-1 User’s Manual
- © 2016. All Rights Reserved. Switch Alpha 12 Covers: SA5-271 This revision: March 2016 Regulatory model number: N16P3 Sign up for an Acer ID and enjoy great benefits Open the Acer Portal app to sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID. There are three great reasons for you to get an Acer ID: • Build Your Own Cloud with Acer BYOC. • Get the latest offers and product information. • Register your device for quick, personalized customer support.
Table of contents - 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS First things first 6 Your guides ............................................. 6 Basic care and tips for using your computer.................................................. 7 Turning your computer off........................... 7 Taking care of your computer ..................... 7 Taking care of your AC adapter .................. 8 Cleaning and servicing................................ 8 Your Acer notebook tour 9 Front view .....................................
- Table of contents Network connections................................. 69 Surf the Net!.............................................. 71 Security .....................................................
-5 Getting started...
- First things first FIRST THINGS FIRST We would like to thank you for making this Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides To help you use your Acer notebook, we have designed a set of guides: First off, the Setup Guide (or Setup Poster) helps you get started with setting up your computer. The Quick Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions of your new computer.
First things first - 7 • Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Shut down. • Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out > Shut down. If you need to power down the computer for a short while, but don’t want to completely shut it down, you can put it to Sleep by doing any of the following: • Press the power button. • Press the sleep hotkey. • Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Sleep.
- First things first 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. Route the power cord and any cables away from where people walk. • When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the plug.
Your Acer notebook tour - 9 YOUR ACER NOTEBOOK TOUR After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Acer computer. Front view 1 2 # 1 2 Icon Item Speakers Front webcam Description Deliver stereo audio output. Web camera for video communication.
- Your Acer notebook tour Rear view 1 2 # Icon Item 1 Webcam 2 Kickstand Description Web camera for video communication. Allows the computer to function as a display. Top view 1 # 1 Icon Item Microphone Description Internal stereo microphone for sound recording.
Your Acer notebook tour - 11 Bottom view 1 # Icon 1 Item Keyboard connector Description Connects to the keyboard. Left/right views 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 # Icon 1 2 3 Item Power button +/- Description Press to turn the computer on; press again to place the computer in Sleep mode. Press and hold to turn the computer off. Volume control key Adjusts the system volume. Windows button Press to go directly to the Windows Home screen.
- Your Acer notebook tour # 4 5 6 Icon Item Description Connects to audio devices (e.g., Headset/ speakers, headphones) or a headset speaker jack with microphone. USB port Connects to USB devices. Connects to USB devices that adopt the USB Type-C connector. Supports USB Type-C port USB 3.1 Type-C, Gen 1 with display, power delivery and transfer speeds up to 5 Gb/s. 7 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter. 8 MicroSD card slot Insert a microSD card into this slot. Information on USB 3.
Your Acer notebook tour - 13 Keyboard front view 1 2 3 4 # 1 Icon Item Keyboard connector 2 Keyboard 3 Stylus holder 4 Touchpad Description Connects to the computer. For entering data into your computer. See "Using the keyboard" on page 16. Holds the stylus pen. Touch-sensitive pointing device. The touchpad and selection buttons form a single surface. Press down firmly on the touchpad surface to perform a left click. Press down firmly on the lower right corner to perform a right click.
- Your Acer notebook tour Attaching and detaching the keyboard The Acer Snap Hinge Gold makes attaching and detaching the keyboard fast and easy. Detach the computer from the keyboard by lifting one corner to release it from the keyboard to function as a tablet.
Your Acer notebook tour - 15 Attach the pad and keyboard to function as a laptop. Prop the keyboard up using the magnetic strip at the top of the keyboard for a better typing experience. The adjustable kickstand allows the computer to also function as a display that you can control using touch input.
- Using the keyboard USING THE KEYBOARD The keyboard has full-sized keys and a separate numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys. Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Description When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters Caps Lock typed are in uppercase. When Num Lock is on, the keypad is in numeric mode. The keys function as a calculator (complete Num Lock with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /).
