Acer Travelmate 420 Service Guide

Chapter 113
Lock Keys
The keyboard has three lock keys which you can toggle on and off.
Lock KeyDescription
Caps  Lock When Caps Lock is on,  all alphabetic characters typed 
are in uppercase.
Num lock    (Fn-F11) When Num Lock is on, the embedded keypad is in 
numeric mode.  The keys 
function as a calculator 
(complete with the arithmetic operators +, -, *, and /).  
Use this mode when you need to do a lot of numeric 
data entry. A better solution would be to connect an 
external keypad. 
Scroll lock...

14Chapter 1
Embedded Numeric Keypad
The embedded numeric keypad functions like a desktop numeric keypad.  It is indicated by small characters 
located on the upper right corner of the keycaps. To simplify the keyboard legend, cursor-control key symbols 
are not printed on the keys.
Desired AccessNum Lock OnNum Lock Off
Number keys on embedded  keypad Type numbers in a normal 
manner.
Cursor-control keys on  embedded keypad Hold
 j  while using 
cursor-control keys. Hold Fn while using cursor-
control...

Chapter 115
Windows Keys
The keyboard has two keys that perform Windows-specific functions.
KeyIconDescription
Windows logo  key Start button.  Combinations with this key perform 
special functions.  Below are a few examples:
 + Tab (Activates next taskbar button)
 +  E (Explores My Computer)
 +  F (Finds Document)
 +  M (Minimizes All)
j
 + Windows logo key + M  (Undoes Minimize All)
  + R (Displays the Run... dialog box)
Application  key Opens a context menu (same as a right-click).
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16Chapter 1
Hot Keys
The computer uses hotkey or key combinations to access most of the computer’s controls like sreen 
brightness, volume output.
To activate hot keys, press and hold the  Fn key before pressing the other  key in the hot key combination.
Hot KeyIconFunctionDescription
Fn-F1 Hot key help Displays help on hot keys.
Fn-F2 System Property Displays the System Property.
Fn-F3 Power Options Display the Po wer Options Properties used by the 
computer (function available  if supported by...

Chapter 117
Fn-y Volume down Decreases the speaker volume.
Fn- x Brightness up Increases the screen brightness.
Fn- z Brightness down Decreases the screen brightness
Hot KeyIconFunctionDescription
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18Chapter 1
The Euro Symbol
If your keyboard layout is set to United States-International or United Kingdom or if you have a keyboard with a 
European layout, you can type the Euro symbol on your keyboard.
NOTE:   For US keyboard users: The keyboard layout is  set when you first set up Windows. For the Euro 
symbol to work, the keyboard layout has to  be set to United States-International. 
To verify the keyboard  type in Windows 2000, follow the steps below:
1. Click on  Start, Settings, Control Panel...

Chapter 119
Launch Keys
Located at the top of keyboard are five buttons. These buttons are called la unch keys. They are designated as 
P1, P2, P3 Email button and Web browser button.
NOTE:  To the left of these five launch keys is t he wireless communication button. This wireless 
communication button works for model with 802.11b wireless LAN only.
Launch KeyDefault application
P1 User-programmable
P2 User-programmable
Email Email application
Web browser Internet browser application
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20Chapter 1
E-Mail Detection
Click right button at the Launch Manager icon on the taskbar and click on E-Mail Detection. In this dialog box, 
you have the option to enable/disable mail checking, set the  time interval for mail checking, etc. If you already 
have an email account, you can fill in User Name, Pa ssword and POP3 Server in the dialog box. The POP3 
Server is the mail server where you get your email. 
Aside from the email checking function, there is a mail bu tton that is used to launch the...

Chapter 121
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 on the surface of  the touchpad.  The central location on the palmrest 
provides optimal co mfort and support.
NOTE:   If you are using an external USB mouse, you can press  Fn-F7 to disable the touchpad.
Touchpad Basics
The following teaches you how to use the touchpad:
TMove your finger across the touchpad to move the cursor. 
TPress the left (1)...

22Chapter 1
NOTE: Keep your fingers dry and clean when using the touchp ad. Also keep the touchpad dry and clean. The 
touchpad is sensitive to finger movements. Hence,  the lighter the touch, the better the response. 
Tapping too hard will not increase the touchpad’s responsiveness.
Scroll Click and hold 
the button in the 
desired 
direction (up/
down/left/right)
FunctionLeft ButtonRight ButtonScroll ButtonTa p
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