Acer Aspire 1312 User Manual
Acer Aspire 1312 User Manual

Acer Aspire 1312 User Manual

Acer aspire 1312: user guide
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Acer Aspire 1310 series
User's guide

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Summary of Contents for Acer Aspire 1312

  • Page 1 Acer Aspire 1310 series User’s guide...
  • Page 2 Copyright © 2003 All Rights Reserved Acer Aspire 1310 Series Notebook Computer User's Guide 2nd Issue: March 2003 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 or supplementary documents and publications.
  • Page 3: Your Guides

    You are advised to read it thoroughly and keep it handy for future reference. For more information on our products, services, and support, please visit our web site www.global.acer.com. Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off To turn on your computer, open the lid and press the power button above the keyboard.
  • Page 4: Taking Care Of Your Computer

    Note: if you are unable to shut down the computer in the usual way, press and hold the power switch for more than four seconds. You should then wait at least two seconds before turning the computer on again. Taking care of your computer Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
  • Page 5: Taking Care Of Your Battery Pack

    Taking care of your battery pack It is also important that you look after your computer's battery pack. • Use the correct battery model for your computer. Do not use other kinds of batteries. • Turn the power off before removing or replacing the battery. •...
  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    First things first Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer Getting familiar with your computer A tour of your computer Front view Left view Right view Rear view Bottom view Features Display Indicators Keyboard Special keys Keyboard ergonomics Touchpad Touchpad basics Launch keys...
  • Page 8 viii Peripherals and options External display devices External input devices External keyboard External keypad External pointing device USB devices IEEE 1394 Port Printer Audio devices Expansion devices PC Card Miscellaneous options Battery pack AC adapter Key component upgrades Memory upgrade Hard disk upgrade Moving with your computer Disconnecting from the desktop...
  • Page 9 Troubleshooting Frequently asked questions Appendix A Specifications Appendix B Notices Index...
  • Page 11: Getting Familiar With Your Computer

    your Getting familiar with computer...
  • Page 12 Your Aspire 1310 series notebook computer combines solid performance, versatility, multimedia capabilities and portability with a stylish design. Increase your productivity by working wherever you are. This chapter provides an in-depth "tour" of your computer's features.
  • Page 13: A Tour Of Your Computer

    A tour of your computer After setting up your new Aspire notebook computer, as illustrated in the Just for starters… poster, take a few minutes to explore the unit. Front view Item Description Display Large liquid crystal display (LCD) provides visual output.
  • Page 14 Item Touchpad Click buttons & scroll key Speakers Palm rest Keyboard Status indicators Latch Wireless communication button Note: This wireless communication button works for models with 802.11b wireless LAN only. Getting familiar with your computer Description Touch sensitive pad that functions like a computer mouse.
  • Page 15: Left View

    Left view Item Modem jack Network jack Microphone-in jack Headphone jack PC card eject button PC card slot Floppy disk drive Floppy disk eject button Description Connects the built-in fax/data modem to a phone line. Connects the computer to an Ethernet 10/100-based network.
  • Page 16: Right View

    Right view Item Optical drive Optical drive emergency eject hole Optical drive eject button Optical disc read indicator Getting familiar with your computer Description Depending on your model, the optical drive is one of the following: • CD-ROM drive for reading CDs. •...
  • Page 17: Rear View

    Rear view Item Kensington lock slot DC-in jack S-video IEEE 1394 port USB ports External display port Parallel port Ventilation slots Description For attaching a security connector. Connects the AC adapter. Connects to a television or display device with S-video input. Connects IEEE 1394 devices.
  • Page 18: Bottom View

    Bottom view Item Ventilation slots Reset Switch Battery release latch Battery Hard disk bay Memory compartment Getting familiar with your computer Description Enables the computer to stay cool, even after prolonged use. Forces the computer to shut down in the event of system lockup.
  • Page 19: Features

    Features Performance • AMD Athlon XP1800+, XP1900+ or higher processor. • VIA KN266 + VT8235. • 2 memory slots supporting 266MHz DDR, upgradeable to 2GB. • High-capacity, Enhanced-IDE hard disk. • Microsoft Windows XP operating system. Multimedia • Built-in optical drive (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or DVD/CD-RW combo drive).
  • Page 20: Display

