TravelMate 6000/8000 Series User's Guide Copyright © 2004 Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. TravelMate 6000/8000 Series User's Guide Original Issue: Mar 2004 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 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, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated. TravelMate 6000/8000 Series Notebook Computer Model number : _________________________________ Serial number: ___________________________________ Purchase date: ___________________________________ Place of purchase: ________________________________ Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other company's 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 TravelMate series of notebook computers your choice for your mobile computing needs. We hope you will be happy with your TravelMate as much as we enjoyed making it for you. English Your guides To help you use your TravelMate, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Just for starters... poster helps you get started with setting up your computer. This User's guide introduces you to the many ways your computer can help you be more productive. This guide provides clear and concise information about the computer, so read it thoroughly. If you ever need to print out a copy, this User's guide is also available in PDF (Portable Document Format). Follow these steps: 1 Click on Start, All Programs, Acer System. 2 Click on Acer System User's guide. Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. For instructions on how to use Adobe Acrobat Reader, access the Help menu. For more information about our products, services, and support information, please visit our Web site (www.acer.com). Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on the computer, simply press the power button on the left of the launch keys found above your TravelMate's standard keyboard. See "Front open view" on page 3 for the location of the power button. To turn the power off, do any of the following: iv English · Use the Windows shutdown command For Windows® 2000: Click on Start, Shut Down..., and select Shut down; then click on OK. - or For Windows® XP: Click on Start, Turn off Computer; then click Turn Off. · Use the power button Note: You can also use the power button to perform power management functions. See Windows help for more information. · 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 (Fn-F4). See the online guide for details. 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 0ºC (32ºF) or above 50ºC (122ºF). 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 and vibration. Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt. Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging the computer. Do not slam the computer display when you close it. Never place the computer on uneven surfaces. v 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. Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from personal 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. English 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 4 Power off the computer and remove the battery pack. Disconnect the AC adapter. Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. To clean the display screen, use an LCD cleaning kit. If any of the following occurs: · · · The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged. Liquid has been spilled into the product. The computer does not operate normally. Please refer to "Troubleshooting my computer" on page 59. English vi vii First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer A TravelMate tour Front open view Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Indicators Using the keyboard Special keys Launch Keys Touchpad Touchpad basics Storage Hard disk AcerMedia bay Using software Audio Adjusting the volume DVI(Digital Visual Interface) Power management Moving around with your TravelMate Disconnecting from the desktop Moving around Taking the computer home Traveling with the computer Traveling internationally with the computer Securing your computer Using a computer security lock Using the Smart Card Using passwords 2 Customizing my computer Expanding through options Connectivity options Upgrade options Using system utilities Notebook Manager Launch Manager BIOS Utility iii iii iii 3 3 4 6 7 8 9 11 13 15 15 22 24 24 26 26 26 27 29 29 30 31 32 32 32 33 35 36 37 37 37 43 45 47 47 53 56 56 57 57 viii 3 Troubleshooting my computer Frequently-asked questions Troubleshooting tips Error messages Requesting service ITW Before you call 59 61 65 66 67 67 67 Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Notices 69 75 1 Getting to know your TravelMate Your TravelMate computer combines highperformance, versatility, power management features and multimedia capabilities with a unique style and ergonomic design. Work with unmatched productivity and reliability with your new power computing partner. 3 A TravelMate tour After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new TravelMate computer. English Front open view # 1 Item Display screen Description Also called LCD (liquid-crystal display), displays computer output. Turns on the computer. Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer mouse. The left and right buttons function like the left and right mouse buttons; the center button serves as a 4-way scroll button. 2 3 Power button Touchpad 4 Click buttons (left, center and right) 4 English # 5 Item Palmrest Description Comfortable support area for your hands when you use the computer. Inputs data into your computer. LEDs (light-emitting diode) that turn on and off to show the status of the computer, its functions and components. Internal microphone for sound recording. Special keys for launching internet browser, email program and frequently used programs. See "Launch Keys" on page 22 for more details. 6 7 Keyboard Status indicators 8 9 Microphone Launch keys Front view # 1 2 Item Speaker 4-in-1 card reader1 Description Outputs sound. Reads cards from Smart Media, Memory Stick, MultiMediaCard, and Secure Digital cards. Displays activity of 4-in-1 card reader. 3 4-in-1 card reader1 indicator 5 English # 4 Item Infrared port Description Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g., infrared printer, IR-aware computer). 