Acer Predator HELIOS 300 User manual

User’s Manual

2 -
© 2017. All Rights Reserved.
Predator Helios 300
Covers: G3-571 / G3-572 / G3-573 / PH317-51
This revision: May 2017
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support.
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Model number: ___________________________________________
Serial number: ___________________________________________
Date of purchase: _______________________________________
Place of purchase: ______________________________________
Important
This manual contains proprietary information that is protected by
copyright laws. The information contained in this manual is
subject to change without notice. Images provided herein are for
reference only and may contain information or features that do
not apply to your computer. Acer Group shall not be liable for
technical or editorial errors or omissions contained in this
manual.

Table of contents - 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
First things first 6
Your guides .................................................... 6
Basic care and tips for using your
computer........................................................... 7
Turning your computer off....................... 7
Taking care of your computer................ 7
Taking care of your AC adapter............ 8
Cleaning and servicing ................................ 8
Your Predator notebook tour 9
Screen view .................................................... 9
Keyboard view............................................ 10
Left view ......................................................... 11
USB Type-C information ......................... 11
USB 3.0 information .................................. 11
Right view .................................................... 12
Rear view ....................................................... 12
Base view ...................................................... 13
Using the keyboard 14
Lock keys ...................................................... 14
Hotkeys ............................................................. 14
Windows keys............................................. 16
Using the Precision Touchpad 17
Touchpad gestures.................................. 17
Changing touchpad settings.............. 18
Recovery 21
Creating a factory default backup. 21
Backing up your wireless and LAN
drivers ............................................................ 24
Restoring your computer ................... 24
Reset this PC and keep my files ....... 24
Reset this PC and remove everything 26
Using a Bluetooth connection 28
Enabling and disabling Bluetooth . 28
Enable Bluetooth and add a device 28
Connecting to the Internet 31
Connecting to a wireless network.. 31
Connecting to a wireless LAN ............. 31
Connecting with a cable....................... 35
Built-in network feature ......................... 35
Connecting to a cellular network... 35
PredatorSense 36
The PredatorSense main screen ... 36
Overclocking................................................... 37
Fan Control ..................................................... 37
PredatorSense settings ......................... 38
Bluelight Shield 39
Securing your computer 41
Using a computer security lock....... 41
Using passwords ...................................... 41
Entering passwords .................................. 42
BIOS utility 43
Boot sequence .......................................... 43
Setting passwords.................................. 43
Power management 44
Saving power.............................................. 44
Battery pack 46
Battery characteristics........................ 46
Charging the battery................................ 46
Optimizing battery life.............................. 47
Checking the battery level.................... 48
Battery-low warning ................................ 48
Traveling with your computer 49
Disconnecting from the desktop.... 49
Moving around .......................................... 49
Preparing the computer......................... 49
What to bring to meetings.................... 50
Taking the computer home................ 50
Preparing the computer......................... 50
What to take with you.............................. 51
Special considerations ............................. 51
Setting up a home office......................... 51
Traveling with the computer ............ 52
Preparing the computer.......................... 52
What to take with you.............................. 52
Special considerations ............................. 52
Traveling internationally..................... 53
Preparing the computer.......................... 53
What to bring with you............................ 53
Special considerations ............................. 53
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 56
USB Type-C port 57
SD card reader 58
Video and audio connectors 59
Connecting a monitor............................ 59
Headphones and microphone .......... 59
HDMI 60
Frequently asked questions 62
Requesting service ................................. 64
Tips and hints for using Windows
10 ...................................................................... 66
How do I get to Start?............................ 66

4 - Table of contents
How do I turn off my computer? ..... 66
How do I unlock my computer? ......... 67
How do I set the alarm? ........................ 68
Where are my apps?................................ 69
What is a Microsoft ID (account)? ... 70
How do I check for Windows
updates? ........................................................... 70
Where can I get more information? . 71
Troubleshooting ........................................ 72
Troubleshooting tips ................................. 72
Error messages ............................................ 72
Internet and online security 74
First steps on the net............................ 74
Protecting your computer ..................... 74
Choose an Internet Service Provider 74
Network connections ................................ 76
Surf the Net! .................................................. 78
Internet security software.................... 78

Getting started...
In this section you will find:
• Useful information on caring for your computer and
your health
• Where to find the power button, ports and connectors
• Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard
• How to create recovery backups
• Guidelines for connecting to a network and using
Bluetooth
• Information on using Predator’s bundled software

6 - First things first
FIRST THINGS FIRST
We would like to thank you for making this Predator
notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing
needs.
Your guides
To help you use your Predator notebook, we have designed
a set of guides:
First off, the Setup Guide helps you get started with setting
up your computer.
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 User’s Manual.This guide contains detailed
information on such subjects as system utilities, data
recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting.
Once you have connected to the internet, you can download
updates for your computer from:
http://go.acer.com/?id=17883
1. The link will open the Predator Service & Support
webpage.
2. Scroll down to Drivers and Manuals and search for your
model by pasting in or manually entering the serial
number, SNID, or product model.
3. From this page you can also download and install the
Predator identification utility that will automatically
detect your computer’s serial number and SNID and
allow you to copy it to the clipboard.
4. Once you have found your product model, any updates,
or documents will be listed.

