Aspire 3000/5000 Series User's Guide Copyright © 2005. Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. Aspire 3000/5000 Series User's Guide Original Issue: March 2005 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. Aspire 3000/5000 Series Notebook Computer Model Number: __________________________________ Serial Number: ___________________________________ Purchase Date: ___________________________________ Place of Purchase: ________________________________ Acer and the Acer 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. iii First things first We would like to thank you for making the Aspire series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs. Your guides To help you use your Aspire, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Just for starters... poster helps you get started with setting up your computer. The printed User's 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 AcerSystem User's Guide. This guide contains detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, data recovery, expansion options, and troubleshooting. In addition it contains warranty information and the general regulations and safety notices for your notebook. It is available in Portable Document Format (PDF) and comes preloaded on your notebook. Follow these steps to access it: 1 Click on Start, All Programs, AcerSystem. 2 Click on AcerSystem User's Guide. Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If Adobe Acrobat Reader is not installed on your computer, clicking on AcerSystem User's Guide will run the Acrobat Reader setup program first. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. For instructions on how to use Adobe Acrobat Reader, access the Help and Support menu. Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button below the LCD screen beside the launch keys. See "Front view" on page 1 for the location of the power button. To turn the power off, do any of the following: · · Use the Windows shutdown command Click on Start, Turn Off Computer; then click on Turn Off. Use the power button iv Note: You can also use the power button to perform power management functions. See "Moving around" on page 43 of the AcerSystem User's Guide. · Use the customized functions for power management You can also shut down the computer by closing the display cover, or by pressing the sleep hot key + . See "Moving around" on page 43 of the AcerSystem User's Guide. 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 0 ºC (32 ºF) or above 50 ºC (122 ºF). 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 and 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. Taking care of your AC adaptor Here are some ways to take care of your AC adaptor: · · · · Do not connect the adaptor to any other device. Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it. Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from foot traffic. 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. v Taking care of your battery pack Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack: · · · Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off before removing or replacing batteries. Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children. Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if at all possible. Cleaning and servicing When cleaning the computer, follow these steps: 1 2 3 Power off the computer and remove the battery pack. Disconnect the AC adaptor. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. the computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged. the computer does not operate normally. If either of the following occurs: · · Please refer to "Frequently asked questions" on page 23. Caution Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this computer. Operation conditions This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Users are requested to follow the RF safety instructions on wireless option devices that are included in the user's manual of each RF option device. An improper installation or unauthorized use may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Also any tampering of the internal antenna will void the FCC certification and your warranty. To prevent radio interference to the licensed service, this device is intended to be operated indoors and installation outdoors is subject to licensing. For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our website: http://global.acer.com. Contents First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off Taking care of your computer Taking care of your AC adaptor Taking care of your battery pack Cleaning and servicing iii iii iii iii iv iv v v An Aspire tour Front view Closed front view Left view Right view Rear view Base view Specifications Indicators Launch keys Touchpad Touchpad basics Using the keyboard Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad Windows keys Hot keys Special keys Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray Using a computer security lock Audio Adjusting the volume Using the system utilities Acer eManager Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) Launch Manager Frequently asked questions Requesting service International Travelers Warranty (ITW) Before you call 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 11 13 13 14 14 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 22 23 27 27 27 Arcade (for selected models) 29 Arcade hot keys 30 The Arcade remote control (for selected models)31 Finding and playing content 32 Arcade controls Cinema Album Video Advanced Settings Navigation controls Player controls DVD settings Slideshow settings Playing a video file Video Authoring 32 33 35 37 38 38 37 37 36 34 33 33 32 Music Burner TV (for selected models) Copy -- backup your CD/DVD collection Audio -- create your own greatest hits CDs Data -- store files simply and easily Video -- your world in pictures Instant Replay Recorded TV Scheduling Recordings TV Preview Using TeleText Functions TV Settings 39 38 38 38 38 39 40 40 40 40 41 Taking your notebook PC with you Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Preparing the computer What to take to short meetings What to take to long meetings Preparing the computer What to take with you Special considerations Setting up a home office Preparing the computer What to take with you Special considerations 43 43 43 43 44 44 Taking the computer home 44 Traveling with the computer 45 44 45 45 45 45 46 46 Traveling internationally with the computer Preparing the computer What to bring with you Special considerations 46 46 46 47 Securing your computer Using a computer security lock Using passwords Entering passwords Setting passwords 48 48 48 49 49 Expanding through options Connectivity options Fax/Data modem Built-in network feature Fast Infrared Universal Serial Bus IEEE 1394 port PC Card slot Boot sequence Enable Disk to disk recovery Password Playing DVD movies 51 51 51 52 52 53 53 54 55 56 56 56 BIOS utility 55 Using software 56 Power management Acer eRecovery Create backup Restore from backup Create factory default image CD Re-install bundled software without CD Change password Troubleshooting Troubleshooting tips Error messages Regulations and safety notices Energy Star Guidelines Compliance FCC notice Modem notices Important safety instructions 57 58 58 59 59 60 60 61 61 61 63 63 63 65 67 1 An Aspire tour After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new Aspire computer. English Front view # 1 2 3 4 Item Display screen Microphone Keyboard Palmrest Description Also called Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), displays computer output. Internal microphone for sound recording. For entering data into your computer. Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer. 2 English # 5 Item Click buttons (Left, center and right) Touchpad Status indicators Launch keys Power button Description The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons; the center button serves as a 4-way scroll button. Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that turn on and off to show the status of the computer's functions and components. Buttons for launching frequently used programs. See "Launch keys" on page 14 for more details. Turns the computer on and off. 6 7 8 9 Closed front view # 1 2 Item Speakers Power indicator Description Left and right speakers deliver stereo audio output. Lights up when the computer is on. 3 Battery indicator Lights up when the battery is being charged. 4 Bluetooth communication button/indicator (for selected models) Wireless communication button/indicator Line-in jack Mic-in jack Press to enable/disable the Bluetooth function. Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication (optional). Press to enable/disable the wireless function. Indicates the status of wireless LAN communication (optional). Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player, stereo walkman). Accepts inputs from external microphones. 5 6 7 3 # 8 9 Item Speaker/Line-Out/ Headphone jack USB 2.0 port Description Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones). Connects to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera). English Left view # 1 2 3 4 Item Optical drive LED indicator Emergency eject hole Optical drive eject button Description Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs depending on the optical drive type. Lights up when the optical drive is active. Ejects the optical drive tray when the computer is turned off Ejects the optical drive tray from the drive. Right view # 1 2 Item PC Card slot eject button PC Card slot Description Ejects the PC Card from the slot. Accepts one Type II CardBus PC Card. 4 English # 3 4 5 6 Item Two USB 2.0 ports Network jack Modem jack Ventilation slots Description Connect to Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera). Connects to an Ethernet 10/100 based network. Connects to a phone line. Enable the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. Rear view # 1 Item Power jack Description Connects to an AC adaptor. 2 ...