1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Acer Manuals
  4. Desktop
  5. Aspire EL
  6. User manual

Acer Aspire EL User Manual

Acer aspire el: users guide
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Aspire EL
User's guide

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Acer Aspire EL

Summary of Contents for Acer Aspire EL

  • Page 1 Aspire EL User’s guide...
  • Page 2 Serial Number: ___________________________________ Purchase Date: ___________________________________ Place of Purchase: ________________________________ Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other company's product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to their respective companies.

  • Page 3: Fcc Notice

    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.

  • Page 4: Important Safety Instructions

    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 5: Year 2000 Compliance Statement

    SPT-2, rated 7A 125V minimum, VDE approved or its equivalent. Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters). Year 2000 compliance statement The Aspire EL computer carries the "Hardware NSTL Tested Year 2000 Compliant" logo, which certifies that this model has been tested by NSTL using...

  • Page 6: Laser Compliance Statement

    CAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM. TCO 95 compliant The Aspire EL computer is a TCO 95 approved and labelled product. TCO 95 provides international environmental and quality labelling of personal computers. The labelling scheme was developed as a joint effort by the TCO...

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Welcome! Package contents Before you start... Important tips Cleaning and servicing Asking for technical assistance Accessing your online guide 2 Getting to know your Aspire EL Features The front panel The rear panel The keyboard The mouse Disk drives Hard disk 3.5-inch floppy drive...
  • Page 8 4 Adding options to your Aspire EL Connecting options Printer Network Modem (optional) Multimedia devices USB devices Turning on your computer Turning off your computer Configuring your Acer GoTo drive Upgrading your computer Mainboard System utilities 5 Need help? Index...

  • Page 9: First Things First

    1 First things first...
  • Page 10 This chapter describes the contents of your computer package and also provides important tips on how to take care of your computer.

  • Page 11: Welcome

    Welcome! Welcome and thank you for purchasing the Aspire EL computer. You are now the proud owner of a top of the line multimedia computer system. Your Aspire EL computer comes preinstalled with software programs that will enable you to: •...

  • Page 12: Package Contents

    Items contained in the accessory box • USB mouse • Power cable • User’s guide • Acer GoTo swappable drive (optional) • Other user documentation and third-party software • Aspire EL Warranty Guide (in selected countries only) 1 First things first...

  • Page 13: Before You Start

    Before 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.

  • Page 14: Asking For Technical Assistance

    Accessing your online guide For on-the-go help information about your computer, refer to the Aspire EL online guide. To access the online guide, simply double-click on the Aspire EL online icon on your Windows desktop. 1 First things first...

  • Page 15: Getting To Know Your Aspire El

    2 Getting to know your Aspire EL...
  • Page 16 This chapter discusses the features and components of your computer.

  • Page 17: Features

    Features 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 •...
  • Page 18 3 PCI slots + 3 DIMM slots + 1 AGP slot • Upgradeable memory and hard disk • Acer GoTo swappable drive (optional) Human-centric design and ergonomics • Smooth and stylish design • Low emission and low radiation 2 Getting to know your Aspire EL...

  • Page 19: The Front Panel

    Speaker/Headphone-out port CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive activity indicator CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive emergency eject hole CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive Stop/Eject button Acer GoTo drive bay keylock Acer GoTo drive activity indicator Acer GoTo drive (optional) Power indicator LAN activity indicator Hard disk activity indicator Description Power button 3.5-inch floppy drive eject...

  • Page 20: The Rear Panel

    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. Your computer’s rear panel consists of the following: Icon 2 Getting to know your Aspire EL Color Description Main power switch Voltage selector switch...
  • Page 21 Icon Color Green Black Black Burgundy Teal or turquoise Lime Gold Light blue Black Blue Description PS/2 mouse port System fan 2 Network port Rear USB ports Parallel/printer port Serial ports Keyhole Audio-out/Line-out port Game/MIDI port Audio-in/Line-in port Microphone-in port Monitor/VGA port Expansion slots...

  • Page 22: The Keyboard

    “Connecting peripherals” on page 27 Component Function keys (F1 - F12) Caps Lock 2 Getting to know your Aspire EL Function Access most of the computer’s controls like screen brightness, volume output and the BIOS Setup utility. When activated, all alphabetic characters typed appear in uppercase (same function as pressing Shift + <letter>).
  • Page 23 Component Windows logo key Application key Cursor keys Palm rest (detachable) Num Lock Scroll Lock Volume control/ Mute knob Function Start button. Combinations with this key perform special functions, such as: • Windows + Tab: Activate the next Taskbar button •...
  • Page 24 Component Multimedia keys Internet/Suspend keys Programmable keys 2 Getting to know your Aspire EL Function Allow you to do the following: • Play/Pause button start playing the audio or video file. Press again to pause. • Stop button - press to stop playing the audio or video file.

  • Page 25: The Mouse

    The mouse Your 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).

  • Page 26: Disk Drives

    Disk drives Your Aspire EL computer comes with the following disk drives: Hard disk Your computer is preinstalled with a high-capacity Enhanced-IDE (E-IDE) hard disk. 3.5-inch floppy drive Your computer’s 3.5-inch floppy drive supports 720-KB, 1.44-MB and 2.88-MB capacity diskettes.

