Acer Aspire EL manual

Aspir e EL User’ s guide extensa2 - EN.book Page i Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. This company makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to t[...]

iii Notices 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. This device generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy , and if [...]

iv Use conditions This part 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 meet[...]

v 9 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 on the product. 10 Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage p[...]

vi the YMark2000 test, and has been found to meet NSTL's standards for Y ear 2000 hardware compliance. For more details, check the Acer Y ear 2000 Resource Center at http:// global.acer .com/service/pcy2000.html Laser compliance statement The CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive in this computer is a laser product. The CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive’ s cl[...]

Contents Notices iii FCC notice iii Important safety instructions iv Year 2000 compliance statement v Laser compliance statement vi TCO 95 compliant vi 1 First things first 1 Welcome! 3 Package contents 4 Before you start... 5 Important tips 5 Cleaning and servicing 5 Asking for technical assistance 6 Accessing your online guide 6 2 Getting to know[...]

4 Adding options to your Aspire EL 31 Connecting options 33 Printer 33 Network 34 Modem (optional) 35 Multimedia devices 36 USB devices 38 Turning on your computer 39 Turning off your computer 41 Configuring your Acer GoTo drive 42 Upgrading your computer 45 Mainboard 46 System utilities 49 5 Need help? 51 Index 57 extensa2 - EN.book Page viii Tues[...]

1 First things first extensa2 - EN.book Page 1 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

This chapter describes the contents of your computer package and also provides important tips on how to take care of your computer . extensa2 - EN.book Page 2 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

3 We l c o m e ! W elcome and thank you for purchasing the Aspire EL computer . Y ou are now the proud owner of a top of the line multimedia computer system. Y our Aspire EL computer comes preinstalled with software programs that will enable you to: • Create personal documents • Access the Internet • Send and receive emails • Play audio and[...]

1 First things first 4 Package contents Before you unpack your computer , make sure that you have enough space to set it up. Carefully unpack the carton and remove the contents. If any of the following items are missing or damaged, contact your dealer immediately: •A s p i r e E L • Just for Starters... poster •U S B k e y b o a r d • Items[...]

5 Befor e you start... Please read the safety instructions listed in this section. Following these instructions on the care and use of your new computer will help you maximize its durability . Important tips • Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator . • Do not subject the computer [...]

1 First things first 6 T o clean your mouse 1 Open the circular cover underneath the mouse. 2 T ake out the rubber ball and wipe it with a soft, damp cloth. 3 Put the ball back and close the cover . When to contact a service technician • If you dropped and damaged the computer • If liquid has been spilled into the computer • If the computer i[...]

2 Getting to know your Aspir e EL extensa2 - EN.book Page 7 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

This chapter discusses the features and components of your computer . extensa2 - EN.book Page 8 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

9 Featur es Here are just a few of your computer’ s many features: Performance • Intel Pentium® 4 micro Pin Grid Array (mPGA) processor with integrated 256 KB on-die L2 cache • Expandable system memory to a maximum of 3 GB • High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk • 3.5-inch floppy drive • Universal 1x/2x/4x AGP slot • Power management [...]

2 Getting to know your Aspire EL 10 Expansion • 3 PCI slots + 3 DIMM slots + 1 AGP slot • Upgradeable memory and hard disk • Acer GoT o swappable drive (optional) Human-centric design and ergonomics • Smooth and stylish design • Low emission and low radiation extensa2 - EN.book Page 10 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

11 The fr ont panel Y our computer’ s front panel consists of the following: No. Description No. Description 1 Speaker/Headphone-out port 11 Power button 2 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive activity indicator 12 3.5-inch floppy drive eject button 3 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive emergency eject hole 13 3.5-inch floppy drive 4 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive Stop[...]

2 Getting to know your Aspire EL 12 The r ear panel Y our computer offers several ports that allow you to connect peripheral devices. These ports are located on the rear panel of your computer . For information on how to connect the peripherals, refer to “Connecting peripherals” on page 27 and “Adding options to your Aspire EL” on page 31. [...]

