K-12 Educational Acer Reference Accounts Case Study: Decatur County School System, GA
The Decatur County School System in Georgia serves eight schools five elementary, two middle and one high school.

Customer

Challenge And Solution
1. Integrating video in the curriculum to impart 21st century skills. 2. Working smarter not harder with shrinking budgets. 2500 Acer Desktops in the school system. Desktop workstations are being fitted with a microphone each and utilizing the BSR Screen Recorder program, a video of the classroom instruction is being created. It will allow absentee students to catch up at a later date or remotely. A central repository of this video library of instruction materials is being created on a video server, with assistance from students providing them with critical 21st century skills.
Acer Desktops have proven to be very reliable for our implementation, allowing us to focus our time and resources on developing new methods of imparting 21st century curriculum, like video integration. - Steve Dunn Technology Director Decatur County School System, GA

Why Acer

Performance Reliability and Cost-Effective Durability Customer Support
This document is the intellectual property of Acer Inc, and was created for demonstration purposes only. It may not be modified, organized or re-utilized in any way without the express written permission of the rightful owner.

Aspire Series

Generic User Guide
Copyright 2008. Acer Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. Aspire Series Generic User Guide Original Issue: 05/2008
Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications. 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 model number, serial number, purchase date and place of purchase information in the space provided below. The serial number and model number are recorded on the label affixed to your computer. All correspondence concerning your unit should include the serial number, model number and purchase information. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, by photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer Incorporated.
Aspire Series Notebook PC
Model number: __________________________________ Serial number: ___________________________________ Date of purchase: ________________________________ Place of purchase: ________________________________
Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other companies' product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to their respective companies.
Information for your safety and comfort

Safety instructions

Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
Turning the product off before cleaning
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
CAUTION for plug as disconnecting device
Observe the following guidelines when connecting and disconnecting power to the power supply unit: Install the power supply unit before connecting the power cord to the AC power outlet. Unplug the power cord before removing the power supply unit from the computer. If the system has multiple sources of power, disconnect power from the system by unplugging all power cords from the power supplies.
CAUTION for Accessibility
Be sure that the power outlet you plug the power cord into is easily accessible and located as close to the equipment operator as possible. When you need to disconnect power to the equipment, be sure to unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
CAUTION for Dummy Card of PCMCIA Slot
Your computer shipped with plastic dummies installed in the PCMCIA slot. Dummies protect unused slots from dust, metal object, or other particles. Save the dummy for use when no PCMCIA Card is installed in the slot.

CAUTION for Listening

To protect your hearing, follow these instructions. Increase the volume gradually until you can hear clearly and comfortably.
Do not increase the volume level after your ears have adjusted. Do not listen to music at high volumes for extended periods. Do not increase the volume to block out noisy surroundings. Decrease the volume if you can't hear people speaking near you.

Warnings

Do not use this product near water. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the product falls, it could be seriously damaged. Slots and openings are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind onto or into the product. To avoid damage of internal components and to prevent battery leakage, do not place the product on a vibrating surface. Never use it under sporting, exercising, or any vibrating environment which will probably cause unexpected short current or damage rotor devices, HDD, Optical drive, and even exposure risk from lithium battery pack.

This notebook uses a Lithium-ion battery. Do not use it in a humid, wet or corrosive environment. Do not put, store or leave your product in or near a heat source, in a high temperature location, in strong direct sunlight, in a microwave oven or in a pressurized container, and do not expose it to temperatures over 60C (140F). Failure to follow these guidelines may cause the battery to leak acid, become hot, explode or ignite and cause injury and/or damage. Do not pierce, open or disassemble the battery. If the battery leaks and you come into contact with the leaked fluids, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention immediately. For safety reasons, and to prolong the lifetime of the battery, charging will not occur at temperatures below 0C (32F) or above 40C (104F). The full performance of a new battery is achieved only after two or three complete charge and discharge cycles. The battery can be charged and
discharged hundreds of times, but it will eventually wear out. When the operation time becomes noticeably shorter than normal, buy a new battery. Use only Acer approved batteries, and recharge your battery only with Acer approved chargers designated for this device. Use the battery only for its intended purpose. Never use any charger or battery that is damaged. Do not short-circuit the battery. Accidental short-circuiting can occur when a metallic object such as a coin, clip or pen causes direct connection of the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the battery. (These look like metal strips on the battery.) This might happen, for example, when you carry a spare battery in your pocket or purse. Short-circuiting the terminals may damage the battery or the connecting object. The capacity and lifetime of the battery will be reduced if the battery is left in hot or cold places, such as in a closed car in summer or winter. Always try to keep the battery between 15C and 25C (59F and 77F). A device with a hot or cold battery may not work temporarily, even when the battery is fully charged. Battery performance is especially limited in temperatures well below freezing. Do not dispose of batteries in a fire as they may explode. Batteries may also explode if damaged. Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Please recycle when possible. Do not dispose as household waste. Wireless devices may be susceptible to interference from the battery, which could affect performance.
Replacing the battery pack
The notebook uses lithium batteries. Replace the battery with the same type as that which came bundled with your product. Use of another battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.

