Acer Aspire Desktop Computer User manual

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Aspire Desktop Computer

User’s Manual

2 -

This revision: July 2015

Open the Acer Portal from the Start screen to sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID.

There are three great reason for you to get an Acer ID:

•Remotely access your PC from your other devices with our free Acer Remote Files app

•Get the latest offers and product information

•Register your device for warranty service

For more information please visit the AcerCloud website:

www.acer.com/acercloud

Important

This manual contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright laws. The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Images provided herein are for reference only and may contain information or features that do not apply to your computer. Acer Group shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained in this manual.

Model number: _________________________________

Serial number: _________________________________

Date of purchase: ______________________________

Place of purchase: ______________________________

Table of contents - 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

First things first	5
Your guides .............................................	5
Basic care and tips for using your
computer..................................................	5
Turning your computer off...........................	5
Taking care of your computer .....................	6
Power cord information ...............................	6
Cleaning and servicing................................	7
Connecting to the Internet	8
Connecting to a wireless network............	8
Connecting to a wireless LAN.....................	8
Connecting with a cable ........................	11
Built-in network feature .............................	12
BIOS utility	14
Boot sequence.......................................	14
Setting passwords .................................	14

Video and audio connectors	25
HDMI	26
HDMI Micro	27
Universal Serial Bus (USB)	28
Frequently asked questions	30
Requesting service ................................	32
Tips and hints for using Windows 10 .....	34
How do I get to Start? ...............................	34
How do I turn off my computer?................	34
How do I unlock my computer?.................	34
How do I set the alarm? ............................	36
Where are my apps?.................................	37
What is a Microsoft ID (account)?.............	37
How do I check for Windows updates?.....	38
Where can I get more information?...........	38
Troubleshooting .....................................	39

Securing your computer	15	Troubleshooting tips..................................	39
Using passwords ...................................	15	Error messages.........................................	39
Entering passwords ..................................	15	Internet and online security	41
Power management	17	First steps on the net .............................	41
Saving power.........................................	17	Protecting your computer..........................	41
Ports and connectors	20	Choose an Internet Service Provider ........	41
Ports and connectors	20	Network connections.................................	43
Information on USB 3.0.............................	21	Surf the Net!..............................................	44
Rear panel audio ports..............................	21	Security .....................................................	45
Micro USB	22	Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies	52
Memory card reader	23
Connectivity options ..............................	23

Getting started...

In this section you will find:

•Useful information on caring for your computer and your health

•How to create recovery backups

•Guidelines for connecting to a network

•Information on using Acer’s bundled software

First things first - 5

FIRST THINGS FIRST

We would like to thank you for making this Acer desktop computer your choice for meeting your computing needs.

Your guides

To help you use your Acer desktop computer, we have designed a set of guides:

First off, the Setup Guide (or Setup Poster) helps you get started with setting up your computer.

The 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 User’s Manual. This guide contains detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, data recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting.

To download the User’s Manual, you must first be connected to the internet. Open Acer Care Center from the desktop and click on the link under Support. The link will open the Acer Service & Support webpage. Scroll down to Drivers and Manuals and search for your model by entering the serial number, SNID, or product model. You may also download and install the Acer identification tool that will automatically detect this information and allow you to copy it to the clipboard. Once you have found your product model, select Documents and select your language to download the User’s Manual.

Basic care and tips for using your computer

Turning your computer off

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

•Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Shut down.

•Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out >

Shut down.

6 - First things first

If you need to power down the computer for a short while, but don’t want to completely shut it down, you can put it to Sleep by doing any of the following:

•Press the power button.

•Press the sleep hotkey <cross-ref to keyboard section>.

•Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button, select

Power > Sleep.

•Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out >

Sleep.

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 0º C (32º F) or above 50º C (122º F).

•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.

Power cord information

Here are some ways to take care of your power cord:

First things first - 7

•Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it. Route the power cord and any cables away from where people walk.

•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.

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

1.Turn off the computer.

2.Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

If your computer is dropped or visibly damaged, or does not work normally, please contact your nearest authorized Acer service center. For more information, please See Frequently asked questions on page 30.

8 - Connecting to the Internet

CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET

This chapter includes general information on types of connections, and getting connected to the internet. Some of this information may not apply to your computer. For detailed information, please refer to

Network connections on page 43.

Your computer’s built-in network features make it easy for you to connect your computer to the internet using a cable or a wireless connection.

First though, in order to connect to the internet, you’ll need to sign up for internet services from an ISP (Internet Service Provider) -- usually a phone or cable company -- that will have to go to your home or office to set up internet service. The ISP will install a small box, a router or modem, that will allow you to connect to the internet.

Connecting to a wireless network

Connecting to a wireless LAN

A wireless LAN (or WLAN) is a wireless local area network, which can link two or more computers without using wires. Once connected to WLAN, you can access the internet. You can also share files, other devices, and even your internet connection itself.

Warning

Using wireless devices while flying in aircraft may be prohibited. All wireless devices must be switched off before boarding an aircraft and during take-off, as they may be dangerous to the operation of the aircraft, disrupt communications, and even be illegal. You may turn on your computer’s wireless devices only when informed that it is safe to do so by the cabin crew.

Your computer's wireless connection is turned on by default and Windows will detect and display a list of available networks during setup. Select your network and enter the password if required.

Acer notebook computers feature an Airplane mode hotkey that turns the network connection on or off. You can use the network

Connecting to the Internet - 9

management options to turn your wireless network on/off or control what is shared over the network.

To connect to a wireless network, please follow the steps below.

1.Ensure you have a wireless router/access point and current internet connection through the ISP of your choice. Make a note of the wireless network’s name and password (if necessary). If you are trying to connect to a public network (such as at a coffeeshop), make sure you have the wireless network’s name.

Note

Please refer to your ISP or router documentation for details on connecting to the internet.

2.In the icon tray in the lower right-hand corner of the screen, select the Notifications icon to open the Notifications pane.

3.Select All settings.

10 - Connecting to the Internet

4. Select Network & internet.

5.You will see a list of available wireless networks. Select the one you wish to use.

Acer Aspire Desktop Computer User manual

Connecting to the Internet - 11

6. Once you select a wireless network, select Connect.

7. If required, enter the network’s password.

Connecting with a cable

12 - Connecting to the Internet

Built-in network feature

Plug one end of a network cable into the network port on your computer, and the other end into a port on your router. (Refer to the image below.) Then, you'll be ready to get online.

Keeping your computer

and data safe...

In this section you will find:

•How to secure your computer

•Setting passwords

14 - BIOS utility

BIOS UTILITY

The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS.

Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not normally need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it.

To activate the BIOS utility, press <F2> while the computer logo is being displayed.

Boot sequence

To set the boot sequence in the BIOS utility, activate the BIOS utility, then select Boot from the categories listed on the left of the screen.

Setting passwords

To set a password on boot, activate the BIOS utility, then select Security from the categories listed on the left of the screen.

Find Set Supervisor Password and enter a password to enable this feature. Once you have entered a password for this feature, you may then enable/disable Password on Boot.

Remember to select <F10> to properly save and exit the BIOS utility when you are done making changes.

Securing your computer - 15

SECURING YOUR COMPUTER

Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer.

Using passwords

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. See Setting passwords on page 14.

•User Password secures your computer against unauthorized use. Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints on boot-up and resume from Hibernation (if available) 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 (if available) 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.

•When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you enter the BIOS utility.

•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.

16 - Securing your computer

•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.

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