Gateway 420, 500, 510, 520, 535 Owner's Manual

...

Gateway Computer

User Guide

Contents

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

Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Using eSupport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Using Your Computer guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2 Checking Out Your Gateway Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Desktop PC Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Desktop PC Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Gateway model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Working safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Setting up your computer and computer accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Connecting to a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

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4 Using Drives and Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Playing a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Creating CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

5 Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Cleaning the computer display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Restoring your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

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Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

7 Networking Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Introduction to networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Using a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Creating an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Installing Ethernet cards and drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Making sure your broadband connection works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Naming the computers and the workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Configuring the TCP/IP protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Setting up a wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Setting up a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Configuring your router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Testing your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Sharing your resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Sharing an Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Sharing drives and printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Using the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Connecting to hotspots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Troubleshooting Your Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

8 Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

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iii

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Chapter 1

Getting Help

• Using the Gateway Web site

• Using Help and Support

• Using BigFix

• Using Your Computer guide

• Using Do More With Gateway

• Using online help

• Contacting Gateway

Chapter 1: Getting Help

Thank you for purchasing our computer!

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

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

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

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

Thanks again, from all of us at Gateway.

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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 computer. Visit the Gateway eSupport Web site at support.gateway.com

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Chapter 1: Getting Help

Using eSupport

The eSupport site is divided into six major areas:

■ Support Home

■ Product Support

■ Downloads

■ Contact Us

■ Account Info

■ PC Tools

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

Support Home

Click Support Home, then click All Support Documents to access product documentation, specifications, and guides. You can also browse through the reference area to locate an article specific to the question you have.

Support Home, then click General Tutorials to access an extensive library of how-to

Click articles and videos on topics, such as making audio CDs and installing a hard drive.

Product Support

Click Product Support to view a list of all the products that Gateway supports.

Downloads

Click Downloads, then click My Downloads to get the latest software updates for BIOS and driver upgrades. By entering your serial number you get drivers specific to your computer. Click

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

Click Contact Us to access links to technical support with a live technician, including chat and e-mail. Click support. For more information, see “Telephone support” on page 77.

Call Us to get a list of Gateway telephone numbers for both sales and

Account Info

Click Account Info to access support for non-technical issues, such as the status of your order or changing your account address.

PC Tools

Click PC Tools to access utilities to help you manage your computer.

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Help and Support

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

To start Help and Support:

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

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

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Chapter 1: Getting Help

Searching for a topic

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

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

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

your search topic.

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

the words you entered in the

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

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

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

Search box.

Search box. You must be connected to the

To view a topic, click the topic name in the

Search Results list.

BigFix

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

To start BigFix:

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

To learn more about using BigFix:

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

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Using Your Computer guide

In addition to this guide, the Using Your Computer guide has been included on your hard drive. This guide includes information on using Windows, using the Internet, sending a fax, and changing power-saving settings as well as other topics.

To access the Using Your Computer guide:

■ Click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

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

Help menu or by clicking 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.

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Chapter 1: Getting Help

Gateway contact information

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

Online Support:

Tech Support Phone:

Tech Support Hours:

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Chapter 2

Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

• Identifying features

• Locating your computer model and serial

number

• Locating the Microsoft Certificate of

Authenticity

• Locating the specifications for your

computer

• Purchasing accessories

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Desktop PC Front

Your computer includes the following components.

Important

DVD/CD drive

(optional)

Diskette drive

(optional)

USB port (optional)

Hard drive

access indicator

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

Memory card reader (optional)

Power button/

Power in dicator

USB ports

(optional)

IEEE 1394

ports (optional)

Web Site:

Online Support:

Tech Support Hours: 5am to 12pm PST

Gateway help resources and Customer Care information

Model:

S/No:

Model and serial number

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USB ports (optional)

Microphone

Headphone jack

Desktop PC Front

Component Icon Description

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

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

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

“Identifying drive types” on page 37.

Diskette drive (optional)

USB port (optional)

Hard drive access indicator

USB ports (optional)

IEEE 1394 ports (optional)

Media card reader (optional)

Power button / Power indicator

Insert a standard 3.5-inch diskette into the optional diskette drive.

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

peripheral device” on page 32.

Turns on when the hard drive is accessed.

peripheral device” on page 32.

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

on page 32.

Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other devices into the memory card reader.

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

The button lights when the computer is turned on.

or i.Link®) device (such as

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

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

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

Gateway help resources and Customer Care information

Gateway model and serial number

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

Contains your model and serial number.

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Desktop PC Back

Your computer includes the following components.

Important

Power connector

Voltage switch

PS/2 mouse port

PS/2 keyboard

Serial port

Parallel port

Monitor port

Microphone jack

Audio output

(Line out) jack

Audio input

(Line in) jack

Monitor port

(optional)

Telephone jack

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

Case cover thumbscrew

IEEE 1394 port

(optional)

Ethernet

(network) jack

USB ports (optional)

Modem jack

Case cover thumbscrew

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Desktop PC Back

Component Icon Description

Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector.

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

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

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

PS/2 mouse port Plug a Personal System/2

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

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

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

peripheral device” on page 32.

(PS/2) mouse into this port.

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

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

peripheral device” on page 32.

Monitor port Plug a monitor into this port unless you have an add-in video

port.

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

or pink.

Audio output (Line out) jack

Audio input (Line in) jack

Monitor port (optional)

Telephone jack (optional)

Case cover thumbscrews

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

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

If you have this optional monitor port, plug your monitor in here. This port provides advanced display features.

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

Remove these screws before opening the case.

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Component Icon Description

IEEE 1394 port (optional)

Ethernet (network) jack

USB ports (optional)

Modem jack Plug a modem cable into this jack.

Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or i.Link®) device (such as a digital camcorder) into this 6-pin IEEE 1394 port.

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

For more information, see “Learning about the Internet” in

Using Your Computer

drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

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

a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 32.

which has been included on your hard

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Identifying your model

Important

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

Gateway model and serial number

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

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

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

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Finding your specifications

For more information about your computer, such as memory size, memory type, and hard drive size, visit Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on page 4.

. The eSupport page also

Accessories

To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at accessories.gateway.com.

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.

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Accessories

Printers

You can attach almost any type of printer to your computer. 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 32 for more information about attaching a

printer.

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.

Storage Devices

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

With a recordable CD or DVD drive, you can free up hard drive space by backing up files, then removing them from your hard drive. Writable CDs can hold as much as 700 MB of data. Writable DVDs can hold as much as 4700 MB of data. Dual layer writable DVDs hold as much as 8500 MB of data. For more information about using recordable drives, see

“Creating CDs and DVDs” on page 39.

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

If you want to increase your internal storage space, try replacing your existing hard drive with a larger drive.

USB flash drive

Use a USB flash drive for storing files or transferring files to another computer.

Uninterruptible power supplies

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

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

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Chapter 3

Getting Started

• Using your computer safely

• Protecting your computer from power

source problems

• Turning your computer on and off

• Adjusting the volume

• Using the keyboard and the mouse

• Using the computer display

• Installing peripheral devices

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Working safely

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

Top of screen is not higher than eye level

Screen is perpendicular to

Hands and

arms are

parallel to

the floor

your line of sight

Feet are flat on the floor

Reducing eye strain

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

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

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

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

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

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

Setting up your computer desk and chair

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

■ Select a flat surface for your computer desk.

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Working safely

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

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

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

your body relaxed.

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

This position lets your shoulders relax while you type.

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

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

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

a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.

Setting up your computer and computer accessories

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

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

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

them without stretching.

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

Sitting at your computer

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

position when you type.

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

hips, and elbows form right angles when you work.

■ Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.

■ Avoid twisting your torso or neck.

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain

■ Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.

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

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

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Protecting from power source problems

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

Warni ng

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

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

Checking the voltage selection

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

Caution

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

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Starting your computer

To set the voltage selection switch:

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

correct voltage position.

Voltage selection switch

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1 Connect the cables to your computer. See the setup poster.

2 Turn on your computer.

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

to set up your computer.

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

documentation that came with the device for setup instructions.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Waking up your computer

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

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

Tips & Tricks

For more information about changing the power button mode, see “Changing Power-Saving Settings” in been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

Using Your Computer

which has

Turning off your computer

Warni ng

To turn off your computer:

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

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

Using Your Computer

which has

Important

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

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+ 114 hidden pages

Gateway 420, 500, 510, 520, 535 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual