Dell Inspiron 15 3521 User Manual

Me and My Dell
© 2013 Dell Inc.

Dell Inspiron 15 3521 Specifications

General

Optical Drive	DVD+/-RW
Processor	Intel Core i3-3227U
RAM	4 GB DDR3
Storage	Up to 1TB HDD
Display	15.6-inch HD (1366x768)
Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Operating System	Windows 8
Connectivity	802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0
Ports	2 x USB 3.0, HDMI, RJ-45, SD card reader
Battery	4-cell or 6-cell lithium-ion (depending on configuration)

Summary

Charms Sidebar

Charms Sidebar Functionality

Explains the Charms menu and its five main features: Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Settings.

Signing In to Windows

Windows Sign-in Options

Details options for signing in with a Microsoft account or without one, and how to lock/dismiss the lock screen.

Windows 8 App Management

Closing a Windows 8 App

Provides instructions on how to close an application using mouse or touchscreen.

Turning Off Your Computer

Explains the steps to shut down the computer and mentions sleep/hibernate options.

Power Adapter Information

Power Adapter Overview

Describes the function of power adapters and the components of a Dell power-adapter kit.

Laptop Battery Management

Laptop Battery Types

Compares commonly used 3-cell, 6-cell, and 9-cell laptop batteries.

Conserving Battery Power

Offers tips to conserve battery power on a laptop.

Coin-Cell Battery Function

Explains the role of the coin-cell battery on the system board.

Improving Battery Performance

Details activities that reduce battery life and ways to improve it.

Touchpad Operations

About the Touchpad

Defines a touchpad and its basic cursor control functionalities.

Touchpad Gestures Overview

Introduces touchpad gestures and lists supported gestures like Scroll, Zoom, Rotate, Flick, etc.

Touchpad Scrolling Functions

Explains scrolling through content, including Pan, Auto Scroll, and Circular Scroll.

Touchpad Zoom Functions

Details how to zoom in/out using one finger or pinch gestures.

Touchpad Rotate and Flick Gestures

Explains how to rotate content using Twist and flip content using Flick.

Touchpad Favorites and Desktop

Describes gestures for opening favorite applications and minimizing windows to view the desktop.

Display Types and Setup

Display Overview

Defines a display and lists common types: Touchscreen, 3D, and Wireless.

3D Display Functionality

Explains how 3D displays work and notes potential lack of support.

Wireless Display Setup

Details the wireless display feature and its minimum requirements.

Touchscreen Display Interaction

Explains touchscreen interaction and gestures like Zoom.

Touchscreen Gestures

Describes touchscreen gestures like Dwell, Flick, and Scroll.

Touchscreen Rotate Function

Explains how to rotate content using touchscreen gestures.

Keyboard Features

Keyboard Description

Defines computer keyboards and describes their common features.

Backlit Keyboard Functionality

Explains the purpose and operation of backlit keyboards.

Keyboard Connection Types

Details wired (USB, PS/2) and wireless (RF, Bluetooth) connection methods for keyboards.

Service Tag and Storage

Locating Service Tag

Explains how to find the Service Tag on the computer or online.

Storage Devices Overview

Defines storage devices and gives examples like hard drives and USB keys.

Internal Storage Devices

Describes internal storage devices like HDDs and SSDs.

Removable Storage Devices

Lists common removable storage devices like optical discs and memory cards.

Optical Discs and Memory Cards

Details types of optical discs (Blu-ray, DVD, CD) and memory cards.

Memory Module Description

Explains memory modules (DIMM, SODIMM) used in computers.

System Board and Processor

System Board Components

Describes key components of a system board like processor socket and chipset.

Processor Functionality

Defines a processor and its classification based on cores and speed.

Computer Cooling Components

Explains the function of computer fans and heat sinks for cooling.

Thermal Grease and Video Cards

Describes thermal grease and types of video cards (integrated, discrete, APU).

Audio and Video Devices

TV Tuner Functionality

Explains the use of TV tuners for watching television on a computer.

Speaker System Overview

Describes speakers and how they are identified (e.g., 5.1, 7.1).

Webcam Functionality

Defines a webcam and its uses for video capture and conferencing.

