REMOTE & MOBILE LINKS

REMOTE & MOBILE COMPUTING HOME DISPLAY SYSTEMS NOTEBOOK COMPUTERS PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) REMOTE NETWORK ACCESS WIRELESS NETWORK

General Information

Model Specific Information:

• Dell CPtS
• Dell LS
• Toshiba Portege
• Toshiba Satellite Pro

Purchasing

Checkout Equipment

Connecting a Notebook to the Campus Network:

• On Campus
• Off Campus

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Overview
• Typical Components
  • LCD Display
  • Keyboard
  • Pointing Device
  • Power Switch
  • External Ports
  • Device Bays
• Traveling with a Notebook Computer
• Power Management and Battery Care
• Operating a Notebook Computer
• Printing with a Notebook Computer
  • Local Printer
  • Network Printer

A notebook computer provides a computing platform that is portable and usable even when an AC power outlet is nowhere to be seen. In many ways, using a notebook computer will seem as familiar as using a desktop computer. In order to benefit from the unique abilities of a notebook computer there are a few things you'll need to know. This guide will cover the following:

• The typical components of a notebook computer.
• Tips for traveling with a notebook computer.
• How to deal with power management and battery care.
• Differences between operating a notebook computer and a desktop computer.
• How to handle printing with a notebook computer.

The most obvious components of a notebook computer are the LCD display, keyboard and pointing device. Some notebook computers have special considerations for using the power switch. There are external ports for plugging in keyboard, mouse, speakers/headphones, external video display, printers, AC power pack, USB devices and PCMCIA/PC cards. If you have a dedicated workspace where you frequently use a notebook computer you may consider using a port replicator or docking station. Most notebook computers will have some mix of internal and external device bays for batteries, floppy drives and CD-ROM/DVD drives.

LCD Display

The video monitor on a desktop computer can usually display many different screen resolutions: 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768 and perhaps even higher resolutions. Today, the most common resolutions for LCD Display are 800x600 and 1024x768. We recommend 1024x768 for compatibility with overhead display projection equipment. The LCD display of a notebook computer is usually fixed at one screen resolution. If you select a lower screen resolution most notebook computers create a smaller view, using only a portion of the display, in the center of the LCD display. If you select a higher screen resolution most notebook computers create a partial view of the screen that you must "pan" around to view the entire screen. Panning is typically accomplished by moving the mouse pointer to the edge of the display in the direction you wish to pan the screen.

Most notebook computers have a method for choosing to display the screen on the LCD display, on an external video display (video projector or video monitor) or both at the same time. This is typically accomplished by pressing a function key on the keyboard. Keep in mind that any external video display must be capable of displaying the screen resolution you've selected. In some cases you can set the LCD display to one screen resolution and the external video display to a different screen resolution.

The LCD display is somewhat delicate and is usually the most expensive component of a notebook computer. Great care should be taken to insure the display is not damage or scratched in any way. Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to clean the LCD display. Always spray the cleaner on the cloth used to clean the display, not directly on the display itself. See the section on External Ports for information about connecting an external video display.

Keyboard

Besides becoming familiar with the placement of some keys, the most notable difference between the keyboard on your desktop computer and the keyboard on a notebook computer is the addition of notebook computer specific function keys. Typically, an icon is printed on a key cap, usually in a unique color, to identify the functions keys. The function keys are used in the same way as "Shift", "Ctrl" and "Alt" functions. The function shift key is usually identified as "Fn" and is usually printed in the same color as the function key icons. Most notebook computers have the following function keys:

• CRT/LCD toggle. Selects between LCD display and external video display.
• LCD Brightness and Contrast. Adjust the LCD display brightness and contrast.
• Audio Mute, Increase Volume, Decrease volume.

See the section on External Ports for information about connecting an external keyboard

Pointing Device

The two most common built-in notebook computer pointing devices are the touch pad and track stick.

Touch Pad

The touch pad is a touch sensitive area that moves the mouse pointer by pressing a finger on the pad and dragging your finger in the direction you want the mouse pointer to move. Use firm but gentle pressure for best results. Just as when using a mouse, if you reach the edge of the touch pad just lift your finger move it back then drag some more. The touch pad will have two buttons, the larger of the two being the left/main mouse button, the smaller of the two being the right/secondary mouse button. Most touch pads also allow you to perform mouse clicks by tapping on the pad. For best results, tap rather than touch, the touch pad.