Warning! Batteries may explode if not handled properly. Do not disassemble or dispose of them in fire. Keep them away from children. Follow local regulations when disposing of used batteries.

Telephone line safety

Disconnect all telephone lines from the equipment when not in use and/or before servicing. To avoid the remote risk of electric shock from lightning, do not connect the telephone line to this equipment during lightning or thunderstorms.
Warning! For safety reasons, do not use non-compliant parts when adding or changing components. Consult your reseller for purchase options.
Additional safety information
Your device and its enhancements may contain small parts. Keep them out of the reach of small children.

Operating environment

Warning! For safety reasons, turn off all wireless or radio transmitting devices when using your laptop under the following conditions. These devices may include, but are not limited to: wireless lan (WLAN), Bluetooth and/or 3G. Remember to follow any special regulations in force in any area, and always switch off your device when its use is prohibited or when it may cause interference or danger. Use the device only in its normal operating positions. This device meets RF exposure guidelines when used normally, and it and its antenna are positioned at least 1.5 centimeters (5/8 inches) away from your body (refer to the figure below). It should not contain metal and you should position the device the above-stated distance from your body. To successfully transmit data files or messages, this device requires a good quality connection to the network. In some cases, transmission of data files or messages may be delayed until such a connection is available. Ensure that the above separation distance instructions are followed until the transmission is completed. Parts of the device are magnetic. Metallic materials may be attracted to the device, and persons with hearing aids should not hold the device to the ear with the hearing aid. Do not place credit cards or other magnetic storage media near the device, because information stored on them may be erased.

Medical devices

Operation of any radio transmitting equipment, including wireless phones, may interfere with the functionality of inadequately protected medical devices. Consult a physician or the manufacturer of the medical device to determine if they are adequately shielded from external RF energy or if you have any questions. Switch off your device in health care facilities when any regulations posted in these areas instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities may be using equipment that could be sensitive to external RF transmissions. Pacemakers. Pacemaker manufacturers recommend that a minimum separation of 15.3 centimeters (6 inches) be maintained between wireless devices and a pacemaker to avoid potential interference with the pacemaker. These recommendations are consistent with the independent research by and recommendations of Wireless Technology Research. Persons with pacemakers should do the following:

Always keep the device more than 15.3 centimeters (6 inches) from the pacemaker Not carry the device near your pacemaker when the device is switched o. If you suspect interference, switch off your device, and move it.
Hearing aids. Some digital wireless devices may interfere with some hearing aids. If interference occurs, consult your service provider.

