Gateway E-6610Q, E-6610D Owner's Manual

BTX Pro

USERGUIDE

®

www.gateway.com

Contents

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Chapter 2: Setting Up and Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting a dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Premium multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Elite multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Chapter 3: Using Windows Vista. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Using the Windows desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Adding icons to the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Identifying window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

i

Contents

Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using the Windows Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Chapter 4: Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Chapter 5: Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Using Windows Fax and Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Sending a Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Setting up your cover page template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Faxing a scanned document or from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Chapter 6: Using Your Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Connecting a projector or monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Connecting a television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Modifying television settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Connecting a video camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Chapter 7: Using Your Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Playing music and movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Playing audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

ii

www.gateway.com

Playing optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Creating audio files and music libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Creating music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Creating music CDs and video DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Creating a music CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Creating a video DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Creating and copying data discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Creating a data disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Using Windows Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Starting Windows Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Using the Media Center remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Chapter 8: Customizing Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Changing screen settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Changing color depth and screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Changing gadgets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Setting up multiple monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Changing system sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Changing mouse settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Changing power-saving settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Changing accessibility settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Using the Ease of Access Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Using voice recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Chapter 9: Networking Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Introduction to Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Making sure your broadband connection works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Networking terms you should know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Wired Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Using a router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Setting up wired Ethernet network hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Wireless Ethernet networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Wireless Ethernet standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Using an access point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Setting up wireless Ethernet network hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Setting up your network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Naming the computers and the workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Configuring the TCP/IP protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Connecting to a wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Wireless security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

iii

Contents

Testing your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Adding a printer to your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Sharing resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Sharing drives and printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Using the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Viewing shared drives and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Creating a shortcut to a network drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Opening files across the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Copying files across the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Printing files across the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Chapter 10: Protecting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

Hardware security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Kensington lock slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Data security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Startup and hard drive password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Windows user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Using McAfee SecurityCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Using Windows Security Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Security updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Windows Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Chapter 11: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

System recovery options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Recovering specific files and software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Recovering your system using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

iv

www.gateway.com

Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Transferring files and settings with Windows Easy Transfer . . . . . . . . . 116

Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Chapter 12: Adding and Replacing Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Replacing a CD, DVD, or diskette drive, or a memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . 126

Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Replacing the front fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Replacing the rear fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Replacing the heat sink and processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Replacing the I/O panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

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

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

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

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

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

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

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

DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

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

Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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

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

v

Contents

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

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

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

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

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

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

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

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

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

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

vi

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

1

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

.

2

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.

3

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 or side 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.

4

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

• Configuring the audio jacks

• Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

5

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

Spare 5.25-inch drive bay

Spare 3.5-inch drive bay

Memory card reader
(optional). This bay can also
hold an optional diskette
drive.

Power button/power indicator

IEEE 1394 ports (optional on
some models)

USB ports

Headphone jack

Microphone jack

Component Icon Description

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

Spare 3.5-inch
external drive
bay

Spare 5.25-inch
external drive
bay

Memory card
reader (optional)

Power
button/Power
indicator

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 46.

Use this drive bay for a memory card reader or other 3.5-inch drive.

Use this drive bay for an additional CD or DVD drive.

Insert a variety of memory cards into this optional memory card reader. For
more information, see “Using the memory card reader” on page 48.

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.

6

www.gateway.com

Component Icon Description

Back

IEEE 1394 ports Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or i.Link®) device (such as a digital

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

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

camcorder) into these 4-pin IEEE 1394 ports. For more information, see

“Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on page 20.

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

printer, scanner, or other device” on page 20.

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

Cover release lever

Case cover thumbscrew

Kensington lock slot

Rear speaker jack

(optional)

Ethernet (network) jack

IEEE 1394 port

Parallel port

Voltage switch

Audio in/side speaker jack

Headphone/front speaker jack

Microphone jack
Center/subwoofer jack (optional)

S/PDIF optical audio jack (optional)

USB ports

Digital coaxial audio jack (E-6610).
Video port (not shown) on E-6300 and
E-6500 models.

Modem jack (optional)

Serial port

PS/2 keyboard port
PS/2 mouse port

DVI video port (standard on E-6610,
optional on E-6300 and E-6500).

Telephone jack (optional)

7

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

Component Icon Description

Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector.

Cover release lever Press toward the side of the case to open the computer cover.

Case cover
thumbscrew

Kensington lock slot Attach a cable lock to this slot, then attach the cable to a solid object

Rear speaker jack
(black plug)
(optional)

Ethernet (network)
jack

IEEE 1394 port
(optional)

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

Modem jack
(optional)

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

Remove this screw before opening the case.

like a desk or table to prevent your computer from being stolen.

Dual-purpose audio jack. Plug your rear right and left speakers into
this optional jack.
For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio

jacks” on page 49.

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 IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® 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 device” on

page 20.

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

page 20.

Plug a modem cable into this jack.

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.

8

Audio input (Line
in)/side speaker jack
(blue)

Headphone/analog
speakers jack (green)

-OR­Front speakers jack

Microphone jack (red
or pink)

If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, this jack is user
configurable for one of the following:
Stereo in: Plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo)
into this jack so you can record sound on your computer (Default).
Stereo out: Plug your side left and right speakers into this jack.
For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio

jacks” on page 49.

If the back of your computer has three audio jacks, this jack is the
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.

If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, this jack is user
configurable for one of the following:
Headphone: Plug headphones or amplified speakers into this jack
(Default).
Stereo out: Plug your front left and right speakers into this jack.
For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio

jacks” on page 49.

If the back of your computer has three audio jacks, this jack is the
headphone/analog speaker (line out) jack. Plug powered speakers,
an external amplifier, or headphones into this jack.

Plug a microphone into this jack.

www.gateway.com

Component Icon Description

Center/subwoofer
jack
(orange plug)
(optional)

S/PDIF optical audio
jack (optional)

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

Digital coaxial audio
port (E-6610), or
Video port (E-6300
and E-6500)

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

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

PS/2 mouse port Plug a Personal System/2

DVI video port Plug a digital monitor into this port (E-6610). Optional on some

Telephone jack
(optional)

Dual-purpose audio jack. Plug your center speaker and subwoofer
into this optional jack.
For information on configuring this jack, see “Configuring the audio

jacks” on page 49.

Plug a single Toslink™ optical fiber connector into this jack for
digital audio. S/PDIF (Sony/Phillips Digital Interface) provides digital
audio output from a CD or DVD.

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

page 20.

Plug a single digital coaxial audio connector into this jack for digital
audio. Provides digital audio output from a CD or DVD (E-6610)

Plug a monitor into this port (E-6300 and E-6500).

“Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on page 20.

®

(PS/2) keyboard into this port.

models (E-6300 and E-6500).

Plug a telephone cable into this jack.

9

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

Working safely and comfortably

Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable
work area and avoiding discomfort and strain:

• Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor.

• Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is

no higher than eye 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.

10

• Select a flat surface for your computer desk.

• Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands and arms are positioned parallel to

the floor when you use the keyboard and touchpad. If the desk is not adjustable or is too
tall, consider using an adjustable chair to control your arm’s height above the keyboard.

• Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes your weight evenly, and keeps your

body relaxed.

• Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your elbow. This

position lets your shoulders relax while you type.

• Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the seat, or use a footrest to distribute

your weight evenly on the chair and relieve pressure on the back of your thighs.

• Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower curve of your spine. You can use a

pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.

Sitting at your 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.

www.gateway.com

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.

11

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

Checking the voltage selection

Caution

If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be
damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location before turning
on your computer. In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal
115 volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your
computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the world, such
as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your computer
is operating in an environment such as this, the voltage switch should be moved
to 230.

The power supply, a component built into your computer, provides power to the system board,
add-in cards, and peripheral devices. The power supply’s voltage selection for your location is
typically set 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.

12

www.gateway.com

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1 Connect the power, network, mouse, and keyboard cables to your computer according to

the setup poster.

2 Press the power button on the front of your computer. If your computer does not turn

on, check the power cable connections.

Important

Your computer has a built-in variable speed fan. In addition, your
computer uses a powerful processor which produces heat. 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, 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 21, 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.

13

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

To put your computer to sleep:

1 Click (Start), then click (power). The computer saves your session and partially shuts

down to save power.

2 To “wake” your computer, 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 Turn Off. The computer

turns off.

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

disconnect the power cord.

Restarting (rebooting) your computer

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 power 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

Editing buttons

Internet
buttons

Windows keys

Audio playback buttons

Application
key

Navigation keys

Directional keys

Indicators

Internet buttons

Numeric keypad

14

www.gateway.com

Feature Icon Description

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

Function keys Press these keys to start program actions. Each

Internet buttons Press these buttons to launch your Internet

Audio playback
buttons

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the

Indicators Show if your N

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,

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

home page, search, or e-mail programs.

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.

UM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or

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 Press these keys to type numbers when the

numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.

15

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

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.

Sleep button

Function keys

Internet buttons

Audio
playback
buttons

Indicators

Windows
keys

Application key

Navigation
keys

Numeric
keypad

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

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.

CROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the

S

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).

16

Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and

help assistants in Windows.

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

www.gateway.com

Feature Icon Description

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the

Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the

Using the mouse

Scroll wheel

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

Right button

UM LOCK) is turned on.

Left button

The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on the computer display. This
illustration shows the standard mouse.

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

You 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.

17

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

To... Do this...

Move the
pointer on the
computer
display

Select an object
on the computer
display

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

click

(hold)

click

click

click,

click,
click

click

and drag

and drag

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.

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.

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

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

NTER.

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 14.

18

www.gateway.com

To adjust the volume from Windows:

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

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.

Configuring the audio jacks

If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, they are universal jacks. This means that they
can be used for more than one purpose. For example, the blue jack on the computer can be a
stereo in jack or a stereo out jack. For more information on how each jack can be used, see your
hardware reference. To use the audio jacks for something other than the default audio device,
you need to configure the audio jacks.

