Command Center Software Specification for the M11x platform Version 1.0 CONTACT: EMAIL: Carlos Mimoso carlos_mimoso@dell.com DATE: 10/14/2010 Unlimited distribution subject to the copyright.
Disclaimers The information contained in this document is the proprietary and exclusive property of Alienware except as otherwise indicated. No part of this document, in whole or in part, may be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or used for design purposes without the prior written permission of Alienware. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. The information in this document is provided for informational purposes only. Alienware specifically disclaims all warranties, express or limited, including, but not limited, to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, except as provided for in a separate software license agreement. 2009 Alienware Privacy Information Version History This document may contain information of a sensitive nature. This information should not be given to persons other than those who are involved in the M11x project or who will become involved during the lifecycle. REVISION CHART Version Author(s) Description of Version Date Completed 1.0 Carlos Mimoso First version 11/10/2009 i
Table of Contents 1 AlienFX 6 1.1 Brief Summary 6 1.1.1 Product Description 6 1.1.2 Elements of AlienFX Controller 6 1.1.3 Elements of the AlienFX Editor 7 1.2 AlienFX Controller 9 1.2.1 Business Rules 9 1.2.2 Icon Picture 9 1.2.3 Menu Options 10 1.3 AlienFX Editor 12 1.3.1 Menu Bar 12 1.3.2 Button Bar 13 1.3.3 Views Pane 13 1.3.4 Events 14 1.3.5 Zones 15 1.3.6 Actions 17 1.3.7 Devices 19 1.3.8 Different Settings 20 1.3.9 Power States 20 1.3.10 Theme Portability 21 1.4 M11x Platform Page 22 1.4.1 AlienFX Zones 22 1.5 AlienFX Screens 23 1.5.1 Creating a theme with default settings 23 1.5.2 Creating a theme with advanced settings 25 1.5.3 Adding Devices 27 ii
2 AlienFusion 29 2.1 Brief Summary 30 2.1.1 Product Description 30 2.1.2 Elements of AlienFusion 30 2.2 Navigation Pane 31 2.2.1 The Navigation pane options 31 2.3 Views Pane 31 2.3.1 The Views Pane Elements 31 2.4 Select and Create a Power Plan Page 31 2.4.1 The Select and Create a Power Plan Page Options 31 2.5 Quick Settings Page 33 2.5.1 Business Rules 33 2.5.2 Settings Table (* indicates default value) 33 2.6 Advanced Settings Page 35 2.6.1 Business Rules 35 2.6.2 Settings Table (* indicates default value) 36 2.7 Power Plans 42 2.7.1 Balanced 42 2.7.2 High Performance 42 2.7.3 Power Saver 42 2.7.4 Custom 42 2.8 AlienFusion Screens 43 2.8.1 Creating a power plan 43 2.8.2 Changing Quick Settings 44 2.8.3 Changing Advanced Settings 45 3 Thermal Controls 47 3.1 Brief Summary 48 3.1.1 Product Description 48 3.1.2 Elements of Thermal Controls 48 iii
3.2 Navigation Pane 49 3.3 Tapping Page 49 3.3.1 Tapping Options 49 3.4 Sensitivity Page 50 3.4.1 Sensitivity Options 50 3.5 Virtual Scrolling Page 50 3.5.1 Virtual Scrolling Options 50 3.6 AlienTouch Screens 53 3.6.1 Tapping Options 53 3.6.2 Sensitivity Options 54 3.6.3 Virtual Scrolling 55 iv
Purpose of this document This document details the specifications for the Command Center 2.5 software for the M11x. This document does not cover warning or alert boxes. 5
1 AlienFX 1.1 Brief Summary The following section details a brief summary of Command Center AlienFX. 1.1.1 Product Description 1.1.1.1 AlienFX controls the enabled lighting zones on a computer system. Through the use of events and actions a user can configure the lighting zones to behave in several different ways. A user can use AlienFX in practical ways (i.e. setting alerts) or in aesthetic ways. 1.1.1.2 The AlienFX application has two main components: 1.1.1.2.1 AlienFX Controller 1.1.1.2.2 AlienFX Editor 1.1.2 Elements of AlienFX Controller 1.1.2.1 Menu options 1.1.2.1.1 Alienware AlienFX Editor 1.1.2.1.2 Disable Alienware AlienFX Events; only available if a theme with advanced settings is the active theme. 1.1.2.1.3 Go Dark 1.1.2.1.4 Keep Status Zones on During Go Dark 1.1.2.1.5 Dim Lighting Zones 1.1.2.1.6 Dim Lighting Zones in Battery Mode Only 1.1.2.1.7 Enable 3 rd Party AlienFX Access 1.1.2.1.8 Exit 6
1.1.3 Elements of the AlienFX Editor 1.1.3.1 Menu Bar 1.1.3.1.1 Theme New Theme Open Theme Close Theme Save Theme Save As Apply Exit 1.1.3.1.2 Views 1.1.3.1.3 Show Tutorials 1.1.3.1.4 Edit (only if Advanced Settings Enabled) Theme Tempo 1.1.3.1.5 Help Contents F1 About 1.1.3.2 Button Bar 1.1.3.2.1 Apply 1.1.3.2.2 Preview 1.1.3.2.3 Cancel 1.1.3.3 Views Pane 1.1.3.4 Events 1.1.3.3.1 Enable Advanced Settings 1.1.3.4.1 System State Default 1.1.3.4.2 System Events New Email 1.1.3.4.3 Applications 7
1.1.3.5 Zones 1.1.3.6 Actions 1.1.3.7 Devices 1.1.3.5.1 Power Zone 1.1.3.5.2 Static 1.1.3.5.3 Flexible 1.1.3.6.1 Static 1.1.3.6.2 Pulse 1.1.3.6.3 Morph 1.1.3.8 Different Modes 1.1.3.8.1 Default 1.1.3.8.2 Advanced Settings 1.1.3.9 Power States 1.1.3.9.1 S0: Working (G0), Processor in C0-C3 1.1.3.9.2 S1 Sleeping with processor context maintained, RAM maintained; this has to be set in the BIOS. 1.1.3.9.3 S3 Sleeping, lower than S2, RAM maintained, most devices in D3;this is the default Sleep mode. 1.1.3.9.4 S4 Sleeping, lower than S3, RAM not maintained, most devices in D3. 1.1.3.9.5 S5, System Soft OFF, Boot up necessary. 1.1.3.10 Theme Portability 8
