Gateway 5300, SOLO 5300 schematic

Contents

1 Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 5300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Left Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Right Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2 Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	15
Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	16
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	18
Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	20
Switching user accounts in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21
Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Using the touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
Connecting to an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31
Broadband Internet connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31
Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32

3 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

HelpSpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 HelpSpot Videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

4 Windows Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

About the Windows environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	40
Using the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	41
Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
Identifying Window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43

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Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Using the Windows XP, Windows Me, or Windows 2000 Search utility . . . . . .53 Using the Windows 98 Find utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

5 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

6 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Using diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Using the CD/DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Adjusting the volume in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Adjusting the volume in Windows Me, Windows 2000, and Windows 98 . . . . . . . .80 Listening to CDs in Windows XP, Windows Me, and Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . .82 Listening to CDs in Windows 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Using MusicMatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Creating music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

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Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Viewing the display on a television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

7 Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Setting up your cover page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Sending a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

8 Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Installing a second battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Changing SpeedStep settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Changing power settings in Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

9 Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

10 Customizing Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Applying a color scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Changing the touchpad settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

11 Upgrading Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Adding PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Changing bay modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

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Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147 Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148 Replacing the main hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152 Replacing the Mini PCI card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

12 Using the Port Replicator and Docking Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

Checking out the port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158 Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Connecting to the port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163 Checking out the docking station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165 Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169 Connecting to the docking station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171 Adjusting audio settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173 Installing a PCI card in the docking station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

13 Networking Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

Using a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180 Sharing a single Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180 Sharing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180 Sharing peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181 Streaming audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181 Playing multi-player games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181

Introducing the Gateway Connected Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182 Components of a Gateway Connected Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183 Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184 Wired connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184 Wireless Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185 Assessing your connection needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186 Comparing data transfer speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188 Network shopping list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190 HPNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190 Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191 Wireless Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192 Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192 For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193

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14 Moving from Your Old Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Transferring software and hardware from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 Reinstalling your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Reinstalling your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

15 Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Creating an emergency startup diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210 Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216 Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Cleaning the screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

16 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	221
Reinstalling device drivers in Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or
Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	222
Reinstalling device drivers in Windows NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	223
Reinstalling the Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	234
Updating device drivers in Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or
Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	235
Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	236
Reinstalling Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP . . . 236
Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	237
Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	238
17 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	241

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

v

Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244 CD/DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245 Device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247 Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248 Error-checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249 File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250 Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250 Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252 LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253 Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258 Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258 Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259 PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260 ScanDisk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .264 Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .264 Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265 Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266 Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266 Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267

A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

vi

Checking Out

Your Gateway 1

Solo 5300

Tips & Tricks To access the contents of this guide while you are traveling, download an electronic copy from www.gateway.com/support/manlib/.

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 5300

Front

Release	Power	Battery
latch	indicator	charge
		indicator

Component	Icon		Description
Release latch			Open the notebook cover by sliding the release latch to the
			right.
Power indicator			Lights up when the notebook is turned on and shows
			notebook power status:
			■	Steady green light indicates that power is on and the
				notebook is in operation.
			■	Flashing green light indicates that the notebook is in
				Standby mode.
			■	Flashing green light accompanied by beeping indicates
				the battery charge is low.
			■	No light indicates that the notebook is off.

Battery charge indicator

Indicates the battery status:

■Green light indicates that the battery is fully charged and AC power is connected.

■Orange light indicates that the battery is charging.

■Red light indicates that the battery is low.

■No light indicates that the system is running on the battery because the AC adapter is either not connected or is not providing power.

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Left Side

Left Side

Modem jack

Kensington

Ventilation fan

Ethernet jack

lock slot

(do not block)

Speaker jack

PC Card

Line in jack

eject buttons

PC Card slots

Microphone jack

Component	Icon Description
Kensington™ lock slot		Secure your computer to an object by connecting a
		Kensington cable lock to this slot.
Ventilation fan		Helps cool system components. Do not block.
Microphone jack		Plug a microphone into this jack. While the external
		microphone is connected, the built-in microphone is
		disabled.
Line in jack		Plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo) into
		this jack so that you can record sound on your notebook or
		play sound through the notebook speakers.
Speaker jack		Plug external speakers or headphones into this jack.
Modem jack (optional)		Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more information, see
		“Connecting the modem” on page 30.
PC Card slots		Insert Type I, II, or III PC Cards or Zoom Video cards into
		these slots. For more information, see “Adding PC Cards” on
		page 142.

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 5300

Component	Icon Description
PC Card eject buttons							Press one of the eject buttons to remove a PC Card from a
							PC Card slot. For more information, see “Adding PC Cards”
							on page 142.
Ethernet jack (optional)							Plug an Ethernet 10/100 network cable into this jack. For
							more information, see “Connecting to an Ethernet network”
							on page 31.

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Right Side

Right Side

Module bay Eject button

Component	Description
Module bay	Use this bay for a second battery, or a CD, CD-RW, DVD, diskette, LS-120, or
	second hard drive. For more information, see “Changing bay modules” on
	page 144.
Eject button	Press the eject button to open the module tray.

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 5300

Back

PS/2 port

Parallel

TV out jack

Docking

Serial port

Power

port

port

USB port connector

Monitor

port

Component	Icon						Description
PS/2 port							Plug a PS/2® (Personal System/2) device (such as a
							keyboard or mouse) into this port.
							Important! You will not be able to use your touchpad
							while a mouse is plugged into this port.
Parallel port							Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port.
TV out jack							Plug one end of a standard RCA cable into this jack and
							the other end of the cable into the jack on a TV or VCR
							so that you can view your computer screen on a TV.
							For more information, see “Viewing the display on a
							television” on page 96.
Docking port							Connect an optional port replicator or docking station
							to this port.
							Warning! Power is passed through this connection.
							This docking connection is UL certified for use only with
							Solo 5300 docking station devices.
Serial port							Plug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into this
							port.
Monitor port							Plug an external (VGA) monitor into this port.

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Back

Component	Icon							Description
USB port								Plug a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device (such as a
								USB Iomega™ Zip™ drive, scanner, or camera) into
								this port.
Power connector								Plug the AC power adapter cable into this connector.

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 5300

Bottom

Microsoft

label Ventilation fan

Module

bay System label

Module bay latch

Battery latch

Main battery

						Hard drive Memory bay
Component	Icon Description
Microsoft label						Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label includes the
						product key code for your operating system.
Module bay						Use this bay for a second battery, or a CD, CD-RW, DVD,
						diskette, LS-120, or second hard drive. For more information,
						see “Changing bay modules” on page 144.
Module bay latch						Slide to release the module.
Battery latch						Slide to release the battery.
Main battery bay						Insert the main battery into this bay. For more information,
						see “Changing batteries” on page 109.
Hard drive						The hard drive is stored here. For more information, see
						“Replacing the main hard drive” on page 152.

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Bottom

Component	Icon Description
Memory bay	Install as many as two SO-DIMM memory modules into the
	slots in this bay. For more information, see “Installing
	memory” on page 148.
System label	Includes the product model number and serial number. For
	more information, see “Identifying your model” on page 11.
Ventilation fan	Helps cool system components. Do not block.

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 5300

Keyboard area

Power button

Status indicators

Keyboard

Touchpad

Speaker

	Microphone
Component	Description
Power button	Press to turn the power on or off. For more information on configuring
	the power button mode, see “Changing power settings” on page 114.
Status indicators	See “Status indicators” on page 23 for more information.
Keyboard	See “Using the keyboard” on page 24 for more information.
Touchpad	See “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on page 28 for more information.
Speakers	Provide audio output. Speakers are disabled while headphones are
	connected.
Microphone	Record audio through this microphone. The built-in microphone is
	disabled while an external microphone is connected.

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Identifying your model

Identifying your model

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

Important The label shown below is for informational purposes only.

Label information varies by model.

Revision code and display

type/ processor size					00.0X/000XXX		X 0.0/XX
Gateway model
number
Gateway serial									Gateway part
number									number

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 5300

Accessories

Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your notebook.

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 that you can swap batteries when necessary.

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.

Docking stations and port replicators

Although you can attach external devices directly to your notebook, a docking station or port replicator lets you make all of those connections at once. When you travel with your notebook, you merely disconnect from the docking station or port replicator instead of unplugging all the external devices.

A docking station or port replicator also provides additional ports and other expansion features not included with your notebook.

External devices

You can attach external devices such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or monitor to your notebook, docking station, or port replicator.

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 many types of printers to your computer. The most common types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white.

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

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

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 5300

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Getting Started

2

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

■How to connect the AC power adapter

■How to start and turn off your notebook

■How to use the keyboard

■How to use the EZ Pad™ touchpad

■How to connect the modem

■How to connect to an Ethernet network

■How to install peripheral devices

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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 more information, see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 108.

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

Warning 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 the notebook may be damaged.

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Connecting the AC adapter

2

3

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

Plug the power cord into a wall outlet.

The battery charge indicator turns on. If the battery charge indicator does not turn on, disconnect the adapter from your notebook and repeat Step 2.

4 When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn the notebook off and leave the notebook connected to AC power for at least 24 hours.

5 If the battery meters do not show a full charge after 24 hours, contact Gateway Technical Support at www.gateway.com/support/contact.

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.

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Chapter 2: 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.

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

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Starting your notebook

Starting your notebook

To start the notebook:

1 Open your notebook by sliding the latch on the front of your notebook to the right and lifting the LCD panel.

2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.

A 1

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 114.

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

Waking up your notebook

When you have not used your notebook for several minutes, it enters 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 “Managing Power” on page 105.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Turning off your notebook

To turn off your notebook:

■In Windows XP, click Start, then click Turn Off Computer, then click Turn Off.

- OR -

In Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows 98, click Start, then select Shut Down. In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, select Shut Down, then click OK.

If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer or Shut Down option in Windows to shut down your notebook, press and hold the power button for about five seconds.

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Switching user accounts in Windows XP

Switching user accounts in

Windows XP

When you first turn on your notebook, you have the option to add different user accounts. These user accounts can be customized for each person that uses the notebook. You can add, delete, or modify existing user accounts. You can also switch (change) user accounts without turning off your notebook.

Help and	For more information about adding, deleting, and
Support	modifying your user accounts, click Start, then select Help
	and Support.

To add, delete, or modify user accounts in Windows XP:

1

2

Click Start, select Control Panel, then double-click User Accounts. The User Accounts window opens.

Follow the on-screen prompts to add, delete, or modify a user account.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

To switch user accounts in Windows XP:

1 Click Start, then select Log Off. The Log Off Windows dialog box opens.

2 Click Switch User to switch between your user accounts. The Windows logon screen opens.

3 Select the user account that you want to activate. When you switch between users, any programs that were running for the previous user continue to run.

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Status indicators

Status indicators

A 1

									Scroll lock
Hard drive
Optical disc								Pad lock
drive
			Diskette drive			Caps lock

Indicator	Icon							Description
Hard drive								Turns on when the hard drive is in use.
Optical disc drive								Turns on when the CD/DVD drive or LS-120 drive is in use.
Diskette drive								Turns on when the standard 1.44 MB diskette drive is in
								use.
Caps Lock								Turns on when Caps Lock is activated.
Pad Lock								Turns on when the embedded numeric keypad is
	1							activated.
Scroll Lock								Turns on when Scroll Lock is activated.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Using the keyboard

Your notebook features a keyboard that has the same functionality as a desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate functions. The alternate function is printed on the key in green text.

Function keys/System keys

Volume keys/Navigation keys

FN key	Windows	Numeric	Application	Arrow keys/
	key	keypad	key	Brightness
				controls

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Using the keyboard

Keys

Keys	Icon			Description
Function keys				Press these keys labeled F1 to F12 to perform
				actions in programs. For example, pressing F1 may
				open help.
				Each program uses different function keys for
				different purposes. Refer to the program
				documentation to find out more about the function
				key actions.
System keys				Press these green-colored keys in combination with
				the FN key to perform specific actions.
Volume keys				Press these keys to increase or decrease the
				volume or mute the sound.
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.
FN key				Press the FN key in combination with a
				green-colored system key (such as STANDBY, PAUSE,
				or STATUS) to perform a specific action.
Windows key				Press 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 FN+PAD LOCK to turn on
				the numeric keypad.
Application key				Press for quick access to shortcut menus and help
				assistants in Windows.
Arrow keys/				Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right,
Brightness controls				or left. When used with the FN key, these also
				control the screen brightness.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

System key combinations

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

L

Press FN and this To...

function key...

Display the power status box in the upper left corner of your screen. 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 screen between the LCD, an external monitor, or both displays at the same time. A monitor must be plugged into the monitor port on the notebook, port replicator, or docking station.

Enter Standby mode. Press the power button to leave Standby mode.

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 while this function is turned on.

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

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

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

Increase the brightness of the display.

Decrease the brightness of the display.

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Using the keyboard

Press FN and this To...

function key...

Mute the sound. Press the key combination again to restore the sound.

Increase volume.

Decrease volume.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

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

Touchpad		Pad buttons

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

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

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Using the EZ Pad touchpad

Using the touchpad

To...	Do this...
Move the pointer	Move your finger around on the
on the screen.	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.
Select an object	Position the pointer over the
on the screen.	object. Press the left button
	below the touchpad once. This
	action is called clicking.

Start a program or open a file or folder.

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

Access a	Position the pointer over the
shortcut menu or	object. Quickly press and
find more	release the right button once.
information	This action is called
about an object	right-clicking.
on the screen.
Move an object	Position the pointer over the
on the screen.	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.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Connecting the modem

If your notebook has a modem jack, the notebook has a built-in V.90 56K modem.

To connect the modem:

1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack										on the left
	side of the notebook.

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 software.

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Connecting to an Ethernet network

Connecting to an Ethernet network

If your notebook has a network jack, the notebook can connect to an Ethernet 10/100 network.

To connect to a network:

1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack					on the
	left side of the notebook.

2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a network wall jack. Ask your network administrator to help you select the correct network jack.

Your notebook is now physically connected to the network. Your network administrator can help you log on to your network.

Broadband Internet connections

You can use your computer’s Ethernet jack for more than just networking. Many broadband Internet connections, such as cable modems and DSL modems, connect to your computer’s Ethernet jack. For more information, see “Using the Internet” on page 63 and “Networking Your Notebook” on page 179.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device

Your computer has one or more of the following ports: Universal Serial Bus (USB), serial, and parallel. These ports are used for connecting peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras to your computer. For more information about port locations, see “Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 5300” 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 a 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 port devices are not plug-and-play. Refer to the device documentation for detailed information and installation instructions.

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Getting Help

3

This chapter tells you about additional information resources available to help you use your computer, including:

■HelpSpot™

■Online help

■Gateway Web site

Tips & Tricks To access the contents of this guide while you are traveling, download an electronic copy from www.gateway.com/support/manlib/.

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Chapter 3: Getting Help

HelpSpot

Your computer may include 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.

To start HelpSpot:

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

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

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HelpSpot

You can find help information by clicking a link, performing a search, or browsing the index. To learn about using your Gateway computer, your mouse, and other topics, click the Getting Started link on the HelpSpot main page.

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Chapter 3: Getting Help

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

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Online help

Online help

Many programs provide information online so you can research a topic or learn how to perform a task while you are using the program. Most online help information can be accessed 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 3: Getting Help

Gateway Web site

Gateway provides a variety of information on its Web site to help you use your computer.

Visit the Gateway Web site at www.gateway.com for:

■Technical documentation and product manuals

■Technical tips and support, including online chat services

■Hardware drivers

■Order status

■Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

For more information about connecting to the Internet, see “Using the Internet” on page 63.

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Windows	4
Basics

Read this chapter to get basic information on how to:

■Work on the Windows desktop

■Manage files and folders

■Work with documents

■Use shortcuts

Help and	For more information on Windows, click Start, then select
Support	Help and Support or Help.

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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 the example shown below, depending on how your computer is set up.

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Using the desktop

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 screen 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 (selecting) 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 49.

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Chapter 4: Windows Basics

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 To see all programs and files in the Start menu, click All Programs.

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

3 Click a file or program to open it.

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Identifying Window items

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

Title bar									Close
Menu bar									Maximize
									Minimize

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