    Display • The 14.1” or 15.0” display panel provides a large viewing area for maximum efficiency and ease-of-use. The thin-film transistor (TFT) Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) supports extended graphics array (XGA), enabling 16.7 million colors at 1024 x 768 resolution.
  • Page 21: Indicators

    Indicators Your computer provides an array of six indicators located above the keyboard, in addition to two indicators positioned at the front of the palm rest area. These indicators show the status of the computer and its components. The six indicators located above the keyboard provide the following status information: Icon Description...
  • Page 22 The two indicators located at the front of the unit provide the following status information: Icon Description Battery charge: Green the AC adapter is connected and the battery is fully charged. Amber the AC adapter is connected and the battery is charging.
  • Page 23: Keyboard

    Keyboard The keyboard features full-size keys with an embedded keypad, separate cursor control keys, two Windows keys, and twelve function keys (hot keys). Special keys Lock keys Caps Lock The computer features three lock keys, each with its own status indicator light.
  • Page 24: Embedded Keypad

    Embedded keypad The embedded keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small blue numbers and characters on the applicable keys. To use the embedded numeric keys, toggle the Num Lk on by pressing the Fn + F9 keys simultaneously. With the embedded keypad turned on, the following actions are possible: Desired Access...
  • Page 25: Windows Keys

    Windows keys The keyboard features two keys that provide Windows-specific functions. Description Windows key Pressed alone, this key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows Start button; it launches the Start menu. It can also be used with other keys to provide a variety of functions: + Tab activates the next Taskbar button.
  • Page 26 Hotkeys Using the Fn key with another key creates a hot key, providing a quick and convenient method for controlling various functions. To use a hot key, first hold down the Fn key. Next, press the second key in the combination. Finally, release both keys. Your computer provides the following hot keys: HotKey Function...
  • Page 27: Keyboard Ergonomics

    Euro key Your computer supports the new Euro currency character. First, hold down the Alt Gr key, and then press the Euro key.. Alt Gr Keyboard ergonomics The wide palm rest area provides a comfortable platform for your hands when typing on the keyboard. The ergonomic design enables you to adopt a relaxed, yet very efficient, typing style.
  • Page 28: Touchpad

    Touchpad The built-in touchpad is a PS/2- compatible pointing device that senses movement on its surface. The cursor responds to your finger movements on the touchpad. In addition, the two click buttons provide the same functionality as a computer mouse, while the scroll key enables easy up and down scrolling in documents and web pages.
  • Page 29 scroll down. Function Left Button Execute Click twice quickly. Select Click once. Drag Click and hold. Then, slide your finger across the touchpad to drag the cursor over the selection. Access content menu Note: keep your fingers, as well as the surface of the touchpad, clean and dry.
  • Page 30: Launch Keys

    2 is used to launch the Internet browser. Keys 3 and 4 start the Launch Manager application. All four launch keys can be set by the user. To set the launch keys, run the Acer Launch Manager. Launch key Default application Email Launches your email application.
  • Page 31: Storage

    Storage Your computer's all-in-one design offers a variety of data storage options: • The high capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk drive. The hard drive is upgradeable, enabling you to increase your storage capacity in the future. Consult your dealer if you need to upgrade.
  • Page 32: Emergency Ejection Of The Optical Drive Tray

    To load an optical disc: • Place a CD or DVD on the open tray. Align the disc's center hole with the tray's spindle. • Gently push down on the disc until it clicks in place on the spindle. • Gently push in the tray until it clicks closed.
  • Page 33: Connectivity Options

    Connectivity options Your computer has built-in connectivity options, enabling you to hook up to a network or communicate over a phone line. Ethernet and LAN The integrated network feature allows you to connect your computer to an Ethernet-based (10/100Mbps) network. To use the network feature, plug an Ethernet cable into your computer's network jack, and then connect the other end to a network jack or hub on your network.
  • Page 34 Getting familiar with your computer To use the fax/data modem, plug a phone cable into your computer's modem jack, and then connect the other end to a telephone jack.
  • Page 35: Audio

    Audio Your computer includes an integrated stereo audio system. Built-in stereo speakers are located at the front of the unit. Volume is adjusted using software, such as Volume Control in Windows, or any other application that provides a volume adjustment control.
  • Page 36: Securing Your Computer

