Acer TravelMate Notebook Series User manual

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Contents
Ver.: 01.01.05

TravelMate Series
User’s Manual

Model number: __________________________________
Serial number: ___________________________________
Date of purchase: ________________________________
Place of purchase: ________________________________
© 2012 All Rights Reserved.
TravelMate Series User’s Manual
This revision: 09/2012

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Information for your safety and comfort
Safety instructions
Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all
warnings and instructions marked on the product.
Turning the product off before cleaning
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or
aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
Warnings
Accessing the power cord
Be sure that the power outlet you plug the power cord into is easily accessible and
located as close to the equipment operator as possible. When you need to disconnect
power to the equipment, be sure to unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
Disconnecting the power source
Observe the following guidelines when connecting and disconnecting power to the power
supply unit:
Install the power supply unit before connecting the power cord to the AC power outlet.
Unplug the power cord before removing the power supply unit from the computer.
If the system has multiple sources of power, disconnect power from the system by
unplugging all power cords from the power supplies.
Using electrical power
•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.
•Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where
people 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 the fuse rating.
•Do not overload a power outlet, strip or receptacle by plugging in too many devices.
The overall system load must not exceed 80% of the branch circuit rating. If power
strips are used, the load should not exceed 80% of the power strip's input rating.
•This product's AC adapter is equipped with a three-wire grounded plug. The plug

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only fits in a grounded power outlet. Make sure the power outlet is properly
grounded before inserting the AC adapter plug. Do not insert the plug into a non-
grounded power outlet. Contact your electrician for details.
Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power outlet
that is not properly grounded may result in electric shock and/or
injury.
Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from unexpected
noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that may interfere with
the performance of this product.
•The system can be powered using a wide range of voltages; 100 to 120 or 220 to
240 V AC. The power cord included with the system meets the requirements for use
in the country/region where the system was purchased. Power cords for use in
other countries/regions must meet the requirements for that country/region. For
more information on power cord requirements, contact an authorized reseller or
service provider.
Bundled dummy cards
Note: Information in this section may not apply to your computer.
Your computer shipped with plastic dummies installed in the card slots. Dummies protect
unused slots from dust, metal objects or other particles.
Save the dummies for use when no cards are in the slots.
General
•Do not use this product near water.
•Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product falls, it
could be seriously damaged.
•Slots and openings 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.
•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 fire or
electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind onto or into the product.
•To avoid damage of internal components and to prevent battery leakage, do not

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place the product on a vibrating surface.
•Never use it under sporting, exercising, or any vibrating environment which will
probably cause unexpected short current or damage rotor devices, HDD, Optical
drive, and even exposure risk from lithium battery pack.
•The bottom surface, areas around ventilation openings and AC adapter may get
hot. To avoid injury, ensure they do not come in contact with your skin or body.
•Your device and its enhancements may contain small parts. Keep them out of the
reach of small children.
•The surface temperature of the base will rise during normal operation, particularly
when plugged in to AC power. Allowing sustained contact with exposed skin can
cause discomfort or burns.
Product servicing
Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified
service personnel.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel
when:
•The power cord or plug is damaged, cut or frayed.
•Liquid was spilled into the product.
•The product was exposed to rain or water.
•The product has been dropped or the case has been damaged.
•The product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.
•The product does not operate normally after following the operating instructions.
Note: 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 qualified technician to
restore the product to normal condition.
Guidelines for safe battery usage
This notebook uses a Lithium-ion battery. Do not use it in a humid, wet or corrosive
environment. Do not put, store or leave your product in or near a heat source, in a high
temperature location, in strong direct sunlight, in a microwave oven or in a pressurized
container, and do not expose it to temperatures over 60° C (140° F). Failure to follow
these guidelines may cause the battery to leak acid, become hot, explode or ignite and
cause injury and/or damage. Do not pierce, open or disassemble the battery. If the
battery leaks and you come into contact with the leaked fluids, rinse thoroughly with
water and seek medical attention immediately. For safety reasons, and to prolong the
lifetime of the battery, charging will not occur at temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or
above 40° C (104° F).

