Acer ACERBASIC II User Manual

AcerBasic

User’s Guide

Copyright

Copyright © 1997 by Acer Incorporate d. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

Disclaimer

Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties, merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Any Acer Incorporated software described in this manual is sold or licensed “as is”. Should the programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not Acer Incorporated, its distributor, or its dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, re pair, and any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software. Further, Acer Incorporated reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the co ntents hereof without obligation of Acer Incorporate d to notif y any p erso n of such revision or changes.

Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Incorporated. Microsoft and Windows 95 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark and IRConnect is a trademark of IBM Corpor ation. Intel and Pe ntium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

ii

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructio ns care fully. Save the se i nstructio ns fo r future reference.

2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

4. Do not use this product near water.

5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

7. This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.

8. Do not allow anyth ing to rest on the power cord. Do not l ocate this product where persons will walk on the cord.

9. If an extension cord is use d with this product, make sure that the total ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total rating o f all pro ducts pl ugged i nto the wal l o utlet does not exceed the fuse rating.

iii

10. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

11. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer a ll servicing to qualified service personnel.

12. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed b. If liquid has been spilled into the product c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water d. If the product does not operate normally when the operating

instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition.

e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been

damaged

f. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance,

indicating a need for service

13. Replace battery with the same type as the product's battery we recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Refer battery replacement to a qualified serviceman.

14. Warning! Battery may explode if not handled properly. Do not disassemble or dispose of in fire. Keep away from children and dispose of used battery promptly.

15. Use only the pro per type of power s upply cord set (provided in your accessories box) for this unit. It should be a detachable type: UL listed/CSA certified, type SVT, rated 7A 125V minimum, VDE approved or its equivalent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters).

iv

Caution on Lithium Batteries

CAUTION

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

ADVARSEL!

Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type. Léver det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren.

ADVARSEL

Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri. Benytt samme batteritype eller en tilsvarende type anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten. Brukte batterier kasseres i henhold til fabrikantens instruksjoner.

VARNING

Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Anvãnd samma batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren. Kassera anvãnt batteri enligt fabrikantens instruktion.

VAROITUS

Päristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu. Vaihda paristo ainoastaan laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan tyyppiin. Hävitä käytetty paristo valmistajan ohjeiden mukaisesti.

VORSICHT!

Explosionsgefahr bei unsachgemäßen Austausch der Batterie Ersatz nur durch denselben oder einem vom Hersteller empfohlenem ähnlichen Typ. Entsorgung gebrauchter Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers.

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FCC Class B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

Note:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable p rotection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment 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 equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

Notice 1:

The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Notice 2:

Shielded interface cables, if any, must be used in order to co mply with the emission limits.

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Canadian Department of Communications Regulatory Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe B prescrites dans le Réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

Laser Compliance

The CD-ROM drive in the AcerBasic is a laser product. The CDROM drive’s classification label (shown below) is located on the top of the drive.

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 PRODUIT LASER

LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE LASER KLASSE 1

PRODUCTO LÁSER DE LA CLASE I

CAUTION:

INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM

ATTENTION:

RADIATION DU FAISCEAU LASER INVISIBLE EN CAS D’OUVERTURE. EVITTER TOUTE EXPOSITION AUX RAYONS.

VORSICHT:

UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG, WENN ABDECKUNG GEÖFFN ET NICHT DEM STRAHLL AUSSETZEN

ADVERTENCIA:

RADIACIÓN LÁSER INVISIBLE AL SER ABIERTO. EVITE EXPONERSE A LOS RAYOS.

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Congratulations on your purchase of the AcerBasic personal

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computer. Compact in size, not in features, the AcerBasic personal computer opens a window of information to your home or office. We hope you enjoy your AcerBasic personal computer as much as we enjoyed designing and making it for you.

This user’s guide quickly guides you in setting up and using your AcerBasic personal computer.

Standard Items

❍ AcerBasic personal

computer

❍ SCART Euro-AV cable ❍ Audio and video cables

❍ Power cord ❍ User’s guide and

❍ Wireless keyboard

miscellaneous items

User’s Guide 1

Unpacking

Optional Items

❍

Remote control

❍

Computer video camera kit

The items in your package may differ slightly.

2 User’s Guide

Getting to Know your AcerBasic

*

The AcerBasic series personal computer has common features listed below:

Basic Features

❍ High-performance central processing unit (CPU)

A fast core (consisting of the CPU and chipsets*) allows your computer to process information and data fast.

❍ High-speed memory

Standard memory configuration is 16 megabytes (MB) of fast EDO (Extended Data Out) or fast page RAM (Random Access Memory). These memory types give you true value, balancing price and performance.

❍ High-performance video

The graphics adapter with 2MB of video memory outputs high-resolution, high-speed graphics onto your television or monitor. 3D graphics support also turn your AcerBasic into a gaming machine.

❍ High-capacity storage mediums

One high-capacity hard disk drive

•

One 3.5-inch, 1.44MB floppy disk drive

•

One high-speed CD-ROM drive

•

Chipsets are sets of microprocessors that perform specific functions.

User’s Guide 3

Getting to Know your AcerBasic

❍ High-speed connectivity

Whether you need to get connected via modem or network, this computer has it. Its built-in 33.6 kilobits per second (Kbps) modem connects to a phone line; its built-in Ethernet (10BaseT) jack connects to a network. See page 12.

❍ Peripheral connectivity

Located at the front and rear of the computer are a host of connectors for a large variety of peripherals — printer, mouse, keyboard, microphone, speakers, joystick just to name a few. See “Setting Up the AcerBasic” on page 6.

❍ “User-Friendly” software

The bundled software helps you explore a world of information. Refer to the applications guide for details.

