Acer Aspire Switch 12 User Manual
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Acer Aspire Switch 12 User Manual

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  • Page 1 User’s Manual...
  • Page 2 This revision: September 2014 Sign up for an Acer ID and enjoy great benefits Open the Acer Portal app 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

    Taking care of your computer ..... 7 Setting passwords ......... 44 Taking care of your AC adapter ....7 Cleaning and servicing........ 7 Securing your computer Your Acer notebook tour Using passwords ........45 Screen view ..........9 Entering passwords ........45 Keyboard view ........10 Power management Left view ..........
  • Page 4 4 - Table of contents How do I turn off my computer?....69 Troubleshooting tips........75 How do I unlock my computer?....69 Error messages......... 75 How do I set the alarm? ......71 Internet and online security Where are my apps?......... 72 First steps on the net ......
  • Page 5 • 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 tablet your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides...

  • Page 7: Taking Care Of Your Computer

    First things first - 7 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. •...
  • Page 8 8 - First things first If either of the following occurs: • The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged; • The computer does not operate normally Please refer to Frequently asked questions on page...

  • 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 For entering data into your Keyboard computer. Pointing stick Used to control the cursor. Perform left- and right-click Selection buttons functions. Power switch Turns the keyboard on or off.

  • Page 11: Information On Usb 3.0

    Your Acer notebook tour - 11 # Icon Item Description Micro USB 3.0 port Connects to USB devices. Simulates removing and reinstalling Battery reset the battery. pinhole Insert a paperclip into the hole and press for four seconds. DC-in jack Connects to an AC adapter.

  • Page 12: Cover / Rear View

    12 - Your Acer notebook tour Icon Item Description Internal microphone for sound Microphone recording. USB port Connects to USB devices. Cover / rear view # Icon Item Description Accepts one microSD Card. microSD card Push to remove/install the card.

  • Page 13: Using The Keyboard

    Using the keyboard - 13 S I N G T H E K E Y B O A R D Your new computer has a keyboard that can be used connected to the screen or wirelessly. The keyboard is held in place by magnetic clips.

  • Page 14: Hotkeys

    14 - Using the keyboard Snap the keyboard into place using the front locating holes. 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. To activate hotkeys, press and hold the <Fn>...

  • Page 15: Windows Keys

    Using the keyboard - 15 Hotkey Icon Function Description <Fn> + Decreases the screen Brightness down < > brightness. <Fn> + Volume up Increases the sound volume. < > <Fn> + Volume down Decreases the sound volume. < > Note To use Function keys (such as F1, F2 ...) press <Fn>...

  • Page 16: Recovering Your System

    (ODD) and complete the following steps to reinstall Windows 8.1 and all the required drivers: Note Some Acer apps may not be recovered when you reinstall Windows 8.1. To install any apps that you require, please download them from the Windows Store.

  • Page 17: Creating Recovery Discs

    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 18 18 - Recovering your system 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 19: Creating A Drivers And Applications Backup

    Recovering your system - 19 • 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 20 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 21: Recovering Your System

    Recovering your system - 21 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 22: 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 23 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 24: Returning To An Earlier System Snapshot

    24 - Recovering your system 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 25: 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 26 26 - Recovering your system the Windows Store). See Customized Restore with Acer Recovery Management on page Restore Factory Settings with Acer Recovery Management 1. Click Restore Factory Settings. Important ’Restore Factory Settings’ will erase all files on your hard drive.
  • Page 27 "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).

  • Page 28: Recovering From A Recovery Backup

    28 - Recovering your system 2. The Refresh your PC window opens. Images for reference only. 3. Click Next, then Refresh. 4. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then continues by copying files to your hard drive. This process takes about 30 minutes.
  • Page 29 Recovering your system - 29 b. Windows starts from the recovery backup instead of the normal startup process. 6. Select your keyboard type. 7. Select Troubleshoot and then choose the type of recovery to use: a. Click Advanced then System Restore to start Microsoft System Restore: Microsoft System Restore periodically takes a ’snapshot’...
  • Page 30 30 - Recovering your system 2. Click Next. 3. Select the operating system to recover (normally only one option is available). 4. Choose to keep any changes to the hard drive: a. If you have deleted the recovery partition or otherwise changed the partitions on the hard drive and want to keep these changes, select No.

  • Page 31: Connecting To The Internet

    Connecting to the Internet - 31 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 32: Connecting To A Wireless Lan

    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 33: Using A Bluetooth Connection

    Using a Bluetooth connection - 33 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 34 34 - Using a Bluetooth connection 4. Tap the device you wish to add from the list of discovered devices, and tap Pair. A code displays on your computer, which should match the code displayed on your device. Select Yes. Then, accept the pairing from your device.

  • Page 35: 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 36: Pointing

    Tap to open the Touch Tools configuration configuration window. See Settings on page Gateway Tap this icon to run the Acer Screen Grasp utility. Screen Grasp See Acer Screen Grasp on page Tap the X to close Acer Touch Tools. Both Close AccuFinger and the Touch Tools panel will close.

  • Page 37: Repliview

    Acer Touch Tools - 37 • 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 38 38 - Acer Touch Tools or left-hand operation, which optimizes pointer orientation for the selected mode.

  • Page 39: 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 40: Adjusting The Settings

    40 - 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 41 Acer Screen Grasp - 41 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 42: Acer Scrapboard

    42 - 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 43 - 43 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 44: Bios Utility

    44 - 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 45: Securing Your Computer

    Securing your computer - 45 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 46 46 - 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 47: Power Management

    Power management - 47 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 48 48 - Power management 5. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 6. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 7. Select Save changes.

  • Page 49: Battery Pack

    Battery pack - 49 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 50: Optimizing Battery Life

    50 - 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 51: Checking The Battery Level

    Battery pack - 51 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 52: Traveling With Your Computer

    52 - 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 53: What To Bring To Meetings

    Traveling with your computer - 53 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 54: What To Take With You

    54 - 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 55: Preparing The Computer

    Traveling with your computer - 55 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 56: What To Bring With You

    56 - 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 57 - 57 Ports and connectors... In this section you will find: • Information on the ports and connectors fitted to your computer...

  • Page 58: Memory Card Reader

    58 - Memory card reader 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 59 Memory card reader - 59 (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 60: 60 - Video And Audio Connectors

    60 - Video and audio connectors 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 61: Hdmi Micro

    HDMI Micro - 61 H D M I M I C R O 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 62: 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 63 - 63 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 64: Frequently Asked Questions

    64 - Frequently asked questions 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 65 Frequently asked questions - 65 • The volume may be muted. Look at the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click the icon and deselect the Mute all option. • The volume level may be too low. Check the volume from the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar.

  • Page 66: Requesting Service

    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 detailed information on the recovery process, <cross-reference to Recovery chapter>.
  • Page 67 Frequently asked questions - 67 If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acer-authorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with our offices worldwide. Please visit www.acer.com. Before you call Please have the following information available when you call Acer for online service, and please be at your computer when you call.

  • Page 68: Tips And Hints For Using Windows 8.1

    F r e qu e nt ly a sk 68 - 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 69: Can I Boot Directly To The Desktop

    Frequently asked questions - 69 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 70 70 - 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 71: How Do I Set The Alarm

    Frequently asked questions - 71 Can I make tiles bigger or smaller? Swipe upwards from bottom of the screen and tap Customize, tap the tile(s) you wish to resize and tap Resize. Select a size from the menu that appears. How do I close an app? Swipe the window downwards from the top to the bottom of the screen.

  • Page 72: Where Are My Apps

    72 - Frequently asked questions 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. Where are my apps? 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 73 Frequently asked questions - 73 the tile(s) you wish to remove and tap Unpin from Start from the menu that appears at the bottom of the screen. How do I make an app appear on my taskbar? If you're in All apps and you want to make an app appear on the taskbar, tap and hold a tile until you see the screen dim.

  • Page 74: What Is A Microsoft Id (Account)

    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 75: Troubleshooting

    F r e q u e ntl y a sk e d Frequently asked questions - 75 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.
  • Page 76 76 - 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 77: Internet And Online Security

    Internet and online security - 77 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 81).
  • Page 78 78 - 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 79: Network Connections

    Internet and online security - 79 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 80 80 - 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 81: 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 82 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 83 Internet and online security - 83 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 84 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 85 Internet and online security - 85 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 86 86 - 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 87 Internet and online security - 87 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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