Vehicles

RF signals may affect improperly installed or inadequately shielded electronic systems in motor vehicles such as electronic fuel injection systems, electronic antiskid (antilock) braking systems, electronic speed control systems, and air bag systems. For more information, check with the manufacturer, or its representative, of your vehicle or any equipment that has been added. Only qualified personnel should service the device, or install the device in a vehicle. Faulty installation or service may be dangerous and may invalidate any warranty that may apply to the device. Check regularly that all wireless equipment in your vehicle is mounted and operating properly. Do not store or carry flammable liquids, gases, or explosive materials in the same compartment as the device, its parts, or enhancements. For vehicles equipped with an air bag, remember that air bags inflate with great force. Do not place objects, including installed or portable wireless equipment in the area over the air bag or in the air bag deployment area. If in-vehicle wireless equipment is improperly installed, and the air bag inflates, serious injury could result. Using your device while flying in aircraft is prohibited. Switch off your device before boarding an aircraft. The use of wireless teledevices in an aircraft may be dangerous to the operation of the aircraft, disrupt the wireless telephone network, and may be illegal.
Potentially explosive environments
Switch off your device in any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere and obey all signs and instructions. Potentially explosive atmospheres include areas where you would normally be advised to turn off your vehicle engine. Sparks in such areas could cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even death. Switch off the notebook near gas pumps at service stations. Observe restrictions on the use of radio equipment in fuel depots, storage and distribution areas; chemical plants; or where blasting operations are in progress. Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not always, marked. They include below deck on boats, chemical transfer or storage facilities, vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas (such as propane or butane), and areas where the air contains chemicals or particles such as grain, dust or metal powders. Do not switch the notebook on when wireless phone use is prohibited or when it may cause interference or danger.

2 Click on AcerSystem User's Guide.
Note: Viewing the file requires Adobe Reader. If Adobe Reader is not installed on your computer, clicking on AcerSystem User's Guide will run the Adobe Reader setup program first. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation. For instructions on how to use Adobe Reader, access the Help and Support menu.
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer on and off
To turn on the computer, simply press and release the power button below the LCD screen beside the easy-launch buttons. Please refre to "Quick Guide" for the location of the power button.
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
Use the Windows shutdown command Click on Start then click on Shut Down.
Use the power button You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey <Fn> + <F4>.
Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power button for more than four seconds to shut down the computer. If you turn off the computer and want to turn it on again, wait at least two seconds before powering up.
Taking care of your computer
Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator. Do not expose the computer to temperatures below 0 C (32 F) or above 50 C (122 F). Do not subject the computer to magnetic fields. Do not expose the computer to rain or moisture. Do not spill water or any liquid on the computer. Do not subject the computer to heavy shock or vibration. Do not expose the computer to dust or dirt. Never place objects on top of the computer. Do not slam the computer display when you close it. Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.
Taking care of your AC adapter
Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter:
Do not connect the adapter to any other device. Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it. Carefully route the power cord and any cables away from foot traffic. When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the plug. The total ampere ratings of the equipment plugged in should not exceed the ampere rating of the cord if you are using an extension cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating.

Taking care of your battery pack
Here are some ways to take care of your battery pack:
Use only batteries of the same kind as replacements. Turn the power off before removing or replacing batteries. Do not tamper with batteries. Keep them away from children. Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if possible.

Cleaning and servicing

When cleaning the computer, follow these steps: 3 Turn off the computer and remove the battery pack. Disconnect the AC adapter. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. the computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged; the computer does not operate normally
If either of the following occurs:
Please refer to "Frequently asked questions" on page 29.
Safety instructions Additional safety information Operating environment Medical devices Vehicles Potentially explosive environments Emergency calls Disposal instructions Tips and information for comfortable use Your guides Basic care and tips for using your computer Turning your computer on and off Taking care of your computer Taking care of your AC adapter Taking care of your battery pack Cleaning and servicing Launching Acer Empowering Technology Empowering Technology password Acer eAudio Management (only for certain models) Acer ePower Management Acer eDataSecurity Management (only for certain models) Acer eRecovery Management Acer eSettings Management Windows Mobility Center
iii vii vii vii viii viii viii viii x
Acer Empowering Technology
xii xii xii xiii xiii xiv xiv
Indicators Easy-launch buttons Touchpad
Using a computer security lock Using the keyboard
Touchpad basics (with fingerprint reader) Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons)
Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad Windows keys Hotkeys Special keys (only for certain models) Acer PureZone (only for certain models) Tuba (only for certain models) Using Dolby Home Theater for surround/ multi-channel sound (only for certain models)

Contents

Video Using the system utilities
16:9 display (only for certain models) Acer Bio-Protection (only for certain models) Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible) Requesting service International Travelers Warranty (ITW) Before you call
Frequently asked questions
The Empowering Technology toolbar makes it easy for you to access frequently used functions and manage your new Acer system. Activated by pressing the Empowering Key, it provides access to the following utilities:

Empowering Technology

Note: The following content is for general reference only. Actual product specifications may vary.
Acer eAudio Management allows you to easily control the enhanced sound effects of Dolby Home Theater on your system (only for certain models). Acer ePower Management optimizes battery usage via customizable power plans. Acer eDataSecurity Management protects data with passwords and encryption (only for certain models). Acer eRecovery Management backs up and recovers data flexibly, reliably and completely. Acer eSettings Management accesses system information and adjusts settings easily.
For more information, right-click on the Empowering Technology toolbar, then select Help. For help with a particular utility, launch the utility and click the icon at the buttom of the active window.
Launching Acer Empowering Technology
To launch Acer Empowering Technology:
Press the Empowering Key to display the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar on the desktop. To hide the toolbar, press the Empowering Key again or click the hide button on the toolbar.
You may also launch Acer Empowering Technology by running the program from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in the Start menu, or by double-clicking the icon if you have created a desktop shortcut.
To launch Acer Empowering Technology applications:
On the Acer Empowering Technology toolbar, click the icon that corresponds to the application you want to launch. When you mouse over an application icon, a quick menu appears below the toolbar. The quick menu allows you to perform certain tasks simply and quickly.
You may also run the application by selecting it from the Acer Empowering Technology program group in the Start menu.
Note: You may also double-click or right-click eAudio Management, and right-click Management from the system tray.

to run Acer

to run Acer ePower
Empowering Technology password
You must set the Empowering Technology password to use the password protection feature of Acer eRecovery Management to protect your data.
To set the Empowering Technology password:
Launch Acer eRecovery Management. Click the Restore tab. Click Password settings. The Empowering Technology Password Center dialog box pops up. Click Create a new password.

Note: You can revert to the default settings of the predefined power plans by clicking the Restore button.

To delete a power plan:

You cannot delete the power plan you are currently using. The active power plan will mark with in upper left corner of power plan icon. If you want to
delete the active power plan, switch to another one first. Select the power plan you wish to delete. Click the Delete this plan icon.
Note: You cannot delete the predefined power plans, but you can modify the settings of the predefined power plans.

Battery status

The quick menu shows the remaining battery life based on current usage. You can also launch the Acer ePower Management application and refer to the Battery status panel located just below the power plans.
3 Click the Battery tab to view remaining battery life, battery status, and remaining battery life in standby and hibernate modes.
Acer eDataSecurity Management (only for certain models)
Acer eDataSecurity Management is an encryption utility that protects your files from being accessed by unauthorized persons. It is conveniently integrated with Windows Explorer as a shell extension for quick data encryption/decryption and also supports on-the-fly file encryption for Lotus Notes and Microsoft Outlook. On first use, the Acer eDataSecurity Management setup wizard will prompt you to create the Master Password. You will use this password to access the Personal Secure Disk (PSD). The Master Password may also be used to encrypt/decrypt files by default. If you set a different password to encrypt a file, but you forgot the encryption password, you can use the Master Password to decrypt the file.
Note: The password used to encrypt a file is the unique key that the system needs to decrypt it. If you lose the password, the Master Password is the only other key capable of decrypting the file. If you lose both passwords, there will be no way to decrypt your encrypted file! Be sure to safeguard all related passwords!
Acer eRecovery Management
Acer eRecovery Management is a versatile backup utility. It allows you to create full or incremental backups, burn the factory default image to optical disc, and restore from previously created backups or reinstall applications and drivers. By default, user-created backups are stored to the D:\ drive. Acer eRecovery Management provides you with:

Backup:

Back up factory default to CD/DVD Back up drivers and applications to CD/DVD Create user backup Manage user backups
Restore: Restore system to factory default Reinstall applications/drivers Restore system from user backup Password settings

To use the password protection feature of Acer eRecovery Management to protect your data, you must first set the Empowering Technology password. To set the password, refer to the section "Empowering Technology password".
For more information, please refer to"Acer eRecovery Management" on page 74 in the Acer System User's Guide.
Note: If your computer did not come with a Recovery CD or System CD, please use Acer eRecovery Management's Backup factory default to CD/DVD feature to burn a backup image to CD or DVD. To ensure the best results when recovering your system using a CD or Acer eRecovery Management, detach all peripherals (except the external Acer ODD, if your computer has one), including your Acer ezDock.
Acer eSettings Management
Acer eSettings Management allows you to inspect hardware specifications, set BIOS passwords and modify boot options. Acer eSettings Management also:
Provides a simple graphical user interface for navigation. Prints and saves hardware specifications. Lets you set an asset tag for your system.

