Acer 600 User Manual

User’s Guide

Extensa 600 Series Notebook Computers

Extensa Series Notebook Computer User’s Guide TI Part No. 9811345-0001 Original Issue: August 1996 First Revision: September 1996

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual.

Record the serial number, purchase date, and model number in the space provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label affixed to the case. All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial number, model number, and date of purchase.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Texas Instruments.

Extensa Notebook Computer

Model_______Serial No.____________Purchase Date________

Extensa is a trademark of Texas Instruments. The icons in the Windows Notebook and Startup groups are copyrighted by Texas Instruments. IBM, AT, PS/2, and Token Ring are registered trademarks and OS/2 is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows and Xenix are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation. Kensington is a registered trademark of Kensington Microware, Inc. Synaptics is registered trademark of Synaptics, Inc. SimulSCAN is a trademark of Cirrus Logic, Inc. IrDA is a trademark of Infra Red Data Association. XJACK is a registered trademark of Megahertz Corporation.

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

n Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna n Increase the separation between the device and receiver n Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from

that to which the receiver is connected

n Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television

technician for help

Notice: Shield Cables

All connections to other computing devices must be made using shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations.

Notice: Peripheral Devices

Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with non-certified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.

Caution

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this computer.

FCC Notice

Use Conditions

This part complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Notice: Canadian Users

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Duracell Notice

The Texas Instruments Extensa 600 and 605 are designed to use a Duracell DR35S or DR201 Rechargeable Battery. Texas Instruments participates in the Duracell pro.link program. If you would like to purchase additional batteries, please call the Authorized Duracell Purchase Hotline at 1-800-603-8225. If you have questions about battery performance, recycling a used battery, or any other battery-related question, please call Duracell Consumer Relations at 1-800-551-2355 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST).

Preface Chapter 1 Before You Begin

Creating Backup Disks.................................1-2

Features of the Computer .............................1-3

Environmental Specifications........................1-5

Using the Computer .....................................1-6

Power Saving Modes .....................................1-8

Securing the Computer...............................1-10

Using the AC Adapter .................................1-11

Chapter 2 Using Your Computer

Starting the Computer..................................2-3

Running the Demo Program..........................2-4

Using the Brightness and Contrast Controls..2-6

Turning the Speakers On and Off..................2-7

Using PC Cards............................................2-8

Using Indicator Lights.................................2-11

Using the Touchpad....................................2-14

Using Disk Drives .......................................2-16

Adding Memory ..........................................2-29

Using the Keyboard ....................................2-30

Using the Internal Numeric Keypad.............2-34

Using Connectors and Ports........................2-36

Chapter 3 Using Battery Power

Guidelines for Battery Use............................3-2

Switching to Battery Power ...........................3-4

Responding to Low Battery Conditions ..........3-5

Recharging the Battery .................................3-7

Conditioning the Battery...............................3-8

Removing and Installing the Battery Pack ......3-9

Conserving Battery Power...........................3-11

viii

Chapter 4 Options

AC Adapter ...................................................4-2

PC Cards......................................................4-3

Numeric Keypad...........................................4-4

External Monitor ..........................................4-5

External Mouse ............................................4-6

External Keyboard........................................4-7

Memory........................................................4-8

Audio Options ..............................................4-9

External Floppy Disk Drive.........................4-11

Miscellaneous Options................................4-12

Chapter 5 Using Software

Using Supplied Software...............................5-2

Getting Online Help......................................5-3

Guidelines for Installing Applications............5-4

Using System Passwords ..............................5-6

Contents

Chapter 6 Mobility

Overview of Mobility .....................................6-1

Disconnecting from the Desktop ...................6-3

Moving Around.............................................6-4

Taking the Computer Home ..........................6-5

Traveling with the Computer.........................6-8

Traveling Internationally with the Computer..6-9

Chapter 7 Care and Troubleshooting

Cleaning the Computer.................................7-2

Troubleshooting Tips ....................................7-3

Startup Error Messages................................7-4

Appendix A Where to Get Help

Preface

This manual describes features of the Texas Instruments Extensa notebook computers. The Extensa series computers are similar in appearance and incorporate such features as CardBus, 16-bit stereo audio and internal pointing device.

