Gateway DX430, GM5066b, GM5074b, GM5407e, GM5410e Quick Reference Guide

...
4 (1)

REFERENCEGUIDE

®

Contents

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 . . . . . . . . 16 Connecting a dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Premium multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Elite multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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Contents

Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer . . . . . . . 29

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Replacing the color panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Adding or replacing an optical disc drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Replacing the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Replacing the heat sink and processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer. . . . . . 53

Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

ii

www.gateway.com

Moving with Windows Easy Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Moving files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . 92 Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Recovering your system to its factory condition . . . . 101 Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . 102 Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

iii

Contents

Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Chapter 7: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

iv

CHAPTER1

About This Reference

About this guide

Accessing the online User Guide

Gateway contact information

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

For more information

1

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 the online User Guide.

For more information

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

Accessing the online User

Guide

In addition to this guide, the User Guide has been included on your hard drive. The 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

Maintaining

To access the User Guide:

Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.

2

www.gateway.com

Gateway contact information

The label on the side of your computer case 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.

3

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

4

CHAPTER2

Checking Out Your

Computer

Front

Back

5

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Front

Memory card reader

DVD/CD drive

IEEE 1394/

FireWire™ port

Diskette drive (optional) Headphone jack

Microphone jack

Power button/ power indicator

USB ports

DVD/CD drive (optional)

Video jack (optional)

Audio left jack (optional)

Audio right jack (optional)

Component

Icon

Description

 

 

 

Memory card

 

Insert a memory card from a digital camera,

reader

 

MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other

 

 

device into the memory card reader.

DVD/CD drive

 

Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install

 

 

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.

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

www.gateway.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Component

Icon

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

IEEE 1394/

 

 

 

 

Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire)

 

 

 

 

FireWire™ port

 

 

 

 

devices (such as a digital camcorder) into

 

 

 

 

 

these 6-pin IEEE 1394 ports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diskette drive

 

 

 

 

Use this drive to read from and write to 3.5"

(optional)

 

 

 

 

diskettes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Headphone jack

 

 

 

 

Plug powered, analog front speakers, an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

external amplifier, or headphones into this

 

 

 

 

 

jack. This jack is color-coded green.

 

 

 

 

 

Microphone jack

 

 

 

 

Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is

 

 

 

 

 

color-coded pink.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power

 

 

 

 

Press this button to turn the power on or off.

button/power

 

 

 

 

You can also configure the power button to

indicator

 

 

 

 

operate in Standby/Resume mode or

 

 

 

 

 

Hibernate mode. The power indicator lights

 

 

 

 

 

when the computer is turned on.

USB ports

 

 

 

 

Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such

 

 

 

 

 

as a USB external drive, printer, scanner,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video, Audio left,

 

 

 

 

Connect your video camera to these jacks.

and Audio right

 

 

 

 

 

jacks (optional)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

Gateway DX430, GM5066b, GM5074b, GM5407e, GM5410e Quick Reference Guide

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Back

Important

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

 

Voltage switch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Case cover thumbscrew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power connector

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS/2 keyboard port

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS/2 mouse port

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monitor (VGA) port

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parallel port

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IEEE 1394/FireWire™ port

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethernet (network) jack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USB ports

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S/PDIF jack (optional)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Center/subwoofer jack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surround L/R speaker jack

 

Microphone jack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audio in/side speaker jack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Headphone/front

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

speaker jack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Case cover thumbscrew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TV tuner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video card (optional)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(optional)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modem (line) jack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone jack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wireless network antenna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

connectors (optional)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wireless network antenna (optional)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Component

Icon

 

 

 

 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voltage switch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The switch is preset at the factory. Make

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sure that this is set to the correct voltage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

for your area.

 

Power connector

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plug the power cord into this connector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS/2 keyboard port

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

www.gateway.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Component

Icon

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monitor (VGA) port

 

 

 

 

Plug a VGA (blue connector) monitor cable

 

 

 

 

 

into this port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IEEE 1394/

 

 

 

 

Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire)

 

 

 

 

FireWire™ port

 

 

 

 

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 28.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USB ports

 

 

 

 

Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices

 

 

 

 

 

(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 28.

 

 

 

 

 

 

S/PDIF output jack

 

 

 

 

Plug an optical cable from an amplifier or

(optional)

 

 

 

 

entertainment system into this jack for

 

 

 

 

 

digital sound.

Microphone jack

 

 

 

 

Plug a microphone into this jack.

