Venturis FX

This document is a comprehensive user's guide for the Digital Equipment Corporation's Venturis FX and FXs personal computers, published in April 1996. It is intended for anyone responsible for operating, configuring, and expanding these computer models.

The guide covers a wide range of topics, including:

1. Basic Setup and Operation (Beyond Quick Setup): Introduces the "Getting Started" program, explains how to properly shut down the computer using Windows for Workgroups and Windows 95, guides through connecting a printer, and provides instructions for creating DOS emergency or Windows 95 startup diskettes. It also details physical chassis lockdown procedures and offers ergonomic advice for a comfortable working environment, along with resources for obtaining help.
2. BIOS Configuration: Provides detailed instructions on how to access and use the BIOS Setup utility. This includes changing the system time and date, setting up security passwords (supervisor and user), enabling password-on-boot, protecting against boot sector viruses, configuring diskette and hard disk drives, changing the boot sequence, speeding up the boot process, resetting keyboard features, and setting the computer's volume control.
3. Software and Device Drivers: Lists the factory-installed software and device drivers, explains how to access them, and provides procedures for backing up and reinstalling software for both Windows 95 and Windows for Workgroups. Crucially, it includes steps for updating the computer's BIOS using PHLASH.EXE and creating a crisis recovery diskette.
4. Hardware Expansion and Upgrades: Guides users through tasks involving the computer's internal components. This includes precautions against static electricity, removing and replacing the computer's outer cover, identifying components on the main logic board and backplane, and connecting external devices. Specific expansion procedures cover installing additional computer memory (SIMMs), secondary cache modules, video memory, and optional MPEG/WaveTable daughter cards. It also details how to add ISA and PCI expansion boards, install mass storage devices (like hard drives, diskette drives, and CD-ROMs), replace the lithium battery, and upgrade the CPU or CPU Voltage Regulator Module (VRM).
5. Technical Specifications and Device Mapping: Features appendices that list detailed technical attributes of the Venturis FX and FXs models, including computer performance specifications, physical dimensions, environmental conditions, ISA and PCI expansion slot capabilities, power supply requirements, current requirements, and power cord specifications. It also provides device mapping information, such as CPU memory address maps, I/O address maps, interrupt levels, and DMA channel assignments, along with supported video output modes and a glossary of terms.

The document emphasizes caution, particularly when modifying BIOS settings or installing hardware, recommending users consult manufacturer instructions and Digital support when necessary.