13 No. Icon Color Description 6 Green PS/2 mouse port 7 System fan 2 8 Black Network port 9 Black Rear USB ports 10 Burgundy Parallel/printer port 11 T eal or turquoise Serial ports 12 Keyhole 13 Lime Audio-out/Line-out port 14 Gold Game/MIDI port 15 Light blue Audio-in/Line-in port 16 Black Microphone-in port 17 Blue Monitor/VGA port 18 Expansion [...]

2 Getting to know your Aspire EL 14 The keyboar d Y our computer comes with a USB keyboard. The keyboard has full- sized keys that include separate cursor keys, two Windows keys, and twelve function keys. For information on how to connect your USB keyboard, please see “Connecting peripherals” on page 27 . No. Component Function 1 Function keys [...]

15 3 Windows logo key Start button. Combinations with this key perform special functions, such as: • Windows + Ta b : Activate the next T askbar button • Windows + E : Explore My Computer • Windows + F : Find Document • Windows + M : Minimize All • Shift + Windows + M : Undo Minimize All • Windows + R : Displays the Run dialog box 4 App[...]

2 Getting to know your Aspire EL 16 10 Multimedia keys Allow you to do the following: • Play/Pause button - press to start playing the audio or video file. Press again to pause. • Stop button - press to stop playing the audio or video file. • Forward button - press to skip forward to the next file and start playing. • Backward button - pres[...]

17 The mouse Y our computer comes with a USB mouse. The mouse has one ratchet wheel and two buttons: a right button and a left button. Quickly pressing and releasing the buttons is called clicking. Sometimes, you will need to do a double-click (clicking the same button twice quickly) or a right-click (clicking the right button quickly). For informa[...]

2 Getting to know your Aspire EL 18 Disk drives Y our Aspire EL computer comes with the following disk drives: Har d disk Y our computer is preinstalled with a high-capacity Enhanced-IDE (E-IDE) hard disk. 3.5-inch floppy drive Y our computer’ s 3.5-inch floppy drive supports 720-KB, 1.44-MB and 2.88-MB capacity diskettes. Floppy diskettes are co[...]

19 Sliding the write-protect tab to the not-write-protect position (2) will allow you to store and modify data in your diskettes. • When you put a label on a 3.5-inch diskette, make sure that the label is properly attached (flat on the surface) and within the labeling area (area with a slight surface depression) on the diskette. An improperly att[...]

2 Getting to know your Aspire EL 20 • Keep your discs in a disk case when not in use to avoid scratches or other damage. Y our Aspire EL computer has a built-in CD/DVD compartment located on the lower front panel. Any kind of dirt or damage can affect the data on the disc, impair the disc lens reader on the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, or stop the[...]

21 T o insert a CD/DVD into your computer’ s CD-ROM/DVD- ROM/CD-RW drive: 1 Gently press the drive Stop/Eject button located on the front panel. 2 When the disc tray slides open, insert the CD/DVD with the label or title side of the disc facing upward. 3 Gently press the disc down to make sure that it is properly inserted. Caution! While pressing[...]

2 Getting to know your Aspire EL 22 T o eject the CD or DVD tray: • T o eject the CD or DVD tray when the computer is turned on, press the drive Stop/Eject button. • T o eject the CD or DVD tray when the computer is turned off, insert the tip of a pen or a paperclip into the emergency eject hole to pop out the tray . Acer GoT o drive bay (optio[...]

3 Setting up your Aspir e EL extensa2 - EN.book Page 23 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

This chapter contains step-by-step instructions on how to set up your computer . extensa2 - EN.book Page 24 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

25 Arranging a comfortable work ar ea W orking safely begins with the appropriate 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. Here are some points to consider: Adjusting your chair Having the right kind of chair does n[...]

3 Setting up your Aspire EL 26 Positioning your keyboar d The location of the keyboard is a very important factor to your posture. Placing it too far 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. • The keyboard should be placed just above your lap. Adju[...]

