Aspire User's Guide TM 1
Pay attention, please! Your Acer Aspire computer comes with an extraordinary multimedia software package, designed to guide you through what you can do with your computer. This manual is your computer’s reference guide. (If you are reading this manual, it's probably because you are experiencing problems with your computer. To solve your problem(s), refer to the "Need Help?" Chapter in the following pages.) Copyright Notice Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks; Aspire is an Acer Inc.
Table of Contents Welcome ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Your Aspire Computer: an Overview ---------------------------------- 7 Using the Audio System at its Best------------------------------------ 20 Adding Options to your Aspire Computer----------------------------- 22 Need Help? -------------------------------------------------------------- 25 Technical Support ------------------------------------------------------- 28 CD-ROM Safety Warning Lithium Batter
Welcome, and thanks for buying an Acer Aspire computer. Now you own a multimedia system. Your system has been designed to improve your way of working, and to meet current and future needs of any kind of user. Before you start… Read this section carefully, to be able to place your system in the best location. In this section you'll find also important instructions about using, maintaining, and taking care of your computer security.
Unplug your system from the outlet, and contact qualified service personnel, if one (or more) of the following conditions occur(s): a • The power cord or power plug is damaged or worn out. b • Liquid of any kind has been spilled or poured on the product. c • The product has been exposed to rain or water. d • The product does not work properly, although all instructions and indications have been followed. Adjust only those controls referred to in your product instructions.
How to Place and Install your System at its Best It is important that you place your computer taking into account ergonomic and security issues. Here you can find some hints to make your working environment safer, handier, and more pleasant. Your Monitor. Place your monitor at 50-60 cm from the operator's eyes, and in a position so that the upper part of its frame is at the same level of the operator's eyes. These precautions will prevent eyes and neck strain.
Your Aspire Computer: an Overview The system: Aspire Microtower Device Slot Door System LEDs and Hard Disk Activity LEDs Opening Notch Power Switch 7
Installing your Aspire Computer Refer to the Easy Installation step by step supplied with your computer for quick installation instructions. Switching your Computer On and Off You can switch your computer on by pressing the on button, while you have to complete the shutdown procedure (described in the following pages) before switching your computer off. Note: Check that the main CA power switch on the back of your system is set to ON. Leave this switch to ON, unless you need to have your computer serviced.
Your Mouse Your mouse uses a cursor called pointer. Pointers may have different shapes, generally they assume the shape of an arrow. Your mouse has a rolling device, and two buttons: a left button, and a right button. Quickly depressing and releasing one of these buttons, is called clicking. Sometimes you might need to double click, that is to rapidly click one of these buttons twice.
Your Keyboard Your keyboard has been designed to simplify your computer operations. Some keys directly take you to frequently used applications, while a special knob allows you to adjust the audio volume or to activate the Mute function. Some of the keys may act in different ways according to the application program you are using. (To see the keys layout, refer to the two following pictures). Esc Key • Exits the current screen or program, or interrupts the operation that is being executed.
End Key • Takes you to the end of a line. Page Up / Page Down Keys • Takes you one screen up or down. Backspace Key • Similar to the Canc key, deletes the characters to the cursor's left one by one. Alt and Ctrl Keys • Alone or in combination with other keys, may perform different functions, according to the software program. Num Lock Key, and Numeric Keypad • When the Num Lock key is active, the numeric keypad may be used to enter digits.
Your Monitor Refer to the documentation provided with your monitor, for more information about your monitor characteristics and usage. Computer Unit Whether it's dealing with one of your personal letters or with a software program you bought from your reseller, your computer is capable of elaborating data in an electronic format, and storing them on its drives (hard disk, floppy disc, etc.).
Bay for 3 1/2" Drives Bay for 5 1/4" Drive Protection Door Using Your Floppy Disk Drive Floppy disks are used to copy data on a computer or to copy data from it. They are a useful and cheap way of handling small files. 1 • Insert a floppy disk in your floppy disk drive as shown, its round metal part in the center facing down. 2 • Push it gently until it clicks.
How to Write Protect a Floppy Disk When the write protecting tag is open, you cannot write (save) data on your floppy disk. To be able to write data on it, the write protective tag must be closed. Write protection is a useful way of protecting your data from virus infections, when you are using your floppy disk on someone else's computer.
Using your CD-ROM/ CD-RW Drive Unlike floppy disks, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM can be used only to transfer data to your computer. Your Acer computer can use two types of CD-ROMs: audio disks, and data disks. Data CDs can contain a lot of information, and big programs. A CD can contain more information than 450 floppy disks. Press the eject button to manually open or close the CD tray.