• Position the mouse pointer then tap the touch pad once for a single left click.
• Tap the touch pad twice, in rapid succession for a double click.
• Tap the touch pad twice but don't release on the second tap then drag you finger on the touch pad to drag an item on the screen.

Some touch pads have an added feature that allows you to use the touch pad with scrollable windows. A good use of this feature is when using an Internet browser. Press your finger along the right edge of the touch pad and drag up and down to scroll the window up and down. Likewise, press you finger along the bottom edge of the touch pad and drag left and right to scroll the window left and right. Some applications will require the mouse pointer to be placed inside the window you want to scroll.

Track Stick

The track stick works in much the same way as a joystick. It is located between the G and H keys. Place an index finger on the end of the track stick and move it in the direction you want the mouse pointer to move. The farther/harder you push the track stick from the center position the faster the mouse pointer moves. The track stick will have two buttons, the larger of the two being the left/main mouse button, the smaller of the two being the right/secondary mouse button. Some track sticks support the same tapping features as explained for the touch pad.

See the section on External Ports for information about connecting an external pointing device.

Power Switch

To prevent the notebook computer from being accidentally turned off or on, some power switches must be pressed and held for a few seconds. You will typically be provided with some sort of audio or visual confirmation when the notebook computer has recognized the power switch. This feature is more commonly found on notebook computers that have the power switch somewhere on the outside of the notebook computer case.

On some notebook computers the power switch isn't truly a switch. The notebook computer monitors the power switch then shuts off the power supply when the user presses the switch. It is possible for the computer to become so confused, locked up or frozen that pressing the power switch will not turn the notebook computer off. If you're sure this has happened, first try pressing the power switch for about five seconds. If this doesn't work you can unplug the AC power pack and remove all battery packs in order to shut the notebook computer off. Wait several seconds before reinstalling battery packs/AC power pack.

External Ports

If you frequently use a notebook computer at the same location, like at a desk, you my want to use a full size keyboard, mouse and video monitor. A notebook computer will have external ports to allow you to plug in most of these devices. Use extra caution when you use the notebook computer's external ports to prevent damage to the cables or ports when moving or lifting the notebook computer. You should never plug or unplug external devices or cables when the computer is turned on. Two notable exceptions to this rule are the AC power pack and the modem telephone cable. The first time you connect an external device to the notebook computer, be prepared to provide software drivers for the new device. In many cases, Windows 98 will already have software drivers for the device. If this is not the case or if you have newer versions of the software driver, you will need to supply a floppy or CD-ROM disk that contains the software driver. This disk normally comes with the original equipment or the drivers can usually be downloaded from the product manufacturer's web site.

Port Replicator

A port replicator can simplify the connecting and disconnecting of external devices. It will usually have all the same ports as the notebook computer and perhaps even some the notebook computer does not have. First, plug all your external devices into the port replicator. From then on simply plug the port replicator into the notebook computer. Do not pick up the notebook computer or the port replicator when they are connected. You may damage the input/output (I/O) connectors on the notebook computer and the port replicator.

Docking Station

A docking station is similar to a port replicator. It is usually larger and has a more advanced method of connecting to the notebook computer. It will typically have a convenient location for placing a video monitor. Some docking stations allow the use of standard ISA or PCI expansion cards, internal hard disk drives, CD-ROM/DVD drives, floppy drives, speakers and so on. Do not pick up the notebook computer or the docking station when they are connected. You may damage the input/output (I/O) connectors on the notebook computer and the docking station.

Keyboard

There are two types of keyboard plugs: AT and PS/2. Most notebook computers will only accept the smaller, PS/2 plug. If you have an older AT style keyboard plug, don't despair or run out and buy a new keyboard. Adapters are available that will let you use your AT style keyboard.

Mouse

Some users prefer to carry an external mouse with them because they don't like to use the built in pointing devices. If you do carry an external mouse you should also carry a mouse pad. There are two types of mouse plugs: serial and PS/2. Most notebook computers have only one, dual purpose, PS/2 port for keyboard or mouse. If you don't often use an external keyboard then you should use a PS/2 style mouse. If you do plan on using an external keyboard then you have no choice but to use a serial mouse. You may have to search around a little for a serial mouse as many manufacturers have stopped producing them.

