Document Outline

• Satellite® A500 Series User’s Guide
• Contents
• Introduction
  • This guide
  • Safety icons
    • Other icons used
    • Your computer’s features and specifications
  • Other documentation
  • Service options
• Chapter 1: Getting Started
  • Selecting a place to work
    • Setting up a work environment
    • Keeping yourself comfortable
    • Precautions
    • Important information on your computer’s cooling fan
  • Setting up your computer
  • Connecting to a power source
  • Charging the main battery
  • Using the computer for the first time
    • Opening the display panel
    • Turning on the power
    • Setting up your software
  • Registering your computer with Toshiba
  • Adding optional external devices
  • Adding memory (optional)
    • Installing a memory module
    • Removing a memory module
    • Checking total memory
  • Recovering the Internal Storage Drive
    • Recovering to out-of-box state (recommended recovery method)
    • Recovering to a custom size partition
    • Recovering without changing the internal storage drive partitions
    • Creating recovery DVDs/media
    • Restoring from recovery DVDs/media
  • Erasing the Internal Storage Drive
  • Checking the internal storage drive operating status
    • Installing drivers and applications
  • Using the TouchPad™
    • Adjusting TouchPad™ settings
    • Disabling or enabling the TouchPad™
  • Using external display devices
    • Connecting the display device
    • Directing the display output when you turn on the computer
    • Adjusting the quality of the external display
  • Using an external keyboard
  • Using a mouse
  • Connecting a printer
    • Setting up a printer
  • Turning off the computer
    • Options for turning off the computer
    • Using the Shut down command
    • Using and configuring Hibernation mode
    • Using and configuring Sleep mode
    • Closing the display panel
  • Customizing your computer’s settings
  • Caring for your computer
    • Cleaning the computer
    • Moving the computer
    • Using a computer lock
• Chapter 2: Learning the Basics
  • Computing tips
  • Using the keyboard
    • Character keys
    • Ctrl, Fn, and Alt keys
    • Function keys
    • Special Windows® keys
    • Backlit keyboard
  • Starting a program
    • Starting a program from the Start menu
    • Starting a program from Windows® Explorer
    • Starting a program using the Search programs and files field
  • Saving your work
  • Printing your work
  • Backing up your work
    • Restoring your work
  • Using the optical drive
    • Optical drive components
    • Media control buttons
    • Inserting an optical disc (slot-type drive)
    • Removing a disc (slot-type drive)
    • Inserting an optical disc (tray-type drive)
    • Playing an audio CD
    • Playing optical media
    • Recording optical media
    • Removing a disc with the computer off (tray-type drive)
    • Caring for optical discs
  • Toshiba’s online resources
• Chapter 3: Mobile Computing
  • Toshiba’s energy-saver design
  • Running the computer on battery power
    • Battery Notice
    • Power management
    • Using additional batteries
  • Charging batteries
    • Charging the main battery
    • Charging the RTC battery
  • Monitoring main battery power
    • Determining remaining battery power
    • What to do when the main battery runs low
    • Setting battery notifications
    • Conserving battery power
    • Power Plans
    • Using a hot key to set the Power Plan
  • Using the TOSHIBA eco power plan
  • Changing the main battery
    • Removing the battery from the computer
    • Inserting a charged battery
  • Taking care of your battery
    • Safety precautions
    • Maintaining your battery
  • Disposing of used batteries
  • Traveling tips
• Chapter 4: Exploring Your Computer’s Features
  • Exploring the desktop
    • Finding your way around the desktop
  • Setting up for communications
    • Connecting your computer to a network
    • Connecting a modem to a telephone line
  • An overview of using the Internet
    • The Internet
    • The World Wide Web
    • Internet Service Providers
    • Connecting to the Internet
    • Surfing the Internet
    • Internet features
    • Uploading to, and downloading files from, the Internet
  • Exploring audio features
    • Recording sounds
    • Using external speakers or headphones
  • Using the Web Camera
  • Using an ExpressCard®
    • Inserting an ExpressCard®
    • Removing an ExpressCard®
  • Using the Memory card reader
    • Inserting memory media
    • Removing memory media
  • Using the i.LINK® port
  • Using the eSATA/USB combo port
• Chapter 5: Utilities
  • TOSHIBA Assist
    • Connect
    • Secure
    • Protect & Fix
    • Optimize
  • TOSHIBA Application Installer
  • Setting passwords
    • Using an instant password
    • Using a supervisor password
    • Using a user password
    • Deleting a user password
  • TOSHIBA Face Recognition Utility
  • TOSHIBA PC Diagnostic Tool Utility
  • TOSHIBA HDD Protection Utility
  • TOSHIBA SD™ Memory Card Format Utility
  • Mouse Utility
  • TOSHIBA Hardware Setup
  • USB Sleep and Charge Utility
    • Starting the USB Sleep and Charge Utility
    • USB Sleep and Charge
    • Enabling USB Sleep and Charge
    • Power supply mode settings
    • Battery settings
  • TOSHIBA Zooming Utility
  • TOSHIBA Button Support
  • TOSHIBA Accessibility
  • Fingerprint Authentication Utility
    • Fingerprint utility limitations
    • Using the Fingerprint Authentication Utility
    • Fingerprint Logon
    • Care and maintenance of your fingerprint reader
    • Fingerprint reader limitations
  • TOSHIBA eco Utility™
  • TOSHIBA Service Station
  • TOSHIBA PC Health Monitor
  • ConfigFree®
    • Getting Started
    • ConfigFree® Utilities
• Chapter 6: If Something Goes Wrong
  • Problems that are easy to fix
  • Problems when you turn on the computer
  • The Windows® operating system is not working
    • Using Startup options to fix problems
    • Internet problems
    • The Windows® operating system can help you
  • Fixing a problem with Device Manager
    • Checking device properties
  • Memory problems
  • Power and the batteries
  • Keyboard problems
  • Display problems
  • Disk or storage drive problems
    • Error-checking
  • Optical drive problems (tray-type drive only)
  • Sound system problems
  • ExpressCard® problems
    • ExpressCard® checklist
    • Resolving ExpressCard® problems
  • Printer problems
  • Modem problems
  • Wireless networking problems
  • DVD operating problems
  • Develop good computing habits
    • Data and system configuration backup in the Windows® operating system
    • Saving system configuration with restore points
  • If you need further assistance
    • Before you contact Toshiba
    • Contacting Toshiba
  • Other Toshiba Internet Web sites
  • Toshiba’s worldwide offices
• Appendix A: Hot Keys/TOSHIBA Cards
  • Hot Key Cards
    • Using the Hot Key Cards
  • Application Cards
    • Using the Application Cards
    • Card Case
  • Hot key functions
    • Volume Mute
    • Lock (Instant security)
    • Power plan
    • Sleep mode
    • Hibernation mode
    • Output (Display switch)
    • Display brightness
    • Disabling or enabling wireless devices
    • Disabling or enabling the TouchPad™
    • Zoom (Display resolution)
    • Keyboard hot key functions
• Appendix B: Power Cord/Cable Connectors
• Glossary
• Index