1.2 AlienFX Controller 1.2.1 Business Rules 1.2.1.1 Exiting the AlienFX Controller will disable AlienFX events. 1.2.1.2 Regardless of exiting the AlienFX Controller, the Controller will open in the Windows Notification area on a system reboot. 1.2.1.3 To restrict the active theme in a meaningful way the user may choose the following: 1.2.1.3.1 Disable Alienware AlienFX Events if the active theme has advanced settings 1.2.1.3.2 Go Dark 1.2.1.4 Double-click the AlienFX Controller to open the AlienFX Editor. If you double-click the AlienFX Controller while the AlienFX Editor is open, this will have no effect. 1.2.1.5 Right-click the AlienFX Controller icon to open the AlienFX Controller menu. 1.2.1.6 AlienFX Controller Eyes Functionality 1.2.1.6.1 If Disable Alienware AlienFX Events, or Go Dark is enabled, the AlienFX Controller will have red eyes. 1.2.1.6.2 If the active theme is running without restrictions the AlienFX Controller will have green eyes. 1.2.1.7 When any 3 rd party application that uses the AlienFX.dll is running it will disable the AlienFX Controller. 1.2.1.8 Location: Windows Notification area. 1.2.2 Icon Picture 9
1.2.3 Menu Options 1.2.3.1 Alienware AlienFX Editor 1.2.3.1.1 The user can click this option to open the AlienFX Editor. Clicking this option while the AlienFX Editor is open has no effect. 1.2.3.2 Disable Alienware AlienFX Events 1.2.3.2.1 The user can click this option to disable Alienware AlienFX events. 1.2.3.2.2 Business Rules This option is only available from the AlienFX Controller if a theme with advanced settings is the active theme. Events will be disabled and the user will only see the Default Mode event configuration. AlienFX will not recognize the New Email or any application event. The Sleep Mode event will be monitored. The AlienFX Controller icon will have red eyes. The option text will change to: Enable Alienware AlienFX Events. If the user clicks on this option with the new text, AlienFX will monitor all events (the AlienFX Controller icon will show green eyes). 1.2.3.3 Go Dark 1.2.3.3.1 The user can click this option to disable the AlienFX Controller along with the active theme. 1.2.3.3.2 Business Rules All AlienFX zones will shut down. AlienFX will recognize no event and no action. If Keep Status Zones on During Go Dark is enabled, AlienFX will recognize the power zones and static zones (collectively called status zones). The AlienFX Controller icon will have red eyes. The AlienFX Controller menu will only allow the user to choose two options from the menu: 1.2.3.3.2.1.1 Alienware AlienFX Editor 1.2.3.3.2.1.2 Enable Alienware AlienFX this is a new option that appears when Go Dark is enabled. To disable Go Dark, that is, to enable the AlienFX Controller, the user must click: Enable Alienware AlienFX. Then all zones will come back online, AlienFX will recognize all events and actions, and the AlienFX Controller icon will have green eyes; also, the AlienFX Controller menu will show all the original options for the menu. 1.2.3.4 Keep Status Zones on During Go Dark 1.2.3.4.1 The user can click this option to have the status zones active while in Go Dark mode. 1.2.3.4.2 Business Rules Power zones and static zones will remain active during Go Dark. 10
A check mark next to the option indicates it is enabled. If the check mark is cleared, this indicates the option is disabled. To disable Keep Status Zones on During Go Dark the user must click: Keep Status Zones on During Go Dark. The status zones will shut down and will go dark to match all other zones. 1.2.3.5 Dim Lighting Zones 1.2.3.5.1 The user can click this option to have the lighting zones dim at all times. 1.2.3.5.2 Business Rules All lighting zones become dim. This occurs for all events and is a global effect. A check mark next to the option indicates it is enabled. If the check mark is cleared, this indicates the option is disabled. To disable Dim Lighting Zones the user must click: Dim Lighting Zones. All lighting zones will return to default intensity. This option makes the Dim Lighting Zones in Battery Mode Only option unavailable. 1.2.3.6 Dim Lighting Zones in Battery Mode Only 1.2.3.6.1 The user can click this option to have the lighting zones dim when the system goes into battery mode. 1.2.3.6.2 Business Rules All lighting zones become dim when in battery mode. This occurs for all events and is a global effect. A check mark next to the option indicates it is enabled. If the check mark is cleared, this indicates the option is disabled. If the system returns to A/C mode, the lighting intensity will return to the default intensity. To disable Dim Lighting Zones the user must click: Dim Lighting Zones. All lighting zones will return to default intensity. 1.2.3.7 Enable 3 rd Party AlienFX Access 1.2.3.7.1 The user can click this option to disable 3 rd Party AlienFX Access. 1.2.3.7.2 This option allows a 3rd party (usually a software game such as Unreal Tournament 3, etc.) to access AlienFX features so that it may produce its own lighting effects. 1.2.3.7.3 Business Rules This option is enabled by default. A check mark next to the option indicates it is enabled. If the check mark is cleared, this indicates the option is disabled. 11
