Gateway 310 S, 310 SE, 310 XL, SB 310-A, 310 AAFES User Manual

Your Gateway Computer

user'sguide

Customizing

Troubleshooting

Contents

1 Checking Out Your Gateway Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Gateway model number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Gateway serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Working safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Setting up your computer and computer accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

3Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

HelpSpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

HelpSpot videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Using eSupport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

4 Windows Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

About the Windows environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Using the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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Adding icons to the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Identifying window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Using the Windows Search utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

5 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

6 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Adjusting the volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Listening to CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Using MusicMatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Creating MP3 music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Changing the music library display settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

ii

Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Using a recordable drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Creating data CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Creating music CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Copying CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

7 Customizing Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Changing the colors on your Windows desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Changing the mouse settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Power management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Using power saving modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Changing advanced power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Activating and using Hibernate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Setting up an uninterruptible power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

8 Moving from Your Old Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Finding your files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Setting up your ISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Transferring your e-mail and address book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Transferring your Internet shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Installing your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Installing a USB printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Installing a parallel port printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Installing your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

9 Maintaining Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

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Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

Cleaning the computer screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

10 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Using the Restoration CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Updating device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

11 Upgrading Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Selecting a place to work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

Gathering the tools you need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167

Adding or replacing a CD, DVD, or diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Replacing the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171

Adding or replacing add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

Replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181

Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185

12 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188

Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190

Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

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CD, DVD, or recordable drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

Cleaning CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Using the BIOS Setup utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

v

vi

Checking Out

Your Gateway

Computer

This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your
Gateway computer. Read this chapter to learn:

■ How to identify the features of your computer

■ How to locate your computer’s model and serial

number

■ How to locate the Microsoft Certificate of

Authenticity

■ How to locate the specifications for your computer

■ What accessories are available for your computer

1

1

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Front

Your computer may contain any of the following components.

DVD/CD drive

(optional)

Reset button

Hard drive

indicator

CD/DVD eject
button

3.5-inch drive bay
covers

Power indicator

Power bu tton

Headphone jack

Microphone jack

2

Port door

USB ports

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Component Icon Description

Front

DVD/CD drive
(optional)

Reset button Press this button to restart your computer if your computer

Hard drive indicator Turns on when the hard is accessed.

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

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

CD/DVD eject button Press this button to open the CD or DVD drive tray. For more

3.5-inch drive bay
covers

Power indicator Indicator turns on when computer power is on.

Power button Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also

Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and
programs, watch DVDs, and store large files onto recordable
CDs (depending on drive type). For more information, see

“Using the CD or DVD drive” on page 74.

This drive may be a CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD/CD-RW drive.
To identify your drive type and for more information about your
drive, see “Identifying drive types” on page 74.

does not respond to mouse or keyboard input.

or headphones into this jack. This jack is color-coded lime
green.

or pink.

information, see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on page 74.

Remove these covers to install additional 3.5-inch drives.

configure the power button to operate in Standby/Resume
mode or Hibernate mode. For more information on changing
the power button setting, see “Changing the power scheme”

on page 116.

USB ports 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 23.

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Back

Your computer may contain any of the following components.

Power connector

Voltage switch

Case cover
thumbscrew

PS/2 keyboard port

USB ports

Serial port

Monitor port

USB ports

Microphone jack

Headphone/analog

speakers

(Line out 1) jack

Modem jack

GATEWAY
SERIAL NO.

Gateway serial
number

PS/2 mouse port

Parallel port

System label
Ethernet

(network) jack

Audio input
(Line in) jack

Case cover
screw

Microsoft Certificate
of Authenticity
(located on the side
removable cover)

Telephone jack

4

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Component Icon Description

Power connector Plug the power cable into this connector.

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.

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

USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB

Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into these por ts. For more information, see “Installing

a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 23.

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 23.

Back

Monitor port Plug a monitor into this port.

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

or pink.

Headphone/analog
speakers
(Line out 1) jack

Modem jack Plug a modem cable into this jack.

Case cover
thumbscrew

Gateway serial
number

PS/2 mouse port Plug a Personal System/2

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

Remove this screw before opening the case.

Provides your computer’s serial number. For more information,
see “Gateway serial number” on page 7.

®

(PS/2) mouse into this port.

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5

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Component Icon Description

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 23.

System label Includes your computer’s model number. For more information,

see “Identifying your model” on page 7.

Ethernet (network)
jack

Audio input
(Line in) jack

Microsoft
Certificate of
Authenticity

Telephone jack
(optional)

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. For more information, see “Learning about the

Internet” on page 58.

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.

Contains your Windows product key. For more information, see

“Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity” on page 7.

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

6

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Identifying your model

Important The labels shown in this section are for informational

purposes only. Label information varies by model, features
ordered, and location.

Gateway model number

The label on the back of your computer case contains information that
identifies your computer model. Gateway Technical Support will need this
information if you call for assistance.

Gateway serial number

You can locate the Gateway serial number:

■ Printed on a white sticker on the front or back of your computer case.

Identifying your model

■ Printed on the customer invoice that came with your computer. The

invoice also contains your customer ID number.

■ Displayed in HelpSpot. Click Start, Help and Support, then click View product

serial number

.

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

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

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7

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Finding your specifications

For more information about your computer, such as memory size, memory type,
and hard drive size, go to the
eSupport page at support.gateway.com
additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.

Click

Start, Help and Support, then click View system serial number to view your

computer’s serial number. Click

See your PC’s configuration to check your computer’s specifications.

