User Guide
Copyright © 2009. Acer Incorporated.
All Rights Reserved.
eMachines User Guide
Original Issue: 01 / 2009
Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. 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 model number, serial number, purchase date, and place of purchase information in the space provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label affixed to your computer. All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial number, model number, and purchase information.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, by photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.
Model number: __________________________________
Serial number: ___________________________________
Purchase date: ___________________________________
Place of purchase: ________________________________
eMachines and the eMachines logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other companies' product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to their respective companies.
Information for your safety and comfort
Safety instructions
Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
Turning the product off before cleaning
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
Warnings
•Do not use this product near water.
•Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product falls, it could be seriously damaged.
•Slots and openings 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.
•Never push objects of any kind into this product 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 onto or into the product.
•To avoid damage of internal components and to prevent battery leakage, do not place the product on a vibrating surface.
Using electrical power
•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.
•Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where people will walk on the cord.
•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.
•Do not overload a power outlet, strip or receptacle by plugging in too many devices. The overall system load must not exceed 80% of the branch circuit rating. If power strips are used, the load should not exceed 80% of the power strip's input rating.
•This product's AC adapter is equipped with a three-wire grounded plug. The plug only fits in a grounded power outlet. Make sure the power outlet is properly grounded before inserting the AC adapter plug. Do not insert the plug into a non-grounded power outlet. Contact your electrician for details.
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Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power outlet that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock and/or injury.
Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from unexpected noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that may interfere with the performance of this product.
•Use the product only with the supplied power supply cord set. If you need to replace the power cord set, make sure that the new power cord meets the following requirements: detachable type, UL listed/CSA certified, type SPT-2, rated 7 A 125 V minimum, VDE approved or its equivalent, 4.6 meters (15 feet) maximum length.
Product servicing
Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel when:
•the power cord or plug is damaged, cut or frayed
•liquid was spilled into the product
•the product was exposed to rain or water
•the product has been dropped or the case has been damaged
•the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service
•the product does not operate normally after following the operating instructions
Note: 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.
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Telephone line safety
•Disconnect all telephone lines from the equipment when not in use and/or before servicing.
•To avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning, do not connect the telephone line to this equipment during lightning or thunderstorms.
ii
Disposal instructions
Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding.
To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global environment, please recycle.For more information on the Waste from Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) regulations, visit http://global.acer.com/about/sustainability.htm.
Mercury advisory
For projectors or electronic products containing an LCD/CRT monitor or display: Lamp(s) inside this product contain mercury and must be recycled or disposed of according to local, state or federal laws. For more information, contact the Electronic Industries Alliance at www.eiae.org. For lamp-specific disposal information, check www.lamprecycle.org.
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ENERGY STAR is a government program (public/private partnership) that gives people the power to protect the environment in a cost effective way and without sacrificing quality or product features. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE). In the average home, 75% of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. ENERGY STAR qualified home electronic products in the off position use up to 50% less energy than conventional equipment. More information refers to http://www.energystar.gov and http://www.energystar.gov/powermangement.
Note: The statement above is applicable only to eMachines system with an ENERGY STAR sticker.
As an ENERGY STAR partner, eMachines Inc. has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency.
This product has been shipped enabled for power management:
•Activate display’ Sleep mode within 15 minutes of user inactivity.
•Activate computer’s Sleep mode within 30 minutes of user inactivity.
•Wake the computer from Sleep mode by pushing power button.
•More power management settings can be done through Windows power management.
Tips and information for comfortable use
Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use. Users are also at risk of physical injury after long hours of working in front of a computer. Long work periods, bad posture, poor work habits, stress, inadequate working conditions, personal health and other factors greatly increase the risk of physical injury.
Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis or other musculoskeletal disorders. The following symptoms may appear in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or back:
•numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation
•aching, soreness or tenderness
•pain, swelling or throbbing
•stiffness or tightness
•coldness or weakness
If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent discomfort and/or pain related to computer use, consult a physician immediately and inform your company's health and safety department.
The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer use.
Finding your comfort zone
Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe the following tips:
•refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture
•avoid slouching forward and/or leaning backward
•stand up and walk around regularly to remove the strain on your leg muscles
iv
•take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders
•avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders
•install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within comfortable reach
•if you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at the center of your desk to minimize neck strain
Taking care of your vision
Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast displays could stress your eyes. The following sections provide suggestions on how to reduce eyestrain.
Eyes
•Rest your eyes frequently.
•Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and focusing on a distant point.
•Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out.
Display
•Keep your display clean.
•Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your eyes point downward when looking at the middle of the display.
•Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.
•Eliminate glare and reflections by:
•placing your display in such a way that the side faces the window or any light source
•minimizing room light by using drapes, shades or blinds
•using a task light
•changing the display's viewing angle
•using a glare-reduction filter
•using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended from the display's top front edge
•Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle.
