Acer Extensa Series User manual

i
Extensa

Copyright © 1996 Texas Instruments
All Rights Reserved — Printed in Taiwan
Extensa Series Notebook User’s Guide
TI Part No. 9811352-0001
Original Issue: January 1996
Changes may be made periodically to the information
in this publication. Such changes will be incorporated
in new editions of this manual.
Record the serial number, purchase date, and model
number in the space provided below. The serial
number and model number are recorded on the label
affixed to the case. All correspondence concerning
your unit should include the serial number, model
number, and date of purchase.
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 Texas Instruments.
Extensa Notebook Computer
Model_______Serial No.____________Purchase Date________
Extensa is a trademark of Texas Instruments. The icons in the
Windows Notebook and Startup groups are copyrighted by Texas
Instruments.
TranXit is a trademark of Puma Technology.
IBM, OS/2, AT PS/2, and VGA are trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation..
Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks and
Windows, Windows 95 and Xenix are trademarks of the Microsoft
Corporation.
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation.
NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
UNIX is a registered trademark of American Telephone and
Telegraph.

FCC Notice
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
device 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 device does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the device off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

Increase the separation between the device and receiver

Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for help
Notice: Shield Cables
All connections to other computing devices must be made using
shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations.
Notice: Peripheral Devices
Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.)
certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this
equipment. Operation with non-certified peripherals is likely to
result in interference to radio and TV reception.
Caution
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
manufacturer could void the user’s authority, which is granted by
the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this
computer.

Use Conditions
This part complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Notice: Canadian Users
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Remarque à l’intention des utilisateurs canadiens
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les
exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Contents
v
Preface
Chapter 1 Before You Begin
Creating Backup Diskettes
............................
1-2
Features of the Computer
.............................
1-3
Environmental Specifications
........................
1-5
Using the Computer
................................
.....
1-6
Suspend-to-Disk Mode
................................
.
1-8
Securing the Computer
...............................
1-10
Using the AC Adapter
................................
.
1-11
Chapter 2 Using Your Computer
Starting the Computer
................................
..
2-2
Using the Brightness Control
........................
2-3
Using the Contrast Control
...........................
2-4
Using the Volume Control
.............................
2-5
Ejecting PCMCIA Cards
................................
.
2-6
Using Indicator Lights
................................
...
2-7
Using the Touchpad
................................
......
2-9
Using Disk Drives
................................
.......
2-13
Adding Memory
................................
..........
2-15
Using the Keyboard
................................
....
2-16
Using the Internal Numeric Keypad
.............
2-19
Using Connectors and Ports
........................
2-21
Chapter 3 Using Battery Power
Guidelines for Battery Use
............................
3-2
Switching to Battery Power
...........................
3-3
Responding to Low Battery Conditions
..........
3-4
Recharging the Battery
................................
.
3-6
Conditioning the Battery
...............................
3-7
Installing and Removing the Battery Pack
......
3-8
Conserving Battery Power
...........................
3-10

Contents
vi
Chapter 4 Options
AC Adapter
................................
...................
4-2
PCMCIA
................................
.......................
4-3
Numeric Keypad
................................
...........
4-5
External Monitor
................................
..........
4-6
Using an External Mouse
..............................
4-7
Using and External Keyboard
........................
4-8
Memory
................................
........................
4-9
Audio Options
................................
............
4-10
Miscellaneous Options
................................
4-11
Chapter 5 Using Software
Using Supplied Software
...............................
5-2
Getting Online Help
................................
......
5-3
Guidelines for Installing Applications
............
5-4
Using a Password
................................
.........
5-6
Chapter 6 Traveling with Your Computer
Tips for the Traveler
................................
......
6-2
What to Take When Traveling
........................
6-4
Packing the Computer and Accessories
..........
6-5
Chapter 7 Care and Troubleshooting
Cleaning the Computer
................................
.
7-2
Troubleshooting Tips
................................
....
7-3
Startup Error Messages
................................
7-4
Appendix A Where to Get Help

Preface
vii
This manual describes features of the Texas
Instruments Extensa notebook computers. The
Extensa series computers are similar in
appearance and incorporate such features as
PCMCIA and internal pointing device.
The following figure displays the Extensa
computer.
Extensa
This manual should answer most of the
questions you have about the day-to-day
operation of your Extensa notebook computer.
Use the Quick Start instructions that came with
your computer to get your computer running for
the first time.

