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System version. Images provided herein are for reference only and may contain information or features that do not apply to your computer. Acer Group shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained in this manual. Register your Predator product...
Connecting to a cellular network... 46 Special considerations ......71 Traveling internationally ..... 72 PredatorSense Preparing the computer ......72 The PredatorSense main screen ... 47 What to bring with you ......72 PredatorSense and Acer Special considerations ......72...
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4 - Table of contents Universal Serial Bus (USB) How do I set the alarm?......86 Where are my apps?......... 87 USB Type-C port What is a Microsoft ID (account)?.. 88 How do I check for Windows Video and audio connectors updates?............
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Getting started... In this section you will find: • Useful information on caring for your computer and your health • Where to find the power button, ports and connectors • Tips and tricks for using the touchpad and keyboard • How to create recovery backups •...
Once you have connected to the internet, you can download updates for your computer from: http://go.acer.com/?id=17883 1. The link will open the Predator Support webpage. 2. Scroll down to Drivers and Manuals and search for your model by pasting in or manually entering the serial number, SNID, or product model.
Taking care of your computer Your computer will serve you well if you take care of it. • Only use the adapter provided with your device, or an Acer- approved adapter to power your device. • Do not expose the computer to direct sunlight. Do not place it near sources of heat, such as a radiator.
1. Turn off the computer. 2. Disconnect the AC adapter. 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.
• The charging port must be clean and free from debris and should only be used with Acer charging equipment. Use of a non-Acer battery or charging equipment can cause damage to the product and will void the warranty.
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• Device with removable battery: The battery should only be replaced with parts approved by Acer. Do not replace the battery with any parts other than approved ones. This notebook uses a Lithium-based battery. Do not use it in a humid, wet or corrosive environment.
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Batteries may also explode if damaged. Dispose of batteries according to local regulations. Please recycle when possible. Do not dispose as household waste. Wireless devices may be susceptible to interference from the battery, which could affect performance. Note Please refer to www.acer.com for battery shipping documents.
12 - First things first Internal battery • Do not attempt to replace a built-in rechargeable battery, battery replacement must be done by an Acer- authorized repair facility. Recharge the battery by following the instruction included in the product documentation.
Your Predator notebook tour - 13 O U R R E D A T O 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 Predator computer. Screen view Icon Item Description...
14 - Your Predator notebook tour Keyboard view Icon Item Description Switches overclocking and fan TURBO key TURBO speed level. For entering data into your Backlit computer. keyboard See "Using the keyboard" on page 20. Touchpad Touch-sensitive pointing device. PredatorSense Launches PredatorSense application.
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Your Predator notebook tour - 15 Icon Item Description Indicates the computer’s battery status. Battery Amber when the battery is indicator charging. Blue when fully charged (with the AC adapter plugged in). Power Indicates the computer’s power indicator status.
16 - Your Predator notebook tour Left view Icon Item Description Kensington Connects to a Kensington- lock slot compatible security lock. Allows the computer to stay Ventilation and cool. cooling fan Do not cover or obstruct the openings. Connects to an Ethernet 10/ Ethernet (RJ- 100/1000Mbps/2.5Gbps- 45) port...
Your Predator notebook tour - 17 Right view Icon Item Description Connects to USB devices with a USB Type-C USB Type-C connector. USB port with power-off Connects to USB devices. charging Supports high-definition digital HDMI port video connections. Mini Connects to an external display DisplayPort device.
18 - Your Predator notebook tour Rear view Icon Item Description Connects to an AC adapter. DC-in jack Note: Please press the AC adapter into the tunnel to the power connector. You will feel a click indicating it is connected. Then, check the light of battery indicator shows amber while charging.
Your Predator notebook tour - 19 Base view Icon Item Description Allows the computer to stay Ventilation and cool. cooling fan Do not cover or obstruct the openings. Speakers Deliver stereo audio output.
20 - Using the keyboard S I N G T H E K E Y B O A R D The keyboard has full-sized keys, a numeric keypad, separate cursor, lock, Windows keys and hotkeys. Lock keys The keyboard has lock keys which you can use to turn keyboard functions on and off.
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Using the keyboard - 21 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 Fn + F7 toggle on and off. Speaker Turns the speakers on and Fn + F8...
22 - 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.