5 6 Bluetooth button2 Bluetooth indicator2 Enables or disables Bluetooth functionality. Indicates that (optional) Bluetooth is enabled. 7 8 InviLink button3 InviLink indicator3 Enables or disables wireless LAN feature. Indicates status of wireless LAN communication. 9 Latch Latch for opening and closing the laptop. Notes: 1.Four-in-one card reader is a manufacturing option, subject to configuration. Only one media card type can be used at any given time. To avoid data loss or damage, do not shut down the system while card reader is active. 2.Bluetooth button and indicator work on models with Bluetooth only. 3.InviLink button and indicator work on models with wireless LAN only. 6 English Left view # 1 Item Four USB 2.0 ports Description Connect to Universal Serial Bus devices (e.g., USB mouse, USB camera). 2 IEEE 1394 port Connects to IEEE 1394 devices. 3 Smart Card slot Slot for Smart Card interface with pre-boot authentication system. Accepts audio line-in devices (e.g., audio CD player, stereo walkman). 4 Line-in jack 5 Microphone jack Accepts input from external microphones. 6 Headphone/ Speaker/ Line-out jack Connect to headphones or other line-out audio devices (speakers). 7 8 PC Card eject button PC Card slot Ejects the PC Card from the slot. Accepts one Type II 16-bit PC Card or 32-bit CardBus PC Card. 7 Right view English # 1 2 3 4 Item AcerMedia drive AcerMedia indicator Eject button Emergency eject slot Description Houses a removable media drive module. Lights up when the AcerMedia drive is active. Ejects the drive tray. Ejects the drive tray when the computer is turned off. See page 63 for more details. Connects to an AC adapter. 5 Power jack Note: The positions of the AcerMedia indicator, eject button and emergency eject hole may differ depending on the optical drive module installed. 8 English Rear view # 1 Item Modem jack Description Connects to a phone line. 2 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/1000-based network. 3 Expansion port Connects to I/O port replicator or EasyPort expansion devices. 4 DVI-digital port DVI-digital(Digital visual interface) port provides a better quality digital connection between this computer and a display device . 5 External display port Connects to a display device (e.g., external monitor, LCD projector) and displays up to 16.7 million colors. 6 S-video Connects to a television or display device with S-video input. 7 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. 9 Bottom view English # 1 Item AcerMedia bay release latch AcerMedia bay Battery bay Battery release latch Description Unlatches the AcerMedia drive for removing the optical drive. Houses an AcerMedia drive module. Houses the computer's battery pack. Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. Locks the battery in place. Slot for adding mini-PCI cards. Acer's patented Disc Anti-Shock Protection (DASP) system. Houses the computer's hard disk (secured by a screw). Houses the computer's main memory. 2 3 4 5 6 7 Battery lock Mini-PCI slot Hard disk protector 8 Hard disk bay 9 Memory compartment 10 English # 10 Item Cooling fan Description Helps keep the computer cool. Note: Don't cover or obstruct the opening of the fan. 11 Personal identification slot Insert a business card or similar-sized identification card to personalize your computer. 11 Features Below is a brief summary of the computer's many features: English Performance · · · · · · · · Intel® Pentium® M Processor at 1.4~1.7 GHz with 1MB L2 Cache or 1.5~2.0 GHz with 2MB L2 Cache. Intel® 855GME chipset Memory upgradeable up to 2 GB with 2 slots Internal removable optical drive (AcerMedia bay) High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk Li-ion main battery pack Power management system with ACPI (Advanced Configuration Power Interface) Smart Card interface with pre-boot authentication system for added security Display · Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) displaying 32bit high color up to 1024 x 768 eXtended Graphics Array (XGA) resolution for 14.1" or 1400 x 1050 Super eXtended Graphics Array + (SXGA+) resolution for 15" models (specification varies depending on the model) 3D graphics engine ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9700 64MB/128MB(Manufacturing option) Simultaneous LCD ,CRT monitor or other display device like projector support S-video for output to a television or display device that supports Svideo input "Automatic LCD dim" feature that automatically decides the best settings for your display and conserves power Dual indenpendent display DVI-Digital improves the quality to realistic display, the transmitting via a divital means · · · · · · · 12 English Multimedia · · · · 16-bit high-fidelity AC'97 stereo audio Built-in dual speakers Built-in microphone High-speed optical drive (AcerMedia bay) Connectivity · · · · · · · · High-speed fax/data modem port 10/100/1000 T-based Gigabit Ethernet port Fast infrared wireless communication Four USB 2.0 (Universal Serial Bus) ports IEEE 1394 port InviLinkTM 802.11a/b or 802.11b/g wireless LAN (manufacturing option) BluetoothTM ready (manufacturing optional) SD/MMC/SM/MS memory slot (manufacturing option) Human-centric design and ergonomics · · · · Internet 4-way scroll button Sleek, smooth and stylish design Acer FinTouch full-sized curved keyboard Ergonomically-centered touchpad pointing device Expansion · · · One type II CardBus PC Card slot Upgradeable memory Acer EasyPort 13 Indicators The computer has three easy-to-read status indicators below the display screen, and five on the front of the computer. English The Power and Battery status indicators are visible even when the display is closed. No 1 2 Icon Function Caps lock Num lock Description Lights when Caps Lock is activated. Lights when Num Lock is activated. 