Gateway DX210, DX310, DX300, DX420, GT3070m Owner's Manual
...
Gateway Computer
User Guide
Contents
1Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Using Your Computer guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 Checking Out Your Gateway Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Desktop PC Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Desktop PC Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Gateway model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Working safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Setting up your computer and computer accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Connecting the dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ether net network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
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4 Using Drives and Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Playing a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Creating CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5 Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Cleaning the computer display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Restoring your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Reinstalling programs and drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Restoring your computer to the original configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1
CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
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Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
7 Networking Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Introduction to Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Using a router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Creating an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Installing Ethernet cards and drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Making sure your broadband connection works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Naming the computers and the workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Configuring the TCP/IP protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Setting up an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Configuring your router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Testing your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Troubleshooting Your Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
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Chapte r 1
Getting Help
• Using the Gatewa y Web site
• Using Help and Support
• Using BigFix
• Using Y our Computer guide
• Using online help
• Contacting Gatewa y
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Chapter 1: Getting Help
Thank y ou for purchasing our computer!
You have made an excellent decision choosing Gateway. We are sure that you will be
pleased with the outstanding quality, reliability, and performance of your new computer.
Each and every Gateway computer uses the latest technology and passes through the most
stringent quality control tests to ensure that you are provided with the best product
possible.
Please read this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with our range of services and
support. We have highlighted some basic care and safety information to help you keep
your computer in good operating condition.
Gateway stands behind our value proposition to our custom ers — to provide best-of-cla ss
service and support in addition to high-quality, brand-name components at affordable
prices. If you ever have a problem, our knowledgeable, dedicated customer ser vice
department will provide you with fast, considerate service.
We sincerely hope that you will receive the utmost satisfaction and enjoyment from your
new Gateway computer for years to come.
Thanks again, from all of us at Gateway.
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Gateway Web site
Gatewa y W eb site
Gateway's online support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and provides the
most current drivers, product specifications, tutorial s, and personalized information a bout
your computer. Visit the Gateway Support Web site at support.gateway.com
.
Using Support
The Support site is divided into seven major areas:
■ Support Home
■ Product Support
■ Downloads
■ Customer Service
■ Upgrade Center
■ Resources
■ Contact Us
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Chapter 1: Getting Help
Support Home
Click Support Home, then click Computers. To view support documents for your computer,
type your serial number in the
Serial Number box, then click Submit.
Click the arrow button to open the
number to access product documentation, specifications, and guides for all Gateway
computers.
Select Your Computer Product box, then click your model
Product Support
Click Product Support to view a list of all the products that Gateway supports.
Downloads
Click Downloads to get the latest software updates for BIOS and driver upgrades. By entering
your serial number you get drivers specific to your computer. Click
to walk through a step-by-step wizard to locate your drivers.
Browse All Downloads
Customer Service
Click Customer Service to view information about your account and general information
about warranties and special offers.
Upgrade Cent er
Click Upgrade Center to view and purchase upgrades for your computer.
Resources
Click Resources to access utilities to help you manage your computer.
Contact Us
Click Contact Us to access links to customer care with a live technician, including chat
and e-mail. Click
support. For more information, see “Telephone support” on page 78.
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Call Us to get a list of Gateway telephone numbers for both sales and
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Help and Support
Help and Support
Your computer includes Help and Support, an easily accessible collection of help
information, troubleshooters, and automated support. Use Help and Support to answer
questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover and use the many features of
your Gateway computer.
To start Help and Support:
■ Click Start, then click Help and Support. Help and Support op ens.
You can find help information by clicking a link, performing a search, or browsing the
index.
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Chapter 1: Getting Help
Searching for a topic
To search for a topic in He lp an d Supp ort, ty pe a word or phra se ( keywor d) in th e Search
box located at the top of any Help and Support screen, then click the arrow button.
For each search, you receive the following search result types:
■ Suggested Topics - These topics are located in Help and Support and are relevant
to your search topic.
■ Full-text Search Matches - These topi cs are located in Help and Support and contain
the words you entered in the
■ Microsoft Knowledge Base - These topics are located on the Microsoft W eb site and
contain the words you entered in the
Internet to search for and acces s these topics.
To view a list of your search results, click the results header for the type of results you
want to view.
Search box.
Search box. You must be connected to the
To view a topic, clic k the top ic name in the
Search Result s list.
BigFix
BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts. It automatically gathers
information about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from BigFix sites on the
Internet. Whenever BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the blue taskbar icon.
To fix the problem, click on that icon to open BigFix.
To start BigFix:
■ Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click BigFix.
To learn more about using BigFix:
■ From the BigFix program, click Help, then click Tutorial.
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Using Your Computer guide
Using Your Computer guide
In addition to this guide, the Using Your Computer guide has been included on your hard
drive. This guide includes information on using Windows, using the Internet, sending a
fax, and changing power-saving settings as well as other topics.
