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Acer Aspire series User Manual

Aspire series
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Summary of Contents for Acer Aspire series

  • Page 3 Copyright Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks and Aspire is a trademark of Acer Inc. and Acer America Corporation. Microsoft Windows and the Windows Logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corp. All other brands/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
  • Page 4 Welcome Major Benefits Before You Start Safety Instructions Setting Up The System Placement Tips System Overview Computer Front View Computer Rear View System Components System Components The Mouse The Keyboard The Speakers The Monitor Audio DJ CD Storage Unit 3-in-1 Flash Card Readers TV Tuner (Optional) Upgrading Your System Opening The Case...
  • Page 6 Congratulations on purchasing your new Aspire computer! You now have the convenience and flexibility of a full- featured multimedia PC, offering increased productivity combined with first class digital entertainment. ® ® Incorporating the latest Microsoft Windows operating system, your Aspire offers a host of functions designed to improve your computing experience.
  • Page 7 To ensure that you can use your computer safely and correctly, please read this user guide carefully before you start. For future reference, keep this user guide handy at all times. • Follow all warnings and instructions marked on your computer.
  • Page 8 • If your computer causes interference to radio or television reception, try one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the radio or television antenna. Increase the distance between your computer and the radio or television receiver. Connect your computer into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the radio or television is connected.
  • Page 9 viii...
  • Page 10 Take a few moments to study your new Aspire computer system. Learn the locations of the buttons, ports and other hardware features. Description CD Storage Unit* Audio DJ Drive Door* CD-ROM/DVD/CD-RW Drive FDD Drive Front Port Bay Door* Front Port Bay Memory Stick Reader SD/MMC Reader* Microphone-in Port...
  • Page 11 Aspire G600P Aspire M500P...
  • Page 12 Description Power Jack Voltage Selector Switch PS/2 Keyboard Port PS/2 Mouse Port USB Port Lan Port Serial Port Ventilation slot Parallel Port VGA Port Audio Ports 1394 Port Game Port PCI Card slots...
  • Page 13 Aspire G600P Aspire M500P...
  • Page 14 • Monitor - refer to page 13 • Keyboard - refer to page 9 • Mouse - refer to page 6 • Speakers - refer to page 12...
  • Page 15 Your Aspire computer system is made up of several components. These include the computer itself, the monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers. This section provides a brief description of the main component features. The pointing device included in your Aspire computer system is an optical mouse.
  • Page 16 For more help with operating your mouse, see the mouse configuration help on the taskbar. left button scroll wheel right button Corded Mouse If your Aspire computer system includes a corded mouse, you should connect the cord to one of the computer’s USB ports.
  • Page 17 Cordless Mouse A cordless mouse provides the freedom to change your work position without having to cope with an obstructed or tangled cord. If your Aspire computer system includes a cordless mouse, you must allow the mouse and computer to establish radio communication.
  • Page 18 Your Aspire computer system features a multimedia keyboard, providing one-touch control for the most important multimedia functions, as well as instant access to your favorite websites. Your keyboard features a standard set of keys, including 12 function keys, four cursor direction keys and a numeric keypad.
  • Page 19 Two types of multimedia keyboard are available: a standard corded keyboard and a cordless keyboard. The type of keyboard included in your system depends on the system model you purchased. Corded Keyboard If your Aspire computer system includes a corded keyboard, you should connect the cord to the PS/2 keyboard port at the back of the computer before starting Windows.
  • Page 20 Before using your cordless keyboard for the first time, make sure that the batteries are correctly installed. With the computer turned on and the Windows operating system running, move the keyboard within range (not more than 2 meters/6 feet) of the computer. Windows should detect the radio signal and begin using the keyboard.
