Aspire L Series User's Guide
Copyright © 2006. Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. Aspire L Series User's Guide Original Issue: 09/2006 Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications.
iii 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 • • • • • Do not use this product near water. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table.
• 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 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.
v 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.
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.
vii 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.
1 System tour Package contents Accessing the User's Guide Front and rear panels Keyboard Optical drive Taking care of your CDs and DVDs 2 Setting up your computer Arranging a comfortable work area Adjusting your chair Positioning your PC Positioning your monitor Positioning your keyboard Positioning your mouse Connecting peripherals Connecting your mouse and keyboard (for selected models) Connecting a monitor Connecting the power cable Taking care of your AC adapter Turning on your computer Turning off you
FCC notice Modem notices Laser compliance statement Macrovision copyright protection notice Radio device regulatory notice General European Union (EU) The FCC RF safety requirement Canada — Low-power license-exempt radio communication devices (RSS-210) Federal Communications Comission Declaration of Conformity Declaration of Conformity for CE marking Index 32 33 36 36 36 36 37 37 38 39 40 41
1 1 System tour
This chapter discusses the features and components of your computer.
3 Package contents Before you unpack your computer, make sure that you have enough space to set up your computer. Carefully unpack the carton and remove the contents.
4 1 System tour Accessing the User's Guide This User's Guide is also available on your computer as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file. To access the User's Guide (for Windows XP) 1. On the Windows XP taskbar, click on the start button then select All Programs, AcerSystem. 2. Click on Aspire L Series User’s Guide.
5 Front and rear panels Your computer's front and rear panels consist of the following: Icon Component Icon Component Eject button DVI port Power button CRT/LCD monitor port Hard disk drive indicator OBR (One Button Recovery) button (for selected models) LAN indicator / Network port Line-out jack USB ports Microphone-in jack Kensington lock Headphone/Speaker-out/lineout port DC-in jack Line-in jack IEEE 1394 port Media card reader FM FM radio input jack TVOUT TV antenna/cable output
6 1 System tour Keyboard The keyboard has full-sized keys that include separate cursor keys, two Windows keys, four multimedia keys, and 12 function keys. For information on how to connect your keyboard, see "Connecting your mouse and keyboard (for selected models)" on page 14. No. Description No.
7 Optical drive Your computer may come with a DVD/CD-RW combo, DVD-Dual or DVD-Super multi drive. This drive is located on the front panel of your computer. The DVD drive allows you to play not only old CD-ROMs, CD-I disks, and video CDs, but digital video disks (DVDs) as well. The DVD-Dual and DVD-Super multi drive allow you to record or burn recordable and rewritable disks. CDs and DVDs, like diskettes, are also compact, lightweight and easy to carry around.
8 1 System tour
2 Setting up your computer
This chapter contains step-by-step instructions on how to set up your computer and connect additional peripherals.
11 Arranging a comfortable work area Working safely and comfortably begins with the arrangement of your work space and the proper use of equipment. For this reason, it is very important to take time and think about how you are going to arrange your work area. Refer to the diagram on the following page as you set up your system. Here are some points to consider: Adjusting your chair Having the right kind of chair does not necessarily mean you'll be properly supported.
12 2 Setting up your computer Take note of the following when selecting a location for your computer: • Do not put your computer near any equipment that might cause electromagnetic or radio frequency interference, such as radio transmitters, televisions, copy machines or heating and air-conditioning equipment. • Avoid dusty areas and extremes of temperature and humidity.
13 Positioning your monitor Place your monitor at a comfortable viewing distance, usually 50 to 60 cm away. Adjust the display in such a way that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. Positioning your keyboard The location of the keyboard is a very important factor for your posture. Placing it too far away will make your body lean forward, forcing you to sit in an unnatural position. Placing it too high will add tension to your shoulder muscles.
14 2 Setting up your computer Connecting peripherals Setting up your computer is easy. For the most part, you only have four things to connect: the mouse, the keyboard, the monitor, and the power cable. Note: The peripherals shown in the connections below are for your reference only. Actual device models may vary in select countries. Connecting your mouse and keyboard (for selected models) Plug your USB mouse or keyboard cable into any of the USB ports on the front and rear panels of your computer.
15 Connecting a monitor To connect a monitor, simply plug the monitor cable into the monitor port (blue port) or DVI port located on the rear panel of your computer . Note: Refer to the monitor manual for additional instructions and information.
16 2 Setting up your computer Connecting the power cable Make sure that the AC adapter is properly plugged into the computer and to the power outlet. Caution: Before you proceed, check the voltage range in your area. Make sure that it matches your computer's voltage setting. Note: Plug the power cable in tightly to avoid accidental shutdown. 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.
17 Turning on your computer After connecting the necessary peripherals and plugging in the power cable, you are now ready to turn the computer on and get to work. To turn on your computer: 1 Turn on all peripherals connected to your computer, such as the monitor, printer, speakers, etc. 2 On the front panel of your computer, press the Power button. Important: Make sure that the power cable is properly plugged into an electrical outlet.
