Acer A315-21G User Manual
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Acer A315-21G User Manual

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USER'S MANUAL

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  • Page 1 USER’S MANUAL...
  • Page 2 This revision: March 2017 Sign up for an Acer ID and enjoy great benefits Open the Acer Portal app to sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID. There are three great reasons for you to get an Acer ID: •...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Taking care of your AC adapter ....7 Checking the battery level......41 Cleaning and servicing........ 7 Battery-low warning ........41 Your Acer notebook tour Traveling with your computer Screen view ..........8 Disconnecting from the desktop .... 42 Keyboard view ......... 9 Moving around ........
  • Page 4 • Where to find the power button, ports and connectors • Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard • How to create recovery backups • Guidelines for connecting to a network and using Bluetooth • Information on using Acer’s bundled software...

  • Page 5: First Things First

    First things first - 5 I R S T T H I N G S F I R S T We would like to thank you for making this Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides...

  • Page 6: Taking Care Of Your Computer

    Taking care of your computer Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it. • Only use the adapter provided with your device, or an Acer- approved adapter to power your device. • Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator.

  • Page 7: Taking Care Of Your Ac Adapter

    1. Turn off the computer. 2. Disconnect the AC adapter. 3. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. If your computer is dropped or visibly damaged, or does not work normally, please contact your nearest authorized Acer service center.

  • Page 8: Your Acer Notebook Tour

    O U R C E R N O T E B O O K T O U R After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Acer computer. Screen view Icon...

  • Page 9: Keyboard View

    Your Acer notebook tour - 9 Keyboard view Icon Item Description For entering data into your computer. Keyboard See "Using the keyboard" on page Touch-sensitive pointing device. The touchpad and selection buttons form a single surface. Touchpad Press down firmly on the touchpad surface to perform a left click.

  • Page 10: Left View

    10 - Your Acer notebook tour Left view 3 4 5 Icon Item Description Kensington lock Connects to a Kensington-compatible slot security lock. Connects to an Ethernet 10/100/ Ethernet (RJ-45) 1000-based network. port Pull the lip down to open the port fully.

  • Page 11: Right View

    Your Acer notebook tour - 11 Right view Icon Item Description Connects to audio devices (e.g., Headset/ speakers, headphones) or a headset speaker jack with microphone. USB port Connects to USB devices. Indicates the computer’s power Power indicator status. Indicates the computer’s battery status.

  • Page 12: Base View

    12 - Your Acer notebook tour Base view Icon Item Description Allows the computer to stay cool. Ventilation and Do not cover or obstruct the cooling fan openings. Simulates removing and reinstalling Battery reset the battery. Insert a paperclip into the hole and pinhole press for four seconds.

  • Page 13: Using The Keyboard

    Using the keyboard - 13 S I N G T H E K E Y B O A R D The keyboard has full-sized keys and a separate numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys. Lock keys The keyboard has lock keys which you can use to turn keyboard functions on and off.

  • Page 14: Windows Keys

    14 - Using the keyboard Hotkey Icon Function Description Turns the display screen Fn + F6 Display off backlight off to save power. Press any key to return. Touchpad Turns the built-in touchpad on Fn + F7 toggle and off. Fn + F8 Speaker toggle Turns the speakers on and off.

  • Page 15: Using The Precision Touchpad

    Using the Precision Touchpad - 15 S I N G T H E R E C I S I O N O U C H P A D The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement.

  • Page 16: Changing Touchpad Settings

    16 - Using the Precision Touchpad Three-finger press Lightly tap the touchpad with three fingers to open Cortana (if your computer supports Cortana) or open the Action Center (if your computer does not support Cortana). Three-finger swipe Swipe across the touchpad with three fingers. •...
  • Page 17 Using the Precision Touchpad - 17 3. Select Devices > Mouse & touchpad. 4. Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal needs. You can change the primary button for left- or right-handed use, turn the touchpad off if you prefer to use a mouse, or set a delay to prevent the cursor from moving if you accidentally tap the touchpad with your palm while working.