  • Page 21 Your Aspire computer system comes with a set of speakers designed to maximize your enjoyment of audio CDs and exciting new multimedia. Plug your speakers into the speaker-out port at the back of your computer. Refer to the OOBE poster for more guidance with connecting the speakers.
  • Page 22 Your Aspire computer system includes a monitor designed to provide high quality visual images. The size and type of monitor included in your system depends on the system model you purchased. Plug your monitor into the VGA port at the back of your computer. Refer to the OOBE poster for more guidance with connecting the monitor.
  • Page 23 Audio DJ offers all the convenience of an audio CD player, enabling you to play your favorite music CDs even when your computer is in power-off mode. Operate Audio DJ as follows: • Press any of the six buttons to turn the unit on. If a CD is already loaded, the number of tracks will be displayed on the display panel.
  • Page 24 on-board audio system by running a music player application such as Windows Media Player. Your Aspire computer provides a useful CD storage unit, allowing you to keep your most frequently used CDs handy for quick loading. • Open and close the unit by gently sliding the cover on its tracks.
  • Page 25 SD Card SD (Secure Digital) Card provides secure storage for handheld devices such as cell phones and PDAs. It has the same form factor as the Multimedia Card, but is slightly thicker (2.1mm). Although its encryption capability supports security and content protection applications, its fast data transfer rate (10Mbytes/sec) has made it ideally suited for regular flash memory storage.
  • Page 26 Some models include a TV Tuner card, located in one of the PCI card slots at the back of the computer. The TV Tuner enables you to connect a standard television cable to your computer, allowing you to receive a television signal. The included PowerVCR software allows you to watch TV and record programs, with the added benefit of time- shifting playback.
  • Page 27 To start the instant replay feature, click on it in the master panel while watching TV. Forward, Rewind and Pause controls enable you to navigate, or you can drag the slider control to move between frames more quickly. To record a program while you watch TV, simply click on Record to start, and then click on Stop when you want to finish.
  • Page 28 You can quickly and easily expand your Aspire computer system by adding additional components. Alternatively, you can upgrade existing components to provide enhanced performance. Before you open the case, turn your computer off and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. •...
  • Page 29 • Slide the cover panel off.
  • Page 30 Make sure you only use components that are compatible with your Aspire computer. Consult your dealer about the suitability of new components before you purchase them. To ensure correct installation, refer to the documentation that comes with your new components before you start to add or replace components.Possible upgrade options include the following: •...
  • Page 31 The BIOS Setup utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). Since most computers are already properly configured and optimized, there is no need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems and get the "Run Setup"...
  • Page 32 section at the bottom of the screen displays a brief description of the highlighted item. After selecting an item, press Enter to select it or enter a submenu. The parameters on the screens show default values. These values may not be the same as those in your system. The grayed out items on the screens have fixed settings and are not user-configurable.
  • Page 33 The following table describes the parameters found on this submenu. The settings in boldface are the default and suggested settings. Para- Format/ Description meter Options Date Lets you set the date following Weekday: Sun, the weekday-month-day-year Mon...Sat format. Month: Jan, Feb...Dec Day: 1 to 31 Year: 1980 to...
  • Page 34 Drive A Allows you to configure floppy 1.44 MB, 3.5- drive A. inch None 360 KB, 5.25-inch 1.2 MB, 5.25-inch 720 KB, 3.5-inch 2.88 MB, 3.5-inch Drive B Allows you to configure floppy None drive B (if one is present). 360 KB, 5.25-inch 1.2 MB, 5.25-inch 720 KB, 3.5-inch...

