Gateway E-2100 Owner's Manual
Your Gateway Computer
E-2100 user's guide
Customizing
Troubleshooting
Contents
1 Checking Out Your Gateway E-2100 Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Identifying your computer case style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Gateway Mid Tower Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Gateway Mid Tower Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Gateway Micro Tower Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Gateway Micro Tower Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Desktop to tower conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Gateway model number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Gateway serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2 Setting Up Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Working safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Setting up your computer and computer accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
HelpSpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
HelpSpot videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Do More With Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Using eSupport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4 Using Drives and Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
i
Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Creating CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Copying a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Creating a data CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Copying music tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Creating a music CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
5 Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Cleaning the monitor screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Power management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Using power saving modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Changing advanced power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Activating and using Hibernate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Setting up an uninterruptible power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
6 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Using the Restoration CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
Updating device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
7 Upgrading Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Selecting a place to work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
Gathering the tools you need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
ii
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Identifying your computer case style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Gateway Mid Tower Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Adding or replacing a CD, DVD, or diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Adding or replacing add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Gateway Micro Tower Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Adding or replacing a CD, DVD, or diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Replacing the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Adding or replacing add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
8 Using the BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Opening the BIOS Setup utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Updating the BIOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Setting the BIOS configuration jumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
9 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Cleaning CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
iii
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180
Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181
Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
A E-2100 Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
B Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
iv
Checking Out
Your Gateway
E-2100 Computer
This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your
Gateway E-2100 computer. Read this chapter to learn:
■ How to identify the features of your Gateway
computer
■ How to locate your computer’s model and serial
number
■ How to locate the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
■ How to locate the specifications for your computer
■ What accessories are available for your computer
1
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway E-2100 Computer
Identifying your computer case style
Use the following descriptions to identify your computer case style.
Gateway Mid Tower Gateway Micro Tower
The Gateway Mid Tower case has
an access door on the front that
covers the drive bays and other
components.
For information on the Gateway Mid
Tower case, see “Gateway Mid
Tower Front” on page 3.
2
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The Gateway Micro Tower has a
rotating base and does not have an
access door.
For information on the Gateway
Micro Tower case, see “Gateway
Micro Tower Front” on page 8.
Gateway Mid Tower Front
Your computer may contain any of the following components.
Gateway Mid Tower Front
CD/DVD/Recordable
drive
5.25-inch drive bay cover
3.5-inch drive bay cover
Diskette drive
Power button
Headphone jack
(optional)
CD/DVD
eject button
USB ports
Diskette eject
button
Microphone jack
(optional)
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway E-2100 Computer
Component Icon Description
CD/DVD/Recordable
drive
5.25-inch drive bay
cover
3.5-inch drive bay
cover
Diskette drive Use this drive to store smaller files on diskettes. For more
Power button Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also
Headphone jack
(optional)
Microphone jack
(optional)
Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and
programs, watch DVDs, and store large files onto recordable
CDs and DVDs (depending on drive type). For more
information, see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on page 42.
This drive may be a CD, CD-RW, DVD, DVD+RW, or
DVD-RAM/-RW/CD-RW drive. To identify your drive type
and for more information about your drive, see “Identifying
drive types” on page 42.
Remove this cover to install an additional 5.25-inch drive.
Remove this cover to install an additional 3.5-inch drive.
information, see “Using the diskette drive” on page 40.
configure the power button to operate in Standby/Resume
mode or Hibernate mode. For more information on changing
the power button setting, see “Changing power settings” on
page 79.
Plug headphones into this jack. This jack is color-coded lime
green.
Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is color-coded
red or pink.
CD/DVD eject button Press this button to open the CD or DVD drive tray. For more
information, see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on page 42.
USB ports USB v2.0 Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a digital
camera) into these ports.
Diskette eject button Press this button to eject an inserted diskette. For more
information, see “Using the diskette drive” on page 40.
4
www.gateway.com
Gateway Mid Tower Back
Your computer may contain any of the following components.
Gateway Mid Tower Back
Power connector
Voltage switch
PS/2 mouse port
PS/2 keyboard port
USB ports
Serial port
Parallel port
Monitor port
USB ports
Microphone jack
Headphone/speakers (Line out) jack
Audio input (Line in) jack
Telephone jack (optional)
Kensington
lock slot
Case cover
shipping
screw
Microsoft
Certificate of
Authenticity
Ethernet
(Network)
jack
Add-in card
retention
thumbscrew
Modem jack (optional)
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway E-2100 Computer
Component Icon Description
Power connector Plug the power cable into this connector.
Voltage switch Before turning on your computer, make sure that this
switch is in the correct position for the correct voltage. 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.
PS/2 mouse port Plug a Personal System/2
PS/2 keyboard port Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
USB ports USB v2.0 Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a
mouse, keyboard, or printer) into these ports.
®
(PS/2) mouse into this port.
Serial port Plug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into this
port.
Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port.
Monitor port Plug a monitor into this port.
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is color-coded
red or pink.
