User manual ACER ASPIRE 1700

Acer Aspire 1700 series User's guide Copyright © 2003 All Rights Reserved Acer Aspire 1700 Series Computer User's Guide Original Issue: March 2003 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 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 correspondense 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, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated. Acer Aspire 1700 series computer Model Number : _________________________________ Serial Number: ___________________________________ Purchase Date: ___________________________________ Place of Purchase: ________________________________ All trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective companies. First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer vii vii vii Getting familiar with your computer A tour of your computer Opened front view Closed Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Display Indicators Keyboard Special keys Keyboard ergonomics Touchpad Touchpad basics Launch keys Storage Ejecting the optical drive tray Emergency ejection of the optical drive tray Connectivity options Ethernet and LAN Fax/data modem Audio Audio DJ Securing your computer Security slot Passwords 1 3 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 15 15 19 20 20 22 23 23 24 25 25 26 27 28 30 30 30 Operating on battery power Battery pack(Optional) Battery pack characteristics Installing and removing the battery pack Charging the battery Checking the battery level Battery-low warning Power management 33 35 35 36 38 38 39 40 Contents iv English Peripherals and options External display devices External keypad External pointing device Printer Expansion devices PC Card USB devices Miscellaneous options Installing New Components Opening The Case CPU upgrade Hard disk upgrade Memory upgrade I 41 43 44 44 45 46 46 47 48 49 49 50 52 53 54 Moving with your computer Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Preparing the computer What to bring to short meetings What to bring to long meetings Taking the computer home Preparing the computer What to bring with you Special considerations Setting up a home office Traveling with the computer Preparing the computer What to take with you Special considerations Traveling internationally with your computer Preparing the computer What to take with you Special considerations 55 57 58 58 58 58 59 59 59 59 60 61 61 61 61 62 62 62 62 Software System software Launch Manager BIOS Setup Utility 63 65 65 66 v Frequently asked questions 69 Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Notices Index 73 79 89 English Troubleshooting 67 English English vi vii Your guides A set of guides is provided to help you set up and use your Aspire computer.: The Just for starters... poster shows you how to set up your computer. This User's Guide provides clear and concise information on using your computer productively. You are advised to read it thoroughly and keep it handy for future reference. For more information on our products, services, and support, please visit our web site www.global.acer.com. Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on your computer, open the lid and press the power button above the keyboard. To turn the power off, you can do any of the following: · · Click on the Start button in Windows, and then select Shut Down on the popup menu. Push the power button. To use this method, you must first click on the Power Management icon in Windows Control Panel, and then check that the power button is set to shut down the computer when pressed. See Windows Help for more information. English First things first English viii English Note: if you are unable to shut down the computer in the usual way, press and hold the power switch for more than four seconds. You should then wait at least two seconds before turning the computer on again. 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 0°C (32°F), or above 50°C (122°F). Do not expose 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. Do not place objects on top of the computer. Do not slam the lid shut. Close the computer gently. Do not place the computer on unstable or uneven surfaces. Taking care of your AC adapter It is important that you look after your AC adapter. · · Do not connect the adapter to any other device. Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on it. Route the power cord away from areas where people might walk on it or trip over it. Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting from the mains power socket. Grasp and pull the plug instead. The total ampere ratings of equipment plugged into a power strip should not exceed the ampere rating for that power strip. · · ix It is also important that you look after your computer's battery pack. · · · · Use the correct battery model for your computer. Do not use other kinds of batteries. Turn the power off before removing or replacing the battery. Do not tamper with the battery. Keep the battery away from children. Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible. Cleaning and servicing When cleaning your computer, it is important that you follow these steps: 1 2 3 Turn off the computer and remove the battery. Disconnect the AC adapter. Clean with a soft cloth moistened with a little water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Refer to the chapter entitled "Frequently asked questions" on page 69 if any of the following occurs: · · · You drop the computer or damage the case. You spill liquid on the computer. The computer does not operate normally. English Taking care of your battery pack(Optional) English English x Getting familiar with your computer 2 Getting familiar with your computer English Your Aspire 1700 series computer combines solid performance, versatility, multimedia capabilities and portability with a stylish design. Increase your productivity by working wherever you are. This chapter provides an in-depth "tour" of your computer's features. 3 After setting up your new Aspire computer, as illustrated in the Just for starters... poster, take a few minutes to explore the unit. Opened front view # 1 Item Display Description Large liquid crystal display (LCD) provides visual output. Turns the computer on and off. Full-size keyboard for inputting typed data. Touch sensitive pad that functions like a computer mouse. 2 3 4 Power button Keyboard Touchpad English A tour of your computer English 4 Getting familiar with your computer English # 5 Item Click buttons & scroll key Description Right and left buttons that provide the same functions as the buttons on a computer mouse. The scroll key scrolls the contents of a window up and down. Button and indicators for the Audio DJ function. For more information, see "Audio" on page 27.. Provides a comfortable platform for your hands when typing on the keyboard. 1 switch button for wired LAN /wireless LAN 1 e-mail launch button 1 launch button for Internet browser 2 programmable buttons 6 Audio DJ controls and indicator Palm rest 7 8 Launch keys 9 Status indicators Light emitting diodes (LED) that show the status of the computer and its components. Note: This wireless communiction button works for models with 802.11b & 802.11a+b wireless LAN only. 5 # 1 2 Item Speakers Wireless communication indicator Power indicator Description Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output Lights when the Wireless LAN capability is enabled. 3 Lights when the computer is on. English Closed Front view English 6 Getting familiar with your computer English Left view # 1 Item Optical drive Description Depending on your model, the optical drive is one of the following: · · · CD-ROM drive for reading CDs. DVD-ROM drive for reading CDs and DVDs. DVD/CD-RW combo drive for reading CDs and DVDs, and writing to CD-Rs and CD-RWs.. 2 Optical disc read indicator Light emitting diode (LED) that indicates when an optical disc is being read. Press the eject button to remove a disc from the optical drive. Used to eject an optical disc when the computer is turned off. Accepts 3.5 inch floppy disk. Locks and releases the lid.(One on the right and one on the left) Press the eject button to remove a PC card from the PC card slot. The slot supports a standard Type II PC card (PCMCIA). 3 Optical drive eject button 4 Optical drive emergency eject hole Floppy drive Left Latch 5 6 7 PC card eject button 8 PC card slot 7 # 1 Item Right Latch Description Locks and releases the lid.(One on the right and one on the left) Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g.,speakers, headphones). 2 Speaker/Headphone-out jack 3 Line-in/Mic-in jack Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player, stereo walkman). Selection is through the OS Windows mixer. Connects to an IEEE 1394 device. 4 IEEE 1394 port 5 IEEE 1394 port Connects to an IEEE 1394 device. 6 USB ports 2 ports for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 7 DC-in jack Connects the AC adapter. English Right view English 8 Getting familiar with your computer English Rear view # 1 Item USB ports Description 2 ports for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 2 Modem jack Connects the built-in fax/data modem to a phone line. 3 S-video Connects to a television or dispaly device with Svideo input. 4 External display port Connects an external (VGA) display devices monitor. Connects to other serial interface devices. Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network. 5 6 COM port Network jack 7 Parallel port Connects a parallel device, such as a printer. 8 PS2 port Connects to a PS2 mouse 9 Kensington lock slot For attaching a security connector. 9 # 1 2 3 Item Battery cover Sub-woofer Ventilation slots Description Protects the battery bay. Enhance the audio quality. Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. English Bottom view English 10 Getting familiar with your computer English Features Performance · · · · · · Intel Pentium 4 Northwood/Celeron processor. L2 cache 512K (Northwood), 128K (Celeron). SiS M650 with SiS 962, support 400/533Mhz Front Side Bus , Intel HTT support 40 GB or higher-capacity Desktop 5400rpm, 7200rpm HDD. Microsoft Windows XP operating system. Optional 6-in-1 Multimedia memory card module Multimedia · · · · · · · · CD-ROM. DVD-ROM. DVD/CD-RW combo. Audio input and output jacks. Optional 6-in-1 Multimedia memory card module Hardware 3D graphic engine Two stereo speakers + One sub-woofer 15" Desktop XGA color LCD, 1024x768, 16M colors / 17" Desktop SXGA LCD, 1280x1024, 16M colors Connectivity · · · · · · Modem: Software Modem V9.0/V9.2 56Kbps (MDC). 10/100 Mbps Lan . Optional Mini-PCI 802.11b / 802.11a+b / bluetooth(+modem) One switch to enable or disable wireless function Keyboard and Pointing Device 4 universal serial bus (USB) ports. Human-centric design and ergonomics · · · · All-in-one design (incorporating hard drive, optical drive and floppy disk drive). Rugged and space saving. Full-size Desktop keyboard. No need to turn on the system for playing CD or MP3 11 Expansion · · PC card slot enables a range of add-on options. Upgradeable CPU, hard disk and memory modules. English · Large & comfortable palm rest area with well-positioned touchpad. English 12 Getting familiar with your computer English Display The 15" or 17" display panel provides a large viewing area for maximum efficiency and ease-of-use. The liquid crystal display (LCD) supports extended graphics array (XGA) resolution, enabling 16 million colors at 1024 x 768 for 15". For 17", it supports SXGA resolution with16 million colors at 1280 x 1024 . Video performance Your Aspire 1700 series computer features an accelerated graphics port (AGP) video system with SiS M650 embedded VGA engine and 32MB UMA RAM, and nVIDIA NV-18M series(64MB AGP card) as option. This provides a robust solution, while enabling high quality video output. Simultaneous display Your computer's large display, combined with its multimedia capabilities, makes it ideally suited to delivering presentations. You can also connect an external monitor or projector, and then choose to use the computer's LCD panel only, the external device only, or the LCD panel and external device simultaneously. Simultaneous display allows you to manage a presentation on your computer, while your audience watches the monitor or projector screen. 13 Your computer provides an array of five indicators located above the keyboard, in addition to two indicators positioned at the top right hand corner of the LCD panel. These indicators show the status of the computer and its components. The five indicators located above the keyboard provide the following status information: # 1 2 Description Hard disk drive activity. Battery charge: Green Amber Red Off the AC adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged. the AC adapter is connected and the battery is charging. the AC adapter is connected and the battery has a fault. the AC adapter is not connected, or the battery is not installed. English Indicators English 14 Getting familiar with your computer English # 3 4 Description Caps Lock active. Num Lock active. (Note: the keypad lock must be turned on to use the embedded numeric keypad.) Scroll Lock active. 5 The two indicators located at the front of the unit provide the following status information: # 1 Description Power mode: Steady green Steady orange Off the computer is on (even if the display is turned off). the computer is in standby mode. the computer is turned off, or in hibernation mode. 2 InviLink indicator: Indicates status of (optional) wireless communication. 15 The keyboard features full-size keys with an embedded keypad, separate cursor control keys, two Windows keys, and twelve function keys (hot keys). Special keys Lock keys The computer features three lock keys, each with its own status indicator light. Lock Key Caps Lock Description When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters are typed in uppercase. Toggle on and off by pressing the Caps Lock key on the left side of the keyboard. When Num Lock is on, the embedded numeric keypad can be used. Toggle on and off by pressing the Num Lock Key. When Scroll Lock is on, the screen toggles up or down one line at a time when the up and down cursor control keys are pressed. Note: Scroll Lock doesn't work in all applications. Toggle on and off by pressing the Scrool Lock Key. Num Lock Scroll Lock English Keyboard English 16 Getting familiar with your computer English Windows keys The keyboard features two keys that provide Windows-specific functions. Key Windows key Description Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions: + Tab activates the next Taskbar button. +E + F1 +F +M Shift + action. +R opens the Run dialog box. opens the My Computer window. opens Help and Support. opens the Find: