Gateway E-1500, S-5105 Owner's Manual

ATX Pro

USERGUIDE

www.gateway.com

Chapter 1: Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Thank you for purchasing our computer! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Using the Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Using Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Getting help for Windows Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Using online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Finding your model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Connecting a dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Premium multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Elite multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Chapter 3: Using Windows Vista. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Using the Windows desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Adding icons to the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Identifying window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Using the Windows Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Chapter 4: Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Chapter 5: Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Using Windows Fax and Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Sending a Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Setting up your cover page template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Faxing a scanned document or from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Chapter 6: Using Your Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Connecting a projector or monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Connecting a television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Modifying television settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Connecting a video camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Chapter 7: Using Your Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Playing music and movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

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Playing audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Playing optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Creating audio files and music libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Creating music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Creating music CDs and video DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Creating a music CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Creating a video DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Creating and copying data discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Creating a data disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Using Windows Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Starting Windows Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Using the Media Center remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Chapter 8: Customizing Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Changing screen settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Changing color depth and screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Changing gadgets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Setting up multiple monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Changing system sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Changing mouse settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Changing power-saving settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Changing accessibility settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Using the Ease of Access Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Using voice recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Chapter 9: Networking Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Introduction to Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Making sure your broadband connection works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Networking terms you should know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Wired Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Using a router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Setting up wired Ethernet network hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Wireless Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Wireless Ethernet standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Using an access point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Setting up wireless Ethernet network hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Setting up your network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Naming the computers and the workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Configuring the TCP/IP protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Connecting to a wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

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Wireless security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Testing your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Adding a printer to your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Sharing resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Sharing drives and printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Using the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Viewing shared drives and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Creating a shortcut to a network drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Opening files across the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Copying files across the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Printing files across the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Chapter 10: Protecting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Hardware security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Kensington lock slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Data security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Startup and hard drive password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Windows user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Using McAfee SecurityCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Using Windows Security Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Security updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Windows Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Chapter 11: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

System recovery options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Recovering specific files and software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Recovering your system using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

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Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Transferring files and settings with Windows Easy Transfer . . . . . . . . . 120

Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Chapter 12: Adding and Replacing Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Replacing a CD, DVD, or Diskette Drive, or a Memory Card Reader . . . . . . . . . 129

Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Replacing the front fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Replacing the rear fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Replacing the heat sink and processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Replacing the I/O board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Chapter 13: Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Contents

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

CHAPTER 1

Getting Help

• Thank you for purchasing our computer!

• Using the Gateway Web site

• Using Help and Support

• Using online help

• Finding your model and serial number

• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

CHAPTER 1: Getting Help

Thank you for purchasing our computer!

You have made an excellent decision choosing Gateway. We are sure that you will be pleased with the outstanding quality, reliability, and performance of your new computer. Each and every Gateway computer uses the latest technology and passes through the most stringent quality control tests to ensure that you are provided with the best product possible.

Please read this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with our range of services and support. We have highlighted some basic care and safety information to help you keep your computer in good operating condition.

Gateway stands behind our value proposition to our customers—to provide best-of-class service and support in addition to high-quality, brand-name components at affordable prices. If you ever have a problem, our knowledgeable, dedicated customer service department will provide you with fast, considerate service.

We sincerely hope that you will receive the utmost satisfaction and enjoyment from your new Gateway computer for years to come.

Thanks again, from all of us at Gateway.

Using the Gateway Web site

Gateway’s online support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and provides the most current drivers, product specifications, tutorials, and personalized information about your computer. Visit the Gateway Support Web site at www.gateway.com

www.gateway.com

Using Help and Support

Your computer includes Help and Support, an easily accessible collection of help information, troubleshooters, and automated support. Use Help and Support to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover and use the many features of your Gateway computer.

To start Help and Support:

• Click (Start), then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens.

You can find help information by clicking a general topic under Find an answer, selecting an option under Ask someone, or picking a catagory from Information from Microsoft. You can also search for a topic.

