Notebook Training Manual for Acer TravelMate 530
Department of Education and Training Western Australia
Department of Education and Training

Table of Contents

Conventions used in this manual....4 Program objectives....5 Occupational health and safety....6 What you will receive.....7 Software.....7 Hardware.....7 Accessories......8 Notebook tour.....8 Front.....8 Left side......9 Underneath.....9 Back.....10 Right side......11 Using your notebook.....12 Open it.....12 Turn it on......12 Touchpad......12 Where do I start?.....13 Log in.....13 About user names.....13 About passwords.....13 The desktop.....14 The Start menu.....14 Quick Launch bar.....15 Quick Launch buttons.....16 Managing your documents.....17 Power management.....18 Other settings.....19 Displays/Monitors.....19 System Tray.....19 Help.....19 Other software.....19 Turning off your notebook....19 Connecting your notebook to the school network...20 Backing up your files....21 What are some backup options?....21

Version 1.Page 2 of 36

Virus Protection..... 22 Ways to avoid virus contamination.... 22 Looking after your notebook.... 23 Safety issues..... 23 Care and cleaning of your notebook..... 23 Batteries..... 23 AC power supply care..... 23 Using the AC power supply.... 23 Storing the AC Power Supply..... 23 LCD screen care..... 24 Service, support and warranty information.... 25 Warranty Period - 36 month Limited Warranty for DOET... 25 Warranty conditions for Acer hardware.... 25 Metropolitan On-Site Warranty.... 25 Country - Return to Base service..... 25 School holidays..... 26 Interstate and international warranties.... 26 Direct to Acer..... 26 Service..... 26 Using your notebooks Recovery CDs.... 27 When would it be necessary to use the Recovery CDs?... 27 To use the Recovery CDs..... 27 Customer Service Centre.... 28 Appendix A: Changing the Mouse settings... 29 Changing the Mouse speed.... 29 Changing the type of pointer.... 29 Appendix B: Frequently Asked Questions.... 30 Appendix C: Keyboard shortcuts in Windows XP... 31 Appendix D: Occupational Health and Safety... 32 Potential hazards with notebook use.... 32 Minimising the risk of strain or injury.... 32 Preventing eye strain..... 33 Preventing manual handling injuries.... 33 Preventing tripping hazards..... 34 Ongoing discomfort or pain.... 34 Ergonomic and posture principles for general computer use... 34 References..... 34 Useful links..... 35 Appendix E: Repair Shipping Form.... 36

Version 1.0

Page 3 of 36
Conventions used in this manual
The following conventions are used in this manual: Menu path: Example: Tap Start > All Programs > Games > Solitaire. This means tap the Start menu button, then the All Programs button, then select Games from the menu that is displayed, and Solitaire from the Games menu. Keyboard: Example: Hold down the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys simultaneously. This means press these keyboard keys, all at the same time. Symbols are used to represent important things you need to know:
Warning about cost. Doing this action could cost you money!
Severe warning! Be extra careful! You could seriously damage the machine.
Note, hint or tip. Information that will help you.

Page 4 of 36

Program objectives
The Notebook for Teachers Program is an integral component of the Education to Community (e2c) initiative, supporting learning technologies in the K-12 government education community in WA. It is designed to support schools and teachers in achieving their mutual professional goals. The portability of notebook computers allows for a wide range of educational opportunities and strategies to be explored, with the ultimate aim of improving outcomes for students. Participation in the program is voluntary and should only be undertaken after careful consideration of how the introduction of this technology can be integrated into the individual school's plan. The objectives of this training are to: Provide an introduction to the notebook, the operating system, and the applications. Help you to become more familiar with basic operations of the notebook. Assist you with setting up the notebook for internet access from home and your school. More details about e2c can be found on the internet at: http://www.e2c.wa.edu.au where you will also find a link to the Notebooks for Teachers web site. A number of DOET (Department of Education and Training) policies directly relate to the safe-keeping of work-related information and appropriate use of corporate applications such as e-mail and internet access. More details on these and other DOET policies is available on the Regulatory Framework CD. An updated copy of this CD is sent to all schools each term.

