eMachines Desktop PC User Manual

Desktop PC
User’s Guide

Contents

1Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

eMachines Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

eMachines contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2 Checking Out Your eMachines Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Desktop PC Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Desktop PC Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

eMachines model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Working safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Setting up your computer and computer accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Enhanced keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Standard keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Connecting to a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

4 Using Drives and Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Playing a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Creating CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

5 Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Cleaning the computer display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Restoring your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

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Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Before calling eMachines Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

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Chapter 1

Getting Help

• Using the eMachines Web site

• Using Help and Support

• Using BigFix

• Using online help

• Contacting eMachines

1

Chapter 1: Getting Help

Thank you for purchasing our computer!

You have made an excellent decision choosing eMachines. We are sure that you will be
pleased with the outstanding quality, reliability, and performance of your new computer.
Each and every eMachines computer uses the latest technology and passes through the
most stringent quality control tests to ensure that you are provided with the best product
possible.

Please read this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with our range of services and
support. We have highlighted some basic care and safety information to help you keep
your computer in good operating condition.

eMachines stands behind our value proposition to our customers — to provide best-of-class
service and support in addition to high-quality, brand-name components at affordable
prices. If you ever have a problem, our knowledgeable, dedicated customer service
department will provide you with fast, considerate service.

We sincerely hope that you will receive the utmost satisfaction and enjoyment from your
new eMachines computer for years to come.

Thanks again, from all of us at eMachines.

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eMachines Web site

eMachines Web site

eMachines' online support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and provides the
most current drivers, product specifications, and information about your computer. Visit
the eMachines Customer Care Web site at emachines.com/support/

.

Help and Support

Your computer includes Help and Support, an easily accessible collection of help
information, troubleshooters, and automated support. Use Help and Support to answer
questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover and use the many features of
your eMachines computer.

To start Help and Support:

■ Click Start, then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens.

You can find help information by clicking a link, performing a search, or browsing the
index.

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Chapter 1: Getting Help

Searching for a topic

To search for a topic in Help and Support, type a word or phrase (keyword) in the Search
box located at the top of any Help and Support screen, then click the arrow button.

For each search, you receive the following search result types:

■ Suggested Topics - These topics are located in Help and Support and are relevant to

your search topic.

■ Full-text Search Matches - These topics are located in Help and Support and contain

the words you entered in the

■ Microsoft Knowledge Base - These topics are located on the Microsoft Web site and

contain the words you entered in the
Internet to search for and access these topics.

To view a list of your search results, click the results header for the type of results you
want to view.

Search box.

Search box. You must be connected to the

To view a topic, click the topic name in the

Search Results list.

BigFix

BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts. It automatically gathers
information about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from BigFix sites on the
Internet. Whenever BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the blue taskbar icon.
To fix the problem, click on that icon to open BigFix.

To start BigFix:

■ Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click BigFix.

To learn more about using BigFix:

■ From the BigFix program, click Help, then click Tut or ia l.

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Online help

Online help

Many programs provide information online so you can research a topic or learn how to
perform a task while you are using the program. You can access most online help
information by selecting a topic from a

You can search for information by viewing the help contents, checking the index, searching
for a topic or keyword, or browsing through the online help.

Help menu or by clicking a Help button.

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Chapter 1: Getting Help

eMachines contact information

To help you locate eMachines contact information, you can find the eMachines Web site,
Online Support, and technical support contact information on the label located on the
front of your computer case.

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Chapter 2

Checking Out Your
eMachines Computer

• Identifying features

• Locating your computer model and serial number

• Locating the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

• Locating the specifications for your computer

• Purchasing accessories

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your eMachines Computer

Desktop PC Front

Your computer includes the following components.

Important

DVD/CD drive

DVD/CD drive

(optional)

Diskette drive

(optional)

USB port
(optional)

Hard drive

access indicator

Your computer hardware options and port locations may vary from
the illustration below.

Memory card
reader (optional)

Power button/
Power in dicator

IEEE 1394

ports (optional)

USB ports

(optional)

Model:
S/No:

eMachines help
resources and
Customer Care
information

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Model and serial
number

Microphone jack

Headphone jack

Desktop PC Front

Component Icon Description

DVD/CD drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch

DVDs, and store large files onto recordable discs (depending on drive
type).

This drive may be a CD, recordable CD, DVD, or recordable DVD drive.
To identify your drive type and for more information about your drive, see

“Identifying drive types” on page 33.

Diskette drive
(optional)

USB ports
(optional)

Hard drive access
indicator

IEEE 1394 ports
(optional)

Memory card reader
(optional)

Power button /
Power indicator

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is color-coded red or pink.

Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external amplifier, or

Insert a standard 3.5-inch diskette into the optional diskette drive. For
more information, see “Using the diskette drive” on page 30.

Plug a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device (such as a USB Iomega™
Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into this port.
For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other

peripheral device” on page 28.

Turns on when the hard drive is accessed.

®

Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire
a digital camcorder) into one of these 6-pin IEEE 1394 ports. For more
information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device”

on page 28.

Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular
telephone, or other devices into the memory card reader. For more
information, see “Using the memory card reader” on page 31.

Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also configure the
power button to operate in Standby/Resume mode or Hibernate mode.

The button lights when the computer is turned on.

headphones into this jack. This jack is color-coded orange.

or i.Link®) device (such as

eMachines help
resources and
Customer Care
information

eMachines model
and serial number

Contains information about how to access eMachines’ Web site and
eMachines Customer Care.

Contains your model and serial number.

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your eMachines Computer

Desktop PC Back

Your computer includes the following components.

Important

Voltage switch

Power connector

PS/2 mouse port

PS/2 keyboard

Serial port

Parallel port

Monitor port

USB ports

USB ports

(optional)

Microphone jack

Audio output

(Line out) jack

Audio input

(Line in) jack

Telephone jack

Your computer hardware options and port locations may vary from
the illustration below.

Case cover
thumbscrew

IEEE 1394

ports (optional)

Ethernet

(network) jack

Modem jack

Case cover
thumbscrew

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Desktop PC Back

Component Icon Description

Voltage switch Before turning on your computer, make sure that this switch is

in the correct position for the correct power available. The
switch is preset at the factory with the correct voltage for your
area.

In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal
115 volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to
this when your computer is operating in the United States. In
other areas of the world, such as Europe, the utility power is
supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your computer is operating
in an environment such as this, the voltage switch should be
moved to 230.

Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector.

®

PS/2 mouse port Plug a Personal System/2

PS/2 keyboard port Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.

Serial port Plug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into this port.

For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other

peripheral device” on page 28.

(PS/2) mouse into this port.

Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port. For more

information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other

peripheral device” on page 28.

Monitor port Plug a monitor into this port.

USB ports
(optional)

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is color-coded red

Audio output (Line
out) jack

Audio input
(Line in) jack

Telephone jack
(optional)

Case cover
thumbscrews

Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB
Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into these ports. For more information, see “Installing

a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 28.

or pink.

Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external amplifier, or
headphones into this jack. This jack is color-coded lime green.

Plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo) into this
jack so you can record sound on your computer. This jack is
color-coded blue.

If your modem has a telephone jack, plug the cable for a
telephone into this jack.

Remove these screws before opening the case.

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your eMachines Computer

Component Icon Description

IEEE 1394 ports
(optional)

Ethernet (network)
jack

Modem jack Plug a modem cable into this jack.

Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or i.Link®) device
(such as a digital camcorder) into one of these 6-pin IEEE 1394
ports. For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner,

or other peripheral device” on page 28.

Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable or a device (such as a
DSL or cable modem for a broadband Internet connection) into
this jack.

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Identifying your model

Identifying your model

Important

The labels shown in this section are for informational purposes only.
Label information varies by model, features ordered, and location.

eMachines model and serial number

The label on the front of your computer case contains information that identifies your
computer model and serial number. eMachines Customer Care will need this information
if you call for assistance.

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of your computer
includes the product key code for your operating system.

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your eMachines Computer

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Chapter 3

Getting Started

• Using your computer safely

• Protecting your computer from power source problems

• Turning your computer on and off

• Adjusting the volume

• Using the keyboard and the mouse

• Using the computer display

• Installing peripheral devices

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Working safely

Before using your computer, read the following recommendations for setting up a safe and
comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain.

Top of screen is not
higher than eye level

Screen is
perpendicular to

Hands and

arms are

parallel to

the floor

your line of sight

Feet are flat on the floor

Reducing eye strain

Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the monitor screen or shine directly
into your eyes.

■ Position the computer desk and monitor so you can avoid glare on your screen and

light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on
windows, and by installing a glare screen filter on your monitor.

■ Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer in a dark room.

■ Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods of time. Look away

from your computer occasionally, and try to focus on distant objects.

Setting up your computer desk and chair

When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the desk is the
appropriate height and the chair helps you maintain good posture.

■ Select a flat surface for your computer desk.

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Working safely

■ Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands and arms are positioned parallel

to the floor when you use the keyboard and mouse. If the desk is not adjustable or
is too tall, consider using a keyboard drawer.

■ Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes your weight evenly, and keeps

your body relaxed.

■ Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your elbow.

This position lets your shoulders relax while you type.

■ Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the seat, or use a footrest to distribute

your weight evenly on the chair and relieve pressure on the back of your thighs.

■ Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower curve of your spine. You can use

a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.

Setting up your computer and computer accessories

■ Set up the monitor so the top is no higher than eye level, the monitor controls are

within reach, and the screen is tilted to be perpendicular to your line of sight.

■ Place your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable distance. You should be able to reach

them without stretching.

■ Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the monitor.

Sitting at your computer

■ Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed

position when you type.

■ Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back straight so your knees,

hips, and elbows form right angles when you work.

■ Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.

■ Avoid twisting your torso or neck.

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain

■ Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.

■ Take breaks to change your position, stretch your muscles, and relieve your eyes.

■ Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a variety of tasks.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Protecting from power source problems

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer can
increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your
computer and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs
voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your computer.

Warni ng

High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord
and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge
protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that
has a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector
that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug
both the surge protector and the modem.

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer during a
power failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time
with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut
down your computer normally.

Checking the voltage selection

A power supply is integrated into your computer to provide power to the system board,
add-in cards, and peripheral devices. The voltage selection for your location is typically
set at the factory. Use the power selection switch on the back of your computer to set the
power supply to 115V or 230V. To verify that your system has the correct setting for your
environment, check the voltage selection switch.

Caution

If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be
damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location
before turning on your computer.

In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115
volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when
your computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the
world, such as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at
50 Hz. If your computer is operating in an environment such as this,
the voltage switch should be moved to 230.

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Starting your computer

To set the voltage selection switch:

■ Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the voltage selection switch to the

correct voltage position.

Voltage selection switch

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1 Connect the cables to your computer. See the setup poster. 2 Turn on your computer. 3 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions

to set up your computer.

4 Turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, and see the

documentation that came with the device for setup instructions.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Waking up your computer

When you have not used your computer for several minutes or have not turned off your
computer, it may enter a power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power
indicator flashes.

If your computer is in Standby mode, move the mouse or press the power button to “wake”
it up.

Turning off your computer

Warni ng

When you turn off your computer, certain components in the power
supply and system board remain energized. In order to remove all
electrical power from your computer, unplug the power cord and
modem cable from the wall outlets. We recommend disconnecting the
power cord and modem cable when your computer will not be used
for long periods.

To turn off your computer:

1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Comp uter dialog box opens. 2 Click Turn Off. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.

Important

If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer option in
Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button
for about five seconds, then release it.

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Restarting (rebooting) your computer

Restarting (rebooting) your computer

If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may have to close
programs that are not responding. If closing unresponsive programs does not restore your
computer to normal operation, you may have to restart (reboot) your computer.

To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer:

1 Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. The Task Manager window opens. 2 Click the Applications tab, then click the program that is not responding. 3 Click End Task. 4 Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task Manager dialog box. 5 If your computer does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds, then turn it on again.

Important

As a part of the regular startup process, a program to check the disk status runs
automatically. When the checks are finished, Windows starts.

If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the power button
for about five seconds, then release it.

Adjusting the volume

You can use the volume controls to adjust the overall volume and the volume of specific
sound devices in your computer.

To adjust the overall volume level using hardware controls:

■ If you are using external speakers, turn the knob on the front of the speakers.

-OR-

If you have an enhanced keyboard, use the mute and volume control buttons on the
keyboard. For more information, for more information see “Enhanced keyboard” on

page 22.

Help and Support

For more information about installing peripheral devices, click Start,
then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword adjusting volume in the Search box

, then click the arrow.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Using the keyboard

Enhanced keyboard

Editing
buttons

Function
keys

Audio playback
buttons

Windows keys

Standard keyboard

Function
keys

Application
key

Indicators

Internet
buttons

Directional
keys

Navigation
keys

Indicators

Numeric
keypad

Navigation
keys

Internet buttons

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Windows keys Application

key

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Directional
keys

Numeric keypad

Using the keyboard

Keyboard features

The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons. Your keyboard also has status
indicators that show which keyboard feature is active.

Feature Icon Description

Editing buttons Use these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.

Function keys Start program actions. Each program uses different function keys for

different purposes. See the program documentation to find out more
about the function key actions.

Internet buttons Use these buttons to launch your Internet home page, search, or e-mail

programs.

Audio playback
buttons

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning of a line, to the

Indicators Show if your

Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows Start menu. These keys

Use these buttons to play your audio files and to adjust the volume.

end of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning of a
document, or to the end of a document.

NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK keys are

activated. Press the corresponding key to activate the function.

can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like

F (Search utility), R (Run utility), and E (Explorer utility).

Application key Access shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows.

Directional keys Move the cursor up, down, right, or left.

Numeric keypad Use these keys to type numbers when the numeric keypad

NUM LOCK) is turned on.

(

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