The following figure displays the Extensa computer.

Extensa

This manual should answer most of the questions you have about the day-to-day operation of your Extensa notebook computer.

Use the Just for Starters… instructions that came with your computer to get your computer running for the first time.

Preface

You should also take advantage of the online help files that are available with almost all of the programs shipped with your computer.

We hope you enjoy your Extensa computer. With proper care, your computer will provide you with years of productive service.

Before You Begin

After completing instructions in Just for Starters…, read this chapter to learn about

important functions of your computer. Some, such as Creating Backup Disks, should be performed as soon as possible after the purchase of your computer.

Contents

Creating Backup Disks................................ 1-2

Features of the Computer ............................ 1-3

Standard Features................................ 1-3

Customizing Features........................... 1-4

Environmental Specifications....................... 1-5

Using the Computer..................................... 1-6

Power Saving Modes .................................... 1-8

0V Suspend Mode................................. 1-8

Standby Mode ...................................... 1-9

Securing the Computer.............................. 1-10

Using the AC Adapter ................................ 1-11

1-1

Creating Backup Disks

You should create your backup system disks as soon as possible after purchasing your computer. The process you follow depends on the operating system you selected when you installed the computer for the first time.

Windows® 95

Backing up Windows 95 requires approximately 43 formatted 3 1/2-inch, 1.44 MB diskettes. Labels for the disks are included with the manual.

To create backup system disks, use the Create System Disk tool that is part of Windows 95.

1-2

Windows for Workgroups

Backing up MS-DOS and Windows for Workgroups requires approximately twenty 3 1/2-inch, 1.44 MB diskettes.

To create backup system disks, use the Make Disk utility that is in the Main program group.

Features of the Computer

Standard Features

The following list displays the standard features:

q 8 MB EDO (Extended Data Out) memory q 1 MB EDO video memory q Fast video graphics accelerator q 0-Volt Suspend and Standby functions q No-reboot setup function q STN color display q 16-bit stereo audio q Serial infrared communication q Duracell NiMH (Nickel-Metal-Hydride) or

optional Li-Ion (Lithium-Ion) battery pack q 810 MB (or higher) capacity hard disk with

Local Bus q Internal CD-ROM drive and external floppy

disk drive or Internal floppy drive depending

on model

q Internal touchpad pointing device q Small, lightweight AC adapter

1-3

Features of the Computer

Customizing Features

The following features allow you to customize your computer to fit your requirements.

q PS/2 port for connecting an external

keyboard, numeric keypad, or mouse q 9-pin serial port for connecting external

devices such as a modem or mouse

q Simultaneous display with external CRT q One Type III or two Type II/I PC Card slots q Parallel port with EPP and ECP for

connecting to a printer or an external floppy

disk drive

1-4

q 8 MB, 16 MB and 32 MB EDO 32-bit type

small outline dual inline memory module

(soDIMM) upgrades

Environmental Specifications

This section provides information on the optimum operating environment for your Extensa notebook computer.

Temperature

Operating: 50° to 95°F

(10° to 35°C)

Storage: -4° to 140°F

(-20° to +60°C)

Relative Humidity (Noncondensing)

Operating: 20% to 85% Storage: 20% to 85%

Shock

Operating: Maximum 5g pulse in X,

Y, and Z orientations

Storage: Maximum 50g pulse in X,

Y, and Z orientations

Vibration

Operating: Sinusoidal 5 to 25.6 Hz

limited to 0.015 inch peak-to-peak maximum displacement

0.5g, 25.6 to 250 Hz

Storage: Sinusoidal 5 to 27.1 Hz

limited to 0.016 inch peak-to-peak maximum displacement

2.0g, 27.1 to 500 Hz

1-5

Using the Computer

q Never pick up or carry your computer by the

display. q Never use the computer in harsh

environments where it could be subjected to

rapid temperature changes or excessive

dust. q Never expose the computer to excessive

vibration. q Never expose the hard disk or floppy disk(s)

to strong magnetic fields, such as those

generated by audio system speakers or

telephone handsets. q To avoid overheating the computer, never

place anything on top of the computer when

it is operating or recharging the battery.

