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Computer Basics
User Manual
110 pgs2.98 Mb0

Gateway Computer Basics User Manual

07334.book Page i Friday, December 29, 2000 10:23 AM
Contents
1 Computer Basics ................................................1
Controls ...........................................................2
Computerfront ..................................................2
Computerback ..................................................3
Keyboardfeatures ...................................................4
Startingandturningoffyourcomputer ...................................5
Protectingfrompowersourceproblems ..................................6
Usingthemouse ....................................................7
2GettingStarted..................................................13
3GettingHelp....................................................19
Formoreinformation... .............................................20
HelpSpot ......................................................20
Onlinehelp ....................................................23
GatewayWebsite...............................................24
4 Windows Basics ................................................25
AbouttheWindowsenvironment ......................................26
Desktopcomponents ............................................27
Window components . ............................................29
UsingtheStartmenu ...............................................30
Workingwithfilesandfolders.........................................31
Aboutdrives ...................................................31
Aboutfoldersandfiles ...........................................32
5 Using Your Computer...........................................33
UsingtheCDdrive .................................................34
InsertingaCD ..................................................34
Adjustingthevolume ............................................36
Workingwithdocuments .............................................37
Creatinganewdocument.........................................37
Savingadocument ..............................................38
Openingadocument ............................................38
Printingadocument .............................................39
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6 Using the Internet ...............................................41
LearningabouttheInternet ...........................................42
SettingupanInternetaccount .........................................43
AccessingyourInternetaccount ....................................43
UsingtheWorldWideWeb ...........................................44
ConnectingtoaWebsite..........................................45
Downloadingfiles ................................................46
Usinge-mail .......................................................47
Sendinge-mail ..................................................47
Checkingyoure-mail .............................................48
7 Maintaining Your Computer .....................................49
Protectingyourcomputerfromviruses ..................................50
Optimizingandmaintainingyourdata ...................................51
Windowsutilities.................................................51
Windows maintenance . ...........................................52
RunningtheWindowsutilitiesusingHelpSpot .........................53
8 Customizing Your Computer ....................................55
Adjustingthescreenanddesktopsettings ...............................56
AdjustingyoursettingsusingHelpSpot...............................58
Changingthemousesettings..........................................60
Powermanagement .................................................61
UsingStandbymode .............................................61
Changingpowersettings ..........................................62
Aboutinstallingaprinter,scanner,orotherperipheraldevice ................66
9 Restoring Software ..............................................67
Reinstallingdevicedrivers ............................................68
ReinstallingWindows ................................................69
Reinstallingprograms ................................................69
10 Troubleshooting.................................................71
Safetyguidelines ...................................................72
Firststeps .........................................................72
CDdrive ..........................................................73
CleaningCDs ...................................................74
Computer .........................................................74
Filemanagement ...................................................75
Harddrive .........................................................75
Internet ...........................................................76
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Keyboard .........................................................77
Modem...........................................................77
Monitor...........................................................83
Mouse ...........................................................84
Power............................................................86
Printer ...........................................................86
ScanDisk .........................................................87
Sound ...........................................................87
Beforecallingfortechnicalsupport.....................................88
Technicalsupportresources ..........................................89
A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information ......................91
Index..............................................................103
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Computer Basics
This chapter helps you get started with your new computer by:
■ Providing an introduction to your computer features
■ Describing the basic op eration of your computer
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Controls
The following illustrations show the controls and features on the computer
and the keyboard.
Computer front
CD drive tray
CD drive headphone jack
Headphonejackvolumecontrol
CD drive activity light
CD drive manual eject
hole (insert paperclip)
CD eject button
Powerindicatorlight
Power button
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Computer back
Power cable connector
Mouse port
Keyboard port
USB ports
Printer (LPT) port
Monitor port
Speakers jack
Microphone jack
Modem jack
Controls 3
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Keyboard features
Your system comes with a standard keyboard.
Function keys
Windows keys
■ Function keys start program actions. Refer to the program
Indicator lights
Application key
Additional keys
Directional keys
Numeric keypad
documentation to find out more about the function key actions. Each program uses different function keys for different purposes.
■ Indicator lights show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOC K keys
are activated.
■ Additional keys move the cursor up the page, down the page, to the
beginning (home), or to the end of a document.
■ Win dow s ke ys open the Windows Start menu.
■ Application key opens a menu for the current program.
■ Direction al keys move the cursor up, down, right, or left.
■ Numeric keypad types numbers when NUM LOCK is activated.
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Starting and turning off your computer
To start your computer:
1 Connect the cables to your c omputer using the setup poster. 2 Press the power button on your monitor, then press the power button
on your computer.
3 Turn on any peripherals (speakers, printers, scanners, etc.). When the
computer is finished starting, the Windows desktop screen appears.
4 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen
setup instructions.
To turn off your computer:
1 Click Start, then select Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box
opens.
2 Select
Shut down from the drop-down list.
Starting and turning off your computer 5
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3 Click OK. Windows shuts down your computer.
If for some reason you cannot use the shut down your computer , press the power button for abo ut five seconds.
Warning When you shut down your computer the power turns off,
butsome electrical current still flows through the computer. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, unplug the power cable and modem cable from the wall outlets.
Shut down option in Windows to
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage of electricity coming into your computer
can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage.
Protect your computer and peripherals by connecting them to a surge
suppressor, which will absorb voltage surges and prevent them from reaching
your computer.
Warning High voltages can enter your computer through the phone
line connected to the modem. Protect your computer by plugging the telephone line into a surge suppressor with a modem connection. To further protect your computer during an electrical storm, unplug both the surge suppressor from the power outlet and the telephone line from the phone jack.
During a power failure, an uninterr uptable p ower supply (UPS) supplies battery
power to your computer. Although you cannot run your computer for an
extended period of time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long
enough to save your work and shut your computer down normally.
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Using the mouse
The mouse is a devi ce that controls the pointer a nd cursor movement on screen. This illustration shows the standard Gateway mouse.
Right button
Left button
As you move the mouse, the pointer (arrow) on the screen moves in the same direction.
You can use the left and right buttons on your mouse to select objects on the screen.
Using the mouse 7
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For more information on using special features of your mouse and changing
mouse settings, see HelpSpot.
To... Do this...
Move the pointer on the screen
Selectanobjecton the screen
Start a program or openafilefolder
Access a shortcut menu or find more information about an object on the screen.
click
click
click,
click, click
click
click
Move the mouse around on the mouse pad. If you run out of space on your mousepadandneedtomovethepointer farther, pick up the mouse, set it down in the middle of the mouse pad, then continue moving the mouse.
Position the pointer over the object. Quicklypress and release the left mouse buttononce. This action is called clicking.
Position the pointer over the object. Quicklypress and release the left mouse button twice. This action is called double-clicking.
Position the pointer over the object. Quickly press and release the r ight mouse once. This action is called right-clicking.
Movean object on the screen.
click
click
8 Computer Basics
and drag
and drag
Positionthepointerovertheobject.Press the left mouse button and hold it down. Move(drag) the object to the appropriate part of the screen, then release the button.
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Working safely
Before using your computer , read the following recommend ations for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avo iding discomfort and strain.
Hands and arms are parallel to the floor
Top of monitor is not higher than eye level
Feet are flat on the floor
Improving monitor legibilityand reducingeye strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect off the screen of the computer monitor or shine directly into your eyes.
■ Position the computer desk and monitor so that you can avoid glare on
your screen and light shining directly into your eyes.
■ Reduce bright light by installing shades or curtains on windows.
■ Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not work on your
computer in a dark room.
■ Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods o f
time. Look away from your computer occasionally, perhaps focusing on a distant object.
Working safely 9
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Setting up your computertable and chair
When you are setting up your computer table and chair, make sure that you
use a computer table that is the appropriate height and use a chair that helps
you maintain good posture, distributes your weight evenly, and keeps your
body relaxed.
■ Select a flat surface for your computer table.
■ Adjust the height of the computer table so that y our ha nds a nd ar ms are
positioned parallel to the floor when you use the keyboard and mouse.
■ Position your chair so that the keyboard is at or slightly below the level
of your elbow, letting your shoulders relax while you type comfortably.
■ Adjust the height of your chair so that your knees are slightly higher tha n
your hips. You can use a foot rest to adjust the height of your knees and remove the pressure on the back of your thighs.
■ Adjust the back of the chair so that it supports the lower curve o f your
spine. You can also use a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.
Setting up your computer andcomputer accessories
■ Set up the monitor so that the top is no higher than eye level.
■ Place your keyboa rd and mouse at a comf ortable distance. You should
be able to reach them without stretching.
■ Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the computer
monitor.
Sitting at your computer
■ Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are
in a relaxed position when you type.
■ Do not slouch for ward or lean back too fa r.
■ Sit with your back straight so that your knees, hips, and elbows form
approximately 90 de gree angles when you work.
■ Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
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Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain
■ Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
■ Take bre aks so that you can change your position, stretch your muscles,
and relieve your eyes.
■ Find ways to break up the work day, scheduling a variety of tasks.
Working safely 11
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12 Computer Basics
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Getting Started
This chapter helps you get started with your new computer by walking you
through the initial Windows Welcome screens. Set up your system by
following the Setup poster, then start your computer.
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To get started:
1 Start your computer. The Windows Welcome window opens.
2 Click
Next on the first Windows Welc ome window. An option al mouse
tutorial opens.
3 You may complete or skip the mouse tutorial. 4 Click to select your time zone from the list, then click
14 Getting Started
Next.
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5 Read th e End User License Agreement, then select Yes and click Next.
6 Register your copy of Windows with Microsoft by selecting
register online
, then click Next.
Yes, I want to
After completing the registration process, the Get connected to the Internet window opens.
- OR ­Do not register you copy of Windows by selecting
register at this time
, then click Next.
No, I do not want to
The Get connected to the Internet window opens.
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7 Read the information in this window to determine which Internet
connection option you have. If a special Internet offer was included with your system purchase you
should follow the instructions in your Internet Offer Pack.
- OR ­If a special Internet offer was not included with your system purchase you
can sign up for the America Online or Gateway.net ISPs by double-clicking the Desktop.
America Online or Gateway.net icons on the Windows
8 Click
Next.
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9 Click Finish to complete the Windows setup and start using your
computer.
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18 Getting Started
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Getting Help
This chapter tells you about additional information resourc es available to help
you use your computer.
If these resources do not provide the information you need, technical support
resources are available .
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For more information . . .
Gateway has provided these additional resour ces to help you get the most out
of your Gateway PC.
HelpSpot
HelpSpot is an easily accessible set of Help files, troubleshooters, instructional
videos, and automated support . Use HelpSpot to answer questions about
Windows and to help you qu ickly di scover and use the ma ny features of y our
Gateway computer.
To start HelpSpot:
1 Click Start, then select Help, or double-click the Gateway Help & Support
desktop icon.
HelpSpot opens.
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2 Find help or information by clicking a link, performing a search, or
browsing the index.
3 To watch an introductory video about HelpSpot, click
the main HelpSpot page, then click the
Introductionto HelpSpot video link.
Gateway Videos on
For more information . . . 21
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4 To learn about how to work with documents and programs, use your
mouse, and much more, click the main page.
Getting Started link on the HelpSpot
22 Getting Help
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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 by clicking a
You can search for information by viewing the help contents, checking the index, searching for a topic or keyword, or browsing through the online help.
Help button.
Help menu or
For more information . . . 23
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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
■ Hardware drivers
■ A glossary of computer terms
■ Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
For more information about connecting to the Internet, see “Learning about
the Internet” on page 42.
24 Getting Help
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Windows Basics
Read this chapter to get basic information on how to:
■ Wo rk on the Windows desktop
■ Wo rk with document and program windows
■ Manage files and folders
■ Use shortcuts
For more detailed information about Windows, see HelpSpot.
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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.
My
Documents
My
Computer
Recycle
Bin
Internet
Explorer
Gateway.net
America
Online
HelpSpot
Quick Links
Start button Taskbar
26 Windows Basics
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