Gateway 510XL, Computer, 510 User Manual
Your Gateway Computer
user'sguide
Customizing
Troubleshooting
Contents
1 Checking Out Your Gateway Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Gateway model number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Gateway serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Working safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Setting up your computer and computer accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Using eSupport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4 Windows Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
About the Windows environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Using the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Adding icons to the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
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Identifying window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Using the Windows Search utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
5 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
6 Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Installing and configuring Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Installing Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Configuring Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Sending a simple fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Setting up your cover page template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Faxing a scanned document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Automatically retry sending a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Automatically cancelling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
7 Using Multimedia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
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Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Listening to CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Using MUSICMATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Creating MP3 music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Changing the music library display settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Creating CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Copying a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Creating a data CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Copying music tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Creating a music CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Connecting a digital camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Connecting a digital video camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Creating video DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
8 Customizing Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Changing the colors on your Windows desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Changing the mouse settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Power management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Using power saving modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Changing advanced power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Activating and using Hibernate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Setting up an uninterruptible power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
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9 Networking Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135
Benefits of networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136
Sharing a single Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136
Sharing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136
Sharing peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Streaming audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Playing multi-player games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Using a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Example wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140
Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
Using a wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142
Wireless Ethernet speed and frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142
Example access point wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144
Equipment you need fo r an access point wireles s Ethernet network . . . . . . .145
Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
Equipment you need fo r a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . .147
For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Using your computer on a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
Installing and configuring your computer for Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . .148
10 Moving from Your Old Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149
Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150
Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Finding your files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Setting up your ISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Transferring your e-mail and address book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Transferring your Internet shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Installing your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Installing a USB printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Installing a parallel port printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
Installing your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
11 Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157
Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163
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Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Cleaning the computer screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
12 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Using the Restoration CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Updating device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
13 Upgrading Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Selecting a place to work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Gathering the tools you need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Adding or replacing a CD, DVD, or diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Replacing the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Adding or replacing add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
14 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
v
CD, DVD, or recordable drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216
Cleaning CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
Using the BIOS Setup utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234
Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235
Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236
Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237
A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
vi
Checking Out
Your Gateway
Computer
This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your
Gateway computer. Read this chapter to learn:
■ How to identify the features of your computer
■ How to locate your co mputer’s model and serial
number
■ How to locate the Microsoft Certific ate of
Authenticity
■ How to locate the specifications for your computer
■ What accessories are ava ilable for your computer
1
1
Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Computer
Front
Your computer may contain any of the following components.
DVD/CD drive
(optional)
CD/DVD eject
button
3.5-inch drive bay
covers
Reset button
Hard drive
indicator
IEEE 1394 port
2
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Power indicator
Power button
Port door
USB ports
Component Icon Description
Front
DVD/CD drive
(optional)
Reset button Press this button to restart your computer if your computer
Hard drive indicator Turns on when the hard drive is accessed.
IEEE 1394 port Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire
CD/DVD eject button Press this button to ope n the CD or DVD drive tra y. For more
3.5-inch drive bay
covers
Power indicator Turns on when computer power is on.
Power button Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also
Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and
programs, watch DV Ds, and st ore large files onto recordable
CDs (depending on drive type). For more information, see
“Using the CD or DVD drive” on page 82.
This drive may be a CD, CD-RW, DVD, DVD/CD-RW, or
DVD-RW/CD-RW drive. To identify your drive type and for
more information about your drive, see “Identifying drive
types” on page 82.
does not respond to mouse or keyboard input.
®
or i.Link®)
device (such as a digi tal camcorder) into thi s 4-pin IEEE 1394
port. For more information, see “Connecting a digital video
camera” on page 112.
information, see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on page 82.
Remove these covers to install additional 3.5-inch drives.
configure the power button to operate in Standby/Resume
mode or Hibernate mode. For more information on changing
the power button setting, see “Cha n gi n g th e po we r sc he me”
on page 128.
USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB
Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printe r, scanner, cam era, ke yboard , or
mouse) into these ports. For more information, see “Installing
a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 21.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Computer
Back
Your computer may contain any of the following components.
Power connector
Voltage switch
Case cover
thumbscrew
PS/2 keyboard port
USB ports
Serial port
Monitor port
USB ports
Microphone jack
Headphone/analog
speakers
(Line out 1) jack
Modem jack
GATEWAY
SERIAL NO.
Gateway serial
number
PS/2 mouse port
Parallel port
System label
Ethernet
(network) jack
Audio input
(Line in) jack
Case cover
screw
Microsoft Certificate
of Authenticity
(located on the sid e
removable cover)
Telephone jack
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Component Icon Description
Power connector Plug the power cable into this connector.
Voltag e switch Before turning on yo ur c om pu ter, make sure that this s witc h 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 envi ronmen t su ch as t his, the v olta ge swi tch s hould be
moved to 230.
PS/2 keyboard port Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB
Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into these ports. For more information, see “Installing
a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 21.
Serial port Plug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into this port.
For more information, se e “Installing a printer , scanner , or other
peripheral device” on page21.