    Securing your computer Your computer features hardware and software security solutions, in the form of a slot for a Kensington lock and a password facility. Security slot A slot for a Kensington slot enables you to physically protect your computer from theft. Use this feature as follows: •...
  • Page 37: Operating On Battery Power

    battery Operating on power...
  • Page 38 Your Aspire 1310 series notebook computer operates on battery or AC power. This chapter provides information for operating on battery power, as well as information on how your computer manages and saves power.
  • Page 39: Battery Pack

    Battery pack Your computer uses a re-chargeable Ni-Mh or Li-Ion battery pack. Battery pack characteristics The battery pack has the following characteristics: • Employs current battery technology standards. • Delivers a battery-low warning. To prolong the life of your Ni-Mh battery pack, fully deplete the battery before recharging.
  • Page 40: Installing And Removing The Battery Pack

    Follow these steps again until the battery has been charged and discharged three times. Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. If the computer is to be stored for more than two weeks, you are advised to remove the battery pack from the unit.
  • Page 41: Charging The Battery

    To remove a battery pack: Slide the battery release latch to release the battery. Pull the battery from the battery bay. Charging the battery To charge the battery, first make sure that it is correctly installed in the battery bay. Plug the AC adapter into the computer, and connect to a mains power outlet.
  • Page 42: Battery-Low Warning

    Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the Windows Power Meter. Warning: connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears. Data will be lost if the battery to become fully depleted and the computer shuts down.
  • Page 43: Power Management

    Power management Your computer features a built-in power management unit that constantly monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, touchpad/mouse, floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, optical drive, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory. If no activity is detected for a period of time (the settings are controlled in Windows Power Management), the computer turns off some, or all, of these devices in order to conserve power.
  • Page 44 Operating on battery power...
  • Page 45: Peripherals And Options

    Peripherals and options...
  • Page 46 Your Aspire 1310 series notebook computer offers good expansion capabilities. This chapter provides information on connecting peripherals to expand your system. It also describes how to upgrade key components to enhance system performance and keep your computer in step with the latest technology. You are advised to consult your dealer for information on peripherals.
  • Page 47: External Display Devices

    External display devices You can connect an external (VGA) monitor or projector to your computer's external display port. See the section entitled "Display" for information on using the computer's simultaneous display and multi- display features. Use the Fn + F5 hot key to toggle the display setting between the computer's LCD panel and the external display device.
  • Page 48: External Input Devices

    Peripherals and options External input devices You can connect a variety of input devices to your computer's USB ports, providing increased functionality and greater ease-of-use. In addition, the USB ports can be used to connect many other peripheral devices, such as digital cameras, printers and scanners. See "Expansion devices"...
  • Page 49: Usb Devices

    USB devices Your computer features two USB 2.0(Universal Serial Bus) ports for connecting a range of USB peripherals. See "External input devices" and "Printer" for information on connecting a USB keyboard, keypad, mouse or printer. Other common USB devices include digital cameras, scanners, and external storage devices.
  • Page 50: Ieee 1394 Port

    Peripherals and options IEEE 1394 Port The computer’s IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect to an IEEE 1394 supported device like a digital video camera. See your video or digital camera’s documentation for details.
  • Page 51: Printer

    Printer Your computer supports both parallel and USB printers. Refer to the printer's manual for information on: • Setting up the hardware. • Installing the necessary drivers in Windows. • Operating instructions. To use a USB printer, simply connect the device to one of your computer's USB ports, and then wait for Windows to find the new hardware.
  • Page 52: Audio Devices

    Peripherals and options Audio devices Your computer offers built-in stereo speakers. See the section entitled "Audio" for more information on these features. However, in addition to the integrated devices, the two audio ports on the left side of the unit enable you to connect external audio input and output devices. You can plug an external microphone into your computer's microphone-in jack.
  • Page 53: Expansion Devices

    Expansion devices PC Card Your computer features a PC card slot that supports a standard Type II or Type III PC card (PCMCIA or CardBus). This greatly increases your computer's usability and expandability. A variety of PC cards are available, such as flash memory, SRAM, fax/data modem, LAN, and SCSI cards.
  • Page 54 To remove a PC card: Close the application that is using the PC card. Double click on the PC card icon on the taskbar, and then select the option to safely remove the card. Wait for the message telling you that it is now safe to remove the card. Press the PC card eject button to partially eject the card from the slot.
  • Page 55: Miscellaneous Options