Page 5 of 36

Occupational health and safety
The following is a summary of Occupational Health and Safety issues, detailed in Appendix D on page 32. The Departments Safety Consultant has provided the following advice: Discomfort as a result of strain to the shoulders, neck, arms and eyes is common among users of notebooks. This can, in some instances, lead to occupation overuse injuries, also known as repetitive strain injuries (RSI). The likelihood of prolonged pain and possible injury is increased when the notebook is used for more than 2 hours in any one session. Strain often occurs due to the inability to set up the notebook in the correct ergonomic position (as the keyboard and screen cannot be separated), and through use in environments that result in poor posture (for example, on the couch) or cause glare. Where possible, personal computers should be used in preference to notebooks as they can be set up ergonomically to minimise the risk of strain or injury. Consideration should also be given to any staff member who has an existing strain or injury to the neck or shoulders, as carrying a notebook can further aggravate the condition. The risk of strain or injury through notebook use can be reduced by implementing some simple strategies such as: Taking regular rest breaks (at least every 20 minutes; more often if the setup is not ideal) to allow muscles and vision to recuperate. Not using the notebook for more than 2 hours in any session. Working in an environment free from glare. Using the notebook on a desk (rather than the lap). Angling the screen to minimise the need to bend the neck. Using an external mouse, keyboard, and monitor where possible. Using a chair that maintains good posture. Reducing the need to carry the notebook (where practicable).

Page 6 of 36

What you will receive
The Department of Education and Training will provide all nominated teachers with: An Acer TravelMate 530 Notebook computer. A familiarisation training course on delivery of your notebook. Warranty support and a Customer Service Centre for dealing with product faults and difficulties, including on-site warranty or transport of the notebook to and from the repairer.

Underneath

On the bottom of your notebook are a number of identification stickers. The 8-digit Australian Serial Number (AUST Serial No.) is the one that is most important to you. This serial number is linked to YOU you cannot swap notebooks with other teachers. You will need to quote the Australian Serial Number if you require service or assistance from the Customer Service Centre.

Page 9 of 36

Ventilation slots
A ventilator is situated at the rear right hand side and back. Your notebook is fitted with a fan that is controlled by a thermostat. The fan will turn itself off when the notebook is cool enough. This small oval slot is for optional lockable security devices, and is Kensington-compatible. With such security devices you can lock your notebook to a bench or fixed object. Takes the small round plug from the Power Adaptor, and provides mains power to the notebook when connected. Accepts any type of external display device such as a normal computer monitor and computer projection devices. Used if you purchased the optional docking station. A docking station accepts a monitor, keyboard, and external mouse and, with one action, connects or disconnects them from your notebook. Also known as a Port Replicator. Printer connection for older printers. Accepts a network cable for connecting to your school network this has a plug just a little wider than the phone plug. The network card is built in to this notebook model. Your notebook's network information must be configured so that it can be recognised by the school network (see Connecting your Notebook to the school network on page 20). Used to connect your notebook to any television with S video sockets. This model has three USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports. Accepts USB devices. These can transfer data between the device and the notebook (or vice versa) quicker than other ports. Examples of USB devices are printers, digital still and video cameras, scanners, external drives, mouse. Windows XP will automatically recognise a device plugged into a USB port and the drivers may already be installed.

Touchpad

Before you do anything, you need to know about your notebook's 'touchpad' area. The touchpad is your 'mouse'. Moving your finger around it will move the pointer (or cursor) on the screen. When using the touchpad to move the pointer around the screen, try to keep your finger on the touchpad. Lifting your finger will stop the pointer moving. The buttons below the touchpad are your left and right mouse buttons. As you get more experienced, you can operate these buttons with your thumb as you use your finger to move the pointer around the screen. The right mouse button has the usual function of opening a menu relevant to the place where the pointer is pointing. You can 'tap' the touchpad instead of clicking the mouse buttons: A single tap = a single left mouse click A double tap = a double left mouse click A double tap + drag = a normal drag holding the left mouse button down. This may take some practice. Double tap but hold your finger down on the second tap and move it across the screen for the 'drag'. This notebook model also has a scrolling 'button' which scrolls when you press down on either end, similar to the scrolling wheel on a mouse. The lower button scrolls down; the upper button scrolls up. You can change the speed of the cursor movement and the size of the cursor (see Appendix A on page 29 for details). To practice using the touchpad, play some games of Solitaire now youve got an excuse to do this!

Page 12 of 36

Where do I start?
Your notebook is installed with Windows XP a very different version of Windows. Please take your time to explore the new operating system.

Log in

1. After turning on your notebook, the Welcome to Windows screen is displayed, where you are prompted to log in. 2. Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> to log in. The Log On to Windows screen is displayed, where you are prompted for your user name and password. 3. Check that your User name is correct (see About user names, below). 4. Type your password. 5. Tap OK. 6. The desktop screen is displayed.

