User Guide for ZaReason Desktops
Thank you for letting us build your next desktop. Your computer has been built, tested, and tested again by a team of expert engineers. Before your system left our shop, we spent hours tuning and testing it to meet our extreme standards for quality. Your new desktop should work with you for many years to come.
Through this guide we will show you how to get the most out of your desktop, how to properly maintain it for maximum longevity, and we will give you some troubleshooting tips just in case.
Please feel free to contact us with questions, comments, or suggestions. We love hearing your feedback since we are all part of the same big community.
May you have many happy years of service from your ZaReason desktop.
Best,
--the ZaReason team
Notice
This information is subject to change without notice. Our primary goal is to provide you with the most current, ground-breaking hardware and sometimes that means moving faster than the printer and tech writers can run. Check our user manuals online for minute-by-minute updates, but keep in mind that even the webmaster can not run fast enough either. Hardware really does change at the rip-roaring speeds and if you want the latest hardware in your computer, it means that we won't be slowing down to do reprints of the manual ever few days. Perhaps every few weeks, but not every few days. Thank you for your understanding.
In no event will the manufacturer be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use the product or documentation, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
Limitation of Liability
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual, the manufacturer and the distributor assume no liability resulting from errors or omissions in this manual, or from the use of information contained herein.
Support
To receive ZaReason's friendly US-based technical support, please refer to your invoice for your Order number. The support technician will need this number in order to assist you.
To find the exact model and manufacturer of the hardware components you have, check your system's invoice. If you can not find this information, please send a request to support@zareason.com
Support hub: htt://www.zareason.com/support
Phone: (510) 868-5000
Email: support@zareason.com
Live chat: ZaReason Live Chat is available at our website and provides you with an easy way to communicate with ZaReason staff.
Table of Contents
The Most Important Thing You Will Read
Extend the Life of Your Desktop
Getting to Know Your ZaReason Computer
Manuals & CDs
Getting Started
Setting Up Your Operating System
Adding and Removing Software
Drivers
Protecting Your System
Protecting Against Viruses
Protecting Your Data
Protecting Your Hard Drive Space
Maintaining Your System
Cleaning Your System
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge
Modifying Your System
Upgrading Hardware
The BIOS
Restoring Your System
About ZaReason
The Most Important Thing You Will Read
By the time you open this package, your desktop will have been through the most traumatic experience of its life: Shipping.
At ZaReason, we have care-taking professionals who consider your desktop to be a precious item that will be given mission-critical importance in your life. To get it to you safely, we pack it in materials that cushion the box while using packing supplies that have the least environmental impact.
→ Please save the box and packing material. You may need these for future safe transport.
When you receive your computer, we know you will be tempted to rip it open and get started in an effort to beat this customer's record:
“Thanks ZaReason! I was able to unbox, boot up my new ZaReason computer and connect to wifi faster than it took my old [non-Linux] computer to shut down!”
Yes, Linux fans, we (all of us, starting with the people who contribute to the code base) have built computers that reach this bar of excellence.
Before you begin the unveiling of your sparkling new ZaReason computer, please check the shipping box for damage: dents, dings, or any evidence that it may have been dropped or received other rough handling. Shipping damage needs to be reported directly to UPS or USPS. Please report within 5 days of receiving your system. A word of advice – take photos of the shipping box so UPS or USPS can see what type of damage was sustained in transit.
Alert for bad weather! In certain situations, you may need to do the start-up process slowly. If your desktop arrives in cold weather, be sure to allow it to reach room temperature prior to booting up the first time. The rapid changes in temperature can cause water droplets to condense inside your case, damaging your valuable new machine.
Extend the Life of Your Desktop
This section will help you avoid potentially unsafe conditions while working with this product. Please read the following carefully:
1. Always disconnect the power cord before cleaning. Never use a liquid or spray cleaner. They can quickly turn an expensive computer into a paperweight when liquid dribbles down into the machine. Instead, use a soft monitor wipe, canned air, or other computer appropriate cleaning material.
2. Take care to avoid tripping hazards when plugging your desktop's power cord into a wall outlet.
3. If you are unsure of your skill level in any technical upgrade, work with an experienced, qualified service professional.
4. Before taking the back panel off your desktop, always, every time, without fail, disconnect the power plug and other plugs.
5. Should the power cord or plug become damaged, contact ZaReason tech support immediately: support@zareason.com
6. Do not let any liquid of any type penetrate the desktop in any way. Do not bring your desktop into a moist environment, including locations with high humidity.
7. Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not leave it in your car.
8. Avoid positioning your desktop in a location without good ventilation. Allow plenty of room for air to circulate around the case to avoid overheating. Never block the ventilation openings.
9. Avoid moving your desktop while it is running. The disk drive is vulnerable to even slight bumps while it is running. The disk drive is much better able to handle minor jarring if it is turned off because the drive heads will park off the data storage surface of the disk.
10. If you do not plan on using your desktop for a while, disconnect it from the main power outlet to avoid damage due to transient over voltage.
11. Do not use the AC adapter near open water or other liquids. Never spill liquid into the AC adapter.
12. Protect against power surges. For additional power protection, you may purchase an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A UPS works like a surge protector but can keep your system powered during a power outage, giving you with enough time to save your work and safely shut down your system. You may purchase a surge protector or UPS from ZaReason, the same place where you purchased your desktop.