To configure the audio jacks:

Shortcut

Start Ö Control Panel Ö Sounds and Audio Devices Ö Advanced.

1 Connect your audio device(s) to the computer audio jack(s).
2 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

19

CHAPTER 2: Setting Up and Getting Started

3 Click Hardware and Sound, Sound, the Playback tab, then click Configure.

-OR-

If your computer has the Realtek Sound Effect Manager installed, double-click the Sound
Effect Manager icon on the taskbar. The Realtek dialog box opens.

4 Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the audio jacks for your speaker setup.

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 your hardware reference.

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 box, then
press Enter.

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

20

CHAPTER 3

Using Windows Vista

• Using the Windows desktop

• Working with files and folders

• Searching for files

• Working with documents

• Shortcuts

21

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 click the magnifying glass.

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.

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 27.

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 101.

22

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.

www.gateway.com

NTER.

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.

23

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

NTER.

NTER.

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.

24

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

www.gateway.com

Window item Description

Clicking the minimize button
reduces the active window to a
button on the taskbar. Clicking the
program button in the taskbar
opens the window again.

Clicking the maximize button
expands the active window to fit
the entire computer d isplay. Cli cking
the maximize button again restores
the window to its former size.

Clicking the close button closes the
active window or program.

Clicking an item on the menu bar starts an action such as Print or
Save.

Working with files and folders

Viewing drives

You can organize your files and programs to suit your preferences much like you would store
information in a file cabinet. You can store these files in folders and copy, move, and delete the
information just as you would reorganize and throw away information in a file cabinet.

Help

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

files and folders in the Search Help box, then press E

Drives are like file cabinets because they hold files and folders. A computer almost always has
more than one drive. Each drive has a letter, usually Local Disk (C:) for the hard drive and
Floppy (A:) for the diskette drive. You may also have more drives such as a CD or DVD drive.

To view the drives, folders, and files on your computer:

NTER.

1 Click (Start), then click Computer.

Hard drives

Diskette drive

Disc drive

2 Double-click the drive icon.

25

Creating folders

Folders are much like the folders in a file cabinet. They can contain files and other folders.
Files are much like paper documents—letters, spreadsheets, and pictures—that you keep on your

computer. In fact, all information on a computer is stored in files.

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows Vista

Folders

Files

To create a folder:

Shortcut

Click File ÖNew ÖFolder Ötype name

1 Click (Start), then click Computer on the Start menu.
2 Double-click the drive where you want to put the new folder. Typically, Local Disk (C:) is

your hard drive and 3½ Floppy (A:) is your diskette drive.

3 If you want to create a new folder inside an existing folder, double-click the existing folder.
4 Click Organize, then click New Folder. The new folder is created.
5 Type a name for the folder, then press ENTER. The new folder name appears by the folder

icon.

For information about renaming folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 32.

Copying and moving files and folders

Important

The clipboard stores whatever you cut or copy until you cut or copy again. Then the clipboard
contains the new information only. Therefore, you can paste copies of a file or folder into more
than one place, but as soon as you copy or cut a different file or folder, the original file or folder
is deleted from the clipboard.

The skills you need to copy and move files are called copying, cutting, and pasting.
When you copy and paste a file or folder, you place a copy of the file or folder on the Windows

clipboard, which temporarily stores it. Then, when you decide what folder you want the copy
to go in (the destination folder), you paste it there.

When you cut and paste a file or folder, you remove the file or folder from its original location
and place the file or folder on the Windows clipboard. When you decide where you want the
file or folder to go, you paste it there.

To copy a file or folder to another folder:

1 Locate the file or folder you want to copy. For more information, see “Viewing drives” on

page 25 and “Searching for files” on page 28.

2 Right-click (press the right mouse button) the file or folder that you want to copy. A pop-up

menu opens on the desktop.

3 Click Copy on the pop-up menu.
4 Open the destination folder.

26

www.gateway.com

5 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
6 Click Paste. A copy of the file or folder appears in the new location.

Help

For more information about copying files and folders or moving files or folders, click

Start, then click Help and Support. Type copying files and folders or moving files
and folders in the Search Help box, then press E

To move a file or folder to another folder:

NTER.

1 Locate the file or folder you want to move. For more information, see “Viewing drives”

on page 25 and “Searching for files” on page 28.

2 Right-click (press the right mouse button) the file or folder that you want to move. A pop-up

menu opens on the desktop.

3 Click Cut on the pop-up menu.
4 Open the destination folder.
5 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
6 Click Paste. The file or folder you moved appears in its new location and is removed from

its old location.

Deleting files and folders

When you throw away paper files and folders, you take them from the file cabinet and put them
in a trash can. Eventually the trash can is emptied.

In Windows, you throw away files and folders by first moving them to the Windows trash can,
called the Recycle Bin, where they remain until you decide to empty the bin.

You can recover any file in the Recycle Bin as long as the bin has not been emptied.

To delete files or folders:

1 In the Computer or Windows Explorer window, click the files or folders that you want to

delete. For instructions on how to select multiple files and folders, see “Shortcuts” on

page 32.

If you cannot find the file you want to delete, see “Searching for files” on page 28.

2 Click Organize, then click Delete. Windows moves the files and folders to the Recycle Bin.

To recover files or folders from the Recycle Bin:

1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon. The Recycle Bin window opens and lists the files and

folders you have thrown away since you last emptied it.

2 Click the files or folders that you want to restore. For instructions on how to select multiple

files and folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 32.

3 Click Restore. Windows returns the deleted files or folders to their original locations.

27

To empty the Recycle Bin:

Caution

Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently erases any files or folders in the bin. These

files cannot be restored.

1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. The Recycle Bin window opens.
2 Click Empty the Recycle Bin. Windows asks you if you are sure that you want to empty

the bin.

3 Click Yes. Windows permanently deletes all files in the Recycle Bin.

Help

For more information about emptying the Recycle Bin, click Start, then click Help

and Support. Type emptying the Recycle Bin in the Search Help box, then press

E

NTER.

Searching for files

If you are looking for a particular file or folder or a set of files or folders that have characteristics
in common, but you do not remember where they are stored on your hard drive, you can use
the Search utility. to search by:

Files and folders found using this utility can be opened, copied, cut, renamed, or deleted directly
from the list in the results window.

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows Vista

Using the Windows Search

To find files and folders using the Search:

1 Click (Start), then click Search. The Search Results window opens.
2 If you want to search on your computer by file or folder name, type in all or part of the

file or folder name in the Search box in the top right of the window.

• If you type all of the name, Search will list all files and folders of that name.

• If you type part of the name, Search will list all of the file and folder names containing the letters

you typed.

3 Open a file, folder, or program by double-clicking the name in the list.

28

Help

For more information about searching for files and folders, click Start, then click Help

and Support. Type the keyword searching in the Search Help box, then click the

magnifying glass.

Using advanced search options

Search can find files meeting more criteria than file name. You can narrow your search by
selecting the search options that you want. You can search by the:

• Name or part of a name

• Creation date

• Modification date

• File type

• Tag

• Author

• Text contained in the file

• Time period in which it was created or modified

You can also combine search criteria to refine searches.
Files and folders found using this utility can be opened, copied, cut, renamed, or deleted directly

from the list in the results window.

Browsing for files and folders

A file or folder that you need is rarely right on top of your Windows desktop. It is usually on a
drive inside a folder that may be inside yet another folder, and so on.

Windows drives, folders, and files are organized in the same way as a real file cabinet in that
they may have many levels (usually many more levels than a file cabinet, in fact). So you usually
will have to search through levels of folders to find the file or folder that you need. This is called
browsing.

To browse for a file:

1 Click (Start), then click Computer. The Computer window opens.
2 Double-click the drive or folder that you think contains the file or folder that you want to

find.

3 Continue double-clicking folders and their subfolders until you find the file or folder you

want.

www.gateway.com

Help

For more information about browsing for files and folders, click Start, then click Help

and Support. Type files and folders in the Search Help box, then press E

Working with documents

Computer documents include word processing files, spreadsheet files, or other similar files. The
basic methods of creating, saving, opening, and printing a document apply to most of these types
of files.

The following examples show how to create, save, open, and print a document using Microsoft
WordPad. Similar procedures apply to other programs such as Corel
Word, and Microsoft Excel.

For more information about using a program, click Help on its menu bar.

NTER.

®

WordPerfect®, Microsoft

®

29

Creating a new document

To create a new document:

1 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, then click WordPad. Microsoft WordPad starts

and a blank document opens.

2 Begin composing your document. Use the menus and toolbar buttons at the top of the

window to format the document.

Saving a document

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows Vista

After you create a document, you need to save it if you want to use it later.

To save a document:

1 Click File, then click Save. The Save As dialog box opens.

2 Click Browse Folders to open the Folders list, then click the folder where you want to

save the file.

3 Type a new file name in the File name box.
4 Click Save.

Support. Type saving in the Search Help box, then press E

Opening a document

To view, revise, or print an existing document, first you need to open it. Open the document in
the program that it was created in.

To open a document:

1 Start the program.
2 Click File, then click Open.

File name

Help

For more information about saving documents, click Start, then click Help and

NTER.

30

www.gateway.com

3 Click Folders to open the Folders list, then click the folder you want to open.

4 Double-click the document file name. The document opens.

Help

For more information about opening documents, click Start, then click Help and

Support. Type opening files in the Search Help box, then press E

NTER.

Printing a document

To print a document, you must have a printer connected to your computer or have access to a
network printer. For more information about installing or using your printer, see the printer
documentation.

To print a document:

1 Make sure that the printer is turned on and loaded with paper.
2 Start the program and open the document.
3 Click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box opens.
4 Set the print options, then click Print. The document prints.

Support. Type printing in the Search Help box, then press E

Help

For more information about printing documents, click Start, then click Help and

NTER.

31

Shortcuts

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows Vista

Help

For more information about Windows keyboard shortcuts, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type Windows keyboard shortcuts in the Search Help box, then press E

NTER.

