Acer Aspire S3 User Manual
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Acer Aspire S3 User Manual

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  • Page 1 User’s Manual...

  • Page 2: Sign Up For Acer Id/Enable Remote Files

    This revision: December 2013 Sign up for an Acer ID and enable Acer Remote Files Open the Acer Portal from the Start screen to sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    BIOS utility Taking care of your AC adapter ....7 Boot sequence........48 Cleaning and servicing........ 8 Setting passwords ......... 48 Your Acer notebook tour Screen view ..........9 Securing your computer Keyboard view ........10 Using passwords ........49 Left view ..........
  • Page 4 4 - Table of contents Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1..72 Where can I get more information?... 78 Troubleshooting ........79 How do I get to Start? ....... 72 What are "Charms?" ......... 72 Troubleshooting tips........79 Can I boot directly to the desktop? ... 73 Error messages.........

  • Page 5: Getting Started

    • Where to find the power button, ports and connectors • Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard • How to create recovery backups • Guidelines for connecting to a network and using Bluetooth • Information on using Acer’s bundled software...

  • Page 6: First Things First

    6 - First things first I R S T T H I N G S F I R S T We would like to thank you for making this Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides...

  • Page 7: Taking Care Of Your Computer

    First things first - 7 You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep hotkey <Fn> + <W>. 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.

  • Page 8: Cleaning And Servicing

    8 - First things first cord. Also, the total current rating of all equipment plugged into a single wall outlet should not exceed the fuse rating. Cleaning and servicing When cleaning the computer, follow these steps: 1. Turn off the computer. 2.

  • Page 9: Your Acer Notebook Tour

    O U R C E R N O T E B O O K T O U R After setting up your computer as illustrated in the setup poster, let us show you around your new Acer notebook. Screen view Icon...

  • Page 10: Keyboard View

    10 - Your Acer notebook tour Keyboard view Icon Item Description Indicates the computer’s power status. Blue: The computer is turned on. Power indicator Amber, slow flash: The computer is in Standby. Amber, fast flash: The computer is entering Hibernate / Deep Sleep.

  • Page 11: Left View

    Your Acer notebook tour - 11 Icon Item Description Touch-sensitive pointing device. The touchpad and selection buttons form a single surface. Press down firmly on the touchpad surface to perform a left click. Touchpad Press down firmly on the lower right corner to perform a right click.

  • Page 12: Right View

    12 - Your Acer notebook tour • Compatible with USB 3.0 and earlier devices. • For optimal performance, use USB 3.0-certified devices. • Defined by the USB 3.0 specification (SuperSpeed USB). Right view Icon Item Description Accepts one SD card.

  • Page 13: Base View

    Your Acer notebook tour - 13 Base view # Icon Item Description Simulates removing and reinstalling the battery. Battery reset Insert a paperclip into the hole and pinhole press for four seconds to reset the computer. Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.

  • Page 14: 14 - Using The Keyboard

    14 - Using the keyboard S I N G T H E K E Y B O A R D The keyboard has full-sized keys, separate cursor, and Windows keys. Hotkeys The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computer's controls like screen brightness and volume output.

  • Page 15: Windows Keys

    Using the keyboard - 15 Hotkey Icon Function Description <Fn> + Increases the screen Brightness up < > brightness. <Fn> + Decreases the screen Brightness down < > brightness. <Fn> + Volume up Increases the sound volume. < > <Fn> + Volume down Decreases the sound volume.

  • Page 16: Touchpad

    16 - Touchpad O U C H P A D Touchpad basics The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement. Note The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; the lighter the touch, the better the response.
  • Page 17 Touchpad - 17 This allows you to control applications with a few simple gestures, such as: • Swipe in from edge: Access Windows tools by swiping into the center of the touchpad from the right, top or left. • Swipe in from right edge: Toggle the charms. •...

  • Page 18: Recovery

    Windows tools, or the recovery backup. Note Acer Recovery Management is only available with a pre-installed Windows operating system. Important We recommend that you create a Recovery Backup and Drivers and Applications Backup and as soon as possible.
  • Page 19 Recovery - 19 1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Create Factory Default Backup. The Recovery Drive window opens. Make sure Copy contents from the recovery partition to the recovery drive is selected.

