Introducing Your Computer

This chapter provides a quick tour of your Apricot computer, detailing its features and offering pictorial guides to familiarize you with its parts. Always read the power guidelines in the 'Safety and Regulatory Notices' section before first use.

Standard Features

• Intel PentiumPro system processor with upgrade capability.
• Memory upgradeable to 192 Mbytes.
• Primary and secondary IDE/ATA interfaces.
• IDE ATA-PI high speed CD-ROM drive.
• On board Adaptec SCSI interface.
• Space for further high capacity SCSI hard drives.
• Six expansion card slots.
• 1.44 Mbytes 3.5" diskette drive.
• Dual stacked Universal Serial Bus (USB) for future use.

Pictorial Guides

The following pages show details of the front, back, and inside of the system, with instructions on how to remove panels to access internal components. Familiarize yourself with connections and controls before proceeding.

Using Your Computer

This chapter provides information on the correct operation of the drives fitted to your computer.

Using the 3.5" diskette drive

The floppy disk drive is usually configured as drive A: with a capacity of 1.44 Mbytes.

Inserting a diskette

Insert diskettes shutter-foremost with the label side facing up. Push until the drive mechanism engages and the eject button pops out.

Removing a diskette

Ensure the drive is not in use. Press the eject button to disengage the mechanism and eject the diskette. If stuck, do not use tweezers; call an authorized maintainer.

Using the CD-ROM drive

The CD-ROM drive retrieves data from CD-ROMs and plays audio CDs. Warning: The laser beam is harmful; do not attempt to disassemble.

Inserting a compact disc

Press the button on the drive and place the CD label up on the platter. Push the button again or gently push the platter to retract.

Removing a compact disc

Ensure the drive is not active. Press the Eject button. For manual ejection (e.g., power failure), turn off the computer and insert a thin metal rod into the emergency eject hole.

Optional DAT tape drive

Recommended for regular backups of system hard drives. The drive can be obtained as an upgrade kit.

Inserting a DAT tape

Hold the cassette with the metal plate downward and open tape edge towards the computer. Press against the slot; the dust cover will swing open. Push firmly home. The 'Cassette engaged' green light should illuminate.

Removing a DAT tape

Wait for the amber drive active light to go out. Press the Eject button; the cassette will move outwards for removal.