Acer orporated TMC110BG Notebook Computer with WLAN Mini PCI Card User Manual TMC110 en
Acer Incorporated Notebook Computer with WLAN Mini PCI Card TMC110 en
Contents
- 1. User Manual 1
- 2. User Manual 2
- 3. User Manual 3
- 4. User Guide
User Manual 2
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1 Getting to know your TravelMate26
Touchpad
The built-in touchpad is a PS/2-compatible pointing device that senses
movement on its surface. This means the cursor responds as you move
your finger on the surface of the touchpad. The central location on
the palm rest provides optimum comfort and support.
Note: When using an external USB or serial mouse, you can press
Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad. .
Touchpad basics
The following items teach you how to use the touchpad:
• Move your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor.
• Press the left (1) and right (3) buttons located on the edge of the
touchpad to do selection and execution functions. These two
buttons are similar to the left and right buttons on a mouse.
Tapping on the touchpad produces similar results.
• Use the 4-way scroll (2) key (top/bottom/left/right) to scroll a page
up, down, left or right. This button mimics your cursor pressing on
the vertical and horizontal scroll bars of Windows applications.
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Note: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchpad.
Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The touchpad is sensitive
to finger movements. Hence, the lighter the touch, the better the
response. Tapping harder will not increase the touchpad’s
responsiveness.
Function Left button Right
button
4-way
scroll key Tap
Execute Click twice
quickly Tap twice (at the
same speed as
double-clicking a
mouse button)
Select Click once Tap once
Drag Click and
hold, then
use finger to
drag the
cursor on the
touchpad
Tap twice (at the
same speed as
double-clicking a
mouse button)
then hold finger to
the touchpad on
the second tap and
drag the cursor
Access
context
menu
Click
once
Scroll Click and
hold the
button in
the desired
direction
(up/down/
left/right)
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1 Getting to know your TravelMate28
Storage
This computer supplies you the following media storage:
• High-capacity Enhanced-IDE hard disk
• High-speed optical drive
Hard disk
The high-capacity hard disk is the answer to your storage needs.
Optical drive
The computer comes with a USB CD-ROM drive or an IEEE 1394 DVD/
CD-RW combo drive.
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Audio
The computer comes with 16-bit high-fidelity PCI stereo audio, and
includes a built-in sensitive microphone and stereo speaker.
There are audio ports on the right panel of the computer. See “Right
view” on page 7 for more information on connecting external audio
devices.
Adjusting the volume
Adjusting the volume on the computer is as easy as pressing some
buttons. See “Hot keys” on page 21 for more informations on
adjusting the speaker volume.
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1 Getting to know your TravelMate30
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, floppy drive, hard
disk, and video memory. If no activity is detected for a period of time
(called an inactivity timeout), the computer stops some or all of these
devices in order to conserve energy.
This computer employs a power management scheme that supports
ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) which allows for
maximum power conservation and maximum performance at the same
time. Windows handles all power-saving chores for your computer.
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Moving around with your TravelMate
This section gives you tips and hints on things to consider when moving
around or traveling with your computer.
Disconnecting from the desktop
Follow these steps to disconnect your computer from external
accessories:
1Save your work in progress.
2Remove any media, diskette or compact disc, from the drive(s).
3Shut down the operating system.
4Turn off the computer.
5Close the display cover.
6Disconnect from the AC adapter.
7Disconnect the keyboard, pointing device, printer, external
monitor, and other external devices.
8Disconnect the Kensington lock if you are using one to secure the
computer.
Moving around
“when you are just moving within short distances, for example, from
your office desk to a meeting room”
Preparing the computer
Before moving the computer, close and latch the display cover to place
it in Sleep mode. You can now safely take the computer anywhere you
go within the building. To bring the computer out of Sleep mode,
open the display; then press, slide and release the power switch.
If you are taking the computer to a client's office or a different
building, you may choose to shut down the computer:
1Click on Start, Turn off Computer.
2Select Turn Off.
