Gateway FX530XG User Manual

GATEWAY COMPUTER

REFERENCEGUIDE

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

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Accessing the online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

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

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

Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started . . 11

Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . 14

Preparing power connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . 15

Connecting a dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Premium multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Elite multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Using optical drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Loading an optical disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Identifying optical drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Playing discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Contents

Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Chapter 4: Advanced Hardware Setup. . . . . . . 35

Setting up your CrossFire video cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Setting up RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

About RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

RAID 0 for performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

RAID 1 for security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

RAID 5 and 10 for both: performance and security . . . 41

Preparing your computer for RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Configuring RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Adding or replacing a RAID drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Getting help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Overclocking the processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Setting up multiple monitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Chapter 5: Upgrading Your Computer . . . . . . . 49

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Adding or replacing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Adding or replacing an optical disc drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Replacing the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Replacing the front fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Replacing the rear fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

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Replacing the power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Replacing the heat sink and processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Replacing the I/O board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Chapter 6: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . 83

Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Transferring files and settings with Windows Easy Transfer

Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

DVD drives 105

iii

Contents

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Restoring your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . 123

Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Recovering your system to its factory condition . . . . 132

Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . 133

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

CHAPTER1

About This Reference

• About this guide

• Accessing the online User Guide

• Gateway contact information

• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

• For more information

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

About this guide

This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some illustrations in this guide may look different than your computer because hardware options and port locations may vary. For all other computer information, see your online User Guide.

For more information

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

or the Web address

Accessing the online User

Guide

In addition to this guide, your User Guide has been included on your hard drive. Your User Guide is an in-depth, easy-to-read manual that includes information on the following topics:

• Help and technical support

• Using and customizing Windows and other software

• Controlling audio and video settings

• Using the Internet

• Protecting your files

• Playing and recording media

• Networking

To access your User Guide:

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

Documentation.

www.gateway.com

Gateway contact information

The label on the side of your computer contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance.

Serial number

Technical Support telephone number

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 from the installation DVD, you will need to enter these numbers to activate Windows.

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

• Front

• Back

CHAPTER2

Checking Out Your

Computer

Front

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Optical disc drive

Additional drive bay

Memory card reader (optional)

Power button/ power indicator

Hard drive indicator

IEEE 1394 ports

USB ports

Headphone jack Microphone jack

Component Icon Description

Optical disc drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install

Memory card reader (optional)

Power button/power indicator

Hard drive indicator

games and programs, watch DVDs, and store large files onto recordable discs (depending on drive type). This drive may be a CD, recordable CD, DVD, recordable DVD, Blu-ray, or HD DVD drive. For more information about your drive, see the online User Guide.

Insert a memory card from a digital camera, MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other devices into the memory card reader.

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 power indicator lights when the computer is turned on.

Lights when the hard drive is active.

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Component Icon Description

IEEE 1394 ports Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®)

USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such

Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is

devices (such as a digital camcorder) into these 6-pin IEEE 1394 ports.

as a USB external drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.

external amplifier, or headphones into this jack. This jack is color-coded green.

color-coded pink.

Back

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Important

Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this

illustration.

Cover release lever

Case thumbscrew and

Kensington lock slot

Security tape

5.1 audio jacks

Ethernet (network) jack

IEEE 1394/FireWire™ port

Parallel port

PS/2 mouse port

Expansion slot cover

thumbscrew

Telephone jack (optional)

Power connector

S/PDIF (optical) jack

USB ports

Digital coaxial audio jack

Serial port

PS/2 keyboard port

Video card

TV tuner card

Secondary video card (optional)

Modem jack (optional)

Component Icon Description

Cover release lever Lift this lever to open the computer cover

Case thumbscrew Remove this screw before opening the

case.

Kensington lock slot Attach a cable lock to this slot, then attach

the cable to a solid object like a desk or table to prevent your computer from being stolen.

Security tape Remove or cut this tape before opening the

computer case.

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Component Icon Description

Rear speaker jack (black plug)

Audio input (Line in) jack (blue plug)

-ORSide speaker jack

Headphone/analog speakers jack (green plug)

-ORFront speakers jack

Microphone jack (pink plug)

Center/subwoofer jack (orange plug)(optional)

Plug your rear right and left speakers into this jack. For more information, see “Configuring the

audio jacks” on page 32.

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 more information, see “Configuring the

audio jacks” on page 32.

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 more information, see “Configuring the

audio jacks” on page 32.

Plug a microphone into this jack.

Plug your center speaker and subwoofer into this jack. For more information, see “Configuring the

audio jacks” on page 32.

Ethernet (network) jack

IEEE 1394 port Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®)

Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into

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

Plug an 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 “Learning about the Internet” in your online User Guide.

devices (such as a digital camcorder) into this 6-pin IEEE 1394 port. For more information, see “Installing a printer,

scanner, or other device” on page 33.

this port.

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Component Icon Description

Expansion slot cover thumbscrew

Telephone jack (optional)

Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector.

