Acer a-550 Series - Manual

viii 3 Peripherals and options 37 External display devices 39 External monitor 39 External display with s-video input 39 Using simultaneous display 39 External input devices 40 External keyboard 40 External keypad 40 External pointing device 40 Printer 41 Audio devices 42 Expansion devices 43 PC Car...

ix 5 Software 59 System software 61 Easy Button 62 E-Mail Detector 63 BIOS Setup Utility 64 Main 65 System Devices 67 Security 68 Others 71 Boot 72 Exit 73 6 Troubleshooting 75 Frequently-asked questions 77 Error messages 81 Appendix A Specifications 85 Appendix B Notices 91 Index 99 TMa550.book Pag...

1 Getting familiar with your computer TMa550.book Page 1 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM

3 A tour of your computer After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new notebook computer. Front view TMa550.book Page 3 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM

5 Left view # Item Description 1 Optical drive Depending on your model: • CD-ROM drive reads CDs • DVD-ROM drive reads CDs and DVDs • DVD/CD-RW combo drive reads CDs and DVDs, and writes to CD-Rs and CD-RWs. 2 Optical drive eject button Ejects the disc from the optical drive. 3 Optical drive emergen...

1 Getting familiar with your computer 6 Right view # Item Description 1 Speaker/headphone-out jack Connects to audio line-out devices (e.g., speakers, headphones). 2 Microphone-in jack Connects an external microphone. 3 PC Card eject buttons Eject the selected PC Card from its slot. 4 PC Card slots ...

7 Rear view # Item Description 1 Security keylock Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. 2 IEEE 1394 port Connects to a IEEE 1394 compatible device (e.g., digital camcorder). 3 Network jack Connects to an Ethernet 10/100-based network. 4 Modem jack Conncts a phone line (only for...

1 Getting familiar with your computer 8 Bottom view # Item Description 1 Hard disk bay Houses the computer’s hard disk. 2 Battery release button Press and hold to release the battery latch. 3 Battery release latch Unlatches the battery to remove the battery pack. 4 Battery bay Houses the computer’s ...

9 Features This computer was designed with the user in mind. Here are just a few of its many features: Performance • Intel® Pentium™ III or Intel® Celeron™ processor with on-die level 2 cache • 128 MB memory onboard and one memory upgrade slot • Large LCD display with adjustable video memory • High-...

11 Display The large graphics display offers excellent viewing, display quality and desktop-performance graphics. The computer supports a Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD) displaying up to 16.7 million colors at 1400x1050 Super eXtended Graphics Array Plus (SXGA+) resolution (f...

1 Getting familiar with your computer 12 Indicators The computer has an easy-to-read status LCD (1) located above the keyboard. Two status indicators, power (2), and email (3) are located near the front of the computer. The status LCD displays icons that show the status of the computer and its compo...

15 Keyboard The keyboard has full-sized keys with an embedded keypad, separate cursor keys, two Windows keys and twelve function keys. Special keys Lock keys The keyboard has four lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock Key Description Caps lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic character...

1 Getting familiar with your computer 16 Embedded keypad The embedded keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the lower edge of the keycaps. The embedded keypad can function in numeric mode or cursor-control mode. Desired Access Num lock On Pad ...

17 Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Description Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key perform special functions. Below are a few examples: + Tab (Activates next Taskbar button) + E (Explores My Computer) + F (Finds Document) + M ...

1 Getting familiar with your computer 18 Hotkeys The computer uses hotkeys or key combinations to perform functions such as controlling the screen brightness and specifying where to display output. When activating hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combina...

19 Keyboard ergonomics Located below the keyboard, the wide and curved palm rest is ergonomically designed to provide you with a very comfortable place to rest your hands while you type. TMa550.book Page 19 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM

1 Getting familiar with your computer 20 Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a PS/2-compatible 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 palm rest provides optimum comfort and ...

1 Getting familiar with your computer 22 Launch keys Located near the front end of the computer (between the speakers) are launch keys that perform various functions. Depending on the set mode, these launch keys may be used to launch applications or play back music CDs. Note: The Audio DJ feature is...

1 Getting familiar with your computer 24 Storage This computer’s all-in-one design gives you the benefit of using the following media storage options: • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk The hard disk can be upgraded when you need more storage space. Consult your dealer for details. • 3.5-inch fl...

25 Connectivity options The computer has built-in features for connecting to a network and communicating with other computers. Ethernet and LAN The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based (10/100 Mbps) network. To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet...

1 Getting familiar with your computer 26 Audio Your computer includes 16-bit high-fidelity stereo audio. The dual speakers, located near the front of the computer, direct sound towards you to further enhance sound output and quality. There are audio ports on the right side of the computer. See “Righ...

27 Securing your computer Security features include hardware and software locks — a security notch and a password. Security notch A security notch located on the rear panel of the computer lets you connect a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. For the location of this notch, see “Rear view...

2 Operating on battery power TMa550.book Page 29 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM

31 Battery pack The computer uses a battery pack that gives you long use between charges. Battery pack characteristics The battery pack has the following characteristics: • Employs current battery technology standards • Battery-low warning Whenever possible, use the AC adapter. The battery will come...

33 Charging the battery To charge the battery, slide the battery pack into the battery bay and plug the AC adapter into the computer and an electrical outlet. Charging modes The adapter has two charging modes: • Rapid mode The computer uses rapid charging when power is turned off and a powered AC ad...

2 Operating on battery power 36 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 ...

3 Peripherals and options TMa550.book Page 37 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM

39 External display devices External monitor You can connect an external monitor to the external display port. For the location of these ports, see “Rear view” on page 7. Read the monitor manual for additional instructions. Note : If an external monitor is not connected, closing the display cover pu...