Back
Monitor port Plug a monitor into this port.
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is color-coded red
or pink.
Headphone/analog
speakers
(Line out 1) jack
Modem jack Plug a modem cable into this jack.
Case cover
thumbscrew
Gateway serial
number
PS/2 mouse port Plug a Personal System/2
Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external amplifier, or
headphones into this jack. This jack is color-coded lime green.
Remove this screw before opening the case.
Provides your comp uter’s serial number . For more info rmation,
see “Gatew ay serial number” on p age 7.
®
(PS/2) mou se into t his port.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Computer
Component Icon Description
Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port. For more
information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other
peripheral device” on page21.
System label Includes your c omputer’s model numbe r. F or more information,
see “Identifying your model” on page 7.
Ethernet (network)
jack
Audio input
(Line in) jack
Microsoft
Certificate of
Authenticity
Telephone jack
(optional)
Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable or a device (such as a
DSL or cable modem for a broadband I nternet conne ction) into
this jack. For more information, see “Learning about the
Internet” on page 54.
Plug an external a udio input s ource (such a s a stere o) into this
jack so you can record sound on your computer. This jack is
color-coded blue.
Contains your Windo ws product key . For more informa tion, see
“Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity” on page 7.
If your modem has a telephone jack, plug the cable for a
telephone into this jack.
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Identifying your model
Important The labels shown in this section are for informational
purposes only . Label information varie s by model, featur es
ordered, and location.
Gateway model number
The label on the back of your computer case contains information that
identifies your computer model. Gateway Technical Support will need this
information if you call for assistance.
Gateway serial number
You can locat e the Gateway serial number:
■ Printed on a white sticker on the front or back of your computer case.
Identifying your mo del
■ Printed on the customer invoice that came with your computer. The
invoice also contains your customer ID number.
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the side of your
computer case includes the product key code for your operating system.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur 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
eSupport page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed
specifications. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on page 26.
. The
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Accessories
Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your
computer. To order accessories, visit the Accessory Superstore at
accessories.gateway.com
Home networking kit
With a home networking kit, you can network, or “link”, two or more
computers in your home. After you have set up a home network, you can access
the files, drives, and printers on linked computers, play multiplayer games, and
even share one Internet connection.
Two types of ho me networking kits are available. Wireless home networking
kits use radio frequency to link your computers wirelessly. Ethernet home
networking kits use network cabling to link your c omputers. For more
information, see “Networking Your Computer” on page 135.
Imaging equipment
A digital camera lets you take pictures that you can view and edit on your
computer. For more information, see “Connecting a digit al camera” on
page 111.
.
Accessories
A digital video camera lets you take movies that you can view and edit on your
computer. For more information, see “Connecting a digital video camera” on
page 112.
A scanner copies an image, such as a graphic or document, then stores the copy
in a file.
You can attach your digital photographs or scanned images to e-mail messages
or post them on a Web site.
Printers
You can attach many types of printers to your computer. The most common
types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. For
more information about attaching a printer to your computer, see “Installing
a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 21.
Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but usually they are
slower than laser printers. Using an inkj et color print er, you can print pictures,
banners, and greeting cards, as well as documents.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Computer
Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but usually they print much
faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when
you are printing large documents.
Storage Devices
If you need additional storage space or you want to back up your files, you
can add storage devices to you comput er.
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.
For more information about using recordable drives, see “Cre ating CDs and
DVDs” on page 95.
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. Ta pe drive cartridges can store 2 GB , 20 GB, 40 GB , 130 GB, or more of
data.
If you want to increase your internal storage space, try replacing your existing
hard drive with a larger drive. For more information about installing a larger
drive, see “Replacing the hard drive” on page 197.
Memory
Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of
memory . If your programs a re running more slo wly than you think they sho uld,
try adding more memory.
Uninterruptible power supplies
A standby, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protects your computer from
data loss during a total power failure. A UPS uses a battery to keep your
computer running temporarily during a power failure so you can save your work
and shut down your computer correctly. A UPS may also provide protection
from power surges. For information about setting up a UPS, see “Setting up an
uninterruptible power supply” on page 132.
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Getting Started
Read this chapter to find out how to:
■ Use your computer safely
■ Protect your computer from power source problems
■ Start and turn off your computer
■ Use the keyboard
■ Use the mouse
■ Use the computer display
■ Install peripheral devices
2
11
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Working safely
Before using your computer, read the following recommendations for setting
up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding disco mfort and strain.
Hands and
arms are
parallel to the
floor
Top of display is not
higher than eye level
Screen is
perpendicular to
your line of sight
Feet are flat on the floor
Reducing eye strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the computer display
or shine directly into your eyes.
■ Position the computer desk and computer so you can avoid glare on your
computer display and light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare
by installing shades or curtains on windows, and by installing a glare screen
filter on your computer display.
■ Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer
in a dark room.
■ Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer display for long periods of
time. Look away from your display occasionally, and try to focus on distant
objects.
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Setting up your compu ter desk and chair
When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the
desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps you maintain good posture.
■ Select a flat surface for your computer desk.
■ Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands and arms are
positioned parallel to the floor when you use the keyboard and mouse. If
the desk is not adjustable or is too tall, consider using a keyboard drawer.
■ Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes your weight evenly ,
and keeps your body relaxed.
■ Position your chair so the keyboard is at or sl ightly 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 cur ve of your spine.
You can use a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.
Working safely
Setting up your computer and computer accessories
■ Set up your computer so the display is no higher than eye level, the display
controls are within reach, and the display is tilted to be perpendicular to
your line of sight.
■ Place your keybo ard and mou se at a comfort able di stance . You should be
able to reach them without stretching.
■ Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the computer display.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
Sitting at your computer
■ Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are
in a relaxed position when you type.
■ Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back straight so your
knees, hips, and elbows form right angles when you work.
■ Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.
■ Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
A voiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain
■ Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
■ T ake 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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Protecting from power source problems
Protecting from power source
problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer
can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage.
Protect your computer and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge
protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your
computer.
Warning High voltages can enter your computer through both the
power cord and the modem connection. Protect your
computer by using a s urge prot ector. 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 co mputer long
enough to save your work and shut down your computer normally. For more
information, see “Setting up an uninterruptible power supply” on page 132.
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15
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Starting your computer
To start your computer:
1 Connect the cables to your computer using the setup poster.
2 Turn on your computer.
3 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follo w 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.
T urning off your computer
Tips & Tricks When you tur n off your co mputer, certai n compone nts 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 recom mend disc onnecting the power cord and
modem cable when your co mputer will not be used fo r long
periods.
To turn off your computer:
1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box
opens.
2 Click Tu r n O f f . Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.
Important If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer
16
option in Windows to turn off your computer, press and
hold the power button for about five seconds, then
release it.
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Restarting (rebootin g) your computer
Restarting (rebooting) your
computer
If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may have
to close programs that are not responding . If closing unresponsive programs
does not restore your computer to normal operation, you may have to restart
(reboot) your computer.
To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer:
1 Press CTRL+ALT+DEL, then click Task Manager. The Task Man age r window
opens.
2 Click the Applications tab, then click the program that is not responding.
3 Click End Task.
4 If your computer does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds and turn
it on again.
Important If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the
power button for about five seconds, then release it.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
Keyboard
Function keys Navigation keys Indicators
Press these
Windows keys Application
key
To...
Directional
keys
Numeric
keypad
keys...
Function keys Start program actions. Each program uses different function keys for
different purposes. See the program documentation to find out more
about the function key actions.
Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning of a line, to the
end of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning of a
document, or to the end of a document.
Indicators Show if your
activated. Press the corresponding key to activate the function.
Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows Start menu. These keys
can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like
NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK keys are
F (Search utility), R (Run util ity), and E (Explorer utility).
Application key Access shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows.
Directional keys Move the cursor up, down, right, or left.
Numeric keypad Use these keys to type numbers whe n the numeric keypa d (
is turned o n.
NUM LOCK)
18
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Mouse
The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on the computer
display. This illustration shows the standard mouse.
Right button
Mouse
Left button
As you move the mouse, the pointer (arrow) on the display moves in the same
direction.
You can use the left and right buttons on the mouse to select objects on the
display.
Yo u can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a document. This
feature is not available in all programs.
Scroll wheel
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19
Chapter 2: Getting Started
click
Using the mouse
To... Do this...
Move the pointer
on the compu ter
display
Select an object o n
the computer
display
Start a program or
open a file or folder
Access a shortcut
menu or find more
information about
an object on the
computer display.
Move an object on
the computer
display.
click
click
click
click
click,
click,
click
click
and drag
and drag
Move the mouse around on the mouse
pad. If you run out of space on your
mouse pad and ne ed to move the pointer
farther, pick up the mouse, set it down in
the middle of the mouse pad, then
continue moving the mouse.
Position the pointer over the object.
Quickly press and release th e left mou se
button onc e. This ac tion is ca lled
clicking.
Position the pointer over the object.
Quickly press and release th e left mou se
button twic e. This ac tion is call ed
double-clicking.
Position the pointer over the object.
Quickly press and release the right
mouse button once. This ac tion is called
right-clicking.
Position the pointer over the object.
Press the left mouse button and hold it
down. Move (drag) the object to the
appropriate part of t he computer dis play .
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 configura tion, and other mouse settings, see “Changing
the mouse settings” on page 124.
For instructions on how to clean the mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on
page 173.
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Installing a printer, scanner, or other peri pheral device
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: IEEE 1394 (also known
as Firewire
these ports to connect peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, a nd digital
cameras to your computer. For more information about port locations, see
“Checking Out Your Gateway Computer” on page 1.
IEEE 1394 and 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 IEEE 1394 or 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 and serial por t devices are not plug-an d-play. See the device
documentation for detailed information and installation instructions.
®
or i.Link®), Universal Serial Bus (USB), serial, and parallel. Y ou use
Help and
Support
For more information about in stalling perip heral devices in
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword installing devices in the Search box
, then click the arrow.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
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