Ab out user names

The first time you turn on your notebook, you will be prompted for your user name and password. Your user name is supplied by the Department. If you use a computer at school and have been granted access to the schools admin network then you will already have a user name and password. You can use these as soon as the notebook is linked in to the school network. If you do not have a user name and password, either contact your school's system administrator or phone the Customer Service Centre on (metropolitan) or 828 (country).

Ab out passw ords

If you are using your user name and password for the first time, you will be prompted to change your password to something that only you know. Type the password in twice as requested. The next time you log in, you will only type your password once. Your password should be something you will remember, yet be obscure enough that no one will guess it. You should not give this password to anyone but it is very important that you remember it as you cannot log in without it. If you forget your password, you should contact the Customer Service Centre on (metropolitan) or 828 (country).

Page 18 of 36

Other settings

Displays/Monitors

1. Tap Start > Control Panel. 2. Double-tap on Display. The Display Properties window is displayed. 3. Tap the Settings tab. If you are using an external device (for example, a computer pojection unit or an external monitor) you can adjust the screen resolution and colour quality to suit that device. 4. Take a look at the other tabs for further settings you can adjust to suit how you work. 5. When you have finished, tap OK.

System Tray

In the bottom right corner of the desktop is the System Tray. This contains icons for a number of functions. Double-tap on the time the clock in your notebook has already been set but if it's not correct you can change it. Check the other icons to see what they do.
To get help with Windows XP at any time, tap Start > Help and Support.

Other software

Look through the Start > All Programs menus to see what software applications have been pre-loaded onto your notebook for which there is no Quick Launch button.
Turning off your notebook
1. Tap Start. 2. Tap Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows screen is displayed. 3. Select the Shut Down option if it is not already selected. 4. Tap OK. Your notebook will go through a short shut down process and turn off automatically.

Page 19 of 36

Connecting your notebook to the school network
It is important that you successfully connect your notebook to the schools admin network in order to complete the initial set-up of your notebook. Once you have completed the set-up you will have access to a range of vital services and functions including: Automatic updates of applications on your notebook when they become available. Regular antivirus updates. Follow these steps to connect your notebook to the network: 1. Connect the notebook to an admin network outlet at the school the outlet and the cable will be supplied by the school. Do not use the black modem cable that came with your notebook as it is unsuitable for this purpose. 2. Ask your school's system administrator to login and 'join' your notebook to the Admin domain. This will give you access to the schools network and servers and will also allow you to access the internet and e-mail while at school. If your school's system administrator is not available, you can phone the Customer Service Centre at the Department and ask for assistance: (metropolitan) or 828 (country). 3. Outlook must have its settings changed to match the personal information stored in Control Panel > Mail. Ask your school's system administrator to set this up for you. 4. Your schools system administrator will also set up the internet Explorer proxy settings so that you can use the internet at school.

Page 20 of 36

Backing up your files
Keeping separate copies of your own files is absolutely vital when you use a notebook. If your notebook is stolen or if your hard drive crashes, you lose all the hard work that you have put into the files you have worked on, unless you have kept a backup copy of your files somewhere else. If you save on floppy disks, do not keep the disks in your notebook bag!

Care and cleaning of your notebook
Refer to Basic care and tips for using your computer in the First Things First section of the TravelMate 530 Series Users Guide for a full guide to the care and maintenance of your notebook, AC Adaptor, and battery pack. The information that follows is only a summary. To clean the notebook and the screen, use a slightly damp clean cloth and finish with a soft dry cloth. Do not use ANY cleaning agents, detergents or solvents

Batteries

The battery that ships with your Acer TravelMate notebook is a Lithium Ion (L-Ion) battery. It is not prone to the same 'memory' problems encountered by those using Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries. To ensure the life of your battery remains at its maximum: It is good practice to run your battery down completely once every month or so. Do not 'top up' your battery often it is better to be recharged from flat. Do not take your battery off charge until it is completely charged. Continuous misuse of the battery may result in shorter battery life. Actual battery life may vary, depending on usage and configuration. It also depends on what kinds of activities you do on the notebook. If you often access the attached hardware (for example, CD ROM drive, modem, and LAN) the battery life may be considerably shortened. You can set up power management options to conserve your battery power (see Power Management on page 18 for details).

