USER’S MANUAL
- © 2018. All Rights Reserved. Swift 3 Covers: SF315-41 / SF315-41G / SF315-51 / SF315-51G This revision: January 2018 Important This manual contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright laws. The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Some features described in this manual may not be supported depending on the Operating System version.
Table of contents - 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS First things first 5 Your guides ............................................. 5 Basic care and tips for using your computer.................................................. 5 Turning your computer off........................... 5 Taking care of your computer ..................... 6 Taking care of your AC adapter .................. 7 Cleaning and servicing................................ 7 Your Acer notebook tour 8 Screen view ....................................
Getting started...
First things first - 5 FIRST THINGS FIRST We would like to thank you for making this 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 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.
- First things first • Right-click the Windows 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-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out > Sleep.
First things first - 7 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.
- Your Acer notebook tour YOUR ACER NOTEBOOK TOUR After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Acer computer. Screen view 1 2 3 # Icon Item 1 Microphone 2 Webcam 3 Screen Description Internal stereo digital microphones for sound recording. Web camera for video communication. A light next to the webcam indicates that the webcam is active. Displays computer output.
Your Acer notebook tour - 9 Keyboard view 3 1 4 2 # Icon Item Description For entering data into your computer. See "Using the keyboard" on page 13. 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. 1 Keyboard 2 Touchpad 3 Power button Turns the computer on and off.
- Your Acer notebook tour Left view 1 2 3 4 5 6 # Item Description 1 DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter. 2 HDMI port 3 4 5 6 Icon Supports high-definition digital video connections. Connects to USB devices that adopt the USB Type-C connector. Supports USB Type-C port USB 3.1 Type-C, Gen 1 with transfer speeds up to 5 Gb/s. USB port with power-off Connects to USB devices. charging USB port Connects to USB devices. Connects to audio devices (e.g.
Your Acer notebook tour - 11 Right view 1 234 # 1 2 3 4 Icon Item Description Accepts one Secure Digital (SD) SD card reader card. Only one card can operate at a time. USB port Connects to USB devices. Indicates the computer’s power Power indicator status. Indicates the computer’s battery status. Charging: The light shows amber Battery indicator when the battery is charging. Fully charged: The light shows blue when in AC mode. Kensington lock Connects to a Kensington-compatible slot security lock.
- Your Acer notebook tour Base view 1 2 3 # Icon Item 1 Ventilation and cooling fan 2 Battery reset pinhole 3 Speakers Description Allows the computer to stay cool. Do not cover or obstruct the openings. Simulates removing and reinstalling the battery. Insert a paperclip into the hole and press for four seconds. Deliver stereo audio output.
Using the keyboard - 13 USING THE KEYBOARD The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded 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. Lock key Caps Lock Scroll Lock Fn + F12 Description When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase. When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you press the up or down arrow keys respectively.
- Using the keyboard Hotkey Icon Fn + F9 Fn + F12 Fn + Scr Lk Fn + Fn + Fn + Function Keyboard backlight toggle Scroll Lock Brightness up Brightness down Volume up Volume down Description Turns the keyboard backlight on and off. (optional) Turns Scroll Lock on or off. Increases the screen brightness. Decreases the screen brightness. Increases the sound volume. Decreases the sound volume. Windows keys The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
Using the Precision Touchpad - 15 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.
- Using the Precision Touchpad 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.
Using the Precision Touchpad - 17 Changing touchpad settings To change the touchpad settings to suit your personal requirements, please do the following. 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 4. Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal needs.
- Using the Precision Touchpad
Recovery - 19 RECOVERY If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Got a question? on page 57) do not help, you can recover your computer. This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer. Acer provides Acer Care Center, which allows you to reset your PC, refresh your PC, or create a factory default backup. If you cannot access Acer Care Center, go to Action Center.