18 2 Setting up your computer Turning off your computer To turn off your computer, follow the steps below. For Windows XP: 1 On the Windows XP taskbar, click on the Start button, and click Turn Off Computer, then click Turn Off. 2 Turn off all peripherals connected to your computer. If you cannot shut down your computer normally, press and hold the power button for at least four seconds. Quickly pressing the button may put the computer in suspend mode only.
19 Connecting options Connecting to the network You can connect your computer to a Local Area Network (LAN) using a network cable. To do so, simply plug the network cable into the network port the rear panel of your computer. Note: Consult your network system administrator or operating system manual for information on how to configure your network setup.
20 2 Setting up your computer Connecting multimedia devices You can connect multimedia devices such as microphones, earphones or headphones, external speakers and audio line-in devices. These devices will let you take advantage of your computer's multimedia features. Note: The multimedia devices shown below are for reference only. Actual device models may vary in selected countries.
21 • Earphones, headphones: Connect to the headphone jack the front panel of your computer. located on Note: To adjust the headphone volume, use the volume control buttons on the keyboard. You can also adjust the volume by using the volume icon on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen. • External speakers: Connect to the audio-out/line-out jack jack) located on the rear panel of your computer.
22 • 2 Setting up your computer Audio line-in device: Connects to the audio-in/line-in jack jack) located on the rear panel of your computer (light blue
3 System utilities
This chapter describes applications that are preinstalled on your computer.
25 Dual-display To enable the dual monitor feature of your computer, first ensure that the second monitor is connected, then, select Start, Control Panel, Display and click on Settings. Select the secondary monitor (2) icon in the display box and then click the check box Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor. Finally, click Apply to confirm the new settings and click OK to complete the process.
26 3 System utilities Recovering your system If your operating system files are lost or damaged, the recovery process will restore your system's original factory default settings or last system backup. 1 Your Aspire L Series computer includes an OBR (see page5"Front and rear panels") button, a feature that makes restoring your system quick and easy. 2 After the POST runs, Press Alt + F10 combine key during BIOS to enter hidden partition.
4 Frequently asked questions
This chapter tells you what to do in case your computer is not working properly. However, if a more serious problem arises, contact your dealer or the technical support center (www.acersupport.com) for assistance.
29 Frequently asked questions The following questions indicate possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer and each is followed by easy answers and solutions. I pressed the power switch but the system did not boot up. Check the LED located above the power switch. If the LED is not lit, no power is being applied to the system. Try the following: • Check if you properly plugged the power cable into an electrical outlet.
30 4 Frequently asked questions System cannot read hard disk, CD or DVD information. Check the following: • Make sure you are using the correct type of disk. • Make sure the CD or DVD is inserted into the drive correctly. • Check if the CD or DVD is clean and unscratched. • Check your drive by using a good (undamaged) disk. If your drive can not read the information on the good disk there may be a problem with the drive. Contact your dealer or technical support center for assistance.
Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices
32 Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices Regulations and safety notices ENERGY STAR guidelines compliance As an ENERGY STAR partner, Acer Inc. has determined that this product meets the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. FCC notice This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
33 Operation conditions This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Notice: Canadian users This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
34 Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices Your telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the proper functioning of your equipment. If they do, you will be notified in advance to give you an opportunity to maintain uninterrupted telephone service. If this equipment should fail to operate properly, disconnect the equipment from the phone line to determine if it is causing the problem.
35 Notice for New Zealand 1 The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equipment indicates only that Telecom has accepted that the item complies with minimum conditions for connection to its network. It indicates no endorsement of the product by Telecom, nor does it provide any sort of warranty.
36 Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices Laser compliance statement The CD or DVD drive used with this computer is a laser product. The CD or DVD drive's classification label (shown below) is located on the drive. 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.
37 configurations, this product may or may not contain wireless radio devices (such as wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth modules). Below information is for products with such devices.
38 Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices 1 This device is restricted to indoor use due to its operation in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency range. FCC requires this product to be used indoors for the frequency range 5.15 to 5.25 GHz to reduce the potential for harmful interference to co-channel Mobile Satellite systems. 2 High power radar are allocated as primary users of the 5.25 to 5.35 GHz and 5.65 to 5.85 GHz bands. These radar stations can cause interference with and/or damage this device.
39 Federal Communications Comission Declaration of Conformity This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
40 Appendix A: Regulations and safety notices Declaration of Conformity for CE marking Name of manufacturer: Acer Inc. Address of manufacturer: 8F, 88, Sec. 1, Hsin Tai Wu Rd.
41 Index system cannot write to disk 30 system did not boot up 29 front panel 5 K keyboard A accessing the online User’s Guide 4 6 R C recovering your system connecting options multimedia devices 20 audio line-in device 22 earphones/headphones 21 external speakers 20 microphone 20 network 19 serial mouse 19 S D disk drives CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive inserting CDs/DVDs 7 taking care CDs/DVDs 7 F Frequently-asked questions 29 blank screen 29 no audio 29 no sound 29 printer not working 29 system c