Acer R 13 User Manual

User’s Manual

2 -

© 2014. All Rights Reserved. Aspire R 13

Covers: Aspire R7-371T

This revision: September 2014

Sign up for an Acer ID and enjoy great benefits

Open the Acer Portal app 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 reasons for you to get an Acer ID:

•Build Your Own Cloud with Acer BYOC.

•Get the latest offers and product information.

•Register your device for warranty service.

For more information, please visit the Acer BYOC website:

www.acer.com/byoc-start

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	6
Your guides .............................................	6
Basic care and tips for using your
computer..................................................	6
Turning your computer off...........................	6
Taking care of your computer .....................	7
Taking care of your AC adapter ..................	7
Cleaning and servicing................................	7
Your Acer notebook tour	9
Screen view .............................................	9
Keyboard view .......................................	10
Left view ................................................	11
Information on USB 3.0.............................	11
Right view ............................................	12
Base view ..............................................	12

Using AccuFinger......................................	37
RepliView ..................................................	38
Settings .....................................................	38
Acer Screen Grasp	40
Overview ..............................................	40
Adjusting the Settings ...............................	41
The editing tool .........................................	41
Acer Scrapboard	43
Acer Hover Access	44
Overview ..............................................	44
Adjusting the Settings ...............................	45
BIOS utility	47
Boot sequence.......................................	47
Setting passwords .................................	47

Using the keyboard

13

Securing your computer

48

Hotkeys .....................................................	13
Windows keys........................................	14
Touchpad	15
Touchpad basics ...................................	15
Touchpad gestures................................	15
Recovering your system	17
Recover from a supplied DVD ...............	17
Creating recovery discs .........................	18
Creating a recovery backup...................	18
Creating a drivers and applications
backup ...................................................	20
Recovering your system ........................	22
Reinstalling drivers and applications.........	23
Returning to an earlier system snapshot ..	25
Returning your system to its factory
condition....................................................	26
Recovering from Windows ........................	26
Recovering from a recovery backup .........	29
Connecting to the Internet	32
Connecting with a cable ........................	32
Built-in network feature .............................	32
Connecting wirelessly............................	32
Connecting to a wireless LAN...................	33
Connecting to a 3G network .....................	33
Using a Bluetooth connection	34
Enabling and disabling Bluetooth ..........	34
Enable Bluetooth and add a device ..........	34
Acer Touch Tools	36
Touch tool controls ................................	36

Using passwords ...................................	48
Entering passwords ..................................	48
Power management	50
Saving power .........................................	50
Battery pack	52
Battery characteristics ...........................	52
Charging the battery .................................	52
Optimizing battery life ...............................	53
Checking the battery level.........................	54
Battery-low warning ..................................	54
Traveling with your computer	55
Disconnecting from the desktop ............	55
Moving around .......................................	55
Preparing the computer ............................	55
What to bring to meetings .........................	56
Taking the computer home ....................	56
Preparing the computer ............................	56
What to take with you................................	57
Special considerations ..............................	57
Setting up a home office ...........................	57
Traveling with the computer...................	57
Preparing the computer ............................	58
What to take with you................................	58
Special considerations ..............................	58

Traveling internationally with the computer 58

Preparing the computer ............................	58
What to bring with you ..............................	59
Special considerations ..............................	59
Memory card reader	61
Connectivity options...............................	61

Pointing .....................................................

37

4 - Table of contents
Video and audio connectors	63
HDMI	64
Universal Serial Bus (USB)	65
Frequently asked questions	67
Requesting service ................................	69
Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1....	71
How do I get to Start? ...............................	71
What are "Charms?" .................................	71
Can I boot directly to the desktop? ...........	72
How do I jump between apps?..................	72
How do I turn off my computer?................	72
How do I unlock my computer?.................	72
How do I set the alarm? ............................	74
Where are my apps?.................................	75
What is a Microsoft ID (account)?.............	77
How do I add a favorite to Internet

Explorer?...................................................	77
How do I check for Windows updates?.....	77
Where can I get more information?...........	77
Troubleshooting .....................................	78
Troubleshooting tips..................................	78
Error messages.........................................	78
Internet and online security	80
First steps on the net .............................	80
Protecting your computer..........................	80
Choose an Internet Service Provider ........	80
Network connections.................................	82
Surf the Net!..............................................	84
Security .....................................................	84
Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies	91

Getting started...