3 Media Activity Lights when the disc or AcerMedia is activated. Lights green when the power is on and orange when the computer is in standby mode. 4 Power 14 English No 5 Icon Function Battery Description Lights orange when the battery is charging. Lights when card reader is activating 6 Four-in-one Card Reader Bluetooth 7 Lights to indicate that BluetoothTM is enabled Lights to indicate status of wireless LAN communication 8 Wireless 15 Using the keyboard The full-sized keyboard includes an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys. English Special keys Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Caps Lock Description When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase. When Num Lock is on, the embedded 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. A better solution would be to connect an external keypad. 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. Num Lock (Fn-F11) Scroll Lock (Fn-F12) 16 English Embedded numeric keypad 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 Number keys on embedded keypad Cursor-control keys on embedded keypad Main keyboard keys Num lock on Type numbers in a normal manner. Hold Shift while using cursor-control keys. Num lock off Hold Fn while using cursor-control keys. Hold Fn while typing letters on embedded keypad. Type the letters in a normal manner. Note: If an external keyboard or keypad is connected to the computer, the Num Lock feature automatically shifts from the internal keyboard to the external keyboard or keypad. 17 Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. English Key Windows logo key Description Start button. Combinations with this key perform shortcut functions. Below are a few examples: + Tab (Activates next taskbar button) + E (Explores My Computer) + F (Finds Document) + M (Minimizes All) Shift + + M (Undoes Minimize All) + R (Displays the Run... dialog box) Application key Opens a context menu (same as a right-click). 18 English Hot keys The computer employs hot keys or key combinations to access most of the computer's controls like screen brightness, volume output and the BIOS Utility. To activate hot keys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hot key combination. Hot key Fn-F1 Icon Function Hot key help Description Displays help on hot keys. Fn-F2 Setup Launches the Notebook Manager. Switches the power management scheme used by the computer (function available if supported by operating system). See "Power management" on page 31. Fn-F3 Power management scheme toggle Fn-F4 Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep mode. See"Power management" on page 31 19 Hot key Fn-F5 Icon Function Display toggle Description Switches display output between the display screen, external monitor (if connected) and both the display screen and external monitor. Turns the display screen backlight off to save power. Press any key to return. Turns the internal touchpad enable and disable. Turns the speakers on and off. English Fn-F6 Screen blank Fn-F7 Touchpad toggle Fn-F8 Speaker toggle Fn- Volume up Increases the speaker volume. Fn- Volume down Decreases the speaker volume. Increases the screen brightness. Decreases the screen brightness. Fn- Brightness up Fn- Brightness down 20 English The Euro symbol If your keyboard layout is set to United States-International or United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a European layout, you can type the Euro symbol on your keyboard. Note for US keyboard users: The keyboard layout is set when you first set up Windows. For the Euro symbol to work, the keyboard layout has to be set to United States-International. To verify the keyboard type in Windows® Millennium Edition and Windows® 2000, follow the steps below: 1 2 3 4 Click on Start, Settings, Control Panel. Double-click on Keyboard. Click on the Language tab. Verify that the keyboard layout used for "En English (United States)" is set to United States-International. If not, select and click on Properties; then select United StatesInternational and click on OK. 5 Click on OK. To verify the keyboard type in Windows® XP, follow the steps below: 1 2 3 4 Click on Start, Control Panel. Double-click on Regional and Language Options. Click on the Language tab and click on Details. Verify that the keyboard layout used for "En English (United States)" is set to United States-International. 21 If not, select and click on ADD; then select United StatesInternational and click on OK. 5 Click on OK. English To type the Euro symbol: 1 2 3 Locate the Euro symbol on your keyboard. Open a text editor or word processor. Hold Alt Gr and press the Euro symbol. Note: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to http://www.microsoft.com/typography/faq/ faq12.htm for more information. 22 English Launch Keys Located above the keyboard are five buttons. The left-most button is the power button. To the right of the power button are the four launch keys. They are designated as the mail button, the web browser button, and two programmable buttons (P1 and P2). Launch key Mail Web browser P1 P2 Default application Email application(User-programmable) Internet browser application(User-programmable) User-programmable User-programmable 23 E-Mail Detection Click right button at the Launch Manager icon on the taskbar and click on E-Mail Detection. In this dialog box, you have the option to enable disable mail checking, set the time interval for mail checking, etc. If you already have an email account, you can fill in User Name, Password and POP3 Sever in the dialog box. The POP3 Sever is the mail server where you get your email. English Aside from the email checking function, there is a mail button that is used to launch the email application. It is located above the keyboard right below the LCD. 24 English Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger on the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort and support. Note: When using an external USB mouse, you can press Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad. Touchpad basics The following items teach you how to use the touchpad: · · Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor. Press the left (1) and right (3) buttons located on the edge of the touchpad to do selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. 