NOTE: You, the customer, are solely responsible for data security. WinBook strongly recommends that you perform a backup of all personal data contained on your system prior to performing this procedure. Warning: WinBook will NOT be held responsible for any data loss incurred during this process.

Q. What are Embedded keys and why do I need them?

Embedded keys are the same as standard keyboard keys but they are capable of performing additional functions. These functions have been incorporated into other keys in order to reduce the overall footprint of the keyboard and unit size. This additional operation or function is accessed by holding down the FN key with blue-green lettering located in the bottom left corner of the keyboard and pressing the corresponding function key – also denoted by blue-green lettering.

Q. When I press the key combination for an embedded key there is no outward indication that the desired function has been performed. Why is this?

Unlike other WinBook systems that did incorporate a pop-up status window in the top left corner, the XL does not have this function. The design and operation is different for this unit.

Q. How does the Display Off key work?

When pressing FN+F1 (Display Off), the screen will shut off. The system is still operating in the background despite the lack of video. To bring the display back, press FN+F1 once more.

Q. How does the LCD/CRT key work?

When pressing FN+F2 (LCD/CRT) the system will toggle through the available video modes. These modes are as follows: Internal display, External display, Simultaneous (Internal + External) display, TV Out (If it is activated in the BIOS – see your users manual for more information). These modes cycle through and will then repeat themselves after the last mode has been activated.

Q. How does the Standby key work?

When pressing FN+F3 (Standby) the system will go into a power management standby mode as if the time out set in the BIOS power management area had been reached. It will shut down the Display and hard disk and will go into a low power mode but will remain on. To bring it out of this mode, press a key such as the space bar to resume normal operation.

Q. How does the Suspend key work?

Pressing FN+F4 (Suspend) will put the unit into suspend mode dependent upon settings in the BIOS. If Suspend to RAM is active, it will store all work in RAM and shut the system down, using just enough power to keep RAM refreshed. To bring it back, press a key such as the space bar. If Suspend to RAM is disabled, the unit will automatically suspend to DISK. This will write all data to the Suspend partition on the hard disk and shut down all power. To bring it back, press the power button as if you were booting the unit up normally. The resume from disk progress bar will scroll across and you will be returned to the point you suspended the unit from.

Q. How does the brightness work – I press it but I don’t see much difference?

The FN+F6 and F7 keys (brightness down, brightness up respectively) have a 3-5 delay. They must be held down in conjunction with the FN key in order to take effect. The brightness will change but it is gradual and only adjusts the brightness approximately 15-20% either way.

Q. How do the volume controls work?

The FN+F8 and F9 keys (volume decrease, volume increase respectively) have the same effect as raising the volume through the Windows 95 Volume Control panel. By holding the FN key down and tapping the F8 or F9 keys repeatedly, the volume will decrease or increase as if you had clicked on the slide bar in Volume Control Panel and lowered or raised it. If you have the Volume controls open at the same time, you will see the bar raise or lower as you press the keys.

Q. How does the Mute key work? I mute the system but the next time I boot my system up, the sounds are all back.

Pressing FN+F10 (Mute) will mute the sound at the hardware level for that session only. Once the system has been powered off, the setting will revert to unmuted and you will hear all sound again unless you press the combination again for that session. If you wish to unmute the sound during a current session, press the combination a second time and you will begin hearing sound once more.

Q. How does the Loud key work?

Pressing FN+F11 (Loud) will activate an amplification mode for system sound. If the volume is turned all the way up when this is activated, it can cause distortion of the speakers until the volume level is lowered slightly.

Q. How does the Numeric Keypad work?

There are two modes of operation for the Numeric Keypad. If the Num Lock key (with gray lettering, beside the F12 key) is pressed, then the built in keypad (with gray lettering on the keys) will operate as a 10-key keypad. If the FN key is held down without the Num Lock key pressed, the keypad will operate as the Home, End, PgUp, PgDn, Ins, Del and four way arrow keys just as a standard 10-key keypad.

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Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you as a service from the Technical Support Department of WinBook Computers. It is intended to assist you in the resolution of your technical problems or questions. If you feel uncomfortable implementing any of the information or suggestions contained herein then you should e-mail the WinBook Technical Support Department. WinBook will not be held responsible for any loss of information, data or programming as a result of the use of this TechNote.