Acer AcerBasic II User manual

AcerBasic
User’s Guide

ii
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
language or computer language, in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer
Incorporated.
Disclaimer
Acer Incorporated makes no representations or warranties, either
expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and
specifically disclaims any warranties, merchantability or fitness
for any particular purpose. Any Acer Incorporated software
described in this manual is sold or licensed “as is”. Should the
programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and
not Acer Incorporated, its distributor, or its dealer) assumes the
entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, and any incidental or
consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software.
Further, Acer Incorporated reserves the right to revise this
publication and to make changes from time to time in the contents
hereof without obligation of Acer Incorporated to notify any person
of such revision or changes.
Acer is a registered trademark of Acer Incorporated. Microsoft and Windows 95
are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IBM is a registered
trademark and IRConnect is a trademark of IBM Corporation. Intel and Pentium
are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Other brand and product names
are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

iii
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future
reference.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use
liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
4. Do not use this product near water.
5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The
product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are
provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product
and to protect it from overheating, these openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing
the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This
product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat
register, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is
provided.
7. This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on
the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available,
consult your dealer or local power company.
8. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this
product where persons will walk on the cord.
9. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the
total ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension
cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also, make
sure that the total rating of all products plugged into the wall outlet
does not exceed the fuse rating.

iv
10. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet
slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts
that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the product.
11. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or
removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or
other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
12. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
a. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed
b. If liquid has been spilled into the product
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water
d. If the product does not operate normally when the operating
instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions since improper
adjustment of other 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 need for service
13. Replace battery with the same type as the product's battery we
recommend. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or
explosion. Refer battery replacement to a qualified serviceman.
14. Warning! Battery may explode if not handled properly. Do not
disassemble or dispose of in fire. Keep away from children and
dispose of used battery promptly.
15. Use only the proper type of power supply cord set (provided in your
accessories box) for this unit. It should be a detachable type: UL
listed/CSA certified, type SVT, rated 7A 125V minimum, VDE
approved or its equivalent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters).

v
Caution on Lithium Batteries
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 håndtering. Udskiftning må kun
ske med batteri af samme fabrikat og type. Léver det brugte batteri tilbage til
leverandøren.
ADVARSEL
Eksplosjonsfare ved feilaktig skifte av batteri. Benytt samme batteritype eller en
tilsvarende type anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten. Brukte batterier kasseres i
henhold til fabrikantens instruksjoner.
VARNING
Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Anvãnd samma batterityp eller en
ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren. Kassera anvãnt
batteri enligt fabrikantens instruktion.
VAROITUS
Päristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu. Vaihda paristo ainoastaan
laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan tyyppiin. Hävitä käytetty paristo valmistajan
ohjeiden mukaisesti.
VORSICHT!
Explosionsgefahr bei unsachgemäßen Austausch der Batterie Ersatz nur durch
denselben oder einem vom Hersteller empfohlenem ähnlichen Typ. Entsorgung
gebrauchter Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers.

vi
FCC Class B Radio Frequency Interference
Statement
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for help.
Notice 1:
The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Notice 2:
Shielded interface cables, if any, must be used in order to comply
with the emission limits.

vii
Canadian Department of Communications
Regulatory Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed Class B limits for radio
noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio
Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radio-
électriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils
numériques de la classe B prescrites dans le Réglement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des
Communications du Canada.
Laser Compliance
The CD-ROM drive in the AcerBasic is a laser product. The CD-
ROM drive’s classification label (shown below) is located on the top
of the drive.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT CAUTION:
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN
OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM
APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1
PRODUIT LASER ATTENTION:
RADIATION DU FAISCEAU LASER
INVISIBLE EN CAS D’OUVERTURE.
EVITTER TOUTE EXPOSITION AUX
RAYONS.
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE
LASER KLASSE 1 VORSICHT:
UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG,
WENN ABDECKUNG GEÖFFNET
NICHT DEM STRAHLL AUSSETZEN
PRODUCTO LÁSER DE LA CLASE I ADVERTENCIA:
RADIACIÓN LÁSER INVISIBLE AL
SER ABIERTO. EVITE EXPONERSE A
LOS RAYOS.

viii
Congratulations on your purchase of the AcerBasic personal
computer. Compact in size, not in features, the AcerBasic
personal computer opens a window of information to your
home or office. We hope you enjoy your AcerBasic personal
computer as much as we enjoyed designing and making it
for you.
This user’s guide quickly guides you in setting up and using
your AcerBasic personal computer.
Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
...............................
iii
Caution on Lithium Batteries
................................
....................
v
FCC Class B Radio Frequency Interference Statement
..........
vi
Canadian Department of Communications Regulatory Statement
.....
vii
Laser Compliance
................................
................................
.....
vii
Unpacking
................................
................................
.........................
1
Standard Items
................................
................................
...........
1
Optional Items
................................
................................
............
2
Getting to Know your AcerBasic
................................
.................
3
Basic Features
................................
................................
.............
3
Optional Features
................................
................................
.......
5
Setting Up the AcerBasic
................................
..............................
6
Locating the Connectors
................................
.............................
6
Front
................................
................................
....................
6
Rear
................................
................................
......................
8
Finding a Suitable Area to Place the AcerBasic
.......................
9
Basic Connections
................................
................................
.....
10
Connecting to a Television or a Monitor
..........................
10
Connecting the Power Cord
................................
..............
11
Connecting Options
................................
................................
..
12
Phone Line
................................
................................
.........
12
Network Line
................................
................................
.....
13
Printer
................................
................................
................
13

ix
Audio and Game Devices
................................
..................
14
External Keyboard
................................
............................
16
External Mouse
................................
................................
.
17
Video Cassette Recorder or Camcorder
...........................
18
Computer Video Camera
................................
..................
18
Using the AcerBasic
................................
................................
.....
19
Turning on the Computer
................................
........................
19
Using the Wireless Keyboard
................................
..................
20
Installing the Battery
................................
.......................
20
Using the Floppy Disk Drive
................................
...................
21
Guidelines on Floppy Disk Drive Use
.............................
21
Inserting and Ejecting a Floppy Disk
..............................
22
Using the CD-ROM Drive
................................
........................
24
Guidelines on CD-ROM Drive Use
................................
..
24
Inserting and Removing a CD-ROM Disc
.......................
25
Setting Passwords
................................
................................
....
27
Setup Password
................................
................................
.
27
Power On Password
................................
..........................
30
Communicating Between AcerBasics
................................
......
31
Transferring Files
................................
.............................
32
Maintenance
................................
................................
...................
33
Getting Help
................................
................................
...................
34
Accessing Online Help
................................
..............................
34
Getting Help Online
................................
................................
.
34
Setup Utility
................................
................................
...................
35
BIOS Utility Main Screen
................................
........................
35
Basic System Configuration
................................
.....................
37
Date and Time
................................
................................
...
38
Diskette Drives
................................
................................
.
39
IDE Drives
................................
................................
.........
40
Total Memory
................................
................................
....
42
Enhanced IDE Features
................................
...................
42
Large Memory Support Mode
................................
..................
44
Num Lock After Boot
................................
................................
44
Memory Test
................................
................................
.............
44
Quiet Boot
................................
................................
.................
44

x
Configuration Table
................................
................................
..
45
Advanced System Configuration
................................
.............
46
Internal Cache (CPU Cache)
................................
............
46
External Cache
................................
................................
..
47
ECC/Parity Mode Selection
................................
..............
47
Memory at 15-16 MB Reserved for
................................
..
47
USB Host Controller
................................
.........................
47
Power Saving Configuration
................................
....................
48
Power Management Mode
................................
................
48
Monitored Activities
................................
..........................
50
QuickStart State Timer
................................
....................
50
Point Device Location
................................
.......................
50
System Security
................................
................................
........
51
Disk Drive Control
................................
............................
51
Onboard Communication Ports
................................
........
53
Onboard PS/2 Mouse (IRQ 12)
................................
.........
56
Setup Password
................................
................................
.
57
Power On Password
................................
..........................
57
PCI/PnP System Configuration
................................
...............
58
PCI IRQ Setting
................................
................................
58
PCI Slots (1 and 2)
................................
............................
59
Onboard VGA
................................
................................
....
59
PCI IRQ Sharing
................................
...............................
59
VGA Palette Snoop
................................
...........................
60
Plug & Play OS
................................
................................
.
60
Reset Resources Assignment
................................
............
61
Onboard LAN Chip
................................
...........................
61
Onboard Audio Chip
................................
.........................
61
Load Setup Default Settings
................................
....................
62

Unpacking
User’s Guide 1
The AcerBasic personal computer package contains the
following items. Carefully unpack each item and set aside.
Standard Items
❍AcerBasic personal
computer ❍Wireless keyboard
❍SCART Euro-AV cable ❍Audio and video cables
❍Power cord ❍User’s guide and
miscellaneous items

Unpacking
2 User’s Guide
Optional Items
❍Remote control
❍Computer video camera kit
The items in your package may differ slightly.

Getting to Know your AcerBasic
User’s Guide 3
The AcerBasic series personal computer has common
features listed below:
Basic Features
❍High-performance central processing unit (CPU)
A fast core (consisting of the CPU and chipsets
*
) allows
your computer to process information and data fast.
❍High-speed memory
Standard memory configuration is 16 megabytes (MB) of
fast EDO (Extended Data Out) or fast page RAM
(Random Access Memory). These memory types give you
true value, balancing price and performance.
❍High-performance video
The graphics adapter with 2MB of video memory
outputs high-resolution, high-speed graphics onto your
television or monitor. 3D graphics support also turn
your AcerBasic into a gaming machine.
❍High-capacity storage mediums
•One high-capacity hard disk drive
•One 3.5-inch, 1.44MB floppy disk drive
•One high-speed CD-ROM drive
*
Chipsets are sets of microprocessors that perform specific functions.