1.2.3.8 Exit 1.3 AlienFX Editor 1.3.1 Menu Bar 1.3.1.1 Theme 1.3.1.2 Edit 1.3.1.3 Help 1.2.3.8.1 The user can click this option to exit the AlienFX Controller and remove it from the Windows Notification area. 1.2.3.8.2 Exiting the AlienFX Controller will disable AlienFX events. 1.3.1.1.1 New Theme: Closes the open theme, and creates a new theme with default settings and AlienFX devices detected and listed in the Devices list. Before closing the open theme, AlienFX asks if the user wishes to save the theme. 1.3.1.1.2 Open Theme: Closes the open theme, and opens an existing theme file. Before closing the open theme, AlienFX asks if the user wishes to save the theme. 1.3.1.1.3 Close Theme: Closes the open theme file. Leaves AlienFX without zones. To view the zones again the user must create a new theme or open an existing theme. 1.3.1.1.4 Save Theme: Saves the open theme to a specified location. If this is the first time the user has saved the theme, the user will be able to name the file and specify the location where the file will be saved. 1.3.1.1.5 Save As: Allows the user to save the open theme with the option of a new name and a new location. 1.3.1.1.6 Apply: Saves the current theme as the active theme and saves all the changes you have made to the theme. 1.3.1.1.7 Exit: Closes the AlienFX Editor. 1.3.1.2.1 Theme Tempo: Allows the user to change the Theme Tempo which affects the Pulse and Morph actions. 1.3.1.3.1 Contents F1: Opens the AlienFX help. 12
1.3.2 Button Bar 1.3.1.3.2 Show Tutorials: Opens the tutorial dialog box where the user can choose what tutorials to watch. 1.3.1.3.3 About: Shows version number for AlienFX. 1.3.2.1 Apply: Saves the current theme as the active theme and saves all the changes you have made to the theme. 1.3.2.2 Preview (only in a theme with advanced settings): Shows a preview of the current theme the user is working on within the AlienFX Editor (may be different from the active theme). 1.3.2.3 Cancel: Cancels all changes made since the user last saved the theme. 1.3.3 Views Pane 1.3.3.1 Business Rules 1.3.3.1.1 Shows the platform images along with the numbered zone links. 1.3.3.1.2 Contains the Enable Advanced Settings check box. 1.3.3.1.3 Contains the Devices list. A device is enabled in AlienFX if a compatible peripheral is plugged in or an imported theme has been opened previously. 1.3.3.2 Example: 13
1.3.4 Events 1.3.4.1 Business Rules 1.3.4.1.1 Events are only available in a theme with advanced settings 1.3.4.1.2 Events are contained within the Events pane. 1.3.4.2 Events Pane Picture: 1.3.4.3 System State 1.3.4.3.1 Default Business Rules 1.3.4.4 System Events 1.3.4.4.1 New Email Business Rules 1.3.4.5 Applications 1.3.4.3.1.1.1 The Default event is the main state for AlienFX. 1.3.4.3.1.1.2 The Default event triggers when a user powers on the system. 1.3.4.3.1.1.3 The Default event is always running unless a defined event is triggered. 1.3.4.4.1.1.1 The New Email event triggers when a user receives a new email 1.3.4.4.1.1.2 The New Email event ends when a user reads this email. 1.3.4.4.1.1.3 The New Email event is only compatible with Microsoft Outlook. 1.3.4.5.1 Business Rules The Applications event category allows a user to add application events to AlienFX. Any application event added by a user will trigger when a user opens the application. Any application event added by a user will trigger when the user switches to it from another application. A user can add an unlimited amount of applications to the Applications event category. 14
1.3.5 Zones 1.3.5.1 Business Rules 1.3.5.1.1 Zones depend on the event that contains them and the platform on which Command Center is installed. 1.3.5.1.2 Zones are contained within the Zones pane. 1.3.5.2 Zones Pane Picture: 1.3.5.3 Basic Zones 1.3.5.3.1 Business Rules Basic zones are available in themes with default settings. A basic zone can only have one action. A user can add and edit an action. A user can assign the Color, Morph, or Pulse action to a basic zone. A basic zone is looped automatically. 1.3.5.4 Flexible Zones 1.3.5.4.1 Business Rules Flexible zones are found only in themes with advanced settings. A user can add and edit actions, and remove actions in a flexible zone. A user can add a sequence of actions to a flexible zone. AlienFX will play these actions in sequence. A user can loop a flexible zone or choose not to have it looped. A user can assign the Color, Morph, or Pulse action to a flexible zone. 1.3.5.5 Static Zones 1.3.5.5.1 Business Rules A static zone only allows Color actions. 15
1.3.5.6 Power Zones 1.3.5.7 Loop Only one action is allowed in a static zone. A user can add and edit a Color action; the user can also remove the color action in a static zone. A static zone is automatically looped. A user cannot change this. 1.3.5.6.1 Business Rules A power zone does not contain normal actions. A power zone contains the Plugged-In and On-Battery states. A user can change the color for the Plugged-In and/or On-Battery state. 1.3.5.6.2 Plugged-In State The Plugged-In state conists of the Sleep state, Fully charged state, and Charging state. Business Rules 1.3.5.6.2.1.1 When the system is plugged-in the power zones will display the Plugged-In lighting behavior. 1.3.5.6.2.1.2 The color for the plugged-in behavior is used for all states within the behavior. 1.3.5.6.2.1.3 The behavior for the Sleep state, Fully Charged state, and Charging state are predefined and cannot be changed by the user. 1.3.5.6.2.1.4 Plugged-in and charging: Power zone will transition from the Plugged-In color to the On- Battery color and back again continuously until fully charged. 