Your ZaReason system warranty does not cover damage due to lightning strikes or power surges. For this reason, connect all your power cords (a second monitor, speakers), telephone cables (modem, phone line, DSL) and even cable modem lines to a surge protector. The minimal cost of a surge protector will be well worth it when your system lives through a power surge.
Getting to Know Your ZaReason desktop
The illustrations that follow show different views of each side of a standard ZaReason desktop. Note that this desktop graphic probably varies from the desktop you own. The components look the same on all desktops, but often have different placement based on the general construction of your particular desktop.
Each photo is followed by a description that tells you what the hardware components are and what they do.
CD/DVD drive: All desktops have a CD/DVD drive and some have one that is read / write (a CD/DVD burner).
Headphone jack: Works with regular headphones. If you plug in headphones and don't get sound, please adjust the sound settings.
USB ports: USB ports are crucial since you will be using them to plug in all sorts of extras such as phone charging cords, peripheral devices, flash drives, and other items. There are usually some on both the front and the back of the desktop.
Microphone: Same instructions as with headphones. If you find they are not working, please adjust the input volume settings.
Power button: Just press it to turn it on. If by whatever reason your computer crashes and you need to reboot, press the power button and hold for several seconds. This will hard boot your machine and probably clear out whatever problem was occurring previously.
Power plug: This is one of our favorite features of a ZaReason desktop. We do not modify our plugs to make them proprietary to our company's computers only. This means that if you are traveling to some far-off country and need a new power cord you can probably pick up a standard power supply at a local store. People who use ZaReason desktops are often highly mobile and this is a way we make things easier on people.
Video out ports VGA, HDMI, DVI: Nearly all popular FOSS distros support a second monitor. There is a chance your particular monitor may need a proprietary driver and a simple search online should help you find the driver you need (if you need one at all).
Fan: It's important to keep the fan area free for air to flow. The fan's ability to keep the internals cool correlates directly with how long your desktop will last. Protect the fan area so the fan can protect your computer.
Ethernet port: This handy plug helps you connect to the network. In many popular distros you plug it in and the computer automatically configures the network. You can use the network to share files, print, connect to the internet, and other tasks.
USB ports: USB ports are often on both sides. They can be used to plug in all sorts of extras such as phone charging cords, peripheral devices, flash drives, and others.
SD card slot: For your phones and cameras, you can remove the SD card from the phone, camera or other device and insert it into the desktop's SD slot. Most distros will sense the SD card and prompt you to view its contents.
Manuals and CDs
The wonderful thing about your new computer is that you do not have to worry about keeping track of an install CD or a specific CD Key.
Really?
Yes, really. We use a stock install of every distro. Does this mean we are too lazy to make our own improvements, upgrades to each distro? NO! It means that we work harder than others. Specifically:
1. When we make improvements we send them upstream. Rather than keeping the improvements as “our” improvements, we contribute them back to the community.
2. We work harder to make sure our hardware works with the existing OS. No compromises, just working harder in R&D.
There are many benefits for you in having a ZaReason desktop. No matter where you are, at any time you can access the latest version of the software on its website. No need to come back to us for specialty CDs.
Getting Started
Ready to get your new desktop set up? First, unbox it and let it come to room temperature. Then, plug in the desktop to power and to needed peripherals: monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Please plug in using a surge protector or UPS.
Next, turn on your desktop. Press the power button.
Your computer should boot up. If it does not, double-check that the power supply is plugged in and that all surge protectors and power supplies have been turned on.
Setting Up Your Operating System
All the contributors to the code base made your job setting up as easy as possible. Just answer the basic questions like Language and Location then you are good to go. There is less on your To Do list than there is Not To Do.
No license agreement.
No crazy-long product key to locate on the CD. Or the CD case. Or the manual.
No crazy-long product key to type in.
No crazy-long product key to type in again because you missed a character.
No do-it-within-30-days activation needed.
No messing with your Internet connection, dodging the activation process, then going back into the activation process to finish it later.
No calling our phone number because you messed up the activation process.
No need to activate multiple software products.
No rebooting! Who wants to reboot when you just turned the darn thing on?
All the great software most people need is already pre-installed on your desktop, although there is plenty more software available if you want additional software packages. For free, of course, through easy-to-use installation applications.
Adding and Removing Software
A tremendously large number of software packages can be downloaded from “repositories” containing software that would normally cost you a small fortune. The repositories allow you to download the highest quality in one convenient integrated location so you do not have to search the web to find what you need. Best of all, you get it free. That is a price we can all afford.
Depending on the operating system you have chosen to have on your ZaReason computer, the repositories will be called the Software Center, Software Manager, Add / Remove Software, or other similar title.
The best way to learn how to use the Software Center application is to just try browsing through it until you find something you would like to try. You can either scroll through the entire software package list (but this will take a while, since there are literally thousands of packages). Or, you can select usually select a filter or type. Or, you can type one or more keywords in the Search box.
Installation of your software choice is simple and the application automatically takes care of software dependencies by checking if any dependencies need to be installed to make the package work.
Drivers
A driver is a piece of software that enables your computer to communicate with various components and peripheral devices. If you built your own computer you would need to worry about drivers for video cards and other internal components, but since your computer has been rigorously tested to work well, we only need to cover drivers for peripheral devices.
When you purchase a peripheral (such as a printer or scanner), the proper drivers are generally available.