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The full performance of a new battery is achieved only after two or three complete
charge and discharge cycles. The battery can be charged and discharged hundreds of
times, but it will eventually wear out. When the operation time becomes noticeably
shorter than normal, buy a new battery.
Use only the approved batteries, and recharge your battery only with the approved
chargers designated for this device.
Use the battery only for its intended purpose. Never use any charger or battery that is
damaged. Do not short-circuit the battery. Accidental short-circuiting can occur when a
metallic object such as a coin, clip or pen causes direct connection of the positive (+) and
negative (-) terminals of the battery. (These look like metal strips on the battery.) This
might happen, for example, when you carry a spare battery in your pocket or purse.
Short-circuiting the terminals may damage the battery or the connecting object.
The capacity and lifetime of the battery will be reduced if the battery is left in hot or cold
places, such as in a closed car in summer or winter. Always try to keep the battery
between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F). A device with a hot or cold battery may not
work temporarily, even when the battery is fully charged. Battery performance is
especially limited in temperatures well below freezing.
Do not dispose of batteries in a fire as they may explode. Batteries may also explode if
damaged. Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Please recycle when
possible. Do not dispose as household waste.
Wireless devices may be susceptible to interference from the battery, which could affect
performance.
Note: Please refer to www.acer.com for battery shipping documents.
Replacing the battery pack
The notebook uses lithium batteries. Replace the battery with the same type as that
which came bundled with your product. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire
or explosion.
Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not
disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep them away from
children. Follow local regulations when disposing of used batteries.
Caution for Optical Drive Device
Note: Information in this section may not apply to your computer.
CAUTION: This appliance contains a laser system and is classified as a "CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT." In case of any trouble with this device, please contact your nearest

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AUTHORIZED service station. To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do not try to
open the enclosure.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
CAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE
TO BEAM.
APPAREIL A LASER DE CLASSE 1 PRODUIT
LASERATTENTION: RADIATION DU FAISCEAU LASER INVISIBLE EN CAS
D’OUVERTURE. EVITTER TOUTE EXPOSITION AUX RAYONS.
LUOKAN 1 LASERLAITE LASER KLASSE 1
VORSICHT: UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG, WENN ABDECKUNG GEÖFFNET
NICHT DEM STRAHLL AUSSETZEN
PRODUCTO LÁSER DE LA CLASE I
ADVERTENCIA: RADIACIÓN LÁSER INVISIBLE AL SER ABIERTO. EVITE
EXPONERSE A LOS RAYOS.
ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING VEDÅBNING SE IKKE IND I STRÅLEN.
VARO! LAVATTAESSA OLET ALTTINA LASERSÅTEILYLLE.
VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NÅR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNAD ÅLÅ TUIJOTA
SÅTEESEENSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN
VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NAR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNADSTIRRA EJ IN I
STRÅLEN
ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING NAR DEKSEL ÅPNESSTIRR IKKE INN I STRÅLEN
Telephone line safety
•Disconnect all telephone lines from the equipment when not in use and/or before
servicing.
•To avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning, do not connect the
telephone line to this equipment during lightning or thunderstorms.
Warning! For safety reasons, do not use non-compliant parts when
adding or changing components. Consult your reseller for purchase
options.
Radio frequency interference
Warning! For safety reasons, turn off all wireless or radio
transmitting devices when using your laptop under the following
conditions. These devices may include, but are not limited to:
wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth and/or 3G.

