1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Acer Manuals
  4. Laptop
  5. TravelMate 6000 Series
  6. User manual

Acer TravelMate 6000 Series User Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for TravelMate 6000 Series:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual See also: Service Manual, Manual Del Usuario
User's Guide
®
TravelMate
6000 Series
Notebook Computers

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Acer TravelMate 6000 Series

Summary of Contents for Acer TravelMate 6000 Series

  • Page 1 User’s Guide ® TravelMate 6000 Series Notebook Computers...
  • Page 2 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 not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
  • Page 3 Notice 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 meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
  • Page 4 Copyright © 1996 Texas Instruments All Rights Reserved — Printed in U.S.A. TravelMate 6000 Series Notebook Computers User's Guide TI Part No. 9804462-0001 Original Issue: June 1996 Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Contents Notice Contents Chapter 1: Using Printed Manuals..... 1-2 Documentation Online Manuals ..... 1-3 Using the TravelMate Online Manual .
  • Page 7 Contents Chapter 7: Mobility Overview of Mobility ....7-2 Disconnecting from the Desktop..7-3 Moving Around..... . 7-4 Taking the Computer Home .
  • Page 8 Using Documentation This chapter describes this manual and the other documentation that ® ships with your computer. It tells you how to use the TravelMate Online Manual and how to delete those files from your hard disk drive if you are running short of space.

  • Page 9: Printed Manuals

    Printed Manuals Contents of the This manual provides the information you need while the computer is turned off. The computer User’s Guide could be turned off for a variety of reasons. • Setting up • Installing accessories • Traveling • Solving problems With the computer turned on, you have access to this and much more information in the...

  • Page 10: Online Manuals

    Online Manuals Advantages of Online documentation has the following advantages. online documentation Feature Benefit to You Weightless Gives you access to the equivalent of several pounds of manuals without increasing the weight you have to carry Electronic links Allows retrieval of information more quickly Paperless Conserves natural resources...

  • Page 11: Other Online Manuals

    Online Manuals Other online The following manuals are also available online. manuals Manual Information Microsoft online Full user information for the manuals operating system Demo program Multimedia presentation of the features of your computer 1-4 Using Documentation...

  • Page 12: Using The Travelmate Online Manual

    Using the TravelMate Online Manual Starting from Follow these steps to start the TravelMate Online Manual from Windows 95. Windows 95 1. Click on Start. 2. Point to TravelMate Notebook Center. 3. Click on TravelMate Online Manual. Windows 95 launches the Internet Explorer and loads the index for the TravelMate Online Manual.

  • Page 13: Deleting The Travelmate Online Manual

    Deleting the TravelMate Online Manual Why not to delete Although you can delete the online documentation, it is not recommended that you do so for the following reasons. • Most documentation for your computer is only available online. If you delete it, you will no longer have access to the information.

  • Page 14: How To Delete In Windows For Workgroups

    Deleting the TravelMate Online Manual How to delete in To delete the TravelMate Online Manual in Windows for Workgroups, follow these steps. Windows for Workgroups 1. From the Program Manager, double-click on the Main program group. 2. Double-click on File Manager. 3.
  • Page 15 Deleting the TravelMate Online Manual 1-8 Using Documentation...

  • Page 16: Getting Started

    Getting Started This chapter supplements the Installation Poster to help you install the computer for the first time. The chapter contains information to help you make decisions during the setup process, details of the Windows 95 setup program, and a description of the multimedia demo program. General Cautions Read Safety Instructions .

  • Page 17: General Cautions

    General Cautions Read Safety The Safety Instructions for your computer are in printed form so you can read them carefully Instructions before turning on your computer for the first time. The Safety Instructions include the following information. • Protection from physical hazards •...

  • Page 18: What You Need Before Starting

    What You Need before Starting Sufficient time The Windows 95 setup takes up to 30 minutes. Because of the way Windows 95 structures its files, stopping in the middle of the setup process can cause irreversible file damage. Access to AC power Although the battery pack may have some charge, it is probably insufficient for the entire set up.

  • Page 19: Which Operating System To Load

    What You Need before Starting Which operating During initial setup you must choose which operating system to load, either Windows 95 or system to load ® and Windows for Workgroups MS-DOS ). This choice is final. You will not be DOS+WFW able to change the operating system after installation is complete.

  • Page 20: Running The Setup Program

    Running the Setup Program Starting the After gathering information, you are ready to run the setup program. The first time you turn computer for the on your computer, your system automatically first time runs the Windows 95 Setup. The following steps help you through the Windows 95 Setup.