S/PDIF output jack (optional)

USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices

Digital coaxial audio port

Serial port Plug a serial device into this port. For more

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

Video card Plug a monitor into a port on this card.

Remove this screw and open the expansion slot cover to unlock the expansion cards.

Plug the cord from your telephone into this jack.

Plug an optical cable from an amplifier or entertainment system into this jack for digital sound.

(such as a USB Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For more information, see “Installing a printer,

scanner, or other device” on page 33.

Plug a single digital coaxial audio connector into this jack for digital audio. Provides digital audio output from a CD or DVD.

information, see “Installing a printer,

scanner, or other device” on page 33.

TV tuner card Connect a video tuner or an antenna to this

Modem jack (optional)

card to watch TV on your computer.

Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more information, see “Connecting a dial-up

modem” on page 16.

CHAPTER3

Setting Up and Getting

Started

• 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

• Using optical drives

• Using the memory card reader

• Adjusting the volume

• Configuring the audio jacks

• Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

CHAPTER 3: 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 level.

• 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

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Reducing eye strain

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

• Position the computer desk and screen so you can avoid

glare on your screen and light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on windows, and by installing a glare screen filter.

• Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use

your computer in a dark room.

• Set paper holders at the same height and distance as

the monitor.

• Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for

long periods of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around the room, and try to focus on distant objects.

Setting up your computer desk and chair

When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps you maintain good posture.

• Select a flat surface for your computer desk.

• Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands

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

• Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes

your weight evenly, and keeps your body relaxed.

• Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly

below the level of your elbow. This position lets your shoulders relax while you type.

• 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.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Sitting at your computer

• Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make

sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.

• Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your

back straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right angles when you work.

• Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.

• Avoid twisting your torso or neck.

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain

• Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.

• Take breaks to change your position, stretch your

muscles, and relieve your eyes.

• Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a

variety of tasks.

Preparing power connections

Protecting from power source problems

War ning

High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.

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

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer during a power failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut down your computer normally.

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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 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 (network) jack. For information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network, see your online User Guide.

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.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

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 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 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 at the back of your computer.

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1 Connect the power, network, mouse, and keyboard

cables to your computer according to the setup poster.

2 Press the power button on the front of your computer.

If your computer does not turn on, check the power cable connections.

Important

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

3 If you are starting your computer for the first time,

follow the on-screen instructions to select the language and time zone and to create your first user account.

4 Attach and turn on any USB or audio peripheral devices,

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

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5 To open your computer’s Start 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” and “Customizing Windows” in your online User Guide.

Waking up your computer

Tip

For more information about changing the power button mode, see the

“Customizing” chapter in your online User Guide.

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. If the computer remains in Sleep mode, press the power button.

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 Shut Down 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.

CHAPTER 3: 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, press a key on the keyboard

or press the power button. If the computer remains in Sleep mode, press the power button.

To turn off your computer:

1 Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon,

then click Shut Down.

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 lock icon,

then click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on again.

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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 Audio playback buttons Internet buttons

Windows keys

Application key Directional keys Numeric keypad

Navigation keys

Indicators

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

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

home page or search, or e-mail programs.

Audio playback buttons

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

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Feature Icon Description

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,

Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the

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

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 (Find/Search), R (Run), and E (Computer).

assistants in Windows.

right, or left.

numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.

Elite multimedia keyboard features

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

Sleep button Application buttons

Function keys

Audio playback

buttons

Indicators

Windows keys Application key Numeric keypad

Navigation keys

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Feature Icon Description

Sleep button Press this button to activate your computer’s

Function keys Press these keys to start program actions.

Application buttons Press these buttons to launch your Internet

Audio playback buttons

Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or

Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows

Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and

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

Sleep (power-saving) mode.

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

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

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

SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the corresponding key to activate the function.

Start menu. These keys can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like F (Find/Search), R (Run), and E (Computer).

help assistants in Windows.

Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the

Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the

beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning of a document, or to the end of a document. Press the arrow keys to move the cursor.

numeric keypad (N

UM LOCK) is turned on.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Using the mouse

Scroll wheel

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.

Right button

You can use the left and right buttons on the mouse to select objects on the display.

You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a document. This feature is not available in all programs.

To... Do this...

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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 display.

Move an object on the computer display.

Move the mouse around. If you reach the edge of your mouse pad and need to move the mouse farther, lift the mouse and place it 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. This is called clicking.

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

Position the pointer over the object. Quickly press and release the right mouse button once. This 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. This is called clicking and dragging.

For more information about how to adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, right-hand or left-hand configuration, and other mouse settings, see the “Customizing” chapter in your online User Guide. For instructions on how to clean the mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page 87.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Using optical drives

Features

Your optical drive has the following basic components:

Activity indicator (location varies)

Loading an optical disc

To insert an optical disc:

1 Press the eject button on the optical disc drive.

Important

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

2 Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up. 3 Press the eject button to close the tray.

(location varies)

Eject buttonManual eject hole

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