All Files dialog box. minimizes all windows. + M undoes the minimize all windows ( + M) Applications key This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse button; it opens the application's context menu. 17 Using the Fn key with another key creates a hot key, providing a quick and convenient method for controlling various functions. To use a hot key, first hold down the Fn key. Next, press the second key in the combination. Finally, release both keys. Your computer provides the following hot keys: HotKey Fn + F1 Fn + F2 Hot key help Device Manager Power scheme toggle Sleep Function Display this help file Accesses Windows Device Manager Fn + F3 Selects suitable power scheme to the system Fn + F4 Puts the computer in Sleep Mode, which can be defined via the advanced section of the Power Management Properties in the Windows Control Panel Switches display output between the system LCD, an external monitor and both the system LCD and external monitor. Turn the LCD backlight off to save power; press any key to resume Turns the internal touchpad on and off Fn + F5 Display toggle Fn + F6 Screen blank Fn + F7 Touchpad on/off English Hotkeys English 18 Getting familiar with your computer English HotKey Fn + F8 Speaker on/off Brightness up Brightness down Volume up Function Turns the speakers on and off Fn + Fn + Fn + Fn + Fn + Pg Up Home Fn + Pg Dn End Increases the screen brightness Decrease the screen brightness Increase the volume Volume down Home Decrease the volume Moves the cursor to the beginning of a sentence. End Moves the cursor to the end of a sentence. Euro key Your computer supports the new Euro currency character. First, hold down the Alt Gr key, and then press the Euro key.. Alt Gr 19 The wide palm rest area provides a comfortable platform for your hands when typing on the keyboard. The ergonomic design enables you to adopt a relaxed, yet very efficient, typing style. English Keyboard ergonomics English 20 Getting familiar with your computer English Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a PS/2- compatible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. The cursor responds to your finger movements on the touchpad. In addition, the two click buttons provide the same functionality as a computer mouse, while the scroll key enables easy up and down scrolling in documents and web pages. The touchpad is located in the middle of the palm rest area, providing maximum comfort and efficiency. Touchpad basics Use the touchpad as follows: · Slide your finger over the surface of the touchpad to control the movement of the cursor. Tap the touchpad to perform selection and execution functions. Press the left (1) and right (3) click buttons to perform selection and execution functions, just as you would use the buttons on a computer mouse. · 21 Function Execute Left Button Click twice quickly. Click once. Click and hold. Then, slide your finger across the touchpad to drag the cursor over the selection. Right Button Tap Tap twice quickly. Select Drag Tap once. Tap twice quickly. On the second tap, slide your finger across the touchpad to drag the cursor over the selection. Access content menu Click once. Note: keep your fingers, as well as the surface of the touchpad, clean and dry. The touchpad is sensitive to your finger movements: the lighter your touch, the better the response. Tapping hard will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness. English · Use the scroll key (2) to scroll through long documents and web pages. Press the top of the key to scroll up, and the bottom to scroll down. English 22 Getting familiar with your computer English Launch keys Located at the top of the keyboard are five buttons. These buttons are called launch keys. They are designated as key 1,key 2,key 3,key 4 and key 5. By default, key 1 is used to launch wireless LAN, key 2 is used to launch the email application and key 3 is used to launch the Internet browser. Keys 3 and 4 start the Launch Manager application. All five launch keys can be set by the user. To set the launch keys, run the Acer Launch Manager. Launch key InviLink button Default application Enalbe or disable wireless connectivity. Email Web browser P1 P2 Launches your email application. Launches your Internet browser. User-programmable User-programmable 23 Your computer's all-in-one design offers a variety of data storage options: · The high capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk drive. The hard drive is upgradeable, enabling you to increase your storage capacity in the future. Consult your dealer if you need to upgrade. · The high speed optical drive. Depending on your model, you have a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or DVD/CDRW combo drive. The optical drive provides increased storage capacity, as well as offering a host of multimedia possibilities. See the section entitled, "A tour of your computer," for the locations of these