Acer AOA150, AOA110 User Manual

Aspire one Series

Application Manual

Copyright © 2008. Acer Incorporated.
All Rights Reserved.

Aspire one

Original Issue: 07/2008

This company makes no representations or warranties, either express or implied, with respect
to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose. Any liability for errors (such as typos or factual errors, etc.)
contained in this publication is excluded.

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation
to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new
editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. This company makes
no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents
hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose.

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

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in
any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, by photocopy, recording or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

Series Quick Guide

Aspire one

Model number: __________________________________

Serial number: ___________________________________

Date of purchase: ________________________________

Place of purchase: ________________________________

Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other companies'
product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to
their respective companies.

Series Notebook PC

First things first

We would like to thank you for making an Acer notebook your choice for
meeting your mobile computing needs.

Your guides

To help you use your Acer notebook, we have designed a set of guides*:

The Application Manual introduces you to the basic features and functions of
your new computer. This guide contains detailed information on such subjects
as system utilities, data recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting. In
addition it contains warranty information and the general regulations and
safety notices for your notebook. It is available in Portable Document Format
(PDF) and comes preloaded on your notebook. Information for your safety and
comfort.

Please understand that due to its nature, the Quick Guide as well as the
Application Manual will occasionally refer to functions or features which are
only contained in certain models of the series, but not necessarily in the model
you purchased. Such instances are marked in the text with language such as
"only for certain models".

* IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the guides mentioned
herein, whether in printed or electronic form, are for your
reference only and except as provided in the specific warranty
information contained in the Application Manual nothing
contained in these guides shall constitute a representation or
warranty by Acer with regard to the product you purchased. Acer
expressly disclaims any liability for errors contained in the guides.

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iv

Safety instructions

Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference.
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

Turning the product off before cleaning

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

CAUTION for plug as disconnecting device

Observe the following guidelines when connecting and disconnecting power to
the power supply unit:

Install the power supply unit before connecting the power cord to the AC
power outlet.

Unplug the power cord before removing the power supply unit from the
computer.

If the system has multiple sources of power, disconnect power from the system
by unplugging all power cords from the power supplies.

CAUTION for Accessibility

Be sure that the power outlet you plug the power cord into is easily accessible
and located as close to the equipment operator as possible. When you need to
disconnect power to the equipment, be sure to unplug the power cord from the
electrical outlet.

CAUTION for Listening

To protect your hearing, follow these instructions.

• Increase the volume gradually until you can hear clearly and comfortably.

• Do not increase the volume level after your ears have adjusted.

• Do not listen to music at high volumes for extended periods.

• Do not increase the volume to block out noisy surroundings.

• Decrease the volume if you can't hear people speaking near you.

Warnings

• Do not use this product near water.

• Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product

falls, it could be seriously damaged.

• Slots and openings 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.

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 onto or into
the product.

• To avoid damage of internal components and to prevent battery leakage,

do not place the product on a vibrating surface.

• Never use it under sporting, exercising, or any vibrating environment

which will probably cause unexpected short current or damage rotor
devices, HDD, Optical drive, and even exposure risk from lithium battery
pack.

Using electrical power

• 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.

• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this

product where people will walk on the cord.

• If an extension cord is used 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 of all products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the fuse
rating.

• Do not overload a power outlet, strip or receptacle by plugging in too

many devices. The overall system load must not exceed 80% of the branch
circuit rating. If power strips are used, the load should not exceed 80% of
the power strip's input rating.

• This product's AC adapter is equipped with a three-wire grounded plug.

The plug only fits in a grounded power outlet. Make sure the power outlet
is properly grounded before inserting the AC adapter plug. Do not insert
the plug into a non-grounded power outlet. Contact your electrician for
details.

v

Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power
outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock
and/or injury.

Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from
unexpected noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that
may interfere with the performance of this product.

• Use the product only with the supplied power supply cord set. If you need

to replace the power cord set, make sure that the new power cord meets
the following requirements: detachable type, UL listed/CSA certified, type
SPT-2, rated 7 A 125 V minimum, VDE approved or its equivalent, 4.6
meters (15 feet) maximum length.

