Table of Contents
- Register your Acer product
- Manage your registered products
- First things first
- Recovery
- Connecting to the Internet
- Acer ProShield
- BIOS utility
- Securing your computer
- Power management
- Ports and connectors
- Memory card reader
- Video and audio connectors
- HDMI
- Universal Serial Bus (USB)
- Frequently asked questions
- Requesting service
- Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1
- How do I get to Start?
- What are "Charms?"
- Can I boot directly to the desktop?
- How do I jump between apps?
- How do I turn off my computer?
- How do I unlock my computer?
- How do I personalize my computer?
- Where are my apps?
- What is a Microsoft ID (account)?
- How do I add a favorite to Internet Explorer?
- How do I check for Windows updates?
- Where can I get more information?
- Troubleshooting
- Internet and online security
- Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies
Acer M4630G User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for M4630G by Acer which is a product in the PCs/Workstations category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
- 1
Veriton Desktop Computer
User’s Manual
2 -
© 2013. All Rights Reserved.
Veriton Desktop Computer
Covers: Tower models
This revision: October 2013
Sign up for an Acer ID and enable Acer Remote Files
1. Ensure you are connected to the Internet.
2. Open www.acer.com and select your country.
3. Click REGISTER A PRODUCT.
4. Sign up for an Acer ID or sign in if you already have an Acer ID.
Register your Acer product
After we receive your product registration, you will be sent a confirmation email with
important data. Keep this email in a safe place.
Manage your registered products
Once you have completed the registration process, you can log onto account.acer.com
using your Acer ID and password to see and manage all your registered products.
Note: It may take a few days for your information to be updated to the database.
Model number: _________________________________
Serial number: _________________________________
Date of purchase: ______________________________
Place of purchase: ______________________________
Table of contents - 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Register your Acer product ......................... 2
Manage your registered products ............... 2
First things first 5
Your guides ............................................. 5
Basic care and tips for using your
computer.................................................. 5
Turning your computer on and off............... 5
Taking care of your computer ..................... 6
Power cord information ............................... 6
Cleaning and servicing................................ 7
Recovery 8
Creating a recovery backup..................... 8
Creating a drivers and applications
backup................................................... 10
Recovering your system ........................ 12
Reinstalling drivers and applications......... 13
Returning to an earlier system snapshot .. 15
Returning your system to its factory
condition.................................................... 16
Recovering from Windows ........................ 16
Recovering from a recovery backup ......... 19
Connecting to the Internet 23
Connecting with a cable ........................ 23
Built-in network feature ............................. 23
Acer ProShield 25
Overview................................................ 25
Setting up Acer ProShield ..................... 25
Personal Secure Drive .............................. 27
Credential Manager ............................... 28
Data Protection...................................... 28
Data Removal........................................ 29
BIOS utility 30
Boot sequence....................................... 30
Setting passwords ................................. 30
Securing your computer 31
Using passwords ................................... 31
Entering passwords .................................. 31
Power management 33
Saving power ......................................... 33
Ports and connectors 36
Information on USB 3.0............................. 37
Rear panel audio ports.............................. 37
Memory card reader 38
Connectivity options............................... 38
Video and audio connectors 40
HDMI 41
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 42
Frequently asked questions 44
Requesting service ................................ 46
Tips and hints for using Windows 8.1 .... 48
How do I get to Start? ............................... 48
What are "Charms?" ................................. 48
Can I boot directly to the desktop? ........... 49
How do I jump between apps?.................. 49
How do I turn off my computer?................ 49
How do I unlock my computer?................. 49
How do I personalize my computer?......... 50
Where are my apps?................................. 52
What is a Microsoft ID (account)?............. 53
How do I add a favorite to Internet
Explorer?................................................... 54
How do I check for Windows updates?..... 54
Where can I get more information?........... 54
Troubleshooting ..................................... 55
Troubleshooting tips.................................. 55
Error messages......................................... 55
Internet and online security 57
First steps on the net ............................. 57
Protecting your computer.......................... 57
Choose an Internet Service Provider........ 57
Network connections................................. 58
Surf the Net!.............................................. 60
Security ..................................................... 61
Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies 68
4 -
Getting started...
In this section you will find:
• Useful information on caring for your computer and your health
• How to create recovery backups
• Guidelines for connecting to a network
• Information on using Acer’s bundled software
First things first - 5
FIRST THINGS FIRST
We would like to thank you for making this Acer desktop computer
your choice for meeting your computing needs.
Your guides
To help you use your Acer desktop computer, we have designed a set
of guides:
First off, the Setup Guide helps you get started with setting up your
computer.
The Quick Guide introduces you to the basic features and functions
of your new computer. For more on how your computer can help you
to be more productive, please refer to the User’s Manual. This guide
contains detailed information on such subjects as system utilities, data
recovery, expansion options and troubleshooting. In addition it
contains general regulations and safety notices for your desktop
computer. It is available from the desktop; double-click the Help icon
and click User’s Manual in the menu that opens.
Basic care and tips for using your computer
Turning your computer on and off
To turn the power off, do any of the following:
• Use the Windows shutdown command: Press the Windows key +
<C>, click Settings > Power then click Shut Down.
If you need to power down the computer for a short while, but don’t
want to completely shut it down, you can put it into Hibernate by
pressing the power button.
6 - First things first
You can also put the computer in sleep mode by pressing the sleep
hotkey <Fn> + <F4>.
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 0º C (32º F) or
above 50º C (122º 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.
Power cord information
Here are some ways to take care of your power cord:
• 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.
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.
First things first - 7
Cleaning and servicing
When cleaning the computer, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the computer.
2. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
If either of the following occurs:
• The computer has been dropped or the body has been damaged;
• The computer does not operate normally
See Frequently asked questions on page 62.
8 - Recovery
RECOVERY
If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked
questions (see Frequently asked questions on page 62) do not
help, you can 'recover' your computer - i.e. return it to an earlier state.
This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer.
Acer provides Acer Recovery Management, which allows you to
create a recovery backup, a drivers and applications backup, and to
start recovery options, either using Windows tools, or the recovery
backup.