Preface
viii
You should also take advantage of the online
help files that are available with almost all of the
programs shipped with your computer.
We hope you enjoy your Extensa computer.
With proper care, your computer will provide
you with years of productive service.

1
Before You Begin
1-1
After completing procedures in the Quick Start
instructions, read this chapter to learn about
important functions of your computer. Some,
such as Creating Backup Diskettes, should be
performed as soon as possible after the purchase
of your computer.
Contents
Creating Backup Diskettes
...........................
1-2
Features of the Computer
............................
1-3
Standard Features
................................
1-3
Optimizing Features
.............................
1-4
Environmental Specifications
.......................
1-5
Using the Computer
................................
.....
1-6
Suspend-to-Disk Mode
................................
.
1-8
Securing the Computer
..............................
1-10
Using the AC Adapter
................................
1-11

Creating Backup Diskettes
1-2
You should create your backup system diskettes
as soon as possible after purchasing your
notebook. This process requires approximately
thirty 3 1/2-inch, 1.44 MB diskettes. Labels for
the diskettes are included with the manual.
To create backup system diskettes, use the
Create System Disk tool that is part of Windows
95.

Features of the Computer
1-3
Standard Features
The following table displays Extensa standard
features:
 8 MB EDO memory
 1 MB of video memory
 Fast video graphics accelerator
 Suspend-to-disk (zero-volt suspend)
function
 No-reboot setup function (accessed through
Setup button only)
 Dualscan color displays
 Simultaneous display with external CRT
 16-bit stereo audio
 One type III or two type II/I PCMCIA slots
 Parallel port with EPP and ECP
 Duracell NiMH battery pack
 540-million byte (524 MB) or higher
capacity hard disk with VL Local Bus
 Internal 3.5-inch floppy drive
 Internal touchpad pointing device
 Small, lightweight AC adapter

Features of the Computer
1-4
Customizing Features
The following features allow you to customize
your computer to fit your requirements.

External keyboard port*

External PS/2 mouse port*

External numeric keypad port*

4 MB, 8 MB and 16 MB EDO type small
outline dual inline memory module
(soDIMM) upgrades
* Only one of the keyboard, PS/2 mouse, or
numeric keypad options can be installed at
any given time.

Environmental Specifications
1-5
This section provides information on the
optimum operating environment for your
Extensa notebook computer.
Temperature
Operating: 50° to 95°F
(10° to 35°C)
Storage: -4° to 140°F
(-20° to +60°C)
Relative Humidity (Noncondensing)
Operating: 20% to 80%
Storage: 20% to 80%
Shock
Operating: Maximum 5g pulse in X,
Y, and Z orientations
Storage: Maximum 50g pulse in X,
Y, and Z orientations
Vibration
Operating: Sinusoidal 5 to 26 Hz
limited to 0.015 inch
peak-to-peak maximum
displacement
0.5g, 26 to 250 Hz
Storage: Sinusoidal 5 to 27 Hz
limited to 0.016 inch
peak-to-peak maximum
displacement
2.0g, 27 to 500 Hz

Using the Computer
1-6

Never pick up or carry your unit by the
display.

Never use the computer in harsh
environments where it could be subjected to
rapid temperature changes and excessive
dust.

Never expose the computer to excessive
vibration.

Never expose the hard disk or floppies to
strong magnetic fields, such as those
generated by audio system speakers or
telephone handsets.

