Gateway DX4200, DX4640, DX4710, DX4720, DX4800 Quick Reference Guide

REFERENCEGUIDE

®

Contents

Chapter 1: About This Reference . . . . . . . . . . . 1

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Accessing the online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Computer. . . . . 5

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started . . 11

Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . .14

Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . . .15 Connecting a dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Using optical drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Loading an optical disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Identifying optical drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Playing discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

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Contents

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer. . . . . . . 33

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Removing the left side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Removing the right side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Replacing the side panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Replacing the color panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Adding or replacing an optical disc drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Replacing the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . 51

Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Creating system recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

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Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Transferring files and settings automatically . . . . . . . . . .65 Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Try these steps first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Internet and networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84 Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Checking for device problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Creating recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . .91 Returning to a previous system condition . . . . . . . . . . . .92 Returning your system to its factory condition . . . . . . . .93 Technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

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Contents

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Calling Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

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CHAPTER1

About This Reference

•About this guide

•Accessing the online User Guide

•Gateway contact information

•Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

•For more information

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CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

About this guide

This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some illustrations in this guide may look different than your computer because hardware options and port locations may vary. For all other computer information, see your online User Guide.

For more information

For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s Support page at www.gateway.com or the Web address shown on your computer’s label. The Support page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.

Accessing the online User Guide

In addition to this guide, your User Guide has been included on your hard drive. Your User Guide is an in-depth, easy-to-read manual that includes information on the following topics:

•Help and technical support

•Using and customizing Windows and other software

•Controlling audio and video settings

•Using the Internet

•Protecting your files

•Playing and recording media

•Networking

To access your User Guide:

•Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

Gateway contact information

See your setup poster for Customer Care contact information. The label on the top of your computer contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number.

Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance.

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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. If you ever reinstall Windows from the installation DVD, you will need to enter these numbers to activate Windows.

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CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

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CHAPTER2

Checking Out Your

Computer

•Front

•Back

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Front

Important

Your computer’s hardware options , port locations, and indicators may vary from this illustration.

Memory card reader

USB ports

Optical disc drive

Copy button

Optical disc drive (optional)

	IEEE 1394/	Power button
	FireWire™ port
	Microphone jack
	Headphone jack

IR sensor				IR learning indicator (red)
Bluetooth activity indicator (blue)			Wireless network connection indicator (green)

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Component	Icon					Description
Memory card						Insert a memory card from a digital camera,
reader						MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other
						device into the memory card reader.
Optical disc drive						Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install
						games and programs, watch DVDs, and store
						large files onto recordable discs (depending on
						drive type). This drive may be a CD, recordable
						CD, DVD, recordable DVD, or Blu-ray drive. For
						more information about your drive, see
						“Identifying optical drive types” on page 23.
Video, Audio left,						Connect your video camera to these jacks.
and Audio right
jacks (optional)
IEEE 1394 port						Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®)
						devices (such as a digital camcorder) into this
						6-pin IEEE 1394 port.
Microphone jack						Plug a microphone into this jack.
Headphone jack						Plug powered, analog front speakers, an
						external amplifier, or headphones into this
						jack.
USB ports						Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as
						a USB external drive, printer, scanner, camera,
						keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.
Copy button						Press this button for fast, one-touch copying of
						photos from your memory card to a folder on
						your computer. The activity indicator inside
						teh button lights while files are being copied.
Power button						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.

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Back

Important

Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration.

Voltage switch

Power connector

PS/2 keyboard port

HDMI jack (optional)

IEEE 1394 port

USB ports

S/PDIF output jack

Microphone jack

Headphone/front speaker jack

DVI port (optional)

HDMI jack (optional)

Modem jack (optional)

Case cover thumbscrew

PS/2 mouse port

Monitor (VGA) port

Ethernet (network) jack

Rear surround speaker jack

Center/subwoofer jack

Audio in/side speaker jack

Case cover thumbscrew

Video card (optional)

TV tuner card (optional)

Wireless network card (optional)

Telephone jack (optional)

Component	Icon				Description
Voltage switch					The switch is preset at the factory. Make
					sure that this is set to the correct voltage for
					your area.
Power connector					Plug the power cord into this connector.
PS/2 keyboard port					Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.