Enabling and Managing Webcam

Provides steps to enable a webcam and use Dell Webcam Manager.

Communication Devices

ExpressCards for Connectivity

Explains ExpressCards for connecting peripherals and their types (EC/34, EC/54).

Communication Devices Explained

Defines communication devices and their role in network connectivity.

Modem and NIC Functionality

Describes modems (dial-up, digital) and Network Interface Controllers (NICs).

Wireless Network Controllers

Explains WLAN, WWAN, and Bluetooth adapters for wireless communication.

Computer Setup Procedures

Setting Up Your Laptop

Provides instructions for connecting the AC adapter and turning on the laptop.

Setting Up Your Desktop

Guides on connecting display, keyboard, mouse, and power for desktop setup.

Internet Connection Setup

Wired Internet Connection

Steps to set up a wired internet connection using dial-up, DSL, or cable modems.

Wireless Internet Connection

Instructions for connecting to a wireless router on Windows 8, 7, and Vista.

Display Setup and Features

Setting Up Your Display

Guides on checking and connecting display types using appropriate cables.

Setting Up 3D Display

Provides detailed steps for setting up a 3D display using HDMI.

Setting Up Wireless Display

Instructions for setting up and enabling wireless display connections.

DVI Connector Cables

Details DVI connectors and the necessary cables for various connections.

Audio Setup

Setting Up 5.1 Audio

Explains the optimal speaker placement for 5.1 audio effectiveness.

Setting Up 7.1 Audio

Describes optimal speaker placement for 7.1 audio and setup steps.

Peripheral Setup

Adding a Printer

Provides steps for adding a printer in Windows 7, Vista, and XP.

Setting Up Your Webcam

Guides on setting up integrated or external webcams.

Installing USB Wireless Adapter

Steps for installing software for a USB wireless adapter.

Battery Maintenance

Charging Laptop Battery

Explains how the laptop battery charges and conditions affecting charging.

Improving Battery Performance

Lists activities that reduce battery life and methods to improve it.

Dell Desktop Mode for Battery

Describes Dell Desktop Mode for protecting laptop battery health.

Keyboard Usage

General Keyboard Shortcuts

Lists common keyboard shortcuts for system functions and applications.

Customizing Keyboard Settings

Explains how to customize keyboard repeat delay, speed, and blink rate.

Changing Keyboard Input Language

Guides on adding and changing keyboard input languages.

Using Laptop Numeric Keypad

Details how to use the integrated numeric keypad on a laptop.

Touchpad Navigation

Using Your Touchpad Basics

Explains basic touchpad operations like cursor movement and clicking.

Touchpad Scrolling Gestures

Details scrolling, pan, auto-scroll, and circular scroll gestures.

Touchpad Zoom Gestures

Explains one-finger zoom and pinch-to-zoom gestures.

Touchpad Rotate and Flick Gestures

Describes rotate (twist) and flick gestures for content manipulation.

Touchpad Favorites and Desktop Access

Explains gestures for My Favorites and accessing the Desktop.

Touchscreen Interaction

Using a Touchscreen Display

Describes basic touchscreen operations like tapping, zooming, and rotating.

Ports and Audio

Ports and Connectors Overview

Introduces the concept of ports and connectors on a computer.

Audio Connectors Explained

Describes various audio connectors like headphone, microphone, and surround sound outputs.

Audio Channel Configurations

Explains 5.1 and 7.1 audio channel configurations.

USB Standards and Interfaces

USB Overview and Connectors

Defines USB, its benefits, and describes Mini-USB and Micro-USB connectors.

USB Standards Explained

Details USB 3.0, USB 2.0, USB 1.x standards and USB PowerShare feature.

Digital Visual Interface (DVI)

Explains DVI connections (DVI-D, DVI-A, DVI-I) for video signals.

DisplayPort and HDMI Interfaces

Describes DisplayPort and HDMI for digital audio/video interconnects.

eSATA, S/PDIF, and IEEE 1394

Explains eSATA, S/PDIF for audio, and IEEE 1394 serial bus interface.

Network Connectivity

Network Overview

Defines computer networks and their uses like printing and file sharing.

Local Area Network (LAN)

Explains LAN connectivity using network cables.