  • Page 20: Creating A Drivers And Applications Backup

    20 - Recovery • Since the recovery backup requires at least 16 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 32 GB or larger. 4. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen. 5.
  • Page 21 USB storage drive or, if your computer features a DVD recorder, one or more blank recordable DVDs. 1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Create Drivers and Applications Backup.

  • Page 22: Recovering Your System

    22 - Recovery with a permanent marker. If multiple discs are required, insert a new disc when prompted, then click OK. Continue until the process is complete. • If you are using a USB drive, unplug the drive and label it clearly. Important Write a unique, descriptive label on each backup, such as 'Drivers and Applications Backup'.

  • Page 23: Reinstalling Drivers And Applications

    If you are reinstalling using Windows and the recovery information stored on your computer: 1. From Start, type 'Recovery' and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. 2. Click Reinstall Drivers or Applications.
  • Page 24 1. Insert the Drivers and Applications Backup into the disc drive or connect it to a free USB port. • If you inserted a DVD wait for Acer Resource Center to start. • If Acer Resource Center does not start automatically, press the Windows key + <E>, then double-click on the optical drive...

  • Page 25: Returning To An Earlier System Snapshot

    Recovery - 25 2. You should see the Contents section of the Acer Resource Center. Images for reference only. 3. Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation. Repeat this step for each item you want to reinstall.

  • Page 26: Returning Your System To Its Factory Condition

    Recovering from a recovery backup on page Recovering from Windows Start Acer Recovery Management: • From Start, type ’Recovery’ and then click Acer Recovery Management in the list of apps. Two options are available, Restore Factory Settings (Reset my PC) or Customized Restore (Refresh my PC).
  • Page 27 Recovery - 27 the Windows Store). See Customized Restore with Acer Recovery Management on page Restore Factory Settings with Acer Recovery Management 1. Click Restore Factory Settings. 2. The Reset your PC window opens. Images for reference only. 3. Click Next, then choose how to erase your files: a.
  • Page 28 "Reset your PC" completely removes all your files and resets your computer to factory settings. 4. Click Next. The process will take several minutes. Customized Restore with Acer Recovery Management 1. Click Customized Restore (Retain User Data). 2. The Refresh your PC window opens.

  • Page 29: Recovering From A Recovery Backup

    Recovery - 29 4. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues by copying files to your hard drive. This process takes about 30 minutes. Recovering from a recovery backup To recover from a recovery backup on a USB drive: 1.
  • Page 30 30 - Recovery b. Click Reset your PC to start the reset process: Reset your PC deletes everything on your hard drive, then reinstalls Windows and all software and drivers that were pre- installed on your system. If you can access important files on your hard drive, back them up now.
  • Page 31 Recovery - 31 a. Just remove my files quickly erases all files before restoring your computer and takes about 30 minutes. b. Fully clean the drive completely cleans the drive after each file is erased, so no files can be viewed after the recovery. Cleaning the drive takes much longer, up to 5 hours, but is much more secure as old files are completely removed.

  • Page 32: Connecting To The Internet

    32 - Connecting to the Internet O N N E C T I N G T O TH E N T E R N E T Note Information in this section may not apply to your computer. This chapter includes basic information on types of connections, and getting connected to the Internet.

  • Page 33: Connecting Wirelessly

    Windows will detect and display a list of available networks during setup. Select your network and enter the password if required. Acer notebook computers feature an Airplane mode hotkey that turns the network connection on or off. You can use the network management options to turn your wireless network on/off or control what is shared over the network.

  • Page 34: Connecting To A 3G Network

    34 - Connecting to the Internet Connecting to a 3G network If your computer has a SIM slot, you can connect to the Internet using a 3G (cellular phone) network. To do this, you must have a compatible SIM card and a data contract with your cellular provider. Note Please contact your cellular provider for details on connecting to the Internet via 3G.

  • Page 35: Using A Bluetooth Connection

    Using a Bluetooth connection - 35 S I N G A L U E T O O T H C O N N E C T I O N Bluetooth is a technology enabling you to transfer data wirelessly over short distances between many different types of devices.

  • Page 36: Adding A Bluetooth Device

    36 - Using a Bluetooth connection 4. Select the Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer check box, click Apply, and then click OK. Adding a Bluetooth device Every new device must first be "paired" with your computer’s Bluetooth adapter. This means it must first be authenticated for security purposes.
  • Page 37 Using a Bluetooth connection - 37 Click on the device you want to add. A code displays on your computer, which should match the code displayed on your device. Select Yes. Then, accept the pairing from your device. Note Some devices using older versions of the Bluetooth technology require both devices to enter a PIN.
  • Page 38 38 - Using a Bluetooth connection click on View devices and printers. Right click on your device and select Advanced Operations > Connect to operation window. The operation window enables you to play music and audio from your device through your computer, send files to your device and change Bluetooth settings.

  • Page 39: Acer Touch Tools

    Acer Touch Tools makes using your Windows device easier and more convenient. You can select, drag or tap on small items in the user interface. You can run Acer Touch Tools, from Start or from the Desktop taskbar. Touch tool controls...

  • Page 40: Pointing

    Gateway Tap this icon to run the Gateway Screen Grasp Screen Grasp utility. See Acer Screen Grasp on page Tap the X to close Acer Touch Tools. Both Close AccuFinger and the Touch Tools panel will close. AccuFinger pointer Pointing The AccuFinger pointer's fine tip allows you to work with even very small screen elements.

  • Page 41: Repliview

    Acer Touch Tools - 41 • Text edit: You can select text in supported programs by tapping on a word or text block to select it or insert the cursor. You can then type or perform other operations on the selected text.
  • Page 42 42 - Acer Touch Tools or left-hand operation, which optimizes pointer orientation for the selected mode.

  • Page 43: Acer Screen Grasp

    C R E E N R A S P Acer Screen Grasp is a handy screen capture tool that allows you to capture all or part of anything that’s displayed on your computer’s screen. It works for both the desktop and Start screen applications.

  • Page 44: Adjusting The Settings

    44 - Acer Screen Grasp Adjusting the Settings Tap the Settings icon to adjust the defaults for Acer Screen Grasp. You can enable or disable the launch gesture (tap the screen with three fingers), set the app to launch the editing tool after capturing, pin the program to the taskbar, view a short introduction tutorial, or view the Help content.
  • Page 45 Acer Screen Grasp - 45 Description Marker tool. Text tool. Eraser. Mosaic effect. Lasso tool. Share capture to... • Windows clipboard • Facebook • Acer Scrapboard • Word • PowerPoint • Outlook Save. Pin/unpin the toolbars.

  • Page 46: Acer Scrapboard

    46 - Acer Scrapboard C E R C R A P B O A R D Acer Scrapboard is a useful tool to manage your screen captures. Screen captures are automatically sorted by date. Tap the icon on the screen capture to open the website in Internet Explorer.
  • Page 47 - 47 Keeping your computer and data safe... In this section you will find: • How to secure your computer • Setting passwords • What you need to prepare when you’re traveling • How to get the most out of your battery...

  • Page 48: Bios Utility

    48 - BIOS utility B I O S U T I L I T Y The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS. Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not normally need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it.

  • Page 49: Securing Your Computer

    Securing your computer - 49 E C U R I N G Y O U R C O MP U TE R Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Using passwords Passwords protect your computer from unauthorized access.
  • Page 50 50 - Securing your computer • Type the User Password and press <Enter> to use the computer. If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning message appears. Try again and press <Enter>. Important You have three chances to enter a password. If you fail to enter the password correctly after three tries, the system halts.

  • Page 51: Power Management

    Power management - 51 O W E R M A N A G E M E N T This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, hard disk, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory.
  • Page 52 52 - Power management 5. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 6. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 7. Select Save changes.

  • Page 53: Battery Pack

    Battery pack - 53 A T T E R Y P A C K The computer uses an embedded Lithium battery that gives you long use between charges. Battery characteristics The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter.

  • Page 54: Optimizing Battery Life

    54 - Battery pack Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. Warning Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 45° C (113° F). Extreme temperatures may adversely affect the battery pack.

  • Page 55: Checking The Battery Level

    Battery pack - 55 Checking the battery level The power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the cursor over the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's present charge level. Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the power meter. Important Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears.

  • Page 56: Traveling With Your Computer

    56 - Traveling with your computer R A V E L I N G W I T H Y O U R C O M P U T E R This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer.

  • Page 57: What To Bring To Meetings

    Traveling with your computer - 57 You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing <Fn> + <W> or by closing the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, open the display and, if necessary, press and release the power button. Note The computer may enter Hibernation or Deep Sleep mode after being in Sleep mode for a period of time.