  • Page 18: Recovery

    51) do not help, you can recover your computer. This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer. Acer provides Acer Care Center, which allows you to reset your PC, refresh your PC, or create a factory default backup. Note Acer Care Center is only available with a pre-installed Windows operating system.
  • Page 19 Recovery - 19 2. Select the Backup tab and click Get Started for Create Factory Default Backup to open the Recovery Drive window. 3. Make sure Backup system files to the recovery drive is selected and click Next. 4. Plug in the USB drive and wait for the PC to detect the USB drive then click Next.
  • Page 20 20 - Recovery • Since the recovery backup requires at least 8 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 16 GB or larger. 5. Everything on the drive will be deleted. Click Create to continue. 6.

  • Page 21: Backing Up Your Wireless And Lan Drivers

    LAN drivers if you install another operating system. 1. From Start, select All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps. 2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Backup wireless and LAN drivers.

  • Page 22: Reset This Pc And Remove Everything

    8. When your PC has completed the reset process, Windows will have been reset back to its factory default settings without removing your personal files. Reset this PC and remove everything 1. From Start, select All apps then Acer. Select Acer Recovery Management in the list of Acer apps.
  • Page 23 Recovery - 23 2. Select the Restore tab and click Get Started to Choose an option. 3. Select Remove everything to reset your PC back to its factory default. This process will reinstall your operating system and remove all of your personal files, apps, and settings. 4.
  • Page 24 24 - Recovery your computer. This process will take longer, but will be more secure. Warning Selecting "Remove files and clean the drive" will remove all of your personal files and accounts, along with pre-existing drivers that may affect your Windows installation. 5.

  • Page 25: Using A Bluetooth Connection

    Using a Bluetooth connection - 25 S I N G A L U E T O O T H C O N N E C T I O N Bluetooth is a technology enabling you to transfer data wirelessly over short distances between many different types of devices.
  • Page 26 26 - Using a Bluetooth connection 3. Select the device you wish to pair from the list of discovered devices, and select Pair. 4. A code displays on your computer, which should match the code displayed on your device. Select Yes. Then, accept the pairing from your device.

  • Page 27: Connecting To The Internet

    Acer notebook computers feature an Airplane mode hotkey that turns the network connection on or off. You can use the network management options to turn your wireless network on/off or control...
  • Page 28 28 - Connecting to the Internet To connect to a wireless network, please follow the steps below. 1. Ensure you have a wireless router/access point and current internet connection through the ISP of your choice. Make a note of the wireless network’s name and password (if necessary).
  • Page 29 Connecting to the Internet - 29 5. Make sure Wi-Fi is On and select Show available networks. 6. You will see a list of available wireless networks. Select the one you wish to use.
  • Page 30 30 - Connecting to the Internet 7. Once you select a wireless network, select Connect. 8. If required, enter the network’s password.

  • Page 31: Connecting With A Cable

    Connecting to the Internet - 31 Connecting with a cable Built-in network feature If your computer has a network port, plug one end of a network cable into the network port on your computer, and the other end into a port on your router (refer to the image below.) Then, you'll be ready to get online.

  • Page 32: 32 - Bluelight Shield

    The Bluelight Shield can be enabled to reduce blue-light emissions from the screen to protect your eyes. To configure the Bluelight Shield, Search for ’Acer Quick Access’ in the Start Menu. From here you can toggle Bluelight Shield on or off, and you can choose from four different modes to fit your needs: No.
  • Page 33 Keeping your computer and data safe... In this section you will find: • How to secure your computer • Setting passwords • What you need to prepare when you’re traveling • How to get the most out of your battery...

  • Page 34: Securing Your Computer

    34 - Securing your computer E C U R I N G Y O U R C O MP U TE R Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Security features include hardware and software locks —...

