Extensa 500 Series Notebook Computer User's Guide

Extensa 500 Series Notebook Computer

User's Guide

Copyright © 1998 Acer Incorporated All Rights Reserved — Printed in Taiwan

Extensa 500 Series Notebook Computer User's Guide

Part No.: 49.45B01.001

Original Issue: June 1998

First Revision: July 1998

Second Revision: August 1998

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual. This company makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Record the serial number, purchase date, and model number in the space provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label affixed to the underside of the computer. All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial number, model number, and date of purchase.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.

Extensa Notebook Computer

ModelSerial No.

Purchase Date___

Extensa is a trademark and a product of Acer Inc., developed with Texas Instruments Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective companies. Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Table of Contents

Notices.....v

Preface ..... xiii
Connecting the Computer..... xiv
Getting Help Online ..... xvi
Support Information ..... xvii
Care and Maintenance ..... xviii

Chapter 1 Getting Familiar with your Computer ..... 1
Features.....2
Display.....4
Indicators.....6
Keyboard.....8
Touchpad.....14
Storage.....16
Ports.....18
Audio.....23
Securing your Computer.....26

Chapter 2 Operating on Battery Power ..... 29
Battery Pack.....30
Power Management.....36

Chapter 3 Peripherals and Options ..... 41
External Monitor.....42
External Keyboard.....43
External Keypad.....44
External Pointing Device.....45
Printer.....47
Audio Devices.....48
Port Replicator.....49
PC Cards.....50
USB Devices.....51
Miscellaneous Options.....52
Key Component Upgrades.....54

Chapter 4 Moving with your Computer ..... 57
Disconnecting from the Desktop.....58
Moving Around.....59
Taking the Computer Home.....60
Traveling with the Computer.....62

Table of Contents

Traveling Internationally with the Computer ..... 63
Chapter 5 Software ..... 65
System Software ..... 66
Sleep Manager ..... 67
Notebook Manager ..... 74
BIOS Utility ..... 84
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting ..... 95
Frequently-Asked Questions ..... 96
Error Messages ..... 101
Appendix A Specifications ..... 105
Index ..... 109

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. 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.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

2. Increase the separation between the device and receiver

3. Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected

4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help

Notice: Shield Cables

All connections to other computing devices must be made using shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations.

Notice: Peripheral Devices

Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply with the Class B limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with non-certified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.

Notices

Caution

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this computer.

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.

Remarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respected toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future reference.

2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.