Wireless Network Types

Describes WLAN, WWAN, and WPAN for wireless network connectivity.

Setting Up Your Network

Provides steps for setting up wired and wireless networks.

Setting Up Internet Connections

Guides on setting up wireless and wired internet connections.

Setting Up a Local Area Network

General guidelines for setting up a LAN with required components.

Checking Your Wireless Network Card

Instructions to confirm and identify the wireless network card.

Software and Utilities

Computrace for Asset Tracking

Explains Computrace for tracking computers and preventing theft.

Enabling and Getting Help for Computrace

Provides steps to enable Computrace and contact Absolute Software for support.

My Dell Downloads

Describes My Dell Downloads for software repository access.

My Dell Support Center

Explains My Dell Support Center for system tools and diagnostics.

Solution Station Services

Details Solution Station for premium support services like configuration and maintenance.

Dell QuickSet Functionality

Describes Dell QuickSet utilities for enhanced computer functionality.

NVIDIA 3DTV Play and Games

Explains NVIDIA 3DTV Play for 3D gaming and viewing.

Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts for 3D

Guides on customizing keyboard shortcuts for NVIDIA 3D effects.

DellConnect for Remote Support

Explains DellConnect for remote diagnosis and issue resolution.

Operating System Restoration

Restoring OS Options

Lists options for restoring the OS: Dell Backup/Recovery and System Recovery Media.

Dell Backup and Recovery

Details Dell Backup and Recovery versions and features for Windows 8.

System Recovery Media Usage

Explains how to use system recovery media to restore the computer.

System Restore Functionality

Describes the System Restore tool for undoing system changes.

Starting and Undoing System Restore

Provides steps for starting and undoing the last system restore.

Dell DataSafe Local Backup

Details Dell DataSafe Local Backup versions and features.

Dell Factory Image Restore

Explains Dell Factory Image Restore for returning the system to its original state.

Operating System Disc Reinstallation

Guides on reinstalling the operating system using an OS disc.

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Pre-Boot System Assessment (PSA)

Explains using PSA to diagnose hardware problems and invoking the test.

Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment (ePSA)

Describes using ePSA for hardware diagnostics and its interface.

Interpreting Beep Codes

Lists common beep codes and their corresponding hardware problems.

Troubleshooting Display Issues

Provides solutions for display screens that are difficult to read or blank.

Troubleshooting Keyboard Issues

Offers solutions for keyboards not working, detected, or intermittently functioning.

System Setup (BIOS)

System Setup (BIOS) Overview

Explains the BIOS function and its use for changing system configurations.

Entering System Setup (BIOS)

Provides steps to enter the System Setup (BIOS) utility.

System Setup Screens Navigation

Describes the layout and navigation of the System Setup window.

Changing Boot Sequence

Guides on changing the boot sequence using the Boot Device Menu.

Changing Default Boot Sequence

Steps to alter the default boot order in System Setup.

Flashing the BIOS

Instructions on updating or flashing the computer's BIOS.

Getting Help and Contacting Dell

Self-Help Resources

Information on accessing Windows Help and Support and Dell support websites.

Dell Support Contact Information

Provides Dell support email addresses and contact methods.

Before Calling Dell for Support

Steps to ensure faster service when contacting Dell support.

Computer Care and Ergonomics

General Computer Maintenance

Tasks to avoid common computer problems like dust accumulation and virus infections.

Ergonomic Guidelines for Desktops

Recommendations for comfortable and efficient desktop setup and usage.

Ergonomic Guidelines for Laptops

Ergonomic advice for laptop setup, including posture and external devices.

Environmental Responsibility

Dell's Environmental Commitment

Discusses Dell's approach to green choices and eco-friendly packaging.

Regulatory Compliance Policy

Details Dell's commitment to compliance with laws and worldwide standards.

Migration and Power Management

Migration Tips and Tools

Explains computer migration and using Windows Easy Transfer.

Data Transfer Methods

Lists methods for transferring data between computers like cables and networks.

Power Management Features

Describes power-saving states like Sleep and Hibernation.

Configuring Power Settings

Guides on configuring power settings in Windows 8 and Windows 7.