AC power supply care

Incorrect use and storage of AC power supply units can cause damage, particularly to the cable. To avoid damage to your AC power supply it is important that you follow a few basic steps.
U s i n g t h e AC p o w e r s u p p l y
Make sure that the cable is not twisted or bent sharply at any point. Avoid having to run it around furniture in such a way as to risk damage. To avoid damage to cables never crease or apply pressure to any folds. All folds should be naturally formed.
S t o r i n g t h e AC P o w e r S u p p l y

1. 2. 3. 4.

Switch off the mains power. Disconnect the power supply from the power outlet and notebook. Disconnect the power cord from the AC adaptor. Take the AC power supply, leave approximately 18cm of cable free from the transformer, then roll the remaining length of cable into approximately 10cm lengths and secure it with a tie.

Country - Return to Base service
If your notebook requires Return to Base Service (RTB), it shall be collected from your school within twenty four hours of the support call being lodged by the Departments Customer Service Centre, taking into account school business hours. Collections and returns should be made in consultation with you or a nominated representative to ensure than an authorised person is available at the school site to provide or receive the notebook. Your notebook will be repaired and returned to you within seventy-two hours of collection. Whether you are in the metro area or the country, you will need to ensure the notebook is left with the Registrar at the school if you are unable to be present when the service technician or courier arrives. When a notebook is collected from your residence, you must be present for the courier at the agreed collection and delivery times, otherwise you will be responsible for the courier cost of an unsuccessful pickup or delivery.

Version 1.Page 25 of 36

School holidays
Warranty processes are in place for school holidays. You will need to contact the Customer Service Centre and advise which of the following options is most convenient: Metropolitan Drop your notebook to the District Office for on-site service. Arrange for your notebook to be collected from your home to be serviced at an Acer Authorised Repair Centre. Take the notebook directly to an Acer Authorised Repair Centre.
Interstate and international w arranties
Country Drop your notebook to the District Office to be collected and to be serviced at an Acer Authorised Repair Centre. Arrange for your notebook to be collected from your home to be collected and serviced at an Acer Authorised Repair Centre.
If you are travelling interstate, your notebook is covered by Acers Australia-wide warranty service. Please contact the nearest Acer Office. If you are travelling internationally, your notebook will be covered by Acers international warranty service. Please obtain a letter of warranty from Acers Perth office.

D i r e c t t o Ac e r

You can take your notebook to an Acer Authorised Service Centre directly if this is more convenient. Turnaround on such work is two hours. The Acer Authorised Service Centre in Western Australia is at: Acer Computer Australia Level 3, 30 Hasler Road Herdsman Business Park Osborne Park WA 6017

Service

If you need hardware support for your Acer notebook: 1. First call the Departments Customer Service Centre on (metropolitan) or 828 (country). 2. Use the original box and packaging to transport your notebook to and from the Acer Repair Centre. 3. If your notebook must be collected you will be advised of the courier pickup details. Make a photocopy of the Repair Shipping form (Appendix E on page 36) and fill out the details as provided by the Customer Service Centre. Attach this to the outside of the box in which the notebook is packed and keep it ready for courier pickup. Please ensure your notebook is ready for collection on the date agreed. 4. If the unit is to be sent to Acer for a repair, make sure that you have a backup of all your data. Acer DOES NOT guarantee that the data on your hard disk will be intact after repairs. Make sure that the unit is packed properly and attach a list of contents to it (for example, AC Adaptor, extra battery, etc.). Make sure it is ready for the courier to pick it up at the agreed time. Contact the Customer Service Centre to check the status of your repairs.

Page 26 of 36

Using your notebooks Recovery CDs
IMPORTANT: THESE CDs WILL DELETE ALL DATA ON YOUR NOTEBOOK AND WILL OVERWRITE ALL SETTINGS THAT YOU HAVE CHANGED. DO NOT USE THESE CDs UNLESS YOU HAVE A SEPARATE COPY OF ALL THE FILES YOU HAVE CREATED SINCE YOU RECEIVED YOUR NOTEBOOK. YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO MAKE A NOTE OF YOUR SETTINGS.
When would it be necessary to use the Recovery CDs?
Only use these CDs if you are having difficulties with your notebook and you have sought help within your school or you have contacted the Departments Customer Service Centre and they have advised you to use the Recovery CD. These CDs disk will return your notebook to its original configuration, thus fixing any problems caused by software changes since you received your notebook. The Recovery CDs will NOT reinstall: Encarta 2003 Windows XP Interactive Training Office XP (and Publisher XP) Clip Art Visio 2002 Viewer.

