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Toshiba Satellite A55-S1066 Satellite A50/A55 Users Guide - Page 130

Determining the COM port, Start, Control Panel, Printers and Other Hardware, Phone and, Modem Options

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130 Exploring Your Options Setting up for communications Determining the COM port Your modem is connected to one of the computer's COM (communications) ports. The default setting for the modem is COM3. The following procedure is intended to support you if you need to either upgrade your modem or reset the port to the default settings. If you are having trouble connecting through the modem, you may need to determine the current COM port name and possibly change it. To find out which port your modem is connected to: 1 Open the Start menu, click Control Panel. 2 Click Printers and Other Hardware. 3 Click Phone and Modem Options. The Phone and Modem Options Properties dialog box displays. 4 Click the Modems tab. Your modem should be listed next to one of the computer's COM ports. 5 Make a note of the COM port number. 6 To verify that the modem is set up properly, select the modem you wish to check, and then click Properties to bring up the dialog box with information specific to that modem. 7 Click the Diagnostics tab, and then click Query Modem. Windows XP communicates with the modem and displays identifying information reported by the modem. If Windows XP cannot communicate with the modem, it displays an error message. Consult the troubleshooting sections of your modem and Windows XP documentation.

Section	Page
Satellite® A55 Series User’s Guide	1
Contents	28
Introduction	35
This guide	36
Safety icons	36
Other icons used	37
Other documentation	38
Service options	38
Chapter 1: Getting Started	39
Selecting a place to work	39
Creating a computer-friendly environment	39
Keeping yourself comfortable	40
Other precautions	43
Important information on your computer’s cooling fan	45
Setting up your computer	46
Setting up your software	46
Registering your computer with Toshiba	47
Adding external devices	48
Connecting to a power source	48
Charging the main battery	51
Using the computer for the first time	52
Opening the display panel	52
Your computer’s features and specifications	53
Turning on the power	53
Using the TouchPad™	54
Scrolling with the TouchPad™	55
Using the Control buttons	55
Disabling or enabling the TouchPad	56
Installing additional memory (optional)	57
Removing a memory module	61
Checking total memory	62
Using an external keyboard	63
Using a mouse	63
Connecting a local printer	64
Setting up your printer	65
Connecting an optional external diskette drive	68
Using external display devices	69
Connecting the display device	69
Directing the display output when you turn on the computer	71
Adjusting the quality of the external display	72
Turning off the computer	73
Closing the display panel	74
Caring for your computer	74
Cleaning the computer	74
Moving the computer	75
Using a computer lock	75
Chapter 2: Learning the Basics	77
Computing tips	77
Using the keyboard	79
Character keys	79
Making your keyboard emulate a full-size keyboard	79
Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys	80
Function keys	80
Windows® special keys	81
Overlay keys	81
Starting a program	83
Starting a program from the Start menu	83
Starting a program from Windows ® Explorer	84
Starting a program from the Run dialog box	85
Saving your work	86
Printing your work	88
Backing up your work	89
Restoring your work	90
Using the DVD-ROM or multi-function drive	90
Drive components and control buttons	91
DVD-ROM or multi-function drive components	91
CD/DVD control buttons	92
Inserting a compact disc	93
Playing an audio CD	95
Playing CDs using Auto-Run	96
Creating a CD	97
Viewing the contents of a CD or DVD	97
Removing a disc with the computer on	98
Removing a disc with the computer off	98
Caring for CD or DVD Discs	99
Powering down the computer	99
Using Turn Off or Shut Down	100
Using Hibernation	103
Using Standby Mode	105
Toshiba’s online resources	107
Chapter 3: Mobile Computing	108
Toshiba’s energy-saver design	108
Running the computer on battery power	108
Battery Notice	109
Power management	110
Using additional batteries	110
Charging the batteries	111
Charging the main battery	111
Charging the RTC battery	112
Monitoring battery power	113
Determining remaining battery power	114
What to do when the battery runs low	115
Setting battery alarms	116
Conserving battery power	116
Power profiles in Windows® XP	117
Using a hot key to set the power profile	118
Changing the main battery	119
Removing the battery from the computer	119
Inserting the battery into the computer	121
Taking care of your battery	121
Safety precautions	121
Maximizing battery life	122
Disposing of used batteries	123
Traveling tips	124
Chapter 4: Exploring Your Options	125
Exploring the desktop	125
Finding your way around the desktop	126
Setting up for communications	129
Connecting your modem to a telephone line	131
Connecting your computer to a network	132
An overview of using the Internet	135
The Internet	135
The World Wide Web	136
Internet Service Providers	136
Connecting to the Internet	136
Surfing the Internet	137
Internet features	137
Uploading and downloading files from the Internet	138
Exploring audio features	138
Recording sounds	139
Using external speakers or headphones	140
Using the i.LINK® port	141
Inserting and removing hard drives	142
Inserting and Removing PC Cards	144
PC Card supporting software	144
Inserting a PC Card	145
Removing a PC Card	146
Setting up a PC Card for your computer	146
Hot swapping	147
Chapter 5: Toshiba Utilities	148
Fnesse®	149
Starting Fnesse®	149
Using the keyboard or pointing device to assign keys	151
Viewing existing key assignments	152
Changing or removing existing key assignments	153
TOSHIBA Console	153
Customizing your computer	154
Network	154
Security	154
TOSHIBA Power Saver	154
Mouse utility	157
Hotkey utility	157
TOSHIBA HW Setup	158
Enabling Hibernation	160
Setting passwords	160
Using an instant password	161
Setting a user password	162
Disabling a user password	162
Setting a supervisor password	163
Deleting a supervisor password	164
Using the TOSHIBA Zooming Utility	165
Using the TOSHIBA Touch and Launch utility	166
Chapter 6: If Something Goes Wrong	170
Problems that are easy to fix	170
Problems when you turn on the computer	172
The Windows ® operating system is not working	173
Using Startup options to fix problems	174
Internet problems	175
The Windows® XP operating system can help you	175
Resolving a hardware conflict	176
A plan of action	176
Resolving hardware conflicts on your own	177
Fixing a problem with Device Manager	178
Memory problems	180
Power and the batteries	181
Keyboard problems	182
Display problems	183
Disk drive problems	185
DVD-ROM or multi-function drive problems	188
Sound system problems	189
PC Card problems	189
Printer problems	192
Modem problems	193
Develop good computing habits	194
If you need further assistance	195
Before you call	195
Contacting Toshiba	196
Other Toshiba Internet Web sites	197
Toshiba’s worldwide offices	197
Appendix A: Hot Keys	199
Volume Mute	199
Instant password security	200
Power usage profile	200
Stand By mode	201
Hibernation mode	202
Display modes	203
Display brightness	204
Disabling or enabling the TouchPad	204
Keyboard hot keys	204
Appendix B: Power Cable Connectors	205
Appendix C: Using ConfigFree™ with your Toshiba Computer	206
Getting Started	207
Starting ConfigFree	207
ConfigFree Utilities	208
Connectivity Doctor	208
Search for Wireless Devices	211
Profile Settings	213
Quick Connect	215
Using the Automatic Switch	218
Semi-Automatic Switch Feature	219
Glossary	220