Acer Aspire 5100 User Manual

Aspire 5110/5100/3100 SeriesUser's Guide

xTaking care of your battery packHere are some ways to take care of your battery pack:• Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the

86EnglishRadio device regulatory noticeNote: Below regulatory information is for models with wireless LAN and/or Bluetooth only.GeneralThis product co

87EnglishEnglishList of applicable countriesEU member states as of May 2004 are: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Lux

88English2 This device is restricted to indoor use due to its operation in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency range. FCC requires this product to be used

89EnglishEnglishFederal Communications ComissionDeclaration of ConformityThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to t

90EnglishDeclaration of Conformity for CE MarkingIs in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the following EC di

91EnglishEnglishLCD panel ergonomic specificationsDesign viewing distance 500 mmDesign inclination angle 0.0°Design azimuth angle 90.0°Viewing directi

92EnglishIndexAAC adaptercaring for ixaudio 35adjusting the volume 35troubleshooting 42Bbattery packcaring for xBIOS utility 74brigh

93Englishnum lock 30on indicator 26numeric keypadembedded 30Ppassword 63types 63PC Card 68ejecting 68inserting 68ports 65pr

Information for your safety and comfort iiiSafety instructions iiiDisposal instructions vTips and information for comfortable use viFirst things first

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) 38Launch Manager 39Norton AntiVirus 40Frequently asked questions 41Requesting service 44International Travele

Setting up a home office 61Traveling with the computer 61Preparing the computer 61What to take with you 61Special considerations 62Traveling internati

Laser compliance statement 85LCD pixel statement 85Macrovision copyright protection notice 85Radio device regulatory notice 86General 86European Union

1Empowering TechnologyAcer Empowering TechnologyAcer's innovative Empowering Technology toolbar makes it easy for you to access frequently used f

2Empowering TechnologyAcer eDataSecurity Management (for selected models)Acer eDataSecurity Management is a handy file encryption utility that prote

3Empowering TechnologyAcer eLock Management Acer eLock Management is a security utility that allows you to lock your removable data, optical and flopp

4Empowering TechnologyTo activate Acer eLock Management, a password must be set first. Once set, you can apply locks to any of the devices types. Lock

5Empowering TechnologyAcer ePerformance Management Acer ePerformance Management is a system optimization tool that boosts the performance of your Acer

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Such cha

6Empowering TechnologyAcer eRecovery Management Acer eRecovery Management is a powerful utility that does away with the need for recovery disks provid

7Empowering TechnologyFor more information, please refer to "Acer eRecovery Management" on page 76 in the AcerSystem User's Guide.Note:

8Empowering TechnologyAcer eSettings Management Acer eSettings Management allows you to inspect hardware specifications, change BIOS passwords or othe

9Empowering TechnologyAcer ePower Management Acer ePower Management features a straightforward user interface. To launch it, select Acer ePower Manage

10Empowering TechnologyBattery statusFor real-time battery life estimates based on current usage, refer to the panel in the upper half of the window..

11Empowering Technology

12Empowering TechnologyAcer ePresentation Management Acer ePresentation Management lets you project your computer's display to an external device

13EnglishYour Acer notebook tourAfter setting up your computer as illustrated in the Just for Starters... poster, let us show you around your new Acer

14EnglishClosed front view3 Keyboard For entering data into your computer.4 Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device which functions like a computer m

15English3 Wireless communication button/indicatorEnables/disables the wireless function. Indicates the status of wireless LAN communication.4 Power i

iiiInformation for your safety and comfortSafety instructionsRead these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all wa

16EnglishLeft view# Icon Item Description1 Kensington lock slotConnects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock.2 Ventilation slots Enable t

17EnglishRight view# Item Description1 Optical drive Internal optical drive; accepts CDs or DVDs.2 Optical disk access indicatorLights up when the opt

18EnglishRear view# Icon Item Description1 Modem (RJ-11) port Connects to a phone line.2 Two USB 2.0 ports Connect to USB 2.0 devices (e.g., USB mouse

19EnglishBase view# Item Description1 Hard disk bay Houses the computer's hard disk (secured with screws). 2 Memory compartment Houses the comput

20EnglishSpecificationsOperating system• Windows® Vista™ Capable• Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition (Service Pack 2)• Genuine Windows® XP Media Center