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Component	Icon				Description
HDMI jack					Plug an HDMI cable into this jack and an
					HDMI input jack on a TV or other A/V device.
					HDMI carries a high-quality digital video
					and digital audio signal.
IEEE 1394 port					Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire™)
					devices (such as a digital camcorder) into
					this 6-pin IEEE 1394 port. For more
					information, see “Installing a printer,
					scanner, or other device” on page 30.
USB ports					Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices
					(such as a USB printer, scanner, camera,
					keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For
					more information, see “Installing a printer,
					scanner, or other device” on page 30.
S/PDIF output jack					Plug an optical cable from an amplifier or
					entertainment system into this jack for
					digital sound.
Microphone jack					Plug a microphone into this jack.
(pink plug)
Headphone/analog					This jack is user configurable for one of the
speakers jack (green					following:
plug)					Headphone: Plug headphones or amplified
-OR-					speakers into this jack (Default).
Front speakers jack					Stereo out: Plug your front left and right
					speakers into this jack.
					For more information, see “Configuring the
					audio jacks” on page 30.
DVI port (optional)					Connect a DVI cable to this optional port and
					to a DVI-capable display.
Modem jack					Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more
(optional)					information, see “Connecting a dial-up
					modem” on page 16.
Case cover					Remove this screw before opening the case.
thumbscrew
PS/2 mouse port					Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.
Monitor (VGA) port					Plug a VGA (blue connector) monitor cable
					into this port.

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Component	Icon		Description
Ethernet (network)			Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device
jack			(such as a DSL or cable modem for a
			broadband Internet connection) into this
			jack. For more information, see “Learning
			about the Internet” in the online User Guide.
Rear speaker jack			Plug your rear right and left speakers into
(black plug)			this jack. For more information, see
			“Configuring the audio jacks” on page 30.
Center/subwoofer			Plug your center speaker and subwoofer
jack (orange plug)			into this jack. For more information, see
(optional)			“Configuring the audio jacks” on page 30.
Audio input (Line in)			This jack is user configurable for one of the
jack (blue plug)			following:
-OR-			Stereo in: Plug an external audio input
Side speaker jack			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 more information, see “Configuring the
			audio jacks” on page 30.
Video card (optional)			Plug a VGA or DVI monitor into the VGA
			(blue) or DVI (white) port on this card, if
			installed.
TV tuner card			Plug a video tuner or antenna into this card,
(optional)			if installed.
Wireless network			Lets you wirelessly connect to a
card (optional)			wireless-enabled network.
Telephone jack			Plug the cord from your telephone into this
(optional)			jack.

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CHAPTER3

Setting Up and

Getting Started

•Working safely and comfortably

•Preparing power connections

•Connecting to a broadband modem or network

•Connecting a dial-up modem

•Starting your computer

•Turning off your computer

•Restarting (rebooting) your computer

•Using the keyboard

•Using the mouse

•Using optical drives

•Using the memory card reader

•Adjusting the volume

•Configuring the audio jacks

•Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Working safely and comfortably

Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain:

•Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor.

•Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye level.

•Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.

•Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.

Top of screen is not higher than eye level

Screen is perpendicular to your line of sight

Hands and arms are parallel to the floor

Feet are flat on the floor

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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 screen 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.

•Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer in a dark room.

•Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the monitor.

•Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around the room, 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.

•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 touchpad. If the desk is not adjustable or is too tall, consider using an adjustable chair to control your arm’s height above the keyboard.

•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.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

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 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.

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain

•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.

Preparing power connections

Protecting from power source problems

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.

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.

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.

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Checking the voltage selection

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.

The power supply, a component built into your computer, provides power to the system board, add-in cards, and peripheral devices. The power supply’s voltage selection for your location is typically set correctly for your location at the factory, but you can change it to match the electrical service available in your usage area (such as while in another country). Use the power selection switch on the back of your computer to set the voltage to 115V or 230V.

To set the voltage selection switch:

1Disconnect your computer’s power cable.

2Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the voltage selection switch to the correct voltage position. The switch is located on the back of your computer, near the power cable connector. To see the location, see “Back” on page 8.

