Asus S550CA Guide

Notebook PC
E-Manual

2
Notebook PC E-Manual
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
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backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
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OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS
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DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered
trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or
explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Copyright © 2012 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Circumstances may arise where because of a default on ASUS’part or other liability, you are
entitled to recover damages from ASUS. In each such instance, regardless of the basis on which
you are entitled to claim damages from ASUS, ASUS is liable for no more than damages for
bodily injury (including death) and damage to real property and tangible personal property;
or any other actual and direct damages resulted from omission or failure of performing legal
duties under this Warranty Statement, up to the listed contract price of each product.
ASUS will only be responsible for or indemnify you for loss, damages or claims based in
contract, tort or infringement under this Warranty Statement.
This limit also applies to ASUS’suppliers and its reseller. It is the maximum for which ASUS, its
suppliers, and your reseller are collectively responsible.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS ASUS LIABLE FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: (1) THIRD-
PARTY CLAIMS AGAINST YOU FOR DAMAGES; (2) LOSS OF, OR DAMAGE TO, YOUR RECORDS
OR DATA; OR (3) SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES OR FOR ANY ECONOMIC
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS OR SAVINGS), EVEN IF ASUS, ITS
SUPPLIERS OR YOUR RESELLER IS INFORMED OF THEIR POSSIBILITY.
SERVICE AND SUPPORT
Visit our multi-language web site at http://support.asus.com
October 2012
E7814

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Table of Contents
About this manual ............................................................................................. 6
Conventions used in this manual ............................................................... 7
Icons ............................................................................................................... 7
Typography......................................................................................................... 7
Safety precautions............................................................................................. 8
Using your Notebook PC................................................................................8
Caring for your Notebook PC ....................................................................... 9
Proper disposal................................................................................................10
Chapter 1: Hardware Setup
Getting to know your Notebook PC..........................................................12
Top View.............................................................................................................12
Bottom .............................................................................................................17
Right Side ..........................................................................................................19
Left Side .............................................................................................................20
Chapter 2: Using your Notebook PC
Getting started..................................................................................................24
Install the battery pack.................................................................................24
Charge your Notebook PC...........................................................................25
Lift to open the display panel. ...................................................................26
Press the power button................................................................................26
Gestures for the touch screen and touchpad ........................................27
Using the touch screen.................................................................................27
Using the touchpad.......................................................................................29
Using the keyboard.........................................................................................34
Function keys...................................................................................................34
Function keys for ASUS Apps .....................................................................35
Windows®8 keys..............................................................................................35
Multimedia control keys .............................................................................36
Numeric keypad (on selected models)...................................................36
Chapter 3:Working with Windows® 8
Starting for the first time ...............................................................................38
Windows® 8 lock screen..................................................................................38
Windows®UI.......................................................................................................39

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Start screen.......................................................................................................39
Windows® Apps...............................................................................................39
Hotspots.............................................................................................................40
Working with Windows®apps......................................................................42
Launching apps...............................................................................................42
Customizing apps...........................................................................................42
Closing apps.....................................................................................................44
Accessing the Apps screen..........................................................................45
Charms bar........................................................................................................47
Snap feature .....................................................................................................49
Other keyboard shortcuts.............................................................................51
Connecting to wireless networks...............................................................53
Wi-Fi .............................................................................................................53
Bluetooth ..........................................................................................................55
Airplane mode.................................................................................................57
Connecting to wired networks....................................................................58
Conguring a dynamic IP/PPPoE network connection ....................58
Conguring a static IP network connection .........................................62
Turning your Notebook PC off.....................................................................63
Putting your Notebook PC to sleep .........................................................63
Chapter 4: ASUS apps
Featured ASUS Apps .......................................................................................66
LifeFrame...........................................................................................................66
Power4Gear Hybrid........................................................................................68
Instant On..........................................................................................................69
ASUS VivoBook Instant Functions ............................................................70
Chapter 5: Power-on Self Test (POST)
The Power-on Self Test (POST) ....................................................................78
Using POST to access BIOS and Troubleshoot .....................................78
BIOS ...................................................................................................................78
Accessing BIOS ................................................................................................78
BIOS Settings....................................................................................................79
Troubleshoot......................................................................................................86
Refresh your PC ...............................................................................................86
Reset your PC ...................................................................................................87
Advanced options ..........................................................................................88

