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Acer Aspire 1400 series
User’s guide
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Copyright © 2002
All Rights Reserved
Acer Aspire 1400 series Notebook computer User’s guide
Original Issue: March 2002
First Revision: April 2002
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. 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, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer
Incorporated.
Acer Aspire 1400 series Notebook computer
Model Number : __________________________________
Serial Number: ___________________________________
Purchase Date: ___________________________________
Place of Purchase: ________________________________
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective companies.
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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
Storage
Inserting and ejecting a diskette
Ejecting the optical drive tray
Connectivity options
Ethernet and LAN
Fax/data modem
Audio
Adjusting the volume
Using the Audio DJ feature
Securing your computer
Security notch
Passwords
Operating on battery power
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
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Peripherals and options
External display devices
External monitor
External display with s-video input
Using simultaneous display
External input devices
External keyboard
External keypad
External pointing device
Printer
Audio devices
Expansion devices
PC Card slots
USB
Miscellaneous options
Battery pack
AC adapter
Key component upgrades
Memory upgrade
Hard disk upgrade
Moving with your computer
Disconnecting from the desktop
Moving around
Preparing the computer
What to bring to short meetings
What to bring to long meetings
Taking the computer home
Preparing the computer
What to bring with you
Special considerations
Setting up a home office
Traveling with the computer
Preparing the computer
What to bring with you
Special considerations
Traveling internationally with the computer
Preparing the computer
What to bring with you
Special considerations
Software
System software
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Easy Button
BIOS Setup Utility
Main
Advanced
Security
Others
Boot
Exit
Troubleshooting
Frequently-asked questions
Error messages
Appendix A Specifications
Appendix B Notices
Index
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First things first
We would like to thank you for making the Aspire series of notebook computers your
choice for your mobile computing needs. We hope you will be happy with your Aspire
as much as we enjoyed making it for you.
Your guides
To help you use your Aspire, we have designed a set of guides:
First off, the Just for Starters... poster helps you get started with setting
up your computer.
This User’s guide introduces you to the many ways your computer can
help you be more productive. This guide provides clear and concise
information about the computer, so read it thoroughly.
Lastly, there may be a Read me first sheet included with your package
which contains important reminders and updates. So, please read
through it.
For more information about our products, services, and support information, please
visit our web site (global.acer.com).
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Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer on and off
To turn on the computer, open the display cover, and press the power switch above the
keyboard.
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
Use the Windows shutdown command
Click on Start, and select the Windows Turn Off command.
Use the power switch
If you set the power switch to “Shut down” in the Power Options control panel,
you can use this button to turn off the computer. See Windows Help and
Support for details.
Note: If you cannot power off the computer normally, press and hold the power
switch 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 and vibration.
Do not expose the computer to dust and dirt.
Never place objects on top of the computer to avoid damaging the computer.
Do not slam the computer display when you close it.
Never place the computer on uneven surfaces.