Headphone/speakers
(Line out) jack
Audio input (Line in)
jack
Telephone jack
(optional)
6
Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external
amplifier, or headphones into this jack. This jack is
color-coded green.
Plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo)
into this jack so you can record sound on your computer.
This jack is color-coded blue.
If your modem has a telephone jack, plug the cable for
a telephone into this jack.
www.gateway.com
Gateway Mid Tower Back
Component Icon Description
Modem jack (optional) Plug a modem cable into this jack.
Kensington™ lock slot Secure your computer to an object by connecting a
Kensington cable lock to this slot.
Case cover shipping
screw
Microsoft Certificate of
Authenticity
Ethernet (Network) jack Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device (such as a
Add-in card retention
thumbscrew
Remove this screw before opening the case.
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity (COA) contains
your Windows product key.
DSL or cable modem) into this jack.
Remove this screw when adding or replacing add-in
cards.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway E-2100 Computer
Gateway Micro Tower Front
Your computer may contain any of the following components.
CD/DVD eject button
CD/DVD/Recordable drive
Power button
Zip drive eject button
Zip drive
USB ports
Microphone
jack
Headphone
jack
Diskette drive
Diskette eject button
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Gateway Micro Tower Front
Component Icon Description
CD/DVD eject button Press this button to open the CD or DVD drive tray. For
more information, see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on
page 42.
CD/DVD/Recordable
drive
Zip drive eject button Press this button to eject an inserted Zip disk.
Zip drive Use this drive to store larger files on Zip disks.
Diskette drive Use this drive to store smaller files on diskettes. For more
Diskette eject button Press this button to eject an inserted diskette. For more
Power button Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also
USB ports USB v2.0 Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a digital
Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and
programs, watch DVDs, and store large files onto
recordable CDs and DVDs (depending on drive type). For
more information, see “Using the CD or DVD drive” on
page 42.
This drive may be a CD, CD-RW, DVD, DVD+RW, or
DVD-RAM/-RW/CD-RW drive. To identify your drive type
and for more information about your drive, see “Identifying
drive types” on page 42.
information, see “Using the diskette drive” on page 40.
information, see “Using the diskette drive” on page 40.
configure the power button to operate in Standby/Resume
mode or Hibernate mode. For more information on
changing the power button setting, see “Changing power
settings” on page 79.
camera) into these ports.
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is color-coded
red or pink.
Headphone jack Plug headphones into this jack. This jack is color-coded
lime green.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway E-2100 Computer
Gateway Micro Tower Back
Your computer may contain any of the following components.
PS/2 keyboard port
USB ports
Serial port
Monitor port
USB ports
Microphone jack
PS/2 mouse port
Kensington
lock slot
Case cover
shipping screw
Parallel port
Ethernet
(Network) jack
Audio input
(Line in) jack
Headphone/speakers
(Line out) jack
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Power connector
Voltage switch
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Gateway Micro Tower Back
Component Icon Description
PS/2 keyboard port Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
USB ports USB v2.0 Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a
mouse, keyboard, or printer) into these ports.
Serial port Plug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into
this port.
Monitor port Plug a monitor into this port.
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is
color-coded red or pink.
Power connector Plug the power cable into this connector.
PS/2 mouse port Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.
Kensington™ lock slot Secure your computer to an object by connecting a
Kensington cable lock to this slot.
Case cover shipping screw Remove this screw before opening the case.
Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port.
Ethernet (Network) jack Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device (such as
a DSL or cable modem) into this jack.
Audio input (Line in) jack Plug an external audio input source (such as a
stereo) into this jack so you can record sound on your
computer. This jack is color-coded blue.
Telephone jack (optional) If your modem has a telephone jack, plug the cable
for a telephone into this jack.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway E-2100 Computer
Component Icon Description
Headphone/speakers
(Line out) jack
Voltage switch Before turning on your computer, make sure that this
Plug powered, analog front speakers, an external
amplifier, or headphones into this jack. This jack is
color-coded green.
switch is in the correct position for the correct voltage.
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.
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Gateway Micro Tower Back
Desktop to tower conversion
You can convert your Gateway Micro Tower case from desktop to tower
configuration using the rotating foot included with your system.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway E-2100 Computer
Identifying your model
Important The labels shown in this section are for informational
purposes only. Label information varies by model, features
ordered, and location.
Gateway model number
The label on the back of your computer case contains information that
identifies your computer model. The label also contains your serial number.
Gateway Technical Support will need this information if you call for assistance.
Gateway serial number
You can locate the Gateway serial number:
■ Printed on a white sticker on the front or top of your computer case.
■ Printed on the customer invoice that came with your computer. The
invoice also contains your customer ID number.
■ Displayed in HelpSpot in Windows XP. Click Start, Help and Support, then
View product serial number.
click
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Identifying your model
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of your
computer case includes the product key code for your operating system.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway E-2100 Computer
Finding your specifications
For more information about your computer, such as memory size, memory type,
and hard drive size, go to the
eSupport page at support.gateway.com
additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.
