hit counter script
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

- 1
TravelMate P2 Series
User's Manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for Acer TravelMate P278-M

  • Page 1 TravelMate P2 Series User’s Manual...
  • Page 2: Register Your Acer Product

    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.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents - 3 A B L E O F C O N T E N T S Register your Acer product ......2 BIOS utility Manage your registered products ....2 Boot sequence........34 First things first Setting passwords ......... 34 Your guides ..........
  • Page 4 4 - Table of contents Internet and online security Surf the Net!..........67 Security ............. 67 First steps on the net ......63 Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies Protecting your computer......63 Choose an Internet Service Provider ..63 Network connections......... 65...
  • Page 5 • Where to find the power button, ports and connectors • Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard • How to create recovery backups • Guidelines for connecting to a network and using Bluetooth • Information on using Acer’s bundled software...
  • Page 6: First Things First

    6 - First things first I R S T T H I N G S F I R S T We would like to thank you for making this Acer notebook your choice for meeting your mobile computing needs. Your guides...
  • Page 7: Taking Care Of Your Computer

    First things first - 7 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. •...
  • Page 8: Cleaning And Servicing

    3. Use a soft, moist cloth. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. If your computer is dropped or visibly damaged, or does not work normally, please contact your nearest authorized Acer service center. For more information, please See Frequently asked questions on...
  • Page 9: Your Acer Notebook Tour

    O U R C E R N O T E B O O K T O U R After setting up your computer as illustrated in the Setup Guide, let us show you around your new Acer computer. Screen view Icon...
  • Page 10: Keyboard View

    10 - Your Acer notebook tour Icon Item Description Indicates the computer’s power Power indicator status. Indicates the computer’s battery status. Charging: The light shows amber Battery indicator when the battery is charging. Fully charged: The light shows blue when in AC mode.
  • Page 11: Left View

    Your Acer notebook tour - 11 Icon Item Description Internal microphone for sound Microphone recording. Power button Turns the computer on and off. Left view Icon Item Description Connects to a Kensington-compatible computer security lock. Kensington lock Wrap the computer security lock...
  • Page 12: Information On Usb 3.0

    12 - Your Acer notebook tour 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).
  • Page 13: Base View

    Your Acer notebook tour - 13 Base view Icon Item Description Simulates removing and reinstalling Battery reset the battery. pinhole Insert a paperclip into the hole and press for four seconds. Speakers Deliver stereo audio output. Allows the computer to stay cool.
  • Page 14: Using The Keyboard

    14 - Using the keyboard S I N G T H E K E Y B O A R D The keyboard has full-sized keys and a separate numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows, function and special keys. Lock keys The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
  • Page 15: Windows Keys

    Using the keyboard - 15 Hotkey Icon Function Description Turns the display screen <Fn> + <F6> Display off backlight off to save power. Press any key to return. Touchpad Turns the built-in touchpad on <Fn> + <F7> toggle and off. Turns the speakers on and <Fn>...
  • Page 16: 16 - Using The Precision Touchpad

    16 - Using the Precision Touchpad S I N G T H E R E C I S I O N O U C H P A D The touchpad controls the arrow (or 'cursor') on the screen. As you slide your finger across the touchpad, the cursor will follow this movement.
  • Page 17: Changing Touchpad Settings

    Using the Precision Touchpad - 17 The precision touchpad includes added technology features that help recognize and prevent unintentional gestures such as accidental taps, gestures, and pointer movement. Note The touchpad is sensitive to finger movement; the lighter the touch, the better the response.
  • Page 18 18 - Using the Precision Touchpad 4. Now you can adjust the settings to suit your personal needs. You can change the primary button for left- or right-handed use, turn the touchpad off if you prefer to use a mouse, or set a delay to prevent the cursor moving if you accidentally tap the touchpad with your palm while working.
  • Page 19: Using A Bluetooth Connection

    Using a Bluetooth connection - 19 S I N G A L U E T O O T H C O N N E C T I O N Bluetooth is a technology enabling you to transfer data wirelessly over short distances between many different types of devices.
  • Page 20 20 - Using a Bluetooth connection 3. Select the device you wish to pair from the list of discovered devices, and select Pair. 4. A code displays on your computer, which should match the code displayed on your device. Select Yes. Then, accept the pairing from your device.
  • Page 21: Connecting To The Internet

    Windows will detect and display a list of available networks during setup. Select your network and enter the password if required. Acer notebook computers feature an Airplane mode hotkey that turns the network connection on or off. You can use the network...
  • Page 22 22 - Connecting to the Internet management options to turn your wireless network on/off or control what is shared over the network. To connect to a wireless network, please follow the steps below. 1. Ensure you have a wireless router/access point and current internet connection through the ISP of your choice.
  • Page 23 Connecting to the Internet - 23 4. Select Network & internet. 5. You will see a list of available wireless networks. Select the one you wish to use.
  • Page 24 24 - Connecting to the Internet 6. Once you select a wireless network, select Connect. 7. If required, enter the network’s password.
  • Page 25: Connecting With A Cable