(pink plug)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Headphone/analog

 

 

 

 

This jack is user configurable for one of the

 

 

 

 

speakers jack (green

 

 

 

 

following:

plug)

 

 

 

 

Headphone:Plugheadphonesoramplified

-OR-

 

 

 

 

speakers into this jack (Default).

Front speakers jack

 

 

 

 

Stereo out: Plug your front left and right

 

 

 

 

 

speakers into this jack.

 

 

 

 

 

For more information, see“Configuring the

 

 

 

 

 

audio jacks” on page 27.

TV tuner (optional)

 

 

 

 

Plug a video tuner or antenna into this

 

 

 

 

 

optional jack.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wireless network

 

 

 

 

Connect this antenna to your wireless

antenna (optional)

 

 

 

 

network antenna card (optional).

and connectors

 

 

 

 

 

Case thumbscrew

 

 

 

 

Remove this screw before opening the

 

 

 

 

 

case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PS/2 mouse port

 

 

 

 

Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parallel port

 

 

 

 

Plug a parallel device (such as a printer)

 

 

 

 

 

into this port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer

Component

Icon

Description

 

 

 

 

Ethernet (network)

 

 

Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device

 

 

jack

 

 

(such as a DSL or cable modem for a

 

 

 

broadband Internet connection) into this

 

 

 

jack. For more information, see “Learning

 

 

 

about the Internet” in the online User

 

 

 

Guide.

Center/subwoofer

 

 

Plug your center speaker and subwoofer

jack (orange plug)

 

 

into this jack.

(optional)

 

 

For more information, see“Configuring the

 

 

 

audio jacks” on page 27.

 

 

 

 

Surround L/R

 

 

Plug your rear right and left speakers into

 

 

speaker jack

 

 

this jack.

(black plug)

 

 

For more information, see“Configuring the

 

 

 

audio jacks” on page 27.

 

 

 

 

Audio in/side

 

 

This jack is user configurable for one of the

speaker jack (blue

 

 

following:

plug)

 

 

Stereo in: Plug an external audio input

-OR-

 

 

source (such as a stereo) into this jack so

Side speaker jack

 

 

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 27.

 

 

 

 

Video card (optional)

 

 

Plug a VGA (blue connector) or DVI (white

 

 

 

connector) monitor into a port on this card,

 

 

 

if installed.

Modem jack

 

 

Plugamodemcableintothisjack. Formore

(optional)

 

 

information, see “Connecting a dial-up

 

 

 

modem” on page 16.

 

 

 

 

Telephone jack

 

 

Plug the cord from yourtelephone into this

(optional)

 

 

jack.

 

 

 

 

10

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

Adjusting the volume

Configuring the audio jacks

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

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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 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

Screen is perpendicular to your line of sight

Hands and arms are parallel to the floor

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 isthe 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.

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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 elbowsform 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

Warning

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

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your computer can increase to far above normal levels and cause data lossorsystem damage. Protect yourcomputer 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 toyourcomputerduring apowerfailure.Althoughyoucannot 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 istypically 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:

1Disconnect your computer’s power cable.

2Use 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. To see its location, see “Back” on page 8.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

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 the 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:

1Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on the back of your computer. To see its location, see “Back” on page 8.

2Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable modem, DSL modem, or network jack.

Connecting a dial-up modem

Warning

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:

1Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the modem at the back of your computer. To see its location, see “Back” on page 8.

2Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. (The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.)

3If you want, you can connect a telephone to the PHONE jack on the modem on the back of your computer.

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Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1Connect the power, network, mouse, keyboard, and monitor cables to your computer according to the setup poster.

2Press 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.

3If 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.

4Attach 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.

5To 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” and “Customizing Windows” in the online User Guide.

Waking up your computer

Tip

For more information about changing the power button mode, see the “Customizing Windows” chapter in the 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.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Turning off your computer

Warning

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

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 fasterthanturning on yourcomputerafter it has been turned completely off.

To put your computer to sleep:

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

2To “wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard or press the power button.

To turn off your computer:

1Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Shut Down. The computer turns off.

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

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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:

1Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns on again.

2If 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.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indicators

Editing buttons

Internet buttons

Audio playback buttons Navigation keys

 

 

Internet buttons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Windows keys

Application key Directional keys Numeric keypad

 

 

 

Feature

Icon

Description

 

 

 

Editing buttons

 

Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.

 

 

 

Function keys

 

Press these keys to start program actions. Each

 

 

program uses different function keys for

 

 

different purposes. See the program

 

 

documentation to find out more about the

 

 

function key actions.