    Miscellaneous options Battery pack It is a good idea to have a spare battery, especially when you travel with your computer. This greatly increases your productive range when you are on the move. AC adapter Having a spare AC adapter allows you to keep one in two different places.
  • Page 56: Key Component Upgrades

    Key component upgrades Your computer is designed to deliver solid performance. However, in time, you might find that your applications demand even more computing power. For this reason, you are able to upgrade key components. Note: contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a key component upgrade.
  • Page 57: Hard Disk Upgrade

    Insert the memory module diagonally in the slot (a), and then press down gently until it clicks in place (b). Replace the memory compartment door, and fasten the screw. The computer automatically detects the new module and reconfigures the memory. Hard disk upgrade It is possible to replace your hard disk with a higher capacity drive when you need more storage space.
  • Page 58 Peripherals and options...
  • Page 59: Moving With Your Computer

    Moving with your computer...
  • Page 60 Your Aspire 1310 series notebook computer is ideal for taking with you when you move around. This chapter provides tips on things to consider when traveling with your computer.
  • Page 61: Disconnecting From The Desktop

    Disconnecting from the desktop Before moving with your computer, you must turn it off and disconnect all peripherals: Save your work and close all applications. Shut down Windows to turn off your computer. Unplug the AC adapter from the mains outlet, and then disconnect it from the computer.
  • Page 62: Moving Around

    Moving with your computer Moving around Sometimes you might need to move your computer a short distance. For example, you might need to move from your office desk to a meeting room. In these situations, you don't have to shut down the operating system.
  • Page 63: Taking The Computer Home

    Taking the computer home When you move between your office and home you will need to prepare your computer for the short trip. Preparing the computer After disconnecting your computer from the desktop, prepare the unit as follows: Remove all media from the drives. Loaded media can damage the drive heads during transit.
  • Page 64: Setting Up A Home Office

    Moving with your computer Setting up a home office If you frequently work on your computer at home, as well as at work, it may be worthwhile purchasing a second AC adapter. This will allow you to travel lighter, as you can keep an AC adapter in each location. You might also find it worthwhile keeping a second set of peripherals at home, such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse and printer.
  • Page 65: Traveling With The Computer

    Traveling with the computer Sometimes you might need to make longer trips with your computer. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would for moving between your office and home. It is advisable to make sure that the battery is fully charged. If you are traveling by air, you might be required to turn on the computer during security checks.
  • Page 66: Traveling Internationally With Your Computer

    Traveling internationally with your computer Occasionally you might need to travel between countries with your computer. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as you would for normal travel. Remember to take special precautions for air travel. What to take with you It is advisable to take the following items with you: •...
  • Page 67: Software

    Software...
  • Page 68 Your Aspire 1310 series notebook computer includes system utilities. This chapter provides information on the important software that comes with your computer.
  • Page 69: System Software

    System software Your computer comes preloaded with the following software: • Microsoft Windows operating system. • Hardware BIOS setup utility. • System utilities, drivers and application software. Note: to run software applications in Windows, first click on the Start button. Next, select the appropriate folder, and then click on the application icon.
  • Page 70: Bios Setup Utility

    BIOS Setup Utility The BIOS (basic input/output system) contains important information used to configure the hardware and system software settings. Your computer reads the BIOS when it first starts up, before it loads the operating system. Your computer's BIOS includes a built-in setup utility called Insyde Software SCU (system configuration utility).
  • Page 71: Startup Menu

    Startup menu The Startup menu provides two items: Date and Time, and Boot Device. Date and Time This menu item allows you to change the date and time settings for your computer's built-in clock. • Turn on your computer, and then press the F2 key to enter the BIOS setup utility.
  • Page 72 Boot Device This menu item allows you to set the order of the boot devices. After reading the BIOS at startup, your computer will search the boot devices for system files. Usually, you will want the computer to boot from the hard disk, as your system files and the Windows operating system are stored there.
  • Page 73: Exit Menu