❍ Security features

Security features include passwords for protecting your computer from unauthorized access. See page 27.

4 User’s Guide

Getting to Know your AcerBasic

Optional Features

Options include:

❍ Hardware upgrades

Additional memory

•

Higher-capacity hard disk

•

Higher-speed CD-ROM drive

•

DVD-ROM drive

•

MPEG-II capability

•

❍ Hardware options

Remote control

•

Computer video camera kit

•

External monitor

•

External keyboard

•

External mouse

•

Network hubs

•

USB devices

•

❍ Software options

Please contact your dealer or reseller for the options available in your region.

User’s Guide 5

Setting Up the AcerBasic

This section describes the things to consider when setting up your AcerBasic.

Locating the Connectors

Most of the connectors on the computer are found at the rear of the unit. A few connectors are found on the front for easy access. Let’s take a look at the front and rear of the unit before we make the connections.

Front

# Item Description

1 Floppy disk drive activity

indicator 2 Floppy disk drive Accepts 3.5-inch, 1.44MB diskette 3 Floppy disk drive eject

button 4 CD-ROM drive Accepts a CD-ROM disc

Lights up when the floppy disk drive is being accessed

Ejects the diskette from the floppy disk drive

6 User’s Guide

Setting Up the AcerBasic

*

# Item Description

5 CD-ROM drive open/close

button

6 On/sleep button Turns the computer on and puts the

7 Power/suspend indicator Lights green when on; lights orange

8 Hard disk/message

indicator

9 Network active indicator Flashes when your computer is

10 Network link indicator Lights when the computer is connected

11 Infrared receiver Receives input from the wireless

12 Game/MIDI port Connects a joystick, game device or

13 Microphone jack Connects a microphone 14 Earphone/headphone jack Connects an earphone or headphone 15 VCR/camcorder audio

input jack (right)

16 VCR/camcorder audio

input jack (left)

17 VCR/camcorder video

input jack

18 S-video input Connects to the S-video input of a VCR

Opens and closes the CD-ROM drive

computer to sleep

when in suspend mode Flashes when your hard disk drive is in

use

communicating with the network

to a network

keyboard or remote control Allows you to transfer data or files with

another AcerBasic computer

MIDI device

Connects to the right audio input of a VCR or camcorder

Connects to the left audio input of a VCR or camcorder

Connects to the video input of a VCR or camcorder

or camcorder

*

Your computer enters suspend mode when the suspend timer times out (see page 50). You can also put the computer in suspend mode by selecting the Suspend…command from the Start menu.

User’s Guide 7

Setting Up the AcerBasic

Rear

# Item Description

1 On/off switch Turns power on and off 2 Power cord socket Connects a power cord 3 Phone set jack Connects a telephone set 4 Phone line jack Connects a phone line 5 External CRT port Connects an external monitor 6 Video output jack Connects to the video input of a television 7 S-video output jack Connects to the S-video input of a television 8 Parallel port Connects a printer or other parallel device 9 Serial port Connect a serial mouse or other serial device

10 PS/2 mouse port Connects a PS/2 mouse 11 PS/2 keyboard port Connects a PS/2 keyboard 12 Network jack Connects a network line (Ethernet) 13 Audio output jack Connects to speakers or other audio output

devices 14 Audio input jack Connects a audio input device 15 USB port 2 Connects a USB device 16 USB port 1 Connects a USB device

8 User’s Guide

Setting Up the AcerBasic

Finding a Suitable Area to Place the AcerBasic

The AcerBasic has the following dimensions.

Locate a suitable area to place the AcerBasic. Allow ample space on all sides of the unit for cords and cable connections. The AcerBasic should also be placed near the devices you will connect to it.

User’s Guide 9

Setting Up the AcerBasic

Basic Connections

These are the basic connections you need to get your AcerBasic up and going. You can also connect options like a printer or the phone line, described in pages 12 to 17.

Connecting to a Television or a Monitor

First you need to connect an output device to the computer which can either be a television unit or a computer monitor.

Television Unit Computer Monitor

If your television uses a SCART interface, use the included SCART cable to connect your television set to the computer.

10 User’s Guide

Setting Up the AcerBasic

Connecting the Power Cord

Connect the power cord to the power cord socket at the rear of the unit. Then connect the other end to a properly ground power outlet.

These basic connections you’ve just made are all you need to get your AcerBasic up and running. If you need to make other connections such as a phone line (for connecting to the Internet) or a printer (for printing documents), read on. Otherwise, you can jump to page 19.

User’s Guide 11

Setting Up the AcerBasic

Connecting Options

Other connections you make to your computer include the following:

Phone Line

Connecting to the Internet usually requires a modem, which is built into the AcerBasic. A phone line jack, found at the rear of the unit, connects to your phone line. You can also connect a telephone set to the phone set jack.

Your modem has been designed to work with an analog telephone line like the ones commonly found in your home. Connecting your modem to a digital phone system or a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) system, like the ones found in large establishments and office complexes, can cause damage to your modem.

Before using the modem, make sure you are connecting an analog telephone line. Check with the your telephone company or office where you can connect to an analog line.

12 User’s Guide

Acer ACERBASIC II User Manual

Copyright

Disclaimer

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Caution on Lithium Batteries

FCC Class B Radio Frequency Interference Statement

Note:

Notice 1:

Notice 2:

Canadian Department of Communications Regulatory Statement

Laser Compliance

Contents

Standard Items

Optional Items

Basic Features

Optional Features

Locating the Connectors

Front

Rear

Finding a Suitable Area to Place the AcerBasic

Basic Connections

Connecting to a Television or a Monitor

Connecting the Power Cord

Connecting Options

Phone Line