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Remember to follow any special regulations in force in any area, and always switch off
your device when its use is prohibited or when it may cause interference or danger. Use
the device only in its normal operating positions. This device meets RF exposure
guidelines when used normally. To successfully transmit data files or messages, this
device requires a good quality connection to the network. In some cases, transmission of
data files or messages may be delayed until such a connection is available. Ensure that
the above separation distance instructions are followed until the transmission is
completed. Parts of the device are magnetic. Metallic materials may be attracted to the
device, and persons with hearing aids should not hold the device to the ear with the
hearing aid. Do not place credit cards or other magnetic storage media near the device,
because information stored on them may be erased.
Medical devices
Operation of any radio transmitting equipment, including wireless phones, may interfere
with the functionality of inadequately protected medical devices. Consult a physician or
the manufacturer of the medical device to determine if they are adequately shielded from
external RF energy or if you have any questions. Switch off your device in health care
facilities when any regulations posted in these areas instruct you to do so. Hospitals or
health care facilities may be using equipment that could be sensitive to external RF
transmissions.
Pacemakers. Pacemaker manufacturers recommend that a minimum separation of 15.3
centimeters (6 inches) be maintained between wireless devices and a pacemaker to
avoid potential interference with the pacemaker. These recommendations are consistent
with the independent research by and recommendations of Wireless Technology
Research. Persons with pacemakers should do the following:
•Always keep the device more than 15.3 centimeters (6 inches) from the pacemaker
•Not carry the device near your pacemaker when the device is switched on.
If you suspect interference, switch off your device, and move it.
Hearing aids. Some digital wireless devices may interfere with some hearing aids. If
interference occurs, consult your service provider.
Vehicles
RF signals may affect improperly installed or inadequately shielded electronic systems in
motor vehicles such as electronic fuel injection systems, electronic anti-skid (anti-lock)
braking systems, electronic speed control systems, and air bag systems. For more
information, check with the manufacturer, or its representative, of your vehicle or any
equipment that has been added. Only qualified personnel should service the device, or
install the device in a vehicle. Faulty installation or service may be dangerous and may
invalidate any warranty that may apply to the device. Check regularly that all wireless
equipment in your vehicle is mounted and operating properly. Do not store or carry
flammable liquids, gases, or explosive materials in the same compartment as the device,
its parts, or enhancements. For vehicles equipped with an air bag, remember that air
bags inflate with great force. Do not place objects, including installed or portable wireless

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equipment in the area over the air bag or in the air bag deployment area. If in-vehicle
wireless equipment is improperly installed, and the air bag inflates, serious injury could
result. Using your device while flying in aircraft is prohibited. Switch off your device
before boarding an aircraft. The use of wireless teledevices in an aircraft may be
dangerous to the operation of the aircraft, disrupt the wireless telephone network, and
may be illegal.
Potentially explosive environments
Switch off your device when in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere and
obey all signs and instructions. Potentially explosive atmospheres include areas where
you would normally be advised to turn off your vehicle engine. Sparks in such areas
could cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even death. Switch off the
device at refueling points such as near gas pumps at service stations. Observe
restrictions on the use of radio equipment in fuel depots, storage, and distribution areas;
chemical plants; or where blasting operations are in progress. Areas with a potentially
explosive atmosphere are often, but not always, clearly marked. They include below
deck on boats, chemical transfer or storage facilities, vehicles using liquefied petroleum
gas (such as propane or butane), and areas where the air contains chemicals or particles
such as grain, dust or metal powders. Do not switch the notebook on when wireless
phone use is prohibited or when it may cause interference or danger.
Emergency calls
Warning: You cannot make emergency calls through this device. To make an
emergency call you shall dial out through your mobile phone or other telephone call
system.
Disposal instructions
Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding.
To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the global
environment, please recycle. For more information on the Waste from
Electrical and Electronics Equipment (WEEE) regulations, visit www.acer-
group.com/public/Sustainability/sustainability01.htm
ENERGY STAR
Note: Information in this section may not apply to your computer.