- Recovery 2. Select the Backup tab and click Get Started for Create Factory Default Backup to open the Recovery Drive window. 3. Make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and click Next. 4. Plug in the USB drive and wait for the PC to detect the USB drive then click Next.
Recovery - 21 • Since the recovery backup requires at least 8 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 16 GB or larger. 5. Everything on the drive will be deleted. Click Create to continue. 6. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen. 7. Follow the process until it completes. 8. After creating the recovery backup, you can choose to delete the recovery information on your computer.
- Recovery Backing up your wireless and LAN drivers Back up your wireless and LAN drivers. You can use these backups to install the wireless and LAN drivers if you install another operating system. 1. From Start, select All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps. 2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Backup wireless and LAN drivers. Choose a folder to save your drivers and select OK.
Recovery - 23 3. Select Keep my files to refresh your PC and reinstall your operating system without removing your personal files. Click Next to continue. Important If you have apps installed on your PC, they will be removed. 4. Resetting the PC will reinstall Windows, change settings back to their factory defaults and remove all preinstalled apps and programs without removing your personal files. Click Reset to continue. 5. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen.
- Recovery 2. Select the Restore tab and click Get Started to Choose an option. 3. Select Remove everything to reset your PC back to its factory default. This process will reinstall your operating system and remove all of your personal files, apps, and settings. 4. Select Just remove my files if you are keeping your computer. This will be quicker, but less secure. Files may still be recovered with a file recovery program.
Recovery - 25 your computer. This process will take longer, but will be more secure. Warning Selecting "Remove files and clean the drive" will remove all of your personal files and accounts, along with pre-existing drivers that may affect your Windows installation. 5. Click Reset to continue. 6. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen will turn off during the reset process. 7. The screen will turn back on when it is installing Windows.
- Using a Bluetooth connection USING A BLUETOOTH CONNECTION Bluetooth is a technology enabling you to transfer data wirelessly over short distances between many different types of devices. Bluetoothenabled devices include computers, cell phones, tablets, wireless headsets, and keyboards. To use Bluetooth, you must ensure the following: 1. Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. 2. Your devices are "paired" (or connected).
Using a Bluetooth connection - 27 4. Select the device you wish to pair from the list of discovered devices. 5. After pairing, if there is a code displaying on the screen, enter that code on the device to proceed the connection. Note Some devices using older versions of the Bluetooth technology require both devices to enter a PIN. In the case of one of the devices not having any inputs (as in a headset), the passcode is hardcoded into the device (usually "0000" or "1234").
- Connecting to the Internet CONNECTING T O TH E INTERNET This chapter includes general information on types of connections, and getting connected to the internet. For detailed information, please refer to Network connections on page 71. Your computer’s built-in network features make it easy for you to connect your computer to the internet.
Connecting to the Internet - 29 To connect to a wireless network, please follow the steps below. 1. Ensure you have a wireless router/access point and current internet connection through the ISP of your choice. Make a note of the wireless network’s name and password (if necessary). If you are trying to connect to a public network (such as at a coffeeshop), make sure you have the wireless network’s name. Note Please refer to your ISP or router documentation for details on connecting to the internet. 2.
- Connecting to the Internet 4. Once you select a wireless network, select Connect. 5. If required, enter the network’s password.
Bluelight Shield - 31 BLUELIGHT SHIELD The Bluelight Shield can be enabled to reduce blue-light emissions from the screen to protect your eyes. To configure the Bluelight Shield, Search for ’Acer Quick Access’ in the Start Menu. From here you can toggle Bluelight Shield on or off, and you can choose from four different modes to fit your needs: No.
Keeping your computer and data safe...
Securing your computer - 33 SECURING Y O U R C O MP U TE R Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Security features include hardware and software locks — a security notch and passwords. Using a computer security lock The computer comes with a computer security slot for a security lock. Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or handle of a locked drawer.
- Securing your computer Entering passwords When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the display screen. • When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you enter the BIOS utility. • Type the Supervisor Password and press Enter to access the BIOS utility. If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and press Enter. • When the User Password is set and the password on boot parameter is enabled, a prompt appears at boot-up.