To find out if your current printer will work well, check www.openprinting.org
For other peripherals, such as a camera or cell phone, do an online search to see if it has already been tested. For example, search for “Linux Mint, Olympus camera”.
Most well-supported Linux distros will supply you with drivers for most common peripherals.
Note that peripheral manufacturers update product drivers over time. New drivers may add features or improve compatibility. Updating drivers can also improve performance. To obtain driver updates there is no need to go searching for updates – your computer should automatically prompt you with the Update Manager (may have a slightly different name in your distro).
Troubleshooting Your System
Ideally, your computer will work flawlessly for many years to come, but if you experience problems, please review the potential quick fixes below.
Issue: The desktop appears to be dead.
→ Plug the desktop into a power outlet and press the power button. If it is already plugged in, check that the plug is attached properly and is receiving power from the outlet.
→ Adjust the brightness and contrast controls to make sure they are not darkened.
→ Remove your system’s case and make sure the video card is securely fastened in its slot. Be sure to take the proper precautions against static electricity as outlined in “Preventing Electrostatic Discharge.”
Issue: “Invalid System Disk” or “No Operating System found” or other GRUB error messages appear at start up.
→ Make sure that the CD/DVD drive is empty. Remove any USB storage devices and flash media.
→ If the message persists, contact ZaReason Tech Support at support@zareason.com or 510-868-5000.
Issue: The computer seems loud.
→ Wait for your system to fully boot up. Fans sometimes spin at higher RPMs when the system starts up; they will settle down to normal rotational speed within a minute or two.
→ Using all the precautions detailed in Chapter 2 “Preventing Electrostatic Discharge,” carefully open your case and use a can of compressed air to gently blow dust off any fans. Dust buildup creates turbulence and noise around the fans.
Issue: The system's time keeps loosing accuracy.
→ The time is stored on your motherboard inside a chip that is refreshed by a battery. Certain software programs or hardware devices can interfere with the battery's normal operation. If you recently installed a piece of hardware or a software program, try uninstalling or removing it and see if that fixes the problem. If that doesn't work, try replacing the battery, which is just a regular watch battery you can get from any hardware or electronics store.
If you want more accurate time syncing you can turn on Network Time Protocol.
Issue: The computer has a virus.
→ Take a picture and have it framed. This is so unusual for a pure Linux computer that this moment in history should be commemorated.
Issue: The computer is not responding to the mouse.
Wipe the bottom of your mouse with a soft cloth to clean off the lens. If that doesn't work, clean and dry your mouse pad or mousing surface. Make sure your surface is smooth for your mouse.
Issue: The feet on the desktop have fallen off.
→ Locate the foot that has fallen off and glue it back on with a rubber cement type of glue.
→ Recognize that feet are built to stick. If you slide the desktop across a surface too forcefully, the feet may be pulled off.
→ Go to zareason.com/parts and order replacement feet for your particular desktop. If you do not remember which desktop you originally ordered, contact orders@zareason.com so they can locate your particular desktop model.
Issue: I don't know how to turn on my Bluetooth adaptor.
→ Look for the bluetooth icon on a hot key (the top row of keys on your keyboard). Press Fn and that hotkey. When the bluetooth is on you will see the bluetooth icon in the status bar. When it if off, the icon is not visible.
Issue: My webcam isn't working.
→ Close all applications that use the webcam. Then, turn the webcam back on my pressing the button with the webcam icon.
Issue: I need to connect to wireless.
→ Connect to an open access point. If you do not have an open access point, find one.
→ If you can not connect to an open access point, try unplugging your wireless router or modem and wait a full minute before plugging it back in.
→ Turn the wireless internet card in your desktop off by pressing Fn and the hotkey that looks like either a broadcasting tower or a satellite dish (sometimes this is a button, sometimes it is a hotkey). Wait a minute then turn it back on.
Issue: The microphone isn't working.
→ Verify that the sound is turned up by clicking on the sound icon and by checking Sound in the Preferences menu. Check that the volume is up adequately and that Mute is not on.
Protecting Your System
This chapter contains tips on maintenance you should perform regularly to keep your system running optimally.
Protecting Against Viruses
Using Linux, you do not need to purchase extra virus protection software to keep your desktop safe. Just keep updating it as new versions come out.
Never download an attached file you receive in the e-mail from someone you don't know. If you do know the sender but are not expecting an attachment, do not open it. Many worms are spread by sending email to every listing in an address book.
Avoid downloading files with .exe, .pif, .scr, .vbs, .js, .cpl, .com, or .bat at the end of the name. Files with these endings are meant to execute programs; they could potentially contain viruses.
Be especially aware of downloading files with a combination of .gif, .bmp, or .jpg in combination with the above extensions.
Protecting Your Data
Back up your data regularly. Your warranty does not cover data loss due to equipment failure or software errors. Regularly back up any files to a removable storage device to keep data safe.
Protecting Your Hard Drive Space
Thankfully, with a desktop running Linux only, you have very little to do to keep your system clean. You can run Computer Janitor to remove used packages once a month. Go to System → Administration → Computer Janitor.
Maintaining Your System
Cleaning Your System
As with everything, your computer will accumulate dust and dirt over time. Dust and dirt can impair functionality and shorten your system’s lifespan.
Avoid putting your desktop in dusty environments. Burning incense, smoking, or other activities will increase the amount of dirt your system collects and may have more serious consequences, including damage to your system and its components. One side effect of dirt build up is that it decreases the effectiveness of the fan, making your desktop work harder to stay cool.
