Acer ASPIRE 1310 User Manual

Acer Aspire 1310 series

User’s guide

Acer Aspire 1310 Series Notebook Computer User's Guide 2nd Issue: March 2003

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision 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 correspondense 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, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

Acer Aspire 1310 series Notebook computer

Model Number : _________________________________

Serial Number: ___________________________________

Purchase Date: ___________________________________

Place of Purchase: ________________________________

All trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective companies.

iii

First things first

Your guides

A set of guides is provided to help you set up and use your Aspire computer.:

The Just for starters… poster shows you how to set up your computer.

This User's Guide provides clear and concise information on using your computer productively. You are advised to read it thoroughly and keep it handy for future reference.

For more information on our products, services, and support, please visit our web site www.global.acer.com.

Basic care and tips for using your computer

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Turning your computer on and off

To turn on your computer, open the lid and press the power button above the keyboard.

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

• Click on the Start button in Windows, and then select Shut Down on the popup menu.

• Push the power button. To use this method, you must first click on the Power

Management icon in Windows Control Panel, and then check that the power button is set to shut down the computer when pressed. See Windows Help for more information.

English

Note: if you are unable to shut down the computer in the usual way, press and hold the power switch for more than four seconds. You should then wait at least two seconds before turning the computer on again.

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°C (32°F), or above 50°C (122°F).

• Do not expose 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.

• Do not place objects on top of the computer.

• Do not slam the lid shut. Close the computer gently.

• Do not place the computer on unstable or uneven surfaces.

Taking care of your AC adapter

It is important that you look after your AC adapter.

• Do not connect the adapter to any other device.

• Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on it. Route the power cord away from areas where people might walk on it or trip over it.

• Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting from the mains power socket. Grasp and pull the plug instead.

• The total ampere ratings of equipment plugged into a power strip should not exceed the ampere rating for that power strip.

Taking care of your battery pack

It is also important that you look after your computer's battery pack.

• Use the correct battery model for your computer. Do not use other kinds of batteries.

• Turn the power off before removing or replacing the battery.

• Do not tamper with the battery. Keep the battery away from children.

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

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning your computer, it is important that you follow these steps:

1 Turn off the computer and remove the battery. 2 Disconnect the AC adapter. 3 Clean with a soft cloth moistened with a little water. Do not use

liquid or aerosol cleaners.

Refer to the chapter entitled “Frequently asked questions” on page 67 if any of the following occurs:

• You drop the computer or damage the case.

• You spill liquid on the computer.

• The computer does not operate normally.

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First things first iii

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

Getting familiar with your computer 1

A tour of your computer 3

Front view 3 Left view 5 Right view 6 Rear view 7 Bottom view 8

Features 9 Display 10 Indicators 11 Keyboard 13

Special keys 13 Keyboard ergonomics 17

Touchpad 18

Touchpad basics 18

Launch keys 20 Storage 21

Inserting and ejecting a diskette 21 Ejecting the optical drive tray 21 Emergency ejection of the optical drive tray 22

Connectivity options 23

Ethernet and LAN 23 Fax/data modem 23

Audio 25 Securing your computer 26

Security slot 26 Passwords 26

Contents

Operating on battery power 27

Battery pack 29

Battery pack characteristics 29 Installing and removing the battery pack 30 Charging the battery 31 Checking the battery level 31 Optimizing battery life 31 Battery-low warning 32

Power management 33

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viii

Peripherals and options 35

External display devices 37 External input devices 38

External keyboard 38 External keypad 38 External pointing device 38 USB devices 39 IEEE 1394 Port 40

Printer 41 Audio devices 42 Expansion devices 43

PC Card 43

Miscellaneous options 45

Battery pack 45 AC adapter 45

Key component upgrades 46

Memory upgrade 46 Hard disk upgrade 47

Moving with your computer 49

Disconnecting from the desktop 51 Moving around 52

Preparing the computer 52 What to bring to short meetings 52 What to bring to long meetings 52

