Gateway E-100M, MX1020, NX100 Quick Reference Guide

NOTEBOOK

REFERENCEGUIDE

®

Contents

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

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Accessing your online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Gateway model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started . . 13

Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Sitting at your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . 15

Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Connecting the dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . 19 Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Using the status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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Contents

Adjusting brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Turning your wireless radio on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 IEEE 802.11 wireless network radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Bluetooth radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Chapter 4: Using Drives and Accessories. . . . . 35

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Removing a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Adding and removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Using an optional port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Installing a printer or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . 39 Connecting a USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Connecting an IEEE 1394 device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Viewing the display on a projector or monitor . . . . . . . . . . 41 Adjusting the display properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Using the projector or monitor for a presentation . . . . 43 Ordering accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Chapter 5: Managing Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Getting the most from your battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Maximizing battery performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Changing notebook power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Changing the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

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Chapter 6: Traveling with Your Notebook	. . . 57
Packing your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . 58
Traveling by air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 58
Dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 58
Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 59
Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 59
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 60
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 61
Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 61
Chapter 7: Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . 63
Caring for your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 64
Cleaning your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 65
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 65
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 66
Cleaning the notebook screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 66
Maintaining the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 66
Storing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 67
Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 68
Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 68
Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . .	. . . . 69
Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 75
Recovering your system to its factory condition	. . . . . 78
Recovering your system using the Windows DVD	. . . . 79
Chapter 8: Upgrading Your Notebook. . . . .	. . 81
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 82
Adding or replacing memory modules . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 83
Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 86
Chapter 9: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . 89
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 90
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 90
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 91
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 91
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 91
CD drives (external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 91

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Contents

Diskette drive (external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 DVD drives (external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Networks (wired) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Networks (wireless) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Pointing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Touchpad or pointing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Appendix A: Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

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CHAPTER1

About This Reference

•About this guide

•Accessing your 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 notebook. For all other notebook information, see your online User Guide.

Accessing your online User Guide

In addition to this guide, your online 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

•Using the Internet

•Protecting your files

•Playing and recording media

•Networking

To access your online User Guide:

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

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Gateway contact information

Important

The labels shown in this section are for informational purposes only. Label information varies by model, features ordered, and location.

Gateway model and serial number

The label on the bottom of your notebook contains information that identifies your notebook model and its features. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance.

Online Support:

Tech Support Phone:

Hours:

Model:

S/No:

Microsoft Certificate of

Authenticity

The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the bottom of your notebook includes the product key code for your operating system.

For more information

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

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CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

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CHAPTER2

Checking Out Your Notebook

•Front

•Left

•Right

•Bottom

•Keyboard area

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Front

Power indicator Batterycharge

				indicator
Component	Icon		Description
Power indicator			■	LED on - Notebook is on.
			■	LED blinking - Notebook is in Sleep or Hybrid
				Sleep mode.
			■	LED off - Notebook is off.

Battery charge indicator

■LED blue - Battery is fully charged.

■LED purple - Battery is charging.

■LED blinking red - Battery charge is very low.

■LED solid red - Battery is malfunctioning. Important: This LED only lights up when your notebook is connected to AC power or the battery charge is very low.

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Left

Power connector									Memory card reader
									PC Card slot
Monitor port		Docking port						Ventilation fan
Component	Icon						Description
Power connector							Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
Monitor port							Plug an analog VGA monitor or projector into
							this port. For more information, see “Viewing
							the display on a projector or monitor” on
							page 41.
Docking port							Connect the optional port replicator to this port.
							Warning: Power is passed through this port.
							This docking connection is certified to UL 1950
							for use only with port replicators designed for
							your Gateway notebook.
Ventilation fan							Helps cool internal components.
							Warning: Do not work with the notebook
							resting on your lap. If the air vents are blocked,
							the notebook may become hot enough to harm
							your skin.
							Caution: Do not block or insert objects into
							these slots. If these slots are blocked, your
							notebookmayoverheatresultinginunexpected
							shutdown or permanent damage to the
							notebook.
							Caution: Provide adequate space around your
							notebook so air vents are not obstructed. Do
							not use the notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or
							other similar surface.

