1 Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2 Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3 Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
25 |
Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
26 |
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
28 |
Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
29 |
Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
30 |
Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
30 |
Switching user accounts in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
31 |
Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
33 |
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
35 |
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
36 |
System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
37 |
Multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
39 |
Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
41 |
Using the touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
42 |
Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
44 |
Connecting to an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
45 |
Broadband Internet connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
45 |
Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
46 |
i
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4 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
HelpSpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 HelpSpot Videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
5 Windows Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
About the Windows environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Using the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Identifying Window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Using the Windows XP, Windows Me, or Windows 2000 Search utility . . . . . .66 Using the Windows 98 Find utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
6 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
7 Using Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Using diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 Using the CD/DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
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Using Audio DJ on the Solo 9550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. 88 |
Adjusting the volume in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. 90 |
Adjusting the volume in Windows Me, Windows 2000, and Windows 98 . . . . . . . |
94 |
Listening to CDs in Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Me . . . . . . . . . . |
96 |
Listening to CDs in Windows 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
97 |
Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
98 |
Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . |
100 |
Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
101 |
Using MusicMatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
102 |
Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
102 |
Creating music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
104 |
Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
105 |
Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
106 |
Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
108 |
Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
109 |
Viewing the display on a television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
110 |
Capturing video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
112 |
8 Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
113 |
Setting up your cover page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Sending a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
9 Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Installing a second battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Changing SpeedStep settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Changing power settings in Windows NT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
10 Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
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Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
11 Customizing Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140 Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140 Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142 Applying a color scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144 Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146 Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149
Changing the touchpad settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151 Programming the multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
12 Upgrading Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
Adding PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156 Changing bay modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158 Changing 5.25-inch bay modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158 Changing 3.5-inch bay modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160 Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161 Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162 Replacing the main hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
13 Using the Port Replicator and Docking Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
Checking out the port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170 Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Connecting to the port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175 Checking out the docking station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177 Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181 Connecting to the docking station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183 Adjusting audio settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .184 Installing a PCI card in the docking station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
14 Networking Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189
Using a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190 Sharing a single Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190 Sharing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190 Sharing peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191
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Streaming audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Playing multi-player games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Introducing the Gateway Connected Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Components of a Gateway Connected Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Wired connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Wireless Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Assessing your connection needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Comparing data transfer speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Network shopping list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 HPNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Wireless Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
15 Moving from Your Old Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Transferring software and hardware from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Reinstalling your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Reinstalling your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
16 Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 Creating an emergency startup diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Cleaning the screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
v
17 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .231 |
Reinstalling device drivers in Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or |
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Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .232 |
Reinstalling device drivers in Windows NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. . .233 |
Reinstalling the Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. .244 |
Updating device drivers in Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or |
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Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. .245 |
Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. .247 |
Reinstalling Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP |
. . .247 |
Reinstalling Windows NT 4.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. .248 |
Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
. .249 |
18 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253 First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253 Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254 CD/DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255 Device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .257 Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258 File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259 Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260 Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .261 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262 LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263 Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268 Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268 Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268 PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270 ScanDisk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272 Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273 Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273 Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .274 Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275 Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275
vi
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
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viii
Checking Out
Your Gateway 1
Solo 9500
If you purchased the Gateway Solo 9550, go to “Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550” on page 11.
Tips & Tricks To access the contents of this guide while you are traveling, download an electronic copy from www.gateway.com/support/manlib/.
www.gateway.com |
1 |
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500
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Speaker |
Cover release latch |
Battery |
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Speaker |
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charge |
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indicator |
Power |
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indicator |
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Speakers |
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Provide audio output when headphones or speakers are |
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not plugged in. |
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Cover release latch |
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Open the notebook cover by sliding the release latch to |
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the right. |
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Battery charge indicator |
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Lights up when the computer is plugged in. |
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LED green – battery is fully charged. |
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LED orange – battery is charging. |
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LED off – notebook is running on battery power. |
Power indicator |
Lights up when the notebook is turned on and shows |
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notebook power status: |
■LED on – power is ON.
■LED blinking – power is in Standby or Suspend mode.
■LED off – power is off.
