Acer F 15 User Manual

User’s Manual

2 -

© 2016. All Rights Reserved. Aspire F 15 Series

Covers: F5-573 / F5-573G / F5-552 / F5-552G This revision: March 2016

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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.

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..................................................	7
Turning your computer off...........................	7
Taking care of your computer .....................	7
Taking care of your AC adapter ..................	8
Cleaning and servicing................................	8
Your Acer notebook tour	9
Screen view .............................................	9
Keyboard view .......................................	10
Left view ...............................................	11
Information on USB 3.0.............................	12
Right view .............................................	12
Base view ..............................................	13
Using the keyboard	14
Lock keys...............................................	14
Hotkeys .....................................................	14
Windows keys........................................	15
Using the Precision Touchpad	16
Touchpad gestures................................	16
Changing touchpad settings ..................	17
Recovery	20
Creating a factory default backup..........	20
Backing up your wireless and LAN
drivers....................................................	23
Restoring your computer .......................	23
Reset this PC and keep my files ...............	23
Reset this PC and remove everything ......	24

Power management	39
Saving power .........................................	39
Battery pack	41
Battery characteristics ...........................	41
Charging the battery .................................	41
Optimizing battery life ...............................	42
Checking the battery level.........................	43
Battery-low warning ..................................	43
Traveling with your computer	44
Disconnecting from the desktop ............	44
Moving around .......................................	44
Preparing the computer ............................	44
What to bring to meetings .........................	45
Taking the computer home ....................	45
Preparing the computer ............................	45
What to take with you................................	46
Special considerations ..............................	46
Setting up a home office ...........................	46
Traveling with the computer...................	47
Preparing the computer ............................	47
What to take with you................................	47
Special considerations ..............................	47
Traveling internationally.........................	47
Preparing the computer ............................	48
What to bring with you ..............................	48
Special considerations ..............................	48
Memory card reader	50
Connectivity options...............................	50
Video and audio connectors	52
Universal Serial Bus (USB)	53

	Using a Bluetooth connection	27	HDMI	54
	Enabling and disabling Bluetooth ..........	27	Frequently asked questions	56
	Enable Bluetooth and add a device ..........	27	Requesting service ................................	58
	Connecting to the Internet	29	Tips and hints for using Windows 10 .....	59
	Connecting to a wireless network..........	29	How do I get to Start? ...............................	59
	Connecting to a wireless LAN...................	29	How do I turn off my computer?................	59
	Connecting with a cable ........................	33	How do I unlock my computer?.................	59
	Built-in network feature	33	How do I set the alarm? ............................	61
			Where are my apps?	62
	Connecting to a cellular network	33
			What is a Microsoft ID (account)?	62
	Acer Bluelight Shield	34	How do I check for Windows updates?.....	63
	Securing your computer	36	Where can I get more information?...........	63
			Troubleshooting .....................................	64
	Using a computer security lock..............	36	Troubleshooting tips..................................	64
	Using passwords ...................................	36	Error messages.........................................	64
	Entering passwords ..................................	37	Internet and online security	66
	BIOS utility	38	First steps on the net .............................	66
	Boot sequence.......................................	38	Protecting your computer..........................	66
	Setting passwords	38	Choose an Internet Service Provider ........	66

4 - Table of contents
Network connections.................................	68
Surf the Net!..............................................	70
Security .....................................................	70

Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies

77

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 notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs.

Your guides

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

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

The Quick Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions of your new computer. For more on how your computer can help you to be more productive, please refer to the User’s Manual. This guide contains detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, data recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting.

There are two ways to download the User’s Manual. You must first be connected to the internet.

1.Open Acer Care Center from the desktop and select My System > Summary and click User’s Manual to download the User’s Manual.

2.Click on the link under Support.

1.The link will open the Acer Service & Support webpage.

2.From this page you can download and install the Acer identification tool that will automatically detect your computer’s serial number and SNID and allow you to copy it to the clipboard.

3.Scroll down to Drivers and Manuals and search for your model by pasting in or manually entering the serial number, SNID, or product model.

4.Once you have found your product model, select Documents and select your language to download the User’s Manual.

Basic care and tips for using your computer

Turning your computer off

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

First things first - 7

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

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

Shut down.

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

•Press the power button.

•Press the sleep hotkey.

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

Power > Sleep.

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

Sleep.

Note

If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before powering up.

Taking care of your computer

Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.

•Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator.

•Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0º C (32º F) or above 50º C (122º F).

•Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.

•Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.

•Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.

•Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.

•Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.

•Never place objects on top of the computer.