The following table shows a few shortcuts that you can use in Windows and almost all programs
that run in Windows. For more information about shortcuts, see your Windows or program
documentation.

To... Do this...

Copy a file, folder, text, or
graphic

Paste a file, folder, text, or
graphic

Select multiple items in a
list or window

Select multiple adjacent
items in a list or window

Permanently delete a file
or folder

Rename a file or folder Click the file or folder, press F2, type the new

Close the active window
or program

Switch to a different file,
folder, or running
program

Click the item, then press CTRL +C.

Click inside the folder or window where you
want to paste the object, then press CTRL +V.

Click the first item, press and hold down the
CTRL key, then click each of the remaining
items.

Click the first item in the list, press and hold
down the S
the list.

Click the file or folder, then press

SHIFT +DELETE. The file or folder is

permanently deleted. The file or folder is not
stored in the Recycle Bin.

name, then press E

Press ALT +F4.

Press ALT +TAB.

HIFT key, then click the last item in

NTER.

32

CHAPTER 4

Using the Internet

• Learning about the Internet

• Setting up an Internet account

• Using the World Wide Web

• Using e-mail

33

CHAPTER 4: Using the Internet

Learning about the Internet

The Internet is a worldwide network of computers linked together to provide information to
people everywhere. The two most popular services on the Internet are e-mail and the World Wide
Web. You can access this network by connecting your computer to a telephone, DSL (Digital
Subscriber Line), or cable television line and signing up with an Internet service provider (ISP).

Internet Servers
store information so other computers can
access it from the Internet.

Your computer
connects to the Internet
through an ISP.

ISP Servers
let you connect to the
Internet and access your
e-mail messages.

Important

To determine if you have an Ethernet jack on your computer, see your computer’s
hardware reference. If you do not have an Ethernet jack on your computer and would like
to purchase an Ethernet card, visit the Accessory Store at www.gateway.com.

If you want to access the Internet you need:

• A modem—a device that connects your computer to other computers or servers using a

telephone, DSL, or cable television line. Your computer may have a built-in dial-up
telephone modem. Cable and DSL modems connect to your computer through an Ethernet
jack and provide a faster connection speed than a standard telephone modem.

• An Internet service provider—a company that provides access to the Internet through an

ISP server. When you connect to an ISP, the ISP server lets you access the Internet and your
e-mail messages. Check your telephone book for a list of Internet service providers available
locally.

• A Web browser—a program that displays information from the World Wide Web. Microsoft

Internet Explorer was included with your computer. For more information, see “Using the

World Wide Web” on page 35.

• An e-mail program—a program that lets you create, send, and receive e-mail messages

over the Internet. Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express was included with your computer.
For more information, see “Using e-mail” on page 37.

34

www.gateway.com

Setting up an Internet account

Before you can view the information on the World Wide Web, you need to set up an Internet
account with an Internet service provider (ISP). To set up an ISP service or to transfer an existing
account to this computer, contact the ISP directly.

Dial-up Internet connections are those using a telephone system to connect to the Internet. This
may include ordinary analog telephone lines, ISDN connections, and in some cases ADSL over
PPP, or other technologies. Because dial-up connections are designed to be temporary
connections to the Internet, dial-up charges (with both your telephone company and Internet
service provider) often increase the longer you connect to the Internet. To minimize the cost for
dial-up Internet users, we suggest that you only connect to the Internet during your e-mail and
Web browsing session, then disconnect when you are finished. Your Internet service provider
can provide instructions on how to connect to and disconnect from the Internet.

Cable and DSL modems, a connection known as broadband, use your cable television or special
telephone lines to connect to your ISP and access the Internet. In many instances, broadband is
considered an always-connected service. With this type of service, your cost is the same
regardless of the amount of time you use your Internet connection.

Accessing your Internet account

Help

For general information about using Internet accounts, click Start, then click Help

and Support. Type the ISP in the Search Help box, then press E

NTER.

The method you use to access your Internet account varies from ISP to ISP. Contact your ISP for
the correct procedure.

Using the World Wide Web

The World Wide Web is a multimedia window to the Internet that gives you access to millions
of information sources.

Information on the Web comes to you on Web pages, which are electronic documents that you
view using a Web page display program called a browser. You can use any of the commercially
available Web browsers, like Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.

Web pages can contain text, animations, music, and other multimedia features. A group of related
Web pages is called a Web site. You can access Web sites to shop, track investments, read the
news, download programs, and much more.

You can explore a Web site or visit other Web sites by clicking areas on a Web page called links
or hyperlinks. A link may be colored or underlined text, a picture, or an animated image. You
can identify a link by moving the mouse pointer over it. If the pointer changes to a hand, the
item is a link.

35

CHAPTER 4: Using the Internet

To learn more about using the Web browser features, click Help in the menu bar.

Link

Web

page

Linked Web page

Connecting to a Web site

After you set up an account with an Internet service provider (ISP), you can access the many
information sources on the World Wide Web.

To connect to a Web site:

1 Connect to your Internet account.
2 Depending on the method you use to connect to your Internet account, you may need to

start your Web browser. Click (Start), then click Internet. Your default Web browser
opens showing an opening page or welcome screen.

3 To go to a different Web site, type the address (called a URL for “Universal Resource

Locator”) in the browser address bar (for example www.gateway.com), then click GO

on the browser address bar.

- OR -

On the current Web page, click a link to a Web site.

Help

For more information about connecting to a Web site, click Start, then click

Help and Support. Type co nnec ting to a Web site in the Search Help box,

then press E

The Web browser locates the server computer on the Internet, downloads (transfers) data
to your computer, and displays the page on the site that you requested.

Sometimes Web pages display slowly. The speed that a Web page displays on your screen
depends on the complexity of the Web page and other Internet conditions. Additionally, the speed
of your connection will determine how fast Web pages display.

NTER.

36

Downloading files

download. For more information, see “Protecting your computer from viruses” on page 97.

Downloading is the process of transferring files from a computer on the Internet to your
computer.

To download files or programs from a Web site:

1 Connect to your Internet account.
2 In the address bar, type the address of the Web site that contains the file or program you

3 Create or locate the folder where you want to store the file on your computer. For more

4 Click the link on the Web page for the file that you want to download.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions for saving the file in the folder that you want. A copy

6 Open the folder that you created.
7 Install or view the downloaded file by double-clicking it. If applicable, follow the instructions

www.gateway.com

Caution

To protect your computer against viruses, make sure that you scan the files you

want to download, then press ENTER.

- OR -

Click a link on a Web page to navigate to the Web site containing the file that you want
to download.

information, see “Working with files and folders” on page 25.

of the file is downloaded to your computer. The time that it takes to transfer the file to
your computer depends on file size and Internet conditions.

provided on the Web site to run or install the program.

Using e-mail

E-mail (electronic mail) lets you send messages to anyone who has an Internet connection and
e-mail address. E-mail is usually a free service of your Internet account.

The Internet never closes, so you can send e-mail messages at any time. Your e-mail messages
arrive at most e-mail addresses in minutes.

An e-mail address consists of a user name, the @ symbol, and the Internet domain name of the
Internet service provider (ISP) or company that “hosts” that user. Your e-mail address is assigned
when you sign up for an account with an ISP. For example, a person with an account with Hotmail
might have an e-mail address that is similar to this one:

Help

For more information about downloading files, click Start, then click Help

and Support. Type the downloading files in the Search Help box , then click

E

NTER.

[e-mail]

User name Internet domain name

37

Sending e-mail

To send e-mail using Windows Mail:

1 Connect to your Internet service provider.
2 Click (Start), then click E-mail. Your default e-mail program opens.
3 Click Create Mail.
4 Type the e-mail address of the recipient you want to send e-mail to in the To box.
5 Type the subject of your e-mail in the Subject box.
6 Type the e-mail message.

e-mail. For more information, see the help for your e-mail program.

7 When finished, click Send. Your e-mail is sent over the Internet to the e-mail address you

specified.

Checking your e-mail

Help

For general information about using e-mail, click Start, then click Help
and Support. Type the e-mail in the Search Help box, then press E

CHAPTER 4: Using the Internet

Tip

Most e-mail programs let you attach files, such as photographs, to your

NTER.

To check your e-mail using Windows Mail:

1 Connect to your Internet service provider.
2 Click (Start), then click E-Mail. Your default e-mail program opens.
3 Click Send/Receive.
4 Double-click the message you want to read.

Tip

To protect your computer from viruses, check any e-mail attachments using McAfee
SecurityCenter. For more information, see “Protecting your computer from viruses” on

page 97.

For more information about managing and organizing your e-mail messages, see the online help
in your e-mail program.

38

CHAPTER 5

Sending and Receiving Faxes

• Using Windows Fax and Scan

• Faxing a scanned document or from programs

• Receiving and viewing a fax

39

CHAPTER 5: Sending and Receiving Faxes

Using Windows Fax and Scan

Windows Fax and Scan comes pre-installed with Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate
Editions. If your computer has a built-in fax modem, Windows automatically detects it during
the setup process. You can connect your computer to one local fax modem, although you can
connect to multiple fax servers or devices on a network. If you are not sure whether your
computer has a built-in fax modem, check the hardware information that came with your
computer. If you have an external fax modem, follow the manufacturer's instructions for
attaching it to your computer. Make sure that the modem is turned on before proceeding.

Your fax cover page, on which you can include all required information, is set up when you
prepare to send the first fax from this computer.

You cannot send or receive a fax using a cable or DSL modem by following these instructions.
Many Internet services exist that let you send or receive faxes using a broadband connection.

Your dial-up modem cable must be installed before you can send and receive faxes. You cannot
use your standard telephone modem to connect to the Internet while sending and receiving faxes.

Sending a Fax

Microsoft Fax lets you send and receive faxes using your dial-up modem.

To send a Fax:

1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan

opens.

2 If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window.
3 If you have never sent a fax on this computer before, click New Fax on the toolbar. The

Fax Setup window opens.