 

 

 

Internet buttons

 

Press these buttons to launch your Internet

 

 

home page, search, or e-mail programs.

Audio playback

 

Press these buttons to play your audio files and

buttons

 

to adjust the volume.

 

 

 

Navigation keys

 

Press these keys to move the cursor to the

 

 

beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the

 

 

page, down the page, to the beginning of a

 

 

document, or to the end of a document.

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

 

www.gateway.com

 

 

 

 

 

Feature

Icon

Description

 

 

 

 

 

Indicators

 

 

 

Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or

 

 

 

 

SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the

 

 

 

 

corresponding key to activate the function.

 

 

 

 

 

Windows keys

 

 

 

Press one of these keys to open the Windows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Start menu. These keys can also be used in

 

 

 

 

combination with other keys to open utilities like

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Application key

 

 

 

Press this key toaccess shortcut menus andhelp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

assistants in Windows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directional keys

 

 

 

Press these keys to move the cursor up, down,

 

 

 

 

right, or left.

Numeric keypad

 

 

 

Press these keys to type numbers when the

 

 

 

 

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 Function keys

Internet buttons

Audio playback

Indicators

buttons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Windows keys

Application key

Navigation keys Numeric keypad

21

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Feature

Icon

Description

 

 

 

 

 

Sleep button

 

 

 

Press this button to activate your computer’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sleep (power-saving) mode.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Function keys

 

 

 

Press these keys to start program actions.

 

 

 

 

Each program uses different function keys for

 

 

 

 

different purposes. See the program

 

 

 

 

documentation to find out more about the

 

 

 

 

function key actions.

 

 

 

 

 

Application buttons

 

 

 

Press these buttons to launch your Internet

 

 

 

 

home page, search for files, or launch the

 

 

 

 

calculator program.

Audio playback

 

 

 

Press these buttons to play your audio files

buttons

 

 

 

and to adjust the volume.

 

 

 

 

 

Indicators

 

 

 

Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or

 

 

 

 

SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the

 

 

 

 

corresponding key to activate the function.

Windows keys

 

 

 

Press one of these keys to open the Windows

 

 

 

 

Start menu. These keys can also be used in

 

 

 

 

combination with other keys to open utilities

 

 

 

 

like F (Find/Search), R (Run), and

 

 

 

 

E (Computer).

 

 

 

 

 

Application key

 

 

 

Press this key to access shortcut menus and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

help assistants in Windows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Editing buttons

 

 

 

Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.

 

 

 

 

 

Navigation keys

 

 

 

Press these keys to move the cursor to the

 

 

 

 

beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the

 

 

 

 

page, down the page, to the beginning of a

 

 

 

 

document, or to the end of a document. Press

 

 

 

 

the arrow keys to move the cursor.

Numeric keypad

 

 

 

Press these keys to type numbers when the

 

 

 

 

numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.

 

 

 

 

 

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Using the mouse

Scroll wheel

Right button

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.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

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

To...

Do this...

 

 

 

 

 

Move the

 

 

 

Move the mouse around. If you

 

 

pointer on the

 

 

 

reach the edge of your mouse

computer

 

 

 

pad and need to move the

display

 

 

 

mouse farther, lift the mouse

 

 

 

 

and place it in the middle of the

 

 

 

 

mouse pad, then continue

 

 

 

 

moving the mouse.

 

 

 

Select an object

 

 

 

Position the pointer over the

onthecomputer

 

 

 

object. Quickly press and

display

 

 

 

release the left mouse button.

 

 

 

 

This is called clicking.

 

 

 

 

 

Start a program

 

 

 

Position the pointer over the

 

 

or open a file or

 

 

 

object. Quickly press and

folder

 

 

 

release the left mouse button

 

 

 

 

twice. This is called

 

 

 

 

double-clicking.

 

 

 

Access a

 

 

 

Position the pointer over the

shortcut menu

 

 

 

object. Quickly press and

or find more

 

 

 

release the right mouse button

information

 

 

 

once. This is called

about an object

 

 

 

right-clicking.

on the display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Move an object

 

 

 

Position the pointer over the

 

 

 

onthecomputer

 

 

 

object. Press the left mouse

display.

 

 

 

button and hold it down. Move

 

 

 

 

(drag) the object to the

 

 

 

 

appropriate part of the

 

 

 

 

computer display. Release the

 

 

 

 

button to drop the object

 

 

 

 

whereyou wantit.Thisiscalled

 

 

 

 

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 Windows” chapter in the online User Guide. For instructions on how to clean the mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page 57.

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