27 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. USB mouse Plug the USB mouse cable into any of the USB ports located on the front and rear panel of your computer . Note: If you are using a PS/2 mouse, plug the mouse cable [...]

3 Setting up your Aspire EL 28 USB keyboar d Plug the USB keyboard cable into any of the USB ports located on the front and rear panel of your computer . Note: If you are using a PS/2 keyboard, plug the keyboard cable into the PS/2 keyboard port located on the rear panel of your computer . extensa2 - EN.book Page 28 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

29 Monitor T o connect a monitor , simply plug the monitor cable into the monitor/ VGA port located on the rear panel of your computer . Note: Refer to the monitor manual for additonal instructions and information. extensa2 - EN.book Page 29 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

3 Setting up your Aspire EL 30 Power cable Caution! Before you proceed, check the voltage range in your area. Make sure that it matches your computer’ s voltage setting (see the voltage setting switch located on the rear panel of your computer). If they don’t match, change your computer’ s voltage setting according to your area’ s voltage r[...]

4 Adding options to your Aspir e EL extensa2 - EN.book Page 31 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

This chapter will tell you how to connect additional peripherals and what to do if you want to upgrade your computer key link: accessories.acer .com extensa2 - EN.book Page 32 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

33 Connecting options Printer Y our Aspire EL computer supports serial, parallel and USB printers. T o connect a parallel printer , plug the printer cable into the parallel/ printer port located on the rear panel of your computer . Note: If you are using a serial printer , connect the printer cable into either serial port 1 or serial port 2 located[...]

4 Adding options to your Aspire EL 34 Network Y ou can connect your computer to a Local Area Network (LAN) using a network cable. T o do so, simply plug the network cable into the network port located on the rear panel of your computer . Note: Consult your operating system manual for information on how to configure your network setup. extensa2 - EN[...]

35 Modem (optional) Note: A modem connection is only available when you have a modem card installed in your system. Contact your dealer for more information. Set up your modem connection by plugging the telephone line and handset into their corresponding ports on the rear panel of your computer . Refer to the figure below for the connections. exten[...]

4 Adding options to your Aspire EL 36 Multimedia devices Y our Aspire EL computer comes with multimedia features (making work more fun!) which allows you to connect such devices as speakers, a microphone, speakers, headphones or earphones, an external CD player and a joystick (for games). Plug the devices in as follows: • microphone: connect to r[...]

37 Refer to the figure below for the connections. Note: For information on how to configure the multimedia devices, consult the documentation that came with each device. extensa2 - EN.book Page 37 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

4 Adding options to your Aspire EL 38 USB devices Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a new serial bus design that is capable of cascading low-/medium-speed peripherals (less than 12 Mbps) such as a keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner , printer and modem. With USB, complex cable connections can be eliminated. Y our computer comes with four USB ports; two [...]

39 T ur ning on your computer After connecting the necessary peripherals and plugging in the power cable, you are now ready to turn your computer on and get to work. T o turn on your computer: 1 T urn on all peripherals connected to your computer such as the monitor , printer , fax, speakers, etc. 2 On your computer's rear panel, set the volta[...]

4 Adding options to your Aspire EL 40 3 On the front panel of your computer , press the power button. When the computer finishes booting, it is now ready for use. Important: Make sure that the power cable is properly plugged in into an electrical outlet. If you are using a power strip or an A VR (Auto-V oltage Regulator), make sure that it is plugg[...]

41 T ur ning of f your computer T o turn off your computer , on the Windows taskbar click on the Start button, point to Shut Down... , select Shut down from the dropdown window then click on OK . Y ou can then turn off all peripherals connected to your computer . If you cannot shut down your computer , press the power button for at least four secon[...]

4 Adding options to your Aspire EL 42 Configuring your Acer GoT o drive Follow the steps below in configuring your Acer GoT o drive: 1 T urn of f your computer . 2 Remove the Acer GoT o drive frame from the bay as in the f o l l o w i n g f i g u r e : a Unlock the Acer GoT o drive bay using the key shipped in with your computer . b Pull the drive [...]