  • Page 58: What To Take With You

    58 - Traveling with your computer What to take with you Unless you have some items at home, take the following items with you: • AC adapter and power cord. • The printed Setup Guide. Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: •...

  • Page 59: Preparing The Computer

    Traveling with your computer - 59 When you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your office building to a client's office building or traveling locally. Preparing the computer Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Make sure that the battery in the computer is charged.

  • Page 60: What To Bring With You

    60 - Traveling with your computer What to bring with you Bring the following items with you: • AC adapter. • Power cords that are appropriate for your destination(s). • Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer. •...

  • Page 61: Ports And Connectors

    - 61 Ports and connectors... In this section you will find: • Information on the ports and connectors fitted to your computer...

  • Page 62: 62 - Acer Converter Port

    There are different cables available. Please check with your retailer to see which are compatible with your computer. The Acer Converter Port is a proprietary port that allows you to extend the connectivity options of your computer using a single cable.

  • Page 63: Memory Card Reader

    Memory card reader - 63 E M O R Y C A R D R E A D E R Connectivity options Your computer has a card reader and other ports/jacks that allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer. For instructions on how to connect different external devices to the computer, read the following section.
  • Page 64 64 - Memory card reader (2 TB). Your computer provides an SDHC or SDXC compatible card reader. Note SDXC memory cards can only be used in an SDXC-compatible reader; SD and SDHC cards can be used in either type. Removing a card from a memory card reader 1.

  • Page 65: Video And Audio Connectors

    Video and audio connectors - 65 I D E O A N D A U D I O C O N N E C T O R S Connect to a monitor with a VGA or DVI port (the type of connection supported depends your...

  • Page 66: Hdmi

    66 - HDMI H D M I HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a high-quality, digital audio/video interface. HDMI allows you to connect any compatible digital audio/video source, such as your computer, a set-top box, DVD player, and audio/video receiver to any compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV) with a single cable.

  • Page 67: Universal Serial Bus (Usb)

    Note Two USB standards are currently available on Acer computers: USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) and USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB). USB 2.0 ports on Acer computers have a black tongue in the port, while USB 3.0 ports have a blue tongue. For best performance, USB 3.0 devices should always be plugged into USB 3.0 ports.
  • Page 68 68 - Got a question? In this section you will find: • Frequently asked questions • Tips for using Windows 8.1 • Troubleshooting information • How to protect yourself while online • Where to find Acer service center contact information...

  • Page 69: Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions - 69 R E Q U E N TL Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer.
  • Page 70 Your C: drive will be reformatted and all data will be erased. It is important to back up all data files before using this option. Before performing a restore operation, please check the BIOS settings. 1. Check to see if Acer disk-to-disk recovery is enabled or not.

  • Page 71: Requesting Service

    2. Make sure the D2D Recovery setting in Main is Enabled. 3. Exit the BIOS utility and save changes. The system will reboot. Note To activate the BIOS utility, press <Fn> + <2> when you see the Acer logo during boot up. For more information,...

  • Page 72: Tips And Hints For Using Windows 8.1

    F r e qu e nt ly a sk 72 - Frequently asked questions Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1 We know this is a new operating system that will take some getting used to, so we've created a few pointers to help you get started. How do I get to Start? Press the Windows key;...

  • Page 73: Can I Boot Directly To The Desktop

    Frequently asked questions - 73 Can I boot directly to the desktop? Yes, you can, just follow these steps: 1. Go to the desktop. 2. Tap and hold the taskbar until you see the square outline. Select Properties from the menu that opens when you remove your finger. 3.

  • Page 74: How Do I Personalize My Computer

    74 - Frequently asked questions Can I personalize the Lock screen? You can personalize the lock screen with a different image, to run a slideshow of images, or to show you quick status and notifications to suit your personal needs. To change the background, swipe the right-hand edge of the screen inwards and tap Settings >...
  • Page 75 Frequently asked questions - 75 3. Choose which days the alarm should go off. 4. Select the notification. 5. Save the alarm by tapping the Save icon in the upper right-hand corner. Delete Save Hour Minutes Note The alarm will only sound if your computer is awake at the set time. How do I move tiles? Tap and hold a tile to select it, then drag it to the place on Start that you want it to appear.