Connecting to a broadband modem or network

Important

Your computer may be equipped with a built-in Ethernet (network) jack. For information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network, see your online User Guide.

You can connect your computer to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network.

To connect to a broadband modem or to an Ethernet network:

1Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on the back of your computer.

2Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable modem, DSL modem, or network jack.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Connecting a dial-up modem

Warning

To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunications line cord.

Your computer may have a 56K modem that you can use with a standard telephone line to connect to the Internet or fax documents.

To connect the modem:

1Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the modem at the back of your computer.

2Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. (The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.)

3If you want, you can connect a telephone to the PHONE jack on the modem at the back of your computer.

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1Connect the power, network, mouse, and keyboard cables to your computer according to the setup poster.

2Press the power button on the front of your computer. If your computer does not turn on, check the power cable connections.

Important

Your computer has a built-in, variable-speed fan. In addition, your computer uses a powerful processor which produces heat and has its own cooling fan. Both the system fan and processor fan can run at different speeds at times to ensure correct 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.

3If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to select the language and time zone and to create your first user account.

4Attach and turn on any USB or audio peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, and speakers. If you need to attach a peripheral device to the parallel or serial ports, turn off your computer first. See the documentation that came with each device for its setup instructions.

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5To open your computer’s Start menu, click (Start). From that menu, you can run programs and search for files. For more information on using your computer’s menus, see “Using Windows” and “Customizing Windows” in your online User Guide.

Waking up your computer

Tip

For more information about changing the power button mode, see the “Customizing” chapter in your online User Guide.

When you have not used your computer for several minutes, it may enter a power-saving mode called Sleep. While in Sleep mode, the power indicator on the power button flashes.

If your computer is in Sleep mode, press a key on the keyboard or press the power button to “wake” it up. If the computer remains in Sleep mode, press the power button.

Turning off your computer

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.

Important

If you cannot use the Shut Down option in Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release it.

Putting your computer into Sleep mode is the easiest way to power down your computer. Although it does not turn your computer completely off, it does turn off or slow down most system operations to save power, and saves your desktop layout so the next time you restore power, the programs are laid out just as you left them. Waking your computer from a Sleep state is much faster than turning on your computer after it has been turned completely off.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

To put your computer to sleep:

1Click (Start), then click (power). The computer saves your session and partially shuts down to save power.

2To “wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard or press the power button. If the computer remains in Sleep mode, press the power button.

To turn off your computer:

1Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Shut Down. The computer turns off.

2To completely disconnect all power (such as for servicing internal components), also disconnect the power cord.

Restarting (rebooting) your computer

As a troubleshooting step, you may need to restart (reboot) your computer.

To restart your computer:

1Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on again.

- OR -

Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE twice.

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2If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off (about five seconds), then press it again to turn the computer back on.

Using the keyboard

The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons. Your keyboard also has status indicators that show which keyboard feature is active.

Audio playback keys

Function keys

Windows key	Fn key Application Navigation keys	Numeric keypad
	key

Feature	Icon		Description
Function keys			Press these keys to start program actions. Each
			program uses different function keys for different
			purposes. See the program documentation to
			find out more about the function key actions.
Audio playback			Press these keys to play your audio files and to
keys			adjust the volume.
Windows key			Press this key to open the Windows Start menu.
			This key can also be used in combination with
			other keys to open utilities like F (Find/Search),
			R (Run), and E (Computer).
Fn key			Press this key in combination with keys that have
			alternate functions defined, such as the F9-F12
			keys.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Feature	Icon			Description
Application key				Press this key to access shortcut menus and help
				assistants in Windows.
Navigation keys				Press these keys to move the cursor and to copy,
				cut, and paste objects.
Numeric keypad				Press these keys to type numbers when the
				numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.

Using the mouse

Scroll wheel

Right button

Left button

The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on the computer display. This illustration shows the standard mouse.

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As you move the mouse, the pointer (arrow) on the display moves in the same direction.

You can use the left and right buttons on the mouse to select objects on the display.

You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a document. This feature is not available in all programs.

