press the left touch pad button. The touch pad buttons perform standard mouse functions.

• To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and double-tap on the touch pad. On the second tap, leave your finger on the touch pad and move the selected object by sliding your finger across the surface.

• To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and then tap the touch pad or the left touch pad button twice.

Using the Track Stick

The track stick detects the pressure and direction that you move your finger when touching the track stick cap located near the center of the keyboard. The two buttons located between the touch pad and the space bar on the keyboard correspond to the left and right buttons on a standard mouse.

Figure 6. Track Stick

To best use the track stick, use the following techniques:

• To move the cursor, apply pressure to the track stick with your right or left index finger. Press up or down to move the cursor to the top or bottom of the display screen. Press left or right to move the cursor to the left or right of the display screen.

• To select an object, tap once on the track stick or use your thumb to press the left track stick button. The track stick buttons perform standard mouse functions.

• To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object. Then press and hold the left track stick button. Leave your thumb on the button and move the selected object by pressing the track stick in the desired direction.

• To double-click an object, position the cursor on the object and then tap the left track stick button twice or tap the track stick itself twice. The track stick functions much like the touch pad in that it allows you to use buttons for mouse functions or the pointing device itself. 

Customizing the Touch Pad and Track Stick

The DualPoint integrated pointing device software allows you to set the default for the type of cursor pointing device you want to use, as well as sensitivity, motion, and drag-and-drop features of both the touch pad and track stick. To customize the DualPoint integrated pointing device, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.

You can also click the touch pad icon on the taskbar and click Touch Pad Properties to open the Mouse Properties control panel.

Changing the Track Stick Cap

Your computer came with four additional track stick caps in assorted colors. You may need to change the track stick cap if it wears down from prolonged use.

To change the track stick cap, perform the following steps:

1. Pull the cap off the track stick.

Figure 7. Removing the Track Stick Cap

2. Align a new cap over the square track stick post and gently press the cap down onto the post.

3. Test the track stick to ensure that the cap is seated properly.

PC Cards

About PC Cards

The computer has a slot into which you can install up to two PC Cards if the PC Cards comply with Release 2.01 of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standard and Release 4.2 of the Japanese Electronic Industry Development Association (JEIDA) standard.

The computer supports Type I, Type II, and Type III PC Cards (including memory cards) and advanced technology attachment (ATA) cards that emulate integrated drive electronics (IDE) hard-disk drives. Also supported are input/output (I/O) cards such as modems, local area network (LAN) cards, wireless LAN cards, and small computer system interface (SCSI) cards.

If you are using the Microsoft Windows 98 or Windows 2000 operating system, you can use a zoomed video (ZV) PC Card only in the lower PC Card connector. (The Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 operating system does not support ZV.)

	NOTES: A PC Card is not a boot device. The "type" of a card refers to its thickness, not its functionality. Your computer recognizes most I/O cards and automatically loads the device driver associated with that card.

Installing PC Cards

You can use the following PC Card combinations in the PC Card slots:

• A single Type I or Type II card (using either the upper or lower PC Card connector)

• A single Type III card (using the lower PC Card connector only)

• One Type I card and one Type II card (using either connector)

• Two Type I cards or two Type II cards

NOTE: Use a ZV PC Card in the lower connector only.

PC Cards are generally marked with a symbol, such as a triangle or an arrow, to indicate which end should be inserted into the slot. The cards are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion. If card orientation is not clear, see the documentation that came with the card.

You do not need to turn off your computer or exit standby mode before you install a PC Card. To install a PC Card (see Figure 8), perform the following steps:

1. If necessary, remove the blank from the PC Card connector you intend to use by pressing the eject button and pulling the blank out.

Figure 8. Installing a PC Card

PC Card Blanks

Save the blank to use whenever you do not have a PC Card installed. The blank protects the PC Card connector from dust and other particles.

Removing PC Cards

To remove a PC Card  (see Figure 9), perform the following steps:

1. Press the PC Card eject button. The PC Card or blank protrudes from the slot slightly. It does not come out all the way.

Figure 9. Removing a PC Card

To protect the PC Card connectors, install a blank if you are not going to use the connector.

Configuring PC Cards

The PC Card configuration utility performs the following functions:

• Notifies you whenever a PC Card is inserted and tells you how the card is configured

• Automatically loads the proper device driver if it is available on the hard-disk drive

• If drivers are not available on the hard-disk drive, prompts you to install them using the device driver diskette that came with the card

To configure a PC Card in Windows 98 or Windows 2000, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

For more information, check the documentation that came with your operating system.

To configure a PC Card in Windows NT, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

For more information, click the Help tab.

Display

Adjusting the Brightness

To accommodate local lighting conditions or video output from the software you are using, you can use the key combinations shown in Table 7.

NOTE: When you run the computer on battery power, set your computer's brightness control to the lowest setting that affords comfortable viewing. You can conserve up to 10 percent of battery power by using the minimum brightness setting.

Table 7. Brightness Key Combinations and Their Functions

NOTES: You cannot change contrast on an active-matrix (thin film transistor [TFT]) display. Contrast adjustments are only necessary on passive matrix displays. When using the integrated keyboard, you press <Fn> and the appropriate keys to perform certain functions. To perform such functions on an external keyboard, you press <Scroll Lock> and the appropriate keys. You must be sure that the External Hot Key option is enabled in the System Setup program.

Expanded Video Mode

When working in text mode, you can select the font used to display text. Press <Fn><F7> to toggle between a regular serif font and a serif font with extra leading. Expanded video mode is useful if you are working in 800 x 600 resolution on a 14.1-inch extended graphics array (XGA) display.

NOTE: You may have trouble using the display fonts feature with MS-DOS® programs that use downloaded fonts.

Customizing Video Resolution

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

For more information, see your operating system documentation. If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest possible setting.

If You Have Display Problems

If your computer is receiving power, but nothing appears on your display (such as light, text, or graphics) or the display image does not appear as you would expect, try the following measures to resolve the problem:

1. If the display is blank, you may be in standby mode. Press the power button to resume from standby mode.

Extended Desktop Mode

With the Microsoft Windows 98 or Windows 2000 operating system, you can use an external monitor as an extension of your display. The extended desktop feature gives your computer the ability to display video of different content and resolution on both the computer display screen and the external display. To set up your computer for extended desktop, perform the following steps:

1. Save your work, close all open files and application programs, and shut down the computer.

NOTE: True Simul-mode (the ability to simultaneously display video of the same content and resolution on both the computer display screen and the external monitor) is not supported if the computer is booted to MS-DOS, using a full-screen MS-DOS session under a Microsoft Windows operating system, or the ATI Mobility M1 video driver is not loaded. This limitation may also be noted in operating systems other than Microsoft Windows.

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