Searching for a topic

To search for a topic in Help and Support, type a word or phrase (keyword) in the Search Help box located at the top of any Help and Support screen, then press ENTER.

For each search, you receive a list of suggested topics. To find the answer, click the result that most closely matches your question. Additional results may be available if the first list does not address your question.

Getting help for Windows Media Center

If your computer has Windows Vista Media Center Edition, you can access help for information on how to use it.

To access Media Center help:

1 Click (Start), then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens. 2 In the Help and Support window, type Windows Media Center in the Search Help box,

then press E

-OR-

If you are connected to the Internet, you can click Windows Online Help, then type

Windows Media Center in the Search Help For box.

NTER. The Media Center Help window opens.

CHAPTER 1: Getting Help

Using online help

If you are connected to the Internet, many programs provide information online so you can research a topic or learn how to perform a task while you are using the program. You can access most online help information by selecting a topic from a Help menu or by clicking the Help button on the menu bar and selecting Online Support from the list.

Available information depends on the particular Help site to which you are taken. Many provide FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), a search feature, articles about their software, tutorials, and forums where problems and issues are discussed.

Finding your model and serial number

Important

The labels shown in this section are for informational purposes only. Label

information varies by model, features ordered, and location.

The label on the side of your computer case includes your computer serial number. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance.

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back, side, or top of your computer includes the product key code for your operating system. If you ever reinstall Windows Vista from the installation DVD, you will need to enter these numbers to activate it.

CHAPTER 2

Setting Up and Getting Started

• Front

• Back

• 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

• Adjusting the volume

• Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

Front

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

Your computer includes the following components (your computer may differ from the computer shown below).

DVD/CD drive

Empty 5.25’-inch drive bay

Memory card reader (optional)

Power button/power indicator

Hard drive activity indicator

Microphone jack

USB ports

Headphone jack

Component Icon Description

DVD/CD drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch DVDs,

USB ports Plug a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device (such as a printer, scanner, camera,

Empty 5.25-inch drive bay

and store large files onto recordable discs (depending on drive type). This drive may be a CD, recordable CD, DVD, or recordable DVD drive. To identify your drive type and for more information about your drive, see

“Identifying drive types” on page 48.

keyboard, or mouse) into this port. For more information, see “Installing a

printer, scanner, or other device” on page 18.

Use this bay to install optional drives.

Memory card reader (optional)

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. See “Using the memory card

reader” on page 50.

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Component Icon Description

Back

Power button/Power indicator

Hard drive activity indicator

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is color-coded red or pink.

Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external amplifier, or headphones

Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also configure the power button to operate in Standby/Resume mode or Hibernate mode. The button lights when the computer is turned on.

Lights when the hard drive is active.

into this jack. This jack is color-coded green.

Your computer includes the following components (your computer may differ from the computer shown below).

Power connector

Voltage swit ch

PS/2 mouse port

PS/2 keyboard port

Serial port

Video port

USB ports

Headphone jack

Microphone jack

Tele ph one jack

Case cover thumbscrew

Parallel port

Ethernet (network) jack

Audio in speaker jack

Modem jack

Case cover thumbscrew

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

Component Icon Description

Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector.

Voltage switch Before turning on your computer, make sure that this switch is in

Case cover thumbscrew

PS/2 mouse port Plug a Personal System/2

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

Serial port Plug a serial device into this port. For more information, see

Video port Plug a monitor into this port.

USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a printer, scanner,

Headphone/analog speakers jack (green)

the correct position for the correct power available. The switch is preset at the factory with the correct voltage for your area. In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal 115 volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the world, such as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your computer is operating in an environment such as this, the voltage switch should be moved to 230.

Remove this screw before opening the case.

(PS/2) keyboard into this port.

“Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on page 18.

camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on

page 18.

Plug powered speakers, an external amplifier, or headphones into this jack.