Follow these tips regularly to keep your desktop clean:
First, unplug your desktop from power and all peripherals.
To clean the outside use a slightly damp cloth to gently wipe the case. Never use soap or a spray product. Never allow liquid to drip or spill inside computer parts or case openings.
To clean the delicate insides, remove your desktop's back panel and use a can of compressed air to blow out dust and debris. Do this away from your work area so the dust and dirt will not collect in the desktop again. Outdoors is best, but any large space works well. Be careful to avoid using excessive air pressure, which condenses and can do serious damage to your desktop's components. Keep the nozzle at least 2” from the interior components. It is best to clean your desktop three to four times a year depending on usage. If you work in dusty environments or carry your desktop to various locations, clean it more often. If you use your desktop almost exclusively in a clean air environment you can probably go longer without needing to clean.
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
If at any point you want to upgrade your computer's components yourself, please take care to prevent getting shocked, electrostatic discharge. Since computer systems operate on precisely controlled electrical currents, even a small jolt of static electricity may damage your computer’s components.
Follow these guidelines to reduce the chances of electrostatic discharge when working with your computer:
• Before you begin working on your system, discharge static electricity from your body by touching a grounded, unpainted metal surface. The metal chassis of your system case works fine for this procedure.
• Avoid placing your open system on thick carpet. If you must place the system on a carpet, use an anti-static floor pad (available at office supply stores) between the system and the carpet.
• Wear an anti-static bracelet (sold at office supply stores) when working on the inside of your system. An anti-static bracelet connects you to a grounding source and ensures that your body does not build up static charge.
• Minimize the time a system component is out of its static sensitive bag by preparing the system beforehand for the component’s installation.
Modifying Your Hardware
Since ZaReason systems do not include proprietary components, they can be eventually upgraded with a variety of off-the-shelf parts. Note that ZaReason can only guarantee the functionality of the parts it supplies. For your convenience, ZaReason offers many components needed to upgrade your desktop at zareason.com/parts
If you would like to be sure an upgrade is performed correctly, ZaReason can do the upgrade for you. If possible, for the reasonable cost of parts, a reasonable labor charge, and shipping, ZaReason technicians will upgrade your system to your exact specifications. Please email support@zareason.com for details.
Examples of upgrades include:
• Adding an additional hard drive for increased storage capacity
• Adding a sound card for audio connections and sound quality
• Installing a faster video card for increased performance in 3D games
• Installing more memory to improve multitasking performance and system reliability
Upgrading or adding components will not void your warranty, but ZaReason does not support components it does not install. Damage caused to your system or any of its components by the installation and subsequent usage of parts after purchase will not be covered under your system warranty. We can only cover components that have successfully passed through our rigorous R&D process.
The BIOS
Flashing the BIOS
Flashing your motherboard’s Basic Input Output Service (BIOS) is not recommended and is not covered under warranty. If the flash goes badly, the system is unrecoverable.
Changing the BIOS Parameters
You can make some minor changes to the way your computer starts up and runs by making adjustments to the BIOS parameters.
To examine or change BIOS parameters:
1. Turn on the computer by pressing the Power Switch.
2. Immediately, press and hold down the F2 key.
The BIOS configuration tool appears.
3. Navigate with the arrow keys.
4. Press F10 to exit ithe BIOS configuration and save changes.
Or
Press Esc to exit the BIOS configuration without saving changes.
Note: If you decide to do this, proceed with caution. If you make a mistake, you can prevent your computer from subsequently starting up. If this does happen, you can revert to system defaults by going back into the BIOS configuration tool and pressing F9.
Note that no BIOS work is covered under warranty.
Restoring Your System
If you experience a complete lack of function in your computer, you may need to reinstall the latest version of the operating system (Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Fedora, Mint, or other).
First, the good news: Since we send all our improvements upstream, you can use the stock install of the distro. You can use the CD that came with your system or a flash drive that you have loaded (or one from our store).
It's simple. It's clean. It gets things done.
Upgrading
If you would like to be sure an upgrade is performed correctly and maintain your support options, ZaReason offers a comprehensive upgrade policy. Contact a customer care representative at 510-868-5000 for details.
About ZaReason
Computer companies have been built in garages, dorm rooms, and ours was built in our living room. And basement. And dining room. It quickly took over the entire house when we started in 2007. We grew quickly and soon relocated to a delightful little office / warehouse / working shop on an inspiring tree-lined street in Berkeley, California. The shop grew as we hired highly talented people.
ZaReason grew initially without investors, knowing that we needed to build with no strings attached – the purity of the systems was the core of our business. How could a little group of people, starting with a luxurious budget of $500, grow a thriving company? The same way Free and Open Source Software grew – through the good graces of community volunteers. Developers would send us information, fix bugs, help us by doing the tasks we could not afford to do ourselves. As we all do, we stood on the shoulders of giants. We are deeply grateful.
Where are we now? The best way to find out is to sign up, log on, tune in, or otherwise check out whichever one of these appeals to you:
www.zareason.com/podcast
www.zareason.com/news
ZaReason Twitter #zareason
Want to contact us?
ZaReason, Inc.
1647 Hopkins Ave
Berkeley, CA 94707
Phone: (510) 868-5000
Fax: (510) 868-1053
www.zareason.com
support@zareason.com for all technical questions
orders@zareason.com for all product questions
info@zareason.com for any other questions
ZaReason, Inc.
