Acer Aspire 5100 Service Guide

12Chapter 1
Windows keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
Hotkeys
The computer employs hotkeys or key combinations to access most of the computers controls like 
screen brightness, volume output and the BIOS utility. To activate hotkeys, press and hold the 
 key before pressing the other key in the hotkey combination.
KeyIconDescription
Windows key Press alone. This key has the same effect as clicking on the Windows 
Start button. It launches the Start menu. It can also...

Chapter 113
Special keys
You can locate the Euro symbol and the US dollar sign on the upper-center and/or bottom-right side 
of the keyboard.
The Euro Symbol
1.Open a text editor or word processor.
2.Either directly press the  key on the bottom-right side of the keyboard, or hold  key then 
press the number  key on the upper-center side of the keyboard.
NOTE: Some fonts and software do not support the Euro symbol. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/
typography/faq/faq12.htm for more information.
The US...

14Chapter 1
Indicators
The computer has several easy-to-read status indicators. The front panel indicators are visible 
even when the computer cover is closed up.
IconItemDescription
HDD Indicates when the hard disk drive is active.
Caps Lock Lights up when Caps Lock is activated.
Num Lock Lights up when Num Lock is activated.
Power Lights when the computer is on.
Battery Lights when the battery is being charged.
Bluetooth Indicates the status of Bluetooth communication
Wireless LAN Indicates the status...

Chapter 115
Easy-launch Buttons
There are several conveniently located easy-launch buttons. They are one user-programmable 
button, web browser button, mail button, and Acer Empowering Key  . Press   to run the Acer 
Empowering Technology. Although the mail and web browser buttons are pre-set to E-mail and 
Internet programs, they can be redefined by users. To set the web browser, mail and programmable 
buttons, run the Acer Launch Manager.
Easy-launch buttonDefault application
Acer Empowering Technology...

16Chapter 1
Touchpad
The built-in touchpad is a pointing device that senses movement on its surface. This means the 
cursor responds as you move your finger across the surface of the touchpad. The central location 
on the palmrest provides optimum comfort and support.
Touchpad Basics
Use the touchpad as follows:
• Move your finger across the touchpad (2) to move the cursor.
• Press the left (1) and right (4) buttons located on the edge of the touchpad to perform selection and 
execution functions. These...

Chapter 117
the touchpad’s responsiveness.
NOTE: By default, vertical and horizontal scrolling is enabled on your touchpad. It can be disabled under 
Mouse settings in Windows Control Panel. 

18Chapter 1
Acer Empowering Technology
Acer’s innovative Empowering Technology toolbar makes it easy to have access to the frequently 
used functions and manage the notebook. Displayed by default in the upper-right corner of the 
screen, it features the following handy utilities:
•Acer eDataSecurity Management protects data with passwords and advanced encryption algorithms 
(for selected models).
•Acer eLock Management limits access to external storage media.
•Acer ePerformance Management improves system...

Chapter 119
Note:
Be sure to safeguard all related 
passwords! 

20Chapter 1
Acer eLock Management
Acer eLock Management is a security utility that allow you to lock up your removable data, optical 
and floppy drives to ensure that data can not be stolen while your notebook is unattended.
• Removable data devices: includes USB disk drives, USB pen drives, USB flash drives, USB MP3 
drives, USB memory card readers, IEEE 1394 disk drives and any other removable disk drives that can 
be mounted as a file system when plugged into the system.
• Optical drive devices:...

Chapter 121
Acer ePerformance Management
Acer ePerformance Management is a system optimization tool that boosts the performance of the 
Acer notebook. It provides an express optimization method to release unused memory and disk 
space quickly. The user can also enable advanced options for full control over the following options:
• Disk optimization: removes unneeded items and files.
• Speed optimization: improves the usability and performance of the Windows XP system.
• Memory optimization: releases...