1.3.5.6.2.1.5 Plugged-in and fully charged: Power zone will show the Plugged-In color as a static color. 1.3.5.6.2.1.6 Plugged-in and Sleeping: Power zone will show the Plugged-In color transitioning to black and back again continuously until the user wakes the system. 1.3.5.6.3 On-Battery State The On-Battery state conists of the Sleep state, Fully charged state, and Low Battery state. Business Rules 1.3.5.6.3.1.1 When the system is on-battery the power zones will display the On-Battery lighting behavior. 1.3.5.6.3.1.2 The color for the On-Battery behavior is used for all states within the behavior. 1.3.5.6.3.1.3 The behavior for the Sleep state, Fully Charged state, and Low Battery state are predefined and cannot be changed by the user. 1.3.5.6.3.1.4 On-Battery and showing low battery: Power zone will transition from the Plugged-In color to the On-Battery color and back again continuously until fully charged. 1.3.5.6.3.1.5 On-battery and fully charged: Power zone will show the On-Battery color as a static color. 1.3.5.6.3.1.6 On-battery and sleeping: Power zone will show the On-Battery color transitioning to black and back again continuously until the user wakes the system. 1.3.5.7.1 A user can loop a zone. This will play the actions within a zone, in sequence, continuously. This is dependent on the event and zone. 16
1.3.6 Actions 1.3.5.8 Overlapping 1.3.5.8.1 In an advanced theme, the Default event overlaps all other events. If a user does not define a zone for the New Email or any Applications event AlienFX will overlap the zone left blank with that same zone from the Default event. 1.3.5.9 Turning off zones 1.3.5.9.1 In any theme type, a user can turn off a zone by assigning the color black to that zone. This can especially be used to prevent overlapping when a user does not necessarily want an action in a specific zone but that it may be overlapped by the Default event. Some zones cannot be turned off. 1.3.5.9.2 This option is different from the Go Dark option as this allows the user to turn off individual zones. 1.3.5.10 Specific zones 1.3.5.10.1 Some zones do not fall into any category. 1.3.6.1 Business Rules 1.3.6.1.1 Actions depend on the Zones that contain them. 1.3.6.1.2 Actions are contained within the Actions pane. 1.3.6.1.3 The Add Action button adds an action to the selected zone. 1.3.6.1.4 The Remove action button removes an action from the selected zone. 1.3.6.1.5 Double-click an action to edit it. 1.3.6.2 Actions Pane Picture: 17
1.3.6.3 Color 1.3.6.4 Morph 1.3.6.5 Pulse 1.3.6.3.1 Business Rules A user can choose one color from the color palette. The action will show a static color on the actual chassis. 1.3.6.4.1 Business Rules A user can choose two colors from the color palette. The action will show a transition from one color to another on the actual chassis. 1.3.6.5.1 Business Rules A user can choose one color from the color palette. The action will show a pulsing color on the actual chassis. 1.3.6.6 Color Wheel 1.3.6.6.1 Business Rules In a theme with default settings, the color wheel is always visible. In a theme with advanced settings, the color wheel appears when a user adds an action or edits an action. When a user mouses over the color wheel the Actions slider will slide out of the color wheel to show the actions available for the selected zone. 1.3.6.7 Actions Slider 1.3.6.7.1 Business Rules In a theme with default settings the Actions slider will slide out of the color wheel when a user clicks on a zone and mouses over the color wheel. In a theme with advanced settings, the Actions slider will slide out of the color wheel when a user adds an action or edits an action. No mouse over is necessary. 1.3.6.8 Theme Tempo 1.3.6.8.1 Business Rules The theme tempo controls the speed of the Morph and Pulse effects for a theme. The theme tempo affects an entire theme. If the user changes the theme tempo, all actions within the current theme will change. 18
1.3.7 Devices 1.3.6.9 Extend Duration For example, a fast theme tempo allows the user to see more colors in-between a Morph effect. 1.3.6.9.1 Business Rules The Extend Duration option lengthens the time the system uses to play an action in a theme with advanced settings. The Extend Duration option is found in the Actions slider. 1.3.7.1 Business Rules 1.3.7.1.1 A device is any desktop chassis, laptop chassis, or peripheral hardware with AlienFX lighting capabilities. 1.3.7.1.2 A theme can contain any number of devices. 1.3.7.1.3 Devices will show in the Devices list. 1.3.7.1.4 Plug and Play capability: The Devices list will become updated when AlienFX detects an AlienFX capable device plugged in to the system. 1.3.7.1.5 A user can remove devices from the list if a device is unplugged from the system. 1.3.7.1.6 A device is added to the theme manually by the user. 1.3.7.2 Device List Picture: 1.3.7.3 Sync 1.3.7.3.1 Business Rules The Sync feature is available only in a theme with advanced settings. This feature allows the user to add or remove application events across devices. 19