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Product servicing

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

Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel when:

• the power cord or plug is damaged, cut or frayed

• liquid was spilled into the product

• the product was exposed to rain or water

• the product has been dropped or the case has been damaged

• the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need

for service

• the product does not operate normally after following the operating

instructions

Note: 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.

Guidelines for safe battery usage

This notebook uses a Lithium-ion battery. Do not use it in a humid, wet or
corrosive environment. Do not put, store or leave your product in or near a heat
source, in a high temperature location, in strong direct sunlight, in a microwave
oven or in a pressurized container, and do not expose it to temperatures over
60°C (140°F). Failure to follow these guidelines may cause the battery to leak
acid, become hot, explode or ignite and cause injury and/or damage. Do not
pierce, open or disassemble the battery. If the battery leaks and you come into
contact with the leaked fluids, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical
attention immediately. For safety reasons, and to prolong the lifetime of the
battery, charging will not occur at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 40°C
(104°F).

The full performance of a new battery is achieved only after two or three
complete charge and discharge cycles. The battery can be charged and
discharged hundreds of times, but it will eventually wear out. When the
operation time becomes noticeably shorter than normal, buy a new battery. Use
only Acer approved batteries, and recharge your battery only with Acer
approved chargers designated for this device.

Use the battery only for its intended purpose. Never use any charger or battery
that is damaged. Do not short-circuit the battery. Accidental short-circuiting can
occur when a metallic object such as a coin, clip or pen causes direct connection
of the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the battery. (These look like
metal strips on the battery.) This might happen, for example, when you carry a
spare battery in your pocket or purse. Short-circuiting the terminals may
damage the battery or the connecting object.

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The capacity and lifetime of the battery will be reduced if the battery is left in
hot or cold places, such as in a closed car in summer or winter. Always try to
keep the battery between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). A device with a hot or
cold battery may not work temporarily, even when the battery is fully charged.
Battery performance is especially limited in temperatures well below freezing.

Do not dispose of batteries in a fire as they may explode. Batteries may also
explode if damaged. Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Please
recycle when possible. Do not dispose as household waste.

Wireless devices may be susceptible to interference from the battery, which
could affect performance.

Potentially explosive environments

Switch off your device in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere and
obey all signs and instructions. Potentially explosive atmospheres include areas
where you would normally be advised to turn off your vehicle engine. Sparks in
such areas could cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even
death. Switch off the notebook near gas pumps at service stations. Observe
restrictions on the use of radio equipment in fuel depots, storage and
distribution areas; chemical plants; or where blasting operations are in progress.
Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not always,
marked. They include below deck on boats, chemical transfer or storage
facilities, vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas (such as propane or butane),
and areas where the air contains chemicals or particles such as grain, dust or
metal powders. Do not switch the notebook on when wireless phone use is
prohibited or when it may cause interference or danger.

Replacing the battery pack

The notebook uses lithium batteries. Replace the battery with the same type as
that which came bundled with your product. Use of another battery may
present a risk of fire or explosion.

Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not
disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep them away from
children. Follow local regulations when disposing of used
batteries.

Telephone line safety

• Disconnect all telephone lines from the equipment when not in use and/or

before servicing.

• To avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning, do not connect

the telephone line to this equipment during lightning or thunderstorms.

Warning! For safety reasons, do not use non-compliant parts
when adding or changing components. Consult your reseller for
purchase options.

viii

Additional safety information

Your device and its enhancements may contain small parts. Keep them out of
the reach of small children.

Operating environment

Warning! For safety reasons, turn off all wireless or radio
transmitting devices when using your laptop under the following
conditions. These devices may include, but are not limited to:
wireless lan (WLAN), Bluetooth and/or 3G.

Remember to follow any special regulations in force in any area, and always
switch off your device when its use is prohibited or when it may cause
interference or danger. Use the device only in its normal operating positions.
This device meets RF exposure guidelines when used normally, and it and its
antenna are positioned at least 1.5 centimeters (5/8 inches) away from your
body (refer to the figure below). It should not contain metal and you should
position the device the above-stated distance from your body. To successfully
transmit data files or messages, this device requires a good quality connection
to the network. In some cases, transmission of data files or messages may be
delayed until such a connection is available. Ensure that the above separation
distance instructions are followed until the transmission is completed. Parts of
the device are magnetic. Metallic materials may be attracted to the device, and
persons with hearing aids should not hold the device to the ear with the
hearing aid. Do not place credit cards or other magnetic storage media near the
device, because information stored on them may be erased.