    Connecting to the Internet - 25 Connecting with a cable Built-in network feature 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.
  • Page 26 26 - Keeping your computer and data safe... In this section you will find: • How to secure your computer • Setting passwords • What you need to prepare when you’re traveling • How to get the most out of your battery...
  • Page 27: Acer Proshield

    • 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.
  • Page 28 28 - Acer ProShield Click Start to begin. You will be required to set a password, and can choose to create a Personal Secure Drive. Note Select a password that you will remember, but is difficult to guess. Do not use words that can be found in a dictionary.
  • Page 29: Personal Secure Drive

    Acer ProShield - 29 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 or fingerprint authentication. Once setup is finished, you can go to the ProShield Console to manage your computer or make changes to the settings.
  • Page 30: Credential Manager

    30 - 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. Fingerprint Registration*...
  • Page 31: Data Protection

    Acer ProShield - 31 Data Protection Here you can select files for encryption or decryption, and manage your Personal Secure Drive. 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.
  • Page 32: Securing Your Computer

    32 - Securing your computer E C U R I N G Y O U R C O MP U TE R Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer. Security features include hardware and software locks —...
  • Page 33: Entering Passwords

    Securing your computer - 33 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.
  • Page 34: Bios Utility

    34 - BIOS utility B I O S U T I L I T Y The BIOS utility is a hardware configuration program built into your computer's BIOS. Your computer is already properly configured and optimized, and you do not normally need to run this utility. However, if you encounter configuration problems, you may need to run it.
  • Page 35: Power Management

    Power management - 35 O W E R M A N A G E M E N T This computer has a built-in power management unit that monitors system activity. System activity refers to any activity involving one or more of the following devices: keyboard, mouse, hard disk, peripherals connected to the computer, and video memory.
  • Page 36 36 - Power management 5. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 6. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 7. Select Save changes.
  • Page 37: Battery Pack

    Battery pack - 37 A T T E R Y P A C K The computer uses an embedded Lithium battery that gives you long use between charges. Battery characteristics The battery is recharged whenever you connect the computer to the AC adapter.
  • Page 38: Optimizing Battery Life

    38 - Battery pack Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time. Warning Do not expose battery packs to temperatures below 0° C (32° F) or above 45° C (113° F). Extreme temperatures may adversely affect the battery pack.
  • Page 39: Checking The Battery Level

    Battery pack - 39 Checking the battery level The power meter indicates the current battery level. Rest the cursor over the battery/power icon on the taskbar to see the battery's present charge level. Battery-low warning When using battery power pay attention to the power meter. Important Connect the AC adapter as soon as possible after the battery-low warning appears.
  • Page 40: Traveling With Your Computer

    40 - Traveling with your computer R A V E L I N G W I T H Y O U R C O M P U T E R This section gives you tips and hints to consider when moving around or traveling with your computer.
  • Page 41: What To Bring To Meetings

    Traveling with your computer - 41 You can put the computer in Sleep mode by pressing the Sleep hotkey or by closing the display. When you are ready to use the computer again, open the display and, if necessary, press and release the power button. Note The computer may enter Hibernation or Deep Sleep mode after being in Sleep mode for a period of time.
  • Page 42: What To Take With You

    42 - Traveling with your computer What to take with you Unless you have some items at home, take the following items with you: • AC adapter and power cord. • The printed Setup Guide. Special considerations Follow these guidelines to protect your computer while traveling to and from work: •...
  • Page 43: Traveling With The Computer

    Traveling with your computer - 43 Traveling with the computer Important Check with your airline for any special requirements for travelling with Lithium batteries. 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.
  • Page 44: Preparing The Computer

    44 - Traveling with your computer 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: • AC adapter. • Power cords that are appropriate for your destination(s). •...
  • Page 45 - 45 Ports and connectors... In this section you will find: • Information on the ports and connectors fitted to your computer...
  • Page 46: Universal Serial Bus (Usb)

    Note Two USB standards are currently available on Acer computers: USB 2.0 (High-speed USB) and USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed USB). USB 2.0 ports on Acer computers have a black tongue in the port, while USB 3.0 ports have a blue tongue. For best performance, USB 3.0 devices should always be plugged into USB 3.0 ports.
  • Page 47: Memory Card Reader

    Memory card reader - 47 E M O R Y C A R D R E A D E R Connectivity options Your computer has a card reader and other ports/jacks that allow you to connect peripheral devices to your computer. For instructions on how to connect different external devices to the computer, read the following section.
  • Page 48 48 - Memory card reader (2 TB). Your computer provides an SDHC or SDXC compatible card reader. Note SDXC memory cards can only be used in an SDXC-compatible reader; SD and SDHC cards can be used in either type. Removing a card from a memory card reader 1.
  • Page 49: Video And Audio Connectors

    Video and audio connectors - 49 I D E O A N D A U D I O C O N N E C T O R S Connect to a monitor with a VGA or DVI port (the type of connection supported depends your...
  • Page 50: Hdmi

    50 - HDMI H D M I HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a high-quality, digital audio/video interface. HDMI allows you to connect any compatible digital audio/video source, such as your computer, a set-top box, DVD player, and audio/video receiver to any compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital television (DTV) with a single cable.
  • Page 51 - 51 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...
  • Page 52: Frequently Asked Questions