Using the keyboard - 17 Hotkey Icon + + + + + + < > + < > Function Description Turns the display screen Display off backlight off to save power. Press any key to return. Touchpad Turns the built-in touchpad on toggle and off. Turns the speakers on and Speaker toggle off. Turns the embedded numeric NumLk keypad on or off. Turns the scroll lock feature Scr Lk on or off. Increases the screen Brightness up brightness.
- Using the Precision Touchpad USING THE PRECISION TOUCHPAD The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement. The Precision Touchpad (PTP) is designed to provide a more uniform, smooth, and accurate touchpad experience. Many applications support precision touchpad gestures that use one or more fingers, however, some gestures may not be supported by the specific application or program you are using.
Using the Precision Touchpad - 19 Two-finger pinch Zoom in and out of photos, maps and documents with a simple finger-and-thumb gesture. Three-finger press Lightly tap the touchpad with three fingers to open Cortana (if your computer supports Cortana) or open the Action Center (if your computer does not support Cortana). Three-finger swipe Swipe across the touchpad with three fingers. - Swipe up to open Task View.
- Using the Precision Touchpad 2. Select All settings. 3. Select Devices > Mouse & touchpad. 4. Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal needs.
Using the Precision Touchpad - 21 the cursor from moving if you accidentally tap the touchpad with your palm while working. Scroll down to see more settings.
- Recovery RECOVERY If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Frequently asked questions on page 56) do not help, you can recover your computer. This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer. Acer provides Acer Care Center, which allows you to reset your PC, refresh your PC, or create a factory default backup. Note Acer Care Center is only available with a pre-installed Windows operating system.
Recovery - 23 2. Select the Backup tab and click Get Started for Create Factory Default Backup to open the Recovery Drive window. 3. Make sure Backup system files to the recovery drive is selected and click Next. 4. Plug in the USB drive and wait for the PC to detect the USB drive then click Next.
- Recovery • Since the recovery backup requires at least 8 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 16 GB or larger. 5. Everything on the drive will be deleted. Click Create to continue. 6. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen. 7. Follow the process until it completes. 8. After creating the recovery backup, you can choose to delete the recovery information on your computer.
Recovery - 25 Backing up your wireless and LAN drivers Back up your wireless and LAN drivers. You can use these backups to install the wireless and LAN drivers if you install another operating system. 1. From Start, select All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps. 2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Backup wireless and LAN drivers. Choose a folder to save your drivers and select OK.
- Recovery 3. Select Keep my files to refresh your PC and reinstall your operating system without removing your personal files. Click Next to continue. Important If you have apps installed on your PC, they will be removed. 4. Resetting the PC will reinstall Windows, change settings back to their factory defaults and remove all preinstalled apps and programs without removing your personal files. Click Reset to continue. 5. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen.
Recovery - 27 2. Select the Restore tab and click Get Started to Choose an option. 3. Select Remove everything to reset your PC back to its factory default. This process will reinstall your operating system and remove all of your personal files, apps, and settings. 4. Select Just remove my files if you are keeping your computer. This will be quicker, but less secure. Files may still be recovered with a file recovery program.
- Recovery your computer. This process will take longer, but will be more secure. Warning Selecting "Remove files and clean the drive" will remove all of your personal files and accounts, along with pre-existing drivers that may affect your Windows installation. 5. Click Reset to continue. 6. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen will turn off during the reset process. 7. The screen will turn back on when it is installing Windows.
Using a Bluetooth connection - 29 USING A BLUETOOTH CONNECTION Bluetooth is a technology enabling you to transfer data wirelessly over short distances between many different types of devices. Bluetoothenabled devices include computers, cell phones, tablets, wireless headsets, and keyboards. To use Bluetooth, you must ensure the following: 1. Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. 2. Your devices are "paired" (or connected).
- Using a Bluetooth connection 3. Select the device you wish to pair from the list of discovered devices, and select Pair. 4. A code displays on your computer, which should match the code displayed on your device. Select Yes. Then, accept the pairing from your device. Note Some devices using older versions of the Bluetooth technology require both devices to enter a PIN.
Connecting to the Internet - 31 CONNECTING T O TH E INTERNET This chapter includes general information on types of connections, and getting connected to the internet. Some of this information may not apply to your computer. For detailed information, please refer to Network connections on page 69. Your computer’s built-in network features make it easy for you to connect your computer to the internet using a cable or a wireless connection.