  • Page 35: Entering Passwords

    Securing your computer - 35 Entering passwords When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the display screen. • When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you enter the BIOS utility. • Type the Supervisor Password and press Enter to access the BIOS utility.

  • Page 36: Bios Utility

    36 - BIOS utility B I O S U T I L I T Y The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS. Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not normally need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it.

  • Page 37: Power Management

    Power management - 37 O W E R M A N A G E M E N T This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, hard disk, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory.
  • Page 38 38 - Power management 5. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 6. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 7. Select Save changes.

  • Page 39: Battery Pack

    Battery pack - 39 A T T E R Y P A C K The computer uses an embedded Lithium battery that gives you long use between charges. Battery characteristics The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter.

  • Page 40: Optimizing Battery Life

    40 - Battery pack Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. Warning Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 45° C (113° F). Extreme temperatures may adversely affect the battery pack.

  • Page 41: Checking The Battery Level

    Battery pack - 41 Checking the battery level The power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the cursor over the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's present charge level. Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the power meter. Important Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears.

  • Page 42: Traveling With Your Computer

    42 - Traveling with your computer R A V E L I N G W I T H Y O U R C O M P U T E R This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer.

  • Page 43: What To Bring To Meetings

    Traveling with your computer - 43 You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing the Sleep hotkey or by closing the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, open the display and, if necessary, press and release the power button. Note The computer may enter Hibernation or Deep Sleep mode after being in Sleep mode for a period of time.

  • Page 44: What To Take With You

    44 - Traveling with your computer What to take with you Unless you have some items at home, take the following items with you: • AC adapter and power cord. • The printed Setup Guide. Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: •...

  • Page 45: Traveling With The Computer

    Traveling with your computer - 45 Traveling with the computer Important Check with your airline for any special requirements for travelling with Lithium batteries. When you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office building to a client's office building or traveling locally. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home.

  • Page 46: Preparing The Computer

    46 - Traveling with your computer Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling. What to bring with you Bring the following items with you: • AC adapter. • Power cords that are appropriate for your destination(s). •...
  • Page 47 Ports and connectors... In this section you will find: • Information on the ports and connectors fitted to your computer...

  • Page 48: Universal Serial Bus (Usb)

    Note Two USB standards are currently available on Acer computers: USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) and USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB). USB 2.0 ports on Acer computers have a black tongue in the port, while USB 3.0 ports have a blue tongue. For best performance, USB 3.0 devices should always be plugged into USB 3.0 ports.

  • Page 49: Sd Card Reader

    SD card reader - 49 C A R D R E A D E R SD (Secure Digital) cards are used in a wide selection of digital cameras, tablets, media players and cellular phones. Inserting an SD card 1. Align the card so that the connector points towards the port, with the connectors facing down.

  • Page 50: Hdmi

    50 - HDMI H D M I HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a high-quality, digital audio/video interface. HDMI allows you to connect any compatible digital audio/video source, such as your computer, a set-top box, DVD player, and audio/video receiver to any compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV) with a single cable.
  • Page 51 Got a question? In this section you will find: • Frequently asked questions • Tips for using Windows 10 • Troubleshooting information • How to protect yourself while online • Where to find Acer service center contact information...

  • Page 52: Frequently Asked Questions

    52 - Frequently asked questions R E Q U E N TL Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer.
  • Page 53 Before performing a restore operation, please check the BIOS settings. 1. Check to see if Acer disk-to-disk recovery is enabled or not. 2. If there is a D2D Recovery setting in Main, make sure it is Enabled.

  • Page 54: Requesting Service

    54 - Frequently asked questions Note To access the BIOS utility, press F2 when you see the Acer logo during boot For more information, see Restoring your computer on page Requesting service International Travelers Warranty (ITW) Your computer is backed by an International Travelers Warranty (ITW) that gives you security and peace of mind when traveling.