In this section you will find:

•Useful information on caring for your computer and your health

•Where to find the power button, ports and connectors

•Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard

•How to create recovery backups

•Guidelines for connecting to a network and using Bluetooth

•Information on using Acer’s bundled software

6 - First things first

FIRST THINGS FIRST

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

Your guides

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

First off, the Setup Guide 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. In addition it contains general regulations and safety notices for your tablet. It is available from the desktop; double-click the Help icon and click User’s Manual in the menu that opens.

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: Open the Charms, click

Settings > Power then click Shut Down.

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 into Hibernate by pressing the power button.

You can also put the computer in sleep mode by opening the Charms, click Settings > Power then click 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.

First things first - 7

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.

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.

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

1.Turn off the computer.

2.Disconnect the AC adapter.

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

8 - First things first

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 67.

Your Acer notebook tour - 9

YOUR ACER NOTEBOOK TOUR

After setting up your computer as illustrated in the setup poster, let us show you around your new Acer notebook.

Screen view

1

2

		3	4
	#	Icon Item	Description
			Web camera for video
	1	Webcam	communication.
			A light next to the webcam indicates
			that the webcam is active.
	2	Touchscreen	Displays computer output, supports
			multi-touch input.

10 - Your Acer notebook tour
#	Icon	Item	Description
			Indicates the computer’s power
			status.
			Blue: The computer is turned on.
		Power indicator	Amber, slow flash: The computer is
3			in Standby.
			Amber, fast flash: The computer is
			entering Hibernate / Deep Sleep.
			Indicates battery status.
		Battery indicator	Amber: The battery is charging.
			Blue: The battery is fully charged.
4		Microphones	Internal stereo microphones for
			sound recording.

Keyboard view

1

2

#	Icon	Item	Description
1		Keyboard	For entering data into your
			computer.

			Your Acer notebook tour - 11
	# Icon	Item	Description
			Touch-sensitive pointing device.
			The touchpad and selection
			buttons form a single surface.
			Press down firmly on the touchpad
	2	Touchpad	surface to perform a left click.
			Press down firmly on the lower
			right corner to perform a right click.
			Swipe the right-hand edge of the
			touchpad inward to access the
			charms.

Left view

1	2 3 4
# Icon Item	Description

1

2

3

4

	HDMI port	Supports high-definition digital video
		connections.

USB port with

power-off charging Connect to USB devices. USB port

	Headset/speaker	Connects to audio devices (e.g.,
		speakers, headphones) or a headset
	jack
		with microphone.

Information on USB 3.0

•Compatible with USB 3.0 and earlier devices.

•For optimal performance, use USB 3.0-certified devices.

•Defined by the USB 3.0 specification (SuperSpeed USB).

12 - Your Acer notebook tour

Right view

								1	2 3 4
# Icon							Item	Description
								Accepts one Secure Digital (SD or
1							SD card reader	SDHC) card.
								Push to remove/install the card.
2							USB port	Connects to USB devices.
3							Power button	Turns the computer on and off.
4							DC-in jack	Connects to an AC adapter.

Base view

1

3

2

	# Icon	Item	Description
	1	Ventilation and	Allows the computer to stay cool.
			Do not cover or obstruct the
		cooling fan
			openings.
	2	Speakers	Deliver stereo audio output.
			Simulates removing and reinstalling
	3	Battery reset	the battery.
		pinhole	Insert a paperclip into the hole and

press for four seconds.

Using the keyboard - 13

USING THE KEYBOARD

The keyboard has full-sized keys, separate cursor, and Windows keys.

Hotkeys

The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer's controls like screen brightness and volume output.

To activate hotkeys, press and hold the <Fn> key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.

