Dell OptiPlex N, User Manual

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Dell OptiPlex N and OptiPlex NX Systems User’s Guide

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Utilities that safeguard your system and enhance the 
operation of its hardware features.

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Video drivers for displaying application programs in 
high-resolution modes.

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Network device drivers for several operating 
systems.

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For the OptiPlex NX, audio drivers for use with the 
integrated audio controller.

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The Dell Inspector program, which is a Desktop 
Management Interface (DMI) browser that allows 
you to view your computer’s current hardware con-
figuration and operating system version. 

The Dell Inspector program is available in client and 
administrator versions. Both versions provide infor-
mation you may need if you call Dell for technical 
assistance or if you install hardware or software in 
your system. In addition, the Dell Inspector adminis-
trator version enables system administrators to view, 
manage, and inventory remote systems in a Dell 
DMI client network.

The Dell Inspector program is located in the Dell 
Accessories program group or folder.

O

perating System

The system you received is designed to use Windows 95 
or Windows NT and includes a special configuration of 
either operating system called the Zero Administration 
Kit (ZAK). The operating system must be downloaded 
from a server. ZAK, if used, allows your computer to be 
configured by your network administrator to operate in 
three different modes depending on your company’s 
requirements and your daily tasks. 

What you see when you turn on your system depends on 
the mode your computer is set to use:

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Task Station Mode — You see only the application 
program you use in your daily tasks. (You do not see 
the Windows 95 or Windows NT operating system 
desktop.) Examples of a single application program 
that you might use as your primary task are an airline 
reservation system, a bank teller’s system, or an 
order entry system.

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Application Station Mode — You see a modified 
Windows 95 or Windows NT operating system desk-
top. (You do not see all of the features of a normal 
Windows 95 or Windows NT desktop.)

This mode allows you to run a minimal number of 
business applications such as the Microsoft Office 
suite of programs and/or an application program or 
two. You access these application programs by using 
the Windows 95 or Windows NT Start button. This 
system runs application programs and accesses doc-
uments from the server.

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Normal Mode — You see a normal, fully functional 
Windows 95 or Windows NT operating system desk-
top. You have access to the following features that 
are eliminated or controlled in the other modes: 

— A fully functional Start button

— Computer file system

— Taskbar

— Task Manager

— Context menus

— Ability to download, install, and run any appli-

cation programs available from the various 
network application servers

T

urning On the System

If your network administrator installed and set up your 
computer system, it may operate the same way every 
time you turn it on.

However, if you are installing your system and setting it 
up, the first time you turn on the system it must download 
and install software such as the operating system, 
application programs, drivers, and utilities. While the 
system is downloading and installing the software from 
the server, you may be required to enter data or press 
keys. Therefore, you should contact your network admin-
istrator for any special instructions before turning on 
your system for the first time.

When you turn on your system after the software is 
installed, your system should come up in the appropriate 
mode.