User's Guide
Thank you for letting us build your next desktop. Your computer has been built, tested, and tested again by a team of expert engineers. Before your system left our shop, we spent hours tuning and testing it to meet our extreme standards for quality. Your new desktop should work with you for many years to come.
Through this guide we will show you how to get the most out of your desktop, how to properly maintain it for maximum longevity, and we will give you some troubleshooting tips just in case.
Please feel free to contact us with questions, comments, or suggestions. We love hearing your feedback since we are all part of the same big community.
May you have many happy years of service from your ZaReason desktop.
Best,
--the ZaReason team
Notice
This information is subject to change without notice. Our primary goal is to provide you with the most current, ground-breaking hardware and sometimes that means moving faster than the printer and tech writers can run. Check our user manuals online for minute-by-minute updates, but keep in mind that even the webmaster can not run fast enough either. Hardware really does change at the rip-roaring speeds and if you want the latest hardware in your computer, it means that we won't be slowing down to do reprints of the manual ever few days. Perhaps every few weeks, but not every few days. Thank you for your understanding.
In no event will the manufacturer be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use the product or documentation, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
Limitation of Liability
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual, the manufacturer and the distributor assume no liability resulting from errors or omissions in this manual, or from the use of information contained herein.
Support
To receive ZaReason's friendly US-based technical support, please refer to your invoice for your Order number. The support technician will need this number in order to assist you.
To find the exact model and manufacturer of the hardware components you have, check your system's invoice. If you can not find this information, please send a request to support@zareason.com
Support hub: htt://www.zareason.com/support
Phone: (510) 868-5000
Email: support@zareason.com
Live chat: ZaReason Live Chat is available at our website and provides you with an easy way to communicate with ZaReason staff.
Table of Contents
The Most Important Thing You Will Read
Extend the Life of Your Desktop
Getting to Know Your ZaReason Computer
Manuals & CDs
Getting Started
Setting Up Your Operating System
Adding and Removing Software
Drivers
Protecting Your System
Protecting Against Viruses
Protecting Your Data
Protecting Your Hard Drive Space
Maintaining Your System
Cleaning Your System
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge
Modifying Your System
Upgrading Hardware
The BIOS
Restoring Your System
About ZaReason
The Most Important Thing You Will Read
By the time you open this package, your desktop will have been through the most traumatic experience of its life: Shipping.
At ZaReason, we have care-taking professionals who consider your desktop to be a precious item that will be given mission-critical importance in your life. To get it to you safely, we pack it in materials that cushion the box while using packing supplies that have the least environmental impact.
→ Please save the box and packing material. You may need these for future safe transport.
When you receive your computer, we know you will be tempted to rip it open and get started in an effort to beat this customer's record:
“Thanks ZaReason! I was able to unbox, boot up my new ZaReason computer and connect to wifi faster than it took my old [non-Linux] computer to shut down!”
Yes, Linux fans, we (all of us, starting with the people who contribute to the code base) have built computers that reach this bar of excellence.
Before you begin the unveiling of your sparkling new ZaReason computer, please check the shipping box for damage: dents, dings, or any evidence that it may have been dropped or received other rough handling. Shipping damage needs to be reported directly to UPS or USPS. Please report within 5 days of receiving your system. A word of advice – take photos of the shipping box so UPS or USPS can see what type of damage was sustained in transit.
Alert for bad weather! In certain situations, you may need to do the start-up process slowly. If your desktop arrives in cold weather, be sure to allow it to reach room temperature prior to booting up the first time. The rapid changes in temperature can cause water droplets to condense inside your case, damaging your valuable new machine.
Extend the Life of Your Desktop
This section will help you avoid potentially unsafe conditions while working with this product. Please read the following carefully:
1. Always disconnect the power cord before cleaning. Never use a liquid or spray cleaner. They can quickly turn an expensive computer into a paperweight when liquid dribbles down into the machine. Instead, use a soft monitor wipe, canned air, or other computer appropriate cleaning material.
2. Take care to avoid tripping hazards when plugging your desktop's power cord into a wall outlet.
3. If you are unsure of your skill level in any technical upgrade, work with an experienced, qualified service professional.
4. Before taking the back panel off your desktop, always, every time, without fail, disconnect the power plug and other plugs.
5. Should the power cord or plug become damaged, contact ZaReason tech support immediately: support@zareason.com
6. Do not let any liquid of any type penetrate the desktop in any way. Do not bring your desktop into a moist environment, including locations with high humidity.
7. Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not leave it in your car.
8. Avoid positioning your desktop in a location without good ventilation. Allow plenty of room for air to circulate around the case to avoid overheating. Never block the ventilation openings.
9. Avoid moving your desktop while it is running. The disk drive is vulnerable to even slight bumps while it is running. The disk drive is much better able to handle minor jarring if it is turned off because the drive heads will park off the data storage surface of the disk.
10. If you do not plan on using your desktop for a while, disconnect it from the main power outlet to avoid damage due to transient over voltage.
11. Do not use the AC adapter near open water or other liquids. Never spill liquid into the AC adapter.
12. Protect against power surges. For additional power protection, you may purchase an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A UPS works like a surge protector but can keep your system powered during a power outage, giving you with enough time to save your work and safely shut down your system. You may purchase a surge protector or UPS from ZaReason, the same place where you purchased your desktop.
