Acer Aspire 1202 User manual

Aspire 1200 series
User’s guide
As1200.book Page i Wednesday, December 26, 2001 5:05 PM

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of
such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary
documents and publications. This company makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied,
with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose.
Record the model number, serial number, purchase date, and place of purchase information in the space provided
below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label affixed to your computer. All
correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial number, model number, and purchase information.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer
Incorporated.
Model Number : __________________________________
Serial Number: ___________________________________
Purchase Date: ___________________________________
Place of Purchase: ________________________________
Copyright © 2001
All Rights Reserved
Aspire 1200 series Notebook computer User’s guide
Original Issue: December 2001
Aspire 1200 series Notebook computer
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective companies.
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iii
First things first
We would like to thank you for making the Aspire series of notebook computers your
choice for your mobile computing needs. We hope you will be happy with your Aspire
as much as we enjoyed making it for you.
Your guides
To help you use your Aspire, we have designed a set of guides:
For more information about our products, services, and support information, please
visit our web site (www.acer.com).
First off, the Just for Starters... poster helps you get started with setting
up your computer.
This User’s guide introduces you to the many ways your computer can
help you be more productive. This guide provides clear and concise
information about the computer, so read it thoroughly.
Lastly, there may be a Read me first sheet included with your package
which contains important reminders and updates. So, please read
through it.
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iv
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer on and off
To turn on the computer, open the display cover, and press the power switch above the
keyboard.
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
•Use the Windows shutdown command
Click on Start, and select the Windows shutdown or turn off command.
•Use the power switch
If you set the power switch to “Shut down”, you can use this button to turn off
the computer. See Windows help for details.
Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power
switch for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off
the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before
powering up.
Taking care of your computer
Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
•Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of
heat, such as a radiator.
•Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 50°C
(122°F).
•Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields.
•Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.
•Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.
•Do not subject the computer to heavy shock and vibration.
•Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt.
•Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging the computer.
•Do not slam the computer display when you close it.
•Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.
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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. Carefully
route the power cord and any cables away from personal traffic.
•When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the
plug.
•The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the
ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the total
current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not
exceed the fuse rating.
Taking care of your battery pack
Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:
•Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off before
removing or replacing batteries.
•Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children.
•Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if at all possible.
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1Power off the computer and remove the battery pack.
2Disconnect the AC adapter.
3Use a soft cloth moistened with water. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
If any of the following occurs:
•The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged.
•Liquid has been spilled into the product.
•The computer does not operate normally.
Please refer to "Troubleshooting my computer" on page 73.
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vi
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Contents
First things first iii
Your guides iii
Basic care and tips for using your computer iv
Getting familiar with your computer 1
A tour of your computer 3
Front view 3
Left view 5
Right view 6
Rear view 7
Bottom view 8
Features 9
Display 11
Indicators 12
Keyboard 15
Special keys 15
Keyboard ergonomics 19
Touchpad 20
Touchpad basics 20
Launch keys 22
Storage 24
Connectivity options 25
Ethernet and LAN 25
Fax/data modem 25
Audio 26
Adjusting the volume 26
Using the Audio DJ feature 26
Securing your computer 27
Security notch 27
Passwords 27
Operating on battery power 29
Battery pack 31
Battery pack characteristics 31
Installing and removing the battery pack 32
Charging the battery 33
Checking the battery level 34
Optimizing battery life 34
Battery-low warning 35
Power management 36
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viii
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 Card slots 43
USB 44
IEEE 1394 45
Miscellaneous options 46
Battery pack 46
AC adapter 46
Key component upgrades 47
Memory upgrade 47
Hard disk upgrade 48
Moving with your computer 49
Disconnecting from the desktop 51
Moving around 52
Preparing the computer 52
What to bring to short meetings 52
What to bring to long meetings 52
Taking the computer home 53
Preparing the computer 53
What to bring with you 53
Special considerations 53
Setting up a home office 54
Traveling with the computer 55
Preparing the computer 55
What to bring with you 55
Special considerations 55
Traveling internationally with the computer 56
Preparing the computer 56
What to bring with you 56
Special considerations 56
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ix
Software 57
System software 59
Easy Button 60
E-Mail Detector 61
BIOS Setup Utility 62
Main 63
System Devices 65
Security 66
Others 69
Boot 70
Exit 71
Troubleshooting 73
Frequently-asked questions 75
Error messages 78
Appendix A Specifications 83
Appendix B Notices 89
Index 97
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