To access the Using Your Computer guide:
■ Click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
Online help
Many programs provide information online so you can research a topic or learn ho w to
perform a task while you are using the program. You can access most online help
information by selecting a topic from a
Help menu or by clicking a Help button.
Y ou can search for information by viewing the help contents, checking the index, searching
for a topic or keyword, or browsing through the online help.
www.gateway.com
7
Chapter 1: Getting Help
Gateway c ontact information
To help you locate Gateway contact information, you can find the Gateway Web site,
Online Support, and technical support contact information on the label located on the
side of your computer case.
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Tech Support Phone: (U.S.)
Tech Support Hours:
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9004394
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Chapte r 2
Checking Out Your
Gateway Computer
• Identifying features
• Locating your computer model and serial
number
• Locating the Microsoft Certificate of
Authenticity
• Locating the specifications for your
computer
• Purchasing accessories
9
Chapter 2: Checking Ou t Your Gateway Computer
Desktop PC F ront
Your computer includes the following components.
Important Your computer hardware options and port locations may vary from
the illustration below.
DVD / C D d r i v e
USB port
(optional)
DVD/CD drive
(optional)
Diskette dri ve
(optional)
Memory card
reader (optional)
Power button/
power indicator
10
Microphon e jack
Headphone jack
Hard drive indicator
USB ports
(optional)
IEEE 1394 ports
(optional)
www.gateway.com
Desktop PC Front
Component Icon Description
DV D/CD drive Use this drive to listen to aud io CDs , instal l games and prog r ams , w atch
DVDs, and store large files onto recordable discs (depending on drive
type).
This drive may be a CD, recordable CD, DVD, or recordable DVD drive.
To identify you r drive ty pe and f o r more inf ormation ab out y our driv e, see
“Identifying drive types” on page 37.
USB ports (optional) Plug a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device (such as a USB Iomega™
Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into one of
these ports. For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or
other peripheral device” on page 32.
Diskette drive
(optional)
Memory card reader
(optional)
Power button and
power indicator
Hard dr ive indicator Lights when t he hard dr ive is in us e.
IEEE 1394 ports
(optional)
Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external amplifier, or
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is color-coded red or pink.
Insert a standard 3.5-inch diskette into the optional diskette drive.
Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular
telephone, or other devices into the memory card reader.
Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also configure the
power button to operate in Standby/Resume mode or Hibernate mode.
The power indicator lights when the computer is turned on.
®
Plug IEEE 13 94 (also know n as Firewire
a digital camcorder) into these 6-pin IEEE 1394 ports. For more
information, s ee “In stalling a printer , scann er , or oth er peripheral dev ice”
on page 32.
headphones into this jack. This jack is color-coded orange.
or i.Link®) devices (such as
www.gateway.com
11
Chapter 2: Checking Ou t Your Gateway Computer
Desktop PC Back
Your computer includes the following components.
Important Your computer hardware options and port locations may vary from
the illustration below.
Power connector
Case cover
thumbscrew
Rear speaker j ack
(optional)
Ethernet (network) jack
IEEE 1394/FireWire™/
i.Link™ ports (optional)
Voltage switch
Audio in/side speaker jack
Headphone/front speaker jack
Microphone jack
Center/subwoofer jack (optional)
S/PDIF jack (optional)
USB ports
S-Video out jack
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Para l le l p ort
(optional)
TV Tuner
(optional)
Modem jack
Case cover
thumbscrew
Monitor port
Serial port
PS/2 keyboard port
PS/2 mouse port
Monitor port
(optional)
Telephone jack
www.gateway.com
Component Icon Description
Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector.
Desktop PC Back
Case cover
thumbscrews
Rear s pea ker j ack
(black plug)
(optional)
Ethern et (n etwor k)
jack
IEEE 1394 ports Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire
Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port. For more
S-Video (TV) out
jack
(optional)
Modem jack Plug a modem cable into this jack.
Remove these screws before opening the case.
Plug your rear right and left speakers into this optional jack.
For information on configuring this jack, se e “C onf igu ring the aud io ja cks”
on page 30.
Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device (such as a DSL or cable
modem for a broadband Internet connection) into this jack.
For more information, see “Learning about the Internet” in
Computer
guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
digital camcorder) into the se 6-pin IEEE 1394 ports. For more information ,
see “Insta lling a pr inter, scanner, or other pe riphera l device” on page 32.
information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device”
on page 32.
Plug a standard S-Video cable into this optional jack. Plug the other end
of the cable into an S-Video jack on a television.
which has been included on your hard drive. To access this
®
or i.Link®) devices (such as a
Using Your
V oltage switch Before turning on your co mputer , make sure th at this switc h is in the correct
position for t he c orre ct power av ai lable. The switch is preset at th e factory
with the correct voltage for your area.
