Acer Extensa 500 User Guide
Copyright © 1998 Acer Incorporated
All Rights Reserved — Printed in Taiwan
Extensa 500 Series Notebook Computer User’s Guide
Part No.: 49.45B01.001
Original Issue: June 1998
First Revision: July 1998
Second Revision: August 1998
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. 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 serial number, purchase date, and model number in the
space provided below. The serial number and model number are
recorded on the label affixed to the underside of the computer. All
correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial
number, model number, and date of purchase.
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.
Extensa Notebook Computer
Model___________Serial No._______________________________
Purchase Date_______________
Extensa is a trademark and a product of Acer Inc., developed with Texas
Instruments Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the
property of their respective companies. Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Table of Contents
Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Connecting the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv
Getting Help Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi
Support Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii
Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xviii
Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer. . . . . . . 1
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Securing your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Chapter 2 Operating on Battery Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Battery Pack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Power Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Chapter 3 Peripherals and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
External Monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
External Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
External Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
External Pointing Device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Audio Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Port Replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
USB Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Miscellaneous Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Key Component Upgrades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Chapter 4 Moving with your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Disconnecting from the Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Moving Around. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Taking the Computer Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Traveling with the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
iii
Table of Contents
Traveling Internationally with the Computer . . . . . . 63
Chapter 5 Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
System Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Sleep Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Notebook Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
BIOS Utility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Frequently-Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Appendix A Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
iv
FCC Notice
This device has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This device generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the device off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
2. Increase the separation between the device and receiver
3. Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for help
Notices
Notice: Shield Cables
All connections to other computing devices must be made
using shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC
regulations.
Notice: Peripheral Devices
Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers,
etc.) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be
attached to this equipment. Operation with non-certified
peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV
reception.
v
Notices
Caution
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
manufacturer could void the user’s authority, which is
granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to
operate this computer.
Use Conditions
This part complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Notice: Canadian Users
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les
exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.
vi
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions carefully. Save these
instructions for future reference.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
product.
3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning.
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a
damp cloth for cleaning.
4. Do not use this product near water.
5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or
table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to
the product.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not
locate this product where persons will walk on the cord.
9. 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 the fuse rating.
Notices
vii
Notices
10.Never push objects of any kind into this product
11.Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as
12.Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer
13.Replace the battery with the same type as the product's
14.Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly.
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.
opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all
servicing to qualified service personnel.
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.
battery we recommend. Use of another battery may
present a risk of fire or explosion. Refer battery
replacement to a qualified serviceman.
Do not disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep
them away from children and dispose of used batteries
promptly.
viii
Notices
15.Use only the proper type of power supply cord set
(provided in your accessories box) for this unit. It
should be a detachable type: UL listed/CSA certified,
type SPT-2, rated 7A 125V minimum, VDE approved or
its equivalent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters).
ix
Notices
Laser Compliance Statement
The CD-ROM drive in this computer is a laser product. The
CD-ROM drive’s classification label (shown below) is located
on the drive.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
CAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN.
AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 PRODUIT
LASERATTENTION: RADIATION DU FAISCEAU LASER
INVISIBLE EN CAS D’OUVERTURE. EVITTER TOUTE
EXPOSITION AUX RAYONS.
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE LASER KLASSE 1
VORSICHT: UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG, WENN
ABDECKUNG GEÖFFNET NICHT DEM STRAHLL
AUSSETZEN
PRODUCTO LÁSER DE LA CLASE I
ADVERTENCIA: RADIACIÓN LÁSER INVISIBLE AL SER
ABIERTO. EVITE EXPONERSE A LOS RAYOS.
ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING VEDÅBNING SE IKKE IND I
STRÅLEN.
VARO! LAVATTAESSA OLET ALTTINA LASERSÅTEILYLLE.
VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NÅR DENNA DEL ÅR
ÖPPNAD ÅLÅ TUIJOTA SÅTEESEENSTIRRA EJ IN I
STRÅLEN
VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NAR DENNA DEL ÅR
ÖPPNADSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN
ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING NAR DEKSEL ÅPNESSTIRR
IKKE INN I STRÅLEN
x
Lithium Battery Statement
The following statement refers to the internal lithium
battery that powers the computer’s clock.
CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
ADVARSEL!
Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering.
Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og
type. Léver det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren.
ADVARSEL
Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri. Benytt
samme batteritype eller en tilsvarende type anbefalt av
apparatfabrikanten. Brukte batterier kasseres i henhold til
fabrikantens instruksjoner.
VARNING
Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Anvãnd samma
batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av
apparattillverkaren. Kassera anvãnt batteri enligt
fabrikantens instruktion.
Notices
VAROITUS
Päristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu.
Vaihda paristo ainoastaan laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan
tyyppiin. Hävitä käytetty paristo valmistajan ohjeiden
mukaisesti.
VORSICHT!
