Acer Switch 3 User Manual

Switch 3

USER’S MANUAL

2 -

Important

Switch 3

Covers: SW312-31

This revision: March 2017

Regulatory model number: N17H1

Open the Acer Portal app 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:

• Create your own connected world.

• Get the latest offers and product information.

• Register your device for quick, personalized customer support.

For more information, please visit the Acer BYOC website:

www.acer.com/byoc-start

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

Table of contents - 3

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.................. 8

Cleaning and servicing................................ 8

Your Acer notebook tour 9

Screen view ............................................. 9

Rear view............................................... 10

Top view ................................................ 10

Left view ................................................ 11

Information on USB 3.0............................. 11

USB Type-C Information ........................... 12

Base view .............................................. 12

Keyboard view ....................................... 13

Attaching and detaching the keyboard .. 14

Using the keyboard 16

Lock keys............................................... 16

Hotkeys ..................................................... 17

Windows keys........................................ 18

Using the Precision Touchpad 19

Touchpad gestures................................ 19

Changing touchpad settings .................. 20

Recovery 22

Creating a factory default backup.......... 22

Backing up your wireless and LAN

drivers.................................................... 25

Restoring your computer ....................... 25

Reset this PC and keep my files ............... 25

Reset this PC and remove everything ...... 26

Using a Bluetooth connection 29

Enabling and disabling Bluetooth .......... 29

Enable Bluetooth and add a device.......... 29

Connecting to the Internet 31

Connecting to a wireless network.......... 31

Connecting to a wireless LAN................... 31

Bluelight Shield 35

Securing your computer 37

Using passwords ................................... 37

Entering passwords .................................. 37

BIOS utility 39

Boot sequence....................................... 39

Setting passwords ................................. 39

Power management 40

Saving power ......................................... 40

Battery pack 42

Battery characteristics ........................... 42

Charging the battery ................................. 42

Optimizing battery life ............................... 43

Checking the battery level......................... 44

Battery-low warning .................................. 44

Traveling with your computer 45

Disconnecting from the desktop ............ 45

Moving around ....................................... 45

Preparing the computer ............................ 45

What to bring to meetings ......................... 46

Taking the computer home .................... 46

Preparing the computer ............................ 46

What to take with you................................ 47

Special considerations .............................. 47

Setting up a home office ........................... 47

Traveling with the computer................... 48

Preparing the computer ............................ 48

What to take with you................................ 48

Special considerations .............................. 48

Traveling internationally......................... 48

Preparing the computer ............................ 49

What to bring with you .............................. 49

Special considerations .............................. 49

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 51

USB Type-C port 52

SD card reader 53

Video and audio connectors 54

Connecting a monitor............................. 54

Headphones and microphone................ 54

Frequently asked questions 56

Requesting service ................................ 58

Tips and hints for using Windows 10 ..... 59

How do I get to Start? ............................... 59

How do I turn off my computer?................ 59

How do I unlock my computer?................. 59

How do I set the alarm? ............................ 61

Where are my apps?................................. 61

What is a Microsoft ID (account)?............. 62

How do I check for Windows updates?..... 63

Where can I get more information?........... 63

Troubleshooting ..................................... 64

Troubleshooting tips.................................. 64

Error messages......................................... 64

Internet and online security 66

First steps on the net ............................. 66

Protecting your computer .......................... 66

4 - Table of contents

Choose an Internet Service Provider........ 66

Network connections................................. 68

Surf the Net! .............................................. 69

Internet security software.......................... 70

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 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.

Once you have connected to the internet, you can download updates for your computer from:

http://go.acer.com/?id=17883

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

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

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

4. Once you have found your product model, any updates, or documents will be listed.

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 or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Shut down.

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

Note

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.

If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for up to ten 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

First things first - 7

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

• Only use the adapter provided with your device, or an Acerapproved adapter to power your device.

• 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.

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

# Icon Item Description

1 Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.

2 Front webcam

3 Touchscreen

Web camera for video communication.

Displays computer output, supports multi-touch input.

10 - Your Acer notebook tour

1 2 3 4

Rear view

# Icon Item Description

1 Webcam

2 Kickstand

Web camera for video communication.