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Chapter 6: Upgrading your Notebook PC
Installing a Random Access Memory (RAM) module ..........................92
Replacing the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) .......................................................95
Installing a new battery pack.......................................................................99
Appendices
DVD-ROM Drive Information (on selected models)........................ 102
Blu-ray ROM Drive Information (on selected models) ................... 104
Internal Modem Compliancy .................................................................. 105
Overview......................................................................................................... 105
Network Compatibility Declaration...................................................... 105
Network Compatibility Declaration ..................................................... 106
Non-Voice Equipment ............................................................................... 106
Federal Communications Commission Statement.......................... 108
FCC Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Caution Statement.............. 110
Declaration of Conformity (R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC)............... 110
CE Marking..................................................................................................... 111
IC Radiation Exposure Statement for Canada ................................... 111
Wireless Operation Channel for Dierent Domains........................ 112
France Restricted Wireless Frequency Bands .................................... 112
UL Safety Notices......................................................................................... 114
Power Safety Requirement....................................................................... 115
TV Tuner Notices.......................................................................................... 115
REACH .......................................................................................................... 115
Nordic Lithium Cautions (for lithium-ion batteries)........................ 115
Optical Drive Safety Information ........................................................... 117
Macrovision Corporation Product Notice........................................... 117
CTR 21 Approval (for Notebook PC with built-in Modem) ........... 118
ENERGY STAR complied product ........................................................... 119
European Union Eco-label........................................................................ 120
Prevention of Hearing Loss...................................................................... 120
Coating Notice.............................................................................................. 120
Global Environmental Regulation Compliance and Declaration 121
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services....................................................... 121
Regional notice for Singapore ................................................................ 121
Regional notice for United States of America................................... 121

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Notebook PC E-Manual
About this manual
This manual provides information about the hardware and software
features of your Notebook PC, organized through the following
chapters:
Chapter 1: Hardware Setup
This chapter details the hardware components of your
Notebook PC.
Chapter 2: Using your Notebook PC
This chapter shows you how to use the dierent parts of your
Notebook PC.
Chapter 3: Working with Windows® 8
This chapter provides an overview of using Windows® 8 in your
Notebook PC.
Chapter 4: ASUS Apps
This chapter features the ASUS apps included with your
Notebook PC’s Windows® 8 operating system.
Chapter 5: Power-on Self-test (POST)
This chapter shows you how to use POST to change the settings
of your Notebook PC.
Chapter 6: Upgrading your Notebook PC
This chapter guides you through the process of replacing and
upgrading parts of your Notebook PC.
Appendices
This section includes notices and safety statements for your
Notebook PC.

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Conventions used in this manual
To highlight key information in this manual, some text are presented
as follows:
IMPORTANT! This message contains vital information that must be
followed to complete a task.
NOTE: This message contains additional information and tips that can
help complete tasks.
WARNING! This message contains important information that must
be followed to keep you safe while performing tasks and prevent
damage to your Notebook PC's data and components.
Icons
The icons below indicate the devices you can use for completing a
series of tasks or procedures on your Notebook PC.
= Use the touch screen.
= Use the touchpad.
= Use the keyboard.
Typography
Bold = This indicates a menu or an item that must be selected.
Italic = This indicates sections that you can refer to in this manual.

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Safety precautions
Using your Notebook PC
Do not place your Notebook PC on uneven or unstable
work surfaces.
Do not leave your Notebook PC on your lap or near any
part of your body to prevent discomfort or injury from
heat exposure.
This Notebook PC should only be used in environments
with ambient temperatures between 5°C (41°F) and 35°C
(95°F).
Refer to the rating label on the bottom of your Notebook
PC and ensure that your power adapter complies with
this rating.
Do not use damaged power cords, accessories, and other
peripherals with your Notebook PC.
While powered on, ensure that you do not carry or cover
your Notebook PC with any materials that can reduce air
circulation.
You can send your Notebook PC through x-ray machines
(used on items placed on conveyor belts), but do not
expose them to magnetic detectors and wands.
Contact your airline provider to learn about related
inight services that can be used and restrictions that
must be followed when using your Notebook PC in-
ight.

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Caring for your Notebook PC
Do not expose your Notebook PC to dusty environments.
Do not use your Notebook PC near gas leaks.
Do not place objects on top of your Notebook PC.
Do not expose your Notebook PC to strong magnetic or
electrical elds.
Do not use or expose your Notebook PC near liquids, rain,
or moisture.
Do not use strong solvents such as thinners, benzene, or
other chemicals on or near your Notebook PC.
Disconnect the AC power and remove the battery pack
(if applicable) before cleaning your Notebook PC. Use a
clean cellulose sponge or chamois cloth dampened with
a solution of nonabrasive detergent and a few drops
of warm water. Remove any extra moisture from your
Notebook PC using a dry cloth.

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Proper disposal
Do not throw your Notebook PC in municipal waste.
This product has been designed to enable proper reuse
of parts and recycling. The symbol of the crossed out
wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,
electronic equipment and mercury-containing button cell
battery) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check
local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
Do not throw the battery in municipal waste. The symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery
should not be placed in municipal waste.

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Chapter 1:
Hardware Setup

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Getting to know your Notebook PC
Top View
NOTE: The keyboard's layout may vary per region or country. The top
view may also vary in appearance depending on the Notebook PC
model.

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Microphone
The built-in microphone can be used for video conferencing,
voice narrations, or simple audio recording.
Camera indicator
The camera indicator lights up when the built-in camera is in
use.
Camera
The built-in camera allows you to take pictures or record videos
using your Notebook PC.
Display panel
This high-denition display panel provides excellent viewing
features for photos, videos, and other multimedia les on your
Notebook PC.
NOTE: This Notebook PC is equipped with a touch-enabled
panel, allowing you to operate your Notebook PC using touch
gestures. For more details, refer to the Gestures for the touch
screen and touchpad section in this manual.
Power button
Press the power button to turn your Notebook PC on or o.
You can also use the power button to put your Notebook PC to
sleep or hibernate mode and wake it up from sleep or hibernate
mode.
In the event that your Notebook PC becomes unresponsive,
press and hold the power button for about four (4) seconds
until your Notebook PC shuts down.
ASUS Vivo key
Press this key to launch the ASUS VivoBook app.
NOTE: For more information, refer to the ASUS VivoBook section
in this manual.

