Acer Aspire 2020 Series
User’s Guide
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First things first
Yo u r g u i d e s
A set of guides is provided to help you set up and use your Aspire com-
puter.
The Just for starters… poster shows you how to set up your
computer.
This User's Guide provides clear and concise information on
using your computer productively. 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.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. See “A tour of your computer” on page 3 for the
location of the power button.
To turn the power off, you can do any of the following:
•
Click on the Start button in Windows, and then select Shut Down
on the popup menu.
•
Push the power button.
To use this method, you must change the Power Management
settings in Control Panel. See Windows Help for more information.
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Note: If the operating system freezes, or locks up, press and hold
the power button for more than four seconds.
Taking care of your computer
Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it.
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•
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).
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Do not expose 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.
Do not place objects on top of the computer.
Do not slam the lid shut. Close the computer gently.
Do not place the computer on unstable or uneven surfaces.
Taking care of your AC adapter
It is important that you look after your AC adapter.
•
•
Do not connect the adapter to any other device.
Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on it. Route
the power cord away from areas where people might walk on it or
trip over it.
•
•
Do not pull on the power cord when disconnecting from a power
strip or wall outlet. Grasp and pull the plug instead.
The total ampere rating for all equipment plugged into a power
strip should not exceed the ampere rating of the power strip.
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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.
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Turn the power off before removing or replacing the battery.
Do not tamper with the battery. Keep the battery away from
children.
•
Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Recycle if
possible.
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning your computer, it is important that you follow these
steps:
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Turn off the computer and remove the battery.
Disconnect the AC adapter.
Clean with a soft cloth moistened with a little water. Do not use
liquid or aerosol cleaners.
Refer to the chapter entitled “Frequently asked questions” on page 75
if any of the following occurs:
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•
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You drop the computer or damage the case.
You spill liquid on the computer.
The computer does not operate normally.
vi
First things first
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
A tour of your computer
Open view
Front view
Top view
Left view
Right view
Rear view
Bottom view
Features
Display
Indicators
Keyboard
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24
24
26
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28
29
30
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30
Lock keys
Windows keys
Function keys
Euro key
Touchpad
Touchpad basics
Launch keys
Storage
Ejecting an optical disc
Connectivity options
Ethernet and LAN
Fax/data modem
Audio
Aspire Media Console
Securing your computer
Security slot
Passwords
Battery pack
Battery pack characteristics
Installing and removing the battery pack
Charging the battery
Checking the battery level
Optimizing battery life
Battery-low warning
Power management
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
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47
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Key component upgrades
Memory upgrade
Installing memory
Hard disk upgrade
Disconnecting from the desktop
Moving around
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53
54
Taking the computer home
Setting up a home office
Traveling with with computer
Traveling internationally with your computer
Software
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57
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58
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System software
Launch Manager
Aspire Arcade
Instant-on Arcade
Features and Benefits
Cinema
Album
Music
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69
70
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71
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Windows Arcade
Arcade Hot keys
Finding and playing content
Advanced Settings
Arcade controls
Navigation controls
Player controls
Cinema
DVD settings
Album
Video
Playing a video file
Editing a video file
Music
Burner
Copy - backup your CD/DVD collection
Data - store files simply and easily
Video - your world in pictures
BIOS Setup Utility
Troubleshooting
Frequently asked questions
73
75
Appendix A Specifications
Appendix B Notices
Index
79
85
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Your Aspire notebook computer combines
solid performance, versatility, multimedia
capabilities and portability with stylish
design. Increase your productivity by
working wherever you are.
This chapter provides an in-depth "tour" of
your computer's features.
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#
5
Item
Description
Touchpad
Touch sensitive pad that functions like a
computer mouse.
6
Click buttons and 4-way
scroll key
Right and left buttons that provide the
same functions as the buttons on a
computer mouse. The scroll key scrolls
the contents of a window up and down,
as well as right and left.