Video Monitor

Some users prefer to use a video monitor instead of the LCD display for lengthy session on the notebook computer. Most of the current technology LCD displays are very acceptable for lengthy sessions on the computer. Some have a similar displayable area as a 15-inch video monitor. You may notice on some notebook computers, if you plug in an external video monitor or video projector the notebook computer will automatically switch to the external video display when the notebook computer is turned on. Remember you can use the notebook computer keyboard function to switch the screen back to the LCD display at any time.

Printer Port

Most notebook computers have a printer port. You can plug in an external printer or other device (ZIP, Jazz, tape drive) that use the printer port interface.

USB

Some notebook computers will have a USB port. The USB port is a general-purpose port than can be used for a variety of devices, including: printers, digital cameras, scanners and many more.

PCMCIA/PC Cards

Most notebook computers will have slots for PCMCIA/PC cards. Newer notebook computers have 32 bit slots while older notebook computers may have 16 bit slots. Consult your notebook computer documentation to determine what type of slots your notebook computer has. A 32 bit card will not usually work in a 16 bit slot. PCMCIA/PC cards are typically used for modems and network adapters. Some cards have built in jacks to plug in a telephone cord or network patch cable. Some cards use an adapter cable (sometimes called a dongle cable) that allows the telephone cord or network cable to be plugged in. Take care to not loose these adapter cables. Some notebook computer models include a built-in internal modem and/or Ethernet adapter. In most configurations the modem is internal and the Ethernet adapter comes on a PCMCIA/PC. The Ethernet adapter is usually purchased as an add-on component when you buy the computer. Some port replicators and docking stations have built-in Ethernet adapters and modems.

Device Bays

Many notebook computers have swappable device bays. These bays can be dedicated (i.e. for battery only) or may be general purpose (i.e. battery, floppy drive, CD-ROM/DVD drive, Hard Disk drive). Some notebook computers have an external device bay or allow a drive to be used externally. This is most often used when there is only one internal drive bay but you need both CD-ROM and floppy drives. One drive is installed in the internal bay and the other drive is used externally.

In most cases you'll need to shut down the notebook computer before swapping devices in drive bays. Some notebook computers have a utility that allows you to swap drives without shutting down the notebook computer. Consult your documentation for details.

Notebook computers are somewhat fragile and need to be transported properly. Unless you have a hard case specifically designed for air cargo, you should always hand carry-on your notebook computer. This may require additional planning on your part as some airlines have become more restrictive with carry-on limits.

There is no reason to fear putting a notebook computer through the security X-ray machine. If it would make you feel more comfortable though, you can request to have it hand checked in lieu of being passed through the X-ray machine. Some security checkpoints may require you to demonstrate the notebook computer is functional. To avoid delays, make sure to leave enough battery power available to get through a security checkpoint. Failure to do so will require you to locate an AC power plug and to plug in the notebook computer and power pack.

Notebook computers are a highly sought after target of thieves. Successful thieves know what a notebook computer carry case looks like. You may want to remove external tags or labels that help identify your carry case as a notebook computer carry case. Always keep a close eye on your notebook computer in Airports, motels and convention areas. The security checkpoint is a common place for a thief to attempt to steal a notebook computer. Before you place a notebook computer on the X-ray machine's conveyor belt, make sure you have a clear line of sight and that no one is blocking your path to the discharge of the X-ray machine. A common ploy involves causing a delay at the security checkpoint after you've placed your notebook computer on the conveyor belt. As your notebook computer exits the X-ray machine, an accomplice takes off with it while you're distracted.

See the section on Power Management for information about powering a notebook computer when traveling abroad.

Most notebook computers have a universal power supply. The power supply will function with any voltage from 100-240 volts and 50/60 Hz. This means you won't need any voltage/frequency converters to use the notebook computer when traveling internationally. You will most likely need an adapter to allow the power supply cord to be plugged into a foreign AC power outlet. Kits are available that contain foreign AC power and telephone adapters. Some manufacturers offer power supply cords with foreign AC power plugs. This might be more convenient if you frequently travel to only a few foreign regions.

It isn't very practical to carry a surge suppressor with your notebook computer. They are usually very bulky. However, if you have a work area set up where you frequently use a notebook computer you should consider getting a surge suppressor for this work area.

All notebook computers have methods of managing how much power they consume. This is typically used to extend the length of time you can use the notebook computer on a single battery charge although a side benefit can be the reduction of heat buildup in the notebook computer. These power management methods can include lowering the brightness or completely turning off the LCD display, shutting down the hard disk drive, reducing the processor clock speed, halting the processor, activating Standby/Suspend or Suspend-to-Disk/Hibernate modes. Some notebook computers have different power management behavior and timing when they are running on battery versus AC power. You should refer to your notebook computer documentation for the specific behavior or your notebook computer's power management.