Creating a recovery backup
To reinstall from a USB storage drive, you must first create a recovery
backup. The recovery backup includes the entire original contents of
your computer’s hard drive, including Windows and all factory-loaded
software and drivers. Using this backup will restore your computer to
the same state as when you purchased it, while giving you an option
to retain all settings and personal data.
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.
In certain situations a full recovery will require a USB recovery backup.
Note
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.
Recovery - 9
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. This provides the most complete and
safest recovery backup.
3. Plug in the USB drive then click Next.
10 - 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. Follow the process until it completes.
6. After creating the recovery backup, you can choose to delete the
recovery information on your computer. If you delete this
information, you can only use the USB recovery backup to restore
your computer, if you lose or erase the USB drive, you cannot
restore your computer.
7. Unplug the USB drive and label it clearly.
Creating a drivers and applications backup
To create a Drivers and Applications Backup, that contains the
factory-loaded software and drivers needed by your computer, you
Important
Write a unique, descriptive label on the backup, such as 'Windows
Recovery Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe place that
you will remember.
Recovery - 11
may use either a 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.
Plug in the USB drive or insert a blank DVD into the optical drive, then
click Next.
• If you are using a USB drive, make sure your USB drive has
enough capacity before continuing.
• If using DVDs, it will also show the number of blank, recordable
discs you will need to complete the recovery discs. Make sure that
you have the required number of identical, blank discs.
3. Click Start to copy files.You will be shown the backup progress on
the screen.
4. Follow the process until it completes:
• If you are using optical discs, the drive ejects each disc as it
completes burning it. Remove the disc from the drive and mark it
12 - 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.
Recovering your system
To recover your system:
1. Perform minor fixes.
If only one or two items of software or hardware have stopped
working correctly, the problem may be solved by reinstalling the
software or the device drivers.
To reinstall software and drivers that were pre-installed at the
factory, see Reinstalling drivers and applications on page 13.
For instructions on reinstalling software and drivers that were not
pre-installed, see that product’s documentation or support Web site.
2. Revert to a previous system condition.
If reinstalling software or drivers does not help, then the problem
may be solved by returning your system to a previous state when
everything was working correctly.
For instructions, see Returning to an earlier system snapshot on
page 15.
3. Reset your operating system.
If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset your
system, but keep your user information, see Returning your
system to its factory condition on page 16.
4. Reset your system to its factory condition.
If nothing else has solved the problem and you want to reset your
system to factory condition, see Returning your system to its
factory condition on page 16.
Important
Write a unique, descriptive label on each backup, such as 'Drivers and
Applications Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe place
that you will remember.
Recovery - 13
Reinstalling drivers and applications
As a troubleshooting step, you may need to reinstall the applications
and device drivers that came pre-installed on your computer from the
factory. You can reinstall using either your hard drive or the backup
you have created.
• Other applications - If you need to reinstall software that did not
come pre-installed on your computer, you need to follow that
software’s installation instructions.
• New device drivers - If you need to reinstall device drivers that did
not come pre-installed on your computer, follow the instructions
provided with the device.
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.
14 - Recovery
3. You should see the Contents section of the Acer Resource
Center.
Images for reference only.
4. Click the install icon for the item you want to install, then follow
the onscreen instructions to complete the installation. Repeat
this step for each item you want to reinstall.
If you are reinstalling from a Drivers and Applications Backup on
a DVD or USB drive:
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
icon.
• If you are using a USB drive, press the Windows key + <E>, then
double-click on the drive that contains the backup. Double-click
on ResourceCenter.
Recovery - 15
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.
Returning to an earlier system snapshot
Microsoft System Restore periodically takes a 'snapshot' of your
system settings and saves them as restore points. In most cases of
hard-to-resolve software problems, you can return to one of these
restore points to get your system running again.
Windows automatically creates an additional restore point each day,
and also each time you install software or device drivers.
Returning to a restore point
1. From Start, type ’Control Panel’ and then click Control Panel in the
list of apps.
2. Click System and Security > Action Center, then click Recovery
at the bottom of the window.
3. Click Open System Restore, then Next.
Note
For more information about using Microsoft System Restore, from Start, type
’Help’ and then click Help and Support in the list of apps. Type ’Windows
system restore’ in the Search Help box, then press Enter.
16 - Recovery
4. Click the latest restore point (at a time when your system worked
correctly), click Next, then Finish.
5. A confirmation window appears; click Yes. Your system is restored
using the restore point you specified. This process may take several
minutes, and may restart your computer.
Returning your system to its factory condition
If your computer experiences problems that are not recoverable by
other methods, you may need to reinstall everything to return your
system to its factory condition. You can recover from either your hard
drive or the recovery backup you have created.
• If you can still run Windows and have not deleted the recovery
partition, see Recovering from Windows on page 16.
• If you cannot run Windows, your original hard drive has been
completely re-formatted or you have installed a replacement hard
drive, see Recovering from a recovery backup on page 19.
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).
Restore Factory Settings 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. See Restore Factory Settings with Acer
Recovery Management on page 17.
Customized Restore will attempt to retain your files (user data) but
will reinstall all software and drivers. Software installed since you
purchased your PC will be removed (except software installed from
Recovery - 17
the Windows Store). See Customized Restore with Acer Recovery
Management on page 19.
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. 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.
4. Click Reset.
Important
’Restore Factory Settings’ will erase all files on your hard drive.
18 - Recovery
5. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then
continues by copying files to your hard drive.
6. After the recovery has finished, you can start using your computer
by repeating the first-start process.
Recovering from the hard drive during startup
1. Turn on your computer and press <Alt> + <F10> during startup. A
screen appears asking you to choose the keyboard layout.
2. Several options are now presented. Click Troubleshoot.
3. Click either Refresh your PC or Reset your PC.
4. Click Next. The process will take several minutes.
Note
"Refresh your PC" enables you to restore your computer to the default factory
condition with files intact. "Reset your PC" completely removes all your files
and resets your computer to factory settings.
Recovery - 19
Customized Restore with Acer Recovery Management
1. Click Customized Restore (Retain User Data).
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.
Recovering from a recovery backup
To recover from a recovery backup on a USB drive:
1. Find your recovery backup.
2. If your computer does not have a built-in keyboard, make sure a
keyboard is attached to your computer.
3. Plug in the USB drive and turn on your computer.
4. If it is not already enabled, you must enable the F12 Boot Menu:
a. Press <F2> when starting your computer.
20 - Recovery
b. Use the left or right arrow keys to select the Main menu.
c. Press the down key until F12 Boot Menu is selected, press <F5>
to change this setting to Enabled.
d. Use the left or right arrow keys to select the Exit menu.
e. Depending on the type of BIOS your computer uses, select Save
Changes and Exit or Exit Saving Changes and press Enter.
Select OK or Yes to confirm.
f. Your computer will restart.
5. During startup, press <F12> to open the boot menu. The boot menu
allows you to select which device to start from, select the USB drive.
a. Use your arrow keys to select USB Device, then press Enter.
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’ of your
system settings and saves them as restore points. In most cases
of hard-to-resolve software problems, you can return to one of
these restore points to get your system running again.
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. See Reset your PC from the
recovery backup on page 21.
c. Click Refresh your PC to start the refresh process:
Refresh your PC will attempt to retain your files (user data) but
will reinstall all software and drivers. Software installed since you
purchased your PC will be removed (except software installed
from the Windows Store). See Refresh your PC from the
recovery backup on page 22.
Recovery - 21
Reset your PC from the recovery backup
1. The Reset your PC window opens.
Images for reference only.
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.
b. To completely restore your computer to Factory Settings, select
Yes.
5. Choose how to erase your files:
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.
6. Click Reset.
7. After the recovery has finished, you can start using your computer
by repeating the first-start process.
Important
Reset your PC will erase all files on your hard drive.
22 - Recovery
Refresh your PC from the recovery backup
1. The Refresh your PC window opens.
2. Click Next.
3. Select the operating system to recover (normally only one option is
available).
4. Click Refresh.
5. The recovery process begins by restarting your computer, then
continues by copying files to your hard drive. This process takes
about 30 minutes.
Connecting to the Internet - 23
CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET
This chapter includes basic information on types of connections, and
getting connected to the Internet. For detailed information, please
refer to Network connections on page 58.
Connecting with a cable
Built-in network feature
The built-in network feature makes it easy for you to connect your
computer to the Internet using a cable.
But first, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) -- usually a phone or cable
company -- will have to go to your home or office to set up Internet
service. The ISP will install a small box, called a router, that will allow
you to connect to the Internet.
Once your router is set up, all you have to do is plug one end of a
network cable into the network port on your computer, and the other
end into a port on your router. (Refer to the image below.) Then, you'll
be ready to get online.
Note
Information in this section may not apply to your computer.
24 -
Keeping your computer
and data safe...
In this section you will find:
• How to secure your computer
• Setting passwords
Acer ProShield - 25
ACER PROSHIELD
Overview
An all-in-one security solution, Acer ProShield provides an embedded
security solution to address the following points of vulnerability:
• Securing the device against unauthorized access
• Protecting local storage
• Securing the network
Acer ProShield includes four modules that will secure your device
from unauthorized access and intrusion.
• Credential Manager - Password, Online accounts configuration
• Data Protection - Personal secure drive, file and folder encryption
• Data Removal - File shredder
• Information - About this software
Setting up Acer ProShield
The first time you run Acer ProShield, you will be led through a setup
wizard that allows you to set up the parameters for Acer ProShield.
Note
Your computer may not have all the modules mentioned below. Please refer
to your computer’s specifications to confirm which modules are supported.
26 - Acer ProShield
Click Start to begin. You will be required to set a password, and can
choose to create a Personal Secure Drive.
Once you have set a password, you can click Next to proceed to
setting up a Personal Secure Drive or click Finish to exit the wizard.
Note
Select a password that you will remember, but is difficult to guess. Do not use
words that can be found in a dictionary. It is advisable to use a combination
of letters and numbers.
Acer ProShield - 27
Personal Secure Drive
The Personal Secure Disk (PSD) is a secure section of your hard disk
where you can save files. You can only get access to the PSD via
password authentication.
Once setup is finished, you can go to the ProShield Console to
manage your computer or make changes to the settings.
Use the menu in the left-hand pane to make changes.
28 - Acer ProShield
Credential Manager
Here you can set and manage your credentials, including Pre-boot
authentication.
You can change your ProShield and Windows passwords, register
fingerprints, manage online account information, and back up or
restore credential information.
Data Protection
Here you can select files for encryption or decryption, and manage
your Personal Secure Drive.
Acer ProShield - 29
Data Removal
Here you can select files to be completely removed from the hard
disk. The File Shredder overwrites the data to make recovering the
data impossible.
Warning
Make sure you select only the information you want to shred. Once you
have shredded a file or folder, it is impossible to recover the data.
30 - BIOS utility
BIOS UTILITY
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.
To activate the BIOS utility, press <F2> during the POST while the
computer logo is being displayed.
Boot sequence
To set the boot sequence in the BIOS utility, activate the BIOS utility,
then select Boot from the categories listed at the top of the screen.
Setting passwords
To set a password on boot, activate the BIOS utility, then select
Security from the categories listed at the top of the screen. Find
Password on boot: and use the <F5> and <F6> keys to enable this
feature.
Important
The BIOS utility may not recognize some wireless keyboards and mice.
If you encounter this situation, please use a USB or PS/2 keyboard and
mouse.
Securing your computer - 31
SECURING YOUR COMPUTER
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. Setting
these passwords creates several different levels of protection for your
computer and data:
• Supervisor Password prevents unauthorized entry into the BIOS
utility. Once set, you must enter this password to gain access to the
BIOS utility. See Setting passwords on page 30.
• User Password secures your computer against unauthorized use.
Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints on
boot-up and resume from Hibernation (if available) for maximum
security.