    52 - Frequently asked questions R E Q U E N TL Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S The following is a list of possible situations that may arise during the use of your computer.
  • Page 53 Frequently asked questions - 53 • The volume may be muted. Look at the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar. If it is crossed-out, click the icon and deselect the Mute all option. • The volume level may be too low. Check the volume from the volume control (speaker) icon in the taskbar.
  • Page 54: Requesting Service

    2. Make sure the D2D Recovery setting in Main is Enabled. 3. Exit the BIOS utility and save changes. The system will reboot. Note To activate the BIOS utility, press <F2> when you see the Acer logo during boot up. For more information,...
  • Page 55 Frequently asked questions - 55 If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acer-authorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with our offices worldwide. Please visit www.acer.com. Before you call Please have the following information available when you call Acer for online service, and please be at your computer when you call.
  • Page 56: Tips And Hints For Using Windows 10

    F r e qu e nt ly a sk 56 - 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.
  • Page 57 Frequently asked questions - 57 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 >...
  • Page 58: How Do I Set The Alarm

    58 - 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 'Control Panel' in the text box to display the results; select Control Panel > Adjust screen resolution. Alternatively, you can also right-click anywhere on the desktop and select Screen resolution.
  • Page 59: Where Are My Apps

    Frequently asked questions - 59 Where are my apps? Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and select Search, start typing the name of the app you would like to open. 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 an app and select Pin to Start.
  • Page 60: How Do I Check For Windows Updates

    > Update & recovery > Windows Update. Select Advanced options to configure the settings. Where can I get more information? For more information please visit the following pages: • Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 tutorials: www.acer.com/windows- tutorial • Support FAQs: support.acer.com...
  • Page 61: Troubleshooting

    R E Q U E N T LY Frequently asked questions - 61 Troubleshooting This chapter shows you how to deal with common system problems. Read it before calling a technician if a problem occurs. Solutions to more serious problems require opening up the computer. Do not attempt to open the computer yourself;...
  • Page 62 62 - Frequently asked questions Error messages Corrective action Keyboard error or no Contact your dealer or an authorized service keyboard connected center. Keyboard interface Contact your dealer or an authorized service error center. Press <F2> (during POST) to enter the BIOS Memory size utility, then press Exit in the BIOS utility to mismatch...
  • Page 63: Internet And Online Security

    Internet and online security - 63 N T E R N E T A N D O N L I N E S E C U R I T Y First steps on the net Protecting your computer It is vital to protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the internet (see Security on page 67).
  • Page 64 64 - Internet and online security internet as the connection speed is low and connection time is typically charged per hour. DSL (e.g. ADSL) DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is an ‘always-on’ connection that runs over the phone line. As DSL and phone do not use the same frequencies, you can use your telephone at the same time you are connected to the internet (this requires a ‘micro-filter’...
  • Page 65: Network Connections

    Internet and online security - 65 Network connections A LAN (Local Area Network) is a group of computers (for example, within an office building or home) that share a common communications line and resources. When you set up a network, you can share files, peripheral devices (such as a printer) and an internet connection.
  • Page 66 66 - Internet and online security services. Read carefully the documentation supplied with your Access point/router for detailed setup instructions. Network cable (RJ45) A network cable (also called RJ45 cable) is used to connect the host computer to the access point (see illustration below); this type of cable may also be used to connect peripheral devices to the access point.
  • Page 67: Security

    Security You are probably eager to explore everything the internet has to offer. In order for you to be safe online, Acer has pre-installed McAfee Internet Security Suite on your computer. McAfee Internet Security Suite runs quietly in the background to block today’s complex threats and protect your identity when you shop,...
  • Page 68 Note Acer guarantees that your computer was 100% virus free at the time of purchase and does not cover damages due to viruses. What is spyware? Spyware refers to generally unwanted programs that are downloaded onto your computer while connected to the internet, often without you knowing it.
  • Page 69 Internet and online security - 69 would allow it (i.e. a game connecting to a multi-player server or an encyclopaedia making a content update). How to protect your computer Cybercrime prevention can be straight-forward - when armed with a little technical advice and common sense, many attacks can be avoided.
  • Page 70 A complete version of McAfee Internet Security Suite is pre-installed on your Acer system. It includes a free trial subscription to protection updates. Make sure you Activate it! Choose strong passwords and keep them safe Passwords are a fact of life on the internet today;...
  • Page 71 Internet and online security - 71 of your online accounts, one of the first steps you can take is to change your password. Protect your personal information Exercise caution when sharing personal information such as your name, home address, phone number, and email address online. To take advantage of many online services, you will inevitably have to provide personal information in order to handle billing and shipping of purchased goods.
  • Page 72 72 - Internet and online security 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).
  • Page 73 Internet and online security - 73 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.
  • Page 74 74 - Playing Blu-Ray or DVD movies D V D L A Y IN G A Y O R MO VIES 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.

This manual is also suitable for:

Travelmate p2 seriesTravelmate p278-mg

Table of Contents