•Avoid looking at bright light sources, such as open windows, for extended periods of time.
Developing good work habits
Develop the following work habits to make your computer use more relaxing and productive:
•Take short breaks regularly and often.
•Perform some stretching exercises.
•Breathe fresh air as often as possible.
•Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body.
Warning! We do not recommend using the computer on a couch or bed. If this is unavoidable, work for only short periods, take breaks regularly, and do some stretching exercises.
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vi
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer . . . 1
About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chapter 2: Setting Up and
Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive
strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . 7 Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . 9 Connecting a dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Wired Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Establishing your Ethernet network connection 18 Testing your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Adding a printer to your network . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Sharing resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Using the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
vii
Contents
Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Optical disc drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Creating recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . 49 Returning your system to its factory condition . 50 Creating Labelflash Disc Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 What is Labelflash? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Creating disc labels with LabelPrint . . . . . . . . . . 52 Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Before calling Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices. 61
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Chapter 1
Checking Out Your
Computer
1
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer
This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of computer. Some illustrations in this guide may look different than your computer because hardware options and port locations may vary.
Component |
Icon |
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Description |
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DVD/CD drive |
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Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, |
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install games and programs, watch |
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DVDs, and store large files onto |
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recordable discs (depending on drive |
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type). This drive may be a CD, recordable |
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CD, DVD, recordable DVD, Blu-ray, or |
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HD DVD drive. |
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Memory card |
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Insert a memory card from a digital |
reader |
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camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular |
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telephone, or other device into the |
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memory card reader. |
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Power |
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Press this button to turn the power on |
button/power |
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or off. You can also configure the power |
indicator |
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button to operate in Standby/Resume |
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mode or Hibernate mode. The power |
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indicator lights when the computer is |
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turned on. |
USB ports |
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Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices |
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(such as a USB external drive, printer, |
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scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) |
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into these ports. |
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Microphone |
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Plug a microphone into this jack. This |
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jack |
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jack is color-coded pink. |
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Headphone jack |
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Plug powered, analog front speakers, an |
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external amplifier, or headphones into |
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this jack. This jack is color-coded green. |
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2
Important
Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration.
Component |
Icon |
Description |
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Kensington lock |
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Connects to a Kensington-compatible |
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slot (optional) |
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computer security lock. |
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Voltage switch |
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The switch is preset at the factory. |
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Make sure that this is set to the |
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correct voltage for your area. |
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Power connector |
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Plug the power cord into this |
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connector. |
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PS/2 keyboard |
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Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port. |
port |
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Monitor (VGA) |
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Plug a VGA (blue connector) monitor |
port |
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cable into this port. |
USB ports |
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Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices |
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(such as a USB Iomega™ Zip™ drive, |
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printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or |
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mouse) into these ports. |
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Microphone jack |
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Plug a microphone into this jack. |
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(pink plug) |
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Headphone/analo |
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This jack is user configurable for one |
g speakers jack |
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of the following: |
(green plug) |
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Headphone: Plug headphones or |
-OR- |
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amplified speakers into this jack |
Front speakers |
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(Default). |
jack |
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Stereo out: Plug your front left and |
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right speakers into this jack. |
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PS/2 mouse port |
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Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port. |
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Ethernet |
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Plug an Ethernet network cable or a |
(network) jack |
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device (such as a DSL or cable modem |
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for a broadband Internet connection) |
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into this jack. |
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3
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Computer
Component |
Icon |
Description |
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Center/subwoofer |
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Plug your center speaker and |
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jack (orange plug) |
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subwoofer into this jack. |
(optional) |
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Surround L/R |
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Plug your rear right and left speakers |
speaker jack |
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into this jack. |
(black plug) |
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Audio in/side |
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This jack is user configurable for one |
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speaker jack (blue |
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of the following: |
plug) |
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Stereo in: Plug an external audio |
-OR- |
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input source (such as a stereo) into |
Side speaker jack |
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this jack so you can record sound on |
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your computer (Default). |
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Stereo out: Plug your side left and |
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right speakers into this jack. |
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ESATA port |
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Enables fast external disk access. |
(optional) |
ESATA |
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Serial port |
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Connects to devices such as terminals |
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(optional) |
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and various peripherals. |
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HDMI port |
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Supports high definition digital video |
(optional) |
HDMI |
connections. |
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4
Chapter 2
Setting Up and
Getting Started
5
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain:
•Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor.
•Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye leve.
•Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
•Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.
•Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
•Take breaks to change your position, stretch your muscles, and relieve your eyes.
•Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a variety of tasks.
6
Warning
High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your computer and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your computer.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer during a power failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut down your computer normally.
7
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
Caution
If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location before turning on your computer. In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115 volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the world, such as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your computer is operating in an environment such as this, the voltage switch should be moved to 230.