Fingerprint Reader - 35 FINGERPRINT READER In addition to using an account password or PIN to sign in to Windows apps and services, you can also use the fingerprint reader to sign-in and unlock your Acer notebook. In order to use the fingerprint reader, you must first configure the fingerprint reader to recognize your fingerprint to confirm your identity. How to use the fingerprint reader Select the Start button, then select Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options to set up Windows Hello. 1. Set a password.
- Fingerprint Reader 2. Set a PIN code. 3. In Windows Hello, select Set up to configure the fingerprint reader.
Fingerprint Reader - 37 4. In the Windows Hello set up window, select Get started to begin the fingerprint configuration. 5. Enter your PIN to confirm your identity.
- Fingerprint Reader 6. When the Windows Hello setup window appears, follow the onscreen directions. Press and hold your finger on the fingerprint sensor and then lift. Repeat this step until the fingerprint configuration is complete.
Fingerprint Reader - 39 7. Once the fingerprint configuration is complete, you will be able to sign in or unlock your computer by placing your fingerprint on the fingerprint reader. You may select Add another finger to add another fingerprint to unlock the computer. Note If the notebook has multiple accounts, you can set up access separately and automatically switch between accounts.
- BIOS utility BIOS UTILITY The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS. Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not normally need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it. To activate the BIOS utility, press F2 while the computer logo is being displayed.
Power management - 41 POWER MANAGEMENT This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, hard disk, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory. If no activity is detected for a period of time, the computer stops some or all of these devices in order to conserve energy.
- Power management 4. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 5. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 6. Select Save changes.
Battery pack - 43 BATTERY PACK The computer uses an embedded Lithium battery that gives you long use between charges. Battery characteristics The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter. Your computer supports charge-in-use, enabling you to recharge the battery while you continue to operate the computer. However, recharging with the computer turned off significantly reduces charge time. The battery will come in handy when you travel or during a power failure.
- Battery pack Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. Warning Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 45° C (113° F). Extreme temperatures may adversely affect the battery pack. The battery conditioning process ensures your battery accepts the maximum possible charge.
Battery pack - 45 Checking the battery level The power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the cursor over the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's present charge level. Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the power meter. Important Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears. Data may be lost if the battery is allowed to become fully depleted and the computer shuts down.
- Traveling with your computer TRAVELING WITH YOUR COMPUTER This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer. Disconnecting from the desktop Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external accessories: 1. Save any open files. 2. Remove discs from optical drive. 3. Shut down the computer or put it into Sleep or Hibernate mode. 4. Close the display cover. 5. Disconnect the cord from the AC adapter. 6.
Traveling with your computer - 47 You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing the Sleep hotkey or by closing the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, open the display and, if necessary, press and release the power button. Note The computer may enter Hibernation or Deep Sleep mode after being in Sleep mode for a period of time. What to bring to meetings If your meeting is relatively short, you probably do not need to bring anything with you other than your computer.
- Traveling with your computer What to take with you Unless you have some items at home, take the following items with you: • AC adapter and power cord. • The printed Setup Guide. Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: • Minimize the effects of temperature changes by keeping the computer with you.
Traveling with your computer - 49 Traveling with the computer Important Check with your airline for any special requirements for travelling with Lithium batteries. When you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office building to a client's office building or traveling locally. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged.
- Traveling with your computer Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling. What to bring with you Bring the following items with you: • AC adapter. • Power cords that are appropriate for your destination(s). • Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer. • Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to customs officials. • International Travelers Warranty passport.
Ports and connectors...
- Universal Serial Bus (USB) UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS (USB) The USB port is a high-speed port which allows you to connect USB peripherals, such as a mouse, an external keyboard, additional storage (external hard disks), or any other compatible device. Note Two USB standards are currently available on Acer computers: USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) and USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB). USB 2.0 ports on Acer computers have a black tongue in the port, while USB 3.0 ports have a blue tongue. For best performance, USB 3.
