Acer ASPIRE ELD User Manual

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Did you know your Acer Aspire comes with incredible multimedia software that was designed to show you all the cool stuff your computer can do? This book is your handy desktop reference for your Acer Aspire. For more information, access the online guide.

(P.S. - If you’re reading this because you’re having trouble with your computer, check the “Need Help?” section in this book.)

Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks and Aspire is a trademark of Acer Inc. and Acer America Corpor ation.

Microsoft Windows and the Windows Logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corp. All other brands/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Printed in China First printing: November 2001

Table

of Contents

Welcome v

Before You Start . . . vi

Safety Instructions vi Proper Setup and Placement Tips ix

Introducing your Aspire 1

The System 1 The Mouse 5 The Keyboard 6 The Monitor 10 The Speakers 11 Drives on Your Computer 12 Your Data/Fax Modem 17 Connecting an Optional Printer 18 Connecting an Optional Serial Device 19 Connecting an Optional Joystick or MIDI Device 20

Getting the most from your Aspire Audio System 21

Playing an Audio CD 21 Adjusting the Volume 21

iii

Adding Options to your Aspire 23

Opening/Closing Your Aspire 23 Connecting USB Devices 26

Need Help? 27

Troubleshooting - General 27 Troubleshooting - Error Messages 30 Additional Acer Services 32 Notices 33

Welcome

purchasing an Aspire computer. You are now the owner of a multimedia computer system! Already installed on your system and ready to go are software programs designed to enable you to:

• Create personal documents

• Access the Internet and send and receive emails

• Use your computer as a fax machine

• Play audio CDs while you’re working

and tons more!

Whether you’ve owned a computer before or not, your Aspire was designed to improve the way you work and to serve your needs now and into the future.

and

thank you

for

Before You Start . . .

Make sure you read this section carefully for proper placement and important Safety Instructions on the use and care of your new computer. Please save these instructions for future reference.

Safety Instructions

• Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

• Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth mildly dampened with water for cleaning.

• Do not use this product in or near water.

• Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,

or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

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

• 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.

• This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding

-type plug.

-type power outlet. This is

• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where persons 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 15 amperes.

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

• Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

• Do not attempt to service this product yourself;

opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Service by persons other than Acer authorized service providers may void your warranty.

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

a When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.

b If liquid has been spilled into the product.

c If the product has been exposed to rain or water.

d If the product does not operate normally when the

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

e If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has

been damaged.

f If the product exhibits a distinct change in

performance, indicating a need for service.

• Replace battery with the same type as the product’s battery we recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion. Refer battery replacement to qualified service personnel.

vii

viii

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

• Use only the proper type of power supply cord set (provided in your keyboard/manual accessories box) for this unit. It should be a detachable type: UL listed/ CSA certified, type SVT/SJT, rated 6A 125V minimum, VDE approved or its equivalent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters).

• Always unplug the computer and monitor before opening the housing or adjusting connections or cables.

• Use power strips with surge protection to protect your computer in the event of a power surge, due to severe weather such as a thunderstorm.

Proper Setup and Placement Tips

It’s important that your computer be set up correctly and according to your own comfort and ergonomic needs. The following tips should make your workstation a comfortable and healthy place:

Monitor Level. Position your computer so that it is at arm’s length away and the top third of the monitor viewing area is at eye level. This helps prevent eye and neck strain. To further reduce eye strain, close your eyes and refocus on something other than your computer screen at least twice an hour. Most monitors come standard with a detachable tilt-and-swivel base and adjustable, rear-mounted foot, which allow you to position the monitor exactly where you want it.

Your S e a t . If you plan to use your Aspire computer for extended periods (for example, in a home office environment), select a highly adjustable office chair with a five-pronged base. The seat and chair back should be adjustable, while you’re sitting in the chair, for height and tilt, and forward/backward positioning, and the lumbar area of the back should be supported by the chair adjustments or a cushion. Arm rests should conform to your elbow height and shoulder width and should be used for support. For maximum comfort, vary positions frequently throughout the day. Observe good posture when seated, keep your head centered over your shoulders and, just like your mother always told you, don’t slump over your work.

Anti-Glare Coating. Some monitor screens are constructed with a special anti-glare coating, which minimizes reflections that cause eye strain and discomfort. To further reduce eye strain, close your eyes and refocus on something other than your computer screen at least twice an hour.

Task Lighting . When room lighting is dimmed, there may be insufficient light on documents or reference materials for comfortable reading. A well-lit room or a few directional, adjustable task lights will allow you to see your monitor screen and other materials clearly, and with the least amount of strain.

