-1 Aspire Desktop Computer User’s Manual
- © 2020. All Rights Reserved. Aspire Desktop Computer Covers: Tower models This revision: April 2020 Important This manual contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright laws. The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Some features described in this manual may not be supported depending on the Operating System version. Images provided herein are for reference only and may contain information or features that do not apply to your computer.
Table of contents - 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS First things first 5 Your guides ............................................. 5 Basic care and tips for using your computer.................................................. 5 Turning your computer off........................... 5 Taking care of your computer ..................... 6 Taking care of your AC adapter .................. 7 Cleaning and servicing................................ 7 Recovery 8 Creating a file history backup ..................
Getting started...
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 (or Setup Poster) helps you get started with setting up your computer. For more on how your computer can help you to be more productive, please refer to the User’s Manual.
- First things first • Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out > 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 to Sleep by doing any of the following: • Press the power button. • Press the sleep hotkey. • Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button, select Power > Sleep. • Right-click the Windows Start button > Shut down or sign out > Sleep.
First things first - 7 • Never place the computer on uneven surfaces. WARNING: Hot surface. Do not touch. Taking care of your AC adapter Here are some ways to take care of your AC adapter: • Do not connect the adapter to any other device. • Do not step on the power cord or place heavy objects on top of it. Route the power cord and any cables away from where people walk. • When unplugging the power cord, do not pull on the cord itself but pull on the plug.
- Recovery RECOVERY If you are having trouble with your computer, and the frequently asked questions (see Got a question? on page 30) do not help, you can recover your computer. This section describes the recovery tools available on your computer. Acer provides Acer Care Center, which allows you to reset your PC, refresh your PC, backup files/data or create a factory default backup. If you cannot access Acer Care Center, click Settings in the Start menu, select Update & Security and then click Recovery.
Recovery - 9 Backing up your wireless and LAN drivers Back up your wireless and LAN drivers. You can use these backups to install the wireless and LAN drivers if you install another operating system. 1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery Management. 2. Select the Backup tab and click Get started for Backup wireless and LAN drivers. Choose a folder to save your drivers and select OK. 3. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen.
- Recovery 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. Note Since the recovery backup requires at least 8 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 16 GB or larger. Restoring your computer Recovery Management allows you to quickly and easily restore your computer back to its default status.
Recovery - 11 4. Resetting the PC will reinstall Windows, change settings back to their factory defaults and remove all preinstalled apps and programs without removing your personal files. Click Reset to continue. This will take a while and your PC will restart. 5. You will be shown the reset progress on the screen. The screen will turn off during the reset process. 6. The screen will turn back on when it is installing Windows. Your PC will restart several times during the reset process. 7.
- Recovery 10.When your PC has completed the reset process, Windows will use factory default settings.
Using a Bluetooth connection - 13 USING A BLUETOOTH CONNECTION Bluetooth is a technology enabling you to transfer data wirelessly over short distances between many different types of devices. Bluetoothenabled devices include computers, cell phones, tablets, wireless headsets, and keyboards. To use Bluetooth, you must ensure the following: 1. Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. 2. Your devices are "paired" (or connected).
- Using a Bluetooth connection 4. Select the device you wish to pair from the list of discovered devices. 5. After pairing, if there is a code displaying on the screen, enter that code on the device to proceed the connection. Note Some devices using older versions of the Bluetooth technology require both devices to enter a PIN. In the case of one of the devices not having any inputs (as in a headset), the passcode is hardcoded into the device (usually "0000" or "1234").
Connecting to the Internet - 15 CONNECTING T O TH E INTERNET This chapter includes general information on types of connections, and getting connected to the internet. For detailed information, please refer to Network connections on page 42. Your computer’s built-in network features make it easy for you to connect your computer to the internet using a cable or a wireless connection.
- Connecting to the Internet 2. Click Network icon in the notification area. Note If Wi-Fi is turned off, please click Wi-Fi tile to turn it on. 3. You will see a list of available wireless networks. Select the one you wish to use. 4. Once you select a wireless network, select Connect. 5. If required, enter the network’s password.
Keeping your computer and data safe...
- Securing your computer SECURING 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. 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.
Securing your computer - 19 • 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.
- 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 while the computer logo is being displayed.
Power management - 21 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.
Ports and connectors...
Ports and connectors - 23 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.
- Ports and connectors • Defined by the 3.2 Gen 1 specification (SuperSpeed USB). USB 3.2 Gen 2 information • • • • USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatible ports are red. Compatible with 3.2 Gen 2 and earlier devices. For optimal performance, use 3.2 Gen 2-certified devices. Defined by the 3.2 Gen 2 specification (SuperSpeed USB). Rear panel audio ports The table below indicates the functions of the audio jacks on the rear panel (if available). Icon color Headset Blue Stereo Quadrophonic 5.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) - 25 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. Note Two USB standards are currently available on Acer computers: USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) and USB 3.2 Gen 1 (SuperSpeed USB). USB 2.0 ports on Acer computers have a black tongue in the port, while USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports have a blue tongue.