43 3 Remove the four screws that hold the hard disk to the drive frame (a), remove the frame cover (b) then the hard disk (c). 4 Install a new 3.5-inch hard disk (a), replace the frame cover (b) then secure it with the fours screws that you have previously removed (c). extensa2 - EN.book Page 43 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

4 Adding options to your Aspire EL 44 5 Reinstall the drive frame into the Acer GoT o drive bay (a) then lock the drive bay (b). 6 T urn on your computer . Y our Acer GoT o hard drive is ready for use. Note: When you turn on your computer , the BIOS setup utility automatically configures your system based on the storage capacity of the swappable dr[...]

45 Upgrading your computer Certain components of your computer are upgradeable such as the memory , the disk drives and the expansion cards. However , for safety purposes, we do not recommend that you perform these upgrades yourself. If you want to replace or upgrade any of these components, contact your dealer or a qualified service technician for[...]

4 Adding options to your Aspire EL 46 Mainboar d The layout below shows all the connectors and jumpers on the mainboard. Refer to the table for a brief description of each connectors and jumpers. extensa2 - EN.book Page 46 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

47 Label Component AGP AGP slot BT1 Battery CNM1 SmartCard connector (shared connection with serial port 2) CNSW1 IDE cold-swap pin CNX 1 Audio FPIO connector CN2 PS/2 mouse (upper) and keyboard (lower) ports CN3 Power connector CN4 Network (upper) and USB (lower) ports CN5 Parallel port (upper) and serial ports (lower) CN6 Memory Stick connector ([...]

4 Adding options to your Aspire EL 48 CN21 Power/Suspend LED connector CN23 EXT PCI slot DIMM 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 3 Memory slot 1-3 FN1 3-pin CPU fan connector FN2 3-pin system fan connector FN3 3-pin system fan connector JP1 LAN active LED connector JP3 Model select JP14 1-2 Clear CMOS 2-3 Normal* PCI 1 PCI 2 PCI 3 PCI slot 1-3 U5 CPU socket U12 Intel 8[...]

49 System utilities Depending on the hardware and optional features installed in your Aspire EL computer , your system came bundled with several program utilities designed to streamline your computer's operations. Refer to your online guide for more information on these utilities. extensa2 - EN.book Page 49 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

4 Adding options to your Aspire EL 50 extensa2 - EN.book Page 50 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

5 Need help? extensa2 - EN.book Page 51 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

This chapter instructs you on 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 by yourself. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance. key link: www .acersupport.com . ext[...]

53 Acer is dedicated in bringing you a reliable and easy to maintain computer . However , we realize that some problems may arise unexpectedly . Below are possible questions that may arise during the use of your computer with corresponding easy troubleshooting solutions to the situation.. Q: I pressed the power button on but the system did not boot[...]

5 Need help? 54 Q: Nothing appears on the screen. A: Y our computer’ s power management function automatically blanks the screen to save power . Press any key to turn the display back on. If pressing a key does not work, you can restart your computer . If restarting your computer does not work, contact your dealer or the technical support center [...]

55 • Check your drive by using a good (i.e., undamaged) diskette or a good CD/DVD. If your floppy drive, CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive cannot read the information on the good diskette or CD/ DVD, there may be a problem with the drive. Contact your dealer or technical support center for assistance. Q: System cannot write to a diskette or disc. A: Che[...]

5 Need help? 56 extensa2 - EN.book Page 56 Tuesday, July 17, 2001 1:34 PM[...]

57 Index C computer troubleshooting 52 computer maintenance 5 CDs/DVDs 19 cleaning 5 diskettes 18 servicing 5 connecting options modem 35 multimedia devices 36 joystick 36 microphone 36 speakers 36 network 33, 34 printer 33 USB devices 38 D disk drives 18 Acer GoTo drive 22 configuring 42 CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive 19 ejecting 22 inserting 21 flopp[...]

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