Microphone jack (red or pink)

Telephon e jack Plug a telephone cable into this jack.

Case cover thumbscrew

Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port. For more

Ethernet (network) jack

Audio input (Line in) jack (blue)

Modem jack Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more information on

Case cover thumbscrew

Plug a microphone into this jack.

Remove this screw before opening the case.

information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on

page 18.

Plug a 10/100 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 “Networking Your Computer” on page 81.

Plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo) into this jack so you can record sound on your computer.

modems, see “Connecting a dial-up modem” on page 11.

Remove this screw before opening the case.

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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 leve.

• 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

Hands and arms are

parallel to the floor

Screen is perpendicular to your line of sight

Feet are flat on the floor

Reducing eye strain

Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the monitor screen or shine directly into your eyes.

• Position the computer desk and 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.

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

• 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 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

War ning

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.

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.

www.gateway.com

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 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 verify that your system has the correct setting for your area, check the voltage selection switch.

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.

Connecting to a broadband modem or network

Important

Your computer may be equipped with a built-in Ethernet port. For information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network, see

“Networking Your Computer” on page 81.

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.

Connecting a dial-up modem

War ning

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

Your computer may have a 56K modem add-in card 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 expansion card

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 expansion

card 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.

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

Important

Your computer has a built-in variable speed fan. In addition, your computer uses a powerful processor which produces heat. Both the system fan and processor can run at different speeds at times to ensure proper system cooling. You may notice an increase in the fan noise when the fan is running at high speed and a decrease in the fan noise when it switches to normal speed.

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. See the documentation that came with each device for its setup instructions. If you need to attach a peripheral device to the parallel or serial ports, turn off your computer first.

5 To open your computer’s main 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 Vista” on page 23 and “Customizing Windows” on page 67.

Waking up your computer

Tip

For more information about changing the power button mode, see

“Changing power-saving settings” on page 77.

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, move the mouse, press a key on the keyboard, or press the power button to “wake” it up.

Turning off your computer

War ning

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 for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer option in Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release it.

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.

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, move the mouse, press a key on the keyboard, or press the

power button.

To turn off your computer:

1 Click (Start), click the arrow next to the power icon, then click Shut Down. The

computer turns off.

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

disconnect the power cord.

Restarting (rebooting) your computer

If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, 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.

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

Premium multimedia keyboard features

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

Function keys

diting buttons

Feature Icon Description

Internet buttons

Windows keys

Audio playback buttons

Application key Directional keys Numeric keypad

Navigation keys

Indicators

Internet buttons

Editing buttons Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.

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.

Internet buttons Press these buttons to launch your Internet

home page, search, or e-mail programs.

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

Feature Icon Description

Audio playback buttons

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the

Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or

Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows

Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help

Directional keys Press these keys to move the cursor up, down,

Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the

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

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.

SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the

corresponding key to activate the function.

Start menu. These keys can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like

F (Search utility), R (Run utility), and E (Explorer

utility).

assistants in Windows.

right, or left.

numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.

Elite multimedia keyboard features

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

Audio

Sleep button

Function keys

Windows keys

Internet buttons

Application key

Navigation keys

playback buttons

Numeric keypad

Indicators

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Feature Icon Description

Sleep button Press this button to activate your computer’s

Function keys Press these keys to start program actions.

Application buttons Press these buttons to launch your Internet

Audio playback buttons

Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or

Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows

Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and

Editing buttons Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.

Sleep (power-saving) mode.

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

home page, search for files, or launch the calculator program.

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

SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the

corresponding key to activate the function.

Start menu. These keys can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities

like F (Search utility), R (Run utility), and E (Explorer utility).

help assistants in Windows.

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the

Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when 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. Press the arrow keys to move the cursor.

numeric keypad (N

UM LOCK) is turned on.

Using the mouse

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

Scroll wheel

Left button

Right 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 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 on the computer display

Select an object on the computer display

click

Move the mouse around on the mouse pad. If you run out of space on your mouse pad and need to move the pointer farther, pick up the mouse, set it down 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 once. This action is called clicking.