Medical devices

Operation of any radio transmitting equipment, including wireless phones, may
interfere with the functionality of inadequately protected medical devices.
Consult a physician or the manufacturer of the medical device to determine if
they are adequately shielded from external RF energy or if you have any
questions. Switch off your device in health care facilities when any regulations
posted in these areas instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities
may be using equipment that could be sensitive to external RF transmissions..

Pacemakers. Pacemaker manufacturers recommend that a minimum separation
of 15.3 centimeters (6 inches) be maintained between wireless devices and a
pacemaker to avoid potential interference with the pacemaker. These
recommendations are consistent with the independent research by and
recommendations of Wireless Technology Research. Persons with pacemakers
should do the following:

• Always keep the device more than 15.3 centimeters (6 inches) from the

pacemaker

• Not carry the device near your pacemaker when the device is switched o. If

you suspect interference, switch off your device, and move it

Hearing aids. Some digital wireless devices may interfere with some hearing
aids. If interference occurs, consult your service provider.

.

Vehicles

RF signals may affect improperly installed or inadequately shielded electronic
systems in motor vehicles such as electronic fuel injection systems, electronic
antiskid (antilock) braking systems, electronic speed control systems, and air bag
systems. For more information, check with the manufacturer, or its
representative, of your vehicle or any equipment that has been added. Only
qualified personnel should service the device, or install the device in a vehicle.
Faulty installation or service may be dangerous and may invalidate any
warranty that may apply to the device. Check regularly that all wireless
equipment in your vehicle is mounted and operating properly. Do not store or
carry flammable liquids, gases, or explosive materials in the same compartment
as the device, its parts, or enhancements. For vehicles equipped with an air bag,
remember that air bags inflate with great force. Do not place objects, including
installed or portable wireless equipment in the area over the air bag or in the
air bag deployment area. If in-vehicle wireless equipment is improperly
installed, and the air bag inflates, serious injury could result. Using your device
while flying in aircraft is prohibited. Switch off your device before boarding an
aircraft. The use of wireless teledevices in an aircraft may be dangerous to the
operation of the aircraft, disrupt the wireless telephone network, and may be
illegal.

Potentially explosive environments

Switch off your device when in any area with a potentially explosive
atmosphere and obey all signs and instructions. Potentially explosive
atmospheres include areas where you would normally be advised to turn off
your vehicle engine. Sparks in such areas could cause an explosion or fire
resulting in bodily injury or even death. Switch off the device at refueling points
such as near gas pumps at service stations. Observe restrictions on the use of
radio equipment in fuel depots, storage, and distribution areas; chemical plants;
or where blasting operations are in progress. Areas with a potentially explosive
atmosphere are often, but not always, clearly marked. They include below deck
on boats, chemical transfer or storage facilities, vehicles using liquefied
petroleum gas (such as propane or butane), and areas where the air contains
chemicals or particles such as grain, dust or metal powders.

ix

Emergency calls

Warning: You cannot make emergency calls through this device. To make an
emergency call you shall dial out through your mobile phone or other
telephone call system.

Disposal instructions

Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding.
To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global environment,
please recycle. For more information on the Waste from Electrical and

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Electronics Equipment (WEEE) regulations, visit
http://global.acer.com/about/sustainability.htm

Mercury advisory

For projectors or electronic products containing an LCD/CRT monitor or display:
Lamp(s) inside this product contain mercury and must be recycled or disposed of
according to local, state or federal laws. For more information, contact the
Electronic Industries Alliance at www.eiae.org
information, check www.lamprecycle.org

. For lamp-specific disposal

.