3 Peripherals and options 40 External input devices External keyboard This computer has a keyboard with full-sized keys and an embedded keypad. If you feel more comfortable using a desktop keyboard, you can connect an external PS/2-compatible or USB keyboard. Plug a PS/2 keyboard into the PS/2 port;...

41 Printer This computer supports both parallel and USB printers. For a parallel printer, plug the printer cable into the parallel port. For a USB printer, connect it to the USB port. For the location of these ports, see “Rear view” on page 7 and “Right view” on page 6. To operate your printer, see ...

3 Peripherals and options 42 Audio devices You can plug an external microphone into the microphone-in jack. Amplified speakers or headphones connect to the speaker/headphone-out jack. For the location of these ports, see “Right view” on page 6. TMa550.book Page 42 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM

43 Expansion devices PC Card slots The computer has built-in CardBus PC Card slots that can accommodate one type III or two type II/I PC Cards. Please consult your dealer for PC Card options available that you can purchase for your computer. The PC Card slots found on the right of the computer accep...

3 Peripherals and options 44 Ejecting a card Before ejecting a PC Card: • Exit the application using the card. • Left-click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar and click on the safely remove card operation. After it is safe to remove the card, press the slot eject button once to pop it...

45 IEEE 1394 The computer's fast IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect IEEE 1394 supported devices like a digital camcorder, external hard disks, or external CD burners. You can also daisy-chain IEEE 1394 devices via a IEEE 1394 repeater. For the location of these ports, see “Rear view” on page 7. Di...

3 Peripherals and options 46 Miscellaneous options Battery pack It is a good practice to have a spare battery around, especially when you travel. The Li-ion battery, coupled with the power management features of your computer, supplies you with more power on-the-go. AC adapter The compact AC adapter...

47 Key component upgrades Your computer delivers superior power and performance. However, some users and the applications they use may demand more. This computer allows you to upgrade key components when you need increased performance. Note : Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a...

49 Hard disk upgrade It is possible to upgrade your hard disk with a higher capacity drive when you need more storage space. The computer uses a 9.5mm 2.5-inch Enhanced-IDE hard disk. Please consult your dealer if you need to upgrade your hard disk. TMa550.book Page 49 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:...

4 Moving with your computer TMa550.book Page 51 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM

53 Disconnecting from the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1 Save your work in progress. 2 Shut down the operating system. 3 Turn off the computer. 4 Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter. 5 Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, externa...

4 Moving with your computer 54 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 Standby mode. You can now safely take the computer an...

55 Taking the computer home when you are moving from your office to your home or vice versa Preparing the computer After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to prepare the computer for the trip home: 1 Remove all media from the drives. Failure to remove the media can dam...

4 Moving with your computer 56 the computer for 30 minutes in an environment with a temperature between outside and room temperature. Setting up a home office If you frequently work on your computer at home, it may be worthwhile to purchase a second AC adapter for use at home. With a second AC adapt...

57 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. Be sure the battery in the computer is charged. Airport s...

61 System software The computer comes preloaded with the following software: • Microsoft Windows operating system • Hardware BIOS setup utility • System utilities, drivers and application software Note : To access Windows software applications, click on the Start button and select the application fo...

5 Software 62 Easy Button Easy Button allows you to set the four launch keys located near the front of the computer. See “Launch keys” on page 22 for the location of these keys. To configure Easy Button, double-click on its icon on the taskbar. Pressing on a launch key that has not been configured w...

5 Software 64 BIOS Setup Utility The BIOS Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer’s BIOS (basic input/ouput system). Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problem...

69 The table below describes the parameters in this screen. Settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Notes: When you are prompted to enter a password, you have three tries before the system halts. Don’t forget your password. If you forget your password, you may have to ...

5 Software 70 3 Press Enter . After setting the password, the computer sets the User Password parameter to “Set”. 4 If desired, you can opt to enable the Password on boot parameter. 5 When you are done, press F10 to save the changes and exit the BIOS Setup Utility. Removing a password Follow these s...

6 Troubleshooting TMa550.book Page 75 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM

77 Frequently-asked questions This is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer, and it gives easy answers and solutions to these questions. I press the power switch, but the computer does not start or boot-up. Look at the Power status indicator: • If it is not lit...

81 Error messages If you receive an error message, note the message and take the corrective action. The following table lists the error messages in alphabetical order together with the recommended course of action. Note: To enter the BIOS Setup Utility, press F2 during POST. For more information, se...

Appendix A Specifications TMa550.book Page 85 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM

Appendix B Notices TMa550.book Page 91 Wednesday, October 3, 2001 10:57 AM

93 FCC notice This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This device generates, uses, and can...

Appendix B Notices 94 Notice: Canadian users This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Remarque ¶ l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le ma...

95 Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future reference. 1 Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. 2 Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth...

Appendix B Notices 96 controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition. e If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged f If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a n...

97 Lithium battery statement CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. ADVARSEL! Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig hå...

Appendix B Notices 98 LCD pixel statement The LCD unit is produced with high-precision manufacturing techniques. Nevertheless, some pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as black or red dots. This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction. Macrovision copyright pr...

99 Index A AC adapter caring for iv ACPI 36audio 26 connecting externally 42controlling volume 26troubleshooting 78 Audio DJ 26 B battery bay 8battery pack battery-low warning 34caring for vcharacteristics 31charging 33charging modes 33checking charge level 33installing 32low conditions 35optimizing...