Getting familiar with your computer
6
Front view
#
1
Item
Description
Headphone-in jack
Connects headphones for S/PDIF audio output
2
3
Microphone-in jack
4 in 1 Card Reader
Connects an external microphone for
audio input
Supports:
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MemoryStick
MultiMediaCard
SecureDigital
SmartMedia
4
5
Latch
Locks and releases the lid
Bluetooth Button
Enables Bluetooth functionality
(manufacturing option)
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Wireless Button
Enables Wireless connectivity
(manufacturing option)
9
Right view
#
1
Item
Description
Infrared port
Interfaces with infrared devices (e.g.
infrared printer, IR-aware computer, etc...)
2
DC-in jack
Connect the AC power adapter
3
4
Kensington lock slot
Ventilation slot
For attaching a security device.
Enables the computer to stay cool, even
after prolonged use.
Getting familiar with your computer
10
Rear view
#
1
Item
Description
S-video out port
Connects to a television or display device
supporting S-video input.
2
External display
port
Connects an external (VGA) monitor.
3
4
8
USB ports
USB 2.0 ports
5
Network jack
Connects the computer to an Ethernet
network.
6
7
Modem jack
Parallel port
Connects the built-in fax/data modem to
a phone line.
Connects a parallel device, such as a
printer.
9
IEEE 1394 port
Connects IEEE 1394 devices.
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Bottom view
#
Item
Description
1
2
Mini-PCI Slot
Hard disk bay
Slot for adding mini-PCI cards
Removable cover provides access to the
computer's hard drive.
3
4
Memory compartment
Battery release latch
Removable cover provides access to the
memory slots for upgrading the
computer's memory.
Unlatches the battery to remove the
battery pack.
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6
Battery pack
Sub-Woofer
The computer's removable battery.
Outputs low/mid range audio
Getting familiar with your computer
12
Features
Performance
®
®
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Intel Pentium M Processor at 1.4 GHz or higher
2 memory slots supporting 333 MHz DDR, upgradeable to 2GB
30GB and up Enhanced-IDE hard disk drive
Multimedia
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Built-in optical drive (Slot-loading DVD Super-Multi Drive)
15.4” TFT Color LCD,1280x800 (WXGA) panel
2.1 channel stereo speaker system
Audio input and S/PDIF (for digital audio enjoyment) output jacks
Connectivity
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Integrated 100/1000 Mbps Ethernet connection
Built-in 56Kbps fax/data modem
Three universal serial bus (USB 2.0) ports
One IEEE 1394 port
802.11b/g Wireless LAN and Bluetooth (manufacturing options)
Human-centric design
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Rugged, portable construction
Stylish appearance
Standard 85 key keyboard with four programmable launch keys
Comfortable palm rest area with well-positioned touchpad
Expansion
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PC card slot enables a range of add-on options
Upgradeable hard disk and memory modules
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Display
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The 15.4” display panel provides a large viewing area for
maximum efficiency and ease-of-use.
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ATI Radeon 9700 with 128MB DDR VGA Memory
Supports simultaneous display on external LCD or CRT
S-video for output to a television or display device that supports
S-video input
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One LED console display for multimedia status
DualViewTM support
Getting familiar with your computer
14
Indicators
Your computer provides three indicators located above the keyboard,
in addition to five indicators positioned at the front of the palm rest
area. These indicators show the status of the computer and its compo-
nents.
The three indicators located above the keyboard provide the following
status information:
Icon
Description
Caps Lock
Caps Lock active
NumLk
ScrLk
Num Lock active
Note: The keypad lock must be turned on to use
the embedded numeric keypad.
Scroll Lock active
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The five indicators located at the front of the unit provide the follow-
ing status information:
Icon
Function
Description
Power mode
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•
•
Steady green -- power on
Orange -- standby mode
Flashing orange -- hibernation
mode
Hard Disc activity
indicator
•
Lights to Indicate when the hard
disc drive is reading or writing
data.
Battery state
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Blue -- fully charged
Orange -- being charged
Flashing orange -- low on power
Bluetooth mode
Lights to indicate that Bluetooth is
enabled (manufacturing option).
