Acer Aspire G600 User manual

Hey!
Wait
a minute
Did you know your Acer Aspire comes with incredible
multimedia software that was designed to show you all the
cool stuff your computer can do? This book is your handy
desktop reference for your Acer Aspire. For more
information, access the online guide.
(P.S. - If you’re reading this because you’re having trouble with your
computer, check the “Need Help?” section in this book.)

Copyright
Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks and Aspire is a trademark of Acer Inc. and Acer America
Corporation.
Microsoft Windows and the Windows Logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel and
Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corp. All other brands/product names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
© 2002 by Acer Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Printed in China
First printing: April 2002

iii
Welcome v
Before You Start . . . vi
Safety Instructions vi
Proper Setup and Placement Tips ix
Introducing your Aspire 1
The System 1
Drives on Your Computer 6
The Mouse 13
The Keyboard 16
The Monitor 21
The Speakers 22
Your Data/Fax Modem 23
Connecting an Optional Printer 24
Connecting an Optional Serial Device 25
Connecting an Optional Joystick or MIDI Device 26
Getting the most from your Aspire Audio System 27
Playing an Audio CD 27
Adjusting the Volume 28
Getting the most from your Aspire New Video System (Optional) 30
New TV function 30
Power VCR functions 30
Adding Options to your Aspire 33
Opening/Closing Your Aspire 33
Connecting USB Devices 36
Need Help? 37
Troubleshooting - General 37
Troubleshooting - Feature problems 40
Troubleshooting - Error Messages 45
Additional Acer Services 47
Notices 48
Table
of Contents

iv

v
Welcome and thank you for
purchasing an Aspire computer. You are now the owner of a
multimedia computer system! Already installed on your system and
ready to go are software programs designed to enable you to:
Whether you’ve owned a computer before or not, your Aspire was
designed to improve the way you work and to serve your needs now
and into the future.
• Create personal documents
• Access the Internet and send and receive emails
• Use your computer as a fax machine
• Play audio CDs while you’re working
and tons more!

vi
Before You Start . . .
Make sure you read this section carefully for proper
placement and important Safety Instructions on the use and
care of your new computer. Please save these instructions
for future reference.
Safety Instructions
Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the
product.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before
cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a cloth mildly dampened with water for
cleaning.
Do not use this product in or near water.
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand,
or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage
to the product.
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.
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.
This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type
plug, a plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug
will only t into a grounding-type power outlet. This is
a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into
the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the
grounding-type plug.
•
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vii
Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord.
Do not locate this product where persons will walk
on the cord.
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 15 amperes.
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 re or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
Do not attempt to service this product yourself;
opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all
servicing to qualied service personnel. Service by
persons other than Acer authorized service
providers may void your warranty.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualied 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 qualied 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.
Replace battery with the same type as the product’s
battery we recommend. Use of another battery may
present a risk of re or explosion. Refer battery
replacement to qualied service personnel.
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viii
Warning! Battery may explode if not handled properly.
Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in re. Keep
away from children and dispose of used battery
promptly.
Use only the proper type of power supply cord set
(provided in your keyboard/manual accessories box)
for this unit. It should be a detachable type: UL listed/
CSA certied, type SVT/SJT, rated 6A 125V minimum,
VDE approved or its equivalent. Maximum length is
15 feet (4.6 meters).
Always unplug the computer and monitor before
opening the housing or adjusting connections or
cables.
Use power strips with surge protection to protect your
computer in the event of a power surge, due to severe
weather such as a thunderstorm.
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ix
Proper Setup and Placement Tips
It’s important that your computer be set up correctly and
according to your own comfort and ergonomic needs.
The following tips should make your workstation a
comfortable and healthy place:
Monitor Level. Position your computer so that it is at
arm’s length away and the top third of the monitor
viewing area is at eye level. This helps prevent eye and
neck strain. To further reduce eye strain, close your eyes
and refocus on something other than your computer
screen at least twice an hour. Most monitors come
standard with a detachable tilt-and-swivel base and
adjustable, rear-mounted foot, which allow you to
position the monitor exactly where you want it.
Your Seat. If you plan to use your Aspire computer for
extended periods (for example, in a home ofce
environment), select a highly adjustable ofce chair with a
ve-pronged base. The seat and chair back should be
adjustable, while you’re sitting in the chair, for height and
tilt, and forward/backward positioning, and the lumbar
area of the back should be supported by the chair
adjustments or a cushion. Arm rests should conform to
your elbow height and shoulder width and should be
used for support. For maximum comfort, vary positions
frequently throughout the day. Observe good posture
when seated, keep your head centered over your
shoulders and, just like your mother always told you,
don’t slump over your work.
Anti-Glare Coating. Some monitor screens are
constructed with a special anti-glare coating, which
minimizes reections that cause eye strain and
discomfort. To further reduce eye strain, close your eyes
and refocus on something other than your computer
screen at least twice an hour.

x
Task Lighting. When room lighting is dimmed, there may
be insufcient light on documents or reference materials for
comfortable reading. A well-lit room or a few directional,
adjustable task lights will allow you to see your monitor
screen and other materials clearly, and with the least
amount of strain.
Hand and Wrist. Keep your wrists straight and your
forearms parallel to the oor while you are typing. If you use
a wrist rest, use it only briey for resting. Do not rest your
hands on the table or on the wrist rest while you are typing.
During long periods of typing, frequent breaks are
recommended.