  • Page 21: Loading Dos+Wfw

    Running the Setup Program Loading DOS+WFW If you have decided to load , follow DOS+WFW these steps. If you have decided to load Windows 95, skip this section. 1. On the Windows Version screen, click on Change. A screen appears confirming that you want to load Windows for Workgroups instead of Windows 95.

  • Page 22: Loading Windows 95

    Running the Setup Program Loading If you have decided to load Windows 95, follow these steps. Windows 95 1. On the Windows Version screen, click on Next. The computer displays the Configuring Your Computer screen. The computer configures your computer, deleting all unrequired files.

  • Page 23: Running The Demo Program

    Running the Demo Program Contents of the After completing setup, the computer runs a multimedia demo program. This program is demo program entertaining and informative and includes the following information. • The features of your computer and how to use them The livegear accessories available for your •...

  • Page 24: Running The Demo Program Again

    Running the Demo Program Deleting the demo An uninstall program helps you delete all or part of the demo program to free up space on program your hard disk drive. The way you get to the program to remove the demo program depends on your operating system.
  • Page 25 Running the Demo Program 2-10 Getting Started...

  • Page 26: Installing Internal Accessories

    Installing Internal Accessories This chapter describes how to install the accessories that reside inside the computer. Preventing Damage If possible, use a grounding strap ..3-2 from Static What to do if you don’t have Electricity a grounding strap .

  • Page 27: Preventing Damage From Static Electricity

    Preventing Damage from Static Electricity If possible, use a Internal accessories, especially memory, are vulnerable to damage from static electricity grounding strap while they are out of the computer. Although modular bay accessories and PC cards are hardened against static electricity, ideally, you should use a wrist grounding strap when handling memory modules or other electrostatically sensitive devices.

  • Page 28: Installing Memory Modules

    Installing Memory Modules Maximum memory Your computer has three slots for memory modules. One of the slots holds 8-MB modules exclusively. The other two slots hold 8-MB, 16- MB, or 32-MB modules. This gives your computer a maximum possible memory of 72 Tools required •...

  • Page 29: Removing The Keyboard

    Installing Memory Modules Removing the Follow these steps to remove the keyboard. keyboard 1. Insert a small, flat-blade screwdriver into the depression between the back of the keyboard and the base of the computer at the left most latch. 2. Carefully rotate the screwdriver backward to move the keyboard from under the left latch.

  • Page 30: Inserting The Memory Module

    Installing Memory Modules Inserting the The system board has three slots for memory modules, one of which is already occupied by memory module the factory-installed memory. You can insert an 8-MB memory module in any slot. You must insert a 16-MB or 32-MB module in either slot 1 or slot 2.

  • Page 31: Closing The Computer

    Installing Memory Modules Closing the Follow these steps to put the keyboard back in place. computer 1. Insert the keyboard support. 2. Insert the four tabs on the bottom of the keyboard into the corresponding slots on the top cover. 3.

  • Page 32: Installing Modular Bay Accessories

    Installing Modular Bay Accessories Using the modular By using the modular bay on your computer, you can modify your computer as your needs change. The modular bay can accept the following accessories. Accessory Added Functionality Floppy disk drive Read from and save to standard module 3.5-inch floppy disks 6X CD-ROM...
  • Page 33 Installing Modular Bay Accessories Follow these steps to change modules. 1. Turn off the computer. 2. Press the release latch on the right side of the computer. release latch 3. Pull out the accessory currently in the modular bay. 4. Remove the new accessory from its carrying container.

  • Page 34: Installing Pc Cards

    Installing PC Cards Using PC cards The computer can accept two Type I or PCMCIA II cards or one Type III card. The following PC cards are available from Texas Instruments. PC Card Added Functionality 28.8 kB/second High-speed, data/fax; uses Speakerphone computer microphone and Modem...

  • Page 35: Removing A Pc Card

    Installing PC Cards 2. Insert the connector end of the PC card label-side up into the slot. 3. Gently push the PC card in as far as it can 4. Save the filler card for later use. Removing a PC card For ease of access your computer does not cover the slots for the PC cards.

  • Page 36: Setting Up Your Desktop

    Setting Up Your Desktop Although your computer gives you high performance wherever you are, you can make your computer more usable as a workstation by setting up your desktop properly. This chapter describes your options while preparing your computer to function like a permanent workstation. Preparing To Install Why to add external accessories .
  • Page 37 Setting Up Your Desktop Connecting an Required cables/connectors ..4-12 Connecting directly to computer ..4-12 External Floppy Disk Drive Connecting a Printer Required cables/connectors ..4-13 Connecting to a DockMate .