- Connecting to the Internet management options to turn your wireless network on/off or control what is shared over the network. To connect to a wireless network, please follow the steps below. 1. Ensure you have a wireless router/access point and current internet connection through the ISP of your choice. Make a note of the wireless network’s name and password (if necessary). If you are trying to connect to a public network (such as at a coffeeshop), make sure you have the wireless network’s name.
Connecting to the Internet - 33 4. Select Network & internet. 5. You will see a list of available wireless networks. Select the one you wish to use.
- Connecting to the Internet 6. Once you select a wireless network, select Connect. 7. If required, enter the network’s password.
Connecting to the Internet - 35 Connecting with a cable Built-in network feature Plug one end of a network cable into the network port on your computer, and the other end into a port on your router. (Refer to the image below.) Then, you'll be ready to get online. Connecting to a cellular network If your computer has a SIM slot, you can connect to the internet using a cellular phone network. To do this, you must have a compatible SIM card and a data contract with your cellular provider.
- Acer Bluelight Shield ACER BLUELIGHT SHIELD Acer Bluelight Shield can be enabled to reduce the blue-light emissions from the screen to protect your eyes. To configure Acer Bluelight Shield, Search for ’Acer Quick Access’. From here you can toggle Acer Bluelight Shield on or off, and you can choose from four different modes to fit your needs: No.
- 37 Keeping your computer and data safe...
- Securing your computer SECURING Y O U R C O MP U TE R Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Using passwords Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access. Setting these passwords creates several different levels of protection for your computer and data: • Supervisor Password prevents unauthorized entry into the BIOS utility. Once set, you must enter this password to gain access to the BIOS utility.
Securing your computer - 39 • Type the User Password and press to use the computer. If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and press . Important You have three chances to enter a password. If you fail to enter the password correctly after three tries, the system halts. Press and hold the power button for four seconds to shut down the computer. Then turn on the computer again, and try again.
- BIOS utility BIOS UTILITY The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS. Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not normally need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it. To activate the BIOS utility, press while the computer logo is being displayed.
Power management - 41 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, hard disk, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory. If no activity is detected for a period of time, the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy.
- Power management 5. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 6. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 7. Select Save changes.
Battery pack - 43 BATTERY PACK The computer uses an embedded Lithium battery that gives you long use between charges. Battery characteristics The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter. Your computer supports charge-in-use, enabling you to recharge the battery while you continue to operate the computer. However, recharging with the computer turned off significantly reduces charge time. The battery will come in handy when you travel or during a power failure.
- Battery pack Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. Warning Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 45° C (113° F). Extreme temperatures may adversely affect the battery pack. The battery conditioning process ensures your battery accepts the maximum possible charge.
Battery pack - 45 Checking the battery level The power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the cursor over the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's present charge level. Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the power meter. Important Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears. Data may be lost if the battery is allowed to become fully depleted and the computer shuts down.
- Traveling with your computer TRAVELING WITH YOUR COMPUTER 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. Save any open files. 2. Remove discs from optical drive. 3. Shut down the computer or put it into Sleep or Hibernate mode. 4. Close the display cover. 5. Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter. 6.
Traveling with your computer - 47 You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing the Sleep hotkey or by closing the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, open the display and, if necessary, press and release the power button. Note The computer may enter Hibernation or Deep Sleep mode after being in Sleep mode for a period of time. What to bring to meetings If your meeting is relatively short, you probably do not need to bring anything with you other than your computer.
- Traveling with your computer What to take with you Unless you have some items at home, take the following items with you: • AC adapter and power cord. • The printed Setup Guide. Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: • Minimize the effects of temperature changes by keeping the computer with you.
Traveling with your computer - 49 Traveling with the computer Important Check with your airline for any special requirements for travelling with Lithium batteries. 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.
- Traveling with your computer 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 your destination(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 Travelers Warranty passport.
- 51 Ports and connectors...