  • Page 35: Ide Primary Master/Slave And Ide Secondary Master/Slave Setup

    Total Memory Shows the total base and extended memory available on the system. The memory size is automatically detected by BIOS during the power-on self test (POST). If you install additional memory, the computer automat- ically adjusts this parameter to display the new memory size.

  • Page 36: Advanced Bios Features

    Advanced BIOS Features The following screen appears if you select Advanced BIOS Features from the Main menu: The following table describes the parameters found on this submenu. The settings in boldface are the default and suggested settings. Parameter Description Format/Options Virus Warn- Allows you to choose the Enabled...
  • Page 37 Second Boot Allows you to specify the sec- Floppy Device ond device in the system boot CDROM up search sequence. Third Boot Allows you to specify the Device third device in the system Floppy boot up search sequence. CDROM Boot Other Allows you to specify the Enabled Device...

  • Page 38: Advanced Chipset Features

    Advanced Chipset Features The following screen appears if you select Advanced Chipset Features from the Main menu: The following table describes the parameters found on this submenu. The settings in boldface are the default and suggested settings. Parameter Description Format/Options Memory Hole Lets you reserve system mem- Disabled...
  • Page 39 Integrated Peripherals The following screen appears if you select Integrated Peripherals from the Main menu: The following table describes the parameters found on this submenu. The settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings. Parameter Description Options On-Chip Pri- These parameters let you enable Enabled mary PCI IDE...
  • Page 40 IDE Primary These four IDE PIO (Programmed Auto Master PIO Input/Output) fields let you set the Mode 1 IDE Primary PIO mode for each of the four IDE Mode 2 Slave PIO devices supported by the onboard Mode 3 IDE Secondary IDE interface.
  • Page 41 AC97 Audio Enables or disables the on-die Auto AC97 Audio if there is no add-on Disabled PCI Audio device. IDE HDD Block Enabling this item enhances disk Enabled Mode performance by allowing multisec- Disabled tor data transfers and eliminating the interrupt handling time for each sector.

  • Page 42: Power Management Setup

    Power Management Setup The Power Management menu lets you configure the computer power-management feature. The following screen shows the Power Management parameters and their default settings: Settings in boldface are the default and suggested settings. Parameter Description Format/Options Power Man- Allows you to set the default User Define agement...
  • Page 43 Soft-Off by Use this option to determine Delay 4 sec. PWR-BTTN the manner by which the sys- Instant-Off tem enters the soft-off state after pressing the power but- ton for more than 4 seconds. Delay 4 sec. The power button can be used to power on/off and enter suspend mode.

  • Page 44: Power Management Mode Table

    Power Management Mode Table HDD Power Mode Doze Standby Suspend Down Max Saving 1 hour 1 hour 1 hour 15 min. Min Saving 1 min. 1min. 1 min. 1 min. PnP/PCI Configurations The PnP/PCI Configurations submenu allows you to specify the settings for your PCI devices.

  • Page 45: Load Default Settings

    If your ISA card is not PnP-com- PCI Device Resources patible and requires a special Reserved IRQ3 (COM2) IRQ to support its function, set IRQ4 (COM1) the selected IRQ to Legacy ISA. IRQ5 (Net- This setting informs the PnP work/Sound BIOS to reserve the selected or Others) IRQ for the installed legacy ISA...
  • Page 46 Choosing Y enables BIOS to restore the default factory settings. Choosing N returns you to the Main menu without loading the default settings. The default setup values may not be the best setting for your mainboard, but these values are considered reliable settings, especially if you have limited loading of add-on cards and memory size (for example, a system that contains only a VGA/sound card and two DIMMs).
  • Page 47 at boot up and entry to Setup. If set to Setup, password prompt only occurs when you try to enter Setup. Set User Password The Set User Password function of the Main menu allows you the option to set a password that will be required before a user could boot up the system.
  • Page 48 Exit without Saving When you want to quit from the Setup utility without saving the changes you have made, select Exit Without Saving from the Main menu. The dialog box below will appear: Pressing Y will allow you to quit from the Setup utility without saving any changes.
  • Page 49 This section attempts to answer some frequently asked questions regarding your Aspire computer system, as well as offering tips for troubleshooting problems. Refer to the online help file for additional information about your Aspire computer system. Also, see the iTouch configuration for help with setting up and using the keyboard, and the mouse configuration...
  • Page 50 should first cover the surface with a non-reflective object, such as a book or a sheet of paper. If you are using a cordless mouse, see the section below for help with establishing good radio communication between the mouse and the receiver. Q: My floppy drive (FDD) is unable to read my dis- kette? A: First, eject the disk, and then reinsert it before trying to...
  • Page 51 advice on returning your system settings to a previous configuration. In extreme cases, you might want to return your computer to the factory default settings. The included recovery CD allows you to restore the software to the state it was in when you first purchased your Aspire computer system.
  • Page 52 computer, and then pressing the connect button on your mouse or keyboard. Q: Do my Aspire cordless mouse and keyboard use radio frequency or infrared technology? A: The Aspire cordless mouse and keyboard both use radio frequency to communicate with a receiver built into the computer.
  • Page 53 with a metal frame, try raising the computer, mouse and keyboard an inch or so above the surface using a thick mouse pad or a book. Experiment with different locations and positions. Q: Will my cordless mouse or keyboard interfere with my cordless phone? A: It is most unlikely.
  • Page 54 Perform these same steps on any other cordless devices in the area that are experiencing cross talk. Q: When I type on my cordless keyboard, the text is displayed on another system that is using a cord- less keyboard. How can I stop this? A: This is another example of cross talk, and so the above solutions apply.

This manual is also suitable for:

Aspire g600pAspire m500p