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Numeric keypad (on selected models)
The numeric keypad toggles between these two functions: for
numeric input and as pointer direction keys.
NOTE: For more details, refer to the Numeric keypad section in
this manual.
Keyboard
The keyboard provides full-sized QWERTY keys with a
comfortable travel depth for typing. It also enables you to
use the function keys, allows quick access to Windows®, and
controls other multimedia functions.
NOTE: The keyboard layout diers by model or territory.
Touchpad
The touchpad allows the use of multi-gestures to navigate
onscreen, providing an intuitive user experience. It also
simulates the functions of a regular mouse.
NOTE: For more details, refer to the Gestures for the touchpad
section in this manual.
Status indicators
The status indicators help identify the current hardware status
of your Notebook PC.
Power indicator
The power indicator lights up when the Notebook PC
is turned on and blinks slowly when the Notebook PC
is in sleep mode.

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Two-color battery charge indicator
The two-color LED provides a visual indication of the
battery’s charge status. Refer to the following table for
details.
Color Status
Solid Green The Notebook PC is plugged to a
power source, charging its battery,
and the battery power is between
95% and 100%.
Solid Orange The Notebook PC is plugged to a
power source, charging its battery,
and the battery power is less than
95%.
Blinking Orange The Notebook PC is running on
battery mode and the battery
power is less than 10%.
Lights o The Notebook PC is running on
battery mode and the battery
power is between 10% to 100%.

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Drive activity indicator
This indicator lights up when your Notebook PC is
accessing the internal storage drives.
Bluetooth / Wireless indicator
This indicator lights up when your Notebook PC’s
wireless function (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) is enabled.
Number lock indicator
This indicator lights up when the number lock function
is activated. This allows you to use some of the keys on
your keyboard for numeric input.
Capital lock indicator
This indicator lights up when the capital lock function
is activated. Using capital lock allows you to type
capitalized letters (such as A, B, C) using your Notebook
PC’s keyboard.

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Bottom
NOTE: The bottom side may vary in appearance depending on model.
WARNING! The bottom of the Notebook PC can get warm to hot
while in use or while charging the battery pack. When working on
your Notebook PC, do not place it on surfaces that can block the
vents.
IMPORTANT! Battery time varies by usage and by the specications
for this Notebook PC. The battery pack cannot be disassembled.

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Spring battery lock
The spring battery lock automatically locks the battery pack in
place once it is inserted into the battery slot.
IMPORTANT! This lock should be held in an unlocked position
when removing the battery pack.
Battery pack
The battery pack is automatically charged when your Notebook
PC is connected to a power source. When charged, the battery
pack supplies power to your Notebook PC.
Manual battery lock
The manual battery lock is used to keep the battery pack
secured. This lock should be manually moved to a locked or
unlocked position to insert or remove the battery pack.
Air vents
The air vents allow cool air to enter and warm air to exit the
Notebook PC.
WARNING! Ensure that paper, books, clothing, cables, or other
objects do not block any of the air vents or else overheating
may occur.
Hard disk drive compartment
This compartment is a reserved space for the hard disk drive of
your Notebook PC.
Random-access memory module (RAM) compartment
The RAM compartment allows you to add RAM memory
modules to increase the memory capacity of your Notebook
PC.

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Right Side
Headphone output/microphone input combo jack port
This port allows you to connect your Notebook PC to amplied
speakers or headphones. You can also use this port to connect
your Notebook PC to an external microphone.
USB 2.0 port
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is compatible with USB 2.0
or USB 1.1 devices such as keyboards, pointing devices, ash
disk drives, external HDDs, speakers, cameras and printers.
Optical drive electronic eject button
Press this button to eject the optical drive tray.
Manual eject hole
The manual eject hole is used to eject the drive tray in case the
electronic eject button does not work.
WARNING! Use the manual eject hole only when the electronic
eject button does not work.
Kensington® lock port
The Kensington® lock port allows you to secure your Notebook
PC using Kensington® compatible Notebook PC security
products.

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Notebook PC E-Manual
Left Side
Power (DC) input port
Insert the bundled power adapter into this port to charge the
battery pack and supply power to your Notebook PC.
WARNING! The adapter may become warm to hot while in use.
Ensure not to cover the adapter and keep it away from your
body while it is connected to a power source.
IMPORTANT! Use only the bundled power adapter to charge
the battery pack and supply power to your Notebook PC.
Air vents
The air vents allow cool air to enter and warm air to exit the
Notebook PC.
WARNING! Ensure that paper, books, clothing, cables, or other
objects do not block any of the air vents or else overheating
may occur.
VGA port
This port allows you to connect your Notebook PC to an
external display.