  • Page 38: Preparing To Install External Accessories

    Preparing To Install External Accessories Why to add external There are several reasons to add external accessories to your computer. accessories Advantage Example Increased functionality Printers, higher resolution monitors Improved comfort and Keyboard, pointing devices ergonomics Convenience DockMate Docking Solution, numeric keypad, external floppy disk drive Environmental Under most circumstances an office or home...

  • Page 39: Available Accessories

    Preparing To Install External Accessories Available The following external accessories are available for your computer. accessories Accessory What it adds DockMate™ Easy connect/disconnect to desktop accessories DockMate Plus Easy connect/disconnect to desktop ® accessories; connection to SCSI devices DockMate Net Easy connect/disconnect to desktop Ready accessories;...

  • Page 40: Installing A Dockmate Docking Solution

    Installing a DockMate Docking Solution Advantages of a A DockMate Docking Solution is an accessory that connects to the back of your computer and DockMate Docking replicates the various ports on the computer. Solution A DockMate connected to your computer has the following advantages.

  • Page 41: Dockmate Models

    Installing a DockMate Docking Solution DockMate models There are three DockMate models. All of them allow easy connection and disconnection to external accessories. All of them also have two PS/2 ports, allowing you to connect both a keyboard and a mouse. The DockMate Plus and DockMate Net Ready models have additional connectivity options.

  • Page 42: Connecting A Keyboard

    Connecting a Keyboard Required cables/ Keyboards almost always have a built-in cable. Most keyboards today have a PS/2 connector connectors and can connect directly to the PS/2 port on the DockMate or on the computer. Older keyboards have larger connectors, which require a PS/2 adapter.

  • Page 43: Connecting A Pointing Device

    Connecting a Pointing Device Required cables/ A mouse, glidepad, trackball, or other pointing device comes with a built-in cable. Most connectors pointing devices have a PS/2 connector, although some may have a serial connector. If you are not connecting to a DockMate and have an external keyboard connected, you must connect the pointing device to the serial port.

  • Page 44: Connecting A Monitor

    Connecting a Monitor Required cables/ External monitors usually have a built-in cable. Monitor cables use a standard connector, so an connectors adapter is probably not required. Connecting to a Connect the cable to the video out port on the rear of the DockMate. DockMate video out port...
  • Page 45 Connecting a Monitor Supported monitors Your computer has built-in support for the following resolutions and colors. Resolution No. of Colors 640 x 480 256, 64K, 16.8M 800 x 600 256, 64K 1024 x 768 1280 x 1024 If your monitor has special requirements, follow the directions provided by the manufacturer of your monitor to install the correct driver.

  • Page 46: Connecting A Numeric Keypad Accessory

    Connecting a Numeric Keypad Accessory Required cables/ The numeric keypad accessory comes with an integrated cable and is designed to connect to connectors the keyboard PS/2 port. You cannot use the numeric keypad accessory and an external keyboard at the same time. Connecting to a Each DockMate model has two PS/2 ports —...

  • Page 47: Connecting An External Floppy Disk Drive

    Connecting an External Floppy Disk Drive Required cables/ With the addition of a special cable, you can connect the floppy disk drive module to the connectors parallel port. This enables you to have another device in the modular bay and still use floppy disks.

  • Page 48: Connecting A Printer

    Connecting a Printer Required cables/ Most printers do not ship with a cable, so you may need to buy one. connectors Most printers connect through the parallel port on the computer using a standard, Centronics™-type parallel cable. Connecting to a If you are connecting a printer to a DockMate, connect it to the parallel port on the back of the DockMate...

  • Page 49: Connecting Sound Equipment

    Connecting Sound Equipment Types of sound Your computer has a 16-bit sound card, stereo speakers, and a built-in microphone. By adding equipment external sound equipment, you can improve the quality of sound production and increase convenience. When purchasing external sound equipment, keep the following in mind.

  • Page 50: Securing The Computer

    Securing the Computer Why to secure It’s an unfortunate fact of modern life that something as portable and valuable as your computer computer has a chance of leaving your desk in the wrong hands. While the computer itself can be replaced, the data it contains may be irreplaceable.
  • Page 51 Securing the Computer 4-16 Setting Up Your Desktop...

  • Page 52: Installing Software

    Installing Software Installing software on your computer is not much different than installing software on any computer. This chapter provides some guidance to help you select and install software. Selecting Software Purchasing new software ....5-2 Using existing software .

