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Using Your Computer: Dell™ Latitude™ C600/C500 User's Guide

	Turning the Computer On and Off		Keyboard and Keypad Controls
	Modular Bay		Dell AccessDirect™ Key
	Diskette Drive		Speaker Controls
	Removable Mass-Storage Drives		Controlling the Cursor
	Display		PC Cards

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Turning the Computer On and Off

To turn on the computer, press the power button. (See Figure 1 in "Features and Options.")

To turn off the computer, follow the standard shutdown procedure described in your operating system documentation.

CAUTION: Do not allow your Latitude portable computer to operate for an extended period of time with the base resting directly on your body.  With extended operation, heat can potentially build up in the base. Allowing sustained contact with the skin could cause discomfort or, eventually, a burn.

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Modular Bay

Your computer comes with a diskette drive installed in the modular bay. To use another device in the modular bay, first remove the diskette drive.

NOTICE: When drives are not inside the computer, they are fragile and must be handled carefully to avoid damage. Do not press down on the drives or place heavy objects on top of them. Place the drives in a travel case to keep them free of dust and liquids. Store the drives in a safe place.

NOTICE: If the computer is docked, turn off the computer and undock it before installing or removing a drive.

You can install the following modules in the modular bay:

• Second battery
  
  
• CD-ROM drive
  
  
• DVD-ROM drive
  
  
• CD-RW drive
  
  
• SuperDisk drive
  
  
• Zip drive
  
  
• Second hard-disk drive

To make the computer as light as possible, use the travel module in the modular bay in place of any of the available drives.

Swapping Devices While the Computer Is Off

1. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the computer.
   
   
2. If the computer is connected (docked) to an Advanced Port Replicator (APR) or docking station, undock it.
   
   
3. Close the display and turn the computer over.
   
   
4. Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the bay.
   

NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, place them in a travel case when they are not inserted in the computer. Store devices in a dry, safe place, and avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them. 

1 Device 2 Modular bay latch

NOTICE: Insert devices before you dock and turn on the computer. 

5. Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.
   
   
6. Turn the computer over and open the display.
   
   
7. Turn on the computer.

Swapping Devices While the Microsoft® Windows® Operating System Is Running

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the docking connector, do not remove or replace devices while the computer is connected to an APR or docking station. 

In Windows XP

1. Double-click the icon on the Windows taskbar.
   
   
2. Click the device you want to eject.
   
   
3. Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can access the bottom of the computer.
   
   
4. Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the bay.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, place them in a travel case when they are not inserted in the computer. Store devices in a dry, safe place, and avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them. 

1 Device 2 Modular bay latch

5. Insert the new device into the bay, and push the device in until you hear a click.
   
   
6. If necessary, enter your password to unlock your computer.

 

In Windows 2000

1. Double-click the icon on the Windows taskbar.
   
   
2. Click the device you want to eject and then click Stop.
   
   
3. Click OK, and wait until the device you want to eject is cleared from the list of devices in the Unplug or Eject Hardware window.
   
   
4. Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can access the bottom of the computer.
   
   
5. Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the bay.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, place them in a travel case when they are not inserted in the computer. Store devices in a dry, safe place, and avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them. 

1 Device 2 Modular bay latch

 

6. Insert the new device into the bay, and push the device in until you hear a click.
   
   
7. Turn the computer over and open the display.
   
   
8. Press the power button to resume from standby mode.
   
   
9. If necessary, enter your password to unlock your computer.
   
   
10. When Windows resumes and recognizes the new device, click Close.

In Windows 98 and Windows NT 

1. In Windows 98, right-click the Softex BayManager icon on the Windows taskbar.

In Windows NT, right-click the Docking Services icon on the Windows taskbar.

2. Click Remove/Swap.
   
   
3. Keep the display open, and tilt the computer back so that you can access the bottom of the computer.
   
   
4. Slide and hold the latch release, and pull the device out of the bay.
   
   
5. Insert the new device into the bay, and push it until you hear a click.
   
   
6. Click OK. Then click OK again to close the Softex BayManager window or the Softex Docking Services window.

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Diskette Drive

Your computer was shipped with a 3.5-inch diskette drive (see Figure 2) in the modular bay. 

