Gateway GM5688E User Manual
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 U p and Getting Started . . 11
Working safely and comf ortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Playing discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
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Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Chapter 4: Upgrading Your Computer. . . . . . . 33
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Removing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Removing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Replacing the front bezel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Replacing the side panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Replacing the color panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Adding or replacing an optical disc drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Replacing the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Adding or replacing a hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Replacing the heat sink and processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Adding or replacing an expansion card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Replacing the system battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Replacing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Chapter 5: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . 57
Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Cleaning the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Cleaning optical discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
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Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Transferring files and settings automatically . . . . . . . . . .68
Transferring files and settings manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Expansion cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Floppy drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
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Contents
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Recovering pre-installed softw are and drivers . . . . . . . . 94
Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Recovering your system to its factory condition . . . . . 102
Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . . 103
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Appendix A: Legal Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
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CHAPTER1
About This R eference
• About this guide
• Accessing the online User Guide
• Gateway contact information
• Micro soft C ertificat e of Aut henticity
• For more information
1
CHAPTER 1: About Th is Referen ce
About this guide
This guide incl udes information and mainte nance instructions
that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some
illustration s in th is guid e may look different tha n your
computer because hardware options and port locations may
vary. For all other computer information, see your online User
Guide.
For more inf ormation
For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s
Support page at www.gateway.com
on your computer’s label. The Support page also has links to
additional Gatew a y documentation and de tailed specifications.
or the Web addre ss show n
Acces sing the online User Guide
In addition to this guide, your User Guide has been included on
your hard drive. Your User Gu id e 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 rec ording media
• Networking
To a c c es s yo u r User Gu ide:
• Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway
Documentation.
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Gate wa y contac t infor mation
The label on the top 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
Micr osof t Cer tificate 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.
Technical Support
telephone number
3
CHAPTER 1: About Th is Referen ce
4
• Front
• Back
CHAPTER2
Checking Out Y our
Computer
5
Front
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer
Memo r y c a rd re a de r
DVD/CD drive
IEEE 1394/
FireWire™ p or t
Diskette or remo vabl e
hard drive (optional)
Headphone jack
Microphone jack
Power bu tton /
power indicator
USB por ts
DVD/CD drive
(optional)
Video jack (opt iona l)
Audio left jack
(optional)
Audio r ight jack
(optional)
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Component Icon Description
Memory card
reader
Optical disc drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install
IEEE 1394 port Plug IEEE1394 (also known as Firewire®)
Diskette or
removable hard
drive (optional)
Headphone jack Plug powered, analog front speakers, an
Microph one j ack Plug a microph one i nto thi s jack . Thi s jack is
Power
button/power
indicator
Insert a me mory card from a digita l came ra,
MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other
device into the memory card reader.
games and programs, watch DVDs, and store
large file s onto r ecordable di scs (depen ding on
drive ty pe). This dri v e may be a CD , recor dable
CD, DV D, re co rd ab le DVD, B lu - ray , o r H D DVD
drive. For more information about your drive,
see “Iden tifying optical drive types” on
page 24.
device s (such as a di gital camcorder) int o the se
6-pin IEEE1394 ports.
Use this drive to read from and write to 3.5"
diskettes, or use this bay to connect a
removable hard drive.
external amplifier, or headphones into this
jack. This jack is color-coded green.
color-coded pink.
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.
USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as
Video, Audio left,
and Audio right
jacks (optional)
a USB external dri ve, printer, scanner, camera,
keyboard, or mouse) into these ports .
Connect your video camera to these jacks.
7
Back
Important
Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this
illustration.
Voltage switch
Power connector
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer
Case cover thumbscrew
PS/2 keyboard port
USB po rt s
S/PDIF jack
(optional)
Mic jack
Headphone/front
speaker jack
Wireless network antenna (optional)
Wireless network antenna connectors
PS/2 mouse port
Monitor (VGA) port
IEEE 1394 port
Ethernet (network) jack
Center/subwoofer jack
Surround L/R speaker jack
Audio in/side speaker jack
Case cover thumbscrew
Video card (optional)
Audio card (optional)
TV tuner card ( opti onal )
Component Icon Description
Vol t ag e sw it ch The switch is preset at the factory. Make
Power connector Plug the power cord into this connector.
sure that this is set to the correct voltage for
your a rea.