1-6

q Before moving an active computer, press the

0V Suspend hot key (Fn+F2) to put the

computer into 0V Suspend mode and close

the display (refer to 0V Suspend Mode in the

next section). q Do not try to force the display beyond its

fully opened position — about 180 degrees.

Using the Computer

Caution: In the rare event that you should see or smell anything that indicates overheating (smoke or a strange smell):

1. Turn off the power.

2. Disconnect the AC adapter from the power source and the computer.

3. Remove the battery pack.

4. Contact your Texas Instruments dealer or service center.

1-7

Power Saving Modes

0V Suspend Mode

Suspend mode saves battery power when you are not actively using your computer.

In 0V Suspend mode, the computer saves the current system state onto your hard disk drive then shuts off. When you turn the computer on again, it restores the system to the saved state.

Press the 0V Suspend hot key (Fn+F2) to enter 0V Suspend mode. To resume normal operation, press the power switch. 0V Suspend mode occurs automatically if the 0 VOLT SUSPEND

TIMEOUT parameter in Setup is enabled and

times out or if the BATTERY LOW SUSPEND option is enabled.

1-8

Note: If the computer is unable to enter 0V

Suspend mode, the Standby indicator lights up. When this happens, data remains in memory and is lost if power is lost.

Power Saving Modes

Standby Mode

In Standby mode, data remains in memory while the computer powers down unused devices to save power. The standby indicator lights up in Standby mode.

Press the Standby hot key (Fn+F4) to enter Standby mode. The computer also enters Standby mode if the STANDBY TIMEOUT parameter in Setup is enabled and times out.

To resume from Standby mode, press any key or touch the touchpad. When enabled in setup, the computer also resumes from Standby mode if an incoming ring is detected by an attached modem.

Note: The computer acts on the key you press. To prevent accidental entry of a key, press a nonprinting character such as Shift, Ctrl or Alt.

1-9

Securing the Computer

Your computer comes with a Kensington® lock notch. If your computer store does not carry Kensington locks, you can buy one directly from Texas Instruments. To secure your computer, follow these steps:

1. Wrap the cable of a portable computer Kensington security lock ( optional) around a table, desk drawer handle or any immovable object.

2. Insert the lock into the notch at the rear of the computer.

3. Turn the key to secure the lock.

4. Remove the key from the lock.

1-10

Notch

Securing the Computer

Using the AC Adapter

DC Connector

Male Plug

AC Adapter

Female Connector

AC Adapter

Charges the internal battery pack and operates the computer on AC power whether or not a battery pack is installed. The AC adapter can be operated anywhere where the outlet supplies between 100240 volts AC at 50 - 60 Hz. The AC adapter has a detachable AC power cord.

Caution: Use only the AC adapter supplied with your computer. Another adapter can

damage your computer and create a safety hazard.

1-11

Using Your Computer

Before beginning this chapter, ensure you have read and understood Chapter 1. Chapter 2 describes how to start and use your Extensa notebook computer.