To... Do this...

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Start a program or open a file or folder

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

Move an object on the computer display.

click

(hold)

click,

click, click

click

For more information about how to adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, right-hand or left-hand configuration, and other mouse settings, see “Changing mouse settings” on page 75. For instructions on how to clean the mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page 108.

Adjusting the volume

click

and drag

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

Position the pointer over the object. Quickly press and release the right mouse button once. This action 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.

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 E

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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 13.

To adjust the volume from Windows:

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

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

2 Click and drag the slider up to increase volume and down to decrease volume. 3 To mute the volume, click (Mute). To restore volume, click it again. 4 To 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 X in the top-right corner of the window to close it.

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® or i.Link®), 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 “Back” on page 7.

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 Help box, then press E

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

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CHAPTER 3

Using Windows Vista

• Using the Windows desktop

• Working with files and folders

• Searching for files

• Working with documents

• Shortcuts

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows Vista

Using the Windows desktop

After your computer starts, the first screen you see is the Windows desktop. The desktop is like the top of a real desk. Think of the desktop as your personalized work space where you open

programs and perform other tasks.

Help

For more information about the Windows desktop, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the phrase Windows desktop in the Search Help box, then press E

Your desktop may be different from this example, depending on how your computer is set up. The desktop contains the taskbar, the Start button, and the Recycle Bin icon.

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Desktop elements Description

The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of the computer display containing the Start button on the left and a clock on the right. Other buttons on the taskbar represent programs that are running. Click a program’s button on the taskbar to open the program’s window.

The Start button provides access to programs, files, help for Windows and other programs, and computer tools and utilities. Click the Start button, then open a file or program by clicking an item on the menu that opens.

The Recycle Bin is where files, folders, and programs that you discarded are stored. You must empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete them from your computer. For instructions on how to use the Recycle Bin, see “Deleting files and folders” on page 29.

The Windows Security Center icon may appear on the taskbar near the clock. The icon changes appearance to notify you when the security settings on your computer are set below the recommended value or when updates are available. Double-click this icon to open the Windows Security Center. For more information, see “Modifying security settings”

on page 102.

Using the Start menu

Help

For more information about the Windows Start menu, click Start, then click Help and

Support. Type Windows Start me nu in the Search Help box, then press E

You can start programs, open files, customize your system, get help, search for files and folders, and more using the Start menu.

To use the Start menu:

1 Click (Start) on the lower left of the Windows desktop. The Start menu opens, showing

you the first level of menu items.

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Shortcut

Start Ö All Programs Ö

2 Click All Programs to see all programs, files, and folders in the Start menu. If you click

an item with a folder icon, the programs, files, and subfolders appear.

3 Click a file or program to open it.

Adding icons to the desktop

Help

For more information about the desktop icons, click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type desktop icons in the Search Help box, then press E

You may want to add an icon (shortcut) to the desktop for a program that you use frequently.

To add icons to the desktop:

Shortcut

Start Ö All Programs Ö right-click programÖ Send To Ö Desktop (create shortcut)

1 Click (Start), then click All Programs. 2 Right-click (press the right mouse button) the program that you want to add to the desktop. 3 Click Send To, then click Desktop (create shortcut). A shortcut icon for that program

appears on the desktop.

Identifying window items

Help

For more information about windows, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type

window in the Search Help box, then press E

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows Vista

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When you double-click the icon for a drive, folder, file, or program, a window opens on the desktop. This example shows the Local Disk (C:) window, which opens after you double-click the Local Disk (C:) icon in the Computer window.

Search box

Title bar

Menu bar

Close Maximize Minimize

Every program window looks a little different because each has its own menus, icons, and controls. Most windows include these items:

Window item Description

The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top of a window that shows the window title.

The Search box lets you search for a word or phrase in the current window.

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