Acer Aspire 1600 series User manual

Acer Aspire 1600 series
User’s guide
As1600_E.book Page i Thursday, January 16, 2003 11:01 AM

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
correspondense 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 © 2003
All Rights Reserved
Acer Aspire 1600 Series Notebook Computer User's Guide
Original Issue: February 2003
Acer Aspire 1600 series Notebook computer
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective companies.
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iii
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First things first vii
Your guides vii
Basic care and tips for using your computer viii
Getting familiar with your computer 1
A tour of your computer 3
Top view 3
Front view 5
Left view 6
Right view 7
Rear view 8
Bottom view 9
Features 10
Display 11
Indicators 12
Keyboard 14
Special keys 14
Keyboard ergonomics 19
Touchpad 20
Touchpad basics 21
Launch keys 23
Storage 25
Inserting and ejecting a diskette 25
Ejecting the optical drive tray 26
Emergency ejection of the optical drive tray 28
Connectivity options 29
Ethernet and LAN 29
Fax/data modem 29
Audio 31
Adjusting the volume 31
Securing your computer 32
Security slot 32
Passwords 32
Operating on battery power 35
Battery pack 37
Battery pack characteristics 37
Installing and removing the battery pack 38
Charging the battery 40
Checking the battery level 41
Optimizing battery life 41
Battery-low warning 41
Power management 43
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Peripherals and options 45
External display devices 47
S-video 48
External input devices 49
External keyboard 49
External keypad 50
External pointing device 52
Printer 53
Audio devices 54
Expansion devices 55
PC Card 55
USB devices 57
IEEE 1394 devices 58
Miscellaneous options 59
Battery pack 59
AC adapter 59
Key component upgrades 60
Memory upgrade 60
Hard disk upgrade 62
Moving with your computer 63
Disconnecting from the desktop 65
Moving around 66
Preparing the computer 66
What to bring to short meetings 66
What to bring to long meetings 66
Taking the computer home 67
Preparing the computer 67
What to bring with you 67
Special considerations 67
Setting up a home office 68
Traveling with the computer 69
Preparing the computer 69
What to take with you 69
Special considerations 69
Traveling internationally with your computer 70
Preparing the computer 70
What to take with you 70
Special considerations 70
Software 71
System software 73
Launch Manager 73
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BIOS Utility 74
Information 75
Main 77
Advanced 78
Security 83
Boot 85
Exit 86
Troubleshooting 89
Frequently asked questions 91
Error messages 94
Appendix A Specifications 99
Appendix B Notices 103
Index 113
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vi
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vii
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First things first
Yo u r g u i d e s
A set of guides is provided to help you set up and use your Aspire computer.:
For more information on our products, services, and support, please visit our web site
www.global.acer.com.
The Just for starters… poster shows you how to set up your computer.
This User's Guide provides clear and concise information on using your
computer productively. You are advised to read it thoroughly and keep it
handy for future reference.
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viii
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Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer on and off
To turn on your computer, open the lid (1, 2) and press the power button (3) above
the keyboard.
To turn the power off, you can do any of the following:
•Click on the Start button in Windows, and then select Shut Down on the popup
menu.
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•Push the power button.
To use this method, you must first click on the Power Management icon in
Windows Control Panel, and then check that the power button is set to shut
down the computer when pressed. See Windows Help for more information.
Note: If you are unable to shut down the computer in the usual way, press and
hold the power switch for more than four seconds. You should then wait at least
two seconds before turning the computer on again.
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 expose the computer to magnetic fields.
•Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture.
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•Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer.
•Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration.
•Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.
•Do not place objects on top of the computer.
•Do not slam the lid shut. Close the computer gently.
•Do not place the computer on unstable or uneven surfaces.
Taking care of your AC adapter
It is important that you look after your AC adapter.
•Do not connect the adapter to any other device.
•Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on it. Route the power cord
away from areas where people might walk on it or trip over it.
•Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting from the mains power socket.
Grasp and pull the plug instead.
•The total ampere ratings of equipment plugged into a power strip should not
exceed the ampere rating for that power strip.
Taking care of your battery pack
It is also important that you look after your computer's battery pack.
•Use the correct battery model for your computer. Do not use other kinds of
batteries.
•Turn the power off before removing or replacing the battery.
•Do not tamper with the battery. Keep the battery away from children.
•Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible.
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning your computer, it is important that you follow these steps:
1Turn off the computer and remove the battery.
2Disconnect the AC adapter.
3Clean with a soft cloth moistened with a little water. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners.
Refer to the chapter entitled “Troubleshooting” on page 89 if any of the following
occurs:
•You drop the computer or damage the case.
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