  • Page 27: Cd-Rom/Dvd-Rom/Cd-Rw Drive

    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.
  • Page 28 • Keep your discs in a disk case when not in use to avoid scratches or other damage. Your 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 computer from successfully reading the disc.
  • Page 29 To insert a CD/DVD into your computer’s CD-ROM/DVD- ROM/CD-RW drive: Gently press the drive Stop/Eject button located on the front panel. When the disc tray slides open, insert the CD/DVD with the label or title side of the disc facing upward. Gently press the disc down to make sure that it is properly inserted.

  • Page 30: Acer Goto Drive Bay

    Caution! NEVER attempt to swap in or out a drive module in the Acer GoTo drive bay while the system is on. Doing so can result to data loss, system crash and damage to both the swappable hard disk and the computer system.

  • Page 31: Setting Up Your Aspire El

    3 Setting up your Aspire EL...
  • Page 32 This chapter contains step-by-step instructions on how to set up your computer.

  • Page 33: Arranging A Comfortable Work Area

    Rest your body on the chair back. Your torso works harder to maintain balance if you do not rest your body on the chair back. Positioning your Aspire EL • Do not put your computer near any equipment that might cause...

  • Page 34: Positioning Your Keyboard

    Adjust its position to allow enough space for movement without making you stretch or lean over. • Use your arm to move the mouse. Do not rest your wrist on the table when moving the mouse. 3 Setting up your Aspire EL...

  • Page 35: Connecting Peripherals

    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.

  • Page 36: Usb Keyboard

    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. 3 Setting up your Aspire EL...

  • Page 37: Monitor

    Monitor To 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.

  • Page 38: Power Cable

    Plug the power cable into the power cable socket located on the rear panel of your computer. Then plug the other end of the power cable into a power outlet. The figure below shows a complete connection of the whole system. 3 Setting up your Aspire EL...

  • Page 39: Adding Options To Your Aspire El

    4 Adding options to your Aspire EL...
  • Page 40 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...

  • Page 41: Connecting Options

    Connecting options Printer Your Aspire EL computer supports serial, parallel and USB printers. To 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 on the rear panel of your computer.

  • Page 42: Network

    To 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. 4 Adding options to your Aspire EL...

  • Page 43: Modem (Optional)

    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.

  • Page 44: Multimedia Devices

    Multimedia devices Your 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: •...
  • Page 45 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.

  • Page 46: Usb Devices

    USB ports. The Plug and Play function of your USB interface allows you to connect and disconnect a USB device without turning off your computer. Note: Most USB devices have a built-in USB port which allows you to daisy-chain other devices. 4 Adding options to your Aspire EL...

  • Page 47: Turning On Your Computer

    Turning 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. To turn on your computer: Turn on all peripherals connected to your computer such as the monitor, printer, fax, speakers, etc.
  • Page 48 Important: Make sure that the power cable is properly plugged in into an electrical outlet. If you are using a power strip or an AVR (Auto-Voltage Regulator), make sure that it is plugged in and turned on. 4 Adding options to your Aspire EL...

  • Page 49: Turning Off Your Computer

    Turning off your computer To 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. You can then turn off all peripherals connected to your computer.

  • Page 50: Configuring Your Acer Goto Drive

    Follow the steps below in configuring your Acer GoTo drive: Turn off your computer. Remove the Acer GoTo drive frame from the bay as in the following figure: Unlock the Acer GoTo drive bay using the key shipped in with your computer.
  • Page 51 Remove the four screws that hold the hard disk to the drive frame (a), remove the frame cover (b) then the hard disk (c). 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).
  • Page 52 Reinstall the drive frame into the Acer GoTo drive bay (a) then lock the drive bay (b). Turn on your computer. Your Acer GoTo 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 drive installed.

  • Page 53: Upgrading Your Computer

    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 assistance.

  • Page 54: Mainboard

    4 Adding options to your Aspire EL Mainboard 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.
  • Page 55 Label Component AGP slot Battery CNM1 SmartCard connector (shared connection with serial port 2) CNSW1 IDE cold-swap pin CNX 1 Audio FPIO connector PS/2 mouse (upper) and keyboard (lower) ports Power connector Network (upper) and USB (lower) ports Parallel port (upper) and serial ports (lower) Memory Stick connector (optional) IDE 2 connector IDE 1 connector...
  • Page 56 LAN active LED connector Model select 1-2 Clear CMOS JP14 2-3 Normal* PCI slot 1-3 PCI 1 PCI 2 PCI 3 CPU socket Intel 845 socket SMSC chipset Intel ICH2 chipset BIOS chipset 4 Adding options to your Aspire EL...

  • Page 57: System Utilities

    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.
  • Page 58 4 Adding options to your Aspire EL...

  • Page 59: Need Help

    5 Need help?
  • Page 60 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.
  • Page 61 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..
  • Page 62 Q: Nothing appears on the screen. A: Your 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 for support.
  • Page 63 • 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.
  • Page 64 5 Need help?

  • Page 65: Index

    USB devices disk drives Acer GoTo drive configuring CD-ROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive ejecting inserting floppy drive not write protect write protect hard disk drive features connectivity design ergonomics expansion...

Table of Contents