Taking the computer home 53

Preparing the computer 53 What to bring with you 53 Special considerations 53 Setting up a home office 54

Traveling with the computer 55

Preparing the computer 55 What to take with you 55 Special considerations 55

Traveling internationally with your computer 56

Preparing the computer 56 What to take with you 56 Special considerations 56

Software 57

System software 59

Launch Manager 59

BIOS Setup Utility 60

Troubleshooting 65

Frequently asked questions 67

Appendix A Specifications 71

Appendix B Notices 77

Index 87

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Getting familiar with

your computer

Your Aspire 1310 series notebook computer combines solid performance, versatility, multimedia capabilities and portability with a stylish design. Increase your productivity by working wherever you are.

This chapter provides an in-depth "tour" of your computer's features.

A tour of your computer

After setting up your new Aspire notebook computer, as illustrated in the Just for starters… poster, take a few minutes to explore the unit.

Front view

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# Item Description

1 Display Large liquid crystal display (LCD) provides visual

2 Launch keys 4 buttons that can be programmed to start

3 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

output.

frequently used applications.

# Item Description

Getting familiar with your computer

English

4 Touchpad Touch sensitive pad that functions like a computer

5 Click buttons &

scroll key

6 Speakers Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio

7 Palm rest Provides a comfortable platform for your hands

8 Keyboard Full-size keyboard for inputting typed data.

9 Status

indicators

10 Latch Locks and releases the lid.

11 Wireless

communication button

Note: This wireless communication button works for models with

802.11b wireless LAN only.

mouse.

Right and left buttons that provide the same functions as the buttons on a computer mouse. The scroll key scrolls the contents of a window up and down.

output.

when typing on the keyboard.

Light emitting diodes (LED) that show the status of the computer and its components.

Lights when the Wireless LAN capability is enabled.

Left view

# Item Description

1 Modem jack Connects the built-in fax/data modem

to a phone line.

2 Network jack Connects the computer to an Ethernet

10/100-based network.

3 Microphone-in jack Connects an external microphone for

audio input.

4 Headphone jack Connects headphones for audio output.

5 PC card eject button Press the eject button to remove a PC

card from the PC card slot.

6 PC card slot The slot supports a standard Type II or

Type III PC card (PCMCIA or CardBus).

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7 Floppy disk drive Supports a standard 3.5” diskette.

8 Floppy disk eject button Press the eject button to remove a

diskette from the floppy disk drive.

English

Right view

# Item Description

Getting familiar with your computer

1 Optical drive Depending on your model, the optical

drive is one of the following:

• CD-ROM drive for reading CDs.

• DVD-ROM drive for reading CDs and DVDs.

• DVD/CD-RW combo drive for reading CDs and DVDs, and writing to CD-Rs and CD-RWs.

2 Optical drive

emergency eject hole

3 Optical drive eject

button

4 Optical disc read

indicator

Used to eject an optical disc when the computer is turned off.

Press the eject button to remove a disc from the optical drive.

Light emitting diode (LED) that indicates when an optical disc is being read.

Rear view

# Item Description

1 Kensington lock slot For attaching a security connector.

2 DC-in jack Connects the AC adapter.

3 S-video Connects to a television or display device

with S-video input.

4 IEEE 1394 port Connects IEEE 1394 devices.

5 USB ports 2 ports for connecting USB devices.

6 External display port Connects an external (VGA) display monitor.

7 Parallel port Connects a parallel device, such as a printer.

8 Ventilation slots Enables the computer to stay cool, even after

prolonged use.

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Bottom view

# Item Description

Getting familiar with your computer

1 Ventilation slots Enables the computer to stay cool, even

after prolonged use.

2 Reset Switch Forces the computer to shut down in the

3 Battery release latch Slide and hold the latch, and then pull the

4 Battery The computer's removable battery.

5 Hard disk bay Removable cover provides access to the

6 Memory compartment Removable cover provides access to the

event of system lockup. Note: Any unsaved data will be lost.

battery to remove it from the unit.

computer's hard drive.

memory slots for upgrading the computer's memory.