First things first - 7
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer off
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
• Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows
key or select the Windows Start button, select Power >
Shut down.
•Right-clicktheWindows Start button > Shut down or sign
out > Shut down.
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 to
Sleep by doing any of the following:
• Press the power button.
• Press the sleep hotkey.
•Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start
button, select Power > Sleep.
•Right-clicktheWindows Start button > Shut down or sign
out > Sleep.
Taking care of your computer
Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
• Only use the adapter provided with your device, or an
Acer-approved adapter to power your device.
• 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.
Note
If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the
power button for up to ten 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.

8 - First things first
• 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. Route the power cord and any cables away from
where people walk.
• 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.
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the computer.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter.
3. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol
cleaners.
If your computer is dropped or visibly damaged, or does not
work normally, please contact your nearest authorized
Predator service center.

Your Predator notebook tour - 9
YOUR PREDATOR NOTEBOOK
TOUR
After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup
Guide, let us show you around your new Predator computer.
Screen view
1
3
2
#Icon Item Description
1Webcam
Web camera for video
communication.
A light next to the webcam
indicates that the webcam is
active.
2Microphones
Internal stereo digital
microphones for sound
recording.
3Screen Displays computer output.

10 - Your Predator notebook tour
Keyboard view
2
1
3
#Icon Item Description
1Keyboard
For entering data into your
computer.
See "Using the keyboard" on
page 14.
2Touchpad
Touch-sensitive pointing device.
The touchpad and selection
buttons form a single surface.
Press down firmly on the
touchpad surface to perform a
left click.
Press down firmly on the lower
right corner to perform a right
click.
3Power button Turns the computer on and off.

Your Predator notebook tour - 11
Left view
245613
#Icon Item Description
1Kensington
lock slot
Connects to a Kensington-
compatible security lock.
2Ethernet (RJ-
45) port
Connects to an Ethernet 10/
100/1000-based network.
Pull the lip down to open the
port fully.
3USB Type-C
port
Connects to USB devices with a
USB Type-C connector.
4HDMI port Supports high-definition digital
video connections.
5
USB port with
power-off
charging
Connects to USB devices.
6SD card
reader
Accepts one Secure Digital (SD
or SDHC) card.
Only one card can operate at a
time.
USB Type-C information
• USB 3.1 Gen 1 with transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.
• Delivers up to 3 A at 5 V DC for USB charging.
USB 3.0 information
• USB 3.0 compatible ports are blue.
• Compatible with USB 3.0 and earlier devices.
• For optimal performance, use USB 3.0-certified devices.
• Defined by the USB 3.0 specification (SuperSpeed USB).

12 - Your Predator notebook tour
Right view
2413
#Icon Item Description
1Headset/
speaker jack
Connects to audio devices (e.g.,
speakers, headphones) or a
headset with microphone.
2USB ports Connect to USB devices.
3
Power
indicator
Indicates the computer’s power
status.
Battery
indicator
Indicates the computer’s
battery status.
Charging: The light shows
amber when the battery is
charging.
Fully charged: The light shows
blue when in AC mode.
4DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.
Rear view
1
#Icon Item Description
1
Ventilation
and cooling
fan
Allows the computer to stay
cool.
Do not cover or obstruct the
openings.

Your Predator notebook tour - 13
Base view
5
4
2
1
3
#Icon Item Description
1
Ventilation
and cooling
fan
Allows the computer to stay
cool.
Do not cover or obstruct the
openings.
2Main storage
compartment
Houses the computer’s main
storage.
You may upgrade your
computer’s main storage.
Predator recommends asking an
approved service center to do
this.
3 Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.
4Battery reset
pinhole
Simulates removing and
reinstalling the battery.
Insert a paperclip into the hole
and press for four seconds.
5Memory
compartment
Houses the computer’s memory.
You may upgrade your
computer’s memory. Predator
recommends asking an
approved service center to do
this.