Be sure the wall outlet supplies the voltage
required by the AC adapter. Check the
labels on the bottom of the computer case
and on the AC adapter.

Avoid leaving your computer in storage for
more than two weeks without a charged
battery if the computer is not connected to
the AC adapter. The battery that maintains
the configuration, time, and date will
discharge.

To avoid overheating the computer, never
place anything on top of the computer when
it is recharging or operating.

Before moving an active computer, press the
Suspend to Disk button to put the
computer into sleep mode and close the
display (see Suspend in the next section).

Using the Computer
1-7

Do not try to force the cover beyond its fully
opened position — about 180 degrees.
!
Caution: In the rare event that you should se
e
or smell anything that indicates overheating
(smoke or a strange smell):
1. Turn off the power.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter from the power
source.
3. Remove battery pack(s).
4. Contact your Texas Instruments dealer.

Suspend-to-Disk Mode
1-8
Suspend-to-disk mode (also called zero-volt
suspend mode) saves battery power when you
are not actively using your computer.
In suspend-to-disk mode, the computer saves
the current system state onto your hard disk
and then shuts off.
Press the Suspend to Disk button to enter
suspend-to-disk mode. To resume normal
operations, press the Suspend to Disk button or
the power switch. Suspend-to-disk mode occurs
automatically if the STANDBY/SUSPEND AFTER
parameter in Setup is enabled and times out.
Suspend Button
Note: If the notebook is unable to enter suspend
-
to-disk mode, the Standby indicator lights up.
When this happens, data remains in memory and
is lost if power is lost. Call your dealer for
assistance.
Suspend
Button

Securing the Computer
1-9
Your Extensa computer comes with a safety
notch. To physically secure your computer,
complete the following steps:
1. Wrap the cable of a portable computer
Kensington security lock (not provided)
around a table, desk drawer handle or any
immovable object.
2. Insert the lock into the notch at the rear of
the computer.
3. Turn the key to secure the lock.
Securing the Computer
Notch

Using the AC Adapter
1-10
AC Adapter
AC
Adapter Charges the internal battery pack and
operates the computer on AC power
whether or not a battery pack is installed
.
The AC adapter can be operated anywher
e
where the outlet supplies between 100-
240 volts AC. The AC adapter has a
detachable AC power cord.
!
Caution: Use only the AC adapter supplied
with your computer. Another adapter may
damage your computer.
DC
C
onnect
or
A
C Adapt
er
Female
Connector
M
ale Plu
g

Using the AC Adapter
1-11
To connect the AC adapter, complete the
following steps:
1. Turn off the power, or press the Suspend to
Disk button to put the computer into
suspend-to-disk mode.
2. Connect the female connector of the AC cord
to the inlet on the AC adapter.
3. Plug the DC connector into the matching jack
on the rear panel of the computer.
4. Plug the male end of the AC cord into a wall
receptacle using the correct voltage.
5. Turn the computer on.

2
Using Your Computer
2-1
Before beginning this chapter, ensure you have
read and understood Chapter 1. Chapter 2
describes how to start and use your Extensa
computer.
Contents
Starting the Computer
................................
.
2-2
Using the Brightness Control
.......................
2-3
Using the Contrast Control
..........................
2-4
Using the Volume Control
............................
2-5
Ejecting PCMCIA Cards
................................
2-6
Ejecting PCMCIA Cards from
Windows 95
................................
..........
2-6
Using Indicator Lights
................................
..
2-7
Using the Touchpad
................................
.....
2-9
Configuring the Touchpad
...................
2-10
Using Disk Drives
................................
......
2-13
Hard Disk Guidelines
.........................
2-13
Floppy Drive Guidelines
......................
2-14
Adding Memory
................................
.........
2-15
Using the Keyboard
................................
...
2-16
Using the Internal Numeric Keypad
............
2-19
Num Lock On
................................
.....
2-19
Num Lock Off
................................
.....
2-20
Using Connectors and Ports
.......................
2-21