PS/2 keyboard port Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
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Component Icon Description
USB ports Plug USB (UniversalSerial Bus) devices
S/PDIF output jack
(optional)
Microphone jack
(pink plug)
Headphone/analog
speakers jack (green
plug)
-ORFront s pe ake rs ja ck
Wireless netwo rk
antenna (optional)
and connectors
Case cover
thumbscrew
PS/2 mouse port Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.
(such as a USB printer, scanner, camera,
keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For
more informat ion , see “I nstalling a printer,
scanner, or other device” on page32.
Plug an optical cable from an amplifier or
entertainment system into this jack for
digital sound.
Plug a microphone into this jack.
This jack is u ser configura ble for one of the
following:
Headphone: Plug headph ones or amplified
speakers into this jack (Default).
Stereo out: Plug your front left and right
speakers into th is j ack.
For more information, see “Configuring the
audio jacks” on page31.
Connect this antenna to your wireless
network antenna card (optional).
Remove this screw before opening the case.
Monitor (VGA) port Plug a VGA (blue connector) monitor cable
IEEE 1394 port Plug IEEE1394 (also known as Firewire™)
Ethernet (net work)
jack
Center/subwoofer
jack (orange plug)
(optional)
into this port.
devices (such as a digital camcorder) into
this 6-pin IEEE1394 port. For more
information, see “Installing a printer,
scanner, or other device” on page32.
Plug an Etherne t ne twork 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 the online User Guide.
Plug your center speaker and subwoofer
into this jack. For more information, see
“Configuring the audio jacks” on page 31.
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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer
Component Icon Description
Rear s pe aker jac k
(black plug)
Audio input (Line in)
jack (blue plug)
-ORSide speaker jack
Video card (optional) Plug a VGA (blue connector) or DVI (white
Audio card (optional) Plug speaker cables into this card, if
TV tuner card Plug a vide o tuner or ant enna in to t his card,
Modem jack
(optional , no t sh own)
Telephone jack
(optional , no t sh own)
Plug your rear right and left speakers into
this jack. For more information, see
“Configuring the audio jacks” on page 31.
This jack is u ser configurab le 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
speaker s into th is j ack.
For more information, see “Configuring the
audio jacks” on page31.
connector ) monit or into a port on this card,
if installed.
installed.
if installed.
Plug a modem cable int o this jack. F or mo re
information, see “Connecting a dial-up
modem” on page16.
Plug the cord from your telephone into this
jack.
10
CHAPTER3
Setting Up and
Getting Start ed
• Working saf ely and comf ort ably
• Preparing po wer connec tions
• Connecting to a br oadband modem or
network
• Connecting a dial-up modem
• Starting your comput er
• T urning of f y our computer
• Rest arting (rebooting) y our computer
• Using the keyboard
• Using the mouse
• Using optical driv es
• Using the memory card reader
• Using the diskette drive
• Adjusting the volume
• Configuring t he audio jacks
• Installing a printer, scanner , or ot her de vice
11
CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started
Wo rking safel y 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 si ght
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Feet are flat on the floor
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Reduc ing e y e strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the
monitor screen or shine directly into your eyes.
• Position the comput er 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. Ev ery 10 or 1 5 minute s, look around
the room, and try to focus on distant objects.
Setting up your comp uter de sk and chair
When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make
sure that the desk is the appropriat e 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 y our chair s o the k ey board is at or slig htly below
the lev el of y our elbow . Thi s position lets y our s houlders
relax while you type.
• Adjust the chair height, adjust the f orward tilt of the s eat,
or use a footrest t o 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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CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started
Sitting at y our comput er
• 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.
Av oiding discomf or t and injury fr om r epetitiv e 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 po wer connec tions
Prot ecting f rom po wer s ource pr oblems
Warning
High voltages c a n e nter your co mputer through both t he power c ord and
the modem conne ction. Pro tect y ou r com puter by using a surge protec tor. 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 ante nna/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 incr ease to f ar above normal levels and
cause data loss or s y stem damage. Protec t y our comput er 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 comput er during a pow er f ailure . Although y ou cannot
run your computer for an extended period of time wi t h 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 fo r 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 23 0 .
The power sup ply, 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 ty picall y se t at t he f ac t ory, 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 t he 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 switc h is locat ed on the back of y our computer, near
the power cable connector.