To...	Do this...
Move the pointer			Move the mouse around. If you
on the computer			reach the edge of your mouse
display			pad and need to move the
			mouse farther, lift the mouse
			and place it in the middle of the
			mouse pad, then continue
			moving the mouse.
Select an object			Position the pointer over the
on the computer			object. Quickly press and
display			release the left mouse button.
			This is called clicking.
Start a program			Position the pointer over the
or open a file or			object. Quickly press and
folder			release the left mouse button
			twice. This is called
			double-clicking.

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	CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
To...	Do this...
Access a		Position the pointer over the
shortcut menu		object. Quickly press and
or find more		release the right mouse button
information		once. This is called
about an object		right-clicking.
on the display.
Move an object		Position the pointer over the
on the computer		object. Press the left mouse
display.		button and hold it down. Move
		(drag) the object to the
		appropriate part of the
		computer display. Release the
		button to drop the object where
		you want it. This is called
		clicking and dragging.

For more information about how to adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, right-hand or left-hand configuration, and other mouse settings, see the “Customizing” chapter in your online User Guide. For instructions on how to clean the mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page 55.

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Using optical drives

Features

Your optical drive has the following basic components:

Flip-down door

Eject button

Loading an optical disc

To insert an optical disc:

1 Press the eject button on the optical disc drive.

Important

When you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure that the label side is facing up. If the disc has two playable sides, place the disc so the name of the side you want to play is facing up.

2Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up.

3Press the eject button to close the tray.

Identifying optical drive types

Your computer may contain one of the following drive types. Press the drive’s eject button, then look on the front of the drive’s disc tray for one or more of the following logos:

If your optical drive has	Your drive type	Use your drive for...
this logo...	is...
	CD	Installing programs, playing
		audio CDs, and accessing data.
	CD-RW	Installing programs, playing
		audio CDs, accessing data, and
		creating CDs.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

If your optical drive has					Your drive type	Use your drive for...
this logo...					is...
					DVD/CD-RW	Installing programs, playing
						audio CDs, accessing data,
						creating CDs, and playing DVDs.
					DVD	Installing programs, playing
						audio CDs, playing DVDs, and
						accessing data.
					DVD+RW	Installing programs, playing
						audio CDs, playing DVDs,
						accessing data, and recording
						video and data to CDs and
						DVD+R or DVD+RW discs.
					DVD R/RW	Installing programs, playing
						audio CDs, playing DVDs,
						accessing data, and recording
						video and data to CDs and
						DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, and
						DVD-RW discs.
					Double layer	Installing programs, playing
					DVD+RW	audio CDs, playing DVDs,
						accessing data, and recording
						video and data to CDs and
						double layer DVD+R discs.
						Note: To use the double layer
						capability of the double layer
						recordable DVD drive, the blank
						DVDs you purchase must state
						Double Layer, Dual Layer, or DL.
						Using other types of blank
						media will result in less
						capacity.

RECORDER

DVD-RAM/-RW Installing programs, playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, accessing data, and recording video and data to CDs and DVD-RAM, DVD-R, or DVD-RW discs.

		Blu-ray Disc	Installing programs, playing
			audio CDs, playing DVDs,
			playing Blu-ray Discs, accessing
			data, and recording video and
			data to CDs, DVD-RAM, DVD-R,
			DVD-RW, and Blu-ray discs.

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Playing discs

Playing a CD

Important

Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these CDs on your computer.

A standard compact disc (CD) can hold an entire album of digital songs and can be played on a CD player or your computer’s CD drive.

Use a music program or Windows Media Player on your computer to:

•Play music CDs

•Create MP3 music files from your music CDs

•Edit music track information

•Use your music files to build a music library

For more information about playing CDs, see your online User Guide.

Playing a DVD

A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD but has greater data capacity. Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies, several albums of music, or several gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc. DVDs can be played on a DVD player or a DVD drive-equipped computer. For more information about playing DVDs, see your online User Guide.

Playing a Blu-ray Disc

Blu-ray Disc is a high-capacity optical disc that can store much more data than a DVD. A dual-layer Blu-ray Disc can hold 50 GB of files, about 23 hours of standard-definition video, or about nine hours of high-definition video. Blu-ray Discs can be played on a Blu-ray-compatible player or a Blu-ray drive-equipped computer. For more information about playing Blu-ray Discs, see your online User Guide.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Creating discs

Recording to optical discs

You can use the disc burning program on your computer to copy tracks from a music CD to your hard drive, copy or create data discs, create music CDs, create video DVDs, and more. For more information about creating CDs and DVDs, see your online User Guide.

