Acer G3-571-77QK User Manual

							Frequently asked questions - 71
Where can I get more information?
For more information please visit the following pages:• Windows 10 information:  go.acer.com/windows-tutorial
•Support FAQs: support.acer.com 
						

							72 - Frequently asked questions
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 fo llowing table lists the error 
messages in alphabetical order together with the 
recommended course of action.
Error messagesCorrective 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.
Frequently asked questions 
						

							Frequently asked questions - 73
If you still encounter problems after going through the 
corrective measures, please co ntact your dealer or an 
authorized service center for assistance. 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.
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 messagesCorrective action 
						

							74 - Internet and online security
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 78 ).  
A comprehensive internet securi ty 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 provid e instructions on how to 
connect to the internet (you ma y need additional software or 
a special ‘box’ that connec ts 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.  
						

							Internet and online security - 75
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 di al-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 internet as the connection 
speed is low and connection ti me 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 (servi ce is sometimes unavailable 
in rural areas). Connection sp eeds vary depending on your 
location, but DSL generally prov ides very fast and reliable 
internet connection. As the conn ection 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. 
Cellular
A cellular connection allows you to use cellular networks 
(such as those used by a mobile phone) to connect to the 
Note
A DSL connection requires an ap propriate modem. A modem is 
usually provided by the ISP when  you register. Many of these 
modems include an ‘router’ th at provides network and Wi-Fi 
access. 
						

							76 - Internet and online security
internet while away from home. The socket for a SIM card 
may be built in to your computer, or may require an external 
device, such as a USB modem or even an appropriately 
equipped mobile phone.
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 (s uch as Ethernet) or wireless 
technologies (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). 
Wireless networks
A wireless LAN or WLAN is a wireless local area network, 
which may link two or more co mputers without using wires. 
Setting up a wireless network is easy and allows you to 
share files, peripheral device s 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 cabl es through walls and ceilings. 
Note
If your computer includes a SIM card slot, you require a 
compatible SIM card and a cont ract with a cellular provider. 
 
Before using the cellular feat ures, check with your service 
provider to see if any additional  charges will be incurred, especially 
roaming charges. 
						

							Internet and online security - 77
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/rout er 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 ac cess point (see illustration 
below); this type of cable may also be used to connect 
peripheral devices to the access point.
Wireless adapter
Most computers feature a wireless module and Wi-Fi button 
that turns the network connectio n on or off. You may also 
turn your wireless network on or off, or control what is 
shared over the network with the network management 
options.  Search ’HomeGroup’ and then click on HomeGroup .
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. 
						

							78 - Internet and online security
Surf the Net!
To surf the internet, you need a program called 
an internet browser. Microsoft Edge provides an 
easy and secure web browsing experience. As 
soon as you have your in ternet access installed 
and you are connected, from the Start Menu, 
click the Microsoft Edge tile or the icon located 
in the taskbar and take your internet experience to a new 
level!
Predator website
To get you started why  not visit our website, www.acer.com.
Predator is dedicated to  provide you with on-going 
personalized support. Check out our  Support section to get 
help tailored to your needs.
www.acer.com  is your portal to a world of online activities 
and services: visit us regularly  for the latest information and 
downloads! 
Internet security software
To help you stay ahead of cybercriminals, Acer has 
partnered with Norton to offe r you security for all your 
devices. 
Select Acer computers include protection by Norton 
Security
Norton Security is pre-installed on select Acer computers, 
protecting your identity and  financial data from viruses, 
spyware, malware and other online threats. Learn more 
about how to stay safe online and how to stay protected 
after your introductory subscription ends.
Staying ahead of cybercriminals
Stay ahead of hackers and cybe rcriminals by understanding 
the tactics they use to access your private data.  
						

							Internet and online security - 79
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. Imme diately after a software 
manufacturer announces an update, hackers are ready with 
malware that can breach holes in the software that would 
have been patched if the update was installed. 
How to stay safe:  Perform any and all software updates as 
soon as they are available.
Keep a lookout for fake or phishing emails
Beware of emails that appear to  be from a friend or business 
colleague that you know but seem a little odd. Maybe they 
didn't capitalize your name or there are misspellings. The 
email might be from cybercriminals who are trying to fool 
you into sending them your credit card number, social 
security number, or logging into a fake bank website that 
looks like yours but really isn't. 
How to stay safe:  Use a strong antispam filter. If an email 
looks strange, don't click on anything and delete it 
immediately. Instead manually launch a browser and type in 
your bank's website address and log-in yourself.
Don't be fooled if someone calls your phone
A tech support scam is a form of online fraud where people 
call you on the phone saying they're Technical Support from 
a trusted company like Norton  or Microsoft and that you 
have a virus. The main motive behind these scams is to 
extort money from the victim. Cybercriminals can also install 
malware such as keylogging software or backdoor Trojans in 
order to gain access to personal information.
How to stay safe:  Don't fall for phone calls that tell you 
your software or computer isn't working. Never give your 
personal information like social security or credit card 
numbers to someone that you don't know over the phone.  
						

							80 - 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 en crypt personal data files on 
your computer and attached de vices. Encryption converts 
files into another format, that can only be opened with a 
specific decryption key. Once the ransomware installs itself, 
it will display a warning message that the computer is now 
locked. The user is given a spec ific amount of money to pay 
as a "fine" and a timeframe in wh ich to pay. Even if paid, the 
criminal might choose to not  unencrypt the files anyway!
What to do if you're infected:  Avoid getting infected in the 
first place by staying protected with internet security 
software like Norton Security. Also, perform regular 
backups of all your data either online or to a separate 
external hard drive that is  only attached to your computer 
while performing the backup. Ransomware has been known 
to lock access to external hard drives attached to the 
computer. 
If you are infected with ransomware, think twice before you 
pay the ransom. There is no guarantee the cybercriminal will 
unlock your files and you'll be funding them to prey upon 
another innocent victim. 
Botnets
A botnet is a string of infected, connected computers 
coordinated together to perform a task. Botnets gain access 
to your machine through some piece of malicious coding. 
Once the software is down loaded, the botnet will now 
contact its master computer and  let it know that everything 
is ready to go. Now your computer, phone, tablet, or IoT 
device is entirely under th e control of the person who 
created the botnet. Most people who are infected with