		Icon
	Hotkey		Function	Description
	<Fn> +			Enables/disables the
			Airplane mode	computer’s communication
	<Q>
				devices.
	<Fn> +		Sleep	Puts the computer in Sleep
	<W>			mode.
	<Fn> +			Switches display output
			Display toggle	between the display screen,
	<E>			external monitor (if connected)
				and both.
	<Fn> +			Turns the display screen
			Screen blank	backlight off to save power.
	<R>
				Press any key to return.
	<Fn> +		Touchpad toggle	Turns the internal touchpad on
	<T>			and off.
	<Fn> +		Speaker toggle	Turns the speakers on and off.
	<Y>
	<Fn> +		Decrease	Decreases the brightness of the
			backlight
	<U>			keyboard backlight.
			brightness
	<Fn> +		Increase	Increases the brightness of the
			backlight
	<I>			keyboard backlight.
			brightness

14 - Using the keyboard
		Icon
	Hotkey		Function	Description
	<Fn> +			Turns the keyboard backlight on
				and off.
	<U> +		Backlight toggle	This function is disabled if the
	<I>			light sensor detects a bright
				environment.
	<Fn> +		Touch panel	Turns the display’s touch panel
	<O>		toggle	on or off.
	<Fn> +		Brightness up	Increases the screen
< >				brightness.
	<Fn> +		Brightness down	Decreases the screen
< >				brightness.
	<Fn> +		Volume up	Increases the sound volume.
< >
	<Fn> +		Volume down	Decreases the sound volume.
	< >

Note

To use Function keys (such as F1, F2 ...) press <Fn> and the corresponding number key. Thus, <Fn> + <1> for <F1> etc.

During boot up, press <Fn> + <2> to access BIOS.

Windows keys

The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.

Key Description

Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen. Windows key It can also be used with other keys for special

functions, please check Windows Help.

	Application	This key has the same effect as clicking the right
		mouse button; it opens the application's context
	key
		menu.

Touchpad - 15

TOUCHPAD

Touchpad basics

The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement.

Note

The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; the lighter the touch, the better the response. Please keep the touchpad and your fingers dry and clean.

The cursor is controlled by some basic gestures:

•Single-finger slide: Slide a finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.

•Single-finger press or tap: Press the touchpad down, or lightly tap the touchpad with your finger, to perform a 'click',

which will select or start an item. Quickly repeat the tap to perform a double tap or 'double click'.

•Single-finger press in the bottom-right corner: Press the bottom right corner of the

touchpad to perform a 'right click'. In the Start screen, this will toggle the app commands, in most apps this will open a context menu related to the selected item.

•Drag: Press and hold the bottom left corner of the touchpad, or tap twice anywhere on the touchtap, then slide a second finger across the touchpad to select all items in an area.

Touchpad gestures

Windows 8.1 and many applications support touchpad gestures that use one or more fingers.

Note

Support for touchpad gestures depends on the active application.

16 - Touchpad

This allows you to control applications with a few simple gestures, such as:

•Swipe in from edge: Access Windows tools by swiping into the center of the touchpad from the right or left edge.

•Swipe in from right: Toggle the charms.

•Swipe in from left: Switch to the previous app.

•Two-finger slide: Swiftly scroll through web pages, documents and playlists by placing two fingers on the touchpad and moving both in any direction.

•Two-finger pinch: Zoom in and out of photos, maps and documents with a simple finger-and-thumb gesture.

Recovering your system - 17

RECOVERING YOUR SYSTEM

Depending on the storage space available in your computer, your computer either uses the Acer Recovery Management program, or is supplied with one or more system recovery DVDs. To use a system recovery DVD, please see the instructions below, otherwise see Creating recovery discs on page 18.

Recover from a supplied DVD

If your computer comes with system recovery DVDs, obtain an external optical disc drive (ODD) and complete the following steps to reinstall Windows 8.1 and all the required drivers:

Note

Some Acer apps may not be recovered when you reinstall Windows 8.1. To install any apps that you require, please download them from the Windows Store.

1.Shutdown the computer by tapping the Settings charm > Power >

Shutdown.

2.Connect the ODD to your computer.

3.Enter the computer’s BIOS - press and hold the volume up key before pressing the power button.

4.Select the Boot option in the left pane.

5.Under Boot priority order, use the arrows to move USB CDROM to the number one position.