- Universal Serial Bus (USB) UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS (USB) The USB port is a high-speed port which allows you to connect USB peripherals, such as a mouse, an external keyboard, additional storage (external hard disks), or any other compatible device. Note Two USB standards are currently available on Acer computers: USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) and USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB). USB 2.0 ports on Acer computers have a black tongue in the port, while USB 3.0 ports have a blue tongue. For best performance, USB 3.
Memory card reader - 53 MEMORY CARD READER Connectivity options Your computer has a card reader and other ports/jacks that allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer. For instructions on how to connect different external devices to the computer, read the following section. Memory card reader Memory cards are used in a wide selection of digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players and mobile phones. Inserting a memory card 1.
- Memory card reader (2 TB). Your computer provides an SDHC or SDXC compatible card reader. Note SDXC memory cards can only be used in an SDXC-compatible reader; SD and SDHC cards can be used in either type. Removing a card from a memory card reader 1. Click on Show hidden icons arrow in the Notification Area (next to the clock). 2. Click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon. 3. Click on Eject SD Card (or the name of the device). 4. Wait until a Safe to Remove Hardware message is displayed. 5.
Video and audio connectors - 55 VIDEO AND AUDIO CONNECTORS Connect to a monitor with a VGA or DVI port (the type of connection supported depends on your computer’s configuration). The appropriate cable is usually included with the monitor. Follow these steps to connect an monitor to your computer: 1. Check that the computer is powered off and the monitor power switch is turned off. 2. Attach the video cable to the monitor port on the computer. Secure the cable connection with the screws provided. 3.
- Got a question? In this section you will find: • • • • • Frequently asked questions Tips for using Windows 10 Troubleshooting information How to protect yourself while online Where to find Acer service center contact information
Frequently asked questions - 57 F R E Q U E N TL Y ASKED QUESTIONS The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy solutions are provided for each one. I turned on the power, but the computer does not start or boot up. Look at the power indicator: • If it is not lit, no power is being supplied to the computer. Check the following: • If you are using on the battery, it may be low and unable to power the computer.
- Frequently asked questions Mute all option. • The volume level may be too low. Check the volume from the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar. You can also use the volume control hotkeys to adjust the volume. • If headphones, earphones or external speakers are connected to the headphone jack on the computer, the internal speakers automatically turn off. The keyboard does not respond. Try attaching an external keyboard to a USB port on the computer.
Frequently asked questions - 59 Note To access the BIOS utility, press when you see the Acer logo during boot up. For more information, see Restoring your computer on page 25. Requesting service International Travelers Warranty (ITW) Your computer is backed by an International Travelers Warranty (ITW) that gives you security and peace of mind when traveling. An ITW passport came with your computer and contains all you need to know about the ITW program.
F r e qu e nt ly a sk 60 - Frequently asked questions Tips and hints for using Windows 10 We know this is a new operating system that will take some getting used to, so we've created a few pointers to help you get started. How do I get to Start? Tap the Start button on the lower left-hand corner of the screen. Where’s the Start button? The Start button will appear in the desktop taskbar. Tapping it will open Start where you can launch apps.
Frequently asked questions - 61 To change the background, tap the Windows Start button and tap Settings > Personalization. From here you can: • Select a background image for the lock screen • Turn the Slide show on or off • Select lock screen apps. How do I set up the lock screen slideshow? 1. Tap the Windows Start button and select Settings > Personalization. 2. Under Background, select Slideshow. 3. Tap Add a folder and open the folder you wish to use (your Pictures folder will open by default).
- Frequently asked questions How do I set the alarm? Your computer can act as an alarm clock. Start typing ’Alarms’ to search for the Alarms app. 1. Select a name for the alarm. 2. Set the time by choosing the hour and minute. 3. Select AM or PM. 4. Choose which days the alarm should go off. 5. Select the sound notification. 6. Select the snooze time. 7. Save the alarm by tapping the Save icon in the bottom right-hand corner.
Frequently asked questions - 63 How do I make an app appear on Start? If you're in All apps and you want to make an app appear on Start, tap and hold the app until you see the screen dim. When you release the app, tap Pin to Start from the menu that appears. How do I remove a tile from Start? Tap and hold a tile until you see the screen dim. When you release the tile, tap the Unpin icon to remove the tile from Start.