Your ZaReason system warranty does not cover damage due to lightning strikes or power surges. For this reason, connect all your power cords (a second monitor, speakers), telephone cables (modem, phone line, DSL) and even cable modem lines to a surge protector. The minimal cost of a surge protector will be well worth it when your system lives through a power surge.
Getting to Know Your ZaReason desktop
The illustrations that follow show different views of each side of a standard ZaReason desktop. Note that this desktop graphic probably varies from the desktop you own. The components look the same on all desktops, but often have different placement based on the general construction of your particular desktop.
Each photo is followed by a description that tells you what the hardware components are and what they do.
CD/DVD drive: All desktops have a CD/DVD drive and some have one that is read / write (a CD/DVD burner).
Headphone jack: Works with regular headphones. If you plug in headphones and don't get sound, please adjust the sound settings.
USB ports: USB ports are crucial since you will be using them to plug in all sorts of extras such as phone charging cords, peripheral devices, flash drives, and other items. There are usually some on both the front and the back of the desktop.
Microphone: Same instructions as with headphones. If you find they are not working, please adjust the input volume settings.
Power button: Just press it to turn it on. If by whatever reason your computer crashes and you need to reboot, press the power button and hold for several seconds. This will hard boot your machine and probably clear out whatever problem was occurring previously.
Power plug: This is one of our favorite features of a ZaReason desktop. We do not modify our plugs to make them proprietary to our company's computers only. This means that if you are traveling to some far-off country and need a new power cord you can probably pick up a standard power supply at a local store. People who use ZaReason desktops are often highly mobile and this is a way we make things easier on people.
Video out ports VGA, HDMI, DVI: Nearly all popular FOSS distros support a second monitor. There is a chance your particular monitor may need a proprietary driver and a simple search online should help you find the driver you need (if you need one at all).
Fan: It's important to keep the fan area free for air to flow. The fan's ability to keep the internals cool correlates directly with how long your desktop will last. Protect the fan area so the fan can protect your computer.
Ethernet port: This handy plug helps you connect to the network. In many popular distros you plug it in and the computer automatically configures the network. You can use the network to share files, print, connect to the internet, and other tasks.
USB ports: USB ports are often on both sides. They can be used to plug in all sorts of extras such as phone charging cords, peripheral devices, flash drives, and others.
SD card slot: For your phones and cameras, you can remove the SD card from the phone, camera or other device and insert it into the desktop's SD slot. Most distros will sense the SD card and prompt you to view its contents.
Manuals and CDs
The wonderful thing about your new computer is that you do not have to worry about keeping track of an install CD or a specific CD Key.
Really?
Yes, really. We use a stock install of every distro. Does this mean we are too lazy to make our own improvements, upgrades to each distro? NO! It means that we work harder than others. Specifically:
1. When we make improvements we send them upstream. Rather than keeping the improvements as “our” improvements, we contribute them back to the community.
2. We work harder to make sure our hardware works with the existing OS. No compromises, just working harder in R&D.
There are many benefits for you in having a ZaReason desktop. No matter where you are, at any time you can access the latest version of the software on its website. No need to come back to us for specialty CDs.
Getting Started
Ready to get your new desktop set up? First, unbox it and let it come to room temperature. Then, plug in the desktop to power and to needed peripherals: monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Please plug in using a surge protector or UPS.
Next, turn on your desktop. Press the power button.
Your computer should boot up. If it does not, double-check that the power supply is plugged in and that all surge protectors and power supplies have been turned on.
Setting Up Your Operating System
All the contributors to the code base made your job setting up as easy as possible. Just answer the basic questions like Language and Location then you are good to go. There is less on your To Do list than there is Not To Do.
No license agreement.
No crazy-long product key to locate on the CD. Or the CD case. Or the manual.
No crazy-long product key to type in.
No crazy-long product key to type in again because you missed a character.
No do-it-within-30-days activation needed.
No messing with your Internet connection, dodging the activation process, then going back into the activation process to finish it later.
No calling our phone number because you messed up the activation process.
No need to activate multiple software products.
No rebooting! Who wants to reboot when you just turned the darn thing on?
All the great software most people need is already pre-installed on your desktop, although there is plenty more software available if you want additional software packages. For free, of course, through easy-to-use installation applications.
Adding and Removing Software
A tremendously large number of software packages can be downloaded from “repositories” containing software that would normally cost you a small fortune. The repositories allow you to download the highest quality in one convenient integrated location so you do not have to search the web to find what you need. Best of all, you get it free. That is a price we can all afford.
Depending on the operating system you have chosen to have on your ZaReason computer, the repositories will be called the Software Center, Software Manager, Add / Remove Software, or other similar title.
The best way to learn how to use the Software Center application is to just try browsing through it until you find something you would like to try. You can either scroll through the entire software package list (but this will take a while, since there are literally thousands of packages). Or, you can select usually select a filter or type. Or, you can type one or more keywords in the Search box.
Installation of your software choice is simple and the application automatically takes care of software dependencies by checking if any dependencies need to be installed to make the package work.
Drivers
A driver is a piece of software that enables your computer to communicate with various components and peripheral devices. If you built your own computer you would need to worry about drivers for video cards and other internal components, but since your computer has been rigorously tested to work well, we only need to cover drivers for peripheral devices.
When you purchase a peripheral (such as a printer or scanner), the proper drivers are generally available.