1.3.8 Different Settings 1.3.8.1 Default Settings 1.3.8.1.1 Business Rules When the user opens a new theme, the theme will begin with default settings. Default settings do not contain events. Default settings contain zones. All zones with Default settings are basic zones. A basic zone can only have one action. Default settings contain actions. All three actions are available. Changes to a theme with default settings will appear on the chassis in real-time. The Select All option allows the user the ability to change all zones at the same time per device. 1.3.8.2 Advanced Settings 1.3.9 Power States 1.3.8.2.1 Business Rules Advanced settings are enabled when a user checks the Enable Advance Settings check box in the Views pane. Clearing this check box will return the user to a theme with default settings. Advanced settings contain events. Advanced settings contain zones. These zones may be flexible zones or zones specific to a platform. Advanced settings contain actions. All three actions are available. Changes to a theme with advanced settings must be applied before they are visible on the actual chassis. 1.3.9.1 S0: Working (G0), Processor in C0-C3 1.3.9.2 S1 Sleeping with processor context maintained, RAM maintained; this has to be set in the BIOS. 1.3.9.3 S3 Sleeping, lower than S2, RAM maintained, most devices in D3;this is the default Sleep mode. 1.3.9.4 S4 Sleeping, lower than S3, RAM not maintained, most devices in D3. 1.3.9.4.1 S5, System Soft OFF, Boot up necessary. 20
1.3.10 Theme Portability 1.3.10.1 Brief description: Theme Portability is a feature in AlienFX that allows a user to move a theme from one system to another AlienFX compatible system. 1.3.10.2 Business Rules 1.3.10.2.1 The systems do not need to be the same. 1.3.10.2.2 If porting one theme to a system that is the same as the original system, a user will be able to view and apply the theme. 1.3.10.2.3 If porting one theme to a system that is different from the original system, a user will not be able to apply the theme. 1.3.10.2.4 Regardless if the system is the same as the original or different, the imported theme will add the original chassis to the Devices list. 21
1.4 M11x Platform Page 1.4.1 AlienFX Zones Zone Number Computer Part Zone Type Turn off enabled (using black color) 1. Power Button Power Zone No 2. Keyboard Flexible Zone Yes 3. Speakers Flexible Zone Yes 4. Alienware Logo Flexible Zone Yes 5. Media Buttons Static Zone No 22
1.5 AlienFX Screens 1.5.1 Creating a theme with default settings To create a theme with default settings: 1. Click the zone you want to change. 2. Hover your mouse over the color wheel to open the Actions slider. 2 1 23
6 3 7 4 5 3. In the Actions slider, choose one of three actions. 4. Then select a color from the color wheel (two for morph). Repeat 1-4 as needed. 5. You can select Select All to have your change affect all zones. 6. To switch to a theme with advanced settings enabled, click the Enable Advanced Settings check box. 7. Click Apply to save your theme as the active theme. 24
1.5.2 Creating a theme with advanced settings 1 2 3 To create a theme with advanced settings: 1. Select an event. 2. Select a zone you want to change. 3. Click the Add Action button or double-click an existing action to open the color wheel. 25
8 7 5 9 6 4 4. Hover your mouse over the color wheel to open the Actions slider. 5. In the Actions slider, choose one of three actions. 6. Then select a color from the color wheel (two for morph). Repeat 1-6 as needed. 7. You can choose Extend Duration to extend the duration of an action. 8. To switch to a theme with default settings enabled, clear the Enable Advanced Settings check box. 9. Click Apply to save your theme as the active theme. 26
1.5.3 Adding Devices 1 To add a device to your theme 1. Once AlienFX detects the compatible device it will add the device to the list and you can click the device to add it to the theme. 27
2. Click Yes to confirm the addition of the device. 2 28
2 AlienFusion 29
2.1 Brief Summary The following section details a brief summary of Command Center AlienFusion. 2.1.1 Product Description 2.1.1.1 AlienFusion allows users to change power options for their computer. AlienFusion presents the user will all options provided by Microsoft Power Options with an Alienware look and feel. 2.1.2 Elements of AlienFusion 2.1.2.1 Navigation Pane 2.1.2.1.1 Select and Create Power Plans 2.1.2.1.2 Quick Settings 2.1.2.2 Views Pane 2.1.2.3 Select and Create a Power Plan page 2.1.2.3.1 Preffered Plans 2.1.2.3.2 Additional Plans 2.1.2.3.3 Create a Power Plan 2.1.2.4 Quick Settings page 2.1.2.5 Advanced Settings page 2.1.2.6 Power Plans 2.1.2.6.1 Balanced 2.1.2.6.2 High Performance 2.1.2.6.3 Power Saver 2.1.2.6.4 Custom 30
2.2 Navigation Pane 2.2.1 The Navigation pane options 2.2.1.1 Select and Create Power Plans 2.2.1.1.1 When the user clicks this link, the Select and Create Power Plans page opens. 2.2.1.2 Quick Settings 2.3 Views Pane 2.2.1.2.1 When the user clicks this link, the Quick Settings page opens. 2.3.1 The Views Pane Elements 2.3.1.1 Active Power Plan 2.3.1.2 Chassis image 2.3.1.3 Plugged-In/On-Battery indicator; this indicates whether your system is in any of the two states at real-time. 2.4 Select and Create a Power Plan Page 2.4.1 The Select and Create a Power Plan Page Options 2.4.1.1 Preferred Plans 2.4.1.1.1 Business Rules This section contains the active power plan. The active power plan is highlighted in blue. This section contains the top three power plans used by the user. This section can contain pre-defined plans and custom plans. Next to each plan is the Advanced settings link; a user can click this link to go to the Advanced Settings page. 31