- Frequently asked questions How do I get one? If you've already installed Windows 10 and didn't sign in with a Microsoft account or you don't have a Microsoft account and want to get one, tap the Windows Start button > Settings > Accounts > Sign in with a Microsoft account, and follow the onscreen instructions. How do I check for Windows updates? Tap the Windows Start button > Settings > Update & recovery > Windows Update. Tap Advanced options to configure the settings.
Fr eq u en tl y as ked qu es t io ns Frequently asked questions - 65 Troubleshooting This chapter shows you how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer. Do not attempt to open the computer yourself; contact your dealer or authorized service center for assistance.
- Frequently asked questions Error messages Keyboard error or no keyboard connected Keyboard interface error Memory size mismatch Corrective action Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Press (during POST) to enter the BIOS utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to reboot. If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.
Internet and online security - 67 INTERNET AND ONLINE SECURITY First steps on the net Protecting your computer It is vital to protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the internet (see Security on page 71). A comprehensive internet security program is offered when you first start your computer. You should activate this protection as soon as possible, certainly before you connect to the internet.
- Internet and online security internet as the connection speed is low and connection time is typically charged per hour. DSL (e.g. ADSL) DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an ‘always-on’ connection that runs over the phone line. As DSL and phone do not use the same frequencies, you can use your telephone at the same time you are connected to the internet (this requires a ‘micro-filter’ on each telephone socket to avoid interference).
Internet and online security - 69 Network connections A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers (for example, within an office building or home) that share a common communications line and resources. When you set up a network, you can share files, peripheral devices (such as a printer) and an internet connection. You can set up a LAN using wired technologies (such as Ethernet) or wireless technologies (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).
- Internet and online security services. Read carefully the documentation supplied with your Access point/router for detailed setup instructions. Network cable (RJ45) A network cable (also called RJ45 cable) is used to connect the host computer to the access point (see illustration below); this type of cable may also be used to connect peripheral devices to the access point. Wireless adapter An internal wireless adapter is normally already installed in your computer.
Internet and online security - 71 Surf the Net! To surf the internet, you need a program called an internet browser. Internet Explorer provides an easy and secure web browsing experience. As soon as you have your internet access installed and you are connected, from Start, click the Internet Explorer tile or the icon located on the desktop and take your internet experience to a new level! Acer website To get you started why not visit our website, www.acer.com.
- Internet and online security computer in various ways, using up resources or clogging up a network. Note Acer guarantees that your computer was 100% virus free at the time of purchase and does not cover damages due to viruses. What is spyware? Spyware refers to generally unwanted programs that are downloaded onto your computer while connected to the internet, often without you knowing it.
Internet and online security - 73 would allow it (i.e. a game connecting to a multi-player server or an encyclopaedia making a content update). How to protect your computer Cybercrime prevention can be straight-forward - when armed with a little technical advice and common sense, many attacks can be avoided. In general, online criminals are trying to make their money as quickly and easily as possible.
- Internet and online security The next line of defense many times is your antivirus software, which monitors all online activities such as email messages and web browsing and protects an individual from viruses, worms, Trojan horse and other types of malicious programs. Your antivirus and antispyware software should be configured to update itself, and it should do so every time you connect to the internet.
Internet and online security - 75 of your online accounts, one of the first steps you can take is to change your password. Protect your personal information Exercise caution when sharing personal information such as your name, home address, phone number, and email address online. To take advantage of many online services, you will inevitably have to provide personal information in order to handle billing and shipping of purchased goods.
- Internet and online security www.yourbank.com not http://www.yourbank.com). The "s" stands for secure and should appear when you are in an area requesting you to login or provide other sensitive data. Another sign that you have a secure connection is the small lock icon in the bottom of your web browser (usually the right-hand corner). • Pay attention to privacy policies on web sites and in software.
Internet and online security - 77 Additionally, many banks and services use fraud prevention systems that call out unusual purchasing behavior (i.e. if you live in Texas and all of the sudden start buying refrigerators in Budapest). In order to confirm these out of the ordinary purchases, they might call you and ask you to confirm them. Don't take these calls lightly; this is your hint that something bad may have happened and you should take necessary action.