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Component	Icon			Description
PC Card slot				Insert one Type II PC Card into this slot. For
				more information, see “Adding and removing a
				PC Card” on page 37.
Memory card				Insert a memory card from a digital camera,
reader				MP3 player, PDA, or cellular telephone into the
				memory card reader. For more information, see
				“Using the memory card reader” on page 36.
				The memory card reader supports Memory
				Stick®, Memory Stick Pro®, Mini Secure
				Digital®, MultiMediaCard™,
				RS-MultiMediaCard™, and Secure Digital™
				cards.

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Right

USB ports

Ethernet

Modem

Kensington lock slot

jack

jack

Microphone jack

IEEE 1394 port

Headphone jack

Component

Icon

Description

USB ports

Plug USB devices (such as a CD or DVD drive,

diskette drive, flash drive, printer, scanner,

camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.

Ethernet jack

Plug an Ethernet network cable into this jack.

The other end of the cable can be plugged into

a cable modem, DSL modem, or an Ethernet

network jack. For more information, see

“Connecting to a broadband modem or

network” on page 19.

Modem jack

Plug a dial-up modem cable into this jack. For

more information, see “Connecting the dial-up

modem” on page 18.

IEEE 1394 port

Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or

i.Link®) device (such as a digital camcorder or

MP3 player) into this 4-pin IEEE 1394 port.

Headphone jack

Plugamplified speakers or headphones into this

jack. The built-in speakers are turned off when

speakers or headphones are plugged into this

jack.

Microphone jack

Plug a microphone into this jack.

Kensington™

Secure your notebook to an object by

lock slot

connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot.

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Bottom

Memory bay

Battery latch

Battery

Speaker

Speaker

Ventilation fan

Hard
drive	Customercare
bay	label

Component Icon										Description
Hard drive										The hard drive is located in this bay. For more
bay										information, see “Replacing the hard drive kit” on
										page 86.
Speakers										Provide audio output when headphones or amplified
										speakers are not plugged in.
Memory bay										Install a memory module into this bay. For more
										information, see “Adding or replacing memory
										modules” on page 83.
Battery latch										Slide to release the battery. For more information, see
										“Changing the battery” on page 49.
Battery										Provides power when the notebook is not plugged
										into AC power.

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Component	Icon	Description
Ventilation		Helps cool internal components.
fan		Warning: Do not work with the notebook resting on
		your lap. If the air vents are blocked, the notebook
		may become hot enough to harm your skin.
		Caution: Do not block or insert objects into these
		slots. If these slots are blocked, your notebook may
		overheat resulting in unexpected shutdown or
		permanent damage to the notebook.
		Caution: Provide adequate space around your
		notebook so air vents are not obstructed. Do not use
		the notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
		surface.
Customer		Includes the Customer Care contact information. For
Care label		more information, see “Gateway contact information”
		on page 3.

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Keyboard area

Power button

Keyboard

			Status indicators
			Touchpad
Component	Icon		Description
Power button			Press to turn the power on or off. You can also
			configure the power button for Sleep/Resume mode.
			For more informationon configuring the power button
			mode, see “Changing advanced settings” on page 55.
Keyboard			Provides all the features of a full-sized, computer
			keyboard. For more information, see “Using the
			keyboard” on page 24.
Touchpad			Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more
			information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on
			page 28.
Status			Inform you when a drive is in use or when a button
indicators			has been pressed that affects how the keyboard is
			used. For more information, see “Using the status
			indicators” on page 23.

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CHAPTER3

Setting Up and Getting Started

•Working safely and comfortably

•Connecting the AC adapter

•Connecting the dial-up modem

•Connecting to a broadband modem or network

•Starting your notebook

•Turning off your notebook

•Restarting (rebooting) your notebook

•Using the status indicators

•Using the keyboard

•Using the EZ Pad touchpad

•Adjusting the volume

•Turning your wireless radio on or off

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Working safely and comfortably

Before using your notebook, 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.

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

•Although notebooks are sometimes called “laptops,” do not use your notebook while it rests on your unprotected lap. Notebook operating temperatures can become quite high, increasing the risk of burns to your legs. Instead, use a laptop desk to protect your legs.