Features

Performance

• AMD Athlon XP1800+, XP1900+ or higher processor.

• VIA KN266 + VT8235.

• 2 memory slots supporting 266MHz DDR, upgradeable to 2GB.

• High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk.

• Microsoft Windows XP operating system.

Multimedia

• Built-in optical drive (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or DVD/CD-RW combo drive).

• 14.1” or 15.0” TFT XGA LVDS panel.

• Built-in stereo speakers.

• Audio input and output jacks.

Connectivity

• Integrated 10/100Mbps Ethernet connection.

• Built-in 56Kbps fax/data modem.

• 2 universal serial bus (USB 2.0) ports.

• IEEE 1394 port

• 802.11b wireless LAN (optional)

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Human-centric design and ergonomics

• All-in-one design (incorporating hard drive, optical drive and floppy disk drive).

• Rugged, yet extremely portable, construction.

• Stylish appearance.

• Full-size keyboard with 4 programmable launch keys.

• Comfortable palm rest area with well-positioned touchpad.

Expansion

• PC card slot enables a range of add-on options.

• Upgradeable hard disk and memory modules.

Display

Getting familiar with your computer

English

• The 14.1” or 15.0” display panel provides a large viewing area for maximum efficiency and ease-of-use. The thin-film transistor (TFT) Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) supports extended graphics array (XGA), enabling 16.7 million colors at 1024 x 768 resolution.

• 3D graphics support.

• Supports simultaneous display between LCD and CRT display.

• S-video for output to a television or display device that supports S-video input.

• “Automatic LCD dim” feature that automatically selects the best setting for the display in order to conserve power.

• Dual display capability

Indicators

Your computer provides an array of six indicators located above the keyboard, in addition to two indicators positioned at the front of the palm rest area. These indicators show the status of the computer and its components.

The six indicators located above the keyboard provide the following status information:

Icon Description

Caps Lock active.

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Num Lock active. (Note: the keypad lock must be turned on to use the embedded numeric keypad.)

Scroll Lock active.

Floppy disk drive activity.

Hard disk drive activity.

Optical drive activity.

English

Getting familiar with your computer

The two indicators located at the front of the unit provide the following status information:

Icon Description

Battery charge: Green the AC adapter is connected and the battery is fully

charged. Amber the AC adapter is connected and the battery is

charging. Red the AC adapter is connected and the battery has a

fault. Off the AC adapter is not connected, or the battery is

not installed.

Power mode: Steady green the computer is on (even if the display is

turned off). Flashing green the computer is in standby mode. Off the computer is turned off, or in hibernation

mode.

Keyboard

The keyboard features full-size keys with an embedded keypad, separate cursor control keys, two Windows keys, and twelve function keys (hot keys).

Special keys

Lock keys

F10

Scr LK

NumLK

Caps Lock

The computer features three lock keys, each with its own status indicator light.

Lock Key Description

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

uppercase. Toggle on and off by pressing the Caps Lock key on the left side of the keyboard.

Num Lock When Num Lock is on, the embedded numeric keypad can be

used. Toggle on and off by pressing the Fn + F9 keys simultaneously.

Scroll Lock When Scroll Lock is on, the screen toggles up or down one

line at a time when the up and down cursor control keys are pressed. Note: Scroll Lock doesn't work in all applications. Toggle on and off by pressing the Fn + F10 keys simultaneously.

English

Getting familiar with your computer

Embedded keypad

The embedded keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small blue numbers and characters on the applicable keys.

7 8 9 *

4 5 6 -

1 2 3 +

0 . /

To use the embedded numeric keys, toggle the Num Lk on by pressing the Fn + F9 keys simultaneously.

With the embedded keypad turned on, the following actions are possible:

Desired Access Num lock On Num lock Off

Number keys on embedded keypad.