  • Page 76: Where Are My Apps

    76 - Frequently asked questions How do I close an app? Swipe the window downwards from the top to the bottom of the screen. You need to swipe the window past the half-way point of the screen. Can I change the screen resolution? Swipe the right-hand edge of the screen inwards and tap Search, tap the text box to open the onscreen keyboard and start typing 'Control Panel' to display the results;...

  • Page 77: What Is A Microsoft Id (Account)

    Frequently asked questions - 77 How do I install apps? You can download Windows Store apps from Store. You will need to have a Microsoft ID to purchase and download apps from Store. I can't find apps like Notepad and Paint! Where are they? Swipe the right-hand edge of the screen inwards and tap Search, type the name of the app you would like to open using the pop-up keyboard.

  • Page 78: How Do I Add A Favorite To Internet Explorer

    Swipe the right-hand edge of the screen inwards and tap Settings > Change PC settings > Update & recovery > Windows Update. Tap Check now. Where can I get more information? For more information please visit the following pages: • Windows 8 and 8.1 tutorials: www.acer.com/windows8-tutorial • Support FAQs: support.acer.com...

  • Page 79: Troubleshooting

    R E Q U E N T LY Frequently asked questions - 79 Troubleshooting This chapter shows you how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer. Do not attempt to open the computer yourself;...
  • Page 80 80 - Frequently asked questions Error messages Corrective action Keyboard error or no Contact your dealer or an authorized service keyboard connected center. Keyboard interface Contact your dealer or an authorized service error center. Press <Fn> + <2> (during POST) to enter the Memory size BIOS utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility mismatch...

  • Page 81: Internet And Online Security

    Internet and online security - 81 N T E R N E T A N D O N L I N E S E C U R I T Y First steps on the net Protecting your computer It is vital to protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the Internet (see Security on page 85).
  • Page 82 82 - Internet and online security Internet as the connection speed is low and connection time is typically charged per hour. DSL (e.g. ADSL) DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an ‘always-on’ connection that runs over the phone line. As DSL and phone do not use the same frequencies, you can use your telephone at the same time you are connected to the Internet (this requires a ‘micro-filter’...

  • Page 83: Network Connections

    Internet and online security - 83 Network connections A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers (for example, within an office building or home) that share a common communications line and resources. When you set up a network, you can share files, peripheral devices (such as a printer) and an Internet connection.
  • Page 84 84 - Internet and online security services. Read carefully the documentation supplied with your Access point/router for detailed setup instructions. Network cable (RJ45) A network cable (also called RJ45 cable) is used to connect the host computer to the access point (see illustration below); this type of cable may also be used to connect peripheral devices to the access point.

  • Page 85: Surf The Net

    Security You are probably eager to explore everything the Internet has to offer. In order for you to be safe online, Acer has pre-installed McAfee Internet Security Suite on your computer. McAfee Internet Security Suite runs quietly in the background to block today’s complex threats and protect your identity when you shop,...
  • Page 86 Note Acer guarantees that your computer was 100% virus free at the time of purchase and does not cover damages due to viruses. What is spyware? Spyware refers to generally unwanted programs that are downloaded onto your computer while connected to the Internet, often without you knowing it.
  • Page 87 Internet and online security - 87 would allow it (i.e. a game connecting to a multi-player server or an encyclopaedia making a content update). How to protect your computer Cybercrime prevention can be straight-forward - when armed with a little technical advice and common sense, many attacks can be avoided.
  • Page 88 A complete version of McAfee Internet Security Suite is pre-installed on your Acer system. It includes a free trial subscription to protection updates. Make sure you Activate it! Choose strong passwords and keep them safe Passwords are a fact of life on the Internet today;...
  • Page 89 Internet and online security - 89 of your online accounts, one of the first steps you can take is to change your password. Protect your personal information Exercise caution when sharing personal information such as your name, home address, phone number, and email address online. To take advantage of many online services, you will inevitably have to provide personal information in order to handle billing and shipping of purchased goods.
  • Page 90 90 - Internet and online security • Pay attention to privacy policies on Web sites and in software. It is important to understand how an organization might collect and use your personal information before you share it with them. • Guard your email address. Spammers and "phishers" sometimes send millions of messages to email addresses that may or may not exist in hopes of finding a potential victim.
  • Page 91 Internet and online security - 91 that something bad may have happened and you should take necessary action. Protect your computer with Windows security tools Windows provides a variety of protection applications. Windows Updates If you have an active Internet connection, Windows can check for important updates for your computer and install them automatically.

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