Getting to Know your AcerBasic
4 User’s Guide
❍High-speed connectivity
Whether you need to get connected via modem or
network, this computer has it. Its built-in 33.6 kilobits
per second (Kbps) modem connects to a phone line; its
built-in Ethernet (10BaseT) jack connects to a network.
See page 12.
❍Peripheral connectivity
Located at the front and rear of the computer are a host
of connectors for a large variety of peripherals —
printer, mouse, keyboard, microphone, speakers, joystick
just to name a few. See “Setting Up the AcerBasic” on
page 6.
❍“User-Friendly” software
The bundled software helps you explore a world of
information. Refer to the applications guide for details.
❍Security features
Security features include passwords for protecting your
computer from unauthorized access. See page 27.

Getting to Know your AcerBasic
User’s Guide 5
Optional Features
Options include:
❍Hardware upgrades
•Additional memory
•Higher-capacity hard disk
•Higher-speed CD-ROM drive
•DVD-ROM drive
•MPEG-II capability
❍Hardware options
•Remote control
•Computer video camera kit
•External monitor
•External keyboard
•External mouse
•Network hubs
•USB devices
❍Software options
Please contact your dealer or reseller for the options
available in your region.

Setting Up the AcerBasic
6 User’s Guide
This section describes the things to consider when setting
up your AcerBasic.
Locating the Connectors
Most of the connectors on the computer are found at the
rear of the unit. A few connectors are found on the front for
easy access. Let’s take a look at the front and rear of the
unit before we make the connections.
Front
#Item Description
1 Floppy disk drive activity
indicator Lights up when the floppy disk drive is being accessed
2 Floppy disk drive Accepts 3.5-inch, 1.44MB diskette
3 Floppy disk drive eject
button Ejects the diskette from the floppy disk drive
4 CD-ROM drive Accepts a CD-ROM disc

Setting Up the AcerBasic
User’s Guide 7
#Item Description
5 CD-ROM drive open/close
button Opens and closes the CD-ROM drive
6 On/sleep button Turns the computer on and puts the
computer to sleep
7 Power/suspend indicator Lights green when on; lights orange
when in suspend mode*
8 Hard disk/message
indicator Flashes when your hard disk drive is in use
9 Network active indicator Flashes when your computer is
communicating with the network
10 Network link indicator Lights when the computer is connected
to a network
11 Infrared receiver Receives input from the wireless
keyboard or remote control
Allows you to transfer data or files with
another AcerBasic computer
12 Game/MIDI port Connects a joystick, game device or
MIDI device
13 Microphone jack Connects a microphone
14 Earphone/headphone jack Connects an earphone or headphone
15 VCR/camcorder audio
input jack (right) Connects to the right audio input of a VCR or camcorder
16 VCR/camcorder audio
input jack (left) Connects to the left audio input of a VCR or camcorder
17 VCR/camcorder video
input jack Connects to the video input of a VCR or camcorder
18 S-video input Connects to the S-video input of a VCR
or camcorder
*
Your computer enters suspend mode when the suspend timer times out (see
page 50). You can also put the computer in suspend mode by selecting the
Suspend…command from the Start menu.

Setting Up the AcerBasic
8 User’s Guide
Rear
#Item Description
1 On/off switch Turns power on and off
2 Power cord socket Connects a power cord
3 Phone set jack Connects a telephone set
4 Phone line jack Connects a phone line
5 External CRT port Connects an external monitor
6 Video output jack Connects to the video input of a television
7 S-video output jack Connects to the S-video input of a television
8 Parallel port Connects a printer or other parallel device
9 Serial port Connect a serial mouse or other serial device
10 PS/2 mouse port Connects a PS/2 mouse
11 PS/2 keyboard port Connects a PS/2 keyboard
12 Network jack Connects a network line (Ethernet)
13 Audio output jack Connects to speakers or other audio output
devices
14 Audio input jack Connects a audio input device
15 USB port 2 Connects a USB device
16 USB port 1 Connects a USB device

Setting Up the AcerBasic
User’s Guide 9
Finding a Suitable Area to Place the
AcerBasic
The AcerBasic has the following dimensions.
Locate a suitable area to place the AcerBasic. Allow ample
space on all sides of the unit for cords and cable connections.
The AcerBasic should also be placed near the devices you
will connect to it.

Setting Up the AcerBasic
10 User’s Guide
Basic Connections
These are the basic connections you need to get your
AcerBasic up and going. You can also connect options like a
printer or the phone line, described in pages 12 to 17.
Connecting to a Television or a Monitor
First you need to connect an output device to the computer
which can either be a television unit or a computer monitor.
Television Unit Computer Monitor
If your television uses a SCART interface, use the included
SCART cable to connect your television set to the computer.