Gateway E4350 User Manual

Contents

1Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

Using Your Computer guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Identifying your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 Checking Out Your Gateway Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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

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

Locating your serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Working safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Setting up your computer and computer accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Standard keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Multifunction keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Wireless keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

4 Using Drives and Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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Playing a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Creating CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

5 Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Restoring your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Reinstalling programs and drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Restoring your computer to the original configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

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Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

7 Networking Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Introduction to Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Using a router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Creating an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Installing Ethernet cards and drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Making sure your broadband connection works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Naming the computers and the workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Configuring the TCP/IP protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Setting up an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Configuring your router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Testing your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Troubleshooting Your Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

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iii

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Chapter 1

Getting Help

• Using the Gateway Web site

• Using Help and Support

• Using Your Computer guide

• Using online help

• Contacting Gateway

Chapter 1: Getting Help

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 link, performing a search, or browsing the index.

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Using Your Computer guide

Searching for a topic

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

For each search, you receive the following search result types:

■ Suggested Topics - These topics are located in Help and Support and are relevant to

your search topic.

■ Full-text Search Matches - These topics are located in Help and Support and contain

the words you entered in the

■ Microsoft Knowledge Base - These topics are located on the Microsoft Web site and

contain the words you entered in the Internet to search for and access these topics.

To view a list of your search results, click the results header for the type of results you want to view.

Search box.

Search box. You must be connected to the

To view a topic, click the topic name in the

Search Results list.

Using Your Computer guide

In addition to this guide, the Using Your Computer guide has been included on your hard drive. This guide includes information on using Windows, using the Internet, sending a fax, and changing power-saving settings as well as other topics.

To access the Using Your Computer guide:

■ Click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

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Chapter 1: Getting Help

Online help

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

You can search for information by viewing the help contents, checking the index, searching for a topic or keyword, or browsing through the online help.

Help menu or by clicking a Help button.

Gateway contact information

For Technical Support, see the Gateway Business Service Plans guide that came with your system.

Identifying your computer

You can find your computer’s serial number on a label on the side of the computer case.

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Chapter 2

Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

• Identifying features

• Locating your computer serial number

• Locating the Microsoft Certificate of

Authenticity

• Locating the specifications for your

computer

• Purchasing accessories

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Front

Your computer includes the following components.

Recordable drives

CD/DVD/

(optional)

Diskette drive

Drive indicator

Power button/ power indicator

USB ports

IEEE 1394 ports

Microphone jack Headphone jack

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Component Icon Description

Front

CD/DVD/Recordable drives

Power button / Power indicator

Diskette drive Insert a standard 3.5-inch diskette into the diskette drive. For more

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

IEEE 1394 port Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire

Microphone jack (pink or red)

Headphone jack (green)

Use these drives to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch DVDs, and store large files onto recordable discs (depending on drive type).

These drives may be CD, recordable CD, DVD, or recordable DVD drives. To identify your drive types and for more information about your drives, see “Identifying drive types” on page 29.

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.

information, see “Using the diskette drive” on page 28.

camera, keyboard, or mouse) into this port. For more information, see

“Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 26.

or i.Link®) device (such as a digital camcorder) into this 4-pin IEEE 1394 port. For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 26.

Plug a microphone into this jack. Although the default active microphone jack is the one on the back of the computer, this jack can be activated through your computer’s sound settings.

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

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Back

Your computer includes the following components:

Power connector

Voltage switch

Case thumbscrew

PS/2 keyboard por t

Serial port

Video/TV out jack

TOSLink (optical

digital audio) port

Audio jacks

USB ports

VGA (monitor)

port

Kensington lock slot PS/2 mouse port

Parallel port

IEEE 1394/FireWire™/ i.Link™ port

Ethernet (network) jack

S-Video out jack Case thumbscrew Digital (monitor) port

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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 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.

PS/2 keyboard port Plug a Personal System/2

Serial port Plug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into this port.

For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other

peripheral device” on page 26.

Video/TV out jack Plug an RCA cable into this jack to connect a video device, such

as a TV or a video recorder.

(PS/2) keyboard into this port.

Back

TOSLINK (optical digital audio) jack

Audio jacks Plug audio devices into these jacks.

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

VGA (monitor) port Plug a monitor into this port.

Kensington™ lock slot

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

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

IEEE 1394 ports Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire

Plug a TOSLINK optical digital audio cable to this jack.

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

peripheral device” on page 26.

Secure your computer to an object by connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot.

information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other

peripheral device” on page 26.

or i.Link®) devices (such as a digital camcorder) into these 4-pin IEEE 1394 ports. For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other

peripheral device” on page 26.

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Component Icon Description

Ethernet (network) jack

S-Video out jack

(optional)

Case thumbscrews Remove these screws before opening the case.

Digital (monitor) port

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 71 or see “Learning about the Internet” in

Computer

access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

Plug a standard S-Video cable into this optional jack. Plug the other end of the cable into an S-Video jack on a television.

Plug a digital monitor into this port. (optional)

which has been included on your hard drive. To

Using Your

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Locating your serial number

The label on the side of your computer case contains information that identifies your computer serial number. Gateway Technical Support will need this information if you call for assistance.