2 |
www.gateway.com |
Left side
Port |
Ventilation fan |
PC Card |
3.5-inch |
options |
(do not block) |
slots |
modular bay |
Component |
Icon |
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Port options |
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Depending on the options you ordered with your |
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notebook, this area can contain: |
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A modem jack |
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An Ethernet jack |
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An IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire or i.Link) port |
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Ventilation fan |
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Helps cool internal components. Do not block. |
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PC Card slots |
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Insert one Type I, II, III, or Zoom Video PC Card into this |
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slot. For more information, see “Adding PC Cards” on |
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page 156. |
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3.5-inch modular bay |
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Install a standard 3.5-inch diskette drive or an LS-120 |
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drive. For more information, see “Using diskettes” on |
page 86 and “Changing 3.5-inch bay modules” on page 160.
www.gateway.com |
3 |
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500
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Microphone jack |
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USB |
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Line In jack |
5.25-inch |
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modular bay |
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Headphone jack |
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S/PDIF digital audio jack |
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Component |
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USB ports |
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Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB |
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printer, scanner, or camera) into these ports. |
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S/PDIF digital audio jack |
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Plug an optical Toslink digital audio cable into this jack. |
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Headphone jack |
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Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack. |
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Line In jack |
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Connect an external audio input source (such as a |
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stereo) to this jack so that you can record sound on your |
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computer or play sound through the notebook speakers. |
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Microphone jack |
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Plug a microphone into this jack. The built-in microphone |
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is turned off when a microphone is plugged into this jack. |
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For the location of your built-in microphone, see “Using |
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the keyboard” on page 35. |
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5.25-inch modular bay |
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Install a CD or DVD drive, a second hard drive, or a |
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second battery into this bay. For more information, see |
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“Installing a second battery” on page 123 or “Changing |
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5.25-inch bay modules” on page 158. |
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4 |
www.gateway.com |
Back
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PS/2 port |
Parallel |
Monitor |
Docking |
Ventilation fan |
Serial port |
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port |
port |
port |
(do not block) |
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TV out jack |
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Power connector |
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Kensington lock slot |
Component |
Icon |
Description |
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PS/2 port |
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Plug a PS/2® (Personal System/2) device (such as a keyboard |
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or mouse) into this port. |
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Parallel port |
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Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port. |
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Monitor port |
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Plug an analog VGA monitor into this port. |
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Docking port |
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Connect the optional docking station or port replicator to this |
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port. |
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Warning! Power is passed through this port. This docking |
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connection is UL certified for use only with Solo 9500 docking |
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stations or port replicators. |
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Ventilation fan |
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Helps cool internal components. Do not block. |
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Serial port |
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Plug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into this port. |
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TV out jack |
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Plug a TV into this jack so that you can view your notebook |
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display on a TV using NTSC/PAL composite video. For more |
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information, see “Viewing the display on a television” on |
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page 110. |
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www.gateway.com |
5 |
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500
Component |
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Description |
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Power connector |
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Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector. |
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Kensington |
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Secure your computer to an object by connecting a Kensington |
lock slot |
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cable lock to this slot. |
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6 |
www.gateway.com |
Bottom
Reset hole |
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Ventilation |
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5.25-inch |
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fan |
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modular bay |
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Memory bay |
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3.5-inch |
Battery bay |
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modular bay |
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Reset hole |
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Insert a straightened paper clip into this hole to manually |
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restart the system. |
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5.25-inch modular bay |
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Install a CD/DVD drive, a second hard drive, or a second |
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battery into this bay. For more information, see “Installing |
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a second battery” on page 123 or “Changing 5.25-inch |
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bay modules” on page 158. |
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Memory bay |
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Install memory modules into this bay. For more |
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information, see “Installing memory” on page 162. |
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Battery bay |
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Insert the battery into this bay. For more information, see |
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“Changing batteries” on page 121. |
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Ventilation fan |
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Helps cool internal components. Do not block. |
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3.5-inch modular bay |
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Install a standard 3.5-inch diskette drive or an LS-120 |
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drive. For more information, see “Using diskettes” on |
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page 86 and “Changing 3.5-inch bay modules” on |
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page 160. |
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www.gateway.com |
7 |
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500
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 |
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00.0X/000XXX |
X 0.0/XX |
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Gateway model |
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number |
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Gateway part |
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Gateway serial |
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number |
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number |
8 |
www.gateway.com |
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.
www.gateway.com |
9 |
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500
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.
10 |
www.gateway.com |
Checking Out
Your Gateway 2
Solo 9550
If you purchased the Gateway Solo 9500, go to “Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9500” on page 1.
Tips & Tricks To access the contents of this guide while you are traveling, download an electronic copy from www.gateway.com/support/manlib/.
www.gateway.com |
11 |
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550
Top
Bluetooth Indicator
Component |
Icon |
Description |
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Bluetooth indicator |
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Lights up when Bluetooth is turned on. |
(optional) |
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Warning Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while traveling in an airplane. Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11b (also known as wireless Ethernet or WiFi) communication devices are examples of devices that provide wireless communication. For instructions to turn Bluetooth on and off, see “Multi-function buttons” on page 39.
12 |
www.gateway.com |
Top
Important If your system came equipped with an internal radio frequency wireless device, see “Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information” on page 277 for general wireless regulatory and safety guidelines. To find out if your system has an internal wireless device, check the label (see “Identifying your model” on page 22).
www.gateway.com |
13 |
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550
Cover release latch
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Battery charge |
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Speaker |
Audio DJ |
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Speaker |
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indicator |
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controls |
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Power indicator |
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Hot-swap indicator |
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Component |
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Cover release latch |
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Open the notebook cover by sliding the release latch to |
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the right. |
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Speakers |
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Provide audio output when headphones or speakers are |
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not plugged in. |
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Audio DJ controls |
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Control the built-in CD player. For more information, see |
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“Using Audio DJ on the Solo 9550” on page 88. |
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Battery charge indicator |
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Lights up when the computer is plugged in. |
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■ LED green - battery is fully charged. |
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■ LED orange - battery is charging. |
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■ LED off - notebook is running on battery power. |
Power indicator |
Lights up when the notebook is turned on and shows |
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notebook power status: |
■LED on - power is ON.
■LED blinking - power is in Standby or Suspend mode.
■LED off - power is off.
14 |
www.gateway.com |
Front
Component |
Icon |
Description |
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Hot-swap indicator |
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Indicates when it is safe to remove the 5.25-inch bay |
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module. |
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■LED green - it is safe to remove the 5.25-inch bay module.
■LED orange - it is not safe to remove the 5.25-inch bay
module.
For more information, see “Changing 5.25-inch bay modules” on page 158.
www.gateway.com |
15 |
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550
|
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Ethernet |
Ventilation PC Card slot |
3.5-inch modular bay |
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jack |
Fan |
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Component |
Icon |
Description |
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Ethernet jack |
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Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. For more |
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information, see “Connecting to an Ethernet network” on page 45 and |
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“Networking Your Notebook” on page 189. |
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Ventilation Fan |
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Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert objects into |
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these slots. |
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PC Card slot |
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Insert one Type I, II, or III PC Card into this slot. For more information, |
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see “Adding PC Cards” on page 156. |
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3.5-inch |
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Install a standard 3.5-inch diskette drive, an additional hard drive, or |
modular bay |
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a second battery into this bay. For more information, see “Installing |
|
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|
|
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a second battery” on page 123 and “Changing 3.5-inch bay modules” |
|
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on page 160. |
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16 |
www.gateway.com |
Right side
Line in jack |
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USB |
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5.25-inch modular bay |
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Microphone jack |
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ports |
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Modem jack |
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Headphone jack |
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IEEE 1394 port |
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S/PDIF digital audio jack |
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Component |
Icon |
Description |
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Line in jack |
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Connect an external audio input source (such as a |
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stereo) to this jack so that you can record sound on your |
|
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computer or play sound through the notebook speakers. |
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Microphone jack |
|
Plug a microphone into this jack. The built-in |
|
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microphone is turned off when a microphone is plugged |
|
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into this jack. For the location of your built-in |
|
|
microphone, see “Using the keyboard” on page 35. |
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Headphone jack |
|
Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack. |
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S/PDIF digital audio jack |
|
Plug an optical Toslink digital audio cable into this jack. |
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USB ports |
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Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a |
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USB Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, or camera) |
|
|
into these ports. |
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IEEE 1394 port |
|
Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire or i.Link) |
|
|
cable into this jack. |
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|
www.gateway.com |
17 |
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550
Component |
Icon |
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Description |
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Modem jack |
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Plug a modem cable into this jack. |
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5.25-inch modular bay |
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Install a CD/DVD or an additional hard drive into this bay. |
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For more information, see “Changing 5.25-inch bay |
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modules” on page 158. |
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18 |
www.gateway.com |
Back
PS/2 |
Parallel |
Ventilation |
Docking |
Monitor |
Serial |
TV out |
port |
port |
Fan |
port |
port |
port |
jack |
Power connector
Kensington lock slot
Component |
Icon |
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|
Description |
|||
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PS/2 port |
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Plug a PS/2 device (such as a keyboard or mouse) into |
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this port. |
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Parallel port |
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Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port. |
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Ventilation Fan |
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Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert |
|
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|
|
|
objects into these slots. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Docking port |
|
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|
|
Connect the docking station or port replicator to this |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
port. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warning! Power is passed through this port. This |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
docking connection is UL certified for use only with Solo |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9550 docking stations or port replicators. |
|
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|
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|
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Monitor port |
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|
Plug an analog VGA monitor into this port. |
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Serial port |
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Plug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into this |
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port. |
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TV out jack |
|
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|
|
Plug a TV into this jack so that you can view your |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
computer screen on a TV using NTSC/PAL composite |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
video. For more information, see “Viewing the display on |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
a television” on page 110. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
www.gateway.com |
19 |
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550
Component |
Icon |
|
Description |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Power connector |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kensington™ lock slot |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Secure your computer to an object by connecting a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kensington cable lock to this slot. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
www.gateway.com |
Bottom
Reset
hole
Ventilation 5.25-inch Fan modular
bay
Memory bay
3.5-inch
modular Battery bay
bay
Component |
Icon |
|
Description |
|||||||||
|
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|
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|
|
|
Reset hole |
|
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|
|
Insert a straightened paper clip into this hole to manually |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
restart the system. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.25-inch modular bay |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Install a CD, DVD, or an additional hard drive into this |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
bay. For more information, see “Changing 5.25-inch bay |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
modules” on page 158. |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Memory bay |
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
Install a memory module in this bay. For more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
information, see “Installing memory” on page 162. |
|
|
|
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|
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|
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|
|
Battery bay |
|
|
|
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|
|
Insert the main battery into this bay. For more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
information, see “Changing batteries” on page 121. |
|
|
|
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Ventilation Fan |
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Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert |
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objects into these slots. |
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3.5-inch modular bay |
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Install a standard 3.5-inch diskette drive, an additional |
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hard drive, or a second battery into this bay. For more |
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information, see “Installing a second battery” on |
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page 123 and “Changing 3.5-inch bay modules” on |
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page 160. |
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www.gateway.com |
21 |
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550
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.
Gateway |
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model |
Internal |
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number |
wireless |
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devices |
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Gateway |
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serial |
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code and |
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display |
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type/ |
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processor |
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size |
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22 |
www.gateway.com |
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.
www.gateway.com |
23 |
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 9550
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.
24 |
www.gateway.com |
Getting Started |
3 |
This chapter provides basic information about your Gateway notebook. Read this chapter to find out:
■How to connect the AC 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
www.gateway.com |
25 |
Chapter 3: Getting Started
Connecting the AC adapter
You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or the notebook battery. The battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the AC adapter right away to fully charge the battery. Allow 24 hours for the battery to fully charge.
Important If the battery is not fully charged before you use your notebook on battery power for the first time, the battery life may be much shorter than you expect. If the battery life seems short even after being charged for 24 hours, the battery may need to be recalibrated. For information on recalibrating the battery, see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 227.
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.
26 |
www.gateway.com |
Connecting the AC adapter
2 Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.
3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet.
The battery charge indicator turns on. 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. The battery charge meters may not show a charge for several hours. For more information about battery meters on your model, see “Monitoring the battery charge” on page 120.
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 |
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AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable |
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parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous voltages that |
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can cause serious injury or death. Contact Gateway about |
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returning defective AC adapters. |
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www.gateway.com |
27 |
Chapter 3: Getting Started
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.
28 |
www.gateway.com |
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.
Power button
www.gateway.com |
29 |
Chapter 3: Getting Started
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 “To change advanced power management settings:” on page 130.
3 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your computer.
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 “Changing power modes” on page 126.
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.
30 |
www.gateway.com |
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 |
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and Support. |
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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.
www.gateway.com |
31 |
Chapter 3: 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
Diskette drive |
Caps lock |
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5.25-inch modular drive |
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Hard drive |
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Scroll lock |
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This light turns When...
on...
The notebook is accessing a hard drive.
The notebook is accessing the 5.25-inch modular drive.
www.gateway.com |
33 |
Chapter 3: Getting Started
This light turns When...
on...
The notebook is accessing the diskette drive.
Caps Lock is turned on.
Pad Lock is turned on.
1
Scroll Lock is turned on.
34 |
www.gateway.com |
Using the keyboard
Your notebook features a full-size keyboard that has the full functionality of a desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate functions, including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for specific system operations, and the Pad Lock keys for the numeric keypad.
You can attach an external keyboard to the notebook using a USB or PS/2 port. You do not need to shut down the notebook to connect a keyboard.
Volume control |
Function/ |
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system keys |
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FN key Windows |
Numeric |
Application |
Arrow keys |
key |
keypad |
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Built-in |
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microphone |
www.gateway.com |
35 |
Chapter 3: Getting Started
Component |
Icon |
Description |
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Volume control |
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Press the volume buttons to change the volume, or |
buttons |
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press the mute button to turn off all sound. |
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Function keys |
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Press these keys labeled F1 to F12 to perform actions |
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in programs. For example, pressing F1 may open help. |
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Each program uses different function keys for different |
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purposes. Refer to the program documentation to find |
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out more about the function key actions. |
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System keys |
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Press these greenor blue-colored keys in |
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combination with the FN key to perform specific |
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actions. |
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Navigation keys |
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Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning |
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of a line, to the end of a line, up the page, down the |
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page, to the beginning of a document, or to the end |
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of a document. |
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FN key |
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Press the FN key in combination with a greenor |
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blue-colored system key (such as STANDBY, PAUSE, or |
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BLUETOOTH) to perform a specific action. |
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Windows key |
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Press to open the Windows Start menu. This key can |
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also be used in combination with other keys to open |
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utilities like F (Search utility), R (Run utility), and |
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E (Explorer utility). |
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Numeric keypad |
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Use these keys to type numbers when the numeric |
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keypad is turned on. Press FN+PAD LOCK to turn on |
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the numeric keypad. |
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Application key |
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Press for quick access to shortcut menus and help |
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assistants in Windows. |
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Arrow keys |
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Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right, |
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or left. |
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36 |
www.gateway.com |
Using the keyboard
When you press an FN key and a system key at the same time, the notebook performs the action identified by the green or blue text or icon on the key.
Press and hold FN while |
To... |
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pressing this system key... |
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Display the power status box in the upper left corner of your |
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screen. The box shows the battery charge level, the BIOS |
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version, and whether the AC adapter is being used. Press the |
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key combination again to close this box. (Available on the Solo |
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9500 only.) |
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Toggle the notebook screen between the LCD, an external |
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monitor, or both displays at the same time. A monitor must be |
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plugged into the monitor port on the notebook, port replicator, |
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or docking station. |
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Enter Standby mode. Press the power button to leave Standby |
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mode. |
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Turn on Pad Lock so you can use the numeric keypad. Press |
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this key combination again to turn off Pad Lock. The Pad Lock |
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status indicator appears while this function is turned on. |
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Pause the text scrolling in a DOS screen. The Scroll Lock |
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status indicator appears when this function is turned on. Press |
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the key combination again to continue scrolling. (This function |
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is only available in some programs.) |
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Pause execution of a DOS program. (This function is only |
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available in some programs.) |
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Stop the currently running DOS program. (This function is only |
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available in some programs.) |
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Increase the brightness of the display. |
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www.gateway.com |
37 |
Chapter 3: Getting Started
Press and hold FN while |
To... |
pressing this system key... |
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Decrease the brightness of the display. |
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Turn Bluetooth on and off. (This function is only available on |
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notebooks equipped with Bluetooth.) |
38 |
www.gateway.com |
Using the keyboard
Bluetooth/ |
Internet |
Help |
User-defined |
shortcut |
Button |
Icon |
Press to... |
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Bluetooth |
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Turn Bluetooth on and off. This button must be pressed |
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at the same time the FN button is pressed. (This function |
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is only available on notebooks equipped with Bluetooth.) |
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Open your e-mail program. |
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www.gateway.com |
39 |
Chapter 3: Getting Started
Button |
Icon |
Press to... |
Internet |
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Open your Web browser. |
Help |
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Open online help. |
User-defined shortcut |
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Open the program you assign to this key. |
The multi-function buttons can be assigned different functions than those listed above. For more information, see “Programming the multi-function buttons” on page 153.
40 |
www.gateway.com |
Using the EZ Pad touchpad
Using the EZ Pad touchpad
The EZ Pad™ consists of a touchpad, two buttons, and a rocker switch. (The rocker switch is available on the Solo 9550 only.)
Left |
Rocker |
Right |
Touchpad |
touchpad |
switch |
touchpad |
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button |
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button |
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When you move your finger on the touchpad, the pointer (arrow) on the screen moves in the same direction.
www.gateway.com |
41 |