ENERGY STAR is a government program (public/private partnership) that gives
people the power to protect the environment in a cost effective way and
without sacrificing quality or product features. Products that earn the ENERGY
STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency
guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US
Department of Energy (DOE). In the average home, 75% of all electricity used
to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.
ENERGY STAR qualified home electronic products in the off position use up to
50% less energy than conventional equipment. More information refers to
http://www.energystar.gov
powermanagement.

Note: The statement above is applicable only to Acer notebooks
with an ENERGY STAR sticker located in the bottom right-hand
corner of the palm rest.

As an ENERGY STAR partner, Acer Inc. has determined that this product meets
the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.

This product has been shipped enabled for power management:

and http://www.energystar.gov/

• Activate display’ Sleep mode within 3 minutes of user inactivity.

• Activate computer’s Sleep mode within 30 minutes of user inactivity.

• Wake the computer from Sleep mode by pushing power button.

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Tips and information for comfortable use

Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use.
Users are also at risk of physical injury after long hours of working in front of a
computer. Long work periods, bad posture, poor work habits, stress,
inadequate working conditions, personal health and other factors greatly
increase the risk of physical injury.

Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis,
tenosynovitis or other musculoskeletal disorders. The following symptoms may
appear in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or back:

• numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation

• aching, soreness or tenderness

• pain, swelling or throbbing

• stiffness or tightness

• coldness or weakness

If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent discomfort
and/or pain related to computer use, consult a physician immediately and
inform your company's health and safety department.

The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer use.

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Finding your comfort zone

Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a
footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe
the following tips:

• refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture

• avoid slouching forward and/or leaning backward

• stand up and walk around regularly to remove the strain on your leg

muscles

• take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders

• avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders

• install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within

comfortable reach

• if you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at

the center of your desk to minimize neck strain

Taking care of your vision

Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive
room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast
displays could stress your eyes. The following sections provide suggestions on
how to reduce eyestrain.

Eyes

• Rest your eyes frequently.

• Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and

focusing on a distant point.

• Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out.

Display

• Keep your display clean.

• Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your

eyes point downward when looking at the middle of the display.

• Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for

enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.

• Eliminate glare and reflections by:

• placing your display in such a way that the side faces the window or

any light source

• minimizing room light by using drapes, shades or blinds

• using a task light

• changing the display's viewing angle

• using a glare-reduction filter

• using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended from the

display's top front edge

• Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle.

• Avoid looking at bright light sources, such as open windows, for extended

periods of time.

Developing good work habits

Develop the following work habits to make your computer use more relaxing
and productive:

• Take short breaks regularly and often.

• Perform some stretching exercises.

• Breathe fresh air as often as possible.

• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body.

Warning! We do not recommend using the computer on a couch
or bed. If this is unavoidable, work for only short periods, take
breaks regularly, and do some stretching exercises.

Note: For more information, please refer to "Regulations and
safety notices" on page 56 in the Application Manual.

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xiv

First things first iii

Your guides iii

Safety instructions iv

Additional safety information viii
Operating environment viii
Medical devices viii
Vehicles ix
Potentially explosive environments ix
Emergency calls ix
Disposal instructions ix

Tips and information for comfortable use xi
Get to know your system 1
Get to know the applications 2

Connect 2

Work 2

Fun 3

Files 3

Settings 4
For system security 5

Setting your system password 5

Using passwords for BIOS 6

For advanced wireless connection setting 7
Acer Communication Suite 11

Aspire one Mail 11

Messenger 37
Using the keyboard 50

Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad 50

Hotkeys 51

Special keys 52
Frequently asked questions 53

Requesting service 55
Regulations and safety notices 56

FCC notice 56

Laser compliance statement 57

LCD pixel statement 58

Radio device regulatory notice 58

General 58

European Union (EU) 58

The FCC RF safety requirement 59

Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio

communication devices (RSS-210) 60

LCD panel ergonomic specifications 61

Contents

1

Get to know your system

The home screen makes it easy for you to access frequently used functions and
manage your new Acer system. It provides access to the following utilities:

Note: The following content is for general reference only. Actual
product specifications may vary.

1 Connect: Browse the Internet, engage in video chats, send/receive email

and share photos anytime, anywhere.
2 Work: Enhance your mobile productivity with useful professional tools.
3 Fun: Enjoy games and multimedia while on the move.
4 Files: Organize and access your data and multimedia files easily
5 Settings: Adjust system settings for optimum performance and set

passwords to protect your files.

