Gateway Computer
User Guide
Contents
1 Getting 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
3 Getting 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 Ethernet 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Introduction to Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Using a router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Creating an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Installing Ethernet cards and drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
84 |
Making sure your broadband connection works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Naming the computers and the workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Configuring the TCP/IP protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Setting up an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Configuring your router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Testing your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Troubleshooting Your Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
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Chapter 1
•Using the Gateway Web site
•Using Help and Support
•Using BigFix
•Using Your Computer guide
•Using online help
•Contacting Gateway
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Chapter 1: Getting Help
Thank you 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 customers — to provide best-of-class service and support in addition to high-quality, brand-name components at affordable prices. If you ever have a problem, our knowledgeable, dedicated customer service 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
Gateway's online support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and provides the most current drivers, product specifications, tutorials, and personalized information about your computer. Visit the Gateway Support Web site at support.gateway.com.
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
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 Select Your Computer Product box, then click your model number to access product documentation, specifications, and guides for all Gateway computers.
Click Product Support to view a list of all the products that Gateway supports.
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 Browse All Downloads to walk through a step-by-step wizard to locate your drivers.
Click Customer Service to view information about your account and general information about warranties and special offers.
Click Upgrade Center to view and purchase upgrades for your computer.
Click Resources to access utilities to help you manage your computer.
Click Contact Us to access links to customer care with a live technician, including chat and e-mail. Click Call Us to get a list of Gateway telephone numbers for both sales and support. For more information, see “Telephone support” on page 78.
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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.
■ Click Start, then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens.
You can find help information by clicking a link, performing a search, or browsing the index.
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Chapter 1: Getting Help
To search for a topic in Help and Support, type a word or phrase (keyword) in the 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 topics are located in Help and Support and contain the words you entered in the Search box.
■Microsoft Knowledge Base - These topics are located on the Microsoft Web site and contain the words you entered in the Search box. You must be connected to the Internet to search for and access these topics.
To view a list of your search results, click the results header for the type of results you want to view.
To view a topic, click the topic name in the Search Results list.
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.
■ Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click BigFix.
■ From the BigFix program, click Help, then click Tutorial.
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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.
■ Click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
Many programs provide information online so you can research a topic or learn how 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.
You can search for information by viewing the help contents, checking the index, searching for a topic or keyword, or browsing through the online help.
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Chapter 1: Getting Help
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.
Online support:
Tech Support Phone: (U.S.) (Canada)
Tech Support Hours:
9004394
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Chapter 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
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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer
Your computer includes the following components.
Important
DVD/CD drive
USB port (optional)
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Your computer hardware options and port locations may vary from the illustration below.
DVD/CD drive (optional)
Diskette drive (optional)
Memory card reader (optional)
Power button/ power indicator
Hard drive indicator
USB ports (optional)
IEEE 1394 ports (optional)
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Desktop PC Front |
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Component |
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Description |
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DVD/CD drive |
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Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch |
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DVDs, and store large files onto recordable discs (depending on drive |
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type). |
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This drive may be a CD, recordable CD, DVD, or recordable DVD drive. |
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To identify your drive type and for more information about your drive, see |
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“Identifying drive types” on page 37. |
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USB ports (optional) |
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Plug a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device (such as a USB Iomega™ |
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Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into one of |
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these ports. For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or |
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other peripheral device” on page 32. |
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Diskette drive |
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Insert a standard 3.5-inch diskette into the optional diskette drive. |
(optional) |
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Memory card reader |
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Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular |
(optional) |
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telephone, or other devices into the memory card reader. |
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Power button and |
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Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also configure the |
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power indicator |
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power button to operate in Standby/Resume mode or Hibernate mode. |
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The power indicator lights when the computer is turned on. |
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Hard drive indicator |
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Lights when the hard drive is in use. |
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IEEE 1394 ports |
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Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or i.Link®) devices (such as |
(optional) |
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a digital camcorder) into these 6-pin IEEE 1394 ports. For more |
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information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” |
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on page 32. |
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Headphone jack |
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Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external amplifier, or |
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headphones into this jack. This jack is color-coded orange. |
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Microphone jack |
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Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is color-coded red or pink. |
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www.gateway.com |
11 |
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer
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 jack (optional)
Ethernet (network) jack
IEEE 1394/FireWire™/ i.Link™ ports (optional)
Parallel port
S-Video out jack (optional)
TV Tuner (optional)
Modem jack
Case cover thumbscrew
Voltage switch
Audio in/side speaker jack
Headphone/front speaker jack
Microphone jack Center/subwoofer jack (optional) S/PDIF jack (optional)
USB ports
Monitor port
Serial port
PS/2 keyboard port
PS/2 mouse port
Monitor port (optional)
Telephone jack
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Desktop PC Back |
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Component |
Icon |
Description |
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Power connector |
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Plug the power cord into this connector. |
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Case cover |
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Remove these screws before opening the case. |
thumbscrews |
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Rear speaker jack |
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Plug your rear right and left speakers into this optional jack. |
(black plug) |
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For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio jacks” |
(optional) |
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on page 30. |
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Ethernet (network) |
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Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device (such as a DSL or cable |
jack |
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modem for a broadband Internet connection) into this jack. |
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For more information, see “Learning about the Internet” in Using Your |
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Computer which has been included on your hard drive. To access this |
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guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation. |
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IEEE 1394 ports |
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Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or i.Link®) devices (such as a |
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digital camcorder) into these 6-pin IEEE 1394 ports. For more information, |