Connec ting to a br oadband modem or netw ork
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 Us er G ui d e.
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 Eth ernet
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.
15
CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started
Connec ting a dial-up modem
Warning
To reduce the ri sk of fire, use only N o. 26 AWG or l arger
telecommunications l ine cord.
Your computer may have a 56K modem that you can use with
a st an dard tel ep ho ne li ne to co nn ect to th e I nte rnet 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 t elephone
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 y our computer
16
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
Yo ur 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 increas e i n the fan no i se wh en 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 you r 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 periphera l 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 f irst. 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 G ui d e.
Waking up y our comput er
Tip
For more information about changing the power button mode, see the
“Customizing” chapter in your online User Gu i de.
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.
T ur ning off y our 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 re ason you cannot use the Shut Down option in Windows to
turn off y our c ompu ter, press an d hold the power button for about five seconds,
then re le ase 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 fas ter t han turning on your computer af t er
it has been turned completely off.
To put your computer to sleep:
1 Click (Start), then click (power). The computer
saves your session and partial ly shuts down to save
power.
17
CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started
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), clic k the ar row n ext to th e lock ic on, then
click Shut Down.
The computer turns off.
2 To comp let ely dis connect a ll pow er (such a s f or serv icing
internal components), also disconnect the power cord.
Re starting (rebooting) y our computer
18
If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse
input, you may need to restart (reboot) your computer.
To r e s ta r t yo u r co m p u te r :
1 Click (Start), clic k the ar row n ext to th e lock ic on, then
click Restart. Your computer t urns off, then tu rns 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.
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Using t he ke yboar d
Premium multimedia k e yboard featur es
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
Editi ng b u ttons Internet bu tton s Audi o p layb ac k bu tton s Inter ne t b utto ns
Windows keys
Application key Directional keys Numeric keypad
Navigation keys
Indicators
Feature Icon Description
Editing bu ttons Press these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.
Function keys Press these keys to start program actions. Each
Internet b uttons Press these buttons to launch your Internet home
Audio playback
buttons
program u ses diff erent func tion k eys f or diff erent
purposes. See the program documentation to
find out more about the function key actions.
page or search, or e -mai l programs.
Press these buttons to play your audio files and
to ad jus t the vol um e.
Navigation keys Press these keys to move th e curso r to the
beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the
page, down the page, to the beginning of a
document, or to the end of a document.
Indicators Show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or
SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the
corresponding key to activate the function.
19
CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started
Feature Icon Description
Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows
Application key Press t his key to access s hor tcut menus and help
Directional keys Press these keys to move th e curs or up, down,
Numeric keypad Press these keys to type numbers when the
Start menu. These keys can also be used in
combination wit h ot her keys to open utilities like
F (Find/Search), R (Run), and E (Computer).
assistants in Windows.
right, o r left.
numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.
Elite multimedia k e yboard f eature s
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
20
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 key s Press these ke ys to start pr ogram actions. Each
Application buttons Press these b utton s to lau nch you r In ternet
Audio playback
buttons
Indicators Show if yo ur 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.
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 ad jus t the vol um e.
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 cur sor to th e
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 th e curs or.
numeric keypad (N
UM LOCK) is turned on.
21
CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started
Using t he mouse
Scroll wheel
Left bu tton
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.
Righ t b utto n
22
You can use the left and right button s on the mouse to select
objects on the display.
You can use the scroll w h eel on the mouse to move through a
document. This feature is not available in a ll program s.
To... Do this...
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Move the point er
on the compute r
display
Select an object
on the compute r
display
Start a program
or open a file or
folder
Access a
shortcut menu
or find more
information
about an obj ect
on the display.
Move an object
on the compute r
display.
Move the mouse around. If yo u
reach the edge of your mouse
pad and need to move the
mouse farther, l ift the mouse
and place it in the middle of the
mouse pad, the n contin ue
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 ob ject to th e
appropria te part of the
computer display. Release the
button t o drop the obje ct 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 Gui de. For instructions on how to clean the
mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page 61.
23
CHAPTER3 : Setting Up and Getting Started
Using optical dr iv es
Features
Your optical drive has the following basic components:
Flip-down door Eject buttonActivity indicator
Loading an optical disc
To insert an optical disc:
1 Press the eject button on the optical disc drive.
24
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.
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