Introduction 1-5you boot or reboot your system. When connecting ex-ternal devices to your computer, follow these guidelines:• Check the documentation that accompanied thedevice for specific installation and configurationinstructions.For example, most devices must be connected to aparticular I/O port or connector to operate properly.Also, external devices like a mouse or printer usuallyrequire you to load software files called device driversinto system memory before they will work. Thesesoftware drivers help the computer recognize theexternal device and direct its operation.• Always attach external devices while your computer isturned off. Then turn the computer on before turningon any external devices, unless the documentationfor the device specifies otherwise. (If the computerdoes not seem to recognize the device, try turning onthe device before turning on the computer.)For information about enabling, disabling, or configuringI/O ports and connectors, see Chapter 3, “Using theSystem Setup Program.” For detailed descriptions andillustrations of each port and connector on the back panel,see “I/O Ports and Connectors” in Appendix B.Security Cable Slot and Padlock RingOn the back of the computer are a security cable slot andpadlock ring (see Figure 1-2) for attaching commerciallyavailable antitheft devices. Security cables for personalcomputers usually include a segment of galvanized cablewith an attached locking device and key. To preventunauthorized removal of your computer, loop the cablearound an immovable object, insert the locking deviceinto the security cable slot on the back of your computer,and lock the device with the key provided. Completeinstructions for installing this kind of antitheft device areusually included with the device.NOTE: Antitheft devices are of differing designs. Beforepurchasing such a device, make sure it will work with thecable slot on your computer.The padlock ring allows you to secure the computercover to the chassis to prevent unauthorized access to theinside of the computer. To use the padlock ring, insert acommercially available padlock through the ring andthen lock the padlock.Figure 1-2. Security Cable Slot and PadlockRingGetting HelpIf at any time you don’t understand a procedure describedin this guide or if your system does not perform asexpected, Dell provides a number of tools to help you.For more information on these help tools, see the chaptertitled “Getting Help” in your Diagnostics and Troubleshoot-ing Guide.CAUTION: When disconnecting externaldevices from the back of the computer, waitfive seconds after turning off the computerbefore you disconnect the device to avoid pos-sible damage to the system board.security cable slotpadlock ring