  • Page 53: Selecting Software For The Computer

    Selecting Software for the Computer Purchasing new When purchasing new software for your computer, check the carton and make sure the software software is compatible with your computer in the following ways: • Operating system — If the program is Windows-based, make sure it matches the operating system you have loaded on your computer.

  • Page 54: Loading Software

    Loading Software Loading software Your computer has a standard 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. If you are loading software from from floppy disks floppy disks, insert disk 1 into the floppy disk drive (Drive A) and follow the direction for installing the software. Why you should There are at least three good reasons to have access to a...

  • Page 55: Special Considerations

    Special Considerations Screen resolution Some software packages require a specific screen resolution (usually VGA) for optimal performance. If you have selected a different resolution, you may need to adjust the screen resolution before running the software. Sound settings Some, mostly older software packages require you to provide information about your sound card.

  • Page 56: Battery Operation

    Battery Operation When you are using your computer away from your desktop, you are usually running on battery power. This chapter shows you how to maximize your battery life. General Information Battery characteristics ....6-2 Battery safety.

  • Page 57: General Information About Batteries

    General Information about Batteries Battery The battery pack fits into either the primary battery slot on the left of the computer or in the characteristics modular bay on the right of the computer. The batteries have the following characteristics. • Type: Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) •...

  • Page 58: Disposing Of Used Battery

    General Information about Batteries Disposing of used Always dispose of used batteries in accordance with local regulations. Battery recycling is battery available in some areas. Contact your computer dealer or call Texas Instruments at 1-800-TI- for information about battery recycling TEXAS programs.

  • Page 59: Charging Batteries

    Charging Batteries Determining current The battery has lighted indicators that show, when the computer is on the charge remaining charge in the battery. The following table shows how to interpret the indicators. Indicators Charge in Battery None Fully charged Less than 25% 26% - 50% 51% - 75% 76% - 99%...

  • Page 60: Prolonging Battery Life

    Prolonging Battery Life There are a number of actions you can take to reduce the rate at which your computer depletes the battery. By taking some or all of these actions, you can substantially increase the time you can operate on battery power before recharging the battery.

  • Page 61: Lowering Inactivity Timeouts

    Prolonging Battery Life Lowering inactivity Inactivity timeouts turn off devices in the computer when you are not using them. timeouts Lowering the inactivity timeouts shortens the period of time the computer waits before turning off the device. Inactivity timeouts are defined in the setup programs described in the TravelMate Online Manual.

  • Page 62: Responding To A Low Battery Condition

    Responding to a Low Battery Condition When you are operating the computer on battery power and the charge remaining is down to 20% of the maximum, the low-battery indicator blinks and an audible alarm sounds. When this happens you should take the following actions to conserve battery power and reduce the possibility of data loss.

  • Page 63: Replacing Battery

    Responding to a Low Battery Condition Replacing battery If you have a spare, charged battery, you can do one of the following. • Insert the spare battery in the modular bay. • If you already have a battery in the modular bay, you can replace the primary battery without turning off the computer.

  • Page 64: Disconnecting From The Desktop

    Mobility Although notebook computers can replace the desktop computer, the only reason to pay extra for a notebook computer is mobility. This chapter describes all the considerations to help you take advantage of your computer’s mobility. Overview of Mobility Disconnecting from the desktop ..7-2 Moving around .

  • Page 65: Overview Of Mobility

    Overview of Mobility Disconnecting from No matter where you are taking your computer, you need to disconnect it from your desktop the desktop accessories. Moving around “Moving around” refers to using your computer at different locations within the same building, for example, taking it with you to meetings.

  • Page 66: Disconnecting From The Desktop

    Disconnecting from the Desktop Disconnecting from All DockMate Docking Solutions were designed to facilitate connecting and disconnecting the a DockMate computer. Follow these steps if your computer is connected to a DockMate. 1. Save your work in progress. 2. Shut down the operating system. 3.

  • Page 67: Moving Around

    Moving Around Preparing the You can carry the computer without turning off the power. Press Fn-F3 (Suspend) to blank the computer screen, stop the hard disk drive, and save the current state of the computer. While in Suspend mode, the computer uses only minimal battery charge.

  • Page 68: Taking The Computer Home

    Taking the Computer Home Preparing the After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these steps to prepare the computer computer for the trip home. 1. Remove all media from the drive in the modular bay. Failure to remove the media can damage the drive head.

  • Page 69: Setting Up A Home Office

    Taking the Computer Home • Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation. Allow the computer to return to room temperature, and inspect the screen for condensation before turning on the computer. If the temperature change is greater than 18°F (10°C), allow the computer to come to room temperature slowly.