    Exit menu The Exit menu provides three items: Save and Reboot, Exit (No Save), and Default Settings. Save and Reboot This menu item allows you to save the new BIOS settings, before closing the BIOS setup utility and rebooting the computer. •...
  • Page 74 • Select Exit (No Save) on the Exit menu. • Press the Enter key to close the BIOS setup utility without saving any changes. • Alternatively, you can select Cancel or press the Esc key to keep the BIOS setup utility open. Retype the password in the Confirm new password field.
  • Page 75: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting...
  • Page 76 This chapter instructs you on how to deal with common system problems. Please read it before calling a technician. Solutions to more serious problems may require opening the computer. Do not attempt to open and service the computer by yourself. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.
  • Page 77: Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions This section suggests solutions to commonly encountered problems. I press the power switch, but my computer does not start or boot-up. Look at the Power status indicator: • If it is not lit, no power is being delivered to the computer. Check the following: If you are running on battery power, the battery may be low and unable to power the computer.
  • Page 78 up the Display Properties dialog box. Alternatively, click on the Display icon in Control Panel. • Click on the Settings tab to check the resolution setting. Resolutions lower than the specified resolution result in a display that is less than full-screen. There is no audio coming from my computer.
  • Page 79 • Try to read a second diskette. If this works, then the first diskette might have a problem. • If the diskette is not the cause of the problem, then the drive head might be dirty. Clean it using a drive head cleaning kit. The optical drive cannot read a disc.
  • Page 80 Troubleshooting...
  • Page 81 Appendix A Spectifications...
  • Page 82 Appendix A Spectifications...
  • Page 83 This appendix lists the general specifications of your computer.
  • Page 84 Microprocessor • AMD Athlon XP1800+, XP1900+ or higher processor. Memory • Main memory expandable to 2GB. • Dual 200-pin soDIMM sockets. • PC2100 DDR-SDRAM (Double Date Rate-Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) support. • 512 KB flash ROM BIOS. Data storage •...
  • Page 85 I/O ports • One type III or type II PC Card slot (PCMCIA and CardBus). • One IEEE 1394 port • One RJ-11 modem jack (V.90, 56K). • One RJ-45 network jack (Ethernet 10/100). • One DC-in jack. • One parallel port (ECP/EPP). •...
  • Page 86 Options • 256/512 MB or 1 GB memory upgrade module. • Additional AC adapter. • Additional battery pack. • 802.11b wireless LAN. Appendix A Spectifications...
  • Page 87: Appendix B Notices

    Appendix B Notices...
  • Page 88 This appendix lists the general notices for your computer.
  • Page 89: Fcc Notice

    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 90: Modem Notices

    Appendix B Notices 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 materiel brouilleur du Canada.
  • Page 91: Important Safety Instructions

    Telecommunications notices A-Tick notice For safety reasons, only connect headsets with a telecommunications compliance label. This includes customer equipment previously labelled permitted or certified. Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Save them for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning.
  • Page 92: Laser Compliance Statement

    When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed. If liquid has been spilled into the product. If the product has been exposed to rain or water. If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition.
  • Page 93: Lithium Battery Statement

    VARNING: LASERSTRÅLNING NAR DENNA DEL ÅR ÖPPNADSTIRRA EJ IN I STRÅLEN ADVARSEL: LASERSTRÅLING NAR DEKSEL ÅPNESSTIRR IKKE INN I STRÅLEN Lithium battery statement CAUTION Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Page 94: Macrovision Copyright Protection Notice

    Appendix B Notices Macrovision copyright protection notice This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation.
  • Page 95 the antenna should not be operated next to a nearby person. This equipment 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 96 Appendix B Notices...
  • Page 97: Index

    Index ACPI audio connecting externally controlling volume troubleshooting battery bay battery pack battery-low warning caring for characteristics charging checking charge level installing low conditions maximizing life optimizing removing using the first time battery release latch BIOS Setup Utility 60– 64 Advanced menu entering navigating...
  • Page 98 hard disk upgrading help hotkeys keyboard connecting externally embedded numeric keypad hotkeys lock keys troubleshooting Windows keys keypad connecting externally launch keys left view memory compartment installing 46– 47 upgrade slot upgrading microphone troubleshooting modem setting location mouse connecting externally mute hotkeys notice...
  • Page 99 speakers troubleshooting status indicators status LCD storage floppy drive hard disk optical drive time setting in BIOS Utility touchpad using 18– 19 travel international flights local trips connecting utility BIOS Setup volume adjusting hotkeys Windows keys 60– 64...

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