System Overview 1-9NICDell WorkStation 400 systems contain an integrated 10/100-Mbps 3Com PCI3C905TX NIC. The NIC subsystem connects to the Ethernet network through asingle RJ45 connector on the back panel of the computer.The 10/100-Mbps NIC supports a 10-Mbps direct connection to either aCategory 3 or a Category 5 Ethernet cable. When the NIC operates in the100-Mbps mode, a Category 5 Ethernet cable must be used.Chapter 5, “Using the Network Interface Controller,” in the User’s Guide pro-vides instructions for connecting the computer to, and configuring it for use on,an Ethernet network.USBUSB capability simplifies connection of peripheral devices such as mice, print-ers, and computer speakers. The USB connectors on the computer’s back panelprovide a single connection point for multiple USB-compliant devices. USB-compliant devices can be connected and disconnected while the computer isrunning.Floor StandThe midsize computer can be used in a horizontal or vertical orientation whenusing an available floor stand. The floor stand is attached to the left side of themidsize computer. The floor stand is permanently attached to the bottom of themini tower computer.Thermal ProtectionThe microprocessor fan is self-monitoring. If the fan stops, a system alarm trig-gers a system management interrupt (SMI), which alerts the BIOS. If the DellThermalShutdown Service is installed, the power indicator flashes and a mes-sage appears on the monitor to alert the user that the system will shut down inan orderly manner, preventing the loss of data. If the service is unable to shutdown the system within approximately 3 minutes, the BIOS powers down thecomputer. If the ThermalShutdown Service is not installed, the computer turnsoff immediately.