40

4 Click the type of connection you will be using (fax modem or fax server). The Choose a

modem name screen opens.

www.gateway.com

5 Type the name of the fax modem in the dialog box, then click Next. The Choose how to

receive faxes screen opens.

6 Click how you want to receive faxes, then click Unblock when the The Security Alert

window opens. The New Fax window opens.

7 Create your fax, then open the Cover Page menu by clicking the arrow and selecting a

cover page from the list. The Sender Information dialog box opens.

8 Type your information in the spaces provided, then click OK. The New Fax dialog box opens.

41

CHAPTER 5: Sending and Receiving Faxes

9 To enter optional dialing rule information, click Dialing Rule and select a rule from the

menu. If you have not set up a dialing rule, select New Rule from the menu. The Location
Information dialog box opens.

10 Type your location information, then click OK. The Dialing Rules dialog box opens.

42

11 Highlight your location, then click Edit. The Edit Location dialog box opens.

12 Complete the location information, then click OK. You are returned to the Dialing Rules

dialog box.

13 Click OK. The New Fax dialog box opens.
14 Enter, scan, or attach the fax information you want to send, then click Send.

www.gateway.com

Setting up your cover page template

You can create your own cover page template that you can use in place of the cover page
templates that Microsoft Fax provides for you. To create a cover page template, you use the
Fax Cover Page Editor. On this template, you insert information fields that automatically import
values you enter in both the Send Fax Wizard and the Fax Configuration Wizard when you send
your fax.

To set up your fax cover page template:

1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan

opens.

2 If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window.
3 Click Tools, Cover Pages, then click New. The Fax Cover Page Editor opens.

• If you want to include fields that are imported from the Send Fax Wizard or the Fax

Configuration Wizard (such as To or From), add them to the page by using the Insert
menu, then move them to the appropriate place on your template. You can also use
the Insert menu to include information that is automatically calculated (such as number
of pages or date and time sent).

• If you want to include text that always appears on your cover page (such as a

letterhead or address), draw a box using the text box tool, type your text inside of it,
then move the box to the appropriate place on your template.

• If you want to include a logo that appears on your cover page, copy it to the Windows

clipboard, then paste it into the Cover Page Editor and move it to the appropriate place
on your template.

4 To save your cover page template, click File, then click Save. The Save As dialog box opens

with your personal cover pages folder already in the Save in list.

5 Type the new cover page template name, then click Save.

Faxing a scanned document or from programs

To fax a scanned document or directly from most programs:

1 Scan the document using the program for your scanner, or open your document in the

program it was created in.

2 Click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box opens.
3 Click the arrow button to open the Name list, then click the Fax printer.
4 Click Print. The Send Fax Wizard opens.
5 Complete the wizard by following the instructions in “Sending a Fax” on page 40, or “Faxing

a scanned document or from programs” on page 43.

43

CHAPTER 5: Sending and Receiving Faxes

Canceling a fax

You can cancel a fax that you have set up to send at a time in the future.

To cancel a fax that has not been sent:

1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan

opens.

2 If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window.
3 Click Outbox, then right-click the fax you want to cancel.
4 Click Delete to cancel the fax.
5 Click Yes.

Receiving and viewing a fax

To receive and view a fax:

1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Fax and Scan. Windows Fax and Scan

opens.

2 If Windows Fax and Scan is in Scan view, click Fax in the lower left corner of the window.
3 To view a fax, click Inbox, then double-click the fax you want to view. The fax viewer

opens, where you can view and print the fax.

44

CHAPTER 6

Using Your Hardware

• Using the diskette drive

• Using the CD or DVD drive

• Using the memory card reader

• Configuring the audio jacks

• Connecting a projector or monitor

• Connecting a television

• Connecting a video camera

45

CHAPTER 6: Using Your Hardware

Using the diskette drive

The optional diskette drive uses 3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppy disks). Diskettes are
useful for storing files or transferring files to another computer.

Drive activity light

To use a diskette:

Diskette slot

1 Insert the diskette into the diskette drive with the label facing up or right, depending on

your configuration.

2 To access a file on the diskette, click (Start), then click Computer. Double-click the drive

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

3 To remove the diskette, make sure that the drive activity light is off, then press the diskette

eject button.

Using the CD or DVD drive

You can use your computer to enjoy a wide variety of multimedia features.

Identifying drive types

Your Gateway computer may contain one of the following drive types. Look on the front of the
drive for one or more of the following logos:

If your drive has this logo... This is your drive type... Use your drive for...

Eject button

46

CD drive

CD-RW drive

DVD/CD-RW drive

DVD drive

Installing programs, playing
audio CDs, and accessing
data.

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

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

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

www.gateway.com

If your drive has this logo... This is your drive type... Use your drive for...

Inserting a CD or DVD

DVD+RW

DVD R/RW drive

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

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

Manual eject hole
(location varies)

Activity indicator
(location varies)

Eject button

Important

Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these

CDs on your computer.

To insert a CD or DVD:

1 Press the eject button on the CD or DVD drive.
2 Place the disc in the tray on the spindle so that the label is up or to the right, depending

on your configuration.

Important

When you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure that the label side
is up or to the right. If the disc has two playable sides, place the disc so the name
of the side you want to play is up or to the right.

3 Press the eject button to close the tray.

47

CHAPTER 6: Using Your Hardware

Using the memory card reader

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.

Memory card types

The memory card reader supports the following card types:

Card Type Slot Insert

Secure Digital

MultiMediaCard

SM (SmartMedia™) top left Label facing down (gold

Memory Stick

Memory Stick PRO

xD (optional) top left Label facing up

CompactFlash

IBM Microdrive

Each slot is assigned a different drive letter (for example, the E: and F: drives) so data can be
transferred from one memory card type to another.

Memory card slot

™

™

®

®

™

Memory card slot

Activity indicator

top right Label facing up

top right Label facing up

contact area facing up)

bottom right Label facing up

™

bottom right Label facing up

bottom left Label facing up

bottom left Label facing up

Memory card slot

Memory card slot

Using a memory card

Caution

To avoid memory card damage or errors while using a memory card, insert only

one memory card in a slot at a time.

To insert a memory card:

1 Insert the memory card into the memory card slot as indicated in the previous table.

card reader access indicator is blinking. You could lose data. Also, remove the
memory card from the reader before you turn off the computer.

2 To access a file on the memory card, click (Start), then click Computer. Double-click

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

48

Caution

Do not remove the memory card or turn off the computer while the memory

www.gateway.com

To remove a memory card:

Important

Do not use the remove hardware icon in the taskbar to remove the
memory card.

• Wait for the memory card reader access indicator to stop blinking, then pull the memory

card out of the slot.

Configuring the audio jacks

If the back of your computer has five audio jacks, they are universal jacks (which use a round
mini-jack connector). The five jacks can be used for more than one purpose. For example, the
blue jack on the computer can be a stereo in jack or a stereo out jack. For more information on
how each jack can be used, see “Back” on page 9. To use the universal audio jacks for something
other than the default audio device, you need to configure them.

To configure the universal audio jacks:

1 Connect your audio device(s) to the computer audio jack(s).
2 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
3 Click Hardware and Sounds, then click Sound. The Sound dialog box opens.
4 Click the Playback, then double-click the speakers.

-OR-

If your computer has the Realtek Sound Effect Manager installed, double-click the Sound
Effect Manager icon on the taskbar. The Realtek dialog box opens.

5 Configure the audio jacks for your speaker setup.

Connecting a projector or monitor

If your computer’s video card supports it (it must have two video connections), you can connect
an additional monitor or projector to your computer.

Important

The dialog boxes shown in this section are examples only and may not represent

the actual screens on your computer.

To use a projector or additional monitor:

1 Turn off your computer.
2 Plug the projector or monitor cable into the secondary VGA port on your computer.

Tip

For the location of the VGA port on your computer, see “Back” on page 9
or the setup poster.

3 Turn on your computer.
4 Plug the projector or monitor power cord into an AC power outlet, then turn it on. Windows

recognizes the new hardware and searches for its driver. You may need to install the driver
from the disc supplied by the manufacturer or download the driver from the
manufacturer’s Web site.

5 After the driver is installed, right-click any empty space on the desktop, then click

Prersonalize. The Personalization menu opens.

49

CHAPTER 6: Using Your Hardware

6 Click Display Settings. The Display Settings window opens.

7 Right-click the second monitor icon (labeled 2), then click Attached.
8 Click Apply.
9 Adjust properties such as Resolution or Colors if necessary.

10 Click OK.

Connecting a television

The Video out or S-Video out jack on your computer lets you view your display on a television
screen using a standard RCA or S-Video cable.

Important

The TV out feature is available only on computers that have a Video out or S-Video

out jack.

Important

The dialog boxes shown in this section are examples only and may not represent

the actual screens on your computer.

Important

To turn on external video by default, connect the television (or other external video

device) before starting your computer.

Important

Audio is not transmitted through the Video out or S-Video out jacks. Use a set of
headphones or external powered speakers to hear sound while playing a DVD. DVD
playback to a VCR will be scrambled by copyright protection software.

To view your computer display on a television:

1 With your computer off, connect one end of an appropriate video cable to the Video out

or S-Video out jack on your computer.

Tip

For the location of the video jacks on your computer, see “Back” on page 9

or the setup poster.

2 Connect the other end of the cable to the Video in jack on your television or VCR.
3 Turn on the television or VCR.
4 Start your computer. You should see Windows on your television

50

www.gateway.com

Modifying television settings

To modify television settings:

1 Right-click any empty space on the desktop, then click Prersonalize. The Personalization

menu opens.

2 Click Display Settings. The Display Settings window opens.
3 Open the menu in the center of the window and click on the television.
4 Modify the settings as necessary, then click OK.

Connecting a video camera

If your home video camera supports it, it can be connected to your computer so that you can
download video from the camera as data files. You can also create video from a Web cam attached
to your computer. For instructions on how to create video, see your camera’s user guide.