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Acer's ENERGY STAR qualified products save your money by reducing
energy cost and protecting the environment without sacrificing features
or performance. Acer is proud to offer our customers products with the
ENERGY STAR mark.
What is ENERGY STAR?
Products that are ENERGY STAR qualified use less energy and prevent
greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Acer is committed to offering products and services
worldwide that help customers save money, conserve energy and improve the quality of
our environment. The more energy we can save through higher energy efficiency, the
more we reduce greenhouse gases and the risks of climate change. More information
refers to www.energystar.gov or www.energystar.gov/powermanagement.
Acer ENERGY STAR qualified products:
• Produce less heat and reduce cooling loads, and warmer climates.
• Automatically go into "display sleep" and "computer sleep" mode after 10 and
30 minutes of inactivity respectively.
• Wake the computer from sleep mode by pressing a key on the keyboard or
moving the mouse.
• Computers will save more than 80% energy at "sleep" mode.
ENERGY STAR and the ENERGY STAR mark are registered U.S. marks
Tips and information for comfortable use
Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use. Users
are also at risk of physical injury after long hours of working in front of a computer. Long
work periods, bad posture, poor work habits, stress, inadequate working conditions,
personal health and other factors greatly increase the risk of physical injury.
Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis
or other musculoskeletal disorders. The following symptoms may appear in the hands,
wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or back:
•Numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation.
•Aching, soreness or tenderness.
•Pain, swelling or throbbing.
•Stiffness or tightness.
•Coldness or weakness.
If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent discomfort and/or pain
related to computer use, consult a physician immediately and inform your company's
health and safety department.
The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer use.

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Finding your comfort zone
Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor, using a footrest, or
raising your sitting height to achieve maximum comfort. Observe the following tips:
•Refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture.
•Avoid slouching forward and/or leaning backward.
•Stand up and walk around regularly to remove the strain on your leg muscles.
•Take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders.
•Avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders.
•Install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and within comfortable
reach.
•If you view your monitor more than your documents, place the display at the center
of your desk to minimize neck strain.
Taking care of your vision
Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive room
lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces and low-contrast displays could
stress your eyes. The following sections provide suggestions on how to reduce
eyestrain.
Eyes
•Rest your eyes frequently.
•Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and focusing on a
distant point.
•Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out.
Display
•Keep your display clean.
•Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display so your eyes point
downward when looking at the middle of the display.
•Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable level for enhanced
text readability and graphics clarity.
•Eliminate glare and reflections by:
• placing your display in such a way that the side faces the window or any light
source
• minimizing room light by using drapes, shades or blinds
• using a task light
• changing the display's viewing angle
• using a glare-reduction filter
• using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended from the display's
top front edge

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•Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle.
•Avoid looking at bright light sources for extended periods of time.
Developing good work habits
The following work habits make computer use more relaxing and productive:
•Take short breaks regularly and often.
•Perform some stretching exercises.
•Breathe fresh air as often as possible.
•Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body.
Warning! We do not recommend using the computer on a couch or
bed. If this is unavoidable, work for only short periods, take breaks
regularly, and do some stretching exercises.
Note: For more information, please refer to "Regulations and safety
notices" on page 62.

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First things first
We would like to thank you for making an Acer notebook your choice for
meeting your mobile computing needs.
Your guides
To help you use your Acer notebook, we have designed a set of guides:
First off, the setup poster helps you get started with setting up your
computer.
The TravelMate Series User’s Manual contains useful information
applying to all models in the TravelMate Series. It covers basic topics such
as using the keyboard and audio, etc. Please understand that due to its
nature, the User’s Manual will occasionally refer to functions or features
which are only contained in certain models of the series, but not
necessarily in the model you purchased. Such instances are marked in the
text with language such as "only for certain models."
The Quick Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions of
your new computer. For more on how your computer can help you to be
more productive, please refer to the TravelMate Series User’s Manual.
This guide contains detailed information on such subjects as system
utilities, data recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting. In addition
it contains warranty information and the general regulations and safety
notices for your notebook. It is available in Portable Document Format
(PDF) and comes preloaded on your notebook.
Follow these steps to access it:
1. Type ‘User’ from Start.
2. Click on Acer User’s Manual.
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer on and off
To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button.
Please refer to the setup poster for the location of the power button.
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
• Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows key + <C>
and click Settings > Power then click Shut Down.

