Acer RC900, RC500 User Manual

Copyright

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

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

© 2003 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Printed in China

First printing: May 2003

Table

of Contents

Welcome 1

Major Benefits 1

Before You Start 2

Safety Instructions 2
Setting Up The System 3
Placement Tips 3

System Overview 4

Computer Rear View 4
Computer Front View 6
Installing New Components 8
Opening The Case 8

Frequently asked questions 14

Taking care of your computer 15

Important tips 15
Cleaning and servicing 15
Asking for technical assistance 16

1

Welcome

Congratulations on purchasing your new Aspire computer! You now have
the convenience and flexibility of a full-featured multimedia PC, offering
increased productivity combined with first class digital entertainment.

Incorporating the latest Microsoft
Aspire offers a host of functions designed to improve your computing
experience.

Major Benefits

Your new Aspire computer enables you to do the following:

• Use the latest productivity software to perform a range of office tasks,
such as word processing, working with financial spread sheets and
creating presentations.

• Maximize your use of the Internet by down loading and playing exciting
new multimedia files.

• Enjoy your audio CDs, even when you are not using your computer for
other tasks.

• Delight in using a stylish new PC that offers convenient connections for
the latest peripherals.

®

Windows® XP operating system, your

English

2

Before You Start

To ensure that you can use your computer safely and correctly, please read

English

this user guide carefully before you start. For future reference, keep this user
guide handy at all times.

Safety Instructions

• Follow all warnings and instructions marked on your computer.

• Do not attempt to service your computer yourself. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel.

• Unplug your computer and monitor from the wall outlet before cleaning
or before opening the case.

• Clean your computer case and monitor with a damp cloth. Do not use
liquid or aerosol cleaners.

• Do not use your computer near water. Never spill liquid of any kind on
your computer.

• Do not place your computer on an unstable surface.

• Do not expose your computer to a heat source or leave it in direct
sunlight for a prolonged period of time.

• Do not cover or block any ventilation slots in the case. Also, ensure the
room has adequate ventilation.

• Never push objects of any kind into your computer.

• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate your
computer where anyone will walk on the power cord.

• Your computer should be operated from the type of power indicated on
the marking label. If you are unsure of the type of power available,
consult your dealer or local power company.

• Your computer is designed for connection to a grounded (earthed)
outlet. Do not disable this important safety feature.

• If a power strip is used, make sure that the total ampere rating of the
equipment does not exceed the power strip ampere rating. Use a power
strip with surge protection.

• If your computer causes interference to radio or television reception, try
one or more of the following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the radio or television antenna.

- Increase the distance between your computer and the radio or

television receiver.

3

- Connect your computer into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the radio or television is connected.

- Consult your dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for more
help.

Setting Up The System

It only takes a few minutes to set up your new Aspire system. Start by
preparing your workspace. Make sure that the surface is stable, level and
clean.

Open the box carefully, ensuring that you do not damage the box or any of
the other packing materials. The box will be required if you ever have to
store or ship your computer. Unpack the box and set out the contents on
your work surface.

The package contains an Out Of Box Experience (OOBE) poster. Refer to the
OOBE poster for a step-by-step guide to setting up your computer system.

Placement Tips

• For maximum viewing comfort, set up your monitor at arm’s length from
your seat, with the top third of the screen at eye level. Tilt and swivel the
display to find the optimum position.

• Place your mouse and keyboard side by side in front of the monitor.
Check that you are able to adopt a comfortable typing position.

• Choose a chair that can be adjusted for maximum comfort.

English

• Make sure your work area is well lit.

4

E

English

English

English

English

English

System Overview

Take a few moments to study your new Aspire computer system. Learn the
locations of the buttons, ports and other hardware features.

Computer Rear View

RC900 RC500 Description

15Power supply

22Case lock

3 1 Ventilation slot

4 4 Coaxial S/PDIF Audio-out Jack

5 3 Optical S/PDIF Audio-out Jack

6 18 Power cord socket

7 17 Voltage Selector Switch

8 6 PS/2 Mouse Port

9 7 PS/2 Keyboard Port

10 8 Serial Port

11 9 Parallel Port

12 10 VGA Port

13 11 1394 Port

14 12 USB Ports

15 13 Lan Port

16 14 Microphone-in Jack

17 15 Audio-out Jack

18 16 Audio-in Jack