•Do not use the notebook on any soft, conforming surface, such as your lap, a blanket, carpet, or a sofa. Soft surfaces can block your notebook’s ventilation openings, leading to overheating, permanent damage to your notebook, and fire danger. Instead, place your notebook on a rigid, hard surface, and make sure that you keep the ventilation openings on the sides clear.

Warning

Do not use your notebook on a soft surface, such as your lap, a blanket, carpet, or a sofa. You must keep your notebook’s ventilation openings clear of obstructions, or your notebook may overheat, increasing the risk of fire and personal injury.

Reducing eye strain

Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the 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 notebook in a dark room.

•Avoid focusing your eyes on your screen for long periods of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around the room, and try to focus on distant objects.

•Where feasible, keep your head vertical while looking at the screen. If you use an external keyboard, raise the notebook so the top of its screen is no higher than eye level.

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Setting up your computer desk and chair

When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the desk isthe 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.

Sitting at your notebook

•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 elbowsform 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.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Connecting the AC adapter

You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or your notebook’s battery. The battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the AC adapter right away to fully charge the battery. Allow three hours for the battery to fully charge.

Warning

Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous voltages that can cause serious injury or death. Contact Gateway about returning defective AC adapters.

Caution

Make sure that you use the AC adapter that came with your notebook or one of the same type purchased from Gateway. Replace the power cord if it becomes damaged. The replacement cord must be of the same type and voltage rating as the original cord or your notebook may be damaged.

Important

If the battery is not fully charged before you use your notebook on battery power for the first time, the battery life may be much shorter than you expect. If the battery life seems short even after being charged for three hours, the battery may need to be recalibrated. For information on recalibrating the battery, see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 50.

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

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2Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.

3Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The battery charge indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 6 for the location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery charge indicator does not turn on, complete the following steps until it turns on:

aUnplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug it back in.

bPress FN+F1 to toggle the status lights on and off.

4When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn off your notebook and leave your notebook connected to AC power until the battery charge indicator turns blue.

Important

If the battery charge indicator does not turn blue after three hours, contact Gateway Customer Care at the location shown on the Customer Care label. For more information, see “Gateway contact information” on page 3.

Protecting from power source problems

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your notebook can increase to levels far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your notebook and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your notebook.

Warning

High voltages can enter your notebook through both the power cord and the modem connection. To protect your notebook and avoid electrical shock, use 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.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Connecting the dial-up modem

Your notebook has a built-in 56K modem that you can use to connect to a standard telephone line.

Warning

To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger (for example, No. 24 AWG) UL-listed or CSA-certified telecommunication line cord for your dialup modem connection.

To connect the modem:

1Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on your notebook.

2Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack.

Important

The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.

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Connecting to a broadband modem or network

Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network.

To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired

Ethernet network:

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

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

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Starting your notebook

Warning

Do not work with the notebook resting on your lap. If the air vents are blocked, the notebook may become hot enough to harm your skin.

Caution

Provide adequate space around your notebook so air vents are not obstructed. Do not use the notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.

To start your notebook:

1Lift the LCD panel.

2Press the power button located above the keyboard.

Power button

Tip

For more information about changing the power button mode, see “Changing advanced settings” on page 55.

3If you are starting your notebook 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 peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, and speakers.

Tip

For more information about connecting peripheral devices, see “Installing a printer or other peripheral device” on page 39.

Tip

See the documentation that came with each device for its setup instructions.

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

User Guide.

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Waking up your notebook

When you have not used your notebook for several minutes or if you close the LCD panel without turning off your notebook, it may enter a power-saving mode called Sleep. While in Sleep mode, the power indicator flashes. If your notebook is in Sleep mode, press the power button to “wake” it up.

Tip

For more information about Sleep mode, see “Changing power modes” on page 52.

Turning off your notebook

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

Hibernate mode is an alternative to Sleep mode. In Hibernate mode, your notebook is turned completely off. When you wake your notebook from Hibernate mode, however, the programs that were running when your notebook entered Hibernate mode are running just as you left them.

To put your notebook to sleep:

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

-OR-

Press FN+F3.