21EnglishTV-tuner Acer TV-tuner options (for selected models):• Analog TV-tuner supporting hardware MPEG-2 stream encoding• Digital and analog hybrid

22EnglishAudio• High Definition audio support• S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) support for digital speakers (for selected models)• Audio syste

23EnglishDimensions and weightAspire 5110 Series• 358 (W) x 269 (D) x 29.8/33.8 (H) mm (14.1 x 10.6 x 1.17/1.33 inches)• 3.0 Kg (6.61 lbs.) for 15.4&q

24EnglishSpecial keys and controls• 88-/89-key keyboard, with inverted "T" cursor layout; 2.5 mm (minimum) key travel, international languag

25EnglishNote: The specifications listed above are for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on the model purchased.Software• Ace

iv•This product's AC adapter is equipped with a three-wire grounded plug. The plug only fits in a grounded power outlet. Make sure the power outl

26EnglishIndicatorsThe computer has serveral easy-to-read status indicators.The front panel indicators are visible even when the computer cover is clo

27EnglishEasy-launch buttonsLocated above the keyboard are four buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are: mail, Web browser, Em

28EnglishTouchpadThe built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finge

29EnglishNote: When using the touchpad, keep it — and your fingers — dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; hence, the lighter t

30EnglishUsing the keyboardThe keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys.

31EnglishWindows keysThe keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.HotkeysThe computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to acce

32EnglishHotkey Icon Function Description<Fn> + <F1> Hotkey help Displays help on hotkeys.<Fn> + <F2> Acer eSettings Launches

33EnglishSpecial keysYou can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign at the upper-center and/or bottom-right of your keyboard.The Euro symbol1 O

34EnglishEjecting the optical (CD or DVD) drive trayPress the drive eject button to eject the optical drive tray when the computer is on.Insert a clip

35EnglishAudioThe computer comes with 32-bit Intel High-Definition audio, and built-in stereo speakers.Adjusting the volumeAdjusting the volume on the

vReplacing the battery packThe notebook uses lithium batteries. Replace the battery with the same type as that which came bundled with your product. U

36EnglishAcer OrbiCam (for selected models) The Acer OrbiCam is a 310,000 pixel CMOS camera appropriately mounted on top of the LCD panel. The camera&

37EnglishLaunching the Acer OrbiCamTo launch the Acer OrbiCam, double-click on the Acer OrbiCam logo in the desktop.ORClick Start > All Programs &g

38EnglishUsing the system utilitiesNote: The system utilities work under Microsoft Windows XP only.Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)Note: This

39EnglishAcer GridVista is simple to set up:1 Run Acer GridVista and select your preferred screen configuration for each display from the taskbar.2 Dr

40EnglishNorton AntiVirusNorton AntiVirus is an anti-virus software that finds and repairs infected files, and protects against viruses to keep your c

41EnglishFrequently asked questionsThe following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy solutions are p

42EnglishNo audio is heard from the computer.Check the following:• The volume may be muted. In Windows, look at the volume control (speaker) icon on t

43English• Make sure that the printer is connected to a power outlet and that it is turned on.• Make sure that the printer cable is connected securely

44EnglishTo start the recovery process:1 Restart the system.2 While the Acer logo is showing, press <Alt> + <F10> at the same time to ente

45EnglishAcer ArcadeAcer Arcade is an integrated player for music, photos, TV, DVD movies and videos. It can be operated using your pointing device or

viTips and information for comfortable useComputer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use. Users are also at risk of physic

46English48-button remote controlIf your Aspire is bundled with a TV-tuner card, a 48-button remote control is included for use with the Acer Arcade s

47EnglishRemote functions*TeleText regions only. **Dependent on individual DVD content.# Item Description1 Live TV Launch Live TV mode2 Power Turn off

48EnglishFinding and playing contentClicking a button on the Arcade home page opens the corresponding feature's home page. The content pages have

49EnglishIn Audio Settings:Use "Speaker Environment" to choose between "Headphones," "SPDIF," "2" or more spea

50EnglishNote: When playing DVDs and watching TV, there are additional controls added to the right of the volume controls. These are discussed in more