  • Page 70: Traveling With The Computer

    Traveling with the Computer Preparing the Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. computer Be sure that the battery in the computer is charged. Airport security frequently requires you to turn on your computer when bringing it to the gate area.

  • Page 71: Traveling Internationally With The Computer

    Traveling Internationally with the Computer Preparing the Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling. computer What to bring with Bring the following items with you. • AC adapter • Power cords that are appropriate to the country to which you are traveling •...
  • Page 72 Care and Troubleshooting Regularly take time to check your computer and clean the screen, keyboard, and case to ensure trouble-free computing. If you do experience a problem, use the troubleshooting guide in this chapter to help you correct it quickly. Cleaning the Cleaning the case .

  • Page 73: Cleaning The Computer

    Cleaning the Computer Caution: Never use alcohol, benzene, thinner, or strong chemical agents that could damage the computer case. Never apply liquid directly to the computer, only to a clean cloth. Never spray cleaning fluid or any liquid directly onto the case or screen. Cleaning the case Keep the case of the computer free of dust.

  • Page 74: Troubleshooting Tips

    Troubleshooting Tips Errors at startup Error Corrective Action Computer does • The battery may be low. Use not come on the AC adapter and recharge when power the battery. switch is in the • Ensure the AC adapter cable on position. and power cord are securely connected.

  • Page 75: Battery

    Troubleshooting Tips Battery Error Corrective Action Battery inserted, Press Battery Status button. but LED’s not lit. Battery Status • Make sure AC adapter is button pressed, plugged into computer and but indicators power outlet. not lit. • Insert a different battery. If problem is corrected, first battery is dead.

  • Page 76: Where To Get Help

    Where To Get Help Technical Customer support for your computer is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please assistance have your serial number ready when you call. Phone (US / Canada) (800) TI-TEXAS Option 3,2,2 Phone (International) (817) 771-5856 (817) 774-6660 (800) 735-2989...

  • Page 77: Texas Instruments Worldwide Sales Offices

    Texas Instruments Worldwide Sales Offices Australia Deutschland (Germany) Texas Instruments Australia Ltd. Texas Instruments Deutschland GmbH. 6-10 Talavera Road Personal Productivity Products North Ryde, NSW 2113 Haggertystraße 1 Tel: (02) 878-9000 85356 Freising Fax: (02) 805-1186 Tel: (08161) 80 49 57 Fax: (08161) 80 49 58 Royal Domain Centre Eire (Ireland)

  • Page 78: Texas Instruments Worldwide Sales Offices

    Texas Instruments Worldwide Sales Offices Holland Korea S.A. Texas Instruments Belgium N.V. Texas Instruments Supply Company Korea 11, Avenue Jules Bordetlaan 11, Branch 1140 Bruxelles, Brussel ( Call Hong Kong ) Tel: (32) 2-726-7580 Fax: (02) 242 48 76 Latin America Region Telex: 61161 TEXBEL Texas Instruments Hong Kong...
  • Page 79 Texas Instruments Worldwide Sales Offices Österreich (Austria) Sverige (Sweden) Texas Instruments G.m.b.H. Texas Instruments International Trade Cor- Laxenburgerstraße 52 poration A-1100 Wien (Sverigefilialen) Tel: 01/604 19 31 72 Box 30 Fax: 01/604 19 31 85 S-164 93 Kista Isafjordsgatan 7 Schweiz/Suisse Tel: (08) 752 58 00 Fax: (08) 751 97 15...
  • Page 80 Index computer adjusting to temperature accessories 7-5, 7-6 changes 6X CD-ROM drive module cleaning errors low-battery condition external packing modular bay 4-15 securing weight-reduction module 2-2– starting for the first time adjusting screen brightness alarm, low battery suspending operations 7-5, 7-6 taking home backing up operating system traveling with...
  • Page 81 Index DockMate Docking Solution installing 3-3–3-6 advantages memory modules connecting computer modular bay accessories 3-9, 3-10 connecting external monitor PC cards connecting keyboard printer 4-13 connecting numeric keypad printer driver 4-11 international travel connecting pointing device 4-13 connecting printer 4-15 Kensington lock connecting sound equipment keyboard...
  • Page 82 Index 4-15 securing computer selecting online manual operating system advantages Windows 95 deleting in Windows 95 Windows for Workgroups description setting up home office other manuals software printing from loading starting from WFW purchasing starting from Windows 95 requirements using special considerations operating system using existing...

Table of Contents