• Password on Boot secures your computer against unauthorized
use. Combine the use of this password with password checkpoints
on boot-up and resume from Hibernation (if available) for maximum
security.
Entering passwords
When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center of
the display screen.
• When the Supervisor Password is set, a prompt appears when you
enter the BIOS utility.
• Type the Supervisor Password and press <Enter> to access the
BIOS utility. If you enter the password incorrectly, a warning
message appears. Try again and press <Enter>.
• When the User Password is set and the password on boot
parameter is enabled, a prompt appears at boot-up.
Important
Do not forget your Supervisor Password! If you forget your password,
please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center.
32 - 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. Press and hold
the power button for four seconds to shut down the computer. Then
turn on the computer again, and try again.
Power management - 33
POWER MANAGEMENT
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. If no
activity is detected for a period of time, the computer stops some or all
of these devices in order to conserve energy.
Saving power
Disable Fast startup
Your computer uses Fast startup to start quickly, but also uses a small
amount of power to check for signals to start. These checks consume
extra power.
If you prefer to reduce your computer’s power requirements and
environmental impact, turn off Fast startup:
1. Open the Charms and search for Control Panel.
2. Open System and Security > Power Options.
3. Select Choose what the power buttons do.
4. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Note
If Fast startup is off, your computer will take longer to start from Sleep.
Your computer will also not start if it receives an instruction to start over a
network (Wake on LAN).
34 - Power management
5. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup.
6. Select Save changes.
- 35
Ports and connectors...
In this section you will find:
• Information on the ports and connectors fitted to your computer
36 - Ports and connectors
PORTS AND CONNECTORS
The tables below indicate what the different icons represent.
Note
The ports and connectors listed below may not be available on all models.
Icon Item Icon Item
Power button Optical drive
Microphone jack Card reader
Speaker or headphone
jack Backup button
USB port Removeable hard drive
carrier(s)
RCA jack S/PDIF port
PS/2 keyboard
connector PS/2 mouse connector
External display (VGA)
connector Serial port
RJ-45 Ethernet
connector Line-in jack
Line-out / speaker-out
jack HDMI port
Recovery button Network / hard disk
drive indicators
Kensington lock slot DP
DisplayPort
The DisplayPort
adapter is available on
"DP1" only
Ports and connectors - 37
Information on USB 3.0
• USB 3.0 compatible ports are blue.
• 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).
Rear panel audio ports
The table below indicates the functions of the audio jacks on the rear
panel (if available).
DC-in jack DVI DVI port
Icon Item Icon Item
Icon color Headset Stereo Quadrophonic 5.1-channel
Blue
Rear Rear
Green
Headset Front Front Front
Blue
Mic-in Mic-in Mic-in Center/
woofer
38 - Memory card reader
MEMORY CARD READER
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.
Memory card reader
Memory cards are used in a wide selection of digital cameras, PDAs,
MP3 players and mobile phones.
Inserting a memory card
1. Align the card so that the connector points towards the port, with the
connectors facing down.
2. Carefully slide the card into the port. If you find you need to use any
force to insert the card, try reorientating the card slightly.
3. Push the card until it clicks into place. A few millimetres of the card
will extend from beyond the slot.
If the card contains some files, the Windows Auto Play window may
appear (this depends on the contents of the card) and ask you if you
wish to use a program to access the contents of the card. Select an
option here if it is appropriate, otherwise select Cancel. If the card
contains no files, or unknown files, a window will open showing the
contents of the card.
SD, SDHC and SDXC cards
Different types of SD cards cover different capacities, while using the
same overall design. SD cards contain up to 4 GB, SDHC cards
contain up to 32 GB, and SDXC cards can contain up to 2048 GB
Memory card reader - 39
(2 TB). Your computer provides an SDHC or SDXC compatible card
reader.
Removing a card from a memory card reader
1. Click on Show hidden icons
arrow in the Notification Area (next
to the clock).
2. Click on the Safely Remove
Hardware icon.
3. Click on Eject SD Card (or the
name of the device).
4. Wait until a Safe to Remove
Hardware message is displayed.
5. Remove the card.
Note
SDXC memory cards can only be used in an SDXC-compatible reader; SD
and SDHC cards can be used in either type.
3
2
1
40 - Video and audio connectors
VIDEO AND AUDIO CONNECTORS
Connect to a monitor with a VGA or DVI port (the type of connection
supported depends on your computer’s configuration). The
appropriate cable is usually included with the monitor.
Follow these steps to connect an monitor to your computer:
1. Check that the computer is powered off and the monitor power
switch is turned off.
2. Attach the video cable to the monitor port on the computer. Secure
the cable connection with the screws provided.
3. Connect the monitor power cable and plug it into a properly
grounded wall outlet.
4. Follow any setup instructions in the monitor's user's guide.
5. Turn on power to the monitor, then the computer.
6. Make sure that the current resolution and refresh rate do not exceed
the specifications of the monitor. If necessary change the display
settings used by the computer.
Headphones and microphone
These ports allow you to connect audio devices. Use the headphone
port to plug in stereo headphones or powered speakers. Plugging an
audio device to the headphone port disables the built-in speakers.
Use the microphone port to connect an external microphone for mono
recording; plugging in an external microphone disables the built-in
microphone.
Note
To access the display controls, press the Windows key ( ) + W, type
"Display" and then click on Display.
Note
Some computers have a single "combo" port that allows you to use single-pin
headsets with a built-in microphone. These headsets are most commonly
used with smartphones.
HDMI - 41
HDMI
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.
The single cable keeps everything neat and tidy while ensuring easy
connection and the best audio and visual quality.
42 - Universal Serial Bus (USB)
UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS (USB)
The USB port is a high-speed port which allows you to connect USB
peripherals, such as a mouse, an external keyboard, additional
storage (external hard disks), or any other compatible device.
You can also charge devices such as tablets, smartphones, or other
devices through a USB port. Some USB 3.0 ports support charging
devices when the computer is in Hibernate or turned off. Additionally,
you can use a USB hub to connect multiple devices to a single USB
port.
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. Consult your device’s documentation to see which
standard it supports.
Important
When removing a USB storage device, you should right-click on the
USB icon in the Windows task bar and select "Eject <device>" to tell the
operating system to stop using the device before removing it. Failure to
do this may result in data loss or damage to your peripheral.
- 43
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
44 - Frequently asked questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
• If it is lit, check the following:
• Is a disc in the optical drive? Remove it and press <Ctrl> + <Alt>
+ <Del> to restart the system.
• Do you have a USB storage device (USB disk or smartphone)
plugged into your computer? Unplug it and press <Ctrl> + <Alt> +
<Del> to restart the system.
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 power LED is flashing, the computer may be in Sleep or
Hibernate mode. Press and release the power button to resume.
No audio is heard from the computer.
Check the following:
Frequently asked questions - 45
• 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. You can also use the
volume control buttons to adjust the volume.
• If headphones, earphones or external speakers are connected to
the headphone jack on the computer, the internal speakers
automatically turn off.
I want to eject the optical drive tray without turning on the power.
There is a mechanical eject hole on the optical drive. Simply insert the
tip of a pen or straightened-out paperclip into the hole and push to
eject the tray.
The keyboard does not respond.
Try attaching an external keyboard to a USB port on the computer. If it
works, contact your dealer or an authorized service center as the
internal keyboard cable may be loose.
The printer does not work.
Check the following:
• Make sure that the printer is connected to a power outlet and that it
is turned on.
• Make sure that the printer cable is connected securely to a USB port
and the corresponding port on the printer.
46 - Frequently asked questions
I want to restore my computer to its original settings.
This recovery process helps you restore the C: drive with the original
software content that is installed when you purchased your computer.
Before performing a restore operation, please check the BIOS
settings.
1. Check to see if Acer disk-to-disk recovery is enabled or not.
2. Make sure the D2D Recovery setting in Main is Enabled.
3. Exit the BIOS utility and save changes. The system will reboot.
For detailed information on the recovery process, see Recovering
your system on page 12.
Requesting service
International Travelers Warranty (ITW)
Your computer is backed by an International Travelers Warranty
(ITW) that gives you security and peace of mind when traveling. An
ITW passport came with your computer. This passport contains all
you need to know about the ITW program. A list of available,
authorized service centers is in this handy booklet. Read this passport
thoroughly.
Always have your ITW passport on hand, especially when you travel,
to receive the benefits from our support centers. Attach your proof-of-
purchase to the ITW passport.
Note
If your system is the multilingual version, the operating system and language
you choose when you first turn on the system will be the only option for future
recovery operations.
Warning
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.
Note
To activate the BIOS utility, press <F2> when you see the Acer logo during
boot up.
Frequently asked questions - 47
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. With
your support, we can reduce the amount of time a call takes and help
solve your problems efficiently. If there are error messages or beeps
reported by your computer, write them down as they appear on the
screen (or the number and sequence in the case of beeps).
You are required to provide the following information:
Name: _______________________________________
Address: ______________________________________
Telephone number: _____________________________
Machine and model type: _________________________
Serial number: _________________________________
Date of purchase: ______________________________
48 - 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; click the Start button on the desktop taskbar;
or move your cursor into the upper right-hand corner of the screen
and click the Start charm.
Where’s the Start button?
The Start button will appear in the desktop taskbar. Clicking it will
open Start where you can launch apps.
How do I see all of my apps?
Click the arrow icon that appears at the bottom of Start when you
move your cursor.
Can I make the "All apps" view the default for Start?
Yes, you can, just follow these steps:
1. Go to the desktop.
2. Right-click the taskbar and select Properties from the menu that
opens.
3. From the Navigation tab, check Show the Apps view automatically
when I go to Start.
What are "Charms?"
Charms allow you to perform useful functions, such as sharing
content, turning off your PC or changing settings.
How do I access the charms?
Move your cursor into the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
Frequently as
k
Frequently asked questions - 49
Can I boot directly to the desktop?
Yes, you can, just follow these steps:
1. Go to the desktop.
2. Right-click the taskbar and select Properties from the menu that
opens.
3. From the Navigation tab, check Go to the desktop instead of Start
when I sign in.
How do I jump between apps?
Move your cursor to the upper left-hand corner of the screen and click
the thumbnail of the app that you want to jump to.
How do I turn off my computer?
Move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen, click
Settings > Power and select the action you'd like to take.
Can I just turn off notifications?
You can turn off notifications during certain hours so that you can
leave your computer running, but not be disturbed by notifications.
1. Move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and
click Settings > Change PC settings > Search & apps >
Notifications.
2. Move the Quiet hours slider to On and select times to start and stop
disabling notifications.
How do I unlock my computer?
Press the space bar and select a user account icon to unlock the
computer. If your account has a password set, you will need to enter
the password to continue.
Click the preview icon to see the characters you've entered to ensure
the password is correct.
50 - 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, move your cursor to the upper right-hand
corner of the screen and click Settings > Change PC settings > PC
& devices > Lock screen. From here you can:
• Select a background image for the lock screen
• Turn the Slide show on or off
• Select lock screen apps.
How do I set up the lock screen slideshow?
1. Move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and
click Settings > Change PC settings > PC & devices > Lock
screen.
2. Move the slider to On and select if the slideshow should be played
while the computer is running on battery power.
3. Click Add a folder and open the folder you wish to use (your
Pictures folder will open by default). Click Use this folder > OK.
4. You can see the list of folders under Add a folder. Select a folder
name and click Remove to remove the folder from the lock screen
slideshow.
5. Change the other settings to suit your needs.
How do I personalize my computer?
You can personalize Start with a different background image or by
arranging the tiles to suit your personal needs.
To change the background, move your cursor to the upper right-hand
corner of the screen and click Settings > Change PC settings >
Personalize. Click Start screen at the top of the page and select a
color and image.
Frequently asked questions - 51
How do I set the alarm?
Your computer can act as an alarm clock. Start typing ’Alarms’ to
search for the Alarms app.
1. Set the time using the sliders on the left-hand side of the screen.
2. Select AM or PM.
3. Choose which days the alarm should go off.
4. Select the notification.
5. Save the alarm by clicking the Save icon in the upper right-hand
corner.