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Using the Precision Touchpad - 23 Two-finger pinch Zoom in and out of photos, maps and documents with a simple finger-and-thumb gesture. Three-finger press Lightly tap the touchpad with three fingers to open the Search Windows. Three-finger swipe Swipe across the touchpad with three fingers. •...
24 - Using the Precision Touchpad 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. Please keep the touchpad and your fingers dry and clean.
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Using the Precision Touchpad - 25 a mouse. Or you can adjust the touchpad sensitivity to suit your needs. Scroll down to see more settings.
Predator provides Acer Care Center, which allows you to reset your PC, refresh your PC, backup files/data or create a factory default backup. If you cannot access Acer Care Center, click Settings in the Start menu, select Update & Security and then click Recovery.
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Recovery - 27 3. Plug in the USB drive (or a portable external hard drive) and click + to add a drive. Select the USB drive from the drop-down list. 4. Click More options to select back-up options which best fit your needs, such as schedule the backup interval, how long you want to keep those backups (default is Forever), which...
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28 - Recovery folders to be backed up or be excluded. Click Back up now to continue. 5. Follow the process until it completes. 6. Unplug the USB drive (or a portable external hard drive) and label it clearly. Important Write a unique, descriptive label on the backup, such as 'File History Recovery Backup'.
Recovery - 29 Backing up your wireless and LAN drivers Back up your wireless and LAN drivers. You can use these backups to install the wireless and LAN drivers if you install another operating system. 1. From Start, select Care Center then Recovery...
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30 - Recovery 3. Click Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
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Recovery - 31 4. Click Security and Maintenance in the bottom left of the page and click Recovery.
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32 - Recovery 5. Select Create a recovery drive to open the Recovery Drive window. 6. Make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and click Next.
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Recovery - 33 7. Plug in the USB drive and wait for the PC to detect the USB drive then click Next. 8. Everything on the drive will be deleted. Click Create to continue. 9. You will be shown the backup progress on the screen. 10.Follow the process until it completes.
34 - Recovery Important Write a unique, descriptive label on the backup, such as 'Windows Recovery Backup'. Make sure you keep the backup in a safe place that you will remember. Note Since the recovery backup requires at least 8 GB of storage after formatting, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 16 GB or larger.
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Recovery - 35 3. Click Get started to Choose an option. Select Keep my files to refresh your PC and reinstall your operating system without removing your personal files. Click Next to continue. Important If you have apps installed on your PC, they will be removed. If you'd like not to restore apps and setting that came with your PC, go to Change settings and turn off the option to not restore preinstalled apps that came with this PC before proceeding the...
36 - Recovery 4. Resetting the PC will reinstall Windows, change settings back to their factory defaults and remove all preinstalled apps and programs without removing your personal files. Click Reset to continue. This will take a while and your PC will restart.
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Recovery - 37 2. Select the Restore tab and click Get Started to open the Recovery window.
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38 - Recovery 3. Click Get started to Choose an option. Select Remove everything to reset your PC back to its factory default. 4. Click Change settings to choose restore settings (Data erasure and Data drives) which best fit your needs. Then click Confirm to continue.
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Recovery - 39 Make sure all settings are properly made, c lick Next to continue. Warning Turn on "Data erasure" will remove all of your personal files and accounts, along with pre-existing drivers that may affect your Windows installation. 6. Click Reset to continue. 7.
40 - Using a Bluetooth connection 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 devices.
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Using a Bluetooth connection - 41 2. Click on Add Bluetooth or other device then select the device that you want to add. 3. Your computer will automatically start searching for devices, as well as make itself visible to other devices. 4.
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42 - Using a Bluetooth connection You can also enter the Bluetooth settings by selecting the Notifications icon in the lower right-hand corner of the screen to open the Notifications pane. From here, you can enable or disable Bluetooth or right-click on Bluetooth > Go to Settings to enter the Bluetooth settings.
Connecting to the Internet - 43 O N N E C T I N G T O T HE N T E R N E T This chapter includes general information on types of connections, and getting connected to the internet. For detailed information, please refer to Network connections on page 94.
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44 - Connecting to the Internet Predator notebook computers feature a Flight mode hotkey that turns the network connection on or off. You can use the network 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.
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Connecting to the Internet - 45 4. Once you select a wireless network, select Connect. 5. If required, enter the network’s password.
46 - Connecting to the Internet Connecting with a cable Built-in network feature If your computer has a network port, 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.