Wireless LAN mode
Lights to Indicate status of wireless
LAN is enabled (manufacturing
option).
Getting familiar with your computer
16
Keyboard
The keyboard features full-size keys with an embedded keypad, sepa-
rate cursor control keys, two Windows keys, and 13 function keys.
Lock keys
The computer features three lock keys, each with its own status indica-
tor light.
Lock Key
Description
Caps Lock
When Caps Lock is on, all alphabetic characters are typed in
uppercase. Toggle on/off by pressing the Caps Lock key on the
left side of the keyboard.
Num Lock
Scroll Lock
When Num Lock is on, the embedded numeric keypad can be
used. Toggle on/off by pressing the Fn + F11 key combination.
When Scroll Lock is on, the screen moves up or down one line
at a time when the up and down cursor control keys are
pressed.
Note: Scroll Lock doesn't work in all applications. Toggle on and
off by pressing the Fn + F12 keys combination.
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Embedded numeric keypad
The embedded keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad. It is
indicated by small blue numbers and characters on the applicable keys,
as shown below.
To use the embedded numeric keys, toggle the NumLk on by pressing
the Fn + F11 keys simultaneously.
With the embedded keypad turned on, the following actions are possi-
ble:
Desired Access
Num lock On
Num lock Off
Number keys on
embedded keypad
Type numbers using
embedded keypad in
the normal way.
Cursor control keys on
embedded keypad
Hold down the Shift
key while using the
cursor keys on the
embedded keypad.
Hold Fn key while
using cursor-control
keys.
Main keyboard keys
Hold down the Fn key
while typing letters
using the embedded
keypad keys.
Type letters in the
normal way.
Simultaneously press
the Shift key for capital
letters.
Getting familiar with your computer
18
Windows keys
The keyboard features two keys that provide Windows-specific func-
tions.
Key
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
+ E
opens the My Computer window
+ F1 opens Help and Support
+ F
+ M
opens the Find: All Files dialog box
minimizes all windows
Shift +
+ R
+ M undoes minimize
opens the Run dialog box
Application key
This key has the same effect as clicking the right mouse
button to open an application's context menu.
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Function keys
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
Description
Fn + F1
Fn + F2
Hot key help
Setup
Displays help on hot keys.
Accesses the computer’s
configuration utility.
Fn + F3
Power
management
scheme toggle
Switches the power management
scheme used by the computer
(function available if supported by
operating system).
See “Power management” on page 37.
Fn + F4
Fn + F5
Sleep
Puts the computer in Sleep mode.
See “Power management” on page 37.
Display toggle
Switches display output between
the display screen, external
monitor (if connected) or both the
display screen and external
monitor.
Getting familiar with your computer
20
HotKey
Function
Description
Fn + F6
Fn + F7
Fn + F8
Screen blank
Turns the display backlight off to
save power. Press any key to return.
Touchpad toggle
Turns the internal touchpad on and
off.
Speaker toggle
Sub-woofer
Turns the speakers on and off.
Turns the sub woofer on and off
Fn + Sub-
woofer key
Fn + ↑
Fn + ↓
Fn + →
Volume up
Increases the speaker volume.
Decreases the speaker volume.
Increases the screen brightness.
Decreases the screen brightness.
Volume down
Brightness up
Brightness down
Fn +
←
Euro key
Your computer supports the new Euro currency character. First, hold
down the Alt Gr key, and then press the Euro key.
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Touchpad
The built-in touchpad is a PS/2- compatible pointing device that senses
movement on its surface. The cursor responds to your finger move-
ments on the touchpad. The two click buttons function like mouse but-
tons. The scroll key enables up and down and side to side scrolling in
documents and web pages.
The touchpad is located in the middle of the palm rest area, providing
maximum comfort and efficiency.
Touchpad basics
Use the touchpad as follows:
•
Slide your finger over the surface of the touchpad to control the
movement of the cursor. Tap the touchpad to perform selection
and execution functions.