English

For more information, click Help.

2

Get to know the applications

English

Please refer to each application's help file for detailed information and
instructions on use.

Connect

• Browser: Surf the Internet for information and entertainment.

• Messenger: Chat with friends and family who use today's popular chat

programs.

• Email: Stay in touch via email from this easy-to-use email client.

• RSS Reader: Stay up to date with your favourite blogs and news sources.

• Wikipedia: Learn from the free, online Wikipedia encyclopedia.

• Google Maps: Use Google Maps for easy navigation.

• Hotmail: Launch Hotmail.

Work

• Writer: Create and edit text-based documents.

• Spreadsheets: Calculate numbers and analyze data in spreadsheets.

• Presentations: Prepare and edit presentations.

• Calendar: Manage your schedule and keep track of your appointments.

3

• Contacts: Arrange your contacts for easy reference.

• Calculator: Perform basic calculations.

• Notes: Write quick, convenient little reminders.

Fun

• Media Master: Enjoy audio-visual files and entertainment.

• Photo Master: View and manage your photos.

• Games: Play games to relax.

• Webcam: Capture photos and videos with ease.

• Paint: Create or alter picture files.

Files

English

• My Documents: Find and manage your documents.

• My Music: Find and manage your music.

• My Pictures: Find and manage your images.

• My Videos: Find and manage your videos.

• My Downloads: Find and manage your downloaded files.

• My Files: Find and manage your files. Insert an SD card into the Storage

Expansion Slot to increase your available storage.

English

4

Settings

• Display: Adjust resolution, external display and screensaver settings for the

right look.

• Power Center: Adjust power settings to save energy.

• Network Center: Connect to the Internet via LAN or wireless.

• Audio: Adjust volume settings for the best sound.

• System: View system device information and settings.

• Date & Time: Set your computer's date and time.

• Touchpad: Adjust touchpad settings.

• Live Update: Retrieve online updates for your operating system and

programs.

• Printer: Connect to a USB printer to print your documents or photos.

• Input Language: Set up alternative input languages.

• User Password: Set up or change your password.

5

For system security

You must set your password which is also known as system password. You may
also set your BIOS password to enhance the system protection.

There are 3 levels of password protection you may chose to enable or disable:

• Screen saver

• Sleep mode

• System power on

Setting your system password

1 Click the Settings tab.

2 Click User Password.

3 You will see this dialog. Click on Change Password.

English

English

6

4 In the Query dialog box, type in and confirm your password in the

appropriate boxes. Your password should have a minimum of 6 and a
maximum of 16 characters.

5 Click OK to set the password.

Using passwords for BIOS

Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access. Setting these
passwords creates several different levels of protection for your computer
and data:

• Supervisor Password prevents unauthorized entry into the BIOS utility.

Once set, you must enter this password to gain access to the BIOS utility.

• User Password secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine

the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up and
resume from Hibernation for maximum security.

• Password on Boot secures your computer against unauthorized use.

Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up
and resume from Hibernation for maximum security.

Important! Do not forget your Supervisor Password! If you forget
your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an
authorized service center.

Entering passwords

When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the
display screen.

7

• When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you press

<F2> to enter the BIOS utility at boot-up.

• Type the Supervisor Password and press <Enter> to access the BIOS utility.

If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try

again and press <Enter>.

• When the User Password is set and the password on boot parameter is

enabled, a prompt appears at boot-up.

• Type the User Password and press <Enter> to use the computer. If you

enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and

press <Enter>.

Important! You have three chances to enter a password. If you fail
to enter the password correctly after three tries, the system halts.
Press and hold the power button for four seconds to shut down
the computer. Then turn on the computer again, and try again.

For advanced wireless connection setting

(1) Please switch on the wireless LAN using the switch on the front

Aspire one

of your

(2) Click the icon on your system tray and choose the wireless

access point you want to connect, or select Connection
Management.

(3) Click New to show the list of available network type.

.

English

English

8

(4) Select WLAN and click Next.

(5) Click Select.