6.Select Exit in the left pane and then select Exit Saving Changes.

7.Insert the recovery DVD, restart your computer, and follow the onscreen instructions.

If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Frequently asked questions on page 67) do not help, you can 'recover' your computer - i.e. return it to an earlier state.

18 - Recovering your system

Creating recovery discs

This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer. Acer provides Acer Recovery Management, which allows you to create a recovery backup, a drivers and applications backup, and to start recovery options, either using Windows tools, or the recovery backup.

Note

Acer Recovery Management is only available with a pre-installed Windows operating system.

Important

We recommend that you create a Recovery Backup and Drivers and Applications Backup and as soon as possible.

In certain situations a full recovery will require a USB recovery backup.

Creating a recovery backup

To reinstall from a USB storage drive, you must first create a recovery backup. The recovery backup includes the entire original contents of your computer’s hard drive, including Windows and all factory-loaded software and drivers. Using this backup will restore your computer to the same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an option to retain all settings and personal data.

Note

Since the recovery backup requires at least 16 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 32 GB or larger.

Recovering your system - 19

1.From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps.

2.Click Create Factory Default Backup. The Recovery Drive window opens.

Make sure Copy contents from the recovery partition to the recovery drive is selected. This provides the most complete and safest recovery backup.

3. Plug in the USB drive then click Next.

20 - Recovering your system

•Since the recovery backup requires at least 16 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 32 GB or larger.

4.You will be shown the backup progress on the screen.

5.Follow the process until it completes.

6.After creating the recovery backup, you can choose to delete the recovery information on your computer. If you delete this information, you can only use the USB recovery backup to restore your computer, if you lose or erase the USB drive, you cannot restore your computer.

7.Unplug the USB drive and label it clearly.

Important

Write a unique, descriptive label on the backup, such as 'Windows Recovery Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe place that you will remember.

Creating a drivers and applications backup

To create a Drivers and Applications Backup, that contains the factory-loaded software and drivers needed by your computer, you

Recovering your system - 21

may use either a USB storage drive or, if your computer features a DVD recorder, one or more blank recordable DVDs.

1.From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps.

2.Click Create Drivers and Applications Backup.

Plug in the USB drive or insert a blank DVD into the optical drive, then click Next.

•If you are using a USB drive, make sure your USB drive has enough capacity before continuing.

•If using DVDs, it will also show the number of blank, recordable discs you will need to complete the recovery discs. Make sure that you have the required number of identical, blank discs.

3.Click Start to copy files.You will be shown the backup progress on the screen.

4.Follow the process until it completes:

•If you are using optical discs, the drive ejects each disc as it completes burning it. Remove the disc from the drive and mark it

22 - Recovering your system

with a permanent marker.

If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK. Continue until the process is complete.

• If you are using a USB drive, unplug the drive and label it clearly.

Important

Write a unique, descriptive label on each backup, such as 'Drivers and Applications Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe place that you will remember.

Recovering your system

To recover your system:

1.Perform minor fixes.

If only one or two items of software or hardware have stopped working correctly, the problem may be solved by reinstalling the software or the device drivers.

To reinstall software and drivers that were pre-installed at the factory, see Reinstalling drivers and applications on page 23. For instructions on reinstalling software and drivers that were not pre-installed, see that product’s documentation or support Web site.

2.Revert to a previous system condition.

If reinstalling software or drivers does not help, then the problem may be solved by returning your system to a previous state when everything was working correctly.

For instructions, see Returning to an earlier system snapshot on page 25.

3.Reset your operating system.

If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset your system, but keep your user information, see Returning your system to its factory condition on page 26.

4.Reset your system to its factory condition.

If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset your system to factory condition, see Returning your system to its factory condition on page 26.

Recovering your system - 23

Reinstalling drivers and applications

As a troubleshooting step, you may need to reinstall the applications and device drivers that came pre-installed on your computer from the factory. You can reinstall using either your hard drive or the backup you have created.

•Other applications - If you need to reinstall software that did not come pre-installed on your computer, you need to follow that software’s installation instructions.