Standby/Suspend mode shuts down most of the notebook computer electronics, reducing the drain on the battery to a minimum but leaves the notebook computer ready to resume operations immediately in about 20 to 30 seconds. Periods of inactivity, use of a keyboard function or closing the display can activate Standby/Suspend mode. Activity such as typing on the keyboard, using a pointing device (Mouse, Touch Pad or Track Stick) or pressing the power button will resume from the Standby/Suspend mode. If your battery is allowed to drain completely you will not be able to resume from the Standby/Suspend mode but rather will have to do a normal, power on startup.

Suspend-to-Disk/Hibernate mode works in a similar fashion to Standby/Suspend mode except upon activation, the state of the notebook computer is written to a reserved area on the notebook computer's hard disk drive. This allows the notebook computer to resume where it left off even if the battery is allowed to drain completely.

Most of you may have heard something about rechargeable batteries and a phenomenon frequently referred to as "memory". This is only present in NiCad (Nickel/Cadmium or NiCd) batteries. The suggested care for these kinds of batteries involves completely discharging the battery before recharging. Failure to do so will reduce the capacity of the battery. This was much more noticeable in the earlier generations of NiCad batteries but is still apparent, to a lesser degree, in current versions.

Newer notebook computers are more likely to have Lithium batteries. Lithium batteries aren't subject to the "memory" problem. You may discharge and charge Lithium batteries in whatever fashion is convenient. The one point of care for Lithium batteries is to avoid exposing them to extremes of hot or cold. This usually happens by leaving the batteries in a car. Exposure to temperature extremes will simply drain the battery. The battery may be recharged with no noticeable after affects. Lithium batteries can be damaged if they are recharged when they are very hot. Most of them have thermal protection and will refuse to charge if they are too hot. If you encounter this situation, allow the battery to cool at room temperature before attempting to recharge it.

Any rechargeable battery should be disposed of properly. They contain chemicals that should not be put into a landfill. Do not throw rechargeable batteries in the trash. If you can't locate a proper disposal agent bring them to CSC for proper disposal.

Because notebook computers are frequently used when they are not connected to the campus network, applications will usually be installed on the notebook computer hard disk drive. For the same reason you will probably store your documents and other files on the notebook computer hard disk drive. If you are using a "check out" or shared notebook computer we recommend you create your own personal folder in the "C:\My Documents" folder. Use your login name as the name of your personal folder. This will help you keep your documents separate from anyone else's. Storing documents on the notebook computer hard disk drives creates two situations you will need to deal with: backing up your documents and version control.

Documents that are stored on the campus file servers (typically on F: and G: drives) are backed up regularly with a tape backup system. Documents stored on your local hard disk drive (typically C:) are not backed up unless you copy them to a floppy disk (or other external media) or to a campus file server.

If you alternate between using a desktop computer and a notebook computer you may find yourself copying files back and forth from the campus network and your notebook computer hard disk drive. The result will be copies of the same file in more than one location. Unless you adopt a method for keeping track of which file is the current version, you may run into trouble. The simplest method is to add a version number to the end of the filename whenever you save or copy the file. Windows automatically records the time and date that a file is modified. This information can also be used to track down the latest version of a document.

Whenever you transfer a file to or from your notebook computer you should always copy, rather than move, the file. Do not delete the original after you've successfully copied the file. This way, if anything happens to the copied file you will still have the original to go back to.

There are two ways to print with a notebook computer, local and networked. In either case, the first time you use a new printer, be prepared to supply a software driver for the printer. In many cases, Windows 98 will already have software drivers for the printer. If this is not the case or if you have newer versions of the software driver, you will need to supply a floppy or CD-ROM disk that contains the software driver.

Local Printer

A local printer is connected directly to the notebook computer with a printer cable. This is the configuration you will mostly likely use from home or while traveling. You should carry a printer cable when traveling, if you intend to use a printer at your destination.

Network Printer

A networked printer is available only when you are connected to the campus or some other network. In this configuration you will most likely be printing to a shared printer that is connected to the campus or some other network. You can print to a network printer when you are not connected to a network. The print job will be saved on the notebook computer and can be printed the next time you connect to the network.