USB Type-C port - 53 U S B T YPE - C PORT A USB Type-C port is a connector that allows you to easily connect USB Type-C peripherals, such as additional storage (e.g. an external drive), or any other compatible device. The Type-C port is reversable; connectors may be inserted with either side up. Note On Acer computers USB Type-C ports support up to USB 3.1 (SuperSpeed USB, 5 Gbps).
- SD card reader SD CARD READER SD (Secure Digital) cards are used in a wide selection of digital cameras, tablets, media players and cellular phones. Inserting an SD card 1. Align the card so that the connector points towards the port, with the connectors facing down. 2. Carefully slide the card into the port. If you find you need to use any force to insert the card, try reorientating the card slightly. 3. Push the card until it clicks into place.
Video and audio connectors - 55 VIDEO AND AUDIO CONNECTORS Add an external monitor to your computer via a video port. The type of port available depends on your computer’s configuration. Connecting a monitor 1. Check that the computer is powered off and the monitor power switch is turned off. 2. Attach the video cable to the monitor port on the computer. 3. Connect the monitor power cable and plug it into a properly grounded wall outlet. 4. Follow any setup instructions in the monitor's user's guide. 5.
- HDMI HDMI HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a high-quality, digital audio/video interface. HDMI allows you to connect any compatible digital audio/video source, such as your computer, a set-top box, DVD player, and audio/video receiver to any compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV) with a single cable. The single cable keeps everything neat and tidy while ensuring easy connection and the best audio and visual quality.
Got a question? In this section you will find: • • • • • Frequently asked questions Tips for using Windows 10 Troubleshooting information How to protect yourself while online Where to find Acer service center contact information
- Frequently asked questions F R E Q U E N TL Y ASKED QUESTIONS The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy solutions are provided for each one. I turned on the power, but the computer does not start or boot up. Check if power is being supplied to the computer (if your computer has a power indicator, it will be off); if there is no power, check the following: • If you are using on the battery, it may be low and unable to power the computer.
Frequently asked questions - 59 icon in the taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click the icon and drag the slider to the right to increase the volume. • The volume level may be too low. Check the volume from the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar. You can also use the volume control hotkeys to adjust the volume. • If headphones, earphones or external speakers are connected to the headphone jack on the computer, the internal speakers automatically turn off. The keyboard does not respond.
- Frequently asked questions Note To access the BIOS utility, press F2 when you see the Acer logo during boot up. For more information, see Restoring your computer on page 22. Requesting service International Travelers Warranty (ITW) Your computer is backed by an International Travelers Warranty (ITW) that gives you security and peace of mind when traveling. An ITW passport came with your computer and contains all you need to know about the ITW program.
F r e qu e nt ly a sk Frequently asked questions - 61 Tips and hints for using Windows 10 We know this is a new operating system that will take some getting used to, so we've created a few pointers to help you get started. How do I get to Start? Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button on the lower left-hand corner of the screen. Where’s the Start button? The Start button will appear in the desktop taskbar. Selecting it will open Start where you can launch apps.
- Frequently asked questions Can I personalize the Lock screen? You can personalize the lock screen with a different image, to run a slideshow of images, or to show you quick status and notifications to suit your personal needs. To change the background, press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button and select Settings > Personalization. From here you can: • Select a background image for the lock screen • Turn the Slide show on or off • Select lock screen apps.
Frequently asked questions - 63 Can I change the screen resolution? Yes, you can. Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and type 'Resolution' in the text box to display the results; select Change the resolution of the display. Alternatively, you can also right-click anywhere on the desktop and select Display settings > Display. How do I set the alarm? Your computer can act as an alarm clock. Type ’Alarms’ to search for the Alarms & Clock app. 1.
