Manuals

What You Need to Know: Dell Latitude C600/C500 User's Guide

What You Need to Know: Dell™ Latitude™ C600/C500 User's Guide

	Finding Information		When Using Your Computer
	Safety and EMC Symbols		Ergonomic Computing Habits
	Safety Instructions		When Removing or Installing Memory Modules
	EMC Instructions		Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

Finding Information

Besides this User's Guide, the following documentation is included with your computer.

NOTE: Documentation updates are sometimes included with your computer to describe changes to your computer or software. Always read these updates before consulting any other documentation because the updates contain the latest information.

An operating system Setup Guide, which describes how to set up the operating system installed on your Dell computer.

Operating system documentation is included if you ordered your operating system from Dell. This documentation describes how to configure and use your operating system software.

Online documentation for your computer's devices (such as a modem) and for options you purchase separately from your computer.
- In Microsoft® Windows® XP, click the Start button, and then click Help and Support. From the Help and Support window, click the link to access the user and system guides.
- In Windows 2000, double-click the Dell User's Guide icon on the desktop, click System Information, and then click System Documentation.

Readme files may be installed on your hard-disk drive to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to your computer or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or technicians.

For detailed information on the computer's parts and assemblies and how to remove and replace them, see the computer Service Manual at the Dell support Web site at http://support.dell.com.

Safety and EMC Symbols

The following information defines the meaning of additional symbols used only in the Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Instructions.

	Risk of explosion		Aircraft
	Risk of fire		Use of this feature may be prohibited on aircraft
	Risk of electric shock

Safety Instructions

General

		Do not attempt to service the computer yourself unless you are a trained service technician. Always follow installation instructions closely.
		If you use an extension power cable with your AC adapter, ensure that the total ampere rating of the products plugged in to the extension power cable does not exceed the ampere rating of the extension cable.
		Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your computer. Doing so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
		Place the AC adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desk top or on the floor, when you use it to run the computer or to charge the battery. Do not cover the AC adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling; also, do not use the AC adapter inside a carrying case.
		Do not allow your portable computer to operate with the base resting directly on exposed skin for extended periods of time. The surface temperature of the base will rise during normal operation (particularly when AC power is present). Allowing sustained contact with the skin can cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.
		Do not use your computer in a wet environment, for example, near a bath tub, sink, or swimming pool or in a wet basement.
		If your computer includes an integrated or optional (PC Card) modem, disconnect the modem cable if an electrical storm is approaching to avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning via the telephone line.
		To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical storm. Do not use your computer during an electrical storm unless all cables have been disconnected and the computer is operating on battery power.
		If your computer includes a modem, the cable used with the modem should be manufactured with a minimum wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG) and an FCC-compliant RJ-11 modular plug.
		PC Cards may become very warm during normal operation. Use care when removing PC Cards after their continuous operation.
		Before you clean your computer, remove power. Clean your computer with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners, which may contain flammable substances.

Power (Safety Instructions, continued)

		Use only the Dell-provided AC adapter approved for use with this computer. Use of another AC adapter may cause a fire or explosion.
		Before you connect the computer to an electrical outlet, check the AC adapter voltage rating to ensure that the required voltage and frequency match the available power source.
		To remove power from the computer, turn it off, remove the battery pack, and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.
		To help prevent electric shock, plug the AC adapter and peripheral power cables into properly grounded power sources. These power cables may be equipped with three-prong plugs to provide an earth grounding connection. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from the power cable plug. If you use a power extension cable, use the appropriate type, two-prong or three-prong, to mate with the AC adapter power cable.
		Be sure that nothing rests on your AC adapter's power cable and that the cable is not located where it can be tripped over or stepped on.
		If you are using a multiple-outlet power strip, use caution when plugging the AC adapter's power cable into the power strip. Some power strips may allow you to insert the plug incorrectly. Incorrect insertion of the power plug could result in permanent damage to your computer, as well as risk of electric shock and/or fire. Ensure that the ground prong of the power plug is inserted into the mating ground contact of the power strip.

Battery (Safety Instructions, continued)

		Use only Dell battery modules that are approved for use with this computer. Use of other types may increase the risk of fire or explosion.
		Do not carry a battery pack in your pocket, purse, or other container where metal objects (such as car keys or paper clips) could short-circuit the battery terminals. The resulting excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures and may result in damage to the battery pack or cause fire or burns.
		The battery poses a burn hazard if you handle it improperly. Do not disassemble it. Handle a damaged or leaking battery pack with extreme care. If the battery is damaged, electrolyte may leak from the cells and may cause personal injury.
		Keep the battery away from children.
		Do not store or leave your computer or battery pack near a heat source such as a radiator, fireplace, stove, electric heater, or other heat-generating appliance. When heated to excessive temperatures, battery cells could explode or vent, posing a risk of fire.
		Do not dispose of your computer's battery in a fire or with normal household waste. Battery cells may explode. Discard a used battery according to the manufacturer's instructions or contact your local waste disposal agency for disposal instructions. Dispose of a spent or damaged battery promptly.