•New device drivers - If you need to reinstall device drivers that did not come pre-installed on your computer, follow the instructions provided with the device.

If you are reinstalling using Windows and the recovery information stored on your computer:

1.From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps.

2. Click Reinstall Drivers or Applications.

24 - Recovering your system

3.You should see the Contents section of the Acer Resource Center.

Images for reference only.

4.Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall.

If you are reinstalling from a Drivers and Applications Backup on a DVD or USB drive:

1.Insert the Drivers and Applications Backup into the disc drive or connect it to a free USB port.

•If you inserted a DVD wait for Acer Resource Center to start.

•If Acer Resource Center does not start automatically, press the Windows key + <E>, then double-click on the optical drive icon.

•If you are using a USB drive, press the Windows key + <E>, then double-click on the drive that contains the backup. Double-click on ResourceCenter.

Recovering your system - 25

2.You should see the Contents section of the Acer Resource Center.

Images for reference only.

3.Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall.

Returning to an earlier system snapshot

Microsoft System Restore periodically takes a 'snapshot' of your system settings and saves them as restore points. In most cases of hard-to-resolve software problems, you can return to one of these restore points to get your system running again.

Windows automatically creates an additional restore point each day, and also each time you install software or device drivers.

Note

For more information about using Microsoft System Restore, from Start, type ’Help’ and then click Help and Support in the list of apps. Type ’Windows system restore’ in the Search Help box, then press Enter.

Returning to a restore point

1.From Start, type ’Control Panel’ and then click Control Panel in the list of apps.

2.Click System and Security > Action Center, then click Recovery at the bottom of the window.

3.Click Open System Restore, then Next.

26 - Recovering your system

4.Click the latest restore point (at a time when your system worked correctly), click Next, then Finish.

5.A confirmation window appears; click Yes. Your system is restored using the restore point you specified. This process may take several minutes, and may restart your computer.

Returning your system to its factory condition

If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by other methods, you may need to reinstall everything to return your system to its factory condition. You can recover from either your hard drive or the recovery backup you have created.

•If you can still run Windows and have not deleted the recovery partition, see Recovering from Windows on page 26.

•If you cannot run Windows, your original hard drive has been completely re-formatted or you have installed a replacement hard drive, see Recovering from a recovery backup on page 29.

Recovering from Windows

Start Acer Recovery Management:

•From Start, type ’Recovery’ and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps.

Two options are available, Restore Factory Settings (Reset my PC) or Customized Restore (Refresh my PC).

Restore Factory Settings deletes everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and all software and drivers that were pre-installed on your system. If you can access important files on your hard drive, back them up now. See Restore Factory Settings with Acer Recovery Management on page 27.

Customized Restore will attempt to retain your files (user data) but will reinstall all software and drivers. Software installed since you purchased your PC will be removed (except software installed from

Recovering your system - 27

the Windows Store). See Customized Restore with Acer Recovery Management on page 28.

Restore Factory Settings with Acer Recovery Management

1. Click Restore Factory Settings.

Important

’Restore Factory Settings’ will erase all files on your hard drive.

2. The Reset your PC window opens.

Images for reference only.

3.Click Next, then choose how to erase your files:

a.Just remove my files quickly erases all files before restoring your computer and takes about 30 minutes.

b.Fully clean the drive completely cleans the drive after each file is erased, so no files can be viewed after the recovery. Cleaning the drive takes much longer, up to 5 hours, but is much more secure as old files are completely removed.

4.Click Reset.

28 - Recovering your system

5.The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues by copying files to your hard drive.

6.After the recovery has finished, you can start using your computer by repeating the first-start process.

Recovering from the hard drive during startup

1.Turn on your computer and press <Alt> + <0> during startup. A screen appears asking you to choose the keyboard layout.

2.Several options are now presented. Click Troubleshoot.

3.Click either Refresh your PC or Reset your PC.

Note

"Refresh your PC" enables you to restore your computer to the default factory condition with files intact. "Reset your PC" completely removes all your files and resets your computer to factory settings.

4. Click Next. The process will take several minutes.

Customized Restore with Acer Recovery Management

1. Click Customized Restore (Retain User Data).