•Do not slam the computer display when you close it.

•Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.

8 - First things first

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. Route the power cord and any cables away from where people walk.

•When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the plug.

•The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:

1.Turn off the computer.

2.Disconnect the AC adapter.

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

If your computer is dropped or visibly damaged, or does not work normally, please contact your nearest authorized Acer service center. For more information, please see Got a question? on page 55.

Your Acer notebook tour - 9

YOUR ACER NOTEBOOK TOUR

After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Acer computer.

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

Screen

Displays computer output.

Accepts one Secure Digital (SD or

3

SD card reader

SDHC) card.

Only one card can operate at a time.

	10 - Your Acer notebook tour
	#	Icon Item	Description
		Power indicator	Indicates the computer’s power
			status.
			Indicates the computer’s battery
	4		status.
		Battery indicator	Charging: The light shows amber

when the battery is charging.

Fully charged: The light shows blue when in AC mode.

Keyboard view

4

1

2

3

	#	Icon Item	Description
			For entering data into your computer.
	1	Keyboard	See "Using the keyboard" on page
			14.
	2	Microphone	Internal digital microphone for sound
			recording.

		Your Acer notebook tour - 11
#	Icon Item	Description
		Touch-sensitive pointing device.
		The touchpad and selection buttons
		form a single surface.
3	Touchpad	Press down firmly on the touchpad
		surface to perform a left click.
		Press down firmly on the lower right
		corner to perform a right click.
4	Power key	Turns the computer on and off.

Left view

	1	2 3	4	5	6
#	Icon Item	Description

1

2

3

4

		Connects to a Kensington-compatible
	Kensington lock	computer security lock.
	slot	Wrap the computer security lock
		cable around an immovable object
		such as a table or handle of a locked
		drawer.
		Insert the lock into the notch and turn
		the key to secure the lock.
		Keyless models are also available.
		Connects to USB devices that adopt

USB Type-C port the USB Type-C connector. Supports USB 3.1 Type-C, Gen 1 with transfer

speeds up to 5 Gb/s.

	Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/
Ethernet (RJ-45)	1000-based network.
port	Pull the lip down to open the port
	fully.
External display	Connects to a display device (e.g.,
(VGA) port	external monitor, LCD projector).

12 - Your Acer notebook tour
	#	Icon	Item	Description
5			HDMI port	Supports high-definition digital video
				connections.
	6		USB ports	Connect to USB devices.

Information on USB 3.0

•USB 3.0 compatible ports are blue.

•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).

Right view

	1		2		3		4 5 6				7
#	Icon Item				Description
	Headset/				Connects to audio devices (e.g.,
1					speakers, headphones) or a headset
	speaker jack
					with microphone.

2

3

4

5

6

7

					USB port	Connects to USB devices.
					Optical drive	Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or
						DVDs.
					Optical disk	Lights up when the optical drive is
					access indicator	active.
					Optical drive	Ejects the optical disk from the drive.
					eject button
						Ejects the optical drive tray when the
					Emergency eject	computer is turned off.
					hole	Carefully insert a straightened paper
						clip to eject the optical drive tray.
					DC-in jack	Connects to an AC adapter.

Your Acer notebook tour - 13

Base view

4 1

3

2

#

Icon Item

Description

1

2

3

4

		Simulates removing and reinstalling
	Battery reset	the battery.
	pinhole	Insert a paperclip into the hole and
		press for four seconds.
	Speakers	Deliver stereo audio output.
		Houses the computer’s main storage.
	Main storage	You may upgrade your computer’s
		main storage. Acer recommends
	compartment
		asking an approved service center to
		do this.
		Houses the computer’s memory.
	Memory	You may upgrade your computer’s
	compartment	mmemory. Acer recommends asking
		an approved service center to do this.
	Ventilation and	Allows the computer to stay cool.
		Do not cover or obstruct the
	cooling fan
		openings.

14 - Using the keyboard

USING THE KEYBOARD

The keyboard has full-sized keys and a separate numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and 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
		typed are in uppercase.
		When Num Lock is on, the keypad is in numeric
		mode. The keys function as a calculator (complete
	Num Lock	with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this
		mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data
		entry.

When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line Scroll Lock up or down when you press the up or down arrow <Fn> + <F12> keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with

some applications.

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
	<Fn> + <F3>	Airplane mode	Turns on / off the computer's
			network devices.
	<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.

