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

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REFERENCEGUIDE

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

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

iii

Contents

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

Calling Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

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

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

CHAPTER1

About This Reference

• About this guide

• Accessing the online User Guide

• Gateway contact information

• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

• For more information

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 on your computer’s label. The Support page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.

or the Web address shown

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.

www.gateway.com

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.

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

• Front

• Back

CHAPTER2

Checking Out Your

Computer

Front

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Important

Your computer’s hardware options , port locations, and indicators may

vary from this illustration.

Memory card reader

Optical disc drive

IEEE 1394/

FireWire™ port

Microphone jack

Headphone jack

USB ports

Copy button

Optical disc drive (optional)

Power button

IR learning indicator (red)IR sensor

Wireless network connection indicator (green)Bluetooth activity indicator (blue)

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Component Icon Description

Memory card reader

Optical disc drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install

Video, Audio left, and Audio right jacks (optional)

IEEE 1394 port Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.

Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an

USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as

Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other device into the memory card reader.

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.

Connect your video camera to these jacks.

devices (such as a digital camcorder) into this 6-pin IEEE 1394 port.

external amplifier, or headphones into this jack.

a USB external drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.

)

Copy button Press th is button for fast, one-touch co pying 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.

Back

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

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 thumbs crew

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

IEEE 1394 port Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire™)

USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices

S/PDIF output jack Plug an optical cable from an amplifier or

Microphone jack (pink plug)

Headphone/analog speakers jack (green plug)

-ORFront speakers jack

HDMI input jack on a TV or other A/V device. HDMI carries a high-quality digital video and digital audio signal.

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.

(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.

entertainment system into this jack for digital sound.

Plug a microphone into this jack.

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 more information, see “Configuring the

audio jacks” on page 30.

DVI port (optional) Connect a DVI cable to this optional port and

Modem jack (optional)

Case cover thumbscrew

PS/2 mouse port Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.

Monitor (VGA) port Plug a VGA (blue connector) monitor cable

to a DVI-capable display.

Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more information, see “Connecting a dial-up

modem” on page 16.

Remove this screw before opening the case.

into this port.

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Component Icon Description

Ethernet (network) jack

Rear speaker jack (black plug)

Center/subwoofer jack (orange plug) (optional)

Audio input (Line in) jack (blue plug)

-ORSide speaker jack

Video card (optional) Plug a VGA or DVI monitor into the VGA

TV tuner card (optional)

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 the online User Guide.

Plug your rear right and left speakers into this jack. For more information, see

“Configuring the audio jacks” on page 30.

Plug your center speaker and subwoofer into this jack. For more information, see

“Configuring the audio jacks” on page 30.

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 more information, see “Configuring the

audio jacks” on page 30.

(blue) or DVI (white) port on this card, if installed.

Plug a video tuner or antenna into this card, if installed.

Wireless network card (optional)

Telephone jack (optional)

Lets you wirelessly connect to a wireless-enabled network.

Plug the cord from your telephone into this jack.

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

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.

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

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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.

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 n ot slou ch forward or lean far b ack. Si t wit h yo ur 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/cableTV 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:

1 Disconnect your computer’s power cable. 2 Use 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:

1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network

jack on the back of your computer.

2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable

modem, DSL modem, or network jack.

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:

1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem

jack on the modem at the back of your computer.

2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone

wall jack. (The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.)

3 If 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:

1 Connect the power, network, mouse, and keyboard

cables to your computer according to the setup poster.

2 Press 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.

3 If 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.

4 Attach 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.

www.gateway.com

5 To 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.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

To put your computer to sleep:

1 Click (Start), then click (power). The computer

saves your session and partially shuts down to save power.

2 To “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:

1 Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then

click Shut Down.

The computer turns off.

2 To 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:

1 Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then

click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on again.

- OR -

Press C

TRL+ALT+DELETE twice.

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2 If 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.

key

Audio playback keys

Navigation keys Numeric keypad

Function keys

Windows key Application

Fn key

Feature Icon Description

Function keys Press these keys to start program actions. Each

Audio playback keys

Windows key Press this key to open the Windows Start menu.

program uses different function keys for different purposes. See the program documentation to find out more about the function key actions.

Press these keys to play your audio files and to adjust the volume.

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.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Feature Icon Description

Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor and to copy,

Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the

assistants in Windows.

cut, and paste objects.

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.

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

You c an 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...

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Move the pointer on the computer display

Select an object on the computer display

Start a program or open a file or folder

Move the mouse around. If you reach the edge of your mouse 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.

Position the pointer over the object. Quickly press and release the left mouse button. This is called clicking.

Position the pointer over the object. Quickly press and release the left mouse button twice. This is called double-clicking.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

To... Do this...

Access a shortcut menu or find more information about an object on the display.

Move an object on the computer display.

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.

Position the pointer over the object. Quickly press and release the right mouse button once. This is called right-clicking.

Position the pointer over the object. Press the left mouse 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.

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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.

2 Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up. 3 Press 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 this logo...

Your drive type is...

CD-RW

Use your drive for...

Installing programs, playing audio CDs, and accessing data.

Installing programs, playing audio CDs, accessing data, and creating CDs.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

If your optical drive has this logo...

Your drive type is...

DVD/CD-RW

DVD

DVD+RW

DVD R/RW

Double layer DVD+RW

Use your drive for...

Installing programs, playing audio CDs, accessing data, creating CDs, and playing DVDs.

Installing programs, playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, and accessing data.

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

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.

Installing programs, playing 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

Blu-ray Disc

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.

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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