14 - Using the keyboard
USING THE KEYBOARD
The keyboard has full-sized keys and a separate numeric
keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special
keys.
Lock keys
The keyboard has lock keys which you can use to turn
keyboard functions on and off.
Hotkeys
The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to
access most of the computer's controls like screen
brightness and volume output.
To activate hotkeys, press and hold the Fn key before
pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.
Lock key Description
Caps Lock When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic
characters typed are in uppercase.
Num Lock
When Num Lock is on, the keypad is in
numeric mode. The keys function as a
calculator (complete with the arithmetic
operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when
you need to do a lot of numeric data entry.
Scroll Lock
Fn + F12
When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one
line up or down when you press the up or
down arrow keys respectively. Scroll Lock
does not work with some applications.
Hotkey Icon Function Description
Fn + F3 Airplane
mode
Turns on / off the
computer's network devices.
Fn + F4 Sleep Puts the computer in Sleep
mode.

Using the keyboard - 15
Fn + F5 Display
toggle
Switches display output
between the display screen,
external monitor (if
connected) and both.
Fn + F6 Display off
Turns the display screen
backlight off to save power.
Press any key to return.
Fn + F7 Touchpad
toggle
Turns the built-in touchpad
on and off.
Fn + F8 Speaker
toggle
Turns the speakers on and
off.
Fn + F9
Keyboard
backlight
toggle
Turns the keyboard
backlight on and off.
Fn + F12 Scr Lk Scroll Lock Turns Scroll Lock on or off.
Fn + Del Ins Insert Turns Insert on or off.
Fn + Brightness
up
Increases the screen
brightness.
Fn + Brightness
down
Decreases the screen
brightness.
Fn + Volume up Increases the sound volume.
Fn + Volume
down
Decreases the sound
volume.
Fn +
Home Play/Pause Play or pause a selected media file.
Fn +
Pg Up Stop Stop playing the selected media file.
Fn +
Pg Dn Previous Return to the previous media file.
Fn + End Next Jump to the next media file.
Hotkey Icon Function Description

16 - Using the keyboard
Windows keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific
functions.
Key Description
Windows key
Pressed alone it returns to the Start
screen or to return to the last open
app.
It can also be used with other keys
for special functions, please check
Windows Help.
Application key
This key has the same effect as
clicking the right mouse button; it
opens the application's context menu.

Using the Precision Touchpad - 17
USING THE PRECISION
TOUCHPAD
The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the
screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the
cursor will follow this movement. The Precision Touchpad
(PTP) is designed to provide a more uniform, smooth, and
accurate touchpad experience. Many applications support
precision touchpad gestures that use one or more fingers,
however, some gestures may not be supported by the
specific application or program you are using.
Touchpad gestures
Single-finger slide
Slide a finger across the touchpad to move the
cursor.
Single-finger press or tap
Press the touchpad down, or lightly tap the
touchpad with your finger, to perform a 'click',
which will select or start an item. Quickly repeat
the tap to perform a double tap or 'double click'.
Two-finger press
Lightly tap the touchpad with two fingers to
perform a 'right click'. In the Start screen, this
will toggle the app commands. In most apps this
will open a context menu related to the selected
item.
Two-finger slide
Swiftly scroll through web pages, documents and
playlists by placing two fingers on the touchpad
and moving both in any direction.

18 - Using the Precision Touchpad
The precision touchpad includes added technology features
that help recognize and prevent unintentional gestures such
as accidental taps, gestures, and pointer movement.
Changing touchpad settings
To change the touchpad settings to suit your personal
requirements, please do the following.
Two-finger pinch
Zoom in and out of photos, maps and documents
with a simple finger-and-thumb gesture.
Three-finger press
Lightly tap the touchpad with three fingers to
open Cortana (if your computer supports Cortana)
or open the Action Center (if your computer does
not support Cortana).
Three-finger swipe
Swipe across the touchpad with three fingers.
• Swipe up to open Task View. Move the cursor
over a window and tap the touchpad to select
that window, or swipe downwards to exit Task
View.
• Swipe down to minimize all open windows and
show Desktop; swipe upwards to restore the
minimized windows.
• Swipe left or right to switch between open
windows.
Note
The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; the lighter the
touch, the better the response. Please keep the touchpad and your
fingers dry and clean.

Using the Precision Touchpad - 19
1. In the icon tray in the lower right-hand corner of the
screen, select the Notifications icon to open the
Notifications pane.
2. Select All settings.
3. Select Devices > Mouse & touchpad.
4. Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal
needs. You can change the primary button for left- or
right-handed use, turn the touchpad off if you prefer to
use a mouse, or set a delay to prevent the cursor from
moving if you accidentally tap the touchpad with your
palm while working. Scroll down to see more settings.

20 - Using the Precision Touchpad