Custom plans will have a Delete link on the same line as the custom plan; a user can click this link to delete the custom plan. 2.4.1.2 Additional Plans 2.4.1.2.1 Business Rules This section contains all plans not found in the Preferred Plans section. This section can contain pre-defined plans and custom plans. Next to each plan is the Advanced settings link; a user can click this link to go to the Advanced Settings page. Custom plans will have a Delete link on the same line as the custom plan; a user can click this link to delete the custom plan. 2.4.1.3 Create a Power Plan 2.4.1.3.1 Business Rules This section allows the user to create a power plan based on one of the three pre-defined power plans available from Microsoft: 2.4.1.3.1.1.1 Balanced 2.4.1.3.1.1.2 High Performance 2.4.1.3.1.1.3 Power Saver 32
2.5 Quick Settings Page 2.5.1 Business Rules 2.5.1.1 A user can change the settings on this page for the selected plan. 2.5.1.2 A user can select a plan from the Change Settings for drop down box to view and change the settings of that plan. 2.5.1.3 Each setting has a Plugged-In and On-Battery value that can be changed through a drop down box. 2.5.1.4 When a user uses AlienFusion for the first time (and if the user has not changed power options previously) then administrative settings will not be enabled and the user will not be able to change any setting. 2.5.1.5 A user can click Enable Admin Settings to enable administrative settings. 2.5.1.6 A user can click Advanced Settings to go to the Advanced Settings page. 2.5.2 Settings Table (* indicates default value) Setting Description Plugged-In values allowed Battery-On values allowed Require a password on wakeup When the system returns from Sleep mode it can require a password to login *Yes No *Yes No Power button action The action the system will take when the power button is pressed Do nothing *Sleep Hibernate Do nothing *Sleep Hibernate Shut down Shut down 33
Setting Description Plugged-In values allowed Battery-On values allowed Sleep button action The action the system will take when the sleep button is pressed Do nothing *Sleep Hibernate Do nothing *Sleep Hibernate Lid close action The action the system will take when the laptop lid is closed Do nothing *Sleep Hibernate Do nothing *Sleep Hibernate Shut down Shut down Turn off display after The system, when idle, will turn off the display after the allotted time *20 Minutes User defined value in minutes *5 Minutes User defined value in minutes Sleep after The system, when idle, will enter Sleep mode after the allotted time *60 Minutes User defined value in minutes *15 Minutes User defined value in minutes Display brightness The display brightness for the system s monitor *100% User defined value as a percentage *40% User defined value as a percentage Auto Dim Turns the auto dimming feature on or off On *Off *On Off AlienFX Turns AlienFX on or off *On Off *On Off 34
2.6 Advanced Settings Page 2.6.1 Business Rules 2.6.1.1 The Advanced Settings page consists of the Settings Navigation pane and the Settings pane. 2.6.1.2 A user can change the settings on this page for the selected plan. 2.6.1.3 A user can select a plan from the Selected power plan drop down box to view and change the settings of that plan. 2.6.1.4 A user can use the Settings Navigation pane to browse the settings categories for the selected plan; mousing over a category shows only a preview of the settings for that category. To work in the settings a user must click the settings category. 2.6.1.5 Each setting has a Plugged-In and On-Battery value that can be changed through a drop down box. 2.6.1.6 When a user uses AlienFusion for the first time (and if the user has not changed power options previously) then administrative settings will not be enabled and the user will not be able to change any setting. 2.6.1.7 A user can click Enable Admin Settings to enable administrative settings. 2.6.1.8 A user can click Restore Default Values to cancel any changes the user has made and return all settings to their original values. 35
2.6.2 Settings Table (* indicates default value) Setting Category Setting Description Plugged-In values allowed Battery-On values allowed Additional settings Require a password on wakeup When the system returns from Sleep mode it can require a password to log-in *Yes No *Yes No Additional settings AlienFX Turns AlienFX on or off *On Off *On Off Hard disk Turn off hard disk after The system, when idle, will turn off the hard disk after the allotted time *20 Minutes User defined value in minutes *10 Minutes User defined value in minutes Wirless Adapter Settings Power Saving Mode Power consumption setting for wireless adapter *Maximum Performance Low Power Saving *Maximum Performance Low Power Saving Medium Power Saving Medium Power Saving Maximum Power Saving Maximum Power Saving 36