25 Tapping on the touchpad produces similar results. · Use the 4-way scroll (2) button (top/bottom/left and right) to scroll a page up, down, left or right. This button mimics your cursor pressing on the vertical and horizontal scroll bars of Windows applications. English Function Execute Left button Click twice quickly Right button Center buttons Tap Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button) Tap once Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button) then hold finger to the touchpad on the second tap and drag the cursor Select Drag Click once Click and hold, then use finger to drag the cursor on the touchpad Access context menu Scroll Click once Click and hold the button in the desired direction (up/down/ left/right) Note: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad. Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movements. Hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness. 26 English Storage This computer supplies you with the following media storage: · · · High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk AcerMedia drive 4-in-1 Card Reader (manufacuring option) Hard disk The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs. This is where your programs and data are stored. AcerMedia bay The AcerMedia bay accepts a wide variety of optional media drive modules for use with your computer. These optional items include: · · · · · · DVD/CD-RW Combo drive DVD Dual drive DVD Super multi drive Second hard disk drive Second battery Weight saver module Note: To swap AcerMedia drive modules, see "Swapping AcerMedia drive modules" on page 55 27 Ejecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive tray To eject the optical drive tray when the computer is turned on, press the drive eject button. English When the power is off, you can eject the drive tray using the emergency eject hole. See page 63. Using software Playing DVD movies When the DVD drive module is installed in the AcerMedia bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer. 1 Eject the DVD tray and insert a DVD movie disc; then close the DVD tray. Important! When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program asks you to input the region code. DVD discs are divided into 6 regions. Once your DVD drive is set to a region code, it will play DVD discs of that region only. You can set the region code a maximum of five times (including the first time), after which the last region code set will remain permanent. Recovering your hard disk does not reset the number of times the region code has been set. Refer to the table below for DVD movie region code information. 28 English 2 The DVD movie will automatically play after a few seconds. Region code 1 2 3 4 5 6 Country or region U.S.A., Canada Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Japan Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Korea (South) Latin America, Australia, New Zealand Former U.S.S.R., parts of Africa, India People's Republic of China Note: To change the region code, insert a DVD movie of a different region into the DVD drive. Please refer to the online help for more information. 29 Audio The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity AC'97 stereo audio, and includes a built-in sensitive microphone and dual stereo speakers. English There are audio ports on the left of the computer. See "Left view" on page 6 for more information on connecting external audio devices. Adjusting the volume Adjusting the volume on the computer is as easy as pressing some buttons. See "Hot keys" on page 18 for more informations on adjusting the speaker volume. 30 English DVI(Digital Visual Interface) The Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is designed to provide the industry with a single, universal digital interface. The DVI interface has proven to be extremely versatile. Its two connector styles provide manufacturers with the flexibility to support digital devices while remaining backwards compatible with analog devices. DVI-Digital (DVI-D) Supports digital-only connections between the host computer and display.(System supports DVI-D only.) DVI-Integrated (DVI-I) Supports both analog and digital connections to the display. Note:TravelMate 6000/8000 only supports DVI-D , not DVI-I port. Plugging the wrong connector will cause serious damages to the display devices. 31 Power management This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, floppy drive, hard disk, peripherals connected to the serial and video memory. If no activity is detected for a period of time (called an inactivity timeout), the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy. This computer employs a power management scheme that supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface), which allows for maximum power conservation and maximum performance at the same time. Windows handles all power-saving chores for your computer. English 32 English Moving around with your TravelMate This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer. Disconnecting from the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Save your work in progress. Remove any media, diskette or compact disc, from the drive(s). Shut down the computer. Close the display cover. Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter. Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, external monitor, and other external devices. Disconnect the Kensington lock if you are using one to secure the computer. Moving around "when you are just moving within short distances, for example, from your office desk to a meeting room" Preparing the computer Before moving the computer, close and latch the display cover to place it in Sleep mode. You can now safely take the computer anywhere you go within the building. To bring the computer out of Sleep mode, open the display; then slide and release the power button. If you are taking the computer to a client's office or a different building, you may choose to shut down the computer: 1 2 Click on Start, Shut Down... or Turn off Computer (Windows® XP). Select Shut down and click on OK, or select Turn Off (Windows® 2000). 