Data Modem/Fax Your data modem/fax allows your computer to send and receive data, images, and information all over the world, provided that a phone line and Internet access are available. After connecting your computer to the phone line, you can: • Have access to the Internet* • Send and receive faxes • Send and receive email messages Accessing the Internet Your Aspire computer is ready to be connected to the Internet.
Connecting an Optional Printer To use your system at its best, you should connect a printer to it. Using a printer will allow you to generate paper copies of your documents and work. Color printers have become quite inexpensive lately, and using one of them will allow you to get excellent quality graphics: letters, photos, etc.. 1 • Ensure that your computer has been switched off, and that the power cord has been unplugged.
Connecting an Optional Serial Device Serial devices are also available on the market, and your computer can handle also a serial interface. The following lines explain how to install a serial device. 1 • Ensure that your computer has been switched off, and that the power cord has been disconnected from the plug. 2 • Connect the serial cable to the serial device, and to the serial port located on your computer rear panel. The serial cable is usually sold together with the serial device.
Connecting a Joystick or an Optional MIDI Device The Games/MIDI port transforms your Aspire computer into an exciting equipment for entertainment and games. Here are the steps you have to follow to connect the game or MIDI device to your system. 1 • Ensure that your computer has been switched off, and that the power cord has been disconnected from the plug. 2 • Locate the Game/MIDI port on the rear panel of your computer. 3 • Connect the joystick cable or the MIDI cable to this port.
Using the Audio System at its Best Listening to an Audio CD If you want to listen to some music while working on your system, insert an audio CD in the CD-ROM drive, wait from ten to twenty seconds, till your computer automatically detects your audio CD format, and starts to play the CD. Adjusting the Volume You can adjust an audio CD volume in three different ways: 1 • Rotate the volume knob on your keyboard, to turn the volume up or down. Note: To deactivate sounds, press the volume knob (MUTE function).
2 • On the taskbar in the lower part of your screen, click the Volume icon. The volume control is displayed (see picture). You can adjust the volume using your mouse. 3 • Open an application program which includes audio mixer functions.
Adding Options to your Aspire Computer Connecting an USB Device Your Aspire computer can support USB (Universal Serial BUS) devices. These devices allow you to easily expand your system set of functionalities. In this way, installing devices such as digital cameras, scanners, joysticks, and others becomes easy and simple also for users lacking of technical skills.
Lateral panel screws, and panel sliding directions Removing Covering Panels Lateral Panels Sliding Directions Putting the Covering Panel Back 23
Precautions to Avoid Electrostatic Discharges Before installing a new component, to avoid electrostatic discharges (ESD) always follow these precautions • Electrostatic discharges can cause permanent damage to your computer. • Do not remove a component from its anti-static wrapping unless you are ready to install it. • Wear an anti-static wrist bracelet before handling electronic components. Most of the electronic components resellers also sell this kind of bracelets.
Need Help? Acer made their best to provide you with an easy to service and reliable computer. However, unexpected issues may arise. Refer to the hints and tips provided by this troubleshooting section, to diagnose and solve your problems. Troubleshooting Answers to the most frequently asked questions follow: The Start button is not displayed on the screen. Either your taskbar has been set to a very small size, or it is hidden. To display the taskbar: 1 • Press the Start key on your keyboard.
The keyboard doesn't work. 1 • Press the Caps Lock key several times, to see whether the LED commutes from on to off. 2 • If this doesn't happen, check that your keyboard's cable has been inserted into the rear panel connector in the right way. 3 • If the problem persists, contact Acer Technical Support.
The sound quality is not very good, or it is unusual, or the system doesn't produce any sound at all. 1 • Turn the volume up, using the knob on your keyboard. 2 • In Windows Me, double click the Volume icon (on the taskbar, close to the clock) to verify that the volume is active, and that the mute control has not been activated, or use the knob on your keyboard. The system is halted. If the system halts or stops, you can activate it again depressing the Ctrl+Alt+Canc keys at the same time.
Technical Support: Acer Technical Support Web site: http://www.acer.co.uk If you are experiencing problems with your system before your system Warranty expires, you should contact Acer Technical Support. Technical Support supports your problems covered by your system warranty, such as hardware malfunctions. Before calling Acer Technical Support, you should write down carefully a detailed description of your problem.
End User Standard License Agreement. THIS AGREEMENT APPLIES WHEN A SPECIFIC SOFTWARE MANUFACTURER LICENSE AGREEMENT DOESN'T APPLY. IF THIS IS NOT THE CASE, THE SPECIFIC SOFTWARE PRODUCER LICENSE APPLIES. NOTE FOR THE END USER: READ CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING LEGAL CONTRACT.