									Using the keyboard - 15
	Hotkey	Icon						Function	Description
	<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> + <F12>							Scr Lk	Turns the scroll lock feature
									on or off.
	<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.
	<Fn> +							Play/Pause	Play or pause a selected
	<Home>								media file.
	<Fn> +							Stop	Stop playing the selected
	<Pg Up>								media file.
	<Fn> +							Previous	Return to the previous media
	<Pg Dn>								file.
	<Fn> + <End>							Next	Jump to the next media file.

Windows keys

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

Key	Description
	Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen
Windows key	or to return to the last open app.
	It can also be used with other keys for
	special functions, please check Windows
	Help.
Application key	This key has the same effect as clicking
	the right mouse button; it opens the
	application's context menu.

16 - Using the Precision Touchpad

USING THE PRECISION TOUCHPAD

The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement. The Precision Touchpad (PTP) is designed to provide a more uniform, smooth, and accurate touchpad experience. Many applications support precision touchpad gestures that use one or more fingers, however, some gestures may not be supported by the specific application or program you are using.

Touchpad 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'.

Two-finger press

Lightly tap the touchpad with two fingers 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.

Two-finger slide

Swiftly scroll through web pages, documents and playlists by placing two fingers on the touchpad and moving both in any direction.

Using the Precision Touchpad - 17

Two-finger pinch

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

Three-finger press

Lightly tap the touchpad with three fingers to open Cortana (if your computer supports Cortana) or open the Action Center (if your computer does not support Cortana).

Three-finger swipe

Swipe across the touchpad with three fingers.

-Swipe up to open Task View. Move the cursor over a window and tap the touchpad to select that window, or swipe downwards to exit Task View.

-Swipe down to minimize all open windows and show Desktop; swipe upwards to restore the minimized windows.

-Swipe left or right to switch between open windows.

The precision touchpad includes added technology features that help recognize and prevent unintentional gestures such as accidental taps, gestures, and pointer 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.

Changing touchpad settings

To change the touchpad settings to suit your personal requirements, please do the following.

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

18 - Using the Precision Touchpad

2. Select All settings.

3. Select Devices > Mouse & touchpad.

4.Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal needs. You can change the primary button for leftor right-handed use, turn the touchpad off if you prefer to use a mouse, or set a delay to prevent

Using the Precision Touchpad - 19

the cursor from moving if you accidentally tap the touchpad with your palm while working. Scroll down to see more settings.

20 - Recovery

RECOVERY

If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Frequently asked questions on page 56) do not help, you can recover your computer.

This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer. Acer provides Acer Care Center, which allows you to reset your PC, refresh your PC, or create a factory default backup.

Note

Acer Care Center is only available with a pre-installed Windows operating system.

Important

We recommend that you create a Factory Default Backup as soon as possible. In certain situations a full recovery will require a USB recovery backup.

Creating a factory default backup

Backup allows you to quickly and easily back up your operating system, installed apps and data.

1.From Start, select All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps.

Note

Since the recovery backup requires at least 8 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 16 GB or larger.

Recovery - 21

2.Select the Backup tab and click Get Started for Create Factory Default Backup to open the Recovery Drive window.

3.Make sure Backup system files to the recovery drive is selected and click Next.

4.Plug in the USB drive and wait for the PC to detect the USB drive then click Next.

22 - Recovery

•Since the recovery backup requires at least 8 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 16 GB or larger.

5.Everything on the drive will be deleted. Click Create to continue.

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

7.Follow the process until it completes.

8.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.

9.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.

Recovery - 23

Backing up your wireless and LAN drivers

Back up your wireless and LAN drivers. You can use these backups to install the wireless and LAN drivers if you install another operating system.

1.From Start, select All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps.

2.Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Backup wireless and LAN drivers. Choose a folder to save your drivers and select

OK.

Restoring your computer

Recovery Management allows you to quickly and easily restore your computer back to its default status. You can choose to keep your files or remove them before reinstalling Windows.

Reset this PC and keep my files

1.From Start, select All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps.

2.Select the Restore tab and click Get started to Choose an option.

24 - Recovery

3.Select Keep my files to refresh your PC and reinstall your operating system without removing your personal files. Click Next to continue.

Important

If you have apps installed on your PC, they will be removed.

4.Resetting the PC will reinstall Windows, change settings back to their factory defaults and remove all preinstalled apps and programs without removing your personal files. Click Reset to continue.

5.You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen will turn off during the reset process.

6.The screen will turn back on when it is installing Windows. Your PC will restart several times during the reset process.

7.Follow the process until it completes.

8.When your PC has completed the reset process, Windows will have been reset back to its factory default settings without removing your personal files.

Reset this PC and remove everything

1.From Start, select All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps.