Gateway 400 schematic

Contents

1 Checking Out Your Gateway 400. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

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

Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Gateway model number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Gateway serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Internal wireless label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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

Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Using the touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Connecting to a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Broadband Internet connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

3Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

HelpSpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

HelpSpot videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

i

Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Using eSupport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

4 Windows Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

About the Windows environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Using the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Adding icons to the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Identifying window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Using the Windows Search utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

5 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

6 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Using the optional diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Using the DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

ii

Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Listening to CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Using MusicMatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Creating MP3 music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Changing the music library display settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Creating CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Creating data CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Creating music CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Copying CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Using the optional memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

7 Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Installing and configuring Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Installing Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Configuring Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Sending a simple fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Setting up your cover page template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Faxing a scanned document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Automatically retry sending a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Automatically cancelling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

8 Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

iii

Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Changing alarm options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Activating and using Hibernate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

9 Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

10 Customizing Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Changing the colors on your Windows desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

Changing the touchpad settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

11 Networking Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

Benefits of networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

Sharing a single Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

Sharing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158

Sharing peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Streaming audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Playing multi-player games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

Wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160

Using a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

Example wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

Using a wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Example access point wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Equipment you need for an access point wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . .166

Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Equipment you need for a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . .168

iv

For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Using your notebook on a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Installing and configuring your notebook for Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . 169

Turning your wireless Ethernet on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

12 Moving from Your Old Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Finding your files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

Setting up your ISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

Transferring your e-mail and address book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Transferring your Internet shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Installing your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Installing a USB printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Installing a parallel port printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Installing your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

13 Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

Creating an emergency startup diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Cleaning the computer screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

14 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

Using the Restoration CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Updating device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

v

15 Upgrading Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

Adding and removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212

Adding or replacing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213

Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217

16 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225

Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .226

CDs, DVDs, or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .226

Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228

Device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228

Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239

Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240

PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245

Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245

Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246

Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247

Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247

Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248

A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

vi

Checking Out

Your

Gateway 400

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

■ How to identify the features of your Gateway

notebook

■ How to locate your notebook’s model and serial

number

■ How to locate the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

■ How to locate the specifications for your notebook

■ What accessories are available for your notebook

Tips & Tricks To access the contents of this guide while

you are traveling, click Start, All Programs,
then click Gateway Utilities. You can also
download an electronic copy from
support.gateway.com/support/manlib/

.

1

1

Please check out our eBay auctions for more great
deals on Factory Service Manuals:

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 400

Front

Speaker Speaker

Battery

charge

Power
indicator

LCD panel
release latch

indicator

Component Icon Description

Speakers Provide audio output when headphones or amplified

speakers are not plugged in.

Battery charge indicator The LED shows the battery activity and status.

■

LED green - battery is fully charged.

■

LED orange - battery is charging.

■

LED red - battery is malfunctioning.

This LED only lights up when the notebook is plugged in.

Power indicator The LED shows the notebook power status.

■

LED on - notebook is on.

■

LED blinking - notebook is in Standby mode.

■

LED off - notebook is off.

LCD panel release latch Open the LCD panel by pressing the release latch.

2

www.gateway.com

Left side

Left side

Microphone jack

Headphone jack

USB ports

PC Card
eject
button

PC Card
slot

Diskette drive
or memory
card reader

Component Icon Description

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.

Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack. The built-in

speakers are turned off when speakers or headphones are
plugged into this jack.

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

Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into these ports.

PC Card eject
button

PC Card slot Insert one Type II, or one Type III PC Card into this slot. For more

Press the eject button to remove the PC Card from the PC Card
slot. For more information, see “Adding and removing a PC Card”
on page 210.

information, see “Adding and removing a PC Card” on page 210.

www.gateway.com

3

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 400

Component Icon Description

Diskette drive or
memory card
reader

Insert a standard 3.5-inch diskette into the optional diskette drive.
For more information, see “Using the optional diskette drive” on
page 83.

Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA or
cell phone into the optional memory card reader. For more
information, see “Using the optional memory card reader” on
page 108.

4

www.gateway.com

Right side

Right side

DVD or DVD/CD-RW

drive

Component Icon Description

DVD or DVD/CD-RW drive Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more information,

see “Using the DVD drive” on page 84.

This drive may be a DVD or combination DVD/CD-RW
drive. To determine the type of drive in the notebook,
examine the drive tray’s plastic cover and compare the
logo to those listed in “Identifying drive types” on
page 84.

Kensington™ lock slot Secure your computer to an object by connecting a

Kensington cable lock to this slot.

Kensington
lock slot

www.gateway.com

5

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 400

Back

Modem jack

Ethernet jack

Power connector

Parallel
port

Monitor
port

Ventilation
fan

Component Icon Description

Modem jack Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more information, see

“Connecting the modem” on page 32.

Ethernet jack Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. For more

information, see “Connecting to a wired Ethernet network” on
page 33 and “Networking Your Computer” on page 157.

Power connector Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.

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

Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor into this port.

Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert objects into

these slots.

6

www.gateway.com

Bottom

System

label

Bottom

Mini PCI
bay

Memory
bay

Battery

bay

Battery latch

Hard drive bay

Reset
hole

Component Icon Description

Mini PCI bay The optional wireless Ethernet mini PCI card is located in this bay.

Memory bay Install as many as two memory modules into this bay. For more

information, see “Adding or replacing memory” on page 213.

Reset hole Insert a straightened paper clip into this hole to manually restart

the notebook.

Hard drive bay The hard drive is located in this bay. For more information, see

“Replacing the hard drive kit” on page 217.

Battery latch Slide to release the battery.

Battery bay Insert the battery into this bay. For more information, see

“Changing batteries” on page 127.

System label Includes the product model number. For more information, see

“Identifying your model” on page 10.

www.gateway.com

7

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 400

Keyboard area

For information on using your keyboard, see “Using the keyboard” on page 24.

Status

indicators

Power
button

Keyboard

Multi-function buttons

Touchpad

Component Icon Description

Multi-function buttons Press these buttons to open programs assigned to them.

These buttons are set to open your default e-mail
program, your default Web browser, online help, and the
My Computer window. For more information, see
“Multi-function buttons” on page 28.

8

www.gateway.com

Keyboard area

Component Icon Description

Touchpad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more

information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on
page 29.

Keyboard Provides all the features of a full-sized 86-key keyboard.

For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on
page 24.

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

the power button for Standby/Resume mode. For more
information on configuring the power button mode, see
“Changing power settings” on page 131.

Status indicators Inform you when a drive is in use or when a button has

been pressed that affects how the keyboard is used. For
more information, see “Status indicators” on page 22.

www.gateway.com

9

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 400

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 bottom of your notebook contains information that identifies
your notebook model and its features. Gateway Technical Support will need this
information if you call for assistance.

Gateway

model

number

Gateway serial number

You can locate the Gateway serial number:

■ Printed on a white sticker on the bottom or back of your notebook.

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

invoice also contains your customer ID number.

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

serial number

10

.

www.gateway.com

Identifying your model

Internal wireless label

A label similar to the following indicates your computer contains a wireless
communications device. The label is located on the bottom of your notebook.

IEEE 802.11b RLAN Approvals:
FCC ID HFS9550015318
CANADA ID 1787104509A

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the bottom of your
notebook includes the product key code for your operating system.

www.gateway.com

11

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 400

Finding your specifications

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

See your PC’s configuration link in HelpSpot or visit

. The eSupport page also has

View your computer’s serial number by clicking
clicking

Help and Support, then clicking See your PC’s configuration.

View system serial number. Check your specifications by clicking Start,

Start, Help and Support, then

12

www.gateway.com

Finding your specifications

You can also find out more about your computer at the Gateway eSupport site.
Visit support.gateway.com
page 42.

. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on

www.gateway.com

13

Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 400

Accessories

Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your
notebook. To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at
accessories.gateway.com

Batteries and automobile/airplane power adapters

If you run your notebook on battery power for extended periods, you may want
to buy an additional battery so you can swap batteries when necessary. See
“Changing batteries” on page 127 for more information about using an
additional battery in your notebook.

With an automobile/airplane power adapter, you can save battery power by
plugging your notebook into an automobile cigarette lighter or an airplane
in-flight power receptacle.

Carrying cases

Gateway has large-capacity carrying cases if you need additional space for
accessories or supplies.

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. See “Adding or replacing memory” on page 213 for
more information.

.

Printers

You can attach almost any type of printer to your notebook. The most common
types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. See
“Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 34 for more
information about attaching a printer to your notebook.

Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but 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 they print much faster
than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are
printing large documents.

14

www.gateway.com

Getting Started

This chapter provides basic information about your
Gateway notebook. Read this chapter to find out how to:

■ Connect the AC adapter

■ Start and turn off your notebook

■ Identify the status indicators

■ Use the keyboard

■ Use the EZ Pad touchpad

■ Connect the modem

■ Connect to an Ethernet network

■ Install peripheral devices

2

15

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Connecting the AC adapter

You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or the notebook battery. The
battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the AC adapter
right away to fully charge the battery. Allow 24 hours for the battery to fully
charge.

Important If the battery is not fully charged before you use your

notebook on battery power for the first time, the battery life
may be much shorter than you expect. If the battery life
seems short even after being charged for 24 hours, the
battery may need to be recalibrated. For information, see
“Recalibrating the battery” on page 126.

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

16

Warning Make sure that you use the AC adapter that came with your

notebook.

Replace the power cord if it becomes damaged. The
replacement cord must be of the same type and voltage
rating as the original cord or your notebook may be
damaged.

www.gateway.com

Connecting the AC adapter

2 Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.

3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet.

The battery charge indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 2 for the
location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery charge indicator
does not turn on, unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug it
back in.

4 When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn your

notebook off and leave your notebook connected to AC power for at least
24 hours. The battery charge meter may not show a charge for several
hours. For more information about the battery charge meter on your
model, see “Monitoring the battery charge” on page 124.

5 If the battery charge meter does not show a full charge after 24 hours,

contact Gateway Technical Support at support.gateway.com

Contact Us.

Warning Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The

AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable
parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous voltages that
can cause serious injury or death. Contact Gateway about
returning defective AC adapters.

, then click

www.gateway.com

17

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Protecting from power source problems

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

Warning High voltages can enter your notebook through both the

power cord and the modem connection. Protect your
notebook 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.

18

www.gateway.com

Starting your notebook

To start your notebook:

1 Open your notebook by pressing the latch on the front of your notebook

and lifting the LCD panel.

2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.

Power bu tto n

Starting your notebook

The power button is preset to On/Off mode. However, you can also set it
to function in Standby/Resume mode. For instructions on changing the
power button mode, see “Changing power settings” on page 131.

3 If you are starting your notebook for the first time, follow the on-screen

instructions to set up your notebook.

www.gateway.com

19

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Waking up your notebook

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

If your notebook is in Standby mode, “wake” it up by pressing the power
button. For more information on changing power-saving settings, see
“Changing power settings” on page 131.

Turning off your notebook

To turn off your notebook:

1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box

opens.

2 Click Tur n O f f. Windows shuts down and turns off your notebook.

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

option in Windows to turn off your notebook, press and
hold the power button for about five seconds, then
release it.

20

www.gateway.com

Restarting (rebooting) your notebook

Restarting (rebooting) your
notebook

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

To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer:

1 Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. A window opens that lets you close a program that

is not responding.

2 Click the program that is not responding.
3 Close the program by clicking End Task.
4 If your notebook does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds and turn

it on again.

Important If your notebook does not turn off immediately, complete

the following steps until the notebook turns off:

1 Press and hold the power button for about five seconds,

then release it.

2 Insert a straightened paper clip into the reset hole on

the bottom of your notebook.

3 Remove AC power and the battery for more than

10 seconds.

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

www.gateway.com

21

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Status indicators

Status indicators inform you when a drive is being used or when a button has
been pressed that affects how the keyboard is used.

Disc drive

Hard drive

Diskette drive

Indicator Icon Description

Diskette drive The 1.44 MB diskette drive or the memory card reader is in use.

Caps Lock

Scroll Lock

Pad Lock

Disc drive The DVD or DVD/CD-RW drive is in use.

Hard drive The hard drive is in use.

Caps Lock Caps Lock is turned on.

22

www.gateway.com

Status indicators

Indicator Icon Description

Scroll Lock Scroll Lock is turned on. For more information, see “System key

combinations” on page 26.

Pad Lock Numeric keypad is turned on. For more information, see “System

key combinations” on page 26.

1

www.gateway.com

23

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Using the keyboard

Your notebook features a full-size keyboard that functions the same as a desktop
computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate functions,
including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for specific system
operations, and the Pad Lock keys for the numeric keypad.

You can attach an external keyboard to the notebook using a USB port. You
do not need to shut down the notebook to connect a USB keyboard.

Function keys/System keys

Navigation keys/Volume keys

24

FN key

Windows
key

Numeric
keypad

www.gateway.com

Application
key

Arrow keys/LCD
brightness keys

Using the keyboard

Key types

The keyboard has several different types of keys. Some keys perform specific
actions when pressed alone and other actions when pressed in combination
with another key.

Key type Icon Description

Function keys Press these keys labeled F1 to F12 to perform actions in

programs. For example, pressing

Each program uses different function keys for different purposes.
See the program documentation to find out more about the
function key actions.

F1 may open help.

System keys Press these colored keys in combination with the

perform specific 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.

Volume keys Press these colored keys in combination with the

increase or decrease the volume or to turn off all sound.

FN key to

FN key to

FN key Press the FN key in combination with a colored system key (such

as

STATUS, STANDBY, or PAUSE) to perform a specific action.

Windows key Press this key to open the Windows Start menu. This key can

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

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

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

turned on. Press

Application key Press this key for quick access to shortcut menus and help

assistants in Windows.

Arrow keys Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right, or left.

LCD brightness
keys

Press these colored keys in combination with the
control the screen brightness.

FN+PAD LOCK to turn on the numeric keypad.

FN key to

www.gateway.com

25

Chapter 2: Getting Started

System key combinations

When you press the FN key and a system key at the same time, your notebook
performs the action identified by the colored text or icon on the key.

Press and hold F

N, then

press this system key...

To. ..

Display the power status box in the upper-left corner of your
display. The box shows the battery charge level, the BIOS version,
and whether the AC adapter is being used. Press the key
combination again to close this box.

Toggle the notebook display between the LCD, an external
monitor, or both displays at the same time. A monitor must be
plugged into the monitor port on your notebook.

Enter Standby mode. Press the power button to leave Standby
mode. For more information, see “Changing power modes” on
page 130.

Turn on Pad Lock so you can use the numeric keypad. Press this
key combination again to turn off Pad Lock. The Pad Lock status
indicator appears when this function is turned on.

Pause the text scrolling in a DOS screen. Press this key
combination again to continue scrolling. The Scroll Lock status
indicator appears when this function is turned on. (This function
is only available in some programs.)

Pause execution of a DOS program. (This function is only available
in some programs.)

26

Stop the currently running DOS program. (This function is only
available in some programs.)

Increase the brightness of the display.

www.gateway.com

Using the keyboard

Press and hold FN, then
press this system key...

Home

PgUp

PgDn

To. ..

Decrease the brightness of the display.

Mute the sound. Press the key combination again to restore the
sound. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on
page 76.

Increase volume. For more information, see “Adjusting the
volume” on page 76.

Decrease volume. For more information, see “Adjusting the
volume” on page 76.

www.gateway.com

27

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Multi-function buttons

Press the multi-function buttons to open the programs associated with them.

Help

Internet

E-mail

Button Icon Press to...

E-mail Open your default e-mail program.

Internet Open your default Web browser.

My Computer

Help Open online help.

My Computer Open the My Computer window.

28

www.gateway.com

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

The EZ Pad™ consists of a touchpad, two buttons, and a rocker switch.

Touchpad

Left touchpad
button

When you move your finger on the touchpad, the pointer (arrow) on the screen
moves in the same direction.

Rocker
switch

www.gateway.com

Right touchpad
button

29

Chapter 2: Getting Started

You can use the EZ-Pad left and right buttons below the touchpad to select
objects.

You can assign a function to the rocker switch between the touchpad buttons.
This function can be to scroll up or down, maximize or minimize the active
window, or open and close the Start menu. For more information about
programming the rocker switch, see “Changing the touchpad settings” on
page 152.

Using the touchpad

To... Do this...

Move the pointer
on the screen.

Select an object
on the screen.

Start a program
or open a file or
folder.

Move your finger around on the
touchpad. If you run out of space
and need to move the pointer
farther, lift your finger, move it to the
middle of the touchpad, then
continue moving your finger.

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

Position the pointer over the object.
Press the left button twice in rapid
succession. This action is called
double-clicking.

30

www.gateway.com

To... Do this . ..

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

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

Move an object
on the screen.

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

Position the pointer over the object.
Press the left button and hold it
down, then use the touchpad to
move (drag) the object to the
appropriate part of the screen.
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 touchpad settings, see
“Changing the touchpad settings” on page 152.

www.gateway.com

31

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Connecting the modem

Your notebook has a built-in 56K modem that you can use to connect to a
standard telephone line.

Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger

telecommunications line cord.

To connect the modem:

1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the back

of your notebook.

32

2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. The

modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.

3 Start your notebook, then start your communications program.

www.gateway.com

Connecting to a wired Ethernet network

Connecting to a wired Ethernet
network

Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect to a 10/100 wired
Ethernet network.

Important Your notebook may be equipped with built-in wireless

Ethernet or you may have a wireless Ethernet PC Card.
For information about connecting to a wired or wireless
Ethernet network, see “Networking Your Computer” on
page 157. For information about installing a wireless
Ethernet PC Card, see “Adding and removing a PC Card”
on page 210.

To connect to a wired Ethernet network:

1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on the back

of your notebook.

2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a network jack. Ask your

network administrator to help you select the correct network jack.

www.gateway.com

33

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Broadband Internet connections

You can use your notebook’s Ethernet jack for more than just networking. Many
broadband Internet connections, such as cable modems and DSL modems,
connect to your notebook’s Ethernet jack. For more information, see “Using
the Internet” on page 65 and “Networking Your Computer” on page 157.

Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device

Important Before you install a printer, scanner, or other peripheral

device, see the device documentation and installation
instructions.

Your computer has one or more of the following ports: Universal Serial Bus
(USB) and parallel. You use these ports to connect peripheral devices such as
printers, scanners, and digital cameras to your computer. For more information
about port locations, see “Checking Out Your Gateway 400” on page 1.

USB ports support plug-and-play and hot swapping, which means that your
computer will usually recognize such a device whenever you plug it into the
appropriate port. When you use an USB device for the first time, your computer
will prompt you to install any software the device needs. After doing this, you
can disconnect and reconnect the device at any time.

Parallel port devices are not plug-and-play. See the device documentation for
detailed information and installation instructions.

Help and

Support

34

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

Type the keyword installing devices in the HelpSpot
Search box , then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Getting Help

This chapter tells you about additional information
resources available to help you use your computer. Read
this chapter to learn how to access:

■ HelpSpot™

■ Online help

■ Gateway Web site

3

35

Chapter 3: Getting Help

HelpSpot

Your computer includes HelpSpot, an easily accessible collection of help
information, troubleshooters, instructional videos, and automated support. Use
HelpSpot to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover
and use the many features of your Gateway computer. HelpSpot also has an
area called Contact Gateway that helps you find the right resource at Gateway
to answer your questions or help solve your problems.

To start HelpSpot:

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

36

If this is the first time you have started HelpSpot, you may experience a
brief wait while HelpSpot builds the help database, then HelpSpot displays
an introductory video.

www.gateway.com

You can find help information by clicking a link, performing a search, or
browsing the index. To learn about using your Gateway computer, your
touchpad, and other tasks, click the

Using your computer link on the HelpSpot

main page.

HelpSpot

www.gateway.com

37

Chapter 3: Getting Help

Searching for a topic

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

Search box

Search results

header

Search results

headers

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

■ Suggested Topics - These topics are located in HelpSpot and are relevant

to your search topic.

■ Full-text Search Matches - These topics are located in HelpSpot 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

Search box.

Search box. You must be

connected to the Internet to search for and access these topics.

■ Gateway.com Search - These topics are located on the Gateway Web site

and contain the words you entered in the

Search box. You must be

connected to 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.

To view a topic, click the topic name in the

38

www.gateway.com

Search Results list.

HelpSpot videos

HelpSpot contains several short videos to help introduce you to new concepts
or show you how to perform various tasks.

To play a HelpSpot video:

■ To watch a video in HelpSpot, click Video and online tutorials on the

HelpSpot home page, then click a video title. The video plays.

HelpSpot

www.gateway.com

39

Chapter 3: Getting 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
a

Help button.

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

40

www.gateway.com

Gateway Web site

Gateway's online support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and
provides the most current drivers, product specifications, tutorials, and
personalized information about your system. Visit the Gateway eSupport
Web site at support.gateway.com
the Internet, see “Using the Internet” on page 65.

. For more information about connecting to

Gateway Web site

www.gateway.com

41

Chapter 3: Getting Help

Using eSupport

The eSupport site is divided into four major areas:

■ Support Home

■ Downloads

■ Contact Us

■ Account Info

Each of these areas is represented by a tab across the top of the Web page.

Support Home tab

To get specific information about your computer, type your serial number into
the My System Information box, then click

for me

. For more information, see “Finding your specifications” on page 12.

The Support Information link lets you access product documentation,
specifications, and manuals. By entering your serial number, you get specific
documents related to your system. You can also browse through the reference
area to locate an article specific to the question you have.

GO, or click Look up my serial number

The Tutorials link lets you access an extensive library of how-to articles and
videos on topics such as making audio CDs and installing a hard drive.

Downloads tab

The Downloads tab provides the latest software updates for BIOS and driver
upgrades. By entering your serial number you get drivers specific to your system.
Click

All Downloads to walk through a step-by-step wizard to locate your drivers.

Contact Us tab

The Contact Us tab contains links to technical support with a live technician,
including chat and e-mail. Click
numbers for both sales and support. For more information, see “Telephone
numbers” on page 246.

Call Us to get a list of Gateway telephone

Account Info tab

The Account Info tab contains support for non-technical issues, like the status
of your order or changing your account address.

42

www.gateway.com

Windows Basics

Read this chapter to learn how to:

■ Use the Windows desktop

■ Manage files and folders

■ Work w i th d o cu me n ts

■ Use shortcuts

4

43

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

About the Windows environment

After your computer starts, the first screen you see is the Windows desktop. The
desktop is like the top of a real desk. Think of the desktop as your personalized
work space where you open programs and perform other tasks.

Your desktop may be different from this example, depending on how your
computer is set up.

Help and

Support

For more information about the Windows XP desktop, click
Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword Windows desktop in the HelpSpot

Search box , then click the arrow.

44

www.gateway.com

Using the desktop

The desktop contains the taskbar, the Start button, and the Recycle Bin icon.

Desktop elements Description

The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of the computer display containing the
Start button on the left and a clock on the right. Other buttons on the taskbar
represent programs that are running.

Click a program’s button on the taskbar to open the program’s window.

The Start button provides access to programs, files, help for Windows and
other programs, and computer tools and utilities.

Click the Start button, then open a file or program by clicking an item on
the menu that opens.

The Recycle Bin is where files, folders, and programs that you discarded
are stored. You must empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete them from
your computer. For instructions on how to use the Recycle Bin, see “Deleting
files and folders” on page 53.

Using the desktop

Using the Start menu

You can start programs, open files, customize your system, get help, search for
files and folders, and more using the Start menu.

To use the Start menu:

1 Click the Start button on the lower left of the Windows desktop. The Start

menu opens showing you the first level of menu items.

2 Click All Programs to see all programs and files in the Start menu. When

you move the mouse pointer over any menu item that has an arrow next
to it, another menu, called a submenu, opens and reveals related files,
programs, or commands.

www.gateway.com

45

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

3 Click a file or program to open it.

Help and

Support

For more information about the Windows XP Start menu,
click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword Windows Start menu in the HelpSpot

Search box , then click the arrow.

Adding icons to the desktop

You may want to add an icon (shortcut) to the desktop for a program that you
use frequently.

To add icons to the desktop:

1 Click Start, then click All Programs.
2 Right-click (press the right touchpad button) the program that you want

to add to the desktop.

46

www.gateway.com

Identifying window items

3 Click Send To, then click Desktop (create shortcut). A shortcut icon for that

program appears on the desktop.

Help and

Support

For more information about desktop icons in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword desktop icons in the HelpSpot Search
box , then click the arrow.

Identifying window items

When you double-click the icon for a drive, folder, file, or program, a window
opens on the desktop. This example shows the Local Disk (C:) window, which
opens after you double-click the

Title bar

Menu bar

Local Disk (C:) icon in the My Computer window.

Close
Maximize
Minimize

www.gateway.com

47

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

Every program window looks a little different because each has its own menus,
icons, and controls. Most windows include these items:

Window item Description

The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top
of a window that shows the window title.

Clicking the minimize button reduces the
active window to a button on the taskbar.
Clicking the program button in the taskbar
opens the window again.

Clicking the maximize button expands the
active window to fit the entire computer
display. Clicking the maximize button again
restores the window to its former size.

Clicking the close button closes the active
window or program.

Clicking an item on the menu bar starts an
action such as Print or Save.

48

Help and

Support

For more information about windows in Windows XP, click
Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword window in the HelpSpot Search box

, then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Working with files and folders

Working with files and folders

You can organize your files and programs to suit your preferences much like
you would store information in a file cabinet. You can store these files in folders
and copy, move, and delete the information just as you would reorganize and
throw away information in a file cabinet.

Viewing drives

Drives are like file cabinets because they hold files and folders. A computer
almost always has more than one drive. Each drive has a letter, usually Local
Disk (C:) for the hard drive and 3½ Floppy (A:) for the optional diskette drive.
You may also have more drives such as a DVD or DVD/CD-RW drive, or a
memory card reader.

To view the drives on your computer:

■ Click Start, then click My Computer on the Start menu.

Drives

www.gateway.com

49

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

To see the files and folders on a drive:

■ Double-click the drive icon. If you do not see the contents of a drive after

you double-click its icon, click

Show the contents of this drive.

Help and

Support

For more information about files and folders in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword files and folders in the HelpSpot

Search box , then click the arrow.

Creating folders

Folders are much like the folders in a file cabinet. They can contain files and
other folders.

Files are much like paper documents—letters, spreadsheets, and pictures—that
you keep on your computer. In fact, all information on a computer is stored
in files.

Folders

Files

50

www.gateway.com

Working with files and folders

To create a folder:

1 Click Start, then click My Computer on the Start menu.
2 Double-click the drive where you want to put the new folder. Typically,

Local Disk (C:) is your hard drive and 3½ Floppy (A:) is your optional
diskette drive. If you do not see the contents of the drive, click

contents of this drive

.

Show the

3 If you want to create a new folder inside an existing folder, double-click

the existing folder. If you do not see the contents of the folder, click

the contents of this drive

or Show the contents of this folder.

Show

4 Click File, New, then click Folder. The new folder is created.
5 Type a name for the folder, then press ENTER. The new folder name appears

by the folder icon.

Help and

Support

For information about renaming folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 63.

For more information about creating files and folders in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword creating files and folders in the
HelpSpot Search box , then click
the arrow.

Copying and moving files and folders

The skills you need to copy and move files are called copying, cutting, and pasting.

When you copy and paste a file or folder, you place a copy of the file or folder
on the Windows clipboard, which temporarily stores it. Then, when you decide
what folder you want the copy to go in (t he destination folder), you paste it there.

When you cut and paste a file or folder, you remove the file or folder from its
original location and place the file or folder on the Windows clipboard. When
you decide where you want the file or folder to go, you paste it there.

www.gateway.com

51

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

Important The clipboard stores whatever you cut or copy until you cut

To copy a file or folder to another folder:

1 Locate the file or folder you want to copy. For more information, see

“Viewing drives” on page 49 and “Searching for files” on page 56.

2 Right-click (press the right touchpad button) the file or folder that you

want to copy. A pop-up menu opens on the desktop.

3 Click Copy on the pop-up menu.
4 Open the destination folder.
5 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
6 Click Paste. A copy of the file or folder appears in the new location.

or copy again. Then the clipboard contains the new
information only. Therefore, you can paste copies of a file
or folder into more than one place, but as soon as you copy
or cut a different file or folder, the original file or folder is
deleted from the clipboard.

To move a file or folder to another folder:

1 Locate the file or folder you want to move. For more information, see

“Viewing drives” on page 49 and “Searching for files” on page 56.

2 Right-click (press the right touchpad button) the file or folder that you

want to move. A pop-up menu opens on the desktop.

3 Click Cut on the pop-up menu.
4 Open the destination folder.
5 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
6 Click Paste. The file or folder you moved appears in its new location and

is removed from its old location.

52

www.gateway.com

Working with files and folders

Help and

Support

For more information about copying files and folders or
moving files and folders in Windows XP, click Start, then
click Help and Support.

Type the keyword copying files and folders or moving
files and folders in the HelpSpot Search box

, then click the arrow.

Deleting files and folders

When you throw away paper files and folders, you take them from the file
cabinet and put them in a trash can. Eventually the trash can is emptied.

In Windows, you throw away files and folders by first moving them to the
Windows trash can, called the Recycle Bin, where they remain until you decide
to empty the bin.

You can recover any file in the Recycle Bin as long as the bin has not been
emptied.

To delete files or folders:

1 In My Computer or Windows Explorer, click the files or folders that you

want to delete. For instructions on how to select multiple files and folders,
see “Shortcuts” on page 63.

If you cannot find the file you want to delete, see “Searching for files” on
page 56.

2 Click File, then click Delete. Windows moves the files and folders to the

Recycle Bin.

Help and

Support

For more information about deleting files and folders in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword deleting files and folders in the
HelpSpot Search box , then click
the arrow.

www.gateway.com

53

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

To recover files or folders from the Recycle Bin:

1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon. The Recycle Bin window opens and lists

the files and folders you have thrown away since you last emptied it.

2 Click the files or folders that you want to restore. For instructions on how

to select multiple files and folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 63.

3 Click File, then click Restore. Windows returns the deleted files or folders

to their original locations.

To empty the Recycle Bin:

Caution Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently erases any files or

1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. The Recycle Bin window

opens.

folders in the bin. These files cannot be restored.

54

2 Click File, then click Empty Recycle Bin. Windows asks you if you are sure

that you want to empty the bin.

3 Click Yes. Windows permanently deletes all files in the Recycle Bin.

Help and

Support

For more information about emptying the Recycle Bin in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword emptying Recycle Bin in the HelpSpot
Search box , then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Working with files and folders

Browsing for files and folders

A file or folder that you need is rarely right on top of your Windows desktop.
It is usually on a drive inside a folder that may be inside yet another folder,
and so on.

Windows drives, folders, and files are organized in the same way as a real file
cabinet in that they may have many levels (usually many more levels than a
file cabinet, in fact). So you usually will have to search through levels of folders
to find the file or folder that you need. This is called browsing.

To browse for a file:

1 Click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer window opens.
2 Double-click the drive or folder that you think contains the file or folder

that you want to find. If you do not see the contents of a folder, click

the contents of this drive

or Show the contents of this folder.

Show

3 Continue double-clicking folders and their subfolders until you find the

file or folder you want.

www.gateway.com

55

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

Help and

Support

For more information about browsing for files and folders
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword files and folders in the HelpSpot

Search box , then click the arrow.

Searching for files

If you are looking for a particular file or folder or a set of files or folders that
have characteristics in common, but you do not remember where they are
stored on your hard drive, you can use the Search utility to search by:

■ Name or part of a name

■ Creation date

■ Modification date

■ File type

■ Text contained in the file

■ Time period in which it was created or modified

You can also combine search criteria to refine searches.

Files and folders found using this utility can be opened, copied, cut, renamed,
or deleted directly from the list in the results window.

56

www.gateway.com

Using the Windows Search utility

To find files and folders using the Search utility:

1 Click Start, then click Search. The Search Results window opens. Click All

files and folders

.

Searching for files

2 If you want to search by file or folder name, type in all or part of the file

or folder name in the name box in the left pane of the window.

■ If you type all of the name, Search will list all files and folders of that

name.

■ If you type part of the name, Search will list all of the file and folder

names containing the letters you typed.

www.gateway.com

57

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

3 Click Search. When the search is completed, Windows lists the files and

folders whose names contain the text that you searched for.

4 Open a file, folder, or program by double-clicking the name in the list.

Help and

Support

For more information about searching for files and folders
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword searching in the HelpSpot Search box

, then click the arrow.

Using advanced search options

Search can find files meeting more criteria than file name. You can narrow your
search by selecting the search options that you want. You can search by the:

■ Date the file was created or modified.

■ Size of the file.

■ Type of file, such as a program or a text document.

58

www.gateway.com

Working with documents

Working with documents

Computer documents include word processing files, spreadsheet files, or other
similar files. The basic methods of creating, saving, opening, and printing a
document apply to most of these types of files.

The following examples show how to create, save, open, and print a document
using Microsoft
as WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.

For more information about using a program, click

®

WordPad. Similar procedures apply to other programs such

Help on its menu bar.

Creating a new document

To create a new document:

1 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, then click Word Pad . Microsoft

WordPad starts and a blank document opens.

2 Begin composing your document. Use the menus and toolbar buttons at

the top of the window to format the document.

www.gateway.com

59

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

Saving a document

After you create a document, you need to save it if you want to use it later.

To save a document:

1 Click File, then click Save. The Save As dialog box opens.

Save in

list

60

File

name

2 Click the arrow button to open the Save in list, then click the folder where

you want to save the file. If you do not see the folder you want, browse
through the folders listed below the Save in list.

3 Type a new file name in the File name box.
4 Click Save.

Help and

Support

For more information about saving documents in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword saving in the HelpSpot Search box

, then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Working with documents

Opening a document

To view, revise, or print an existing document, first you need to open it. Open
the document in the program that it was created in.

To open a document:

1 Start the program.
2 Click File, then click Open.
3 Click the arrow button to open the Look in list, then click the folder you

want to open. If you do not see the folder you want, browse through the
folders listed below the Look in list.

Look in

list

4 Double-click the document file name. The document opens.

Help and

Support

For more information about opening documents in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword opening files in the HelpSpot Search
box , then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

61

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

Printing a document

To print a document, you must have a printer connected to your computer or
have access to a network printer. For more information about installing or using
your printer, see the printer documentation.

To print a document:

1 Make sure that the printer is turned on and loaded with paper.
2 Start the program and open the document.
3 Click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box opens.
4 Set the print options, then click OK. The document prints.

Help and

Support

For more information about printing documents in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword printing in the HelpSpot Search box

, then click the arrow.

62

www.gateway.com

Shortcuts

The following table shows a few shortcuts that you can use in Windows and
almost all programs that run in Windows. For more information on shortcuts,
see your Windows or program documentation.

To... Do this...

Copy a file, folder, text, or graphic Click the item, then press CTRL + C.

Cut a file, folder, text, or graphic Click the item, then press CTRL + X.

Paste a file, folder, text, or graphic Click inside the folder or window where you want to paste

the object, then press

CTRL + V.

Shortcuts

Select multiple items in a list or window Click the first item, press and hold down the

then click each of the remaining items.

Select multiple adjacent items in a list
or window

Permanently delete a file or folder Click the file or folder, then press

Rename a file or folder Click the file or folder, press F2, type the new name, then

Close the active window or program Press ALT + F4.

Switch to a different file, folder, or
running program

Help and

Support

For more information about Windows keyboard shortcuts
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword Windows keyboard shortcuts in the
HelpSpot Search box , then click
the arrow.

Click the first item in the list, press and hold down the

SHIFT key, then click the last item in the list.

SHIFT + DELETE. The

file or folder is permanently deleted. The file or folder is
not stored in the Recycle Bin.

press

ENTER.

ALT +TAB.

Press

CTRL key,

www.gateway.com

63

Chapter 4: Windows Basics

64

www.gateway.com

Using the

Internet

This chapter provides information about the Internet and
the World Wide Web. Read this chapter to learn how to:

5

■ Set up and access an Internet account using

America Online

■

Connect to a Web site using a browser

■ Download files from the Internet

■ Send and receive e-mail using America Online

®

65

Chapter 5: Using the Internet

Learning about the Internet

The Internet is a worldwide network of computers linked together to provide
information to people everywhere. The two most popular services on the
Internet are e-mail and the World Wide Web. You can access this network by
connecting your computer to a telephone, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), or
cable line and signing up with an Internet service provider (ISP).

Cable and DSL modems, a connection known as broadband, use your TV cable
or special telephone lines to connect to your ISP and access the Internet. Cable
and DSL modems connect to your computer through an Ethernet jack and
provide a faster connection speed than a standard telephone modem.

Important For the location of your modem and Ethernet jacks, see

“Back” on page 6.

Internet Servers

store information so other
computers can access it
from the Internet.

Your computer
connects to the
Internet through
an ISP.

66

ISP Servers

let you connect to
the Internet and
access your e-mail
messages.

www.gateway.com

Setting up an Internet account

If you want to access the Internet you need:

■ A modem – a device that connects your computer to other computers or

servers using a telephone, DSL, or cable line.

■ An Internet service provider – a company that provides access to the

Internet through an ISP server. When you connect to an ISP, the ISP server
lets you access the Internet and your e-mail messages.

■ A Web browser – a program that displays information from the World Wide

Web.

■ An e-mail program – a program that lets you create, send, and receive

e-mail messages over the Internet.

Setting up an Internet account

Before you can view the information on the World Wide Web, you need to set
up an Internet account with an Internet service provider (ISP). If you have
chosen America Online as an ISP, follow these instructions to set up and connect
to your account. To set up a different ISP service or to transfer an existing
account to this computer, contact the ISP directly.

If you set up an account with America Online, an Internet e-mail address is
created for you. After completing the setup, you are ready to access the Internet.

To set up an Internet account with America Online:

1 Click Start, All Programs, then click America Online.
2 Follow the on-screen instructions. After setting up your account, you can

connect to the Internet and access your e-mail services.

www.gateway.com

67

Chapter 5: Using the Internet

Accessing your Internet account

To connect to your America Online Internet account:

1 Click Start, All Programs, then click America Online.
2 Complete the member name and password information, then click

Connect. Your computer dials the Internet account telephone number. After

connecting, the Wel com e window opens.

If you are using a service other than America Online, check with your ISP for
the correct procedure for connecting.

To disconnect from your America Online Internet account:

■ Click X in the top-right corner of the America Online window. Your

computer disconnects from the Internet.

Important Make sure that your computer disconnects correctly from

your Internet account. If you do not have an “unlimited
hours” ISP account, you may have to pay for the time that
you are connected, even if you are not at your computer.

If you are using a service other than America Online, check with your ISP for
the correct procedure for disconnecting.

Help and

Support

68

For general information about using Internet accounts in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword ISP in the HelpSpot Search box

, then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Using the World Wide Web

Using the World Wide Web

The World Wide Web is a multimedia window to the Internet that gives you
access to millions of information sources.

Information on the Web comes to you on Web pa ge s, which are electronic
documents that you view using a Web page display program called a browser.
You can use any of the commercially available Web browsers, like Microsoft
Internet Explorer (which comes installed on your new computer), Netscape
Navigator, or the browser built into America Online.

Web pages can contain text, animations, music, and other multimedia features.
A group of related Web pages is called a Web site. You can access Web sites to
shop, track investments, read the news, download programs, and much more.

You can explore a Web site or visit other Web sites by clicking areas on a Web
page called links or hyperlinks. A link may be colored or underlined text, a
picture, or an animated image. You can identify a link by moving the mouse
pointer over it. If the pointer changes to a hand, the item is a link.

www.gateway.com

69

Chapter 5: Using the Internet

To learn more about using the Web browser features, click Help in the menu bar.

Web

page

Link

Linked Web

70

page

www.gateway.com

Using the World Wide Web

Connecting to a Web site

After you set up an account with an Internet service provider (ISP) such as
America Online, you can access the many information sources on the World
Wide Web.

To connect to a Web site:

1 Connect to your Internet account. After your computer connects, a default

opening page or welcome screen opens.

2 To go to a different Web site, type the address (called a URL for “Universal

Resource Locator”) in the browser address bar (for example
www.gateway.com), then click

- OR -

On the current Web page, click a link to a Web site.

The Web browser locates the server computer on the Internet, downloads
(transfers) data to your computer, and displays the page on the site that
you requested.

GO on the browser address bar.

Help and

Support

Sometimes Web pages display slowly. The speed that a Web page displays on
your screen depends on the complexity of the Web page and other Internet
conditions. Additionally, the speed of your connection will determine how fast
Web pages display.

For more information about connecting to a Web site in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword connecting to Web site in the
HelpSpot Search box , then click
the arrow.

www.gateway.com

71

Chapter 5: Using the Internet

Downloading files

Downloading is the process of transferring files from a computer on the Internet
to your computer.

To protect your computer against viruses, make sure that you scan the files you
download. For more information, see “Protecting your computer from viruses”
on page 184.

To download files or programs from a Web site:

1 Connect to your Internet account.
2 In the address bar, type the address of the Web site that contains the file

or program you want to download, then click
bar.

- OR -

Click a link on a Web page to navigate to the Web site containing the file
that you want to download.

3 Create or locate the folder where you want to store the file on your

computer. For more information, see “Working with files and folders” on
page 49.

GO on the browser address

72

4 Click the link on the Web page for the file that you want to download.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions for saving the file in the folder that you

want. A copy of the file is downloaded to your computer. The time that
it takes to transfer the file to your computer depends on file size and
Internet conditions.

6 Open the folder that you created.
7 Install or view the downloaded file by double-clicking it. If applicable,

follow the instructions provided on the Web site to run or install the
program.

Help and

Support

For more information about downloading files in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword downloading files in the HelpSpot
Search box , then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

Using e-mail

E-mail (electronic mail) lets you send messages to anyone who has an Internet
connection and e-mail address. E-mail is usually a free service of your Internet
account.

The Internet never closes, so you can send e-mail messages at any time. Your
e-mail messages arrive at most e-mail addresses in minutes.

An e-mail address consists of a user name, the @ symbol, and the Internet domain
name of the Internet service provider (ISP) or company that “hosts” that user.
Your e-mail address is assigned when you sign up for an account with an ISP.
For example, a person with an account with America Online might have an
e-mail address that is similar to this one:

[e-mail]

User name Internet domain name

Using e-mail

Sending e-mail

To send e-mail using America Online:

1 Connect to your America Online account.
2 Click Write.
3 Type the e-mail address of the recipient you want to send e-mail to in the

Send To box.

4 Type the subject of your e-mail in the Subject box.
5 Type the e-mail message.
6 When finished, click Send Now. Your e-mail is sent over the Internet to the

e-mail address you specified.

www.gateway.com

73

Chapter 5: Using the Internet

Checking your e-mail

To check your e-mail using America Online:

1 Connect to your America Online account.
2 Click Read.
3 Double-click the message you want to read.

For more information about managing and organizing your e-mail messages,
see the online help in your e-mail program.

Help and

Support

For general information about using e-mail in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword e-mail in the HelpSpot Search box

, then click the arrow.

74

www.gateway.com

Using Multimedia

This chapter provides information on using the multimedia
capabilities of your notebook. Read this chapter to learn
how to:

■ Adjust the volume

■ Record and play audio files

■ Use Windows Media Player

■ Use the optional diskette drive

■ Use a DVD or DVD/CD-RW drive

■ Play CDs

■ Use MusicMatch

■ Play DVDs

■ Create CDs

■ Use the optional memory card reader

6

75

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

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-

Use the mute and volume control buttons on the keyboard. For more
information, see “System key combinations” on page 26.

To adjust the overall volume level from Windows:

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel win d o w op en s . If y o ur

Control Panel is in Category View, click

Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.

76

2 Click/Double-click the Adjust the system volume or Sounds and Audio

Devices

. The Sounds and Audio Devices Properties dialog box opens.

www.gateway.com

Adjusting the volume

3 Click the Vo lu me tab.

4 Drag the Device Volume slider to change the volume or click to select the

Mute check box, then click OK.

Help and

Support

For more information about adjusting volume in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword adjusting volume in the HelpSpot
Search box , then click the arrow.

To adjust specific volume levels:

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel win d o w op en s . If y o ur

Control Panel is in Category View, click

Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.

2 Click/Double-click the Adjust the system volume or Sounds and Audio

Devices

. The Sounds and Audio Devices Properties dialog box opens.

www.gateway.com

77

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

3 Click the Vo lu me tab.

4 Click Advanced in the Device volume area.

78

If the device you want to adjust does not appear in the window, click

Options, Properties, the check box next to the audio device you want to

adjust, then click

OK.

5 Drag the volume level and balance sliders for the device you want to adjust.

For more information about the volume controls, click

Help in the window.

6 Click X in the top-right corner of the window to close it.

www.gateway.com

Recording and playing audio

Recording and playing audio

Use the following instructions to make an audio recording by speaking into a
microphone.

To make an audio recording:

1 Plug a microphone into the Microphone jack on your computer. For the

location of the Microphone jack, see “Left side” on page 3.

2 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, then click Sound

Recorder

. The Sound Recorder opens.

Rewind

Fast Forward

Play

Record

Stop

3 Click (record), then speak into the microphone.
4 When you finish recording, click (stop).
5 Click File, then click Save As. The Save As dialog box opens.
6 Name the recording, specify the location where you want to save the

recording, then click

Save. The recording is saved.

www.gateway.com

79

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

To play an audio recording in Sound Recorder:

1 Open the Sound Recorder.
2 Click File, then click Open. The Open dialog box opens.
3 Click the file you want to play, then click Open.
4 Play the file by clicking (play), then stop playing the file by

clicking (stop).

Help and

Support

For more information about making or playing an audio
recording in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and
Support.

Type the keyword recording audio or playing audio in
the HelpSpot Search box , then
click the arrow.

80

www.gateway.com

Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player

Playing audio and video files with
the Windows Media Player

The Windows Media Player can play several types of audio and video files,
including WAV, MIDI, MP3, AU, AVI, and MPEG formats. For more information
about using the Windows Media Player, click

To play a file using the Windows Media Player:

1 Click Start, All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. The

Windows Media Player opens.

Help.

Video file
information

Play

Stop

www.gateway.com

Video
screen

81

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

2 Click File, then click Open. The Open dialog box opens.

Important If the menu bar does not appear, click the show menu

3 Click the file you want to play, then click Open.
4 Play the file by clicking (play), then stop playing the file by

clicking (stop).

bar button.

Help and

Support

For more information about playing audio and video using
the Windows Media Player in Windows XP, click Start, then
click Help and Support.

Type the keyword Media Player in the HelpSpot Search
box , then click the arrow.

82

www.gateway.com

Using the optional diskette drive

Using the optional diskette drive

The diskette drive uses 3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppy disks).
Diskettes are useful for storing files or transferring files to another computer.

Warning Do not expose diskettes to water or magnetic fields.

Exposure could damage the data on the diskette.

Diskette slot

Diskette eject button

To use a diskette:

1 Insert the diskette into the optional diskette drive with the label facing up.
2 To access a file on the diskette, click Start, then click My Computer.

Double-click the drive letter (for example, the A: drive), then double-click
the file name.

3 To remove the diskette, make sure that the diskette status indicator is off

(see “Status indicators” on page 22), then press the diskette eject button.

www.gateway.com

83

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Using the DVD drive

You can use your computer to enjoy a wide variety of multimedia features.

Identifying drive types

Your Gateway computer contains one of the following drive types. Look on the
front of the drive for one of the following logos:

DVD drive

Combination
DVD/CD-RW
drive

Inserting a CD or DVD

Use a DVD drive for installing programs,
playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, and
accessing data.

You cannot use this drive to create CDs.

Use a combination DVD/CD-RW drive for
installing programs, playing audio CDs,
playing DVDs, accessing data, and
recording music and data to CD-R or
CD-RW discs. For more information, see
“Creating CDs” on page 97.

84

Activity

indicator

www.gateway.com

Manual
eject hole

Eject
button

Using the DVD drive

Important Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may

not be able to play these CDs on your computer.

To insert a CD or DVD:

1 Press the eject button on the DVD drive. After the tray opens slightly, pull

the disc tray completely open.

2 Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up, then press down carefully

on the disc until it snaps into place.

Important When you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure

that the label side is facing up. If the disc has two playable
sides, place the disc so the name of the side you want to
play is facing up.

3 Push the tray in until it is closed.

www.gateway.com

85

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Listening to CDs

You can use the DVD drive on your computer to listen to music CDs. Use the
Windows Media Player to listen to CDs. For more information about using the
Windows Media Player, click
CDs. For more information, see “Using MusicMatch” on page 88.

Important Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may

not be able to play these CDs on your computer.

To play a CD:

1 Insert a CD into the DVD drive.
2 If a dialog box opens with a list of CD players, click Windows Media Player.

The Windows Media Player opens.

- OR -

Help. You can also use MusicMatch to listen to

86

If a dialog box does not open with a list of CD players, click
click

Windows Media Player. The Windows Media Player opens.

www.gateway.com

Start, then

3 When the media player opens, click (play).

Play

Listening to CDs

Stop

Previous

Next

Volume

Mute

If you do not hear audio or you want to change the volume, “Adjusting
the volume” on page 76.

Help and

Support

For more information about playing CDs in Windows XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the keyword playing CDs in the HelpSpot Search
box , then click the arrow.

www.gateway.com

87

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Using MusicMatch

Using MusicMatch™, you can:

■ Play music CDs

■ Create MP3 music files from your music CDs

■ Edit music track information

■ Use your music files to build a music library

■ Listen to Internet Radio

For more information on using MusicMatch, see its online help.

Playing CDs

You can use the MusicMatch program to play music CDs.

Important Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may

not be able to play these CDs on your computer.

88

www.gateway.com

Using MusicMatch

To play a music CD:

1 Insert the music CD into the DVD drive on your computer. The first time

you insert a music CD, the Audio CD dialog box opens.

2 Click Play Audio CD using MUSICMATCH Jukebox, then click OK. MusicMatch

opens, the CD begins playing, and the names of the music tracks appear
in the playlist area.

www.gateway.com

89

Chapter 6: Using Multimedia

Creating MP3 music files

Using MusicMatch, you can copy the tracks from a music CD to your computer’s
hard drive as MP3 files. MP3 (MPEG Layer 3) is a standard for digitally
compressing high-fidelity music into compact files without noticeably
sacrificing quality. MP3 files end in the file extension .MP3.

Important Some music CDs have copy protection software. You

cannot copy tracks from these CDs.

To create (rip) MP3 files:

1 Insert a music CD into your DVD drive.
2 If an Audio CD dialog box opens, click Play Audio CD using MUSICMATCH

Jukebox

- OR -

, then click OK. The MusicMatch window opens.

If a dialog box does not open, click
click

MusicMatch Jukebox. The MusicMatch window opens.

Record

Start, All Programs, MusicMatch, then

90

www.gateway.com

Using MusicMatch

3 Click the record button. The Recorder window opens.

Track listREC

4 Click to clear the check box for any track you do not want to record (rip).
5 Click REC.
6 When a message appears that tells you the CD drive needs to be configured,

click

OK.

www.gateway.com

91