- USB Type-C port U S B T YPE - C PORT A USB Type-C port is a connector that allows you to easily connect USB Type-C peripherals, such as additional storage (e.g. an external drive), or any other compatible device. The Type-C port is reversable; connectors may be inserted with either side up. Note On Acer computers USB Type-C ports support up to USB 3.2 (SuperSpeed USB, 10 Gbps).
HDMI - 27 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.
- SD card reader SD CARD READER SD (Secure Digital) cards are used in a wide selection of digital cameras, tablets, media players and cellular phones. Inserting an SD 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.
Video and audio connectors - 29 VIDEO AND AUDIO CONNECTORS Add an external monitor to your computer via a video port. The type of port available depends on your computer’s configuration. Connecting a monitor 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. 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.
Got a question? In this section you will find: • • • • • Frequently asked questions Tips for using Windows 10 Troubleshooting information How to protect yourself while online Where to find Acer service center contact information
Frequently asked questions - 31 F R E Q U E N TL Y 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. Check if power is being supplied to the computer (if your computer has a power indicator, it will be off); if there is no power, check the following: • If you are using on the battery, it may be low and unable to power the computer.
- Frequently asked questions No audio is heard from the computer. Check the following: • The volume may be muted. Look at the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click the icon and drag the slider to the right to increase the volume. • 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 hotkeys to adjust the volume.
Frequently asked questions - 33 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. Before performing a restore operation, please check the BIOS settings. 1. If there is a D2D Recovery setting in Main, make sure it is Enabled. 2. Exit the BIOS utility and save changes. The system will reboot. Note To access the BIOS utility, press F2 when you see the Acer logo during boot up.
F r e qu e nt ly a sk 34 - Frequently asked questions Tips and hints for using Windows 10 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 or select the Windows Start button on the lower left-hand corner of the screen. Selecting it will open Start where you can launch apps.
Frequently asked questions - 35 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, press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button and select Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. From here you can: • Select a background image for the lock screen • Turn the Slideshow on or off • Select lock screen apps.
- Frequently asked questions Can I change the screen resolution? Yes, you can. Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and type 'Resolution' in the text box to display the results; select Change the resolution of the display. Alternatively, you can also right-click anywhere on the desktop and select Display settings > Display. How do I set the alarm? Your computer can act as an alarm clock. Type ’Alarms’ to search for the Alarms & Clock app. 1.
Frequently asked questions - 37 How do I make an app appear on my taskbar? If you're in all apps list and you want to make an app appear on the taskbar, right-click an app or tile and select More > Pin to taskbar. How do I install apps? You will need to have a Microsoft ID to purchase and download apps from Microsoft Store. I can't find apps like Notepad and Paint! Where are they? Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and click search box.
- Frequently asked questions How do I check for Windows updates? Press the Windows key or select the Windows Start button > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Select Advanced options to configure the settings. Where can I get more information? For more information please visit the following pages: • Windows 10 information: www.microsoft.com • Support FAQs: support.acer.
Fr eq u en tl y as ked qu es t io ns Frequently asked questions - 39 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.
- Frequently asked questions Error messages Keyboard error or no keyboard connected Keyboard interface error Memory size mismatch Corrective action Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Contact your dealer or an authorized service center. Press F2 (during POST) to enter the BIOS utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to reboot. If you still encounter problems after going through the corrective measures, please contact your dealer or an authorized service center for assistance.
Internet and online security - 41 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 Internet security software on page 44). 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.
- 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).
Internet and online security - 43 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.
- Internet and online security network on or off, or control what is shared over the network with the network management options. Warning Using wireless devices while flying in aircraft may be 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. After take off, ask the cabin crew if you may enable Wi-Fi. Surf the Net! To surf the internet, you need a program called an internet browser.
Internet and online security - 45 Staying ahead of cybercriminals Stay ahead of hackers and cybercriminals by understanding the tactics they use to access your private data. Ensure your software is up to date Cybercriminals rely heavily upon software or platform vulnerabilities, as they are the easiest way to sneak malware into a user's device unnoticed, sometimes with little action on the user's part.
- Internet and online security Common threats cybercriminals use Now you know a few very common ways cybercriminals try to sneak onto your device or trick you into providing private information to them directly. Here are a few of the types of malware they like to deploy once they've got into a device and what to do if you're ever infected. Ransomware A form of malware that will encrypt personal data files on your computer and attached devices.
Internet and online security - 47 use internet security software like Norton Security to scan all of your devices. Viruses/Malware "Virus" is the commonplace word for all malicious software programs for years now; however, a virus is just one type of malicious threat. A virus is classified as a self-replicating piece of malicious code that travels by inserting itself into files or programs.
- Internet and online security • Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords that use a combination of at least 10 uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols and numbers. • Don't click on random links or open unsolicited messages and attachments-particularly from people you don't know. • Don't access any personal information or social media accounts over unprotected Wi-Fi networks. • Use security software on your devices to help protect yourself from the latest threats.
Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies - 49 P L A Y IN G B L U -R A Y OR DVD M O VI ES 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 HDMI. 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.