- Frequently asked questions 9. Select On or Off to activate or deactivate the alarm. Hour Minutes Save Delete Note The alarm will only sound if your computer is awake at the set time. Where are my apps? Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and select Search, start typing the name of the app you would like to open. How do I make an app appear on Start? If you're in All apps and you want to make an app appear on Start, right-click an app and select Pin to Start.
Frequently asked questions - 65 How do I install apps? You can download Windows Store apps from Store. You will need to have a Microsoft ID to purchase and download apps from Store. I can't find apps like Notepad and Paint! Where are they? Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and select Search. Type the name of the app you would like to open. Alternatively, open All apps and scroll to ’Windows Accessories’ to see the list of legacy programs.
- Frequently asked questions Where can I get more information? For more information please visit the following pages: • Windows 10 information: go.acer.com/windows-tutorial • Support FAQs: support.acer.
Fr eq u en tl y as ked qu es t io ns Frequently asked questions - 67 Troubleshooting This chapter shows you how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer. Do not attempt to open the computer yourself; contact your dealer or authorized service center for assistance.
- Frequently asked questions Error messages Keyboard error or no keyboard connected Keyboard interface error Memory size mismatch Corrective action Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Press F2 (during POST) to enter the BIOS utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to reboot. If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.
Internet and online security - 69 INTERNET AND ONLINE SECURITY First steps on the net Protecting your computer It is vital to protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the internet (see Internet security software on page 73). A comprehensive internet security program is offered when you first start your computer. You should activate this protection as soon as possible, certainly before you connect to the internet.
- Internet and online security internet as the connection speed is low and connection time is typically charged per hour. DSL (e.g. ADSL) DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an ‘always-on’ connection that runs over the phone line. As DSL and phone do not use the same frequencies, you can use your telephone at the same time you are connected to the internet (this requires a ‘micro-filter’ on each telephone socket to avoid interference).
Internet and online security - 71 Network connections A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers (for example, within an office building or home) that share a common communications line and resources. When you set up a network, you can share files, peripheral devices (such as a printer) and an internet connection. You can set up a LAN using wired technologies (such as Ethernet) or wireless technologies (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).
- Internet and online security services. Read carefully the documentation supplied with your Access point/router for detailed setup instructions. Network cable (RJ45) A network cable (also called RJ45 cable) is used to connect the host computer to the access point (see illustration below); this type of cable may also be used to connect peripheral devices to the access point. Wireless adapter Most computers feature a wireless module and Wi-Fi button that turns the network connection on or off.
Internet and online security - 73 Internet security software To help you stay ahead of cybercriminals, Acer has partnered with Norton to offer you security for all your devices. Select Acer computers include protection by Norton Security Norton Security is pre-installed on select Acer computers, protecting your identity and financial data from viruses, spyware, malware and other online threats. Learn more about how to stay safe online and how to stay protected after your introductory subscription ends.
- Internet and online security Don't be fooled if someone calls your phone A tech support scam is a form of online fraud where people call you on the phone saying they're Technical Support from a trusted company like Norton or Microsoft and that you have a virus. The main motive behind these scams is to extort money from the victim. Cybercriminals can also install malware such as keylogging software or backdoor Trojans in order to gain access to personal information.
Internet and online security - 75 Botnets A botnet is a string of infected, connected computers coordinated together to perform a task. Botnets gain access to your machine through some piece of malicious coding. Once the software is downloaded, the botnet will now contact its master computer and let it know that everything is ready to go. Now your computer, phone, tablet, or IoT device is entirely under the control of the person who created the botnet.
- Internet and online security between these transmissions. They then set up tools programmed to "listen in" on transmissions, intercept data that is specifically targeted as valuable, and capture the data, such as your login credentials and passwords. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure your privacy and anonymity are protected when you use public Wi-Fi.
Internet and online security - 77 However, do not blame every computer problem on a virus! If you suspect your computer is infected, the first thing to do is update, if you have not already done so, and run your antivirus and anti-spyware software.