My Computer Info link in HelpSpot or visit Gateway’s

. The eSupport page also has links to

Start, Help and Support, then click

8

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Finding your specifications

You can also find out more about your computer at the Gateway eSupport site.
Visit support.gateway.com

page 32.

. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on

www.gateway.com

9

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Accessories

Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your
computer. To order accessories, visit the Accessory Superstore at

accessories.gateway.com

Home networking kit

With a home networking kit, you can network, or “link”, two or more
computers in your home. After you have set up a home network, you can access
the files, drives, and printers on linked computers, play multiplayer games, and
even share one Internet connection.

Two types of home networking kits are available. Wireless home networking
kits use radio frequency to link your computers wirelessly. Ethernet home
networking kits use network cabling to link your computers.

Imaging equipment

A digital camera lets you take pictures that you can view and edit on your
computer.

A digital video camera lets you take movies that you can view and edit on your
computer.

.

A scanner copies an image, such as a graphic or document, then stores the copy
in a file.

You can attach your digital photographs or scanned images to e-mail messages
or post them on a Web site.

Printers

You can attach many types of printers to your computer. The most common
types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. For
more information about attaching a printer to your computer, see “Installing

a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 23.

Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but usually they are
slower than laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you can print pictures,
banners, and greeting cards, as well as documents.

Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but usually they print much
faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when
you are printing large documents.

10

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Accessories

Storage Devices

If you need additional storage space or you want to back up your files, you
can add storage devices to you computer.

With a recordable CD drive, you can free up hard drive space by backing up
file s, then rem oving them fr o m your hard dr i v e . Wr ita ble CDs can hold as mu c h
as 700 MB of data. For more information about using recordable drives, see

“Using a recordable drive” on page 87.

If you need to back up your entire system, you probably need a tape backup
(TBU) drive. TBU drives, like tape recorders, use magnetic tape cartridges to store
data. Tape drive cartridges can store 2 GB, 20 GB, 40 GB, 130 GB, or more of
data.

If you want to increase your internal storage space, try replacing your existing
hard drive with a larger drive. For more information about installing a larger
drive, see “Replacing the hard drive” on page 171.

Memory

Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of
memory. If your programs are running more slowly than you think they should,
try adding more memory.

Uninterruptible power supplies

A standby, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protects your computer from
data loss during a total power failure. A UPS uses a battery to keep your
computer running temporarily during a power failure so you can save your work
and shut down your computer correctly. A UPS may also provide protection
from power surges. For information about setting up a UPS, see “Setting up an

uninterruptible power supply” on page 120.

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11

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

12

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Getting Started

Read this chapter to find out how to:

■ Use your computer safely

■ Protect your computer from power source problems

■ Start and turn off your computer

■ Use the keyboard

■ Use the mouse

■ Use the computer display

■ Install peripheral devices

2

13

Chapter 2: 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.

Hands and

arms are

parallel to the

floor

Top of display is not
higher than eye level

Screen is
perpendicular to
your line of sight

Feet are flat on the floor

Reducing eye strain

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

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

computer display 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 computer display.

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

in a dark room.

■ Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer display for long periods of

time. Look away from your display occasionally, and try to focus on distant
objects.

14

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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.

■ 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.

Working safely

Setting up your computer and computer accessories

■ Set up your computer so the display is no higher than eye level, the display

controls are within reach, and the display 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 computer display.

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15

Chapter 2: Getting Started

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.

16

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Protecting from power source problems

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.

Warning 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. For more
information, see “Setting up an uninterruptible power supply” on page 120.

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17

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1 Connect the cables to your computer using 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.

Turning off your computer

Tips & Tricks 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 Computer dialog box

opens.

2 Click Tu r n O f f . Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.

Important If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer

18

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, then click Task Manager. The Task Manager window

opens.

2 Click the Applications tab, then click the program that is not responding.
3 Click End Task.
4 If your computer does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds and turn

it on again.

Important If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the

power button for about five seconds, then release it.

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19

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Keyboard

Function keys Navigation keys Indicators

Press these

Windows keys Application

key

To...

Directional
keys

Numeric
keypad

keys...

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.

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

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

Indicators Show if your

activated. Press the corresponding key to activate the function.

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

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

NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK keys are

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 (

is turned on.

NUM LOCK)

20

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Mouse

The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on the computer
display. This illustration shows the standard mouse.

Right button

Mouse

Left button

As you move the mouse, the pointer (arrow) on the display moves in the same
direction.

You can use the left and right buttons on the mouse to select objects on the
display.

You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a document. This
feature is not available in all programs.

Scroll wheel

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21

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Using the mouse

To... Do this...

Move the pointer
on the computer
display

Select an object on
the computer
display

Start a program or
open a file or folder

Access a shortcut
menu or find more
information about
an object on the
computer display.

Move an object on
the computer
display.

click

click

click

click

click,

click,
click

click

and drag

and drag

click

Move the mouse around on the mouse
pad. If you run out of space on your
mouse pad and need to move the pointer
farther, pick up the mouse, set it down in
the middle of the mouse pad, then
continue moving the mouse.

Position the pointer over the object.
Quickly press and release the left mouse
button once. This action is called

clicking

.

Position the pointer over the object.
Quickly press and release the left mouse
button twice. This action is called

double-clicking

Position the pointer over the object.
Quickly press and release the right
mouse button once. This action is called

right-clicking

Position the pointer over the object.
Press the left mouse button and hold it
down. Move (drag) the object to the
appropriate part of the computer display.
Release the button to drop the object
where you want it.

.

.

For instructions on how to adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed,
right-hand or left-hand configuration, and other mouse settings, see “Changing

the mouse settings” on page 112.

For instructions on how to clean the mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on

page 147.

22

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