In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115 volts
at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your
computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the world,
such as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your
computer is operating in an environment such as this, the voltage switch
should be m oved to 230.
www.gateway.com
13
Chapter 2: Checking Ou t Your Gateway Computer
Component Icon Description
Audio input (Li ne
in) jack (blue plug)
-ORSide spea ker j ack
Headphone/analog
speakers jack
(green plug)
-ORFront spea kers jack
Microphon e jack
(pink plug)
Center/subwoofer
jack
(orange plug )
(optional)
If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, this jack is user
configurable for one of the following:
■
Stereo in: plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo) into
this jack so you can record sound on your computer (Default).
■
Stereo out: plug your side left and right speakers into this jack.
For information on configuring this jack, se e “C onf igu ring the aud io ja cks”
on page 30.
If the back of your computer has three audio jacks, this jack is the audio
input (line in) jack. Plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo)
into this jack so you can record sound on your computer.
If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, this jack is user
configurable for one of the following:
■
Headphone: plug headphones or amplified speakers into this jack
(Default).
■
Stereo out: plug your front left and right speakers into this jack.
For information on configuring this jack, se e “C onf igu ring the aud io ja cks”
on page 30.
If the back of your computer has three audio jacks, this jack is the
headphone/analog speaker (line out) jack. Plug powered speakers, an
external amplifier, or headphones into this jack.
Plug a microphone into this jack.
Plug your center speaker and subwoofer into this optional jack.
For information on configuring this jack, se e “C onf igu ring the aud io ja cks”
on page 30.
USB ports Plug USB (Univers alSerial Bus) devices (suc h as a USB Io me ga™ Zip™
drive, printer, scanner, camera, ke yboard, or mouse) into these ports. F or
more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral
device” on page 32.
Monitor port Plug a monitor into this port.
Serial po rt Plu g a serial device (suc h as a digi tal camera ) into thi s por t. For more
information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device”
on page 32.
®
PS/2 keyboard port Plug a Personal System/2
(PS/2) keyboard into this port.
PS/2 mouse p or t Plug a PS/ 2 mouse in to this po rt.
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www.gateway.com
Identifying your mo del
Identifying your model
Important The labels sh own in th is sec t ion ar e for infor m ati on a l pu rposes only.
Label information varies by model, features ordered, and location.
Gatewa y model and serial number
The label on the side of your computer case contains information that identifies your
computer model and serial number . Gateway T echnical Support will need this information
if you call for assistance.
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Tech Support Phone: (U.S.)
Tech Support Hours:
(Canada)
9004394
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of your computer
includes the product key code for your operating system.
www.gateway.com
15
Chapter 2: Checking Ou t Your Gateway Computer
Finding y our specifications
For more information abo ut your computer, such as memo ry size, memo ry type, a nd hard
drive size, visit Gateway’ s Support page at support.gateway.com
links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications. For more
information, see “Using Support” on page 3.
. The Support page also has
Accessories
To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at accessories.gateway .com.
Memory
Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of memory. If
your programs are running more slowly than you think they should, try adding more
memory.
Printers
You can attach almost any type of printer to your computer. The most common types are
inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. See “Installing a printer,
scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 32 for more information about attaching a
printer.
Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but they are slower than laser
printers. Using an inkjet color prin ter, you can print pictures, banners, and greeting cards,
as well as documents.
16
www.gateway.com
Accessories
Laser printers and cartridges are more expens ive, but they print much faster than inkjet
printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are printing large
documents.
Storage Devices
If you need additional storage space or you want to back up your files, you can add storage
devices to you computer.
With a recordable CD or DVD drive, you can free up hard drive space by backing up files,
then removing them from your hard drive. Writable CDs can hold as much as 700 MB of
data. Single layer writable DVD s can hold as much as 4700 MB of data. Dual layer writable
DVDs hold as much as 8500 MB of data. For more information about using recordable
drives, see “Creating CDs and DVDs” on page 39.
If you need to back up your entire system, you probably need a tape backup (TBU) drive.
TBU drives, like tape recorders, use magnetic tape cartridges to store data. Tape drive
cartridges can store 2 GB, 20 GB, 40 GB, 130 GB, or more of data.
If you want to increase your internal storage space, try replacing your existing hard drive
with a larger drive.
USB flash drive
Use a USB flash drive for storing files or transferring files to another computer.
Uninterruptible power supplies
A standby, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protects your computer from data loss
during a total power failure. A UPS uses a battery to keep your computer running
temporarily during a power failure so you can save your work and shut down your
computer correctly. A UPS may also provide protection from power surges.
www.gateway.com
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Chapter 2: Checking Ou t Your Gateway Computer
18
www.gateway.com
Chapte r 3
Getting Started
• Using your computer safely
• Protecting your computer from power
source problems
• T urning your computer on and off
• Adjusting the volume
• Using the keyboard and the mouse
• Installing peripheral devices
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Chapter 3: Getting St arted
W orking safely
Before using your computer , read the following recommendations for setting up a safe and
comfortable work area and avoiding discomfor t and strain.