Type numbers using embedded keypad in the normal way.

Cursor control keys on embedded keypad.

Hold down the Shift key while using the cursor keys on the embedded keypad.

Main keyboard keys. Hold down the Fn key

while typing letters using the embedded keypad keys. Simultaneously press the Shift key for capital letters.

Hold Fn key while using cursor-control keys.

Type letters in the normal way.

Windows keys

The keyboard features two keys that provide Windows-specific functions.

Key Description

Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on

the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions:

+ Tab activates the next Taskbar button. + E opens the My Computer window. + F1 opens Help and Support. + F opens the Find: All Files dialog box.

+ M minimizes all windows.

Shift + + M undoes the minimize all windows ( + M) action.

+ R opens the Run dialog box.

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Application key This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse

button; it opens the application's context menu.

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Getting familiar with your computer

Hotkeys

Using the Fn key with another key creates a hot key, providing a quick and convenient method for controlling various functions.

To use a hot key, first hold down the Fn key. Next, press the second key in the combination. Finally, release both keys.

Your computer provides the following hot keys:

HotKey Function

Fn + F1 Decreases the display panel brightness.

Fn + F2 Increases the display panel brightness.

Fn + F5 Toggles the display setting between (1) the computer's

LCD panel, (2) an external display device connected to the external display port, and (3) simultaneous display on the computer's LCD panel and an external display device.

Fn + F9 Toggles Num Lk on and off. (See "Special keys").

Fn + F10 Toggles the keyboard's Scroll Lock on and off. (See

"Special keys").

Fn + Home Toggles the sound on and off. (Mute.)

Fn + Page Up Increases the sound volume. (Doesn't work for an

external keyboard.)

Fn + Page Down

Decreases the sound volume. (Doesn't work for an external keyboard.)

Euro key

Your computer supports the new Euro currency character. First, hold down the Alt Gr key, and then press the Euro key..

Keyboard ergonomics

The wide palm rest area provides a comfortable platform for your hands when typing on the keyboard. The ergonomic design enables you to adopt a relaxed, yet very efficient, typing style.

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To u c h p a d

Getting familiar with your computer

English

The built-in touchpad is a PS/2- compatible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. The cursor responds to your finger movements on the touchpad. In addition, the two click buttons provide the same functionality as a computer mouse, while the scroll key enables easy up and down scrolling in documents and web pages.

The touchpad is located in the middle of the palm rest area, providing maximum comfort and efficiency.

Touc hpa d ba sic s

Use the touchpad as follows:

• Slide your finger over the surface of the touchpad to control the movement of the cursor. Tap the touchpad to perform selection and execution functions.

• Press the left (1) and right (3) click buttons to perform selection and execution functions, just as you would use the buttons on a computer mouse.

• Use the scroll key (2) to scroll through long documents and web pages. Press the top of the key to scroll up, and the bottom to

scroll down.

Function Left Button

Execute Click twice

quickly.

Select Click once. Tap once.

Drag Click and hold.

Then, slide your finger across the touchpad to drag the cursor over the selection.

Access content menu

Note: keep your fingers, as well as the surface of the touchpad, clean and dry. The touchpad is sensitive to your finger movements: the lighter your touch, the better the response. Tapping hard will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness.

Right Button

Click once.

Tap

Tap twice quickly.

Tap twice quickly. On the second tap, slide your finger across the touchpad to drag the cursor over the selection.

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Launch keys

Getting familiar with your computer

English

Located at the top of the keyboard are four buttons. These buttons are called launch keys. They are designated as key 1,key 2,key 3 and key 4. By default, key 1 is used to launch the email application and key 2 is used to launch the Internet browser. Keys 3 and 4 start the Launch Manager application. All four launch keys can be set by the user. To

set the launch keys, run the Acer Launch Manager.

Launch key Default application

Email Launches your email application.

Web browser Launches your Internet browser.

P1 User-programmable

P2 User-programmable

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