Function varies depending on configuration. The PredatorSense main screen The main screen gives you an overview of temperatures. You can also change fan behavior, select a lighting profile, change Acer TrueHarmony mode and change overclocking levels (see Overclocking on page 54). Note The temperatures listed may vary depending on your computer’s...
Turn keyboard backlight off automatically if no action within 30 seconds. You can disable/enable system boot animation & sound, sticky keys, Windows and menu keys or change temperature units. To get a different audio experience, you can click Acer TrueHarmony icon to adjust the audio mode.
PredatorSense - 49 PredatorSense Mobile App Click the Phone icon and select Get Started to connect your mobile device. Turn on the pairing mode and tick auto pairing mode to make the connection quickly next time. Then, use the PredatorSense mobile app to scan the QR code for the device connection.
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50 - PredatorSense Once connected, you can adjust PredatorSense functions via mobile app directly. Note Support for Android 7 / iOS 9 and above.
PredatorSense - 51 Boot logo customization Click the Notebook icon then Browse to select your preferred image to customize the boot logo. Planet9 website Click the Planet9 icon and select Join Now to connect the Planet9 website...
52 - PredatorSense Adjusting the keyboard backlight Select Lighting to see keyboard lighting options. Static lighting The keyboard backlight is divided into four zones, which you can turn on or off independently. In each zone, you can choose a custom color from the color square. Click the slider under each zone to turn the backlight on or off for that zone.
PredatorSense - 53 Dynamic lighting Select Dynamic to see a set of animated light effects. Each effect provides an animation for the backlight colors, which either repeats a pattern. Creating a Lighting Profile You can create profiles for lighting schemes and switch instantly using the menus on the main page, or in the Lighting page.
If the AC adapter is disconnected or if the battery charge is lower than 40%, overclocking options will be disabled. Note Acer is not responsible for any damages incurred from overclocking if any third party tools are used to overclock the CPU or graphics besides PredatorSense.
PredatorSense - 55 Fan control Use the fan control to adjust the fan activity for the CPU and GPU. Activate CoolBoost™ to increase fan speed beyond the normal maximum, enhancing cooling power when the system is under heavy use. Monitoring From Monitoring page, click CPU/GPU or System tab to check processor and system temperature and loading.
56 - PredatorSense Game Sync settings Use Game Sync to save the settings for different games.The settings includes behavior, lighting profile, AcerTrueHarmony mode and overclocking levels. The settings will be switched automatically when the game is launched. Select Add Game to create a new game setting on lower right page.
PredatorSense - 57 App Center App Center is a great way to quickly launch the installed app in your computer. To add the app, select Add App in the lower right page. Click Browse to select the execution file (.exe) of the app and click Add to finish. Then, you can double click the app icon to run the application directly.
58 - Bluelight Shield L U E L I G H T H I E L D The Bluelight Shield can be enabled to reduce blue-light emissions from the screen to protect your eyes. To configure the Bluelight Shield, search for ’Quick Access’ in the Start Menu.
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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...
60 - Securing your computer E C U R I N G Y O U R C O M P U T E R Your computer is a valuable investment that you need to take care of. Learn how to protect and take care of your computer.
Securing your computer - 61 password checkpoints on boot-up and resume from Hibernation (if available) for maximum security. Important Do not forget your Supervisor Password! If you forget your password, please get in touch with your dealer or an authorized service center.
62 - 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 To activate the BIOS utility, press F2 while the computer logo is being displayed.
Power management - 63 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.
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64 - Power management 4. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. 5. Scroll down and disable Turn on fast startup. 6. Select Save changes.
Battery pack - 65 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. Your computer supports charge-in-use, enabling you to recharge the battery while you continue to operate the computer.
66 - Battery pack 6. Reconnect the AC adapter and fully charge the battery again. Follow these steps again until the battery has been charged and discharged three times. Use this conditioning process for all new batteries, or if a battery hasn't been used for a long time.
Battery pack - 67 • Store your PC in a cool, dry place. The recommended temperature is 10° C (50° F) to 30° C (86° F). Higher temperatures cause the battery to self-discharge faster. • Excessive recharging decreases the battery life. •...
68 - 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.
Traveling with your computer - 69 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.
70 - Traveling with your computer • Pack the computer in a protective case that can prevent the computer from sliding around and cushion it if it should fall. Warning Avoid packing items next to the top cover of the computer. Pressure against the top cover can damage the screen.