Contents

Starting the Computer................................. 2-3

Running the Demo Program......................... 2-4

Contents of the Demo Program.............. 2-4

Running the Demo Program.................. 2-4

Deleting the Demo Program .................. 2-5

Using the Brightness and Contrast

Controls...................................................... 2-6

Turning the Speakers On and Off................. 2-7

Using PC Cards ........................................... 2-8

Inserting PC Cards................................ 2-8

Ejecting PC Cards................................. 2-9

Using Indicator Lights................................ 2-11

Using the Touchpad ................................... 2-14

Moving the Cursor.............................. 2-14

Configuring the Touchpad................... 2-15

Using Disk Drives...................................... 2-16

Hard Disk Drive Guidelines................. 2-17

Installing a Hard Disk Drive................ 2-17

2-1

Connecting an External

Floppy Disk Drive............................... 2-25

Floppy Disk Drive Guidelines.............. 2-26

CD-ROM Drive Guidelines .................. 2-27

Adding Memory ......................................... 2-29

Using the Keyboard ................................... 2-30

Special Keys....................................... 2-30

Windows 95 Keys................................ 2-33

Using the Internal Numeric Keypad............ 2-34

Num Lock On..................................... 2-34

Num Lock Off..................................... 2-35

Using Connectors and Ports....................... 2-36

2-2

Starting the Computer

Switch

Power

Power Switch

Turns the computer on and off for both AC and battery operation; also resumes from 0V Suspend mode. When the power is off, the battery continues to charge (if a powered AC adapter is connected to the computer); however, all computer functions cease.

2-3

Running the Demo Program

Contents of the Demo Program

Your computer is loaded with an entertaining and informative demo program which includes the following information:

q The features of your computer and how to

use them q The livegear accessories available for your

computer

q The software loaded on your computer q How to get service and technical support q More about Texas Instruments

Running the Demo Program

To run the demo program, do one of the following:

In Windows 95

1. Double-click on the About Your Extensa icon

on the desktop.

2. Follow the directions to use the program.

In Windows for Workgroups

1. From the Program Manager double-click on

the Texas Instruments Multimedia group.

2. Double-click on About Your Extensa icon.

3. Follow the directions to use the program

2-4

Running the Demo Program

Deleting the Demo Program

An uninstall program helps you delete all or part of the demo program to free up space on your hard disk drive.

In Windows 95

1. Double-click on the Uninstall Demo icon on

the desktop.

2. When the Uninstall window appears, you can

choose a complete or partial uninstall. If you want to keep some parts of the demo, you can deselect those parts, then click on OK. To uninstall the entire demo, click on the large uninstall button, then click on OK.

In Windows for Workgroups

1. From the Program Manager double-click on

the Texas Instruments Multimedia group.

2. Double-click on Uninstall Demo icon.

3. When the Uninstall window appears, you can

2-5

Using the Brightness and Contrast Controls

You can adjust the screen brightness and contrast levels using hot keys.

Note: The hot keys for brightness and contrast are continuous keys. They will adjust as long as you hold them down.

Brightness Control

Contrast Control

Press Fn+↑↑ and Fn+↓↓ to increase and decrease the brightness of the display respectively.

The brighter the screen, the more power is used during battery operation.

Press Fn+→→ and Fn+←← to increase and decrease the contrast of the display respectively.

The higher the contrast setting, the more power is used during battery operation.

2-6

Turning the Speakers On and Off

Left

Your computer comes with 16-bit stereo audio. Two built-in speakers are located near the LCD hinges.

Speaker

Right

Speaker

Built-in Speakers

You can turn the built-in speakers on and off using a hot key.

Speaker On/Off

Press Fn+End to toggle the speaker output on and off.

You can also enable or disable the speaker from your Setup screen. The setting in Setup deteremines whether the speakers are enabled when you reboot or turn on your computer. Pressing Fn+End overrides the setting.

2-7

Using PC Cards

Inserting PC Cards

You can insert up to two Type I or Type II PC cards, or one Type III PC card, in the slots on the side of the computer.

2-8

Inserting a PC Card

In Windows 95

Windows 95 beeps to indicate it has detected a PC card when you insert one. If Windows 95 recognizes the PC card, it will set up the necessary drivers. If Windows 95 does not recognize the PC card, you are asked to load the driver for the card.

Using PC Cards

In Windows for Workgroups

Windows for Workgroups beeps to indicate it has detected the card. If a driver for the PC card has already been loaded, you can use the card immediately. If a driver has not been loaded, you must manually load the driver. Windows for Workgroups does not ask you to load a driver.

Ejecting PC Cards

Eject buttons are located beside each PC card slot. Pressing an eject button ejects the PC Card from the slot. To eject a Type III card, press both eject buttons.

The eject buttons fold out of the way when a PC card is inserted in the slot. To eject the card, flip out the corresponding eject button, and press in on the eject button.

PC Card

Eject Buttons

PC Card Eject Buttons

2-9

+ 82 hidden pages