Acer Aspire Switch 10 User Manual

User’s Manual

2 -

© 2015. All Rights Reserved. Aspire Switch 10

Covers: SW5-015

This revision: May 2015

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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.

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Serial number: _________________________________

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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
Taking care of your AC adapter ..................	6
Cleaning and servicing................................	7
Your Acer computer tour	8
Computer.................................................	8
Front view ...................................................	8
Bottom view ................................................	9
Left/right views ............................................	9
LED Indicators ..........................................	10
Keyboard ...............................................	11
Keyboard front view ..................................	11
Keyboard right view .................................	12
Attaching and detaching the keyboard......	13

Setting passwords .................................	38
Securing your computer	39
Using passwords ...................................	39
Entering passwords ..................................	39
Power management	41
Saving power .........................................	41
Battery pack	43
Battery characteristics ...........................	43
Charging the battery .................................	43
Optimizing battery life ...............................	44
Checking the battery level.........................	45
Battery-low warning ..................................	45
Memory card reader	47
Connectivity options...............................	47
Video and audio connectors	49

	Using the keyboard	15	HDMI Micro	50
	Lock keys and embedded numeric	15	Universal Serial Bus (USB)	51
	keypad ...................................................		Micro USB	52
	Hotkeys .....................................................	16
	Windows keys........................................	17	Frequently asked questions	54
	Touchpad	18	Requesting service ................................	56
	Touchpad basics ...................................	18	Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1 ....	57
	Touchpad gestures................................	18	How do I get to Start? ...............................	57
	Recovery	20	What are "Charms?" .................................	57
			Can I boot directly to the desktop? ...........	58
	Creating a recovery backup...................	20	How do I jump between apps?..................	58
	Creating a drivers and applications		How do I turn off my computer?................	58
			How do I unlock my computer?	58
	backup	22
			How do I set the alarm? ............................	60
	Recovering your system ........................	24	Where are my apps?.................................	61
	Reinstalling drivers and applications.........	25	What is a Microsoft ID (account)?.............	63
	Returning to an earlier system snapshot ..	27	How do I add a favorite to Internet
	Returning your system to its factory		Explorer?...................................................	63
	condition....................................................	28	How do I check for Windows updates?.....	63
	Recovering from Windows ........................	28	Where can I get more information?...........	63
	Recovering from a recovery backup .........	31	Troubleshooting .....................................	64
	Connecting to the Internet	34	Troubleshooting tips..................................	64
			Error messages	64
	Connecting wirelessly	34
			Internet and online security	66
	Connecting to a wireless LAN	34
			First steps on the net	66
	Using a Bluetooth connection	35
			Protecting your computer	66
	Enabling and disabling Bluetooth	35
			Choose an Internet Service Provider ........	66
	Enable Bluetooth and add a device ..........	35	Network connections.................................	68
	BIOS utility	38	Surf the Net!..............................................	70
			Security	70
	Boot sequence	38

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

First things first - 5

FIRST THINGS FIRST

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

Your guides

To help you use your Acer computer, 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 computer. 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: Press the Windows key + <C>, 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.

6 - First things first

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 0º C (32º F) or above 35º C (95º 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

First things first - 7

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. If either of the following occurs:

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

• The computer does not operate normally

Frequently asked questions on page 54.

8 - Your Acer computer tour

YOUR ACER COMPUTER TOUR

After setting up your device as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Acer computer. You can enter information into your new computer via the touchscreen.

Computer

Your device has two components: the computer and the keyboard.

The following set of images will describe all of these. The views are labeled as if you are holding the computer with the screen towards you and the camera at the top.

Front view

1

2

	#	Icon Item	Description
	1	Webcam	Web camera for video
			communication.
	2	Speakers	Delivers stereo audio output.

Your Acer computer tour - 9

Bottom view

1

			2
	#	Icon Item	Description
	1	Keyboard	Connects to the keyboard.
		connector
	2	Keyboard hook	Fasten to the keyboard.
		slots