To use the diskette drive:

1. Insert a 3.5-inch diskette into the drive (label side up and metal end first). 
   
   
2. Push the diskette into the drive until the eject button extends outside the drive casing.

   When data is being accessed from the diskette drive in the modular bay, the drive access light blinks.

NOTICE: Do not travel with a diskette in the diskette drive. Doing so could break the eject button and damage the drive.

NOTE: You can use the diskette drive externally by connecting it to the parallel connector on the back of the computer.

To remove a diskette from the drive:

1. Press the eject button to release the diskette.
   
   
2. Pull the diskette out of the drive.

To remove the drive or to use another device in the modular bay, see "Modular Bay."

NOTICE: When drives are not inside the computer, they are fragile and must be handled carefully to avoid damage. Do not press down on the drives or place heavy objects on top of them. Place the drives in a travel case to keep them free of dust and liquids. Store the drives in a safe place.

NOTE: If the computer is docked, turn off the computer and undock it before installing or removing a drive.

Figure 2.  Diskette Drive Installed in Computer

You can install removable-mass storage drive modules such as a CD-ROM drive or SuperDisk drive in the modular bay. 

NOTICE: Follow these precautions when using your drive:

• Protect the drives when they are not in the modular bay. Do not squeeze the drive or place objects on top of it; doing so could damage the drive motor. Keep the drive as clean as possible.
  
  
• Do not use the drive while the computer is in motion. Doing so could interrupt the flow of data between the disc and the hard-disk drive or diskette drive.

For instructions on installing a removable mass-storage drive module in the modular bay, see "Modular Bay." 

NOTE: If the computer is docked, turn off the computer and undock it before installing or removing a drive.

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

NOTICE: Always use compressed air to clean the lens in the drive. Never touch the lens.

To play a disc:

1. Make sure the appropriate drive is installed in the modular bay.
   
   
2. Press the eject button on the front of the drive or press <Fn><F10>. 
   

3. When the tray slides out, place the disc 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. 

NOTICE: If the disc is not seated correctly, the drive or media can be damaged.

4. Gently push in the tray.

When the drive is in use, the drive access light blinks on the computer’s front panel.

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

To eject the drive tray, perform one of the following tasks:

• press the eject button on the front of the drive
  
  
• press <Fn><F10> (on an external keyboard, press <Scroll Lock> instead of <Fn> if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the system setup program)

You can only use CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and CD-RW drives externally with a C/Port Family Advanced Port Replicator (APR) or a C/Dock Family Expansion Station. 

If you are using the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system, disable the autoplay (auto insert notification) feature while you use the drive. (The autoplay feature can interfere with the computer’s power management functions.) If Dell installed the operating system, the autoplay feature has been disabled. If you reinstall the operating system or if you installed it yourself, be sure to disable the autoplay feature if you want to use the drive. 

For instructions on changing the Auto Insert Notification option, see the operating system user’s guide.

DVD-ROM and CD-ROM drives are read-only devices that let you play most sound and video CDs. DVD-ROM drives can also play DVDs. CD-rewritable (CD-RW) drives can write to and play CD-recordables (CD-R) or CD-RWs and can play CDs. Dell has installed the appropriate device drivers on your hard-disk drive. See "Technical Specifications" for information on supported CD and DVD formats.

Caring for Discs

When handling and using the discs, follow these precautions:

• Never use a damaged or warped disc.
  
  
• Always hold the disc 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 disc. When cleaning, wipe from the center of the disc to the edge.
  
  
• Never use solvents, such as benzene, record cleaners, or antistatic sprays, to clean the disc.
  
  
• Do not write on the surface of the disc.
  
  
• Store discs in their containers, placing them in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures may damage discs.
  
  
• Do not bend or drop a disc.
  
  
• Do not place objects on top of a disc.

Display

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 battery power by using the minimum brightness setting (see Table 1)¹.

Table 1. Adjusting Brightness

NOTE: On an external keyboard, use <Scroll Lock> with the appropriate keys if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the ddd.