In Windows XP, view your computer’s serial number or check your
specifications by clicking
My Computer Info link in HelpSpot or visit Gateway’s
. The eSupport page also has links to
Start, Help and Support, then clicking My Computer Info.
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Finding your specifications
You can also find out more about your computer at the Gateway eSupport site.
Visit support.gateway.com
page 37.
. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway E-2100 Computer
Accessories
Gateway offers various accessories that can help you make the most of using
your computer. To order accessories, visit the Accessory Superstore at
accessories.g
Networking kit
With a networking kit, you can network (link) two or more computers. After
you have set up a network, you can access the files, drives, and printers on
linked computers, play multiplayer games, and even share one Internet
connection.
Two types of networking kits are available. Wireless networking kits use radio
frequency to link your computers wirelessly. Ethernet networking kits use
network cabling to link your computers.
Imaging equipment
A digital camera lets you take pictures that you can view and edit on your
computer.
A digital video camera lets you take videos and pictures that you can view and
edit on your computer.
ateway.com.
A scanner copies an image, such as a graphic or document, then stores the copy
in a file.
You can attach your digital photographs or scanned images to e-mail messages
or post them on a Web site.
Printers
You can attach almost any type of printer to your computer. The most common
types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or in black and white.
Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but they are slower than
laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you can print pictures, banners,
and greeting cards, as well as documents.
Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but they usually print much
faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when
you are printing large documents.
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Accessories
Storage Devices
If you need additional storage space or you want to back up your files, you
can add storage devices to you computer.
With a recordable CD or DV D drive, you can fre e u p hard drive space by bac king
up files, then removing them from your hard drive. Writable CDs can hold as
much as 700 MB of data. Writable DVDs can hold as much as 4.7 GB of data.
For more information about using recordable drives, see “Creating CDs and
DVDs” on page 45.
Iomega Zip drives, like diskette drives, use disks to store data. Zip disks can store
100 MB, 250 MB, or 750 MB of data. You can use a Zip drive to back up files
you do not use so you can remove them from your hard drive. Zip drives also
provide an easy way to transfer files between computers (if both computers have
internal Zip drives or if you have one external, portable Zip drive).
If you need to back up your entire system, you probably need a tape backup
(TBU) drive. TBU drives, like tape recorders, use magnetic tape cartridges to store
data. Tape drive cartridges can store 2 GB, 20 GB, 40 GB, 130 GB, or more of
data.
If you want to increase your internal storage space, try adding a second hard
drive or replacing your existing hard drive with a larger drive. For more
information about installing a larger drive, see “Adding or replacing a hard
drive” on page 109 or “Replacing the hard drive” on page 133.
Memory
Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of
memory. If your programs are running more slowly than you think they should,
try adding more memory. For more information, see “Installing memory” on
page 144.
Uninterruptible power supplies
A standby, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protects your computer from
data loss during a total power failure. A UPS uses a battery to keep your
computer running temporarily during a power failure so you can save your work
and shut down your computer correctly. A UPS may also provide protection
from power surges. For information, see “Setting up an uninterruptible power
supply” on page 84.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway E-2100 Computer
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Setting Up Your
Computer
This chapter provides basic information about your
Gateway computer. Read this chapter to learn how to:
■ Use your computer safely
■ Start and turn off your computer
■ Restart (reboot) your computer
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Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Computer
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer
can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage.
Protect your computer and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge
protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your
computer.
Warning High voltages can enter your computer through both the
power cord and the modem connection. Protect your
computer by using a surge protector. If you have a
telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a
modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge
protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an
electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the
modem.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer
during a power failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an
extended period of time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long
enough to save your work and shut down your computer normally. For more
information, see “Setting up an uninterruptible power supply” on page 84.
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Working safely
Before using your computer, read the following recommendations for setting
up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain.
Top of screen is not
higher than eye level
Screen is
perpendicular to
your line of sight
Hands and
arms are
parallel to
the floor
Working safely
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 monitor so you can avoid glare on your
screen and light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing
shades or curtains on windows, and by installing a glare screen filter on
your monitor.
■ Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer
in a dark room.
■ Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods of time.
Look away from your computer occasionally, and try to focus on distant
objects.
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Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Computer
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 mouse. If
the desk is not adjustable or is too tall, consider using a keyboard drawer.
■ Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes your weight evenly,
and keeps your body relaxed.
■ Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your
elbow. This position lets your shoulders relax while you type.
■ Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the seat, or use a footrest
to distribute your weight evenly on the chair and relieve pressure on the
back of your thighs.
■ Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower curve of your spine.
You can use a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.
Setting up your computer and computer accessories
■ Set up the monitor so the top is no higher than eye level, the monitor
controls are within reach, and the screen is tilted to be perpendicular to
your line of sight.
■ Place your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable distance. You should be
able to reach them without stretching.
■ Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the monitor.
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