- or -
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1 Getting to know your TravelMate32
you can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing Fn-F4. Then close
and latch the display.
When you are ready to use the computer again, unlatch and open the
display; then press, slide and release the power switch.
Note: If the sleep indicator is off, the computer has entered
Hibernation mode and turned off. If the power indicator is off
but the sleep indicator is on, the computer has entered Sleep
mode. In both cases, press, slide and release the power switch to
turn the computer back on. Note that the computer may enter
Hibernation mode after it is in Sleep mode for a period of time.
What to bring to short meetings
A fully charged battery runs the computer for about two and a half
hours under most circumstances. If your meeting is shorter than that,
you probably do not need to bring anything with you other than the
computer.
What to bring to long meetings
If your meeting will last longer than two and a half hours or if your
battery is not fully charged, you may want to bring the AC adapter
with you to plug in your computer in the meeting room.
If the meeting room does not have an electrical outlet, reduce the
drain on the battery by putting the computer in Sleep mode. Press Fn-
F4 or close the display cover whenever you are not actively using the
computer. To resume, open the display (if closed); then press, slide,
and release the power switch.
Taking the computer home
“when you are moving from your office to your home or vice versa”
Preparing the computer
After disconnecting the computer from your desktop, follow these
steps to prepare the computer for the trip home:
• Make sure that you have removed any media, diskette and
compact disc, in the drive(s). Failure to remove the media can
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damage the drive head.
• Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the
computer from sliding around and cushion it if it should fall.
Caution: Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the
computer. Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen.
What to bring with you
Unless you already have some items at home, bring the following items
with you:
• AC adapter and power cord
• The printed User’s Guide
Special considerations
Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to
and from work:
• Minimize the effect of temperature changes by keeping the
computer with you.
• If you need to stop for an extended period of time and cannot
bring the computer with you, leave the computer in the trunk of
the car to avoid exposing the computer to excessive heat.
• Changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation.
Allow the computer to return to room temperature, and inspect
the screen for condensation before turning on the computer. If
the temperature change is greater than 18°F (10°C), allow the
computer to come to room temperature slowly. If possible, leave
the computer for 30 minutes in an environment with a
temperature between outside and room temperature.
Setting up a home office
If you frequently work on your computer at home, it may be
worthwhile to purchase a second AC adapter for use at home. With a
second AC adapter, you can avoid transporting the extra weight to and
from home.
If you use your computer at home for significant periods of time, you
might also want to add an external keyboard, monitor, or mouse.
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Traveling with the computer
“when you are moving within a larger distance, for instance, from your
office building to a client’s office building or traveling locally”
Preparing the computer
Prepare the computer as if you were taking it home. Make sure that
the battery in the computer is charged. Airport security may require
you to turn on your computer when bringing it into the gate area.
What to bring with you
Bring the following items with you:
• AC adapter
• Spare, fully-charged battery pack(s)
• Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer
Special considerations
In addition to the guidelines for taking the computer home, follow
these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling:
• Always take the computer as carry-on luggage.
• If possible, have the computer inspected by hand. Airport security
X-ray machines are safe, but do not put the computer through a
metal detector.
• Avoid exposing floppy disks to hand-held metal detectors.
Traveling internationally with the computer
“when you are moving from country to country”
Preparing the computer
Prepare the computer as you would normally prepare it for traveling.
What to bring with you
Bring the following items with you:
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• AC adapter
• Power cords that are appropriate to the country to which you are
traveling
• Spare, fully-charged battery packs
• Additional printer driver files if you plan to use another printer
• Proof of purchase, in case you need to show it to customs officials
• International Traveler’s Warranty passport
Special considerations
Follow the same special considerations as when traveling with the
computer. In addition, these tips are useful when traveling
internationally:
• When traveling in another country, check that the local AC voltage
and the AC adapter power cord specifications are compatible. If
not, purchase a power cord that is compatible with the local AC
voltage. Do not use converter kits sold for appliances to power
the computer.