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see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 32. |
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Parallel port |
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Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port. For more |
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information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” |
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on page 32. |
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S-Video (TV) out |
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Plug a standard S-Video cable into this optional jack. Plug the other end |
jack |
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of the cable into an S-Video jack on a television. |
(optional) |
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Modem jack |
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Plug a modem cable into this jack. |
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Voltage switch |
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Before turning on your computer, make sure that this switch is in the correct |
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position for the correct power available. The switch is preset at the factory |
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with the correct voltage for your area. |
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In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115 volts |
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at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your |
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computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the world, |
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such as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your |
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computer is operating in an environment such as this, the voltage switch |
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should be moved to 230. |
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www.gateway.com |
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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer
Component |
Icon |
Description |
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Audio input (Line |
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If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, this jack is user |
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in) jack (blue plug) |
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configurable for one of the following: |
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-OR- |
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Stereo in: plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo) into |
Side speaker jack |
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this jack so you can record sound on your computer (Default). |
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Stereo out: plug your side left and right speakers into this jack. |
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■ |
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For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio jacks” |
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on page 30. |
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If the back of your computer has three audio jacks, this jack is the audio |
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input (line in) jack. Plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo) |
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into this jack so you can record sound on your computer. |
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Headphone/analog |
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If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, this jack is user |
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speakers jack |
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configurable for one of the following: |
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(green plug) |
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Headphone: plug headphones or amplified speakers into this jack |
-OR- |
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(Default). |
Front speakers jack |
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■ |
Stereo out: plug your front left and right speakers into this jack. |
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For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio jacks” |
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on page 30. |
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If the back of your computer has three audio jacks, this jack is the |
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headphone/analog speaker (line out) jack. Plug powered speakers, an |
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external amplifier, or headphones into this jack. |
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Microphone jack |
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Plug a microphone into this jack. |
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(pink plug) |
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Center/subwoofer |
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Plug your center speaker and subwoofer into this optional jack. |
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jack |
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For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio jacks” |
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(orange plug) |
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on page 30. |
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(optional) |
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USB ports |
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Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB Iomega™ Zip™ |
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drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For |
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more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral |
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device” on page 32. |
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Monitor port |
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Plug a 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 port. For more |
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information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” |
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on page 32. |
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PS/2 keyboard port |
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Plug a Personal System/2® (PS/2) keyboard into this port. |
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PS/2 mouse port |
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Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port. |
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Identifying your model
Important The labels shown in this section are for informational purposes only. Label information varies by model, features ordered, and location.
The label on the side of your computer case contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number. Gateway Technical Support will need this information if you call for assistance.
Online support:
Tech Support Phone: (U.S.) (Canada)
Tech Support Hours:
9004394
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 |
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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer
For more information about your computer, such as memory size, memory type, and hard drive size, visit Gateway’s Support page at support.gateway.com. The Support page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications. For more information, see “Using Support” on page 3.
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 printer, you can print pictures, banners, and greeting cards, as well as documents.
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Accessories
Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, 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 DVDs 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 |
17 |
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer
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Chapter 3
•Using your computer safely
•Protecting your computer from power source problems
•Turning your computer on and off
•Adjusting the volume
•Using the keyboard and the mouse
•Installing peripheral devices
19
Chapter 3: Getting Started
Before using your computer, read the following recommendations for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain.
Hands and arms are parallel to the floor
Top of screen is not higher than eye level
Screen is perpendicular to your line of sight
Feet are flat on the floor
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.
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 computer desk.
■Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you use the keyboard and mouse. If the desk is not adjustable or is too tall, consider using a keyboard drawer.
■Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes your weight evenly, and keeps your body relaxed.
■Position your chair so the keyboard is at or 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.
■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 comfortable distance. You should be able to reach them without stretching.
■Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the monitor.
■Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.
■Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right angles when you work.
■Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.
■Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
■Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
■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.
www.gateway.com |
21 |
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.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer during a power failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut down your computer normally.
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.
Caution If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, 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 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 moved to 230.
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■Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the voltage selection switch to the correct voltage position.
Voltage selection switch
Starting your computer
1
2
3
Connect the cables to your computer. See the setup poster.
Turn on your computer.
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 system cooling. You may notice an increase in the 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.
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Chapter 3: Getting Started
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 Power-Saving Settings” in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start,
All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
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 wall outlets. We recommend disconnecting the power cord and modem cable when your computer will not be used for long periods.
1
2
Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box opens.
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.
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