First things first
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If you need to power down the computer for a short while, but don’t want
to completely shut it down, you can put it into Hibernate by:
• Pressing the power button.
- OR -
• Press the Windows key + <C> and click Settings > Power then clicking
Hibernate.
You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep
hotkey <Fn> + <F4>.
Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold
the power button 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 0º C (32º F) or
above 50º C (122º 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 or vibration.
• Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt.
• Never place objects on top of the computer.
• Do not slam the computer display when you close it.
• Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.
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 foot traffic.
• When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull
on the plug.

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• 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
possible.
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter.
3. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
If either of the following occurs:
• The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged;
• The computer does not operate normally
Please refer to "Frequently asked questions" on page 52 .

Information for your safety and comfort iii
Safety instructions iii
Caution for Optical Drive Device vi
Radio frequency interference vii
Medical devices viii
Vehicles viii
Potentially explosive environments ix
Emergency calls ix
Disposal instructions ix
Tips and information for comfortable use x
First things first xiii
Your guides xiii
Basic care and tips for using your computer xiii
Turning your computer on and off xiii
Taking care of your computer xiv
Taking care of your AC adapter xiv
Taking care of your battery pack xv
Cleaning and servicing xv
Touchpad 1
Touchpad basics (with two buttons) 1
Using the keyboard 2
Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad 2
Hotkeys 2
Windows keys 4
Acer ProShield 5
Overview 5
Setting up ProShield 5
Personal Secure Drive 6
Credential Manager 7
Fingerprint Registration* 8
Data Protection 8
Data Removal 9
Acer Office Manager 10
Acer Office Manager Console 10
Dashboard 10
Client manager 11
Policies 12
Assets 13
Task scheduler 14
Settings 15
Recovery 16
Creating a recovery backup 16
Creating a drivers and applications backup 18
Recovering your system 20
Reinstalling drivers and applications 20
Contents

Returning to an earlier system snapshot 22
Returning your system to its factory condition 23
Recovering from Windows 23
Recovering from a recovery backup 25
Acer Backup Manager 29
Power management 31
Saving power 31
Battery pack 33
Battery pack characteristics 33
Charging the battery 33
Optimizing battery life 34
Checking the battery level 35
Battery-low warning 35
Installing and removing the battery pack 35
Traveling with your computer 37
Disconnecting from the desktop 37
Moving around 37
Preparing the computer 37
What to bring to meetings 38
Taking the computer home 38
Preparing the computer 38
What to take with you 38
Special considerations 38
Setting up a home office 39
Traveling with the computer 39
Preparing the computer 39
What to take with you 39
Special considerations 39
Traveling internationally with the computer 40
Preparing the computer 40
What to bring with you 40
Special considerations 40
Expanding through options 41
Connectivity options 41
Connecting to a network 42
Built-in network feature 42
Wireless networks 43
Connecting to the Internet 43
Wireless networks 43
ExpressCard 44
Thunderbolt 45
IEEE 1394 port 46
HDMI 47
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 48

Playing DVD movies 49
Upgrading memory 50
BIOS utility 51
Boot sequence 51
Enable disk-to-disk recovery 51
Setting passwords 51
Frequently asked questions 52
Requesting service 53
Troubleshooting 55
Troubleshooting tips 55
Error messages 55
Tips and hints for using Windows 8 57
Three concepts you might want to keep in mind 57
How do I access the charms? 57
How do I get to Start? 57
How do I jump between apps? 57
How do I turn off my computer? 57
Why is there a new interface? 57
How do I unlock my computer? 58
How do I personalize my computer? 58
I want to use Windows in the way that I'm used to -
give me my desktop back! 59
Where are my apps? 59
What is a Microsoft ID (account)? 60
How do I add a favorite to Internet Explorer? 60
How do I check for Windows updates? 60
Where can I get more information? 61
Regulations and safety notices 62