How do I move tiles?
Right-click a tile to select it, then drag it to the place on Start that you
want it to appear. Other tiles will be moved to accommodate the tile in
its new location.
Can I arrange tiles in groups?
Yes, you can. Right-click a tile to select it and open the Customize
menu. You will see Name group appear above unnamed groups. You
can give the group(s) a name and arrange the tiles within the groups
to suit your needs.
Hour
Minutes
SaveDelete
Note
The alarm will only sound if your computer is awake at the set time.
52 - Frequently asked questions
Can I make tiles bigger or smaller?
Right-click anywhere on Start to open the Customize menu, click the
tile(s) you wish to resize and click Resize. Select a size from the
menu that appears.
How do I close an app?
Move your cursor to the top of the screen. You will see it change to a
hand, click and drag the hand downwards past the half-way point of
the screen.
Can I change the screen resolution?
Move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and
click Search, click the text box to open the onscreen keyboard and
start typing 'Control Panel' to display the results; click Control Panel
> Adjust screen resolution.
Where are my apps?
Move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and
click Search, start typing the name of the app you would like to open.
Results will be displayed on the right-hand side of the screen.
How do I make an app appear on Start?
If you're in All apps and you want to make an app appear on Start,
Right-click a tile to select it and open the Customize menu. Click Pin
to Start from the menu that appears at the bottom of the screen.
How do I remove a tile from Start?
Right-click a tile to select it and open the Customize menu. Click the
tile(s) you wish to remove and click 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, right-click a tile to select it and open the Customize menu.
Select Pin to taskbar.
Frequently asked questions - 53
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?
Move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and
click Search, type the name of the app you would like to open using
the pop-up keyboard. Alternatively, open All apps and scroll to
’Windows Accessories’ to see the list of legacy programs.
Can I use more than one app at a time?
1. Click on a tile to open an app from the Start screen.
2. Return to the Start screen and repeat the process.
3. Swipe right from the left edge of the screen to display the last app
that was opened.
4. Swipe right from the left edge of the screen until you see a column
divider to display both apps simultaneously. Up to three apps may
be displayed via three columns at the same time.
Can I show my desktop apps first?
Yes, you can, just follow these steps:
1. Go to the desktop.
2. Right-click the taskbar and select Properties from the menu that
opens.
3. From the Navigation tab, check List desktop apps first in the Apps
view when it's sorted by category.
What is a Microsoft ID (account)?
A Microsoft account is an email address and password that you use to
sign in to Windows. You can use any email address, but it is best if
you choose the one you already use to communicate with friends and
sign in to your favorite websites. When you sign in to your PC with a
Note
This function is limited to devices with a screen resolution higher than 1366
x 768 pixels.
54 - Frequently asked questions
Microsoft account, you'll connect your PC to the people, files, and
devices you care about.
Do I need one?
You do not need a Microsoft ID to use Windows 8.1, but it makes life
easier because you can sync data across different machines you sign
in to using a Microsoft ID.
How do I get one?
If you've already installed Windows 8.1 and didn't sign in with a
Microsoft account or you don't have a Microsoft account and want to
get one, move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the
screen and click Settings > Change PC settings > Accounts >
Connect to a Microsoft account, and follow the onscreen
instructions.
How do I add a favorite to Internet Explorer?
Internet Explorer 10 doesn't have traditional favorites, instead you can
pin shortcuts to Start. Once you have the page open, swipe upwards
from the bottom edge of the screen to open the menu at the bottom of
the screen. Click Pin to Start.
How do I check for Windows updates?
Move your cursor to the upper right-hand corner of the screen and
click Settings > Change PC settings > Update & recovery >
Windows Update. Click 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
Frequently asked questions - 55
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; contact your dealer or
authorized service center for assistance.
Troubleshooting tips
This computer incorporates an advanced design that delivers
onscreen error message reports to help you solve problems.
If the system reports an error message or an error symptom occurs,
see "Error messages" below. If the problem cannot be resolved,
contact your dealer.
Error messages
If you receive an error message, note the message and take the
corrective action. The following table lists the error messages in
alphabetical order together with the recommended course of action.
Error messages Corrective action
CMOS battery bad Contact your dealer or an authorized service
center.
CMOS checksum
error
Contact your dealer or an authorized service
center.
Disk boot failure Insert a system (bootable) disk, then press
<Enter> to reboot.
Equipment
configuration error
Press <F2> (during POST) to enter the BIOS
utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to
reboot.
Hard disk 0 error Contact your dealer or an authorized service
center.
Hard disk 0
extended type error
Contact your dealer or an authorized service
center.
I/O parity error Contact your dealer or an authorized service
center.
F
REQUENTL
Y
56 - Frequently asked questions
If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective
measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center
for assistance.
Keyboard error or no
keyboard connected
Contact your dealer or an authorized service
center.
Keyboard interface
error
Contact your dealer or an authorized service
center.
Memory size
mismatch
Press <F2> (during POST) to enter the BIOS
utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to
reboot.
Error messages Corrective action
Internet and online security - 57
INTERNET AND ONLINE SECURITY
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 61). A comprehensive Internet
security program is offered when you first start your computer. You
should activate this protection as soon as possible, certainly before
you connect to the Internet.
Choose an Internet Service Provider
Using the Internet has become a natural part of daily
computing. Just a few simple steps can connect you to
a vast collection of knowledge and communication
tools. To accomplish these steps you should first
select an Internet Service Provider (ISP), which
supplies the connection between your computer and
the Internet. You should research the ISPs available in
your region, not forgetting to talk to friends and family about their
experiences or to check reviews and consumer reports. The ISP you
select will provide instructions on how to connect to the Internet (you
may need additional software or a special ‘box’ that connects to your
phone line).
Connection types
Depending on your computer model, your location and your
communication needs, you have several ways to connect to the
Internet.
Dial-up
Some computers include a telephone dial-up (‘modem’) connector.
This allows you to connect to the Internet using your telephone line.