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of your computer includes the product key code for your operating system.

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Finding your specifications

For more information about your computer, such as memory size, memory type, and hard drive size, visit Gateway’s Support page at support.gateway.com links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.

. The Support page also has

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Accessories

To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at accessories.gateway.com.

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.

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 black and white. See “Installing a printer,

scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 26 for more information about attaching a

printer.

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 print much faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are printing large documents.

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 DVD drive, you can free up hard drive space by backing up files, then removing them from your hard drive. Writable CDs can hold as much as 700 MB of data. Single layer writable DVDs can hold as much as 4700 MB of data. Dual layer writable DVDs hold as much as 8500 MB of data. For more information about using recordable drives, see “Creating CDs and DVDs” on page 31.

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 replacing your existing hard drive with a larger drive.

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Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

USB flash drive

Use a USB flash drive for storing files or transferring files to another computer.

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.

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Chapter 3

Getting Started

• Using your computer safely

• Protecting your computer from power source problems

• Turning your computer on and off

• Adjusting the volume

• Connecting the modem and network

• Installing peripheral devices

Chapter 3: Getting Started

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

Hands and

arms are

parallel to

the floor

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 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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Working safely

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.

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.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

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.

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.

Checking the voltage selection

A power supply is integrated into your computer to provide power to the system board, add-in cards, and peripheral devices. The voltage selection for your location is typically set at the factory. Use the power selection switch on the back of your computer to set the power supply to 115V or 230V. To verify that your system has the correct setting for your environment, check the voltage selection switch.

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.

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Starting your computer

To set the voltage selection switch:

■ Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the voltage selection switch to the

correct voltage position.

Voltage switch

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1 Connect the cables to your computer. See the setup poster for setup instructions. 2 Turn on your computer. 3 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions

to set up your computer.

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.

4 Turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, and see the

documentation that came with the device for setup instructions.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Waking up your computer

When you have not used your computer for several minutes or have not turned off your computer, it may enter a power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator flashes.

If your computer is in Standby mode, move the mouse or press the power button to “wake” it up.

Tips & Tricks For more information about changing the power button mode, see

“Changing Power-Saving Settings” in been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

Using Your Computer

which has

Turning off your computer

Warning When you turn off your computer, certain components in the power

supply and system board remain energized. In order to remove all electrical power from your computer, unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall outlets. We recommend disconnecting the power cord and modem cable when your computer will not be used for long periods.

For more information about changing the power button mode, see “Changing Power-Saving Settings” in been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

Using Your Computer

which has

To turn off your computer:

1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn O ff Computer dialog box opens. 2 Click Turn Off. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.

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.

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Restarting (rebooting) your computer

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

To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer:

1 Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. The Task Manager window opens. 2 Click the Applications tab, then click the program that is not responding. 3 Click End Task. 4 Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task Manager dialog box. 5 If your computer does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds, then turn it on again.

Important If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the power button

for about five seconds, then release it.

As a part of the regular startup process, a program to check the disk status runs automatically. When the checks are finished, Windows starts.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Using the keyboard

Standard keyboard

This keyboard is the basic model of keyboard available with your computer.

Function keys Navigation keys Indicators

Windows keys Application

Press these keys... To...

Function keys 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.

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning of a line, to the

end of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning of a document, or to the end of a document.

Indicators Show if your

activated. Press the corresponding key to activate the function.

Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows 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).

Application key Access shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows.

Directional keys Move the cursor up, down, right, or left.

Numeric keypad Use these keys to type numbers when the numeric keypad (

is turned on.

NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK keys are

key

Directional keys

Numeric keypad

NUM LOCK)

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Multifunction keyboard

This keyboard is the full-featured model available with your computer.

Function keys Navigation keys Indicators

Using the keyboard

Press these

Windows keys Application

key

To...

Directional keys

Numeric keypad

keys...

Function keys Start program actions. Each program uses different function keys for different

purposes. See the program’s help to learn more about function key actions.

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning of a line, to the end

of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning of a document, or to the end of a document.

Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK keys are activated.

Press the corresponding key to activate the function.

Windows keys Press this key to open the Windows Start menu. This key can also be used

in combination with other keys to open utilities like utility), and

Application key Access shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows.

Directional keys Move the cursor up, down, right, or left.

Numeric keypad Use these keys to type numbers when the numeric keypad (

turned on.

E (Explorer utility).

F (Search utility), R (Run

NUM LOCK) is

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Special-function buttons

Play/Pause

Volume down

Vol u m e u p

Special-function buttons

Previous Return to the previous CD track or DVD chapter.

Play/Pause Start or pause the play of the CD or DVD.

Stop Stop the play of CD or DVD.

Next Move to the next CD track or DVD chapter.

Icons Press to...

Mute

My Documents

Stop

Help

InternetE-mail

Volume down Decrease the volume.

Volume up Increase the volume.

Mute Turn off all sound.

My Documents Opens the My Documents folder. You can customize this

button to open another program.

Help Open online help. You can customize this button to open

another program.

E-mail Open your e-mail program. You can customize this

button to open another program.

Search Open online search. You can customize this button to

open another program.

Internet Open your Web browser. You can customize this button

to open another program.

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