Tip

You can change the Sleep mode from the standard Sleep mode (default) to Hybrid Sleep. For more information about Sleep mode, see “Changing power modes” on page 52.

To put your notebook into hibernation:

•Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Hibernate. The notebook saves your session and shuts down to save power.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

To turn off your notebook:

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

Important

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

Restarting (rebooting) your notebook

If your notebook does not respond to keyboard, touchpad, or mouse input, you may have to close programs that are not responding. If closing unresponsive programs does not restore your notebook to normal operation, you may have to restart (reboot) your notebook.

To close unresponsive programs on your notebook:

1Press CTRL+ALT+DEL.

2Click Start Task Manager. The Windows Task Manager dialog box opens.

3Click the program that is not responding.

4Click End Task.

5Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task Manager dialog box.

To restart your notebook:

•Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Restart. The notebook turns off, then turns on again.

Important

If your notebook does not turn off immediately, complete the following steps until the notebook turns off:

1.Press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release

it.

2.Unplug the power cord and remove the battery for more than 10 seconds.

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Using the status indicators

Important

If none of the indicators are on, you may need to press FN+F1 to toggle the status indicators on.

Status indicators inform you when a drive is being used or when a button has been pressed that affects how the keyboard is used. The status indicators are located below the touchpad.

Wireless network					Power	Num lock
	Hard drive				Battery charge		Caps lock
Indicator	Icon				Description
Wireless					■	LED on - Wireless IEEE 802.11 radio is
network						turned on.
(optional)					■	LED off - Wireless IEEE 802.11 radio is
						turned off.
Hard drive					■	LED blinking - Hard drive is being
						accessed.
					■	LED off - Hard drive is not being
						accessed.
Power					■	LED on - Notebook is on.
					■	LED blinking - Notebook is in Sleep
						mode.
					■	LED off - Notebook is off.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Indicator	Icon						Description
Battery							■	LED blue - Battery is fully charged.
charge							■	LED purple - Battery is charging.
							■	LED blinking red - Battery charge is
								very low.
							■	LED solid red - Battery is
								malfunctioning.
Num lock							■	LED on - Numeric keypad is turned on.
		1					■	LED off - Numeric keypad is turned off.
Caps lock							■	LED on - Caps lock is turned on.
		A					■	LED off - Caps lock is turned off.

Using the keyboard

Your notebook features a full-size keyboard that functions the same as a desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate functions, including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for specific system operations, and the Num Lock keys for the numeric keypad.

Function keys/ System keys

FN key

Numeric	Application	Arrow keys/
keypad	key
		Navigation keys

Windows key

Tip

You can attach an external keyboard to the notebook or optional port replicator using a USB port. You do not need to shut down the notebook to connect a USB keyboard.

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Key types

The keyboard has several different types of keys. Some keys perform specific actions when pressed alone and other actions when pressed in combination with another key.

Key type	Icon			Description
Function keys				Press these keys labeled F1 to F11
				to perform actions in programs.
				For example, pressing F1 may
				open help.
				Each program uses different
				function keys for different
				purposes. See the program
				documentation to find out more
				about the function key actions.
				Important: PressFN +F11 toinput
				F12.
System keys				Press these colored keys in
				combination with the FN key to
				perform specific actions. For more
				information, see “System key
				combinations” on page 26.
Numeric keypad				Use these keys to type numbers
				when the numeric keypad is
				turned on. PressFN+	1	toturn on
				the numeric keypad.
FN key				Press the FN key in combination
				with a colored system key to
				perform a specific action.
Windows key				Press this key to open the
				WindowsStart menu. This keycan
				also be used in combination with
				other keys to open utilities like
				F (Search utility), R (Run utility),
				and E (Computer window).
Application key				Press this key for quick access to
				shortcut menus and help
				assistants in Windows.
Arrow keys				Press these keys to move the
				cursor up, down, right, or left.
Navigation keys				Press these keys to move the
				cursor to the beginning of a line,to
				the end of a line, up the page,
				down the page, to the beginning
				of a document, or to the end of a
				document.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

System key combinations

When you press the FN key and a system key at the same time, your notebook performs the action identified by the text or icon on the key.

Press and hold			To...
FN, then press
this system key...
			Toggle the status indicators on or off. For
			more information, see “Using the status
			indicators” on page 23.
			Turn the optional IEEE 802.11 wireless
			network radio on or off. For more
			information, see “Wireless Ethernet
			Networking” in your online User Guide.
			Warning: Radio frequency wireless
			communication can interfere with
			equipment on commercial aircraft. Current
			aviation regulations require wireless
			devices to be turned off while traveling in
			an airplane. IEEE 802.11 communication
			devices are examples of devices that
			provide wireless communication.
			Enter Sleep mode or Hybrid Sleep mode.
			Press the power button to leave Sleep
			mode.For moreinformation, see “Changing
			notebook power settings” on page 54.

Toggle the notebook display in the following order:

■The LCD

■An external monitor or projector (a monitor or projector must be plugged into the monitor port on your notebook)

■Both displays at the same time

For more information, see “Viewing the display on a projector or monitor” on page 41.

Display the power status box in the upper-left corner of your display. The box shows the battery charge level, the BIOS version, and whether the optional wireless network is being used. Press the key combination again to close this box.

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Press and hold FN, then press this system key...

To...

Turn the optional Bluetooth radio on or off. Warning: Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while traveling in an airplane. Bluetooth communication devices are examples of devices that provide wireless communication.

Increase the LCD panel brightness above -+ the normal brightest setting. Use this

feature in bright lighting situations, such as outside in bright sunlight.

Press a second time to decrease the brightness below the normal lowest brightness setting. Use this feature in dim lighting situations.

Press a third time to return the display to the normal brightness setting. Important: Using this feature will affect battery performance.

Decrease volume. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 31.

Increase volume. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 31.

Mute the sound. Press the key combination again to restore the sound. For more information, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 31.

Increase the brightness of the display.

Decrease the brightness of the display.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

The EZ Pad™ consists of a touchpad and two buttons.

Touchpad

Left button

Right button

When you move your finger on the touchpad, the pointer (arrow) on the screen moves in the same direction.

You can use the EZ-Pad left and right buttons below the touchpad to select objects.

Tip

You can attach a mouse to the notebook or optional port replicator using a USB port. You do not need to shut down the notebook to connect a USB mouse.

Tip

For instructions on how to adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, right-hand or left-hand configuration, and other touchpad settings, see “Changing the mouse, touchpad, or pointing device settings” in your online User Guide.

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Tip

You may have received your notebook with the EZ Pad touchpad set to only accept clicking by using the touchpad buttons. You can change this feature to allow tapping on the touchpad to simulate clicking the left button. For more information, see “Changing the mouse, touchpad, or pointing device settings” in your online User Guide.

To...	Do this...
Move the	Move your finger
pointer on	around on the
the screen.	touchpad. If you
	run out of space
	andneedtomove
	the pointer
	farther, lift your
	finger, move it to
	the middle of the
	touchpad, then
	continue moving
	your finger.
Select an	Position the
object on the	pointer over the
screen.	object. Quickly
	press and release
	the left button
	once. This action
	is called clicking.
Start a	Position the
program or	pointer over the
open a file or	object. Press the
folder.	left button twice
	in rapid
	succession. This
	action is called
	double-clicking.
Access a	Position the
shortcut	pointer over the
menu or find	object. Quickly
more	press and release
information	the right button
about an	once. This action
object on the	is called
screen.	right-clicking.

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	CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
To...	Do this...
Move an	Position the
object on the	pointer over the
screen.	object. Press the
	left button and
	hold it down,
	then use the
	touchpad to
	move (drag) the
	object to the
	appropriate part
	of the screen.
	Release the
	button to drop
	the object where
	you want it.

Adjusting brightness

To adjust screen brightness:

•Use the increase brightness and decrease brightness keys on the keyboard. For more information, see “System key combinations” on page 26.

-OR-

Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, then click Windows Mobility Center. The Windows Mobility Center window opens. Slide the Brightness control to the desired screen brightness.

Tip

For more information about the Windows Mobility Center, see “Using the Windows Mobility Center” in your online User Guide.