To use the Recovery CDs

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Turn your notebook on. Press F12. Put Recovery CD - Disk 1 into the CD drive. Using the arrow keys, select Boot from CD. Press <Enter>. The Recovery process will start. Follow any instructions. Wait until the imaging software has finished (about 10 minutes) then restart your notebook and copy your files back onto it. Replace all the settings for internet, clock, mouse etc. 8. Put the Recovery CDs in a safe place.

Page 27 of 36

Customer Service Centre
If you require assistance, please contact the Departments Customer Service Centre on: Metropolitan: Country: 828 NOTE: Please retain the original box and packaging. This will be required if you need to transport your notebook to and from the Acer Repair Centre.

Page 28 of 36

Appendix A: Changing the Mouse settings
Changing the Mouse speed.
Tap Start > Control Panel. Double-tap Mouse. Tap on the Pointer Options tab. Change the pointer speed to a speed that suits you. 5. You can also choose to have a trail display behind the pointer to make it easier to see. Experiment with this. If you lose the pointer, press <Ctrl> to highlight it. 6. Tap Apply to test the mouse movement. A single movement on the touchpad should move the mouse right across the notebook screen. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Changing the type of pointer
1. Tap on the Pointers tab. 2. In the Scheme section, choose a different pointer type (for example, Windows Black). 3. Tap Apply to see the new pointer. You may find this pointer easier to locate than the regular one. 4. Make any other adjustments to suit your way of working. 5. Tap OK. 6. Close the Control Panel.

Page 29 of 36

Appendix B: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my 56K modem not connecting at 56K speeds? Several factors can affect connection speed, such as line noise, number of people connecting/connected to your ISP, and the age and condition of the telephone lines. A 56K modem does not guarantee all connections at 56K; rather it offers the ability to connect at up to 56K. Why is my CPU speed slower on battery? The SpeedStep technology that is resident on these notebooks adjusts the CPU speed depending on the power source. SpeedStep will slow the CPU speed down to reduce battery consumption allowing for longer battery life. Once an AC adaptor is connected to the notebook, SpeedStep returns the CPU speed to normal. Why am I getting no sound? The volume on the notebook is controlled by holding down the Function <Fn> key and pressing the up and down arrow keys. The volume level is shown on the screen. Why do I get intermittent CD Read Errors? When a CD ROM drive intermittently reads a CD, it's normally caused by a dirty or scratched CD, or a problem with the CD drive. Try reading different CDs to see if all or just one CD has trouble being read. If it's only a particular CD, that CD is most likely scratched or dirty. CD cleaning kits are available at most places that sell CDs. If all CDs have trouble being read, there may be a problem with your CD drive. Why is my system running slow? If you have noticed your system running slower than usual it may be due to a fragmented hard disk drive. (Note: Other factors such as RAM memory, cache memory, and free space on your hard drive may also affect system performance.) Your hard drive does a lot of reading and writing and, over an extended period of time, it can become fragmented this simply means that the files on your hard drive are not in continuous order, so the hard drive takes longer to load files or programs. To put your files back in order you use a program call Disk Defragmenter. This program will optimise your hard disk drive by placing the files on your drive back in continuous order, and will increase your notebook's performance. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Tap Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. Select the drive to be 'de-fragged'. Tap Analyze. Windows will indicate if this drive should be defragmented. If you need to defrag, tap Defragment to start the process. The time required to completed the defragmentation of the hard disk drive will depend on its size.

Page 30 of 36

Appendix C: Keyboard shortcuts in Windows XP
Windows Key Opens the Start menu + M, or +D <Shift> + +M Restores all minimised windows to their previous size Cycles through the taskbar icons <Fn> +F4 Minimises all windows <Fn> + F1 <Fn> +F3 Fn (Function) Key Opens a windows showing the functions of the keys Puts the notebook into 'standby' a power saving mode if you are called away. Touch any key to wake the notebook up again Puts the notebook into 'hibernation'. It must be restarted to resume; you will have to re-enter your password. Selects the screen(s) you want to use when using an external display device (e.g. projection unit, external monitor). Keep pressing <Fn> +F5 until the arrangement is the one you want. Saves power by turning the screen off tap any key to resume. Turns the touchpad on or off. Use this if you are using an external mouse or if you accidentally touch the touchpad while typing and your work scrolls. <Fn> +F7 turns the touchpad on again. Turns the speaker on or off. <Fn> + F8 turns it on again. Changes the brightness of the screen slightly.