Keys	Function	Key Combinations
	Increase brightness	<Fn> + up arrow
	Decrease brightness	<Fn> + down arrow

Table 2. Controlling Display Modes

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 XGA display.

Customizing Display Resolution

In Windows XP

In Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows NT

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click the Display icon, and then click the Settings tab.
   
   
3. Try different settings for Colors and Screen area. 
   
   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.

Video Drivers and Video Resolution 

The Dell-installed video drivers work with the operating system to let you customize the video resolution and number of screen colors on your display. For detailed information on video resolution, see "Technical Specifications."

NOTE: The Dell-installed video drivers are designed to offer the best performance on your computer. Dell recommends that you use only these drivers with your factory-installed operating system.

If the video resolution setting is higher than what the display supports, the computer display enters pan mode. The computer enters pan mode at the following resolutions (depending on display type):

• XGA: 1280 x 1024
  
  
• SXGA+: 1400 x 1050
  
  
• UGA: 1600 x 1200

In pan mode the screen resolution is too high to be completely displayed on the computer display. For example, the taskbar that usually appears at the bottom of the desktop may no longer be visible. To view the rest of the screen, use the touch pad or track stick to pan up and down and left and right. 

NOTICE: Before adjusting the refresh rate on an external monitor, refer to the monitor's user's guide. You can damage the monitor by using an unsupported refresh rate.

To display more colors, select a lower resolution. If you select a resolution and color combination that the system does not support, the system automatically selects the next supported combination.

NOTE: Color depth is based on 256 colors for 8-bit, 65,536 colors for 16-bit, and 4,294,967,296 colors for 32-bit displays.

Dual-Display Mode

With the Microsoft Windows 98 operating system, you can use an external monitor as an extension of your display. For more information, see "Using an External Monitor in Dual-Display Mode." 

Keyboard and Keypad Controls 

Key combinations allow you to:

• Control display settings
  
  
• Eject removable mass-storage drives
  
  
• Control the Dell AccessDirect™ key
  
  
• Adjust speaker volume
  
  
• Use the embedded numeric keypad
  
  
• Enter power management modes
  
  
• Enter the system setup program

NOTE: On an external keyboard, use <Scroll Lock> with the appropriate keys if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the system setup program.

Embedded Numeric Keypad

To activate the keypad, press <Num Lk>. The Num Lock light turns on.

Figure 4. 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 keypad shares some of the keys on your computer's keyboard. The number and symbol characters are marked to the right on these keys. 

Table 3. Embedded Numeric Keypad Key Combinations

Table 4. 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 Management and Conservation."

Table 5. System Setup Program Key Combinations

* This key combination does not function with ACPI.

Dell AccessDirect Key  

The Dell AccessDirect key located above your keyboard allows you to quickly access a frequently used program, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer (see Figure 1 in "Features and Options").

NOTE: Using an external keyboard with your computer disables the AccessDirect key.

For information on using an AccessDirect key and viewing or changing key assignments, see the AccessDirect Help:

1. Open the Dell AccessDirect program in one of the following ways:
   
   
• Double-click the AccessDirect icon in the system tray on the Windows taskbar (normally in the bottom-right corner of the screen).
  
  
• For Windows XP, click the Start button and click Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, click Printers and Other Hardware. Click the Keyboard icon, and then click the AccessDirect tab.
  

  For Windows 98 and Windows 2000, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, double-click the Keyboard icon, and then click the AccessDirect tab.

2. Click Help.

Speaker Controls

NOTE: On an external keyboard, use <Scroll Lock> with the appropriate keys if the External Hot Key option is enabled in the system setup program.

Table 6. Speaker Key Combinations

Controlling the Cursor

Your Dell portable computer is equipped with the Dell DualPoint integrated pointing device, which includes two cursor pointing devices (see Figure 5 and Figure 6) that perform traditional mouse functions: the touch pad and the track stick. You can choose to use the touch pad only, the track stick only, or both at the same time. 

DualPoint 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. 

NOTES: When enabled, the DualPoint 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. If the Pointing Device option in the system setup program is set to Touch Pad-PS/2 Mouse (the default), you can use both the DualPoint device and an external mouse if one is attached.