The power supply, a component built into your computer, provides power to the system board, add-in cards, and peripheral devices. The power supply’s voltage selection for your location is typically set at the factory, but you can change it to match the electrical service available in your usage area (such as while in another country). Use the power selection switch on the back of your computer to set the voltage to 115V or 230V.
1Disconnect your computer’s power cable.
2Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the voltage selection switch to the correct voltage position. The switch is located on the back of your computer, near the power cable connector. For the location, see “Back” on page 3.
8
Important
Your computer may be equipped with a built-in Ethernet (network) jack. For information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network.
You can connect your computer to a cable or
DSL (broadband) modem or to a wired
Ethernet network.
To connect to a broadband modem or to an
Ethernet network:
1Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on the back of your computer. For the location, see “Back” on page 3.
2Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable modem, DSL modem, or network jack.
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord.
Your computer may have a 56K modem that you can use with a standard telephone line to connect to the internet or fax documents.
1Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the modem at the back of your computer. For the location, see “Back” on page 3.
9
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
2Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. (The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.)
3If you want, you can connect a telephone to the PHONE jack on the modem on the back of your computer.
The World Wide Web is a multimedia window to the Internet that gives you access to millions of information sources.
Information on the Web comes to you on Web pages, which are electronic documents that you view using a Web page display program called a browser. You can use any of the commercially available Web browsers, like Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
Web pages can contain text, animations, music, and other multimedia features. A group of related Web pages is called a Web site. You can access Web sites to shop, track investments, read the news, download programs, and much more.
You can explore a Web site or visit other Web sites by clicking areas on a Web page called links or hyperlinks. A link may be colored or underlined text, a picture, or an animated image. You can identify a link by moving the mouse pointer over it. If the pointer changes to a hand, the item is a link.
To learn more about using the Web browser features, click Help in the menu bar.
10
After you set up an account with an Internet service provider (ISP), you can access the many information sources on the World Wide Web.
1Connect to your Internet account.
2Depending on the method you use to connect to your Internet account, you may need to start your Web browser. Click (Start), then click Internet. Your default Web browser opens showing an opening page or welcome screen.
3To go to a different Web site, type the address (called a URL for “Universal Resource Locator”) in the browser address bar (for example www.emachines.com), then click GO on the browser address bar.
- OR -
On the current Web page, click a link to a Web site.
Help
For more information about connecting to a Web site, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type connecting to a Web site in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.
The Web browser locates the server computer on the Internet, downloads (transfers) data to your computer, and displays the page on the site that you requested.
Sometimes Web pages display slowly. The speed that a Web page displays on your screen depends on the complexity of the Web page and other Internet conditions. Additionally, the speed of your connection will determine how fast Web pages display.
11
Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
Caution
To protect your computer against viruses, make sure that you scan the files you download.
Downloading is the process of transferring files from a computer on the Internet to your computer.
1Connect to your Internet account.
2In the address bar, type the address of the Web site that contains the file or program you want to download, then press ENTER.
- OR -
Click a link on a Web page to navigate to the Web site containing the file that you want to download.
3Create or locate the folder where you want to store the file on your computer.
4Click the link on the Web page for the file that you want to download.
5Follow the on-screen instructions for saving the file in the folder that you want. A copy of the file is downloaded to your computer. The time that it takes to transfer the file to your computer depends on file size and Internet conditions.
6Open the folder that you created.
7Install or view the downloaded file by double-clicking it. If applicable, follow the instructions provided on the Web site to run or install the program.
Help
For more information about downloading files, click
Start, then click Help and Support. Type downloading files in the
Search Help box, then click ENTER
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An wired Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected together through an Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used in offices around the world and can be used to build computer networks in the home.
Important
Check local code requirements before installing Ethernet cable or other wiring in your home or office. Your municipality may require you to obtain a permit and hire a licensed installer.
Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at 10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 1000 Mbps. Most home networks are built using Standard or Fast Ethernet components. Business networks are typically built using Fast or Gigabit Ethernet components.
To create a wired Ethernet network, you or your electrician must install special Ethernet cables in your home or office.
The most common way to set up a wired Ethernet network is Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) using a router. A DHCP network configuration uses a router to automatically assign IP addresses to each computer or network device. For information on setting up a router, see the router’s documentation.
The following is an example of a wired Ethernet network. The network is made up of a router, a cable or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting each of these components. The router is the central control point for the network.
Tip
To add the ability to access a wireless Ethernet network to your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point to the router or use a router that has a built-in access point.
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Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started
Attached to the router are all of your computers or Ethernet-ready devices. Also connected to the router is a cable or DSL modem that provides access to the Internet.
Cable/DSL modem
Router
Equipment you need for a router-based
Ethernet network
Important
For best results, all Ethernet components should be either standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). A mixture of components rated at different speeds will result in your network running at the speed of the slowest rated component.
For a wired Ethernet network you need:
•Two or more computers with Ethernet jacks
•One router
•One broadband Internet connection (optional)
•Ethernet cables connecting all of the network equipment
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