Creating audio and video files

You can create audio and music files, either from scratch or from music CDs. You can also create video files from home video. For more information, see your online User Guide.

Copying optical discs

You can copy optical discs to make backups of your data. For more information, see your online User Guide.

Using the memory card reader

You can use the optional memory card reader to transfer pictures from a digital camera to your computer. You can also use the memory card reader to transfer data between your computer and a device that uses memory cards, such as a PDA, MP3 player, or cellular telephone.

SMC/XD memory slot

SD/MMC Serial slot

CF I/II/MD slot	MS Serial slot	USB ports	One-touch
			Copy
			button

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Memory card types

The memory card reader supports several memory card types. To determine which types are supported by your card reader and the slots to use for each type of card, examine the face plate of the reader. Each slot is assigned a different drive letter (for example, the E: and F: drives), so data can be transferred from one memory card type to another.

Using a memory card

Caution

Before inserting a memory card into a slot, make sure that the slot is empty, or you could damage the card reader.

To insert a memory card:

1Insert the memory card into the appropriate memory card slot.

2To access a file on the memory card, click (Start), then click Computer. Double-click the drive letter (for example, the E: drive), then double-click the file name.

To remove a memory card:

•Pull the memory card out of the slot.

Caution

Remove the memory card from the reader before you turn off the computer.

Important

Do not use the Remove Hardware icon in the taskbar to remove the memory card, or you will have to restart the computer to re-enable the memory card reader.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Adjusting the volume

You can adjust volume using your speakers’ controls or the Windows volume controls. You can also adjust the volume of specific sound devices in your computer.

To adjust the overall volume using hardware controls:

•If you are using external speakers, turn the knob on the front of the speakers.

-OR-

Use the mute and volume control buttons on the keyboard. For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on page 19.

To adjust the volume from Windows:

1Click (Volume) on the taskbar. The volume control slider opens.

2Click and drag the slider up to increase volume and down to decrease volume.

3To mute the volume, click (Mute). To restore volume, click it again.

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4To adjust device volume levels, click Mixer. The Volume Mixer dialog box opens, where you can click and drag sliders for individual devices.

Tip

Adjust the Windows Sounds slider to change system sounds volume independently of general volume (such as the volume used for music and game sounds).

5 Click × in the top-right corner of the window to close it.

Help

For more information about adjusting the volume, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type adjusting volume in the Search Help box, then press ENTER.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Configuring the audio jacks

If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, they are universal jacks. This means that they can be used for more than one purpose. For example, the blue jack on the computer can be a stereo in jack or a stereo out jack. To use the audio jacks for something other than the default audio device, you need to configure the audio jacks.

To configure the audio jacks:

Shortcut

Start Á Control Panel Á Hardware and Sound Á Advanced

1Connect your audio device(s) to the computer audio jack(s).

2Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

3Click Hardware and Sound, Sound, the Playback tab, then click Configure.

-OR-

If your computer has the Realtek Sound Effect Manager installed, double-click the Sound Effect Manager

icon on the taskbar. The Realtek dialog box opens.

4Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the audio jacks for your speaker setup.

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

Important

Before you install a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device, see the device documentation and installation instructions.

Your computer has one or more of the following ports:

IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®), Universal Serial Bus (USB), serial, and parallel. You use these ports to connect peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras to your computer. For more information about port locations, see “Checking Out Your Computer” on page 5.

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IEEE 1394 and USB ports support plug-and-play and hot-swapping, which means that your computer will usually recognize such a device whenever you plug it into the appropriate port. When you use an IEEE 1394 or USB device for the first time, your computer will prompt you to install any software the device needs. After doing this, you can disconnect and reconnect the device at any time.

Help

For more information about installing peripheral devices, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type installing devices in the Search box, then press ENTER.

Parallel and serial port devices are not plug-and-play. See the device documentation for detailed information and installation instructions.

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