To keep your workstation in good running order, follow these guidelines:

• Hardware Do's
  
  
• Hardware Don'ts
  
  
• Software Do's
  
  
• Software Don'ts
  
  
  
  

Hardware Do's

• Do place a cap on the compression connectors attached to modules or XIO boards when they are removed from the OCTANE workstation.
  
  
• Do place a cap on the optical digital ports when the cables are not connected.
  
  
• Do power off and unplug the workstation to complete any task.
  
  
• Do plug in all cables completely.
  
  
• Do plug the workstation into a power surge protection strip (if possible).
  
  
• Do stand in one place to prevent build-up of static electricity when performing hardware tasks on the system module, PCI boards, XIO boards, and the frontplane.
  
  
• Do wear the wrist strap to avoid the discharge of static electricity when installing or replacing memory, the CPU module, XIO boards, PCI boards, or the frontplane.
  

Hardware Don'ts

• Don't install or remove any module from the front or rear of the workstation while the system is powered on and connected to an electrical outlet.
  
  
• Don't enclose the workstation in a small, poorly ventilated area (such as a closet), crowd other large objects around it, or drape anything (such as a jacket or blanket) over the workstation.
  
  
• Don't run the workstation with any cover off or any module out; this alters the air flow and can greatly reduce product life.
  
  
• Don't connect cables (other than keyboard, mouse, and audio cables) or add other hardware components while the workstation is turned on.
  
  
• Don't move the workstation while it is running, or within 1 minute of powering it off; you might damage the hard disk drive.
  
  
• Don't use an adapter to plug the workstation into a two-pronged (ungrounded) outlet.
  
  
• Don't lay the workstation on its side.
  
  
• Don't block the air intake or exhaust vents.
  
  
• Don't place liquids or food on the keyboard.
  
  
• Don't dangle the mouse by its cable or throw the mouse at co-workers.
  
  
  

Software Do's

• Do protect the root account with a password.
  
  
• Do protect all open accounts (such as lp and guest) with a password if your system is connected to the Internet.
  
  
• Do make regular backups (weekly for the whole system, nightly for individual users) of all information. See the online Personal System Administration Guide for instructions.
  
  
  

Software Don'ts

• Don't use the root account unless you are performing administrative tasks.