51EnglishCinemaIf your computer came with a DVD drive, you can play movies from DVDs and video CDs (VCDs) with the Cinema function of Acer Arcade. Thi

52EnglishAlbumAcer Arcade lets you view digital photos individually or as a slide show, from any available drive on your computer. Click the Album but

53EnglishTo add background music to a slide show, click on the "Slide Show Music" option. The Slide Show Music page will ask you to choose m

54EnglishEditing videoAcer Arcade offers the capability to edit captured video clips, photos and footage from a camcorder into a movie. You can also s

55EnglishTV (for selected models)Arcade allows you to watch TV from your computer. Click the TV button on the home page to show the TV main page.The L

viiEyes• Rest your eyes frequently.• Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor and focusing on a distant point.• Blink frequently

56EnglishNote: Since the TV content you watch always lags slightly behind the live TV broadcast, going to the end of the instant replay recording is a

57EnglishSignal settingsClick on Capture Device to select between an analog or digital input for your TV signal.Select TV Source to choose the source

58EnglishNote: The snapshot function is available when TeleText is running.Make DVDsAcer Arcade provides an easy and complete solution for recording d

59EnglishTaking your notebook PC with youThis section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer.Disconne

60EnglishNote: If the Sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered Hibernation mode and is turned off. If the power indicator is off but the Sleep

61EnglishSpecial considerationsFollow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work:• Minimize the effects of temperature

62EnglishSpecial considerationsIn addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home, follow these guidelines to protect your computer while trav

63EnglishSecuring your computerYour computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your comput

64EnglishEntering passwordsWhen a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of the display screen.• When the Supervisor Password is set

65EnglishExpanding through optionsYour notebook PC offers you a complete mobile computing experience.Connectivity optionsPorts allow you to connect pe

viiiFirst things firstWe would like to thank you for making an Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs.Your guidesTo help yo

66EnglishBuilt-in network featureThe built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based network.To use the network feat

67EnglishUniversal Serial Bus (USB)The USB 2.0 port is a high-speed serial bus which allows you to connect USB peripherals without taking up precious

68EnglishPC Card slotThe Type II PC Card slot of the computer accepts PC Cards that enhance the usability and expandability of the computer. These car

69EnglishExpressCardThe ExpressCard is the newest version of the PC Card. It is a smaller and faster interface that further enhances the usability and

70EnglishInstalling memoryFollow these steps to install memory:1 Turn off the computer, unplug the AC adapter (if connected) and remove the battery pa

71EnglishConnecting your TV and AV-in cablesFollow the instructions below to set up the TV function of your Acer notebook.PAL/SECAM and NTSC systems1

72EnglishTo set up the antenna:1 Push gently at the top until the bottom section pops out.2 Pull the bottom up until it is positioned at 90 degrees to

73EnglishAV-in cableThe AV-in cable can be used to connect your notebook to a VHS player or camcorder for viewing, capturing and recording video clips

74EnglishBIOS utilityThe BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS.Your computer is already properly confi

75EnglishUsing softwarePlaying DVD moviesWhen the DVD drive module is installed in the optical drive bay, you can play DVD movies on your computer.1 E

ixTo turn the power off, do any of the following:• Use the Windows shutdown commandClick on Start, Turn Off Computer, then click on Turn Off.• Use the

76EnglishPower managementThis computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity invo

77EnglishCreate backupYou can create and save backup images to hard disk, CD or DVD.1 Boot to Windows XP2 Press <Alt> + <F10> to open the

78EnglishCreate factory default image CDWhen the System CD and Recovery CD are not available, you can create them by using this feature.1 Boot to Wind

79EnglishChange passwordAcer eRecovery Management and Acer disk-to-disk recovery are protected by a password that can be changed by the user. Follow t

80EnglishTroubleshootingThis chapter shows you how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solut

81EnglishEnglishRegulations and safety noticesENERGY STAR guidelines complianceAs an ENERGY STAR partner, Acer Inc. has determined that this product m

82EnglishOperation conditionsThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device

83EnglishEnglishYour telephone company may make changes in its facilities, equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect the proper functioni

84EnglishNotice for New Zealand1 The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equipment indicates only that Telecom has accepted that the item c

85EnglishEnglishLaser compliance statementThe CD or DVD drive used with this computer is a laser product. The CD or DVD drive's classification la