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Adjusting the volume

You can use the volume control to adjust the overall volume of your notebook.

To adjust the overall volume level 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 “System key combinations” on page 26.

-OR-

Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, then click Windows Mobility Center. The Windows Mobility Center window opens. Slide the Volume control to the desired volume level.

Tip

For more information about the Windows Mobility Center, see “Using the Windows Mobility Center” in your online User Guide.

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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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

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).

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

Turning your wireless radio on or off

Your Gateway notebook may have a factory-installed wireless radio.

Warning

Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11 communication devices are examples of devices that provide wireless communication.

Warning

In environments where the risk of interference to other devices or services is harmful or perceived as harmful, the option to use a wireless device may be restricted or eliminated. Airports, hospitals, and oxygen or flammable gas laden atmospheres are limited examples where use of wireless devices may be restricted or eliminated. When in environments where you are uncertain of the sanction to use wireless devices, ask the applicable authority for authorization prior to using or turning on the wireless device.

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IEEE 802.11 wireless network radio

Your notebook may have an IEEE 802.11 radio for communicating with other computers on a wireless Ethernet network.

To turn the wireless IEEE 802.11 radio on or off:

•Press FN + F2. The wireless status indicator turns on or off. For the location of the wireless status indicator, see “Using the status indicators” on page 23.

-OR-

Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, then click Windows Mobility Center. The Windows Mobility Center window opens. Click Turn wireless on or Turn wireless off.

Tip

For more information about using your notebook on a wireless network, see “Wireless Ethernet Networking” in your online User Guide

Bluetooth radio

Yournotebook may have a Bluetoothradiofor communicating with another Bluetooth device, such as a printer, scanner, camera, MP3 player, headphone, keyboard, or mouse.

To turn the Bluetooth radio on or off:

•Press FN + F6.

Tip

For more information about using your notebook on a Bluetooth Personal Area Network, see “Bluetooth Networking” in your online User Guide

Help

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

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CHAPTER4

Using Drives and Accessories

•Using the memory card reader

•Adding and removing a PC Card

•Using an optional port replicator

•Installing a printer or other peripheral device

•Viewing the display on a projector or monitor

•Ordering accessories

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CHAPTER 4: Using Drives and Accessories

Using the memory card reader

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

Memory card types

The memory card reader supports Memory Stick®, Memory Stick Pro®, MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital™, Mini Secure Digital™, and RS-MultiMediaCard™.

Important

RS-Multimedia Card and Mini Secure Digital cards require the use of an adapter that is available with the media.

Inserting a memory card

To insert a memory card:

•Insert the memory card into the memory card slot with the label facing up and the arrow on the label pointing towards the notebook.

Using a memory card

To access a file on a memory card:

1Click (Start), then click Computer.

2Double-click the drive letter (for example, the E: drive), then double-click the file name.

Removing a memory card

Important

Do not use the remove hardware icon in the taskbar to remove the memory card. If you use the remove hardware icon, your notebook may not recognize your memory card reader until you restart your notebook.

To remove a memory card:

1Push the memory card into the notebook. The memory card pops out slightly.

2Pull the memory card out of the notebook.

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Adding and removing a

PC Card

Your notebook has a PC Card slot (also known as a PCMCIA card slot). This slot accepts one Type II card. You do not need to restart your notebook when changing most cards because your notebook supports hot-swapping. Hot-swapping means that you can insert a PC Card while your notebook is running. If your PC Card does not work after hot-swapping, see the PC Card manufacturer’s documentation for further information.

To insert a PC Card:

•Push the card firmly into the PC Card slot, label-side up, until the outer edge of the card is flush with the side of your notebook.

To remove a PC Card:

1Turn off your notebook, then go to Step 5.

-OR-

Double-click the remove hardware icon in the taskbar. The Safely Remove Hardware dialog box opens.

Important

If the remove hardware icon does not appear on the taskbar, click the show hidden icons button.

2Click the PC Card name, then click Stop. The Stop a Hardware device dialog box opens.

3Click the PC Card name, then click OK. The Safe to Remove Hardware dialog box opens.

4Click OK.

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