Allows the computer to function as a display.

Top view

# Icon Item Description

1 Battery indicator

Indicates the computer’s battery status.

Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging. Fully charged: The light shows blue when in AC mode.

Your Acer notebook tour - 11

1 2 3 4 5 6

# Icon Item Description

2 Power button Turns the computer on and off.

4 Windows key

Left view

# Icon Item Description

1 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

3 USB port Connects to USB devices.

4 Microphone

5 USB Type-C port

Volume control key

MicroSD card slot

Headset/ speaker jack

Adjusts the system volume.

Push to return to the Start screen, or to the last open app.

Insert a microSD card into this slot.

Internal stereo microphone for sound recording.

Connects to USB devices with a USB Type-C connector.

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

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).

12 - Your Acer notebook tour

USB Type-C Information

• USB 3.1 Gen 1 with transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.

• Supports DisplayPort

™

audio/video output.

• Delivers up to 3 A at 5 V DC for USB charging. For optimal performance, please use a certified Acer power adapter or USB Power Delivery device.

Base view

# Icon Item Description

Keyboard connector

Connects to the keyboard.

Keyboard view

# Icon Item Description

2 Keyboard

4 Stylus holder Holds the stylus pen.

Keyboard connector

Touchpad

Your Acer notebook tour - 13

Connects to the computer.

For entering data into your computer.

See "Using the keyboard" on page

16.

Touch-sensitive pointing device.

The touchpad and selection buttons form a single surface. 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.

14 - Your Acer notebook tour

Attaching and detaching the keyboard

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

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

Your Acer notebook tour - 15

Attach the pad and keyboard to function as a laptop. Prop the keyboard up using the magnetic strip at the top of the keyboard for a better typing experience.

The adjustable kickstand allows the computer to also function as a display that you can control using touch input.

16 - Using the keyboard

USING THE KEYBOARD

The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys.

Lock keys

The keyboard has lock keys which you can use to turn keyboard functions on and off.

Lock key Description

Caps Lock

Num Lock Fn + F11

Scroll Lock Fn + F12

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 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 up or down when you press the up or down arrow keys 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.

Desired access Num Lock on Num Lock off

Number keys on embedded keypad

Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad

Main keyboard keys

Type numbers in a normal manner.

Hold Shift while using cursor-control keys.

Hold Fn while typing letters on embedded keypad.

Hold Fn while using cursor-control keys.

Type the letters in a normal manner.

Using the keyboard - 17

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

Fn + F4 Sleep

Fn + F5 Display toggle

Fn + F6 Display off

Fn + F7

Touchpad toggle

Fn + F8 Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.

Fn + F11

Fn + F12

NumLk

Scr Lk

Numeric Lock

Scroll Lock Turns Scroll Lock on or off.

Fn + Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.

Fn +

Brightness down

Fn + Volume up Increases the sound volume. Fn + Volume down Decreases the sound volume.

Fn + Pg Up Home

Fn + Pg Dn End Scrolls to the end of a document.

Turns on / off the computer's network devices. Puts the computer in Sleep mode. Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both. Turns the display screen backlight off to save power. Press any key to return. Turns the built-in touchpad on and off.

Turns the embedded numeric keypad on or off.

Decreases the screen brightness.

Scrolls to the beginning of a document.

18 - Using the keyboard

Windows keys

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

Key Description

Pressed alone it returns to the Start screen or to return to the last open app.

Windows key

Application key

It can also be used with other keys for special functions, please check Windows Help.

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

Using the Precision Touchpad - 19

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.

Two-finger pinch

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

20 - Using the Precision Touchpad

Note

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 Tas k V i e w.

• 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.

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.

2. Select All settings.

Using the Precision Touchpad - 21

3. Select Devices > Mouse & touchpad.

4. Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal needs. Yo u can change the primary button for left- or right-handed use, turn the touchpad off if you prefer to use a mouse, or set a delay to prevent the cursor from moving if you accidentally tap the touchpad with your palm while working. Scroll down to see more settings.

22 - Recovery

Note

Important

Note

RECOVERY

If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Got a question? on page 60) 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.

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

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.

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.

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