51

CHAPTER 6: Using Your Hardware

52

CHAPTER 7

Using Your Software

• Playing music and movies

• Creating audio files and music libraries

• Creating music CDs and video DVDs

• Creating and copying data discs

• Using Windows Media Center

53

CHAPTER 7: Using Your Software

Playing music and movies

Playing audio and video files

Windows Media Player can play several types of audio and video files, including WAV, MIDI, MP3,
AU, AVI, and MPEG formats.

To play a file using Windows Media Player:

Shortcut

Start Ö Computer Ö find the file Ö double-click the file

1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player

opens.

2 Click Library, then double-click the media file you want to play.

54

Media libraryPlayback controls

www.gateway.com

3 Click one of the following to control playback:

• Shuffle randomizes the playback order of the files in the playlist.

• Repeat starts playing the list over again after it reaches the end.

• Stop stops playback and rewinds the current file to the beginning.

• Rewind quickly rewinds the current file (when you click and hold it) or skips to the

• Pause/Play alternately pauses and resumes playback.

• Fast forward quickly fast forwards the current file (when you click and hold it) or

• Volume adjusts the volume.

Playing optical discs

Optical discs are flat discs that use a laser to read and write data. CDs, DVDs, HD-DVDs, and Blu-ray
Discs are all optical discs.

Important

Some music CDs have copy protection software. You may not be able to play these

CDs on your computer.
To watch a DVD you must have a DVD-compatible drive in your computer. If you do not

have a DVD-compatible drive and would like to add an internal or external drive, visit the
Accessory Store at www.gateway.com.

Help

For more information about playing optical discs, click Start, then click Help and

Support. Type playing discs in the Search Help box, then press E

Repeat

Shuffle Stop

previous file in the playlist (when you click it).

skips to the next file in the playlist (when you click it).

Rewind

Fast forward Volume

Pause/Play

NTER.

Mute

Playing an optical disc using Windows Media Player

Use Windows Media Player to listen to CDs or watch movies on DVDs, HD-DVDs, or Blu-ray Discs.

To play an optical disc:

Shortcut

Insert disc Ö Windows Media Player automatically plays

1 Make sure that the speakers are turned on or headphones are plugged in and that the

volume is turned up.

2 Insert an optical disc into the optical disc drive.

55

CHAPTER 7: Using Your Software

3 If a dialog box opens and asks you what you want the computer to do with the disc, click

Play. Windows Media Player opens and begins playing the disc.

If Windows Media Player does not open automatically, click (Start), All Programs, then
click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens.

Playback controls

4 If the disc is not already playing, click (play).

Playlist

Video screen

56

www.gateway.com

5 Click one of the following to control playback:

Repeat

Shuffle Stop

Rewind

Fast forward Volume

Pause/Play

Mute

• Shuffle randomizes the playback order of the files in the playlist.

• Repeat starts playing the list over again after it reaches the end.

• Stop stops playback and rewinds the current file to the beginning.

• Rewind quickly rewinds the current file (when you click and hold it) or skips to the

previous file in the playlist (when you click it).

• Pause/Play alternately pauses and resumes playback.

• Fast forward quickly fast forwards the current file (when you click and hold it) or

skips to the next file in the playlist (when you click it).

• Volume adjusts the volume.

Creating audio files and music libraries

Creating music files

Help

For more information about making or playing an audio recording, click Start, then

click Help and Support. Type recording aud io or ripping in the Search Help box,
then press E

NTER.

You can create several types of audio files for your listening enjoyment, including WAV, MP3,
and WMA files.

Recording audio files

Sound recorder is a simple Windows program that lets you record and play audio files. For
information about playing audio files, see “Playing audio and video files” on page 54.

To record an audio file:

Shortcut

Start Ö All Programs Ö Accessories Ö Sound Recorder

1 Plug a microphone into one of the microphone jacks on your computer. For the location

of the microphone jacks, see “Back” on page 7.

2 Click (Start), All Programs, Accessories, then click Sound Recorder. The

Sound Recorder opens.

3 Click Start Recording, then speak or make other sounds into the microphone.

57

4 When you finish recording, click Stop Recording. The Save As dialog box opens.

5 Type a name for the recording, specify the file type and location where you want to save

the recording, then click Save. The recording is saved.

Creating WMA music files

Important

Some music CDs have copy protection software. You cannot copy tracks from
copy-protected CDs.

Using Windows Media Player, you can copy the tracks from a music CD to your computer’s hard
drive as WMA files. WMA are methods for digitally compressing high-fidelity music into compact
files without noticeably sacrificing quality. WMA files end in the file extension WMA.

To create WMA files:

1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player

opens.

2 Insert a music CD into your optical disc drive.
3 Click the Rip tab. The Rip screen opens.
4 Click to clear the check box for any track you do not want to record, then click Start Rip.

Windows Media Player records the tracks to your hard drive as WMA files. A progress bar
appears next to each track as it is recorded.

CHAPTER 7: Using Your Software

58

Tip

For more information about ripping music from CDs, click the Rip tab, then

click Help with Ripping.

Building a music library

Use Windows Media Player to build a music library. You can organize your music tracks (individual
MP3 or WMA audio files) by categories, find a track quickly by sorting, and add information to
a music file.

You can add music tracks to your music library by:

• Creating MP3 or WMA files—When you create MP3 or WMA files from the tracks on your

music CD, Windows Media Player automatically adds these files to your music library.

• Dragging and Dropping—Drag and drop files from Windows Explorer or your desktop

to the music library.

Caution

During the download process, WMA and MP3 files may become corrupt. If

you are having trouble playing a downloaded file, try downloading the file again.

• Downloading files from the Internet—When you are connected to the Internet, WMA

and MP3 files that you download are automatically added to your music library.

Editing track information

After you add a WMA or MP3 file to your music library, you can edit the track’s tags
(informational fields).

To edit track information:

1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player

opens.

2 Click the Library tab.
3 Right-click the track or album you want to edit, then click Advanced Tag Editor. The

Advanced Tag Editor dialog box opens.

www.gateway.com

4 Enter track information such as Title, Artist, Album, and Genre, then click OK. The new

track information appears in the Windows Media Player library.

59

CHAPTER 7: Using Your Software

Creating music CDs and video DVDs

Creating a music CD

Important

We recommend that you do not use your computer for other tasks while creating
CDs or DVDs.

If you record copyrighted material on a CD or DVD, you need permission from the copyright
owner. Otherwise, you may be violating copyright law and be subject to payment of
damages and other remedies. If you are uncertain about your rights, contact your legal
advisor

Creating a music CD using Windows Media Player

To create a music CD using Windows Media Player:

1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player

opens.

2 Insert a blank, writable CD into your recordable disc drive.
3 Click the Burn tab, then click and drag songs that you want to burn to CD from the Library

to the Burn List.

60

Library Burn List

4 Click Start Burn. The music is recorded onto the blank CD.

Creating a video DVD

Creating a video DVD using Windows DVD Maker

If your computer has Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, you can
create video DVDs using Windows DVD Maker.

To create a video DVD using Windows DVD Maker:

creating CDs or DVDs.
If you record copyrighted material on a CD or DVD, you need permission from the

copyright owner. Otherwise, you may be violating copyright law and be subject
to payment of damages and other remedies. If you are uncertain about your rights,
contact your legal advisor.

1 Insert a blank, writeable DVD into your recordable optical disc drive.
2 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows DVD Maker. The Windows DVD Maker

introduction window opens.

www.gateway.com

Important

We recommend that you do not use your computer for other tasks while

3 Click Choose Photos and Videos. The main screen opens.

61

CHAPTER 7: Using Your Software

4 Click Add items. The Add Items to DVD dialog box opens.

5 Find and select the videos you want to add to the video DVD, then click Add. The videos

are added to the video list, and a graphic in the lower left corner of the window shows
you how much disc capacity will be used.

62

6 Click Next. The Ready to burn disc dialog box opens.

www.gateway.com

7 Click any of the following options to customize your video disc:

• Preview shows how your DVD’s opening menu will look using the current settings.

• Menu text changes the disc title, font, and button names.

• Customize menu changes the menu fonts, background and foreground videos, audio

track, and button styles.

• Slide show creates a slide show from photo files.

8 Click Burn. Your DVD is recorded.

Creating and copying data discs

You can burn two types of data discs:

• Live File System writes files immediately to the recordable disc, making it a one-step

process like copying files to a flash drive. Windows XP and later versions of Windows
support this feature.

• Mastered copies files to a temporary folder before you tell the computer to burn the files

to the disc. Although this is a slower process than Live File System, the resulting disc is
compatible with all operating systems.

The instructions below show you how to burn a disc using the Mastered format, which can be
read by all personal computers, regardless of the operating system installed.

Help

For information about burning a disc using the Live File System format, click Start,

then click Help and Support. Type live file system in the Search Help box, then
press E

NTER.

Creating a data disc

To create a data disc:

these CDs and you may not be able to listen to these CDs on your computer.

1 Insert a blank, writable optical disc into your optical disc drive. The Autoplay dialog box

opens.

Important

Some CDs have copy protection software. You cannot create MP3 files from

2 Click Burn files to disc. The Prepare this blank disc dialog box opens.
3 Type the title of the disc, then click Show formatting options.
4 Click Mastered, then click Next. An empty folder opens.
5 Open the folder that contains the files you want to burn to disc, then click and drag the

files to the empty disc folder.

6 Click Burn to disc. The files are burned to the disc.

63

CHAPTER 7: Using Your Software

Using Windows Media Center

If your computer has Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate Edition, you can
use Windows Media Center to watch TV, videos, and movies, listen to music, and view photos.
Media Center is a simplified, streamlined interface that is ideally suited for playing and managing
media files.

Because the remote control is an optional accessory, most instructions in this section assume
you are using a mouse to navigate the Media Center menus.

Starting Windows Media Center

To start Windows Media Center:

1 Click (Start), All Programs, then click Windows Media Center.

- OR -

Press the Start button on the remote control.

The first time you start Windows Media Center, the Welcome screen opens.

2 For the easiest setup, click Express setup, then click OK. The Windows Media Center’s main

screen opens.

64

www.gateway.com

3 Use the remote control navigation buttons to select a Media Center menu option, then

press OK.

• TV + Movies lets you play TV programs you have recorded, play a DVD or Blu-ray

movie, or set up your TV tuner card (if installed).

• Online Media lets you play online games.

• Tasks lets you set up your display and media types, shut down or restart your

computer, burn an optical disc (CD or DVD), and synchronize with another digital media
device (such as an MP3 player).

• Pictures + Videos lets you view individual pictures, pictures in a slideshow, or select

movies from your video library.

• Music lets you select songs from your music library, set up and use your FM radio

tuner card (if installed), and play music playlists.

4 To exit Windows Media Center, click the X in the upper-right corner of the screen.

Using the Media Center remote control

You can use the optional remote control to play all of your media files from across the room.
(The remote control included with your computer may look different from that shown below.)

Shortcut buttons

Audio/Video (A/V) control buttons

Numeric keypad/data entry buttons

Start button

Power button

Transport buttons

Navigation buttons

65

CHAPTER 7: Using Your Software

Button(s) Functions

Shortcut buttons Give you direct access to Media Center features.

Start button Opens the Media Center’s main menu.

Audio/Video (A/V) control
buttons

Numeric keypad/data entry
button

Power button Puts the Media Center computer in Sleep mode (reduced power).

Transport buttons Let you control the playback of media files and optical discs.

Navigation buttons Let you move the cursor around the Guide and menus, make selections,

Lets you control volume levels, volume mute, channel selections, and
the movie menu.

Lets you enter numbers and characters from the remote control.

navigate back to the previous screen, change the screen display aspect
ratio, and get more information. Press the OK button to make a
selection.

66

CHAPTER 8

Customizing Windows

• Changing screen settings

• Changing system sounds

• Changing mouse settings

• Adding and modifying user accounts

• Changing power-saving settings

• Changing accessibility settings

67

CHAPTER 8: Customizing Windows

Changing screen settings

Tip

If you are using a monitor, you can adjust the screen settings for brightness, contrast,
and horizontal and vertical image position using the controls on the front or side of your
monitor. For more information about these adjustments, see your monitor’s user guide.

Adjusting the color depth and screen area are two of the most basic display settings you may
need to change. You can also adjust settings such as the screen background and screen saver.

Changing color depth and screen resolution

Color depth and screen resolution are two of the most basic monitor settings you may need to
change to suit your needs.

Color depth is the number of colors your computer uses to display images on your monitor. Most
images look best displayed with the maximum number of colors available. If the color in your
images seems “false” or “jumpy,” especially after you have played a game or run a video-intensive
program, check the color depth setting and return it to the highest color setting, if necessary.

Screen resolution is the number of pixels (individual colored dots) your computer uses to display
images on your monitor. The higher the resolution, the more information and screen components
(such as icons and menu bars) can be displayed on the monitor.

Help

For more information about adjusting the screen, click Start, then click Help and
Support. Type adjusting monitor settings in the Search Help box, then press E

NTER.

To change the color depth or screen resolution:

1 Click (Start), Control Panel, then under Appearance and Personalization, click Adjust

Screen Resolution. The Display Settings dialog box opens.

2 To change the color depth, click the Colors list, then click the color depth you want.

• Low (8-bit) = 256 colors

• Medium (16-bit) = 65,500 colors

• Highest (32-bit) = 16,700,000 colors
3 To change the screen resolution, drag the Resolution slider to the size you prefer.
4 Click Apply. If the new settings do not look right, click No. If the new settings make the

screen illegible and you cannot click No, the settings return to their previous values after
several seconds.

5 Click OK, then click Yes to save your changes.

68

www.gateway.com

Changing the appearance of windows and backgrounds

You can change the appearance of Windows desktop items, such as the colors of windows and
dialog boxes and the color and design of the desktop background.

To change Window colors and effects:

1 Click (Start), Control Panel, then under Appearance and Personalization, click

Customize colors. The Window Color and Appearance dialog box opens.

2 Click one of the color choices and adjust the Color intensity slider, then click OK. Your

new color settings are applied.

3 For even more color adjustment options, such as color schemes, shading effects, and screen

fonts, click (Start), Control Panel, then under Appearance and Personalization, click
Change the color scheme. Change the setting you want, then click OK.

To change the Windows desktop background:

1 Click (Start), Control Panel, then under Appearance and Personalization, click

Change desktop background. The Choose a desktop background dialog box opens.

69

2 Click the Picture Location list, then click the location where you want to look for

background images. If the location you want is not in the list, click Browse and locate the
drive and folder.

3 Click the picture or color you want to use for the background, then click OK.

Selecting a screen saver

Caution

If you are using a monitor (not a flat-panel display), an image may get burned in
on your monitor screen if you leave your computer on for long periods of time without
using it. You should use a screen saver which constantly changes its image to avoid this
damage. Flat panel displays cannot be damaged with image burn-in.

You can use a screen saver to keep others from viewing your screen while you are away from
your computer. Windows supplies a variety of screen savers that you can choose from, and many
more are available from the Internet and as commercial products.

To select a screen saver:

1 Click (Start), Control Panel, Appearance and Personalization, then click Change

screen saver. The Screen Saver Settings dialog box opens.

CHAPTER 8: Customizing Windows

70

2 Click the Screen saver list, then click the screen saver you want to use. An example of

the screen saver plays on the preview screen.

• To change the settings for the screen saver, click Settings, change the settings, then

click OK.

• To see a full-screen preview of the screen saver, click Preview.

• To change the length of computer inactivity time that passes before the screen saver

starts, change the number of minutes in the Wait box.

3 Click OK. Your screen saver changes are applied.

Help

For more information about selecting a screen saver, click Start, then click

Help and Support. Type screen savers in the Search Help box, then press E

NTER.

Changing gadgets

Gadgets are constantly running mini-programs that are visible on your Windows desktop. They
can be moved, removed, resized, and configured according to your preference. Although you
can position them anywhere on your desktop, gadgets are usually visible on the right edge of
your screen in the Sidebar.

Gadgets can include:

• Clocks and timers

• News feeds, weather forecasts, and stock tickers

• Slide shows and puzzles

• Calendars and contact lists

• Sticky notes

To add a gadget:

1 Click the + at the top of the Sidebar, or right-click in an empty area of the Sidebar and

www.gateway.com

click Add Gadgets. The gadget selection window opens.

2 Click the gadget you want, then drag it to the Sidebar.

Tip

To shop online for more gadgets, click Get more gadgets online.
To delete a gadget, right-click the gadget, then click Close Gadget.

To configure a gadget:

1 In the Sidebar, right-click the gadget, then click Options. The gadget’s configuration

window opens.

2 Make the changes you want, then click OK. Your changes are saved.

71

CHAPTER 8: Customizing Windows

Using a gadget’s control panel

Some gadgets have built-in control panels that you can use to control their behavior.

To use a gadget’s control panel:

1 In the Sidebar, hold the mouse pointer over the gadget. The gadget’s built-in control panel

appears on the gadget. (Slideshow gadget shown)

2 Click the control you want to operate.

Configuring the gadget Sidebar

You can change the appearance and behavior of the Sidebar.

To change Sidebar properties:

1 Right-click in an empty area of the Sidebar, then click Properties. The Windows Sidebar

Properties dialog box opens.

72

You can change:

• Whether the Sidebar starts each time Windows starts

• Whether the Sidebar is always on top of other windows (always visible)

• The side of the screen the sidebar appears on

• The monitor that the sidebar appears on (if you have multiple monitors)

Setting up multiple monitors

Important

The dialog boxes shown in this section are for demonstrative purposes only and

may not represent the screens on your computer.

If your computer’s video card supports additional monitors (it must have two video connections),
you can connect an additional monitor or projector to your computer.

You can use the second monitor or projector as a duplicate of the primary display, or as an
extension to roughly double the size of your Windows desktop. Use the additional desktop space
to accommodate additional windows.

To use a projector or additional monitor:

1 Turn off your computer.
2 Plug the projector or monitor cable into the secondary monitor port on your computer.

For the location of the monitor port on your computer, see the setup poster or your
Reference Guide.

3 Plug the projector’s or monitor’s power cord into an AC power outlet, then turn it on.
4 Turn on your computer. Windows recognizes the new hardware and searches for its driver.

You may need to install the driver from the disc supplied by the manufacturer or download
the driver from the manufacturer’s Web site.

5 After the driver is installed, click (Start), Control Panel, Appearance and

Personalization, Personalization, then click Display Settings. The Display Settings dialog

box opens.

www.gateway.com

Shortcut

Right-click an empty space on the desktop, click Personalize, then click

Display Settings.

6 Right-click the second monitor icon (labeled 2), click Attached, then click Apply.
7 Adjust properties such as Screen Resolution or Color Quality if necessary.

Tip

To help identify your multiple monitors in the Display Settings dialog box,

click Identify Monitors. A large number appears on the screen of each monitor.

8 To use the second monitor or projector as a “mirror” (duplicate) of the primary monitor

(both monitors have the same content), click to deselect the check box for Extend my
Windows desktop onto this monitor.

9 To use the second monitor or projector as an extension of your desktop (increasing the

size of your Windows desktop), click to select the check box for Extend my Windows
desktop onto this monitor. You can click and drag the “2” monitor icon to position it

the same way the physical monitor is arranged on your desk.

73

CHAPTER 8: Customizing Windows

10 Click OK.

Changing system sounds

You can change the sounds that play for system events, such as Windows startup and shut down,
logging on and logging off, window maximizing and minimizing, and error messages.

To change system sounds:

1 Click (Start), Control Panel, Hardware and Sound, then under Sound, click Change

system sounds. The Sound dialog box opens.

2 Click the Sound Scheme list, then click the sound scheme you want.

- OR -

Click an event in the Program list, then click the Sounds list and click the sound file you
want associated with the event. If you do not see the sound file in the Sounds list, click
Browse and find the file in the appropriate folder.

