Acer Extensa 355 User manual

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Your notebook offers excellent expansion capabilities with its
built-in ports and connectors. This chapter describes how to
connect peripherals and hardware options that help you use
your notebook computer with ease. When connecting
peripherals, read the manual included with the peripheral
for operating instructions.
This chapter also includes sections on how to upgrade key
components. Key component upgradeability guards your
notebook from becoming obsolete.
4.1 External Monitor
To show graphical effects on a larger display, open the port
cover and connect an external monitor to the CRT port ( ).
Read the monitor manual for additional instructions.

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4.2 External Keyboard and Keypad
This notebook has a keyboard with full-sized keys and an
embedded keypad. If you feel more comfortable using a
desktop keyboard, you can install a PS/2-compatible
external keyboard.
You can also use a 17-key numeric keypad for number-
sensitive data entry applications. To connect the keypad,
plug in the keypad connector to the PS/2 port ( ) at
the rear of the notebook.
To connect an external keyboard, plug it in the PS/2 port
().

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4.3 External Pointing Device
This notebook accepts either a PS/2-compatible or serial
mouse or similar pointing device.
The built-in touchpad works alternately with an external
PS/2 mouse which is hot-pluggable. To use a PS/2-
compatible mouse, simply plug it into the PS/2 port (
).
If you use a serial mouse, open the port cover and plug it
into the serial port ( ). To enable the serial mouse, use
the Add New Hardware tool in the Windows 95 Control
Panel.

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4.4 Printer
This notebook supports both serial and parallel printers.
For a serial printer, plug the printer cable into a serial port
(). For a parallel printer, open the port cover and plug
the printer cable into the parallel port ( ). See your printer
manual for operating instructions.
If the printer does not function, enter Setup and see to it that
the parallel port is enabled. Refer to section 6.1.3 for
assistance.

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4.5 Audio Devices
To connect audio devices, plug in an external microphone, a
line-in device and amplified speakers or headphones to the
microphone-in, line-in and line-out ports, respectively.

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4.6 PC Cards
The notebook has two PC card slots that accommodate two
type II or one type III PC card(s). Please consult your dealer
for PC card options available that you can purchase for your
notebook.
4.7 Miscellaneous Options
You can order spare batteries, AC adapter, 144 Pin 8-/16-
/32-MB 64-bit DIMM Modules, external numeric keypad and
file transfer cables..
4.7.1 Additional Power Packs
Battery Pack
It is good practice to have a spare battery around, especially
when you travel. The NiMH battery, coupled with power
management features, supply you with more power on-the-
go.
AC Adapter
The compact AC adapter charges your battery pack and
supplies power to your notebook.
4.7.2 Cables
PS/2 Y-Bridge Cable
The PS/2 Y-bridge cable allows you to connect two PS/2
devices, mouse and keyboard, to your notebook
simultaneously.

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Connect the single connector end of the Y-
bridge cable to the notebook’s PS/2 port and
the double connector ends to the two PS/2
devices.
Take note of the icons on the double
connector before connecting the devices.
File Transfer Cable
You can use a file transfer cable to transfer data between the
notebook and other computers. Connect the file transfer
cable between the two computers and use your file transfer
utility to perform the transfer.
4.7.3 Optional External CD-ROM Drive
The external CD-ROM drive needs a PC Card
to work. To use the optional external CD-
ROM drive, simply connect the PC Card to
the PC Card slot and the other end to the
connector on the external CD-ROM drive.
Please refer to your external CD-ROM
manual for more information.

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4.8 Key Component Upgrades
The notebook delivers superior power and performance.
However, some users and the applications they use may
demand more. This notebook allows you to upgrade your
key components when you need increased performance.
Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key
component upgrade.
4.8.1 Memory Upgrade
The system has 8MB or 16MB Memory onboard and one
memory slot that let you install up to 48MB of memory using
8/16/32 MB 64-bit DIMMs (Dual Inline Memory Modules).
The following table lists all possible memory configurations.
Memory Configurations
Onboard Slot 1 Total Memory
8 MB 0 MB 8 MB
8 MB 8 MB 16 MB
8 MB 16 MB 24 MB
8 MB 32 MB 40 MB
16MB 0 MB 16 MB
16MB 8 MB 24 MB
16MB 16 MB 32 MB
16MB 32 MB 48 MB
Installing Memory
When installing memory, we recommend you seek the help of
a qualified service technician. Improper installation may
damage the memory module or the notebook, or cause a
malfunction.

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The memory slots are accessible directly under the keyboard.
To install additional memory, follow these steps:
1. Simply unlatch and lift the keyboard to expose the metal
plate covering the memory slot.
2. Remove the metal plate. Squeeze the clips on both side of
the metal plate as shown below. Gently pull up until the
plate detach.
3. Then (1) insert the DIMM into the slot and (2) press down
to secure the DIMM.
4. Re-attached the metal plate on the memory slot.

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After installing the memory modules, the system
automatically detects and reconfigures the total memory size
during the POST routines.
4.8.2 Hard Disk Upgrade
You can upgrade your hard disk with a higher capacity drive
when you need more storage space. The notebook uses a
12.7mm, 2.5-inch Enhanced-IDE hard disk that is auto-
detected or user-defined. The following table shows the
available, supported hard disks.
Vendor Model Capacity
IBM DMCA21440 1.44 GB
Hitachi DK225A-14 1.44 GB
Hitachi DK225A-21 2.1 GB
Use the blank spaces to record additional hard disks that
will be available in the future.
Upgrading the Hard Disk
This notebook has a modular design that enables easy hard
disk drive upgrades.
We recommend that you seek the help of a qualified service
technician if you decide to perform an upgrade. Improper
installation may cause a malfunction or serious damage.
Contact your dealer for more information.

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Follow these steps to remove and install the hard disk.
1. Turn off the computer, then
turn the computer over on its
base.
2. Unlock the hard disk drive
compartment lock and remove
the cover.
3. Remove the two screws that
secure the hard disk drive unit
to the housing.
4. Lift up the hard disk drive
and pull it out.
5. Flip the hard disk drive unit
and very carefully disconnect
the hard drive cable. The
metal housing and the hard
drive can be separated in
order to install a new hard
drive.

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Reverse the process to install a hard disk drive. The
notebook automatically detects the hard disk drive type
during power-on self test.