• If you are using the modem, check if the modem and connector is
compatible with the telecommunications system of the country
you are traveling in.
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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.
Security features include hardware and software locks — a security
notch and passwords.
Using a computer security lock
A security keylock notch located on the rear panel of the computer lets
you connect a Kensington-compatible key-based computer security
lock.
Wrap a computer security lock cable around an immovable object such
as a table or locked drawer handle. Insert the lock into the notch and
turn the key to secure the lock. Some keyless models are also available.
Using passwords
Three password types protect your computer from unauthorized
access. Setting these passwords creates several different levels of
protection for your computer and data:
• Supervisor Password secures your computer against unauthorized
use (when the Password on boot parameter is enabled) and allows
full access to the BIOS Utility.
• User Password secures your computer against unauthorized use
(when the Password on boot parameter is enabled) and allows
limited access to the BIOS Utility.
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• Primary Hard Disk Password protects your data by preventing
unauthorized access to your hard disk. Even if the hard disk is
removed from the computer and moved to another computer, it
cannot be accessed without the Primary Hard Disk Password.
Important! Do not forget your Supervisor and Primary Hard Disk
Password! If you forget your password, please get in touch with
your dealer or an authorized service center.
You can set, change and delete passwords using the BIOS Utility or the
Notebook Manager. See “BIOS Utility” on page 52 and “Notebook
Manager” on page 50.
Entering a password
Note: If you wish to enter the BIOS Utility, you need to press F2
before the password prompt appears.
Follow these steps:
1When a password is set, a password prompt appears in the center
of the display screen.
• Supervisor or User Password
• Primary Hard Disk Password
2Type in a valid password set for the computer: User, Supervisor or
Primary Hard Disk (a block appears for each character you type),
and press Enter.
If the password is correct, the computer continues booting into
Windows (or enters the BIOS Utility if you press F2 before the
password prompt appears).
If the password is incorrect, the following warning appears.
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1 Getting to know your TravelMate38
• Supervisor or User Password
• Primary Hard Disk Password
Press Enter, and re-enter a valid password.
Important! You have three chances to enter a password. If you
fail to enter the password correctly after three tries, you need to
restart the computer to try again. Slide and hold the power
switch for four seconds to shut down the computer. Then turn on
the computer again, and try again. If you fail to enter the Primary
Hard Disk Password, please contact your dealer or an authorized
service center.
Setting passwords
Follow these steps:
1Use the cursor keys to highlight a password parameter (Supervisor,
User or Primary Hard Disk) and press the Enter key. The password
box appears.
Note: Before you can set the User Password, the Supervisor
Password has to be set.
2Type a password in the Enter New Password field. The password
may consist of up to eight alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9).
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3Press Enter. Then re-enter the password in the Confirm New
Password field, and press Enter.
4Press Enter to accept the changes and save the password.
Changing a password
Follow these steps:
1To remove a password, use the cursor keys to highlight a password
parameter and press Enter. The following box appears.
2Enter the current password, then press Enter. In the Enter New
Password and Confirm New Password fields, type a new password.
3Press Enter to accept the changes and remove the password.
Removing a password
Follow the steps for changing a password, except that you leave the
Enter New Password and Confirm New Password fields blank.
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2 Customizing your
computer
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After learning the basics of your TravelMate
computer, let’s get acquainted with the
advanced features of your computer. In this
chapter, you will learn how to add options,
upgrade components for better
performance, and customize your computer.
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Expanding through options
Your TravelMate offers you a complete mobile computing experience.
Connectivity options
Ports allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer as you
would with a desktop PC. For instructions on how to connect different
external devices to the computer.
Fax/data modem
Some models have a built-in V.92 56Kbps software modem.
Warning! This modem port is not compatible with digital
phone lines. Plugging this modem into a digital phone line
will damage the modem.
To use the fax/data modem port, connect a phone cable from the
modem port to a telephone jack.
Start your communications software program. See your
communications manual for instructions.