Air Travel (Safety Instructions, continued)

	Certain Federal Aviation Administration regulations and/or airline-specific restrictions may apply to the operation of your Dell computer while you are onboard an aircraft. For example, such regulations/restrictions may prohibit the use of any personal electronic device (PED) that has the capacity for intentional transmission of radio frequency or other electromagnetic signals while on an aircraft.
	In order to best comply with all such restrictions, if your Dell portable computer is equipped with Dell TrueMobile or some other wireless communication device, please disable this device before you board the aircraft and follow all instructions provided by airline personnel with regard to such device.
	Additionally, the use of any PED, such as a portable computer, may be prohibited in aircraft during certain critical phases of flight, for example, takeoff and landing. Some airlines may further define the critical flight phase as any time the aircraft is below 3050 m (10,000 ft). Please follow the airline's specific instructions as to when the use of a PED is allowed.

EMC Instructions

Use shielded signal cables to ensure that you maintain the appropriate EMC classification for the intended environment. For parallel printers, a cable is available from Dell. If you prefer, you can order a cable from Dell at its world-wide website at http://www.dell.com.
Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer's input/output panel.

When Using Your Computer

Observe the following guidelines to prevent damage to your computer.

When setting up the computer for work, place it on a level surface.
When traveling, do not check the computer as baggage. You can put your computer through an X-ray security machine, but never put your computer through a metal detector. If you have the computer checked by hand, be sure to have a charged battery available in case you are asked to turn on the computer.
When traveling with the hard-disk drive removed from the computer, wrap the drive in a nonconducting material, such as cloth or paper. If you have the drive checked by hand, be ready to install the drive in the computer. You can put the hard-disk drive through an X-ray security machine, but never put the drive through a metal detector.
When traveling, do not place the computer in overhead storage compartments where it could slide around. Do not drop your computer or subject it to other mechanical shocks.
Protect your computer, battery, and hard-disk drive from environmental hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and overexposure to sunlight.
When you move your computer between environments with very different temperature and/or humidity ranges, condensation may form on or within the computer. To avoid damaging the computer, allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate before using the computer.

NOTICE: When taking the computer from low-temperature conditions into a warmer environment or from high-temperature conditions into a cooler environment, allow the computer to acclimate to room temperature before turning on power.

When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. As you pull out the connector, keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
Handle components with care. Hold a component such as a memory module by its edges, not its pins.
When removing a memory module from the system board or disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before removing the memory module or disconnecting the device to help avoid possible damage to the system board.
Clean the display with a soft, clean cloth and commercial window cleaner that does not contain wax or abrasives. Apply the cleaner to the cloth; then stroke the cloth across the display in one direction, moving from the top of the display to the bottom. If the display contains grease or some other contaminant, use isopropyl alcohol instead of commercial window cleaner.
If your computer gets wet or is damaged, follow the procedures described in "Finding Solutions." If, after following these procedures, you confirm that your computer is not operating properly, contact Dell.

Ergonomic Computing Habits

CAUTION: Improper or prolonged keyboard use may result in injury.

CAUTION: Viewing the display or external monitor screen for extended periods of time may result in eye strain.

For comfort and efficiency, observe the following ergonomic guidelines when setting up and using your computer:

Position your computer directly in front of you as you work.
Adjust the tilt of the computer's display, its contrast and/or brightness settings, and the lighting around you (such as overhead lights, desk lamps, and the curtains or blinds on nearby windows) to minimize reflections and glare on the display.
When using an external monitor with your computer, set the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance (usually 510 to 610 millimeters [20 to 24 inches] from your eyes). Make sure the monitor screen is at eye level or slightly lower when you are sitting in front of the monitor.
Use a chair that provides good lower-back support.
Keep your forearms horizontal with your wrists in a neutral, comfortable position while using the keyboard, touch pad, track stick, or external mouse.
Always use the palmrest with the keyboard, touch pad, or track stick. Leave space to rest your hands when using an external mouse.
Let your upper arms hang naturally at your sides.
Sit erect with your feet resting on the floor and your thighs level.
When sitting, make sure the weight of your legs is on your feet and not on the front of your chair seat. Adjust your chair's height or use a footrest, if necessary, to maintain proper posture.
Vary your work activities. Try to organize your work so that you do not have to type for extended periods of time. When you stop typing, try to do things that use both hands.

1	Computer positioned directly in front of user
2	Wrists relaxed and flat
3	Arms at desk level

When Removing or Installing Memory Modules

Before removing or installing memory modules, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.

NOTICE: The only time you should ever access the inside of your computer is when you are installing memory modules.

NOTICE: Wait 5 seconds after turning off the computer before disconnecting a peripheral device or removing a memory module to help prevent possible damage to the system board.

Turn off your computer and any attached peripherals.
Disconnect your computer and peripherals from AC power to reduce the potential for personal injury or shock. Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
Remove the main battery from the battery compartment and, if necessary, the secondary battery from the options bay.
Ground yourself by touching the unpainted metal surface of the I/O panel on the back of the computer.

While you work, periodically touch the I/O panel to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

Static electricity can harm electronic components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components, such as a memory module. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer's I/O panel.

As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an I/O connector to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.

You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):

When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the component. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body.
When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging.
Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.

The following notice may appear throughout this document to remind you of these precautions:

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions at the front of this guide.

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