Windows Mobility Center

The Windows Mobility Center collects key mobile-related system settings in one easy-to-find place, so you can quickly configure your Acer system to fit the situation as you change locations, networks or activities. Settings include display brightness, volume, power plan, wireless networking on/off, external display settings, synchronization status and presentation settings. Windows Mobility Center also includes Acer-specific settings like sharing folders overview/sharing service on or off, Bluetooth Add Device (if applicable), and a shortcut to the Acer user guide, drivers and utilities. To launch Windows Mobility Center:
Use the shortcut key <

> + <X>.

Start Windows Mobility Center from the Control panel. Start Windows Mobility Center from the Accessories program group in the Start menu. Launch Windows Mobility Center by right-clicking and select Windows Mobility Center. in the system tray

Indicators

The computer has serveral easy-to-read status indicators.The front panel indicators are visible even when the computer cover is closed up. Icon Function HDD Num Lock Caps Lock Power Battery Description Indicates when the hard disk drive is active. Lights up when Num Lock is activated. Lights up when Caps Lock is activated. Indicates the computer's power status. Indicates the computer's batttery status.

English

1. Charging: The light shows amber when the battery is charging. 2. Fully charged: The light shows green when in AC mode.

Easy-launch buttons

Located beside the keyboard are application buttons. These buttons are called easy-launch buttons. They are: WLAN, Internet, email, Bluetooth, Arcade and Acer Empowering Technology. The mail and Web browser buttons are pre-set to email and Internet programs, but can be reset by users. To set the Web browser, mail and programmable buttons, run the Acer Launch Manager.You can access the Launch Manager by clicking on Start, All Programs, and then Launch Manager to start the application. Icon Function
Wireless communication button/indicator Web browser Mail Bluetooth communication button/indicator

Description

Enables/disables the wireless function. Indicates the status of wireless LAN communication. Internet browser (user-Programmable) Email application (user-Programmable) Enables/disables the Bluetooth function. Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication.

(manufacturing option)

(manufacturing option) Arcade
Launch Acer Arcade utility
Launch Acer Empowering Technology (user-programmable)

Touchpad

The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move your finger across the surface of the touchpad. The central location on the palmrest provides optimum comfort and support.
Touchpad basics (with fingerprint reader)
The following items show you how to use the touchpad with Acer BioProtection fingerprint reader.
Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor. Press the left (1) and right (4) buttons located beneath the touchpad to perform selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the touchpad is the same as clicking the left button. Use Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint reader (3) supporting Acer FingerNav 4-way control function (only for certain models) or the 4-way scroll (3) button (only for certain models) to scroll up or down and move left or right a page. This fingerprint reader or button mimics your cursor pressing on the right scroll bar of Windows applications. Function

Execute

Left button (1)

Quickly click twice.

Right button (4)

Main touchpad (2)

Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button). Tap once.

Center button (3)

Select

Click once.

Click and hold, then use finger on the touchpad to drag the cursor. Click once.

Function

Right Main touchpad (2) button (4)
Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button); rest your finger on the touchpad on the second tap and drag the cursor.
Access context menu Scroll
Swipe up/down/left/ right using Acer FingerNav 4-way control function (Manufacturing option). Or click and hold to move up/ down/left/right (Manufacturing option).
Touchpad basics (with two-click buttons)
The following items show you how to use the touchpad with two-click buttons.
Move your finger across the touchpad (1) to move the cursor. Press the left (2) and right (3) buttons located beneath the touchpad to perform selection and execution functions. These two buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse. Tapping on the touchpad is the same as clicking the left button. Function

Left button (2)

Right button (3)

Main touchpad (1)

Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button).

Select Drag

Click once. Click and hold, then use finger on the touchpad to drag the cursor.
Tap once. Tap twice (at the same speed as double-clicking a mouse button); rest your finger on the touchpad on the second tap and drag the cursor.

