When you connect external devices to your computer's back panel, follow
these guidelines:
Check the documentation that accompanied the device for specific
installation and configuration instructions.
For example, you must connect most devices to a particular I/O port or connector to operate properly. Also, external devices like a printer usually require you to load device drivers before they will work.
When connecting a USB mouse or keyboard, ensure that you connect
to one of the Port 1 USB connectors on the back of the computer.
Always attach external devices while your computer is turned off. Then
turn on the computer before turning on any external devices, unless
the documentation for the device specifies otherwise.
NOTICE: Before disconnecting a device from the computer, wait 10 to 20
seconds after turning off the computer to avoid possible damage to the system
board.
Default serial port designations: COM1 for port 1 and COM2 for port 2.
You can reassign the serial port's designation in system setup if you add an
expansion card containing a serial port using this designation.
If you set the computer's serial ports to Auto in system setup and add an
expansion card containing a serial port configured to a specific designation,
the computer automatically maps (assigns) the integrated ports to the
appropriate COM setting as necessary.
Before you add a card with a serial port, check the documentation that
accompanied your software to ensure that the software can be mapped to
the new COM port designation.
NOTE: The integrated parallel port is automatically disabled if the computer
detects an installed expansion card containing a parallel port configured to the
same address as specified in the Parallel Port option in system setup.
Attach the PS/2 mouse cable to the 6-pin mouse connector on the back
panel. If your computer uses Microsoft® Windows®, Dell installed the
necessary mouse drivers on your hard drive.
NOTE: This connector is similar to the keyboard connector. Ensure that you
correctly identify the mouse connector before you connect the device.
NOTE: Do not attempt to operate a PS/2 mouse and a USB mouse
simultaneously.
A yellow network activity light flashes when the computer is
transmitting or receiving network data. (A high volume of network
traffic may make this light appear to be in a steady "on" state.)
A dual-colored network link and speed light, which is green when a
good connection exists between a 10-Mbps network and the computer,
or is orange when a good connection exists between a 100-Mbps
network and the computer. When the light is off, the computer is not
detecting a physical connection to the network.
Press one end of the UTPEthernet cable into the network adapter on your
computer until the cable snaps securely into place. Connect the other end
to an RJ45 jack wall plate or to an RJ45 port on a UTP concentrator or hub,
depending on your network configuration.
Dell recommends the use of Category 5 wiring and connectors for our
customers' networks.
NOTE: Verify the type of network device to which you are connecting the
computer. A hub typically operates at 10-Mbps. A switch can operate at 10- or
100-Mbps. Ensure that the network adapter is configured for the appropriate
speed. See network adapter diagnostics and configuration utility on Dell
Diagnostics.