3 To test a sound you have selected, click Test.
4 Click OK to save your changes.

74

www.gateway.com

Changing mouse settings

Help

For more information about mouse settings, click Start, then click Help and

Support. Type mouse settings in the Search Help box, then press E

You can adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, left-hand or right-hand configuration, and
other mouse settings.

To change your mouse settings:

Shortcut

Start Ö Control Panel Ö Printers and Other Hardware Ö Mouse

1 Click (Start), Control Panel, then under Hardware and Sound, click Mouse. The Mouse

Properties dialog box opens.

NTER.

2 Change the settings you want. You can:

• Switch the left and right buttons

• Change the double-click speed

• Change the pointer appearance and speed

• Change the mouse wheel actions

3 Click OK to save your changes.

75

CHAPTER 8: Customizing Windows

Adding and modifying user accounts

You can create and customize a user account for each person who uses your computer. You can
also change between user accounts without turning off your computer.

User account tips

• If you want to create an account for someone, but you do not want that user to have full

access to your computer, be sure to make that account limited. Remember that limited
accounts may not be able to install some older programs.

• Files created in one account are not accessible from other accounts unless the files are

stored in the Shared Documents folder. The Shared Documents folder is accessible from
all accounts on that computer and from other computers on the network.

To add, delete, or modify user accounts:

1 Click (Start), Control Panel, then under User Accounts and Family Safety, click Add

or remove user accounts.

• To create a new account, click Create a new account, then follow the on-screen

instructions to finish the setup.

• To change an account, click the account name, then click the option you want to

change.

• To delete an account, click the account name, then click Delete the account and

confirm the deletion of related files. The account is deleted. (You cannot delete the
administrator account.)

Help

For more information about user accounts, click Start, then click Help and

Support. Type user accounts in the Search Help box, then press E

To switch between user accounts:

NTER.

1 Save any open documents that are being worked on in your current account.
2 Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Switch User or Log Off.

76

www.gateway.com

• Switch User opens the account selection screen but does not log off the current user,

and any programs that were running for the previous user continue to run.

• Log Off logs off the current user, then opens the account selection screen.

Caution

If you click Log Off, any programs that were running may be closed, and

unsaved document changes may be lost.

3 Click the user account that you want to use.

Changing power-saving settings

Changing the power scheme

Power schemes (groups of power settings) let you change power saving options such as when
the monitor or hard drive is automatically turned off. You can select one of the defined power
schemes or create a custom power scheme.

Help

For more information about power schemes, click Start, then click Help and

Support. Type power scheme or power management in the Search Help box, then

press E

NTER.

To change the power scheme:

Shortcut

Start Ö Control Panel Ö Hardware and Sound Ö Power Options

1 Click (Start), Control Panel, Hardware and Sound, then under Power Options, click

Change power-saving settings. The Select a power plan dialog box opens.

2 Click a power plan (default plans shown):

• Balanced uses several energy-saving features while maintaining reasonable

performance and convenience.

• Power saver maximizes energy savings but reduces performance and convenience.

• High performance maximizes performance but reduces energy savings.

3 To change a power plan, click Change plan settings, change the settings you want, then

click Save changes.

77

CHAPTER 8: Customizing Windows

4 To change advanced power settings, click Change plan settings, Change advanced

power settings.

5 Change the settings you want, then click OK.

You can change:

• Power-down times for your hard drive, wireless network adapter, USB devices, and

processor

• Power management settings for your display, processor, and expansion cards

• Behavior of your computer’s power button

The Edit Play Settings dialog box opens.

6 Click Save changes.
7 To create a new power plan, on the left side of the window click Create a power plan,

then follow the on-screen instructions.

78

www.gateway.com

Changing accessibility settings

Your computer can be a powerful tool, but it may be less useful to you if items on the screen
are difficult to see, or if the mouse is difficult to control. Windows has several tools that help
you use it more easily.

Using the Ease of Access Center

Use the Ease of Access Center to change several system display settings.

To use the Ease of Access Center:

1 Click (Start), Control Panel, Ease of Access, then click Ease of Access Center. The

Ease of Access Center opens.

2 In the Quick access to common tools section, click one of the following options to make

some of the most common accessibility changes to Windows:

• Start Magnifier provides a close-up view of the area near your mouse pointer.

• Start On-Screen Keyboard displays a keyboard on the screen. You can press keys

on the on-screen keyboard by clicking them with your mouse.

• Start Narrator reads on-screen text and describes graphics.

• Set up High Contrast changes the Windows color scheme to use high-contrast colors.

You can also use the Ease of Access Center to:

• Use the computer without a display, mouse, or keyboard

• Make the computer display easier to see

• Make the mouse and keyboard easier to use

• Use text or visual alternatives for sounds

79

Using voice recognition

You can attach a microphone to your computer and configure Windows to create typed text from
your voice.

To set up voice recognition:

1 Click (Start), Control Panel, Ease of Access, then click Speech Recognition Options.

The Speech Recognition Options window opens.

CHAPTER 8: Customizing Windows

2 Click one of the following settings to start setting up speech recognition:

• Start Speech Recognition turns speech recognition on. With an attached microphone,

you can then control your computer using voice commands.

• Set up microphone configures your attached microphone to work correctly with

speech recognition.

• Take Speech Tutorial helps you learn how to use speech recognition.

• Train your computer to better understand you helps you create several voice

samples that your computer can use to better recognize the words you speak.

• Open the Speech Reference Card lets you view and print a list of common voice

commands.

3 You can also click Text to Speech on the left of the window to configure your computer’s

settings for reading aloud on-screen text.

80

CHAPTER 9

Networking Your Computer

• Introduction to Networking

• Wired Ethernet networking

• Wireless Ethernet networking

• Setting up your network connection

• Testing your network

• Adding a printer to your network

• Sharing resources

• Using the network

81

CHAPTER 9: Networking Your Computer

Introduction to Networking

Making sure your broadband connection works

Important

If you do not have a broadband connection already installed, make the
necessary arrangements with your ISP. Be sure to find out how soon after the
installation the line will be activated.

Broadband Internet settings differ from ISP to ISP. Before you begin
setting up your network, you should contact your ISP for any specific
instructions they have for setting up a network.

Before you change anything about your home setup, make sure that your broadband connection
is working correctly. To test the connection, log onto the Internet using your current setup. If
the connection is not working, contact your Internet service provider.

Networking terms you should know

DHCP—Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lets a router temporarily assign an IP
address to a computer on the network.

IP Address—Internet Protocol (IP) address is a number that uniquely identifies a computer on
the network.

Subnet Mask—Subnet mask is a number that identifies what subnetwork the computer is
located on. This number will be the same on all computers on a home network.

Wired Ethernet networking

An wired Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected together through an
Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used in offices around the world and can be
used to build computer networks in the home.

Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet

Important

Check local code requirements before installing Ethernet cable or other
wiring in your home or office. Your municipality may require you to obtain a
permit and hire a licensed installer.

Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at 10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet
runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 1000 Mbps. Most home networks are built using
Standard or Fast Ethernet components. Business networks are typically built using Fast or Gigabit
Ethernet components.

To create a wired Ethernet network, you or your electrician must install special Ethernet cables
in your home or office.

Using a router

The most common way to set up a wired Ethernet network is Dynamic Host Control Protocol
(DHCP) using a router. A DHCP network configuration uses a router to automatically assign IP
addresses to each computer or network device. For information on setting up a router, see the
router’s documentation.

82

Example router-based Ethernet network

The following is an example of a wired Ethernet network. The network is made up of a router,
a cable or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting each of these components. The
router is the central control point for the network.

www.gateway.com

Tip

To add the ability to access a wireless Ethernet network to your wired
Ethernet network, connect an access point to the router or use a router that
has a built-in access point.

Attached to the router are all of your computers or Ethernet-ready devices. Also connected to
the router is a cable or DSL modem that provides access to the Internet.

Cable/DSL
modem

Router

Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet network

Important

For best results, all Ethernet components should be either standard
Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet
(1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). A mixture of components rated at different
speeds will result in your network running at the speed of the slowest rated
component.

For a wired Ethernet network you need:

• Two or more computers with Ethernet jacks

• One router

• One broadband Internet connection (optional)

• Ethernet cables connecting all of the network equipment

When buying your router, be sure the model includes everything your network needs, including:

• Internet security features, such as a firewall, to protect your network from unwanted

intruders

• 4-port switch to eliminate the need for additional network hardware

• DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment to automatically configure network and IP

addresses

Determining if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer

To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer:

1 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2 Click System and Maintenance, then click System.

83

CHAPTER 9: Networking Your Computer

3 Click Device Manager from the task list on the left. The Device Manager window opens.
4 Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The Ethernet device installed in your

computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.

Setting up wired Ethernet network hardware

Installing Ethernet cards and drivers

After you have determined the type of Ethernet you are using for your network, you need to
install Ethernet cards and drivers on the computers that do not have Ethernet already installed.
To order wired or wireless Ethernet PCI or PC cards, visit the Accessories Store at

www.gateway.com

Use the documentation that comes with your Ethernet cards for instructions on installing the
card and any required drivers.

Plug your Ethernet cable into your computer’s jack and the router or the cable or DSL modem
at this point, if you have not already done so.

Connecting network cables

We recommend using category 5, unshielded, twisted-pair cable (approximately 1/4-inch
diameter with a thin outer-jacket, containing eight color-coded wires), and equipment compatible
with this type of cable. This type of cable is equipped with RJ-45 connectors (like a large telephone
jack connector, but with eight pins) on each end.

Category 5 cables are available in two different types; straight-through cables, used to connect
computers to a router, and crossover cables, used to connect two computers.

To determine which type of cable you have, hold both ends of the cable with the connectors
facing away from you and with the spring clip on the bottom. For straight-through cable, the
wires on both connectors are attached to copper pins in the same order (same colors, left to
right). For a crossover cable, the wires on each connector are attached to the copper pins in a
different order (different colors, left to right).