Access context menu

Note: Illustrations for reference only. The exact configuration of your PC depends on the model purchased.
Note: When using the touchpad, keep it and your fingers dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; hence, the lighter the touch, the better the response. Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad's responsiveness.

Note: By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is enabled on your touchpad. It can be disabled under Mouse settings in Windows Control Panel.
Using a computer security lock
The notebook comes with a Kensington-compatible security slot for a security lock.
Wrap the computer security lock cable around an immovable object such as a table or handle of a locked drawer. Insert the lock into the notch and turn the key to secure the lock. Some keyless models are also available.

Using the keyboard

The keyboard has full-sized keys and an embedded numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys.
Lock keys and embedded numeric keypad
The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off. Lock key Caps Lock Num Lock <Fn> + <F11> Scroll Lock <Fn> + <F12> Description
When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters typed are in uppercase. When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in numeric mode. The keys function as a calculator (complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /). Use this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric data entry. A better solution would be to connect an external keypad. When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves one line up or down when you press the up or down arrow keys respectively. Scroll Lock does not work with some applications.
The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is indicated by small characters located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols are not printed on the keys. Desired access Number keys on embedded keypad Num Lock on
Type numbers in a normal manner. Hold <Fn> while using cursor-control keys. Type the letters in a normal manner.

Num Lock off

Hold <Shift> while using cursorCursor-control keys on embedded keypad control keys.

Main keyboard keys

Hold <Fn> while typing letters on embedded keypad.

Windows keys

The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions. Key Windows key Description
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: < < < < < > : Open or close the Start menu > + <D>: Display the desktop > + <E>: Open Windows Explore > + <F>: Search for a file or folder > + <G>: Cycle through Sidebar gadgets
< > + <L>: Lock your computer (if you are connected to a network domain), or switch users (if you're not connected to a network domain) < < < < < < > + <M>: Minimizes all windows > + <R>: Open the Run dialog box > + <T>: Cycle through programs on the taskbar > + <U>: Open Ease of Access Center > + <X>: Open Windows Mobility Center > + <BREAK>: Display the System Properties dialog box

Acer GridVista (dual-display compatible)
Note: This feature is only available on certain models. To enable the dual display feature of your notebook, first ensure that a second display is connected, then, open the Display Settings properties box using the Control Panel or by right-clicking the Windows desktop and selecting Personalize. Select the secondary monitor (2) icon in the display box and then click the check box Extend the desktop onto this monitor. Finally, click Apply to confirm the new settings and click OK to complete the process.
Acer GridVista is a handy utility that offers four pre-defined display settings so you can view multiple windows on the same screen. To access this function, please go to Start, All Programs and click on Acer GridVista. You may choose any one of the four display settings indicated below:
Double (vertical), Triple (primary at left), Triple (primary at right), or Quad Acer Gridvista is dual-display compatible, allowing two displays to be partitioned independently. Acer GridVista is simple to set up: Run Acer GridVista and select your preferred screen configuration for each display from the taskbar. Drag and drop each window into the appropriate grid.
3 Enjoy the convenience of a well-organized desktop.
Note: Please ensure that the resolution setting of your second monitor is set to the manufacturer's recommended value.
The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer. Easy solutions are provided for each one.
I turned on the power, but the computer does not start or boot up.
Look at the power indicator:
If it is not lit, no power is being supplied to the computer. Check the following:
If you are using on the battery, it may be low and unable to power the computer. Connect the AC adapter to recharge the battery pack. Make sure that the AC adapter is properly plugged into the computer and to the power outlet. Is a non-bootable (non-system) disk in the external USB floppy drive? Remove or replace it with a system disk and press <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del> to restart the system.
If it is lit, check the following:
Nothing appears on the screen.
The computer's power management system automatically blanks the screen to save power. Press any key to turn the display back on. If pressing a key does not turn the display back on, three things might be the cause:
The brightness level might be too low. Press <Fn> + <> (increase) to adjust the brightness level. The display device might be set to an external monitor. Press the display toggle hotkey <Fn> + <F5> to toggle the display back to the computer. If the Sleep indicator is lit, the computer is in Sleep mode. Press and release the power button to resume.