CD-ROM Safety Warning Warning: Laser devices release invisible but dangerous radiation: DO NOT OPEN THE CDROM DRIVE. CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT PRODOTTO LASER DI CLASSE 1 APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 LASER KLASSE 1 LOUKAN 1 LASERLAITE PRODUIT LASER CATEGORIE 1 Precautions Related to the Lithium Batteries Warning: in case of wrong replacement, batteries may explode. Replace batteries only with batteries of the same or equivalent type, and follow the manufacturer instructions.
Warranty Garantie Garanzia Garantie
Limited Product Warranty
UK Limited Product Warranty A. Coverage of Limited Warranty This Limited Warranty confers upon you specific rights and remedies. The law of the country of your residence may give you different and more expansive rights and remedies, and the provisions of this Limited Warranty shall not operate to impair or abridge any rights or remedies you may have under such local laws. Subject to the Limitations and Exclusions described herein, Acer extends the limited warranties set out below.
2-Years UK LIMITED WARRANTY CARD PRODUCT Personal Computers Aspire by Acer WARRANTY PERIOD AND TYPE Technical Support (Hardware only) 2 Years Software Support 180 days Accessories 6 months Mail-in(1) 2 Years: Mail-in or Carry-In(1) Please see the Limited Product Warranty in the Acer Customer Services and Warranty Guide for details regarding warranty coverage.
Eingeschränkte Produktgarantie D Gewährleistungs - und Haftungsregeln A) Eingeschränkte Produktgarantie Diese eingeschränkte Garantie überträgt Ihnen spezifische Rechte und Rechtsmittel. Die landesspezifischen Gesetze können Ihnen unterschiedliche und darüber hinaus gehende Rechte und Rechtsmittel zubilligen. Diese Garantie schränkt diese landesspezifischen Rechte in keinster Weise ein. Vorbehaltlich der Einschränkungen und Ausschlüsse erweitert Acer die Garantie wie im nachfolgenden beschrieben.
D GARANTIE – Bedingungen Produkt GARANTIEDAUER UND ART DER GARANTIE PC Aspire by Acer 2 Jahre Mail-in(1) / Carry-in(2) Technischer Support (nur Hardware) 2 Jahre Software Support 180 Tage Zubehör 6 Monate Mail-in(1) Genauere Informationen zu den Garantiebedingungen finden Sie im Abschnitt "Beschränkte Produkthaftung" in den Kundendienst- und Garantiebestimmungen von Acer. Technischer Support steht Ihnen unter der entsprechenden Rufnummer Ihres Landes zur Verfügung.
Garanzia I Limitata del Prodotto A. Copertura della garanzia Questa garanzia Vi conferisce specifici diritti e rimedi. La legge del vostro Paese potrebbe concederVi diritti e rimedi più estesi. Le condizioni offerte da questa Garanzia non limitano o escludono alcuno dei diritti o rimedi di cui Voi potreste godere sotto tale legge.
CARTOLINA I DI GARANZIA (2 ANNI) PRODOTTO PC Aspire by Acer PERIODO E TIPO DI GARANZIA 2 anni: Mail-in o Carry-in Assistenza tecnica (solo hardware) 2 anni Assistenza software 180 giorni Accessori 6 mesi: Mail-in(1) (1) Per informazioni complete sulla garanzia far riferimento alle condizioni di garanzia che accompagnano il prodotto. Per ricevere assistenza tecnica, chiamare il numero indicato per il proprio paese.
Garantie F des Produits A. Étendue de la Garantie La présente garantie ne fait pas obstacle à l’exercice de vos droits de consommateur, notamment au regard de la garantie légale des vices cachés. Le présent document explique les droits, restrictions et moyens pour la mise en place de la garantie.
CONDITIONS D'APPLICATION DE LA GARANTIE D’UNE DUREE DE 2 ans F PRODUIT Ordinateurs Aspire by Acer Support Technique matériel GARANTIE 2 ans: Mail-in ou Carry-In(1) 2 ans Support Logiciel 180 jours Système d'exploitation (OEM) Accessoires 6 mois : Mail-in(1) Les détails concernant l’étendue de la garantie sont fournis dans le Guide des services d’assistance et de Garantie d’Acer.
Acer contacts ☎ WWW A 016150820215 www.acer.at B-L +32.078150023 www.acer.be CH 018009369 www.acer.ch D 01805009898 www.acer.de DK 38487342 www.acer.dk E 902101429 www.acer.es F 0825002237 www.acer.fr FIN 036101800 www.acercomputer.fi UK 02073652486 www.acer.co.uk I 0931469411 www.acer.it EIRE 014073214 www.acer.co.uk N 80084880 www.acer.no NL 09002020767 www.acer.nl S 0858770543 www.acercomputer.