Hand and Wrist. Keep your wrists straight and your forearms parallel to the floor while you are typing. If you use a wrist rest, use it only briefly for resting. Do not rest your hands on the table or on the wrist rest while you are typing. During long periods of typing, frequent breaks are recommended.

Introducing

your Aspire

The System

No. Description

Speaker/Headphone

-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive

CD activity indicator

-out port

5 Acer GoTo drive bay keylock

6 Acer GoTo drive activity indicator

7 Acer GoTo drive (optional)

8Power indicator

9 LAN activity indicator

10 Hard disk activity indicator

-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive

CD emergency eject hole

-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive

CD Stop/Eject button

No. Description

11 Power button

15 CD/DVD compartment

16 Front USB ports

19 Memory Stick slot (optional)

20 Multimedia port bay cover

-inch floppy drive eject button

3.5

-inch floppy drive

3.5

-inch floppy drive activity indicator

3.5

Front microphone

Speaker/Headphone

-in port

-out port

Setting Up Your Aspire

Refer to the Aspire Easy Setup poster included in your system box for details on how to set up your computer.

Turning on your Aspire

1 Turn on all peripherals connected to your computer

such as the monitor, printer, fax, speakers, etc.

2 On your computer’s rear panel, set the voltage selector

to the voltage range applicable in your area (a)

switch then turn on the main power switch (b).

Note: For models with no voltage selector switch and main power switch, proceed to step 3.

Applies to selected models only.

3 On the front panel of your computer, press the

power button.

Whe n the com puter fini shes booting, it is now read y for use.

Important: Make sure that the power cable is properly plugged in into an electrical outlet. If you are using a power strip or an AVR (Auto Regulator), make sure that it is plugged in and turned on.

-Volt age

Turning off your Aspire

Option 1: Quickstart OFF. Your Aspi re will c ontin ue to run in the Quickstart OFF condition. It will appear that it is OFF. When you press the power button to switch your Aspire to the fully ON condition, it will do so in only a few seconds.

Option 2: Traditional OFF. If you want your Aspire to completely power OFF (if you need to unplug it):

1 Click on the Start button on the taskbar.

2 Click on Shut Down.

3 Click on Shut Down the Computer and click Yes. Your

computer will guide you through saving any open files and then will shut down Windows Me. Your computer will then turn off all computer power automatically. You will have to manually turn off your monitor after you see the computer power go off.

The Mouse

The mouse uses a cursor called a pointer. Pointers come in many different shapes but are most commonly shaped like an arrow.

Your mouse has two buttons: a left button and a right button. Quickly pressing and releasing one of these buttons is called clicking. Sometimes you will need to double-click or click the same button twice quickly.

In this manual, click means to position your mouse point on an icon and to single click the left button. When a right-click is required, this is stated clearly. Double-click also refers to the left button.

The ratchet wheel in between the two buttons is added to provide easier scrolling capability. By simply moving the wheel with your index finger, you can quicky move through multiple pages, line, or windows. The wheel may also function as a third button allowing you to quickly click or double-click an icon or a selected item.

Ratchet Wheel

Left Button

Right Button

Caring for your

mouse

Pointer movement on the screen is controlled by the movement of a small ball on the bottom of the mouse.

Using a mouse pad under your mouse will help to keep the internal parts of the mouse clean. A dirty mouse results in jerky pointer movement and difficulty getting the pointer where you want it on screen.

To clean your mouse:

1 Turn the mouse upside

down.

2 Remove the ring

holding the ball in place by turning it counterclockwise.

3 Using a lint-free cloth

or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, clean all moving parts.

4 Inser t the ball back into

the mouse, making sure to turn the ring clockwise.

Note: If you are left-handed, please refer to your Windows Me manual for instructions on how to set up your mouse for left

-handed use.

The Keyboard

The way keys are used varies from program to program. Here are some of the most common uses:

No. Component Function

1Function keys

- F12)

(F1

2 Caps Lock Locks the capital letters in

3 Windows logo key

4 Application key

5 Cursor Arrow keys Move the cursor in the

Numbered F1 through F12, each will perform a specific

-defined function,

and well should an application use them.

place. Pressing it again will take the Caps Lock off. (A Caps Lock indicator light will turn on when the Caps Lock is on.)

Brings up the Windows Start menu.

Displays drop from icons (same as right click) and currently active applications.

directions that the arrows point.

-down menus

+ 36 hidden pages