Using the Touch Pad

You can use the touch pad to move the cursor, just like a standard mouse (see Figure 5). The touch pad’s two buttons, located directly below the touch pad, correspond to the left and right buttons on a mouse.

Figure 5. Touch Pad

To best use the touch pad, follow these 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. 
  
  
• To select and move (or drag) an object, position the cursor on the object and tap down-up-down on the touch pad. On the second down motion, 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

You can use the track stick to move the cursor, just like a standard mouse (see Figure 6). The two buttons located between the touch pad and the space bar on the keyboard correspond to the left and right buttons on a mouse. 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. 

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 DualPoint Integrated Pointing Device

In Windows XP

1. Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.
   
   
2. Under Pick a category, click Printers and Other Hardware. 
   
   
3. Click the Mouse icon, and then click the Touch tab in the Mouse Properties window.
   
   
4. In the drop-down menu, click to select either the touch pad or the pointing stick (track stick) and click Apply.
   
   
5. Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

The DualPoint 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 the track stick.

Click in the Disable this Device box to disable the selected touch pad or track stick settings. If you docked your computer  with a mouse, the touch pad and track stick settings are automatically disabled.

In Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows NT

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
   
   
2. Double-click the Mouse icon and click the Touch tab in the Mouse Properties window.
   
   
3. In the drop-down menu, click to select either the touch pad or the pointing stick (track stick) and click Apply.
   
   
4. Click OK to save the settings and close the window.

To open the Mouse Properties window, you can also right-click the Touch Pad icon on the taskbar, and click Touch Pad Properties.

To disable the selected touch pad or track stick settings, click in the Disable this Device box. If you docked your computer with a mouse, the touch pad and track stick settings are automatically disabled.

The DualPoint 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. 

Click in the Disable this Device box to disable the selected touch pad or track stick settings. If your computer is docked with a mouse, the touch pad and track stick settings are automatically disabled. 

Changing the Track Stick Cap

1. Pull the cap off the track stick (see Figure 7).

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.

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.

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. See "Technical Specifications" for information on supported PC Cards.

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.

NOTICE: Extended cards are longer versions of standard PC Cards. They fit into and operate correctly with your computer. Follow these precautions when using extended PC Cards:

• Make sure that nothing strikes the exposed end of an installed extended card. Otherwise, damage to the system board can occur. 
  
  
• Always remove an extended PC Card before you pack the computer in its carrying case.
  
  
• Try installing an extended card in the upper PC Card connector to allow room for a second PC Card.

Installing PC Cards

1. Stop the card process with the PC Card configuration utility on the task bar.
   

You do not need to turn off your computer or exit suspend or standby mode before you install a PC Card. 

2. If necessary, remove the blank from the PC Card connector you intend to use (see "Removing PC Cards or Blanks").
   
   
3. Hold the card with its orientation symbol pointing into the slot and the top side of the card facing up.
   
   
4. Insert the card into the slot, press in firmly until the card is completely seated in the internal PC Card connector (see Figure 8), and rotate the PC Card eject button to its original position.

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.

Figure 8. Installing a PC Card

5. If you encounter resistance when inserting it, do not force the card. Check the card's orientation and try again.

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

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 and Blanks

NOTICE: If you are using Windows 98 or Windows 2000, use the PC Card configuration utility on the taskbar to select and stop a card before you remove it. If you do not stop the card using the configuration utility, you could lose data from open application programs.

1. Stop the PC Card by using the PC Card configuration utility on the taskbar.
   
   
2. Rotate the PC Card eject button outward (see step 1 in Figure 9) for the card or blank you want to eject.

Figure 9. Removing a PC Card

3. Press the PC Card eject button (see step 2 in Figure 9).
   
   The PC Card or blank protrudes from the slot slightly. It does not come out all the way.
   
   
4. Gently remove the card or blank (see step 3 in Figure 9), and rotate the PC Card eject button to its original position.
   

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 CD that came with the card
  

The operating system automatically detects a PC Card and opens the Add New Hardware menu from the Control Panel. For information, see the PC Card operating system documentation.

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