With a dial-up connection, you cannot use the modem and the
telephone simultaneously on a single phone line. This type of
connection is recommended only if you have limited use of the
58 - 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’ on each
telephone socket to avoid interference). To be eligible for DSL, you
must be located near an DSL-equipped phone exchange (service is
sometimes unavailable in rural areas). Connection speeds vary
depending on your location, but DSL generally provides very fast and
reliable Internet connection. As the connection is always-on, it is
generally charged at fixed monthly rates.
Cable
A cable connection provides fast and always-on Internet service via a
cable television line. This service is generally available in large cities.
You can use your telephone and watch cable TV at the same time you
are connected to the Internet.
3G (WWAN or 'Wireless Wide-Area Network')
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. You can set up a LAN using wired technologies (such as
Ethernet) or wireless technologies (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).
Note
A DSL connection requires an appropriate modem. A modem is usually
provided by the ISP when you register. Many of these modems include an
‘router’ that provides network and Wi-Fi access.
Internet and online security - 59
Wireless networks
A wireless LAN or WLAN is a wireless local area network, which may
link two or more computers without using wires. Setting up a wireless
network is easy and allows you to share files, peripheral devices and
an Internet connection.
What are benefits of a wireless network?
Mobility
Wireless LAN systems allow you and other users of your home
network to share access to files and devices connected to the
network, for example a printer or scanner.
Also you can share an internet connection with other computers in
your home.
Installation speed and simplicity
Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and eliminates
the need to pull cables through walls and ceilings.
Components of a wireless LAN
To set up your Wireless network at home you need to have the
following:
Access point (router)
Access points (routers) are two-way transceivers that broadcast data
into the surrounding environment. Access points act as a mediator
between wired and wireless network. Most routers have a built-in DSL
modem that will allow you access to a high speed DSL internet
connection. The ISP (Internet Service Provider) you have chosen
normally supplies a modem/router with the subscription to their
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.
60 - Internet and online security
Wireless adapter
Diagram of a working network
1. Access point/router
2. Desktop computer
3. Modem
4. Printer
5. Portable computer
6. PDA/Smartphone
7. Network cables (RJ45)
Turning on/off a wireless network connection
If your computer has wireless access, but does not feature a
Communication button, you may turn your wireless network on or off,
or control what is shared over the network with the network
management options. Press the Windows key ( ) + W, type
"HomeGroup" and then click on HomeGroup.
Surf the Net!
To surf the Internet, you need a program called an
Internet browser. Internet Explorer provides an easy
and secure web browsing experience. As soon as you
have your Internet access installed and you are
connected, from Start, click the Internet Explorer tile or
the icon located on the desktop and take your Internet
experience to a new level!
Acer website
To get you started why not visit our website, www.acer.com.
Acer is dedicated to provide you with on-going personalied support.
Check out our Support section to get help tailored to your needs.
Warning
Using wireless devices while flying in aircraft is prohibited. Switch off
all devices before boarding an aircraft; they may be dangerous to the
operation of the aircraft, disrupt communications, and even be illegal.
Internet and online security - 61
www.acer.com is your portal to a world of online activities and
services: visit us regularly for the latest information and downloads!
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,
bank, or browse online.
McAfee Internet Security Suite blocks online identity theft, detects and
eliminates spyware, removes viruses and Internet worms, protects
against hackers.
Definitions
What is a virus?
Malicious software, typically called ‘viruses’, are programs designed to
infect and damage computers. Most viruses are transmitted over the
Internet, emails or malicious Web sites. A typical virus will replicate
and pass itself undetected to multiple computers. Other forms of
nuisance, such as Trojan horses, worms or spam can infect your
computer in various ways, using up resources or clogging up a
network.
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. Once it has infected your computer, it can snoop on your
browsing activity, collect personal information, cause pop-up ads to
appear, or even change the configuration of your computer. Spyware
consumes resources on your computer; it can slow down your Internet
connection or entire computer system, and even cause crashes.
Note
Acer guarantees that your computer was 100% virus free at the time of
purchase and does not cover damages due to viruses.
62 - Internet and online security
Spyware is sometimes used by unscrupulous companies to monitor
and track the sites you visit on the Internet so as to determine your
web-surfing habits and display targeted pop-up ads on your screen.
However, some kinds of spyware go beyond simple tracking and
actually monitor keystrokes and capture passwords, posing a serious
security risk.
What is malware?
Malicious software, also known as malware, is software designed to
deliberately harm your computer. For example, viruses, worms, and
Trojan horses are malicious software. To help protect your computer
against malware, make sure it is using up-to-date antivirus and anti-
malware software.
What is a personal firewall?
A personal firewall is a software program designed to prevent
unauthorized access to or from a private network. It acts as a shield to
protect your Internet connection from unwanted connections, some of
which may attempt to take control of your computer to install or re-
distribute viruses or malicious programs. Each connection to your
computer is monitored - programs that attempt to receive information
without your permission are detected and the firewall will display an
alert. You can then decide if you will allow the connection, if the
connection is to a program you are currently using then normally you
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. In general, online criminals are trying to make their money as
quickly and easily as possible. The more difficult you make their job,
the more likely they are to leave you alone and move on to an easier
target. The tips below provide basic information on how you can
prevent online fraud.
Keep your computer current with the latest patches and updates
One of the best ways to keep attackers away from your computer is to
apply patches and other software fixes when they become available.
Internet and online security - 63
By regularly updating your computer, you block attackers from being
able to take advantage of software flaws (vulnerabilities) that they
could otherwise use to break into your system.
While keeping your computer up-to-date will not protect you from all
attacks, it makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to
your system, blocks many basic and automated attacks completely,
and might be enough to discourage less-determined attackers, so
they will give up and look for a more vulnerable computer elsewhere.
More recent versions of Microsoft Windows and other popular
software can be configured to download and apply updates
automatically so that you do not have to remember to check for the
latest software. Taking advantage of auto-update features in your
software is a great start toward keeping yourself safe online.