.

Setting up a network using a router

If you are setting up a network for more than two computers and you will be connecting your
network to a high-speed Broadband Internet connection (cable or DSL modem), we recommend
the use of a router. A router lets you access the Internet connection from any network computer.
The router can assign IP addresses to the computers on the network and can provide firewall
protection for your network as well.

84

www.gateway.com

In addition to a router, you need a straight-through cable for each computer you want to connect
to the network.

Cable/DSL
modem

Router

WAN port

To set up a network using a router:

1 Plug one end of the power adapter into the AC connector on the router and the other end

into a grounded, 110V electrical outlet.

2 Turn on your computers.
3 Plug one end of a straight-through network cable into any numbered port on the router

(except the WAN port). The WAN port is used to connect the router to the DSL or cable
modem and is identified by a label or a switch. Plug the other end of the cable into the
network connector on the computer. As each computer is connected to the router, the
corresponding green indicator should light on the front of the router, indicating a good
connection.

4 Repeat Step 3 for each computer on the network.
5 For an Internet connection, plug a straight-through cable into the WAN port on the router

and the other end into the Ethernet jack on the DSL or cable modem.

Wireless Ethernet networking

Wireless Ethernet networking is the latest advance in computer communication. With a wireless
home network, you can set up your computer wherever you like.

A wireless Ethernet network uses radio waves to communicate. Typically, a wireless Ethernet
network is made up of an access point, a cable or DSL modem (for Internet access), and your
wireless computers.

Wireless Ethernet standards

Current wireless Ethernet standards include the following:

• 802.11a — 54Mbps

• 802.11b — 11Mbps

• 802.11g — 54Mbps

• 802.11n — 540Mbps

85

Speed is not the only issue if you decide to use equipment with different standards. Compatibility
can also be an issue. Take the following into consideration when you purchase wireless
equipment:

Using an access point

An access point is a small electronic device that serves as the central control point for your
network. You connect your modem to the access point, set up a network connection, then browse
the Internet, send e-mail, share files and folders with other networked computers, and access
other devices, like a printer or scanner.

CHAPTER 9: Networking Your Computer

Access point Wireless cards supported

802.11a 802.11a only

802.11b 802.11b only

802.11g 802.11b and 802.11g

802.11n 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n

Cable or DSL modem

Access point

Equipment you need for an access point-based network

Tip

When you buy your access point, make sure it has:

• IEEE 802.11n support. 802.11n is the fastest method for wireless
communications. 802.11n is compatible with the older IEEE 802.11g and
IEEE 802.11b formats but not with the competing IEEE 802.11a format. Make
sure that you get the correct format that matches your computer.

• DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment capability that makes it
easier to set up and access your network.

• Internet security features like a firewall to keep intruders out of your
network.

• Wireless security features like SecureEasySetup™ or 128-bit WEP
encryption.

If you are not sure what to buy, check out Gateway’s accessory store

at www.gateway.com

For a wireless Ethernet network you need:

• Your Gateway computer with a wireless Ethernet network card installed

• A broadband Internet connection (optional)

• An access point

Determining if a wireless Ethernet device is already installed on your computer

To determine if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer:

1 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2 Click System and Maintenance, then click System.

.

86

www.gateway.com

3 Click Device Manager from the task list on the left. The Device Manager window opens.
4 Click the plus (+) in front of Network adapters. The wireless Ethernet device installed in

your computer is listed. If one is not listed, you must install one.

Setting up wireless Ethernet network hardware

Installing wireless cards and drivers

After you have determined the type of wireless equipment you are using for your network, you
need to install wireless cards and drivers on the computers that do not have them already
installed. To order wireless Ethernet PCI or PC cards, visit the Accessories Store at

www.gateway.com

Use the documentation that comes with your wireless cards for instructions on installing the cards
and any required drivers.

Setting up your access point

A wireless Ethernet network sends and receives information through radio waves. This means
that another computer outside your network can intercept the radio waves and take control of
your network.

If you do not set up security for your network, a hacker can gain access to your Internet
connection to send spam e-mail and to your hard drive to download viruses or view your personal
data, like credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and personal online banking information.

Check your access point documentation for information about installing it and setting network
security.

.

Setting up your network connection

Naming the computers and the workgroup

Important

You must give each computer on the network a unique Computer Name

and the same Workgroup Name.

Make sure that you have set up your router (wired network) or access point (wireless network).
If you are setting up a wired network, make sure that you have connected the network cabling.

To identify this computer on the network:

1 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2 Click System and Maintenance. The System and Maintenance window opens.
3 Click System, then click Change Settings in the Computer Name, Domain and

Workgroup settings area. The System Properties dialog box opens.

4 Click Change.
5 If your computer does not already have a name, type a unique computer name in the

Computer name box. This name identifies the computer to other users on the network.
Use a computer name of up to 15 characters with no blank spaces. Each computer name
must be unique on your network. All-numeric computer names are not allowed. Names
must contain some letters.

6 Type a name for your workgroup in the Workgroup box. Use a workgroup name of up

to 15 characters with no blank spaces. The workgroup name must be the same for all
computers in your network workgroup, and the name must be different than any computer
name on your network.

87

CHAPTER 9: Networking Your Computer

7 Click OK. When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Restart Now.

Configuring the TCP/IP protocol

A networking protocol is a language computers use to talk to each other. One of several available
protocols must be set up on each computer you plan to use on your network. We recommend
you use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which is widely accepted
and compatible for local area networks (LANs), as well as for Internet communications.

When networking is set up in Windows Vista, TCP/IP is automatically installed as the default
protocol.

Using a DHCP server

In order to use the TCP/IP protocol on a computer with a router or access point router, the
protocol must be set to “Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server.” This is typically preset when
you receive your computer.

Configuring your router

After you have named your computers and set up TCP/IP on them, you can configure your router
using your Web browser. For instructions, see your router’s documentation.

Connecting to a wireless Ethernet network

Important

Each computer on your network needs a unique Computer Name. All the
computers on your network need the same Workgroup Name. You may have
already named your computer and workgroup the first time you turned on your
computer.

Connecting to your network

Help

For more information about connecting to your network, click Start, then
click Help and Support. Type the following keywords in the Search Help box,
then press E

• Manually add a wireless Ethernet network

• Connecting to wireless Ethernet network.

After you have named your computer and workgroup, you need to set up the network connection
on your computer.

NTER.

• Connect to an available network

88

www.gateway.com

To connect to your wireless Ethernet network:

1 Click (Start), then click Network. The Network window opens.

2 Click Network and Sharing Center. The Network and Sharing Center window opens.

89

CHAPTER 9: Networking Your Computer

3 Click Connect to a network on the left of the window. The Connect to a network dialog

box opens.

4 Click a network, then click Connect.

If you can see the network name, but you cannot connect to it, your network is using
security. Right-click on the network, then click Properties. Modify the security settings to
match the settings you set on your access point.

Wireless security

For information on wireless security, refer to the documentation that came with your access
point.

Help

For more information about wireless network security methods, click

Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword wireless network
security methods in the Search Help box, then press E

Testing your network

Now that your home network is set up, log onto one of your computers and access a favorite
Internet Web site.

If you are unable to connect to the Internet:

• Click (Start), Control Panel, Network and Internet, then the Network and Sharing

Center.

• Choose Diagnose and Repair on the left of the window. Take any actions suggested.

• If you are using a wired Ethernet network, check all physical cable connections

• If you are using a wireless Ethernet network, make sure that your access point is plugged

in and compare the status lights on the front of the access point with the patterns described
in the access point documentation

• Compare the status lights on the front of the router or access point with the patterns

described in the router or access point literature

• Temporarily turn off any firewall software on your desktop computer

• Turn off all of the devices, then power them back on

• Refer to your router’s or access point’s troubleshooting information

• Contact your Internet service provider

NTER.

90

www.gateway.com

Adding a printer to your network

Instead of plugging a printer into your computer, you can add a printer to your network. To
add a printer to the network, do one of the following:

• Connect your printer to your networked computer, then share the printer. For information

about sharing printers, see “Sharing drives and printers” on page 91.

• Connect your printer to your router or access point if the router or access point includes

a USB or parallel port. For more information, see the instructions that came with your router
or access point.

• Use a printer that has built-in networking.

• Use a print server.

Sharing resources

With a network, you can share your Internet connection, drives, and printers.

Sharing drives and printers

With a network, you can share drives (for example hard drives and DVD drives) and printers
among the computers connected to the network.

Important

To share a printer among the network computers, each computer must
have the shared printer’s drivers installed. Follow the instructions included with
your printer to install the printer drivers on each computer.

After the drives and printers on each network computer are shared, you can access them as
though they were attached directly to your computer. Then you can:

• View a network drive

• Open and copy files stored on other network computers

• Print documents on network printers

Sharing drives or folders

To share drives or folders:

1 Click (Start), then click Computer.
2 Right-click the drive or folder that you want to share, then click Share. The Properties

dialog box opens.

If you share a drive, the entire contents of that drive will be available to everyone on your
network. If you share a folder, only the contents of that folder will be available to everyone
on the network.

91

CHAPTER 9: Networking Your Computer

3 Click the Sharing tab.

If Share is grayed out, click Advanced Sharing to set sharing for this drive/folder.

4 Click OK, then click Close.

Un-sharing drives and folders

To un-share drives or folders:

1 Click Start, then click Computer.
2 Right-click the drive or folder that you want to un-share, then click Share.
3 Click Advanced Sharing, then click Share this folder (or drive) to uncheck the box.
4 Click Apply, then click OK.

Sharing printers

To share printers:

1 Click (Start), then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2 Under Hardware and Sound, click Printer The Printers window opens.
3 Right-click the name and icon of the printer you want to share, then click Sharing on the

menu.

4 On the Sharing tab, click Share this printer, then click OK.

Using the network

92

After the drives and printers on each network computer are shared, you can:

• View shared drives and folders

• Map a network drive

• Open and copy files stored on other network computers

• Print documents on network printers