To find out if your current printer will work well, check www.openprinting.org
For other peripherals, such as a camera or cell phone, do an online search to see if it has already been tested. For example, search for “Linux Mint, Olympus camera”.
Most well-supported Linux distros will supply you with drivers for most common peripherals.
Note that peripheral manufacturers update product drivers over time. New drivers may add features or improve compatibility. Updating drivers can also improve performance. To obtain driver updates there is no need to go searching for updates – your computer should automatically prompt you with the Update Manager (may have a slightly different name in your distro).
Troubleshooting Your System
Ideally, your computer will work flawlessly for many years to come, but if you experience problems, please review the potential quick fixes below.
Issue: The desktop appears to be dead.
→ Plug the desktop into a power outlet and press the power button. If it is already plugged in, check that the plug is attached properly and is receiving power from the outlet.
→ Adjust the brightness and contrast controls to make sure they are not darkened.
→ Remove your system’s case and make sure the video card is securely fastened in its slot. Be sure to take the proper precautions against static electricity as outlined in “Preventing Electrostatic Discharge.”
Issue: “Invalid System Disk” or “No Operating System found” or other GRUB error messages appear at start up.
→ Make sure that the CD/DVD drive is empty. Remove any USB storage devices and flash media.
→ If the message persists, contact ZaReason Tech Support at support@zareason.com or 510-868-5000.
Issue: The computer seems loud.
→ Wait for your system to fully boot up. Fans sometimes spin at higher RPMs when the system starts up; they will settle down to normal rotational speed within a minute or two.
→ Using all the precautions detailed in Chapter 2 “Preventing Electrostatic Discharge,” carefully open your case and use a can of compressed air to gently blow dust off any fans. Dust buildup creates turbulence and noise around the fans.
Issue: The system's time keeps loosing accuracy.
→ The time is stored on your motherboard inside a chip that is refreshed by a battery. Certain software programs or hardware devices can interfere with the battery's normal operation. If you recently installed a piece of hardware or a software program, try uninstalling or removing it and see if that fixes the problem. If that doesn't work, try replacing the battery, which is just a regular watch battery you can get from any hardware or electronics store.
If you want more accurate time syncing you can turn on Network Time Protocol.
Issue: The computer has a virus.
→ Take a picture and have it framed. This is so unusual for a pure Linux computer that this moment in history should be commemorated.
Issue: The computer is not responding to the mouse.
Wipe the bottom of your mouse with a soft cloth to clean off the lens. If that doesn't work, clean and dry your mouse pad or mousing surface. Make sure your surface is smooth for your mouse.
Issue: The feet on the desktop have fallen off.
→ Locate the foot that has fallen off and glue it back on with a rubber cement type of glue.
→ Recognize that feet are built to stick. If you slide the desktop across a surface too forcefully, the feet may be pulled off.
→ Go to zareason.com/parts and order replacement feet for your particular desktop. If you do not remember which desktop you originally ordered, contact orders@zareason.com so they can locate your particular desktop model.
Issue: I don't know how to turn on my Bluetooth adaptor.
→ Look for the bluetooth icon on a hot key (the top row of keys on your keyboard). Press Fn and that hotkey. When the bluetooth is on you will see the bluetooth icon in the status bar. When it if off, the icon is not visible.
Issue: My webcam isn't working.
→ Close all applications that use the webcam. Then, turn the webcam back on my pressing the button with the webcam icon.
Issue: I need to connect to wireless.
→ Connect to an open access point. If you do not have an open access point, find one.
→ If you can not connect to an open access point, try unplugging your wireless router or modem and wait a full minute before plugging it back in.
→ Turn the wireless internet card in your desktop off by pressing Fn and the hotkey that looks like either a broadcasting tower or a satellite dish (sometimes this is a button, sometimes it is a hotkey). Wait a minute then turn it back on.
Issue: The microphone isn't working.
→ Verify that the sound is turned up by clicking on the sound icon and by checking Sound in the Preferences menu. Check that the volume is up adequately and that Mute is not on.
Protecting Your System
This chapter contains tips on maintenance you should perform regularly to keep your system running optimally.
Protecting Against Viruses
Using Linux, you do not need to purchase extra virus protection software to keep your desktop safe. Just keep updating it as new versions come out.
Never download an attached file you receive in the e-mail from someone you don't know. If you do know the sender but are not expecting an attachment, do not open it. Many worms are spread by sending email to every listing in an address book.
Avoid downloading files with .exe, .pif, .scr, .vbs, .js, .cpl, .com, or .bat at the end of the name. Files with these endings are meant to execute programs; they could potentially contain viruses.
Be especially aware of downloading files with a combination of .gif, .bmp, or .jpg in combination with the above extensions.
Protecting Your Data
Back up your data regularly. Your warranty does not cover data loss due to equipment failure or software errors. Regularly back up any files to a removable storage device to keep data safe.
Protecting Your Hard Drive Space
Thankfully, with a desktop running Linux only, you have very little to do to keep your system clean. You can run Computer Janitor to remove used packages once a month. Go to System → Administration → Computer Janitor.
Maintaining Your System
Cleaning Your System
As with everything, your computer will accumulate dust and dirt over time. Dust and dirt can impair functionality and shorten your system’s lifespan.
Avoid putting your desktop in dusty environments. Burning incense, smoking, or other activities will increase the amount of dirt your system collects and may have more serious consequences, including damage to your system and its components. One side effect of dirt build up is that it decreases the effectiveness of the fan, making your desktop work harder to stay cool.
