Gateway GT4015H User Manual

USER GUIDE Manuel de l’utilisateur

Gateway Computer

Ordinateur Gateway

Chapter 1: Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Thank you for purchasing our computer! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Using the Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Using Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

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

Getting help in Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Using online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chapter 2: Using Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Working safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Setting up your computer and computer accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Checking the voltage selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Premium multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Elite multimedia keyboard features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Configuring the audio jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connecting the dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network . . . 19

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Chapter 3: Using Windows XP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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

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

Adding icons to the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using the Windows