Left/right views

	1	6
		7
	2	8
	3	9
	4
	5

	#	Icon Item	Description
	1	Microphone	Internal microphone for sound
			recording.

10 - Your Acer computer tour
	#	Icon							Item	Description
2									MicroSD card	Insert a microSD card into this slot.
									slot
										Connects to USB devices. A micro
									Micro USB	USB to USB adapter is needed to
3										connect to USB devices.
									connector	When using a USB port, it is
										recommended to plug in the power
										adapter.
4									HDMI micro	Supports high-definition digital video
									connector	connections.
	5								DC-in jack	Connects to an AC adapter.
6									Headset/	Connects to audio devices (e.g.,
										speakers, headphones) or a headset
									speaker jack
										with microphone.
										Press and hold for three seconds to
7									Power button	turn the computer on; press again to
										place the computer in Sleep mode.
										Press and hold to turn the computer
										off.
8		+ / -							Volume control	Adjusts the system volume.
									key
9									Home button	Press to go directly to the Windows
										Home screen.
LED Indicators
	LED color								State	Description
	Blue								Steady	The computer is fully charged and
										plugged in.
	Amber								Steady	The computer is charging and
										plugged in.
	Amber								Blinking	The battery is critically low or
										abnormal battery situation.
	Off									The computer is off.

Your Acer computer tour - 11

Keyboard

Keyboard front view

3

4

d

1

2

	#	Icon Item	Description
	1	Keyboard	For entering data into your computer.
			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.
	3	Keyboard hooks	Fasten to the computer.
	4	Keyboard	Connects to the computer.
		connector

12 - Your Acer computer tour

Keyboard right view

1

#	Icon	Item	Description
1		USB port	Connects to USB devices.

Your Acer computer tour - 13

Attaching and detaching the keyboard

The Acer Smart Hinge makes attaching and detaching the keyboard fast and easy.

Attach the computer with the keyboard by aligning the keyboard hooks and the keyboard hook slots to function as a laptop. Ensure the computer clicks into place.

14 - Your Acer computer tour

Detach the computer from the keyboard by lifting one corner to release it from the keyboard to function as a tablet.

You can also attach the computer to the keyboard facing outwards as a display. Ensure the computer clicks into place.

Using the keyboard - 15

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	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

Num Lock (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). <Fn> + <F11> 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 Scroll Lock or down when you press the up or down arrow keys <Fn> + <F12> respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some

applications.

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.

			Num Lock off
	Desired access	Num Lock on
	Number keys on	Type numbers in a normal
	embedded keypad	manner.
	Cursor-control keys	Hold <Shift> while using	Hold <Fn> while
	on embedded	cursor-control keys.	using cursor-control
	keypad		keys.
	Main keyboard	Hold <Fn> while typing	Type the letters in a
		letters on embedded
	keys		normal manner.
		keypad.

16 - Using the keyboard

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.

Hotkey		Icon	Function	Description
				Turns on / off the computer's
<Fn> + <F3>			Airplane mode	network devices.
				(Network devices vary by
				configuration.)
<Fn> + <F4>			Sleep	Puts the computer in Sleep
				mode.
				Switches display output
<Fn> + <F5>			Display toggle	between the display screen,
				external monitor (if
				connected) and both.
<Fn> + <F6>				Turns the display screen
			Display off	backlight off to save power.
				Press any key to return.
<Fn> + <F7>			Touchpad	Turns the built-in touchpad on
			toggle	and off.
<Fn> + <F8>			Speaker toggle	Turns the speakers on and
				off.
<Fn> + <F11>		NumL	Number Lock	Turns the embedded numeric
		k		keypad on or off.
<Fn> + <F12>		Scr	Scroll Lock	Turns Scroll Lock on or off.
		Lk
<Fn> + <	>		Brightness up	Increases the screen
				brightness.
<Fn> + <	>		Brightness	Decreases the screen
			down	brightness.
<Fn> + <	>		Volume up	Increases the sound volume.
<Fn> + <	>		Volume down	Decreases the sound volume.

Using the keyboard - 17

Windows keys

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

Key Description

Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen or to

Windows key return to the last open app.

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.

18 - Touchpad

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.

Touchpad - 19

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.

•Swipe in from right edge: Toggle the charms.

•Swipe in from left edge: 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.

20 - Recovery

RECOVERY

If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Frequently asked questions on page 54) do not help, you can 'recover' your computer - i.e. return it to an earlier state.

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.

Recovery - 21

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.

22 - Recovery

•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

Recovery - 23

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