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Built-in network feature
The built-in network feature allows you to connect your computer to
an Ethernet-based (10/100 Mbps) network.
To use the network feature, connect an Ethernet cable from the
network jack on the rear of the computer to a network jack or hub on
your network.
Wireless communication
Available on select models, the wireless communication feature allows
you to communicate with other wireless-equipped devices via 802.11b,
802.11a and/or Bluetooth protocols.
For more information on how to enable this feature, see “Launch
Manager and wireless features” on page 51.
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Fast infrared
The computer’s fast infrared (FIR) port allows you to do wireless data
transfer with other IR-aware computers and peripherals such as
infrared printers. The infrared port can transfer data at speeds of up
to four megabits per second (Mbps) at a distance of up to one meter.
To use FIR, position two IR-aware devices such that their IR ports are no
more than one meter apart and offset no more than 15 degrees.
When the two computers are in position, simply begin the data
transfer as you normally would. See your file transfer software for
details.
Universal Serial Bus
The Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) port is a high-speed serial bus which
allows you to connect and daisy-chain USB peripherals without taking
up precious system resources. Your computer has two ports available.
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Connecting your optical drive
Connect the AC adapter and the USB cable to the rear of the optical
drive (a). Plug the other end of the USB cable to the computer (b).
Connect the AC adapter to the power outlet (c).
IEEE 1394
The computer’s fast IEEE 1394 port allows you to connect IEEE 1394
supported devices like a digital video camera.
See your video or digital camera’s documentation for details.
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PC Card slots
There is a type II CardBus PC Card slot found on the right side of the
computer. This slot accepts credit-card-sized cards that enhance the
usability and expandability of the computer. These cards should have a
PC Card logo on them.
PC Cards (formerly PCMCIA) are add-on cards for portable computers,
giving you expansion possibilities long afforded by desktop PCs.
Popular type II cards include flash memory, SRAM, fax/data modem,
LAN and SCSI cards. CardBus improves on the 16-bit PC card
technology by expanding the bandwidth to 32 bits.
Note: Refer to your card’s manual for details on how to install
and use the card and its functions.
Inserting a PC Card
Insert the card into the slot and make the proper connections (e.g.,
network cable), if necessary. See your card manual for details.
Ejecting a PC Card
Before ejecting a PC Card:
1Exit the application using the card.
2Left-click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar and
stop the card operation.
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2 Customizing your computer48
3Press the slot eject button (a) to pop out the eject button; then
press it again (a) to eject the card (b).
EasyPort
The EasyPort expansion device option adds a host of ports for your
computer, and allows you to connect and disconnect peripherals from
your computer in one quick step.
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Upgrade options
Your computer delivers superior power and performance. However,
some users and the applications they use may demand more. This
computer allows you to upgrade key components when you need
increased performance.
Note: Contact your authorized dealer if you decide to perform a
key component upgrade.
Memory upgrade
Memory is expandable to 2 GB, employing PC2100 266 MHz industry
standard DDR (Double Data Rate) soDIMMs (Small Outline Dual Inline
Memory Modules).
There are two memory slots on your computer, one of which is
occupied by standard memory. You can upgrade memory by installing
a memory module into the available slot.
Installing memory
Follow these steps to install memory:
1Turn off the computer, unplug the AC adapter (if connected) and
remove the battery pack. Then turn the computer over to access
its base.
2Remove the screw (a) from the memory cover; then lift up and
remove the memory cover (b).
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3Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot (a), then gently
press it down (b) until it clicks into place.
4Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw.
The computer automatically detects and reconfigures the total
memory size.
Notebook Manager
The computer has a built-in system setup program called Notebook
Manager. The Windows-based Notebook Manager allows you to set
passwords, the startup sequence of the drives, power management
and other settings. It also shows current hardware configurations.
To start the Notebook Manager, press Fn-F2 or follow these steps:
1Click on Start, All Programs, then Acer.
2Select the Notebook Manager application to run the program.
Please click on Help for online help information.
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