1
Introducing
your Aspire
The System
1 CD/DVD compartment
2 Audio DJ console
3 Speaker/Headphone-out port
4 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive
emergency eject hole
5 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive
Volume Control button
6 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive
Stop/Eject button
7 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive
Play/Forward button
No. Description

2
8 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive
activity indicator
9 3.5-inch oppy drive activity indicator
10 3.5-inch oppy drive
11 3.5-inch oppy drive eject button
12 Power button / LAN, Hard disk,
Power activity indicator
13 Wireless connect button
14 Memory stick slot
15 SD/MMC slot
16 1394 port (optional)
17 Front microphone-in port
18 Speaker/headphone-out port
19 Front USB ports
No. Description

3
Setting Up Your Aspire
Refer to the Aspire Easy Setup poster included in your
system box for details on how to set up your computer.
Turning on your Aspire
1 Turn on all peripherals connected to your computer
such as the monitor, printer, fax, speakers, etc.
2 On your computer’s rear panel, set the voltage selector
switch 1 to the voltage range applicable in your area (a).
Note: For models with no voltage selector switch
and main power switch, proceed to step 3.
1 Applies to selected models only.

4
Important: Make sure that the power cable is
properly plugged in into an electrical outlet. If you
are using a power strip or an AVR (Auto-Voltage
Regulator), make sure that it is plugged in and
turned on.
3 On the front panel of your computer, press the
power button.
When the computer nishes booting, it is now ready
for use.

5
Turning off your Aspire
Option 1: Quickstart OFF. Your Aspire will continue to run
in the Quickstart OFF condition. It will appear that it is OFF.
When you press the power button to switch your Aspire to
the fully ON condition, it will do so in only a few seconds.
Option 2: Traditional OFF. If you want your Aspire to
completely power OFF (if you need to unplug it):
1 Click on the Start button on the taskbar.
2 Click on Shut Down.
3 Click on Shut Down the Computer and click Yes. Your
computer will guide you through saving any open les
and then will shut down Windows Me. Your computer
will then turn off all computer power automatically.
You will have to manually turn off your monitor after
you see the computer power go off.

Drives on Your Computer
Whether it’s the software program that you bought from
your local computer store or the shopping list you just
typed up using your word processor, all information in a
computer is stored electronically.
To save (write) data or retrieve (read) data, the computer
uses a drive. There are different ways to store data, and each
different type of data storage has a specic drive.
Three different types of drives come with your Aspire
computer:
Drives on Your Computer
Your xed or hard drive is located inside your computer.
This drive is typically called the C: drive in Windows.
The Floppy Drive
This drive uses removable 3.5-inch oppy disks and is called
the A: drive.
CD/DVD Drive
Floppy Drive
Hard Drive
6

Using Your Floppy Drive
Floppy disks are used for putting data into your computer
or for taking it out.
1 Insert the oppy disk into the drive, as shown.
(The metal circle on the disk’s underside should
be facing down.)
2 Push it in gently until it pops into place.
3 Remove the oppy disk by pressing the eject button.
Formatting a Floppy Diskette
A oppy disk is, basically, just a thin piece of magnetic
tape on which data can be stored electronically. Most
oppy disks are protected with a hard plastic case.
Before a oppy can be used, it must be formatted, or
made ready to accept data.
1 Make sure your oppy is not write-protected.
2 Insert the diskette into your oppy drive.
Note: Many stores sell preformatted 3.5-oppy
disks.
7

8
3 Click on the Start button , point to Programs, and
click on Windows Explorer.
4 Point to 3 .5” Floppy (A:) under My Computer.
5 Click on the right mouse button, then select Format.
Cautions: Formatting a disk removes any data that
might have been saved on that disk. Also, be sure to
keep your disks away from heat and other
magnetic items that can damage the disk and the
information on it.
Write Protecting a Floppy Diskette
When the write protect notch is open (1), data cannot be
written to (saved on) the disk. The notch must be closed (2)
for data to be written to (copied on) the disk.
Write protecting diskettes is a good way to keep them safe
from viruses, should you use them in a different computer.
Why Disks? (Or Discs for that matter...)
The advantage of a oppy disk or CD is that it makes data
portable.
Practically all newly purchased software comes in one of
these two formats.
Data is often exchanged between computers on oppy disks.
Be aware that there is an inherent danger of virus infection in
casual swapping or sharing of oppy disks with your friends
and associates. Files, applications or programs downloaded
from the Internet also carry possible danger.

9
The CD-ROM Drive
The CD-ROM drive uses CDs (Compact Discs) instead of
oppy disks, and it is Read Only Memory, which means that
the computer can read data from the disc, but cannot write
anything new on it. It is typically called the D: drive. On
some computers, the CD-ROM may be another drive letter.
Please refer to My Computer for the current drive letter
assignment on your Windows desktop.
The DVD-ROM Drive (option)
The DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc -
Read Only Memory) is a type of optical media. It can hold
capacities ranging from 4.7 GB to a maximum of 17 GB, and
can support access rates from 600 Kilobytes per second to
1.2 Megabytes per second. It is backward-compatible with
CD-ROMs which means that DVD players can play not
only DVD-ROMs, but CD-ROMs, CD-I discs, video CDs,
and CD-R discs as well. DVD uses MPEG-2 to compress
video data.
Using Your CD/DVD Drive
Unlike oppy disks, CD/DVD discs can be used only for
putting data into your computer. Your Aspire computer
can use two types of CD-ROM discs: audio discs and data
discs. Data CDs can hold a lot of information and very
large programs. One CD can hold more information than
is contained on 450 oppy diskettes.

10
1 Press the eject button to manually open or close the
CD tray.
Note: It may take up to 30 seconds for a disc to
stop spinning before the drive opens up. If you
try to run the software when you rst insert the
CD (or DVD) and you get an error message like
Drive Not Ready, wait a few seconds, then try
again.