Setting Category Setting Description Plugged-In values allowed Battery-On values allowed Sleep Sleep after The system, when idle, will enter Sleep mode after the allotted time Sleep Allow hybrid sleep Turns the hybrid sleep feature on or off Sleep Hibernate after The system, when idle, will enter hibernate mode after the allotted time *60 Minutes User defined value in minutes On *Off *1080 Minutes User defined value in minutes *15 Minutes User defined value in minutes On *Off *1080 Minutes User defined value in minutes USB settings USB selective suspend setting Enables or disables the USB selective suspend setting Enabled Disabled Enabled Disabled Power buttons and lid Lid close action The action the system will take when the laptop lid is closed Do nothing *Sleep Hibernate Do nothing *Sleep Hibernate Shut down Shut down Power buttons and lid Power button action The action the system will take when the power button is pressed Do nothing *Sleep Hibernate Do nothing *Sleep Hibernate Shut down Shut down 37
Setting Category Setting Description Plugged-In values allowed Battery-On values allowed Power buttons and lid Sleep button action The action the system will take when the sleep button is pressed Do nothing *Sleep Hibernate Do nothing *Sleep Hibernate Power buttons and lid Start menu power button The action the system will take when the Start menu power button is clicked *Sleep Hibernate Shut down *Sleep Hibernate Shut down PCI Express Link State Power Management Power consumption setting for Link State Power Management Off *Moderate power savings Off Moderate power savings Maximum power savings *Maximum power savings Processor power management Minimum processor state Power consumption setting for system s processor; at the minimum frequency *5% User defined value as a percentage *5% User defined value as a percentage Processor power management Maximum processor state Power consumption setting for system s processor; at the maximum frequency *100% User defined value as a percentage *100% User defined value as a percentage 38
Setting Category Setting Description Plugged-In values allowed Battery-On values allowed Search and Indexing Power savings mode Sets Search and Indexing activity level Display Auto Dim Turns the auto dimming feature on or off Display Turn off display after The system, when idle, will turn off the display after the allotted time Display Dim timer The system, when idle, will dim the display after the allotted time Display Adaptive display Turns the adaptive display feature on or off Display Dim Value Sets dimming intensity for display *High Performance Balanced Power Saver On *Off *20 Minutes User defined value in minutes *3 Minutes User defined value in minutes *On Off 6 User defined value on a scale from 1-10 (lower is more dim) High Performance *Balanced Power Saver *On Off *5 Minutes User defined value in minutes *3 Minutes User defined value in minutes *On Off 1 User defined value on a scale from 1-10 (lower is more dim) 39
Setting Category Setting Description Plugged-In values allowed Battery-On values allowed Display Display brightness Sets brightness intensity for display Multimedia settings When sharing media Power consumption setting when sharing media from the system Graphic processor GPU power state Performance setting for graphics card Battery Critical battery action The action the system will take when the battery reaches a critically low level *100% User defined value as a percentage Allow the computer to sleep *Prevent idling to sleep Allow the computer to enter Away Mode Max Performance Balanced Mode *Do nothing Sleep Hibernate Shut down *40% User defined value as a percentage *Allow the computer to sleep Prevent idling to sleep Allow the computer to enter Away Mode Max Performance Balanced Mode Do nothing Sleep *Hibernate Shut down 40
Setting Category Setting Description Plugged-In values allowed Battery-On values allowed Battery Low battery level Defines low battery level percentage Battery Critical battery level Defines critical battery level percentage *10% User defined value as a percentage *5% User defined value as a percentage *10% User defined value as a percentage *5% User defined value as a percentage Battery Low battery notification Turns the low battery notification on or off *On Off *On Off Battery Low battery action The action the system will take when the battery reaches a low level *Do nothing Sleep Hibernate Shut down *Do nothing Sleep Hibernate Shut down 41
2.7 Power Plans 2.7.1 Balanced 2.7.1.1 This power plan keeps system performance and battery life at moderate levels. 2.7.2 High Performance 2.7.2.1 This power plan maximizes system performance while reducing battery life. 2.7.3 Power Saver 2.7.4 Custom 2.7.3.1 This power plan maximizes battery life while reducing system performance. 2.7.4.1 The custom power plan is created by the user based on one of the three pre-defined plans. 42
2.8 AlienFusion Screens 2.8.1 Creating a power plan To create a power plan: 1. Click the power plan you want to use as a template. 2. Type in the name of your custom power plan. 3. Click Create. 1 2 3 43
2.8.2 Changing Quick Settings 1 2 To change quick settings: 1. Select the plan you want to change. 2. Then change the settings you want modified. 3. Click Apply to apply your changes to the selected power plan. 3 44
2.8.3 Changing Advanced Settings 2 3 1 To change advanced settings: 1. Select the plan you want to change. 2. Then select the setting category you want to change 3. Change the settings. 4. Click Apply to apply your changes to the selected power plan. 4 45
3. Click Yes to confirm the addition of the device. 2 46
3 Thermal Controls 47