drives. Ejecting the optical drive tray To eject the optical drive tray: · · · With the computer turned on, press the optical drive eject button. The tray will be released, and partially pop open. Gently pull the tray out to its limit. To load an optical disc: English Storage English 24 Getting familiar with your computer English · · · Place a CD or DVD on the open tray. Align the disc's center hole with the tray's spindle. Gently push down on the disc until it clicks in place on the spindle. Gently push in the tray until it clicks closed. Emergency ejection of the optical drive tray If you need to eject the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off, push a straightened paper clip into the optical drive emergency eject hole. The tray will be released, and partially pop open. 25 Your computer has built-in connectivity options, enabling you to hook up to a network or communicate over a phone line. Ethernet and LAN The integrated network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based (10/100Mbps) network. To use the network feature, plug an Ethernet cable into your computer's network jack, and then connect the other end to a network jack or hub on your network. See Windows Help for information on setting up a network connection. English Connectivity options English 26 Getting familiar with your computer English Fax/data modem Your computer features a software modem(V9.0/V9.2 56Kbps), enabling you to communicate over a phone line. This means that you can connect to the Internet via a dialup account with an ISP, log in to your network from a remote location, or send faxes. Warning: your modem is not compatible with digital phone lines. Plugging the computer into a digital phone system will damage the modem. To use the fax/data modem, plug a phone cable into your computer's modem jack, and then connect the other end to a telephone jack. 27 Your computer includes an integrated stereo audio system. Built-in stereo speakers and a subwoofer are located at the front of the unit. Volume is adjusted using software, such as Volume Control in Windows, or any other application that provides a volume adjustment control. Two audio ports on the right side of the computer enable external devices to be connected. See "A tour of your computer" on page 3 for the location of the audio ports. For information on connecting external devices, See "Audio devices" on page 45. English Audio English 28 Getting familiar with your computer English Audio DJ Audio DJ offers all the convenience of an audio CD / MP3 player, enabling you to play your favorite music CDs or "My MP3" folder from the HDD even when your computer is in power-off mode. Operate Audio DJ as follows: · · · · · · Press "Play" button to turn on the audio function. Press both "Volume Up" & "Voulme Down" buttons at the same time to select the "My MP3" folder from HDD. Press the Stop/Eject button, and then load a CD into the CD/DVD drive. Push the drawer to close it. Press the Play/Pause button to start playing the CD or the selected MP3. Use the other buttons to control the playback of the CD or MP3. Audio DJ can be shut down by: · · pressing the system power button, or pressing the Stop/Eject button to end playback, when inactive for 5 minutes, the system will power down automatically 29 Audio DJ features the following control buttons No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Description Volume Down Volume Up Previous Track Next Track Stop/Eject Play/Pause Shuffe On/Shuffle Off English English 30 Getting familiar with your computer English Securing your computer Your computer features hardware and software security solutions, in the form of a slot for a Kensington lock and a password facility. Security slot A slot for a Kensington slot enables you to physically protect your computer from theft. Use this feature as follows: · · Wrap a security lock cable around a heavy or immoveable object, such as a drawer handle on a file cabinet, or a table leg. Insert the lock into the slot on the computer, turn it 90°, and then lock it in place. Passwords You can protect your computer from unauthorized access by setting Windows password protection. The user must enter the password before beginning a Windows session. · · · First, open User Accounts in Windows Control Panel and select your account. Click Create a Password, and then set your desired password. Click Performance and Maintenance, Power Options in Control Panel. 31 To cancel password protection, reset the password with a blank password. English · On the Advanced tab, select the option to prompt for a password when your computer resumes from standby. English 32 Getting familiar with your computer English Operating on battery Your Aspire 1700 series computer operates on battery or AC power. This chapter provides information for operating on battery power, as well as information on how your computer manages and saves power. 35 English power English