Acer Aspire User Manual

Aspire Series

Generic User Guide

Copyright © 2009. Acer Incorporated.
All Rights Reserved.

Aspire Series Generic User Guide
Original Issue: 07/2009

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.

Aspire Series Notebook PC

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.

Information for your safety and
comfort

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.

iii

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 bundled dummy cards (only for certain models)

Your computer shipped with plastic dummies installed in the card slots.
Dummies protect unused slots from dust, metal objects or other particles. Save
the dummies for use when no cards are in the slots.

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.

iv

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.

• The bottom surface, areas around ventilation openings and AC adapter

may get hot. To avoid injury, ensure they do not come in contact with your
skin or body.

• Your device and its enhancements may contain small parts. Keep them out

of the reach of small children.

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.

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.

• The system can be powered using a wide range of voltages; 100 to 120 or

220 to 240 V AC. The power cord included with the system meets the
requirements for use in the country/region where the system was
purchased. Power cords for use in other countries/regions must meet the
requirements for that country/region. For more information on power cord
requirements, contact an authorized reseller or service provider.

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

v

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.

vi

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 the approved batteries, and recharge your battery only with the 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.

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.

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.

vii

Caution for Optical Drive Device
(only for certain models)

CAUTION: This appliance contains a laser system and is classified as a "CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT." In case of any trouble with this device, please contact your
nearest AUTHORIZED service station. To prevent direct exposure to the laser
beam, do not try to open the enclosure.

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
CAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE
TO BEAM.

APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 PRODUIT
LASERATTENTION: RADIATION DU FAISCEAU LASER INVISIBLE EN CAS
D’OUVERTURE. EVITTER TOUTE EXPOSITION AUX RAYONS.

LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE LASER KLASSE 1
VORSICHT: UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG, WENN ABDECKUNG GEÖFFNET
NICHT DEM STRAHLL AUSSETZEN

PRODUCTO LÁSER DE LA CLASE I
ADVERTENCIA: RADIACIÓN LÁSER INVISIBLE AL SER ABIERTO. EVITE EXPONERSE
A LOS RAYOS.

ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING VEDÅBNING SE IKKE IND I STRÅLEN.
VARO! LAVATTAESSA OLET ALTTINA LASERSÅTEILYLLE.

VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NÅR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNAD ÅLÅ TUIJOTA
SÅTEESEENSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN

VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NAR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNADSTIRRA EJ IN I
STRÅLEN

ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING NAR DEKSEL ÅPNESSTIRR IKKE INN I STRÅLEN

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

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. Do not switch the
notebook on when wireless phone use is prohibited or when it may cause
interference or danger.

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.

x

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 Electronics Equipment (WEEE) regulations, visit
http://www.acer-group.com/public/Sustainability/
sustainability01.htm

Mercury advisory

For bulb-inside projectors or electronic products containing an non­LED-backlit-LCD/CRT monito 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
check www.lamprecycle.org

ENERGY STAR

Acer's ENERGY STAR qualified products save your money by
reducing energy cost and protecting the environment without
sacrificing features or performance. Acer is proud to offer our
customers products with the ENERGY STAR mark.

What is ENERGY STAR?

Products that are ENERGY STAR qualified use less energy and
prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines
set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Acer is committed to offer
products and services worldwide that help customers save money, conserve
energy and improve the quality of our environment. The more energy we can
save through higher energy efficiency, the more we reduce greenhouse gases
and the risks of climate change. More information refers to http://
www.energystar.gov or http://www.energystar.gov/powermangement

Acer ENERGY STAR qualified products:

• Produce less heat and reduce cooling loads, and warmer climates.

• Automatically go into "display sleep" and "computer sleep" mode

after 10 and 30 minute of inactivity respectively.

• Wake the computer from sleep mode by pushing keyboard or moving

mouse.

• Computers will save more than 80% energy at "sleep" mode.

ENERGY STAR and the ENERGY STAR mark are registered U.S. marks

. For lamp-specific disposal information,

.

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.

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

xi

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.

xii

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 48.

xiii

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:
First off, the Just for Starters...poster helps you get started with setting up your

computer.
The printed Aspire Series Generic User Guide contains useful information

applying to all models in the Aspire product series. It covers basic topics such as
Acer eRecovery Management, using the keyboard, Audio, etc. Please
understand that due to its nature, the Generic User Guide as well as the
AcerSystem User Guide mentioned below 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".

The printed Quick Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions of
your new computer. For more on how your computer can help you to be more
productive, please refer to the AcerSystem User Guide. 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. Follow these steps to access it:

1 Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem.
2 Click on AcerSystem User Guide.

Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Reader. If Adobe Reader is
not installed on your computer, clicking on AcerSystem User Guide
will run the Adobe Reader setup program first. Follow the
instructions on the screen to complete the installation. For
instructions on how to use Adobe Reader, access the Help and
Support menu.

Basic care and tips for using your computer

Turning your computer on and off

To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button below the
LCD screen beside the easy-launch buttons. Please refre to "Quick Guide" for
the location of the power button.

xiv

To turn the power off, do any of the following:

• Use the Windows shutdown command

Click on Start then click on Shut Down.

• Use the power button

You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey
<Fn> + <F4>.

Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and
hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down
the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on
again, wait at least two seconds before powering up.

Taking care of your computer

Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.

• Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources

of heat, such as a radiator.

• Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0 ºC (32 ºF) or above

50 ºC (122 ºF).

• Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.

• Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.

• Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.

• Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.

• Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.

• Never place objects on top of the computer.

• Do not slam the computer display when you close it.

• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.

Taking care of your AC adapter

Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter:

• Do not connect the adapter to any other device.

• Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it.

Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from foot traffic.

• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull

on the plug.

• The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed

the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the
total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet
should not exceed the fuse rating.

xv

Taking care of your battery pack

Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:

• Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off

before removing or replacing batteries.

• Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.

• Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible.

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1 Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack.
2 Disconnect the AC adapter.
3 Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
If either of the following occurs:

• the computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged;

• the computer does not operate normally

Please refer to "Frequently asked questions" on page 43 .

xvi

Information for your safety and comfort iii

Safety instructions iii
Caution for Optical Drive Device (only for certain models) vii
Operating environment viii
Medical devices viii
Vehicles ix
Potentially explosive environments ix
Emergency calls ix
Disposal instructions x

Mercury advisory x
ENERGY STAR x

Tips and information for comfortable use xi

First things first xiii

Your guides xiii
Basic care and tips for using your computer xiii

Turning your computer on and off xiii
Taking care of your computer xiv
Taking care of your AC adapter xiv
Taking care of your battery pack xv
Cleaning and servicing xv

Touchpad 1

Touchpad basics (with fingerprint reader) 1
Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons) 2

Using the keyboard 3

Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad* 3
Windows keys 4

Audio 5

Acer PureZone (only for certain models) 5
Tuba (only for certain models) 5
Using Dolby Home Theater for surround/
multi-channel sound (only for certain models) 5

Video 6

16:9 display 6

Using the system utilities 7

Acer Bio-Protection (only for certain models) 7
Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) 8
Acer Backup Manager 9

Power management 10
Acer eRecovery Management 11

Burn backup discs 12
Restore 13

Restore Windows from backup discs 14

Acer Arcade Deluxe 16

General controls 17

Contents

Navigation controls 17
Player controls 17

Cinema 17

Play Movie:17

Videos: 18

Playing a video file: 18

Recent Videos: 18
HomeMedia 19
Advanced 19

Live Update:19

Albums 21

Editing Pictures 21

Slideshow settings 21
Music 21
Online Media (only for certain models) 22

YouTube 22

Flickr 22

Battery pack 23

Battery pack characteristics 23

Maximizing the battery's life 23
Installing and removing the battery pack 24
Charging the battery 25
Checking the battery level 25
Optimising battery life 25
Battery-low warning 26

Taking your notebook PC with you 27

Disconnecting from the desktop 27
Moving around 27

Preparing the computer 27

What to bring to meetings 28
Taking the computer home 28

Preparing the computer 28

What to take with you 28

Special considerations 29

Setting up a home office 29
Traveling with the computer 29

Preparing the computer 29

What to take with you 29

Special considerations 30
Traveling internationally with the computer 30

Preparing the computer 30

What to bring with you 30

Special considerations 30

Securing your computer 31

Using a computer security lock 31
Using passwords 31

Entering passwords 32
Setting passwords 32

Expanding through options 33

Connectivity options 33

Fax/data modem (only for certain models) 33
Built-in network feature 34
Consumer Infrared (CIR) (only for certain models) 34
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 35
IEEE 1394 port (only for certain models) 35
High-Definition Multimedia Interface
(only for certain models) 36
ExpressCard (only for certain models) 36
Installing memory 37

Enjoying TV with Windows Media Center 39

Choose your input type 39
Watching TV using the optional DVB-T (digital TV)
antenna (for selected models) 39

To connect the digital antenna 39
Watching TV with an external antenna or cable socket 40
BIOS utility 41

Boot sequence 41

Enable disk-to-disk recovery 41

Password 41
Using software 42

Playing DVD movies 42

Frequently asked questions 43

Requesting service 46

International Travelers Warranty (ITW) 46

Before you call 46

Troubleshooting 47

Troubleshooting tips 47
Error messages 47

Regulations and safety notices 48

FCC statement 48
Modem notices (only for certain models) 49
LCD pixel statement 52
Radio device regulatory notice 52
General 52
The FCC RF safety requirement 53
Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio
communication devices (RSS-210) 54
Exposure of humans to RF fields (RSS-102) 54
LCD panel ergonomic specifications 54

1

Touchpad

The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface.
This means the cursor responds as you move your finger across the surface of
the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort
and support.

Touchpad basics (with fingerprint reader)

The following items show you how to use the
touchpad with Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint
reader.

• Move your finger across the touchpad (1)

to move the cursor.

• Press the left (2) and right (4) buttons

located beneath the touchpad to perform
selection and execution functions. These
two buttons are similar to the left and
right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the
touchpad is the same as clicking the left button.

• Use Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader (3) supporting Acer FingerNav

4-way control function (only for certain models) to scroll up or down and
move left or right a page. This fingerprint reader or button mimics your
cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of Windows applications.

Function

Execute Quickly click

Select Click once. Tap once.

Drag Click and

Access
context
menu

Scroll Swipe up/down/left/

Left
button (2)

twice.

hold, then
use finger
on the
touchpad to
drag the
cursor.

Right
button (4)

Click once.

Main touchpad (1)

Tap twice (at the
same speed as
double-clicking a
mouse button).

Tap twice (at the
same speed as
double-clicking a
mouse button); rest
your finger on the
touchpad on the
second tap and drag
the cursor.

1 23 4

Center button (3)

right using Acer
FingerNav 4-way
control function
(Manufacturing
option).

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2

Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons)

The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two-click buttons.

• Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.

• Press the left and right buttons located beneath the touchpad to perform

selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left
and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the touchpad is the same as
clicking the left button.

Function Left button

Execute Quickly click twice. Tap twice (at the same speed

Select Click once. Tap once.

Drag Click and hold, then

Access context
menu

use finger on the
touchpad to drag
the cursor.

Right
button

Click once.

Main touchpad

as double-clicking a mouse
button).

Tap twice (at the same speed
as double-clicking a mouse
button); rest your finger on
the touchpad on the second
tap and drag the cursor.

Note: Illustrations for reference only. The exact configuration of
your PC depends on the model purchased.

Note: When using the touchpad, keep it — and your fingers — dry
and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; hence,
the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping harder will
not increase the touchpad's responsiveness.

Note: By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is enabled on
your touchpad. It can be disabled under Mouse settings in
Windows Control Panel.

3

Using the keyboard

The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad*, separate
cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys.

Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad*

The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.

Lock key Description
Caps Lock

Num Lock
<Fn> + <F11>*

Scroll Lock
<Fn> + <F12>

The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is
indicated by small characters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps.
To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on

the keys.

Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off
Number keys on

embedded keypad
Cursor-control keys

on embedded keypad
Main keyboard keys

* only for certain models

When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are
in uppercase.

When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode.
The keys function as a calculator (complete with the arithmetic
operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when you need to do a lot of
numeric data entry. A better solution would be to connect an
external keypad.

When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when
you press the up or down arrow keys respectively. Scroll Lock does
not work with some applications.

Type numbers in a normal
manner.

Hold <Shift> while using cursor­control keys.

Hold <Fn> while typing letters on
embedded keypad.

Hold <Fn> while using
cursor-control keys.

Type the letters in a
normal manner.

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