+ <Tab>

<Fn> +F5
Opens the Search window Opens My Computer
<Fn> +F6 <Fn> +F7

+R + F1

Opens the Run dialog box Opens the Help and Support Center window
<Fn> + F8 <Fn> + the right and left arrow keys <Fn> + F11

+ <Break>

Displays the Systems Properties dialog box
Turns the numeric pad on. <Fn> + F11 turns it off again.

Page 31 of 36

Appendix D: Occupational Health and Safety
This document has been developed to inform Department staff of the potential safety and health hazards associated with the use of notebook computers and suggested strategies to reduce the risk of injury. Notebooks offer a choice of environments and locations where a person can use them. However the design of notebooks does not allow you to make some basic ergonomic adjustments. The risk of physical strain injuries to the neck, shoulders, and arms, and eye strain is generally higher with notebooks than it is with desktop computers. This is due to the inability to separate the keyboard and the screen and the variety of environments in which a notebook is used.
Potential hazards with notebook use
The main feature of notebooks that causes problems is the lack of ergonomic adjustment this promotes poor posture. If the screen is at the optimal height for the operator then the keyboard is too high, and if the keyboard is at the optimal height then the screen is too low. Both scenarios may contribute to muscle discomfort or strain to varying degrees. Potential injuries that can occur through using notebooks include: Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) [also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI)] as a result of sustained unnatural postures and/or prolonged tension on muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Eye strain through use in environments where there is poor lighting, glare, or reflection, and as a result of straining to view details on small screens. Manual handling strain through carrying notebooks for extended periods and/or lifting them out of awkward spaces. Strain may be the aggravation of an existing injury. Tripping hazards can also exist where the notebook has external cables attached such as mains power cords or telephone lines.

Page 33 of 36

Preventing tripping hazards
To minimise the risk of tripping, only use the cords that you need for that session and do not place them across walking areas. Consider the use of extension cords when making PowerPoint presentations.
Ongoing discomfort or pain
If you are experiencing ongoing discomfort or pain that is not eliminated by the strategies suggested in this document, seek medical advice and discuss the problem with your Principal. Further advice on reducing muscular strain is also available from Employee Support Services in Central Office on 9264 4889.
Ergonomic and posture principles for general computer use
Sit up and back in your chair. The top of the monitor screen should be at or just below eye level. The monitor should be positioned directly in front. At the correct height for keyboarding your elbows are approximately level with the keyboard and bent at 90100 degrees. The knees should be at 90 degrees or greater. A footstool may be required. Keep elbows close to your sides. Working documents should be between you and the monitor or just to the side of the monitor on a document holder. Frequently used equipment should be within easy reaching distance. Keep the mouse as close to the keypad as possible and on the same level. Look away from the screen and focus on distant objects regularly to reduce eye strain (remember that blinking helps to lubricate your eyes). Avoid glare or reflection from windows or lights where possible. Avoid holding your muscles tensed for long periods of time. Stretch and change postures frequently. Change tasks frequently to help prevent muscle stiffness. Take short frequent micro-breaks. Short and frequent breaks are more beneficial than longer less frequent breaks. Suggested breaks are 2-3 minutes every 15-20 minutes, 5 minutes every 30 minutes, or 10 minutes every hour.

References

Australian Standard AS 3590 (1990) Screen-based workstations, workstation furniture and input devices. Occupational Overuse Syndrome - Keyboard Operators: Reducing The Risk. WorkSafe Western Australia http://www.safetyline.wa.gov.au/pagebin/ pg000874.htm Using your Notebook safely. Department of Education Victoria. Health and Safety in the Office. Department of Education W.A. Officewise. Victoria WorkCover http://www.workcover.vic.gov.au

Page 34 of 36

Useful links
There are many web sites that provide useful information on ergonomics and computers at home and in schools. A few of these sites are listed below. The Department does not necessarily support information provided on these web sites. http://healthycomputing.com/ http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ http://www.office-ergo.com/ http://www.ergonomics.com.au/howtosit.htm http://www.pc.ibm.com/ww/healthycomputing/

Page 35 of 36

Appendix E: Repair Shipping Form
Acer Repair Centre Acer Computer Australia Level 3, 30 Hasler Road Herdsman Business Park Osborne Park WA 6017
National Call Centre Case Number: ____________________ Serial Number: _____________________
(Aust. Serial No. on the base of your notebook)
(To be filled in by you; supplied by Departments Customer Service Centre from Acer)
Name: ___________________________________________ Return Address:
_____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________

Page 36 of 36