33 - or you can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing Fn-F4. Then close and latch the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the display; then slide and release the power button. English Note: If the sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and turned off. If the power indicator is off but the sleep indicator is on, the computer has entered Sleep mode. In both cases, slide and release the power button to turn the computer back on. Note that the computer may enter Hibernation mode after it is in Sleep mode for a period of time. What to bring to short meetings A fully charged battery runs the computer for about 5.5 hours under most circumstances. If your meeting is shorter than that, you probably do not need to bring anything with you other than the computer. What to bring to long meetings If your meeting will last longer than 5.5 hours or if your battery is not fully charged, you may want to bring the AC adapter with you to plug in your computer in the meeting room. If the meeting room does not have an electrical outlet, reduce the drain on the battery by putting the computer in Sleep mode. Press FnF4 or close the display cover whenever you are not actively using the computer. To resume, open the display (if closed); then slide and release the power button. Taking the computer home "when you are moving from your office to your home or vice versa" 34 English Preparing the computer After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to prepare the computer for the trip home: · Check if you have removed all media, diskettes and compact discs, from the drive(s). Failure to remove the media can damage the drive head. Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from sliding around and cushion it if it should fall. Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer. Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen · What to bring with you Unless you already have some items at home, bring the following items with you: · · · AC adapter and power cord The printed user's guide AcerMedia drive module(s) Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: · · Minimize the effect of temperature changes by keeping the computer with you. If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot bring the computer with you, leave the computer in the trunk of the car to avoid exposing the computer to excessive heat. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation. Allow the computer to return to room temperature, and inspect the screen for condensation before turning on the computer. If the temperature change is greater than 18°F (10°C), allow the computer to come to room temperature slowly. If possible, leave the computer for 30 minutes in an environment with a temperature between outside and room temperature. · 35 Setting up a home office If you frequently work on your computer at home, you may want to purchase a second AC adapter for use at home. With a second AC adapter, you can avoid transporting the extra weight to and from home. If you use your computer at home for significant periods of time, you might also want to add an external keyboard, monitor, or mouse. English Traveling with the computer "when you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office building to a client's office building or traveling locally" Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged. Airport security may require you to turn on your computer when bringing it into the gate area. What to bring with you Bring the following items with you: · · · · AC adapter Spare, fully-charged battery pack(s) AcerMedia drive module(s) Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer Special considerations In addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home, follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling: · · Always take the computer as carry-on luggage. If possible, have the computer inspected by hand. Airport security X-ray machines are safe, but do not put the computer through a metal detector. Avoid exposing floppy disks to hand-held metal detectors. · 36 English Traveling internationally with the computer "when you are moving from country to country" Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling. What to bring with you Bring the following items with you: · · · · · · · AC adapter Power cords that are appropriate for the country to which you are traveling Spare, fully-charged battery packs AcerMedia drive module(s) Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to customs officials International Traveler's Warranty passport Special considerations Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with the computer. In addition, these tips are useful when traveling internationally: · When traveling in another country, check that the local AC voltage and the AC adapter power cord specifications are compatible. If not, purchase a power cord that is compatible with the local AC voltage. Do not use converter kits sold for appliances to power the computer. If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector is compatible with the telecommunications system of the country you are traveling in. · 37 Securing your computer Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Security features include hardware and software locks -- a security notch, Smart Card and passwords. English Using a computer security lock A security keylock notch located on the left panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or locked drawer handle. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to secure the lock. Some keyless models are also available. Using the Smart Card This software includes the following components: PlatinumPASTM, PlatinumSecureTM and PlatinumKeyTM. Together, they provide you with multiple levels of security. · PlatinumPAS implements the first security measure at the BIOS level and runs during the BIOS routine check when a computer is powered up or rebooting. If no Smart Card or Emergency Card is detected, the computer will stop booting up to prevent any illegal access to the system. 38 English · PlatinumSecure enhances the secure logon procedure for your Windows at the operating system level. It provides user authentication through its encryption/decryption function using the Smart Card. If your Smart Card is unavailable, you can use the Emergency Card as a temporary replacement card. PlatinumKey auto-authenticate and auto cache with one-click logons to all password-required websites (patent pending), eliminates the overhead costs associated with memorizing and typing user IDs and passwords when surfing the Internet with Microsoft® or Netscape web browsers.