Top of screen is not
higher than eye level
Screen is
perpen dicular to
Hands and
arms are
parallel to
the floor
your line of sight
Feet are flat on the floor
Reducing eye strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the monitor screen or shine directly
into your eyes.
■ Position the computer desk and monitor so you can avoid glare on your screen
and light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or
curtains on windows, and by installing a glare screen filter on your monitor.
■ Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer in a dark
room.
■ Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods of time. Look
away from your computer occasionally, and try to focus on distant objects.
Setting up your computer desk and chair
When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the desk is the
appropriate height and the chair helps you maintain good posture.
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Working safely
■ Select a flat surface for your c omputer desk.
■ Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands and arms are positioned
parallel to the floor when you use the keyboard and mouse. If the desk is not
adjustable or is too tall, consider using a keyboard drawer.
■ Use an adjustable chair that is com fortable, distributes your wei ght evenly, and
keeps your body relaxed.
■ Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your elbow.
This position lets your shoulders relax while you type.
■ Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the seat, or use a footrest to
distribute your weight evenly on the chair and relieve pressure on the back of your
thighs.
■ Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower curve of your spine. You can
use a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.
Setting up your computer and computer accessories
■ Set up the monitor so the top is no higher than eye level, the monitor controls
are within reach, and the screen is tilted to be perpendicular to your line of sight.
■ Place your keyboard and mouse at a com fortable distance. You should be able to
reach them without stretching.
■ Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the monitor.
Sitting at your computer
■ Avoid bending, ar ching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed
position when you type.
■ Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back straight so your knees,
hips, and elbows form right angles when you work.
■ Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.
■ Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
A voiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain
■ Vary yo ur activi ties to avo id excess ive repeti tion.
■ Take breaks to change your position, stretch your muscles, and relieve your eyes.
■ Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a variety of tasks.
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21
Chapter 3: Getting St arted
Protecting from pow er source pr oblems
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 yo ur
computer and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs
voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your c omputer.
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 ha v e a telep hone mod em, us e a su rge prot ector th at
has a modem jac k. If y ou ha ve a c able modem, u se a surge pro tector
that has an antenn a/cable TV jack. During an electrical storm, un plug
both the surge protector and the modem.
An uninterruptible power su pply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer during a
power failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time
with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut
down your computer normally.
Checking the voltage selection
A power supply is integrated into your computer to provide power to the system board,
add-in cards, and peripheral devices. The voltage selection for your location is typically
set at the factory. Use the power selection switch on the back of your computer to set the
power supply to 115V or 230V. To verify that your system has the correct setting for your
environment, check the voltage selection switch.
22
Caution If you set the v ol tage selection sw itc h in co rrec tly, your system will be
damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location
before turning on your computer.
In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115
volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when
your computer is oper atin g in the U nited Sta tes . In other a reas of the
world, such as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at
50 Hz. If your computer is operating in an environment such as this,
the voltage switch should be moved to 230.
www.gateway.com
Starting your com puter
To set the voltage selection switch:
■ Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the voltage selection switch to
the correct voltage posit ion.
Voltage
selection
switch
Starting your computer
To start your computer:
1 Connect the cables to your computer. See the setup poster.
2 Turn on your computer.
3 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions
to set up your computer.
Important Your computer has a built-in variable speed fan. In addition, your
computer uses a powerful processor which produces heat. Both the
system fan and processor can run at different speeds at times to
ensure proper syst em co oli ng. You may notice an increa se in th e fan
noise when the fan is running at high speed and a decrease in the
fan noise when it switches to normal speed.
4 Turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, and see the
documentation that came with the device for setup instructions.
www.gateway.com
23
Chapter 3: Getting St arted
W aking up your c omputer
When you have not used your computer for several minutes or have not turned off your
computer, it may enter a power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power
indicator flashes.
If your computer is in Standby mode, move the mouse or press the power button to “wake”
it up.
Tips & Tricks For more information about changing the power button mode, see
“Changing Po wer-Saving Setting s” in
been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start,
All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
Using Y o ur Computer
which has
T urning off your c omputer
Warning When you turn off your computer, certain components in the power
supply and system board remain energized. In order to remove all
electrical power from your computer, unplug the power cord and
modem cable from the w all outlets. We recommend disconnecting the
power cord and modem cable when your computer will not be used
for long periods.
To turn off your computer:
1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Tu r n O ff C o m pu t e r dialog box opens.
2 Click Turn Off. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.
Important If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer option in
Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button
for about five seconds, then release it.
24
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