Protect your computer with security software
Several types of security software are necessary for basic online
security. Security software essentials include firewall and antivirus
programs. A firewall is usually your computer's first line of defense-it
controls who and what can communicate with your computer online.
You could think of a firewall as a sort of "policeman" that watches all
the data attempting to flow in and out of your computer on the
Internet, allowing communications that it knows are safe and blocking
"bad" traffic such as attacks from ever reaching your computer.
The next line of defense many times is your antivirus software, which
monitors all online activities such as email messages and Web
browsing and protects an individual from viruses, worms, Trojan horse
and other types of malicious programs. Your antivirus and
antispyware software should be configured to update itself, and it
should do so every time you connect to the Internet.
Integrated security suites such as McAfee Internet Security Suite,
which combine firewall, antivirus, antispyware with other features such
as antispam and parental controls, have become popular as they offer
all the security software needed for online protection in a single
package. Many people find using a comprehensive security suite an
attractive alternative to installing, configuring and updating several
different types of security software.
64 - Internet and online security
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; we use them for
everything from ordering flowers and online banking to logging into
our favorite airline Web site to see how many miles we have
accumulated. The following tips can help make your online
experiences secure:
• Selecting a password that cannot be easily guessed is the first step
toward keeping passwords secure and out of the wrong hands.
Strong passwords have eight characters or more and use a
combination of letters, numbers and symbols (e.g., # $ % ! ?). Avoid
using any of the following as your password: your login name,
anything based on your personal information such as your last
name, and words that can be found in the dictionary, especially
"password." Try to select especially strong, unique passwords for
protecting activities like online banking.
• Keep your passwords in a safe place and try not to use the same
password for every service you use online.
• Change passwords on a regular basis, at least every 90 days. This
can limit the damage caused by someone who has already gained
access to your account. If you notice something suspicious with one
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. Since not divulging any personal information is
rarely possible, the following list contains some advice for how to
share personal information safely online:
•Keep an eye out for phony email messages. Things that indicate
a message may be fraudulent are misspellings, poor grammar, odd
phrasing, Web site addresses with strange extensions, Web site
Internet and online security - 65
addresses that are entirely numbers where there are normally
words, and anything else out of the ordinary. Additionally, phishing
messages will often tell you that you have to act quickly to keep your
account open, update your security, or urge you to provide
information immediately or else something bad will happen. Don't
take the bait.
•Don't respond to email messages that ask for personal
information. Legitimate companies will not use email messages to
ask for your personal information. When in doubt, contact the
company by phone or by typing in the company Web address into
your Web browser. Don't click on the links in these messages as
they make take you to fraudulent, malicious Web sites.
•Steer clear of fraudulent Web sites used to steal personal
information. When visiting a Web site, type the address (URL)
directly into the Web browser rather than following a link within an
email or instant message. Fraudsters often forge these links to
make them look convincing.
A shopping, banking or any other Web site where sensitive
information should have an "S" after the letters "http" (i.e. https://
www.yourbank.com not http://www.yourbank.com). The "s" stands
for secure and should appear when you are in an area requesting
you to login or provide other sensitive data. Another sign that you
have a secure connection is the small lock icon in the bottom of your
web browser (usually the right-hand corner).
•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. Responding to these
messages or even downloading images ensures you will be added
to their lists for more of the same messages in the future. Also be
careful when posting your email address online in newsgroups,
blogs or online communities.
Online offers that look too good to be true usually are
The old saying "there's no such thing as a free lunch" still rings true
today. Supposedly "free" software such as screen savers or smileys,
66 - Internet and online security
secret investment tricks sure to make you untold fortunes, and
contests that you've surprisingly won without entering are the enticing
hooks used by companies to grab your attention.
While you may not directly pay for the software or service with money,
the free software or service you asked for may have been bundled
with advertising software ("adware") that tracks your behavior and
displays unwanted advertisements. You may have to divulge personal
information or purchase something else in order to claim your
supposed content winnings. If an offer looks so good it's hard to
believe, ask for someone else's opinion, read the fine print, or even
better, simply ignore it.
Review bank and credit card statements regularly
The impact of identity theft and online crimes can be greatly reduced if
you can catch it shortly after your data is stolen or when the first use
of your information is attempted. One of the easiest ways to get the
tip-off that something has gone wrong is by reviewing the monthly
statements provided by your bank and credit card companies for
anything out of the ordinary.
Additionally, many banks and services use fraud prevention systems
that call out unusual purchasing behavior (i.e. if you live in Texas and
all of the sudden start buying refrigerators in Budapest). In order to
confirm these out of the ordinary purchases, they might call you and
ask you to confirm them. Don't take these calls lightly; this is your hint
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.
These updates include security patches and program updates that
can improve your computing experience and help protect your
computer against new viruses and attacks.
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How do I know when my computer is at risk?
If the Action Center reports an alert, or if your computer behaves
erratically, crashes unexpectedly or if some of your programs do not
work correctly, your computer may be infected by malicious software.
However, do not blame every computer problem on a virus! If you
suspect your computer is infected, the first thing to do is update, if you
have not already done so, and run your antivirus and anti-spyware
software.
68 - Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies
PLAYING BLU-RAY OR DVD MOVIES
If your computer is equipped with a Blu-Ray or DVD drive, you can
play movies on your computer or on a high-definition TV via the HDMI
port.
1. Insert the disc into the drive.
2. After a few seconds, the movie will start playing.
3. If the movie does not start playing, open your movie playback
program and open the disc from the File menu.
Important
When you launch the DVD player for the first time, the program asks
you to enter the region code. DVDs are available for 6 regions
Region code Country or region
1 USA, Canada
2 Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Japan
3 Southeast Asia, Taiwan, South Korea
4 Latin America, Australia, New Zealand
5 Former USSR, parts of Africa, India
6 People’s Republic of China
Note
To change the region code, insert a DVD movie of a different region into the
DVD drive.
Once your DVD drive is set to a region code, it will only play DVDs for that
region. You can set the region code a maximum of five times (including the
first time), after which the last region code set will remain permanent.
Recovering your hard disk does not reset the number of times the region
code has been set.