  • Page 55: Tips And Hints For Using Windows 10

    F r e qu e nt ly a sk Frequently asked questions - 55 Tips and hints for using Windows 10 We know this is a new operating system that will take some getting used to, so we've created a few pointers to help you get started. How do I get to Start? Tap the Start button on the lower left-hand corner of the screen.
  • Page 56 56 - Frequently asked questions To change the background, tap the Windows Start button and tap Settings > Personalization. From here you can: • Select a background image for the lock screen • Turn the Slide show on or off •...

  • Page 57: How Do I Set The Alarm

    Frequently asked questions - 57 How do I set the alarm? Your computer can act as an alarm clock. Type ’Alarms’ to search for the Alarms & Clock app. 1. Select an alarm from the list, or select the + in the lower-right corner to create a new alarm.

  • Page 58: What Is A Microsoft Id (Account)

    58 - Frequently asked questions How do I make an app appear on Start? If you're in All apps and you want to make an app appear on Start, tap and hold the app until you see the screen dim. When you release the app, tap Pin to Start from the menu that appears.

  • Page 59: How Do I Check For Windows Updates

    Tap the Windows Start button > Settings > Update & recovery > Windows Update. Tap Advanced options to configure the settings. Where can I get more information? For more information please visit the following pages: • Windows 10 information: go.acer.com/windows-tutorial • Support FAQs: support.acer.com...

  • Page 60: Troubleshooting

    Fr eq u en tl y as ked qu es t io ns 60 - Frequently asked questions Troubleshooting This chapter shows you 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.
  • Page 61 Frequently asked questions - 61 Error messages Corrective action Keyboard error or no Contact your dealer or an authorized service keyboard connected center. Keyboard interface Contact your dealer or an authorized service error center. Press F2 (during POST) to enter the BIOS Memory size utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to mismatch...

  • Page 62: Internet And Online Security

    62 - Internet and online security N T E R N E T A N D O N L I N E S E C U R I T Y First steps on the net Protecting your computer It is vital to protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the internet (see Internet security software on page 66).
  • Page 63 Internet and online security - 63 internet as the connection speed is low and connection time is typically charged per hour. DSL (e.g. ADSL) DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an ‘always-on’ connection that runs over the phone line. As DSL and phone do not use the same frequencies, you can use your telephone at the same time you are connected to the internet (this requires a ‘micro-filter’...

  • Page 64: Network Connections

    64 - Internet and online security Network connections A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers (for example, within an office building or home) that share a common communications line and resources. When you set up a network, you can share files, peripheral devices (such as a printer) and an internet connection.

  • Page 65: Surf The Net

    Acer is dedicated to provide you with on-going personalized support. Check out our Support section to get help tailored to your needs. www.acer.com is your portal to a world of online activities and services: visit us regularly for the latest information and downloads!

  • Page 66: Internet Security Software

    66 - Internet and online security Internet security software To help you stay ahead of cybercriminals, Acer has partnered with Norton to offer you security for all your devices. Select Acer computers include protection by Norton Security Norton Security is pre-installed on select Acer computers, protecting your identity and financial data from viruses, spyware, malware and other online threats.
  • Page 67 Internet and online security - 67 company like Norton or Microsoft and that you have a virus. The main motive behind these scams is to extort money from the victim. Cybercriminals can also install malware such as keylogging software or backdoor Trojans in order to gain access to personal information. How to stay safe: Don't fall for phone calls that tell you your software or computer isn't working.
  • Page 68 68 - Internet and online security tablet, or IoT device is entirely under the control of the person who created the botnet. Most people who are infected with botnets aren't even aware that their computer's security has become compromised! What to do if you're infected: If you're infected you probably don't realize it as bots are notoriously quiet.
  • Page 69 Internet and online security - 69 can encrypt all the data that you send and receive while using a public Wi-Fi hotspot, securing your information from hackers and other users of the same connection. For more tips on how to stay safe Good security habits can reduce your exposure to online crime.

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