Follow these tips regularly to keep your desktop clean:
First, unplug your desktop from power and all peripherals.
To clean the outside use a slightly damp cloth to gently wipe the case. Never use soap or a spray product. Never allow liquid to drip or spill inside computer parts or case openings.
To clean the delicate insides, remove your desktop's back panel and use a can of compressed air to blow out dust and debris. Do this away from your work area so the dust and dirt will not collect in the desktop again. Outdoors is best, but any large space works well. Be careful to avoid using excessive air pressure, which condenses and can do serious damage to your desktop's components. Keep the nozzle at least 2” from the interior components. It is best to clean your desktop three to four times a year depending on usage. If you work in dusty environments or carry your desktop to various locations, clean it more often. If you use your desktop almost exclusively in a clean air environment you can probably go longer without needing to clean.
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
If at any point you want to upgrade your computer's components yourself, please take care to prevent getting shocked, electrostatic discharge. Since computer systems operate on precisely controlled electrical currents, even a small jolt of static electricity may damage your computer’s components.
Follow these guidelines to reduce the chances of electrostatic discharge when working with your computer:
• Before you begin working on your system, discharge static electricity from your body by touching a grounded, unpainted metal surface. The metal chassis of your system case works fine for this procedure.
• Avoid placing your open system on thick carpet. If you must place the system on a carpet, use an anti-static floor pad (available at office supply stores) between the system and the carpet.
• Wear an anti-static bracelet (sold at office supply stores) when working on the inside of your system. An anti-static bracelet connects you to a grounding source and ensures that your body does not build up static charge.
• Minimize the time a system component is out of its static sensitive bag by preparing the system beforehand for the component’s installation.
Modifying Your Hardware
Since ZaReason systems do not include proprietary components, they can be eventually upgraded with a variety of off-the-shelf parts. Note that ZaReason can only guarantee the functionality of the parts it supplies. For your convenience, ZaReason offers many components needed to upgrade your desktop at zareason.com/parts
If you would like to be sure an upgrade is performed correctly, ZaReason can do the upgrade for you. If possible, for the reasonable cost of parts, a reasonable labor charge, and shipping, ZaReason technicians will upgrade your system to your exact specifications. Please email support@zareason.com for details.
Examples of upgrades include:
• Adding an additional hard drive for increased storage capacity
• Adding a sound card for audio connections and sound quality
• Installing a faster video card for increased performance in 3D games
• Installing more memory to improve multitasking performance and system reliability
Upgrading or adding components will not void your warranty, but ZaReason does not support components it does not install. Damage caused to your system or any of its components by the installation and subsequent usage of parts after purchase will not be covered under your system warranty. We can only cover components that have successfully passed through our rigorous R&D process.
The BIOS
Flashing the BIOS
Flashing your motherboard’s Basic Input Output Service (BIOS) is not recommended and is not covered under warranty. If the flash goes badly, the system is unrecoverable.
Changing the BIOS Parameters
You can make some minor changes to the way your computer starts up and runs by making adjustments to the BIOS parameters.
To examine or change BIOS parameters:
1. Turn on the computer by pressing the Power Switch.
2. Immediately, press and hold down the F2 key.
The BIOS configuration tool appears.
3. Navigate with the arrow keys.
4. Press F10 to exit ithe BIOS configuration and save changes.
Or
Press Esc to exit the BIOS configuration without saving changes.
Note: If you decide to do this, proceed with caution. If you make a mistake, you can prevent your computer from subsequently starting up. If this does happen, you can revert to system defaults by going back into the BIOS configuration tool and pressing F9.
Note that no BIOS work is covered under warranty.
Restoring Your System
If you experience a complete lack of function in your computer, you may need to reinstall the latest version of the operating system (Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Fedora, Mint, or other).
First, the good news: Since we send all our improvements upstream, you can use the stock install of the distro. You can use the CD that came with your system or a flash drive that you have loaded (or one from our store).
It's simple. It's clean. It gets things done.
Upgrading
If you would like to be sure an upgrade is performed correctly and maintain your support options, ZaReason offers a comprehensive upgrade policy. Contact a customer care representative at 510-868-5000 for details.
About ZaReason
Computer companies have been built in garages, dorm rooms, and ours was built in our living room. And basement. And dining room. It quickly took over the entire house when we started in 2007. We grew quickly and soon relocated to a delightful little office / warehouse / working shop on an inspiring tree-lined street in Berkeley, California. The shop grew as we hired highly talented people.
ZaReason grew initially without investors, knowing that we needed to build with no strings attached – the purity of the systems was the core of our business. How could a little group of people, starting with a luxurious budget of $500, grow a thriving company? The same way Free and Open Source Software grew – through the good graces of community volunteers. Developers would send us information, fix bugs, help us by doing the tasks we could not afford to do ourselves. As we all do, we stood on the shoulders of giants. We are deeply grateful.
Where are we now? The best way to find out is to sign up, log on, tune in, or otherwise check out whichever one of these appeals to you:
www.zareason.com/podcast
www.zareason.com/news
ZaReason Twitter #zareason
Want to contact us?
ZaReason, Inc.
1647 Hopkins Ave
Berkeley, CA 94707
Phone: (510) 868-5000
Fax: (510) 868-1053
www.zareason.com
support@zareason.com for all technical questions
orders@zareason.com for all product questions
info@zareason.com for any other questions