Traveling with your computer - 71 With a second AC adapter, you can avoid carrying 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.
72 - Traveling with your computer • 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. Traveling internationally Important Check with your airline for any special requirements for travelling with Lithium batteries.
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Traveling with your computer - 73 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 are compatible with the telecommunications system of the country you are traveling in.
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Ports and connectors... In this section you will find: • Information on the ports and connectors fitted to your computer...
Universal Serial Bus (USB) - 75 (USB) N I V E R S A L E R I A L The USB port is a high-speed port which allows you to connect USB peripherals, such as a mouse, an external keyboard, additional storage (external hard disks), or any other compatible device.
76 - USB Type-C port U S B T Y P E P O RT A USB Type-C port is a connector that allows you to easily connect USB Type-C peripherals, such as additional storage (e.g. an external drive), or any other compatible device. The Type-C port is reversable;...
Video and audio connectors - 77 I D E O A N D A U D I O C O N N E C T O R S Add an external monitor to your computer via a video port. The type of port available depends on your computer’s configuration.
78 - 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.
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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...
80 - Frequently asked questions R E Q U E N T L 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. Easy solutions are provided for each one.
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Frequently asked questions - 81 • The computer may be in Sleep or Hibernate mode (if there is a power LED, it will flash). Press and release the power button to resume. No audio is heard from the computer. Check the following: •...
Attach your proof-of-purchase to the ITW passport. If the country you are traveling in does not have an Acer- authorized ITW service site, you can still get in contact with...
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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. With your support, we can reduce the amount of time a call takes and help solve your problems efficiently.
F r e q u e nt l y a sk 84 - 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.
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Frequently asked questions - 85 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 Windows Start...
86 - Frequently asked questions Can I make tiles bigger or smaller? Yes, you can. Right-click on a tile and select Resize. Select a size from the menu that appears. Can I change the screen resolution? Yes, you can. Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and type 'Resolution' in the text box to display the results;...
Frequently asked questions - 87 8. Select On or Off to activate or deactivate the alarm. Hour Minutes Save Delete Note The alarm will only sound if your computer is awake at the set time. Where are my apps? Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and click search box, start typing the name of the app you would like to open.
88 - Frequently asked questions How do I install apps? You will need to have a Microsoft ID to purchase and download apps from Microsoft Store. I can't find apps like Notepad and Paint! Where are they? Move your cursor to the lower left-hand corner of the screen and click search box.
Frequently asked questions - 89 Where can I get more information? For more information please visit the following pages: • Windows 10 information: www.microsoft.com • Support FAQs: support.acer.com...
F r eq ue n tl y as k ed qu est io ns 90 - 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.
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Frequently asked questions - 91 Error messages Corrective action Hard disk 0 Contact your dealer or an authorized extended type service center. error Contact your dealer or an authorized I/O parity error service center. Keyboard error or Contact your dealer or an authorized no keyboard service center.
92 - Internet and online security 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 Internet security software on page 96).
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Internet and online security - 93 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 dial-up connection, you cannot use the modem and the telephone simultaneously on a single phone line.
94 - 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. Note If your computer includes a SIM card slot, you require a compatible SIM card and a contract with a cellular provider.
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Internet and online security - 95 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.
Acer website To get you started why not visit our website, www.acer.com. Acer is dedicated to provide you with on-going personalized support. Check out our Support section to get help tailored to your needs.
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Internet and online security - 97 Staying ahead of cybercriminals Stay ahead of hackers and cybercriminals by understanding the tactics they use to access your private data. 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 user's...
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98 - Internet and online security personal information like social security or credit card numbers to someone that you don't know over the phone. 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.
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Internet and online security - 99 device is entirely under the control of the person who created the botnet. Most people who are infected with botnets aren't even aware that their computer's security has become compromised! What to do if you're infected: If you're infected you probably don't realize it as bots are notoriously quiet.
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100 - Internet and online security programmed to "listen in" on transmissions, intercept data that is specifically targeted as valuable, and capture the data, such as your login credentials and passwords. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to ensure your privacy and anonymity are protected when you use public Wi-Fi.
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Internet and online security - 101 programs do not work correctly, your computer may be infected by malicious software. However, do not blame every computer problem on a virus! If you suspect your computer is infected, the first thing to do is update, if you have not already done so, and run your antivirus and anti-spyware software.