Explosionsgefahr bei unsachgemäßen Austausch der
Batterie Ersatz nur durch denselben oder einem vom
Hersteller empfohlenem ähnlichen Typ. Entsorgung
gebrauchter Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers.
xi
Notices
Year 2000 Compliance Statement
The Extensa 500 series notebook computer is Year 2000compliant and carries the “NSTL Hardware Tested Year
2000 Compliant” logo. This model has been tested both by
Acer’s internal test labs and NSTL using NSTL’s
YMARK2000 certification test. These tests certify that this
model will successfully make the year 2000 transition.
For more details, check the Acer Year 2000 Resource Center
at http://www.acer.com/year2000
xii
Preface
This manual describes features of the Extensa 500 Series
notebook computers. The Extensa series computers
incorporate such features as CardBus, 16-bit stereo audio,
internal pointing device, Universal Serial Bus, and all-inone media storage. The Extensa 500 Series also has unique
compact disc (CD) player control features.
This manual should answer most of the questions you have
about the day-to-day operation of your Extensa notebook
computer.
Use the Just for Starters… instructions that came with your
computer to get your computer running for the first time.
You should also take advantage of the online help files that
are available with almost all of the programs shipped with
your computer.
We hope you enjoy your Extensa computer. With proper
care, your computer will provide you with years of
productive service.
xiii
Preface
Connecting the Computer
Connecting the computer is as easy as 1-2-3.
1. Insert the battery pack into the battery compartment,
then slide the battery compartment cover in place.
Note: When using a battery pack for the first time, fully
recharge the battery, then disconnect the adapter to use
up the battery before recharging again. Perform this
action twice to condition the battery pack.
2. Connect one end of the AC adapter to the DC-in port on
the computer’s rear panel and the other end to a
properly grounded power outlet.
xiv
Preface
3. Slide the display cover latch to the left to open the
display. Slide the power switch towards the rear of the
computer then release it to turn on the power. The
POST (Power On Self-Test) routine executes and
Windows begins loading.
Note: To turn off the power, slide and hold the power
switch for more than four seconds. If you are using
Windows 98, we recommend that you use the Shutdown
command to turn off the computer. If you turn off the
computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two
seconds before powering up.
xv
Preface
Getting Help Online
This user’s guide provides clear and concise information
about the computer, so read it thoroughly. To provide you
with help when traveling, the computer also has a
comprehensive online help.
Accessing Online Help
Follow these steps to access the online documentation:
1. Press the Windows logo button or click on the Start
button.
2. Select Programs.
3. Click on Extensa Online.
The online help is easy to navigate with hypertext and
hypergraphics. Clear illustrations help describe notebook
operation as well.
Getting Online
If you are connected to the Internet and have World Wide
Web access, visit our home page (http://www.acer.com/)
and get the latest information about our products.
xvi
Support Information
Your computer is backed by an International Traveler’s
Warranty (ITW) that gives you security and peace of mind
when traveling. Our worldwide network of service centers
are there to give you a helping hand.
An ITW passport comes with your computer. This passport
contains all you need to know about the ITW program. A
list of available, authorized service centers are in this handy
booklet. Read this passport thoroughly.
Note: Always have your ITW passport on hand, especially
when you travel to receive the benefits from our support
centers. Place your proof-of-purchase in the flap located
inside the front cover of the ITW passport.
If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acerauthorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with
our offices worldwide.
For technical assistance and support in the United States
and Canada, you can call 1-800-816-2237. You can also
contact a local dealer or distributor in the country you are
traveling in for assistance.
Preface
To view support information, follow these steps:
1. Click on Start, Settings…, Control Panel.
2. Double-click on System.
3. Click on Support Information.
Note: If you are connected to the Internet and have World
Wide Web access, visit our home page (http://
www.acer.com/) and get an updated list of our worldwide
offices, as well as information about our products.
xvii
Preface
Care and Maintenance
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 near sources of heat, such as a radiator.
❑ Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0ºC
(32ºF) or above 50ºC (122ºF).
❑ 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 and
vibration.
❑ Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt.
❑ Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid
damaging the computer.
❑ 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 personal traffic.
❑ When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the
cord itself but pull on the plug.
xviii
❑ 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.
Taking Care of your Battery Pack
Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:
❑ Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements.
Turn the power off before removing or replacing
batteries.
❑ Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from
children.
❑ Dispose of used batteries according to local
regulations. Recycle if at all possible.
Cleaning and Servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1. Power off the computer and remove the battery pack.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter.
3. Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid
or aerosol cleaners.
Preface
Contact your dealer or see your service technician if any of
the following occurs:
❑ The computer has been dropped or the body has been
damaged.
❑ Liquid has been spilled into the product.
❑ The computer does not operate normally.
xix
xx
1
Getting Familiar with y our Computer
This computer combines high-performance, versatility,
power management features and multimedia capabilities
with a unique style and ergonomic design. Work with
unmatched productivity and reliability with your new power
computing partner.
This chapter gives an in-depth "tour" of the computer’s
many features.
Contents
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Special Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Lock Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Embedded Numeric Keypad. . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows 98 Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Hot Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Keyboard Ergonomics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Touchpad Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Hard Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CD-ROM Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Front Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Rear Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Universal Serial Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Right Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Fax/Data Modem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
PC Card Slots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Securing your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Security Notch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Passwords. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
1
Features
Features
This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here
are just a few of its many features:
Performance
❑ Intel Pentium® processor with MMX™ technology
❑ 64-bit main memory and external (L2) cache memory
❑ Large LCD display and PCI local bus video with 128-bit
❑ Internal CD-ROM drive
❑ Internal 3.5-inch floppy drive
❑ High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk
❑ Nickel metal-hydride battery pack
❑ Power management system with standby and
Multimedia
❑ 16-bit high-fidelity stereo audio with 3-D sound and
❑ Built-in dual speakers
❑ Compact disc player control feature
❑ Ultra-slim, high-speed CD-ROM drive
graphics acceleration
hibernation power saving modes
wavetable synthesizer
Connectivity
❑ High-speed fax/data modem port (available in select
countries)
❑ USB (Universal Serial Bus) port
2 User’s Guide
Features
Human-centric Design and Ergonomics
❑ Lightweight and slim
❑ Sleek, smooth and stylish design
❑ Full-sized keyboard
❑ Wide and curved palm rest
❑ Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device
❑ Compact disc player control
Expansion
❑ CardBus PC card (formerly PCMCIA) slots (two type II/I
or one type III) with ZV (Zoomed Video) port support
❑ Mini docking station option for one-step connect/
disconnect from peripherals
❑ Upgradeable memory and hard disk
Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer 3
Display
Display
The large graphics display offers excellent viewing, display
quality and desktop performance graphics. The computer
supports two different display configurations — High
Performance Addressing (HPA) or Thin-Film Transistor
(TFT).
Video Performance
PCI local bus video with 128-bit graphics acceleration and
2MB Extended Data Out (EDO) video RAM boost video
performance.
Simultaneous Display
The computer’s large display and multimedia capabilities
are great for giving presentations. If you prefer, you can
also connect an external monitor when giving
presentations. This computer supports simultaneous LCD
and CRT display. Simultaneous display allows you to
control the presentation from your computer and at the
same time face your audience. You can also connect other
output display devices such as LCD projection panels for
large-audience presentations.
Power Management
The power management system incorporates an "automatic
LCD dim" feature that automatically dims the LCD when
the computer is powered by a battery pack to conserve
battery power. See “Power Management” on page 36 for
more information on power management features.
4 User’s Guide
Display
Opening and Closing the Display
To open the display, slide the display cover latch to the left
and lift up the cover. Then tilt it to a comfortable viewing
position. The computer employs a microswitch that turns
off the display (and enters standby mode) to conserve power
when you close the display cover, and turns it back on
when you open the display cover.
Note: If an external monitor is connected, the computer
turns off the display (but does not enter standby mode)
when you close the display cover.
To close the display cover, fold it down gently until the
display cover latch clicks into place.
Caution: To avoid damaging the display, do not
slam it when you close it. Also, do not place any
object on top of the computer when the display is
closed.
Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer 5
Indicators
Indicators
The computer has six easy-to-read status indicators (LEDs)
under the display screen.
The Power and Standby indicators are visible even when
you close the display cover so you can see the status of the
computer while the cover is closed.
# Icon Function Description
1 Power Lights when the computer is on.
Blinks when a battery-low
condition occurs.
2 Standby Lights when the computer enters
Standby mode.
3Media
Activity
4Battery
Charge
Lights when the floppy drive, hard
disk or CD-ROM drive) is active.
Lights when the battery is being
charged.
6 User’s Guide
# Icon Function Description
Indicators
5 Caps Lock Lights when Caps Lock is
6 Num Lock Lights when Numeric Lock is
activated
activated
Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer 7
Keyboard
Keyboard
The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded keypad,
separate cursor keys, two Windows 98 keys and twelve
function keys.
Special Keys
Lock Keys
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
Num Lock
(Fn-F11)
Scroll Lock
(Fn-F12)
typed are in uppercase.
When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in
numeric mode. The keys function as a calculator
(complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *,
and /). 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 or down when you press ↑ or ↓ respectively.
Scroll Lock does not work with some applications.
8 User’s Guide
Embedded Numeric Keypad
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.
Desired Access Num Lock On Num Lock Off
Keyboard
Number keys on
embedded keypad
Cursor-control keys
on embedded
keypad
Main keyboard keys Hold Fn while typing
Type numbers in a
normal manner.
Hold Shift while using
cursor-control keys.
letters on embedded
keypad.
Hold Fn while
using cursorcontrol keys.
Type the letters
in a normal
manner.
Note: If an external keyboard or keypad is connected to
the computer, the numlock feature automatically shifts
from the internal keyboard to the external keyboard or
keypad.
Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer 9
Keyboard
Windows 98 Keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows 98specific functions.
Key Description
Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key
Application key Opens the application’s context menu
performs special functions. Below are a
few examples:
+ Tab (Activate next Taskbar button)
+ E (Explore My Computer)
+ F (Find Document)
+ M (Minimize All)
Shift + + M (Undo Minimize All)
+ R (Display Run dialog box)
(same as right-click).
10 User’s Guide
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