3.1 Brief Summary The following section details a brief summary of Command Center Thermal Controls. 3.1.1 Product Description 3.1.1.1 Thermal Controls allows the user to control the fan speed and venting actions for desktops. 3.1.2 Elements of Thermal Controls 3.1.2.1 Navigation Pane 3.1.2.1.1 Active Thermals 3.1.2.1.2 Active Venting 3.1.2.2 Active Thermals page 3.1.2.2.1 Disable Touchpad when external USB mouse is attached 3.1.2.2.2 Tap again and hold to drag 3.1.2.2.3 Locking Drags 3.1.2.3 Sensitivity page 3.1.2.3.1 Sensitivity to Accidental Contact 3.1.2.3.2 Sensitivity to Finger Pressure 3.1.2.4 Virtual Scrolling page 3.1.2.4.1 Enable Vertical Scrolling 3.1.2.4.2 Enable Horizontal Scrolling 3.1.2.4.3 Long Distance Scorlling 3.1.2.4.4 Scrolling Region 48
3.2 Navigation Pane 3.2.1.1 Tapping 3.2.1.1.1 When the user clicks this link, the Tapping page opens. 3.2.1.2 Sensitivity 3.2.1.2.1 When the user clicks this link, the Sensitivity page opens. 3.2.1.3 Virtual Scrolling 3.2.1.3.1 When the user clicks this link, the Virtual Scrolling page opens. 3.3 Tapping Page 3.3.1 Tapping Options 3.3.1.1 Disable Touchpad when external USB mouse is attached 3.3.1.1.1 Business Rules When this option is enabled all touchpad capabilities are disabled when a mouse is plugged in to the system through a USB connection. A checkmark indicates this option is enabled. A user can clear the checkmark to disable this option. 3.3.1.2 Tap again and hold to drag 3.3.1.2.1 Business Rules When this option is enabled a user can tap the touchpad twice and keep their finger pressed down on the touchpad after the second tap, they are then able to move the object selected and lift their finger to drop it. A checkmark indicates this option is enabled. A user can clear the checkmark to disable this option. 49
3.3.1.3 Locking Drags 3.4 Sensitivity Page 3.4.1 Sensitivity Options 3.3.1.3.1 Business Rules When this option is enabled a user can tap the touchpad twice to move an object. Lifting their finger from the touchpad will not drop the object. Tapping the touchapd again will drop the item. A checkmark indicates this option is enabled. A user can clear the checkmark to disable this option. 3.4.1.1 Sensitivity to accidental contact 3.4.1.1.1 Business Rules This option controls the touchpad sensitivity to your palm. A user can move the slider to make the touchpad more sensitive to palm movement or less sensitive. 3.4.1.2 Sensitivity to finger pressure 3.4.1.2.1 Business Rules This option controls the touchpad sensitivity to finger pressure. A user can move the slider to make the touchpad more sensitive to finger pressure or less sensitive. 3.5 Virtual Scrolling Page 3.5.1 Virtual Scrolling Options 3.5.1.1 Enable Vertical Scrolling 3.5.1.1.1 Business Rules 3.5.1.1.2 Business Rules When this option is enabled a user can scroll through an application that allows vertical scrolling using the right edge of the touchpad. 50
A checkmark indicates this option is enabled. A user can clear the checkmark to disable this option. Enable Vertical Scrolling or Enable Horizontal Scrolling must be enabled to enable any of the other options on the Virtual Scrolling page. 3.5.1.2 Enable Horizontal Scrolling 3.5.1.2.1 Business Rules When this option is enabled a user can scroll through an application that allows horizontal scrolling using the bottom edge of the touchpad. A checkmark indicates this option is enabled. A user can clear the checkmark to disable this option. Enable Vertical Scrolling or Enable Horizontal Scrolling must be enabled to enable any of the other options on the Virtual Scrolling page. 3.5.1.3 Long Distance Scrolling 3.5.1.3.1 Enable Coasting Business Rules 3.5.1.3.1.1.1 When this option is enabled a user can move their finger over a scrolling area then lift their finger and the application will scroll continuously. 3.5.1.3.1.1.2 A checkmark indicates this option is enabled. 3.5.1.3.1.1.3 A user can clear the checkmark to disable this option. 3.5.1.3.2 Enable Edgemotion Business Rules 3.5.1.3.2.1.1 When this option is enabled a user can move their finger over a scrolling area and off the edge of the touchpad and the application will scroll continuously. 3.5.1.3.2.1.2 A checkmark indicates this option is enabled. 3.5.1.3.2.1.3 A user can clear the checkmark to disable this option. 3.5.1.3.3 Scrolling Speed Business Rules 3.5.1.3.3.1.1 This option controls the speed an application will scroll. 3.5.1.3.3.1.2 A user can move the slider to make the scrolling speed faster or slower. 3.5.1.4 Scrolling Region 3.5.1.4.1 A user can set the scrolling region for horizontal scrolling and/or vertical scrolling by moving the arrows to increase or reduce the scrolling region. 3.5.1.4.2 Scroll item under pointer When this option is enabled a user can scroll through an application that is under the mouse pointer. The application need not be the currently active application. 51
A checkmark indicates this option is enabled. A user can clear the checkmark to disable this option. 3.5.1.4.3 Scroll selected item When this option is enabled a user can scroll through an application that is the active application. This application does not need to be under the mouse pointer. A checkmark indicates this option is enabled. A user can clear the checkmark to disable this option. 52
3.6 AlienTouch Screens 3.6.1 Tapping Options 53
3.6.2 Sensitivity Options 54
3.6.3 Virtual Scrolling 55