•
•
Press the left (1) and right (3) click buttons as you would use the
buttons on a computer mouse.
Use the scroll key (2) to scroll through long documents and web
pages. Press the top of the key to scroll up, and the bottom to
scroll down; left to scroll left, and right to scroll right.
Getting familiar with your computer
22
Right
Button
4-Way
Scroll Key
Function
Left Button
Tap
Execute
Click twice
quickly
Tap twice quickly
Tap once
Select
Drag
Click once
Click and hold.
Then, slide your
finger across
the touchpad to
drag the cursor
over the
Tap twice
quickly. On the
second tap, slide
your finger
across the
touchpad to
drag the cursor
over the
selection.
selection.
Access
content
menu
Click
once
Scroll
Click and
hold to scroll
up/down/left/
right
Note: Keep your fingers, as well as the surface of the touchpad,
clean and dry. The touchpad is sensitive to your finger movements:
the lighter your touch, the better the response. Tapping hard will
not increase the touchpad's responsiveness.
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Launch keys
Located at the top of the keyboard are four buttons next to the power
button. These buttons are called launch keys. They are designated as
key 1, key 2, key 3 and key 4, from right to left. By default, key 1 is used
to launch the E-mail application and key 2 is used to launch the Inter-
net browser. Keys 3 and 4 start the Launch Manager application and
can be programmed to provide quick access to frequently used applica-
tions. To set the launch keys, run the Acer Launch Manager.
Launch key
Default application
E-mail
Launches your E-mail application
Launches your Internet browser
User-programmable
Web browser
P2
P1
User-programmable
Getting familiar with your computer
24
Storage
Your computer's all-in-one design offers a variety of data storage
options:
•
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.
•
High speed optical drive.
Depending the model you purchased, you have a Slot-loading
DVD/CD-RW combo drive or DVD-RW drive. The optical drive
provides increased storage capacity, as well as offering a host of
multimedia possibilities.
Note: Refer to “A tour of your computer” on page 3 for the
location of the drives.
Ejecting an optical disc
To eject an optical disc
•
With the computer turned on, press the optical drive eject button.
25
To load an optical disc
•
With the computer turned on, insert the disc into the drive slot
until you feel the drive catch the disc and take it the rest of the
way in.
•
The disc may need to be inserted nearly all the way in before the
drive takes it in rest of way.
Getting familiar with your computer
26
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 Gigabit LAN (100/1000Mbps) 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.
See Windows Help for information on setting up a network
connection.
Fax/data modem
Your computer features a built-in fax/data modem, enabling you to
communicate over a phone line. This means that you can connect to
the Internet via a dialup account with an ISP, log in to your network
from a remote location, or send faxes.
Warning: Your modem is not compatible with digital phone
lines. Plugging the computer into a digital phone system
will damage the modem.
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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.
Getting familiar with your computer
28
Audio
Your computer includes an integrated stereo audio system.
The built in sub-woofer provides tight and precise bass performance
for low frequency audio.
Note: When an external device (headphones or a microphone) is
connected, the system speakers will be disabled.
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Aspire Media Console
The Acer Aspire 2020 notebook computer features a convenient Media
Console that includes (from left to right):
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the Arcade button for instant-on multimedia
a blue LED console display for system information such as:
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Arcade mode
media type/status
battery status
clock
personalized greetings
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media controls for on-screen menu navigation and media playback
When running Arcade in Windows, a convenient on-screen navigation
bar is displayed. Use the computer’s built in touchpad to access the
onscreen controls.
When the system is off, press the"Arcade" button to access the "Aspire
Arcade" application without starting Windows. Press the "Arcade"
button four seconds to quit the application and power down the sys-
tem.
When the system is on and running Windows, press the "Arcade" but-
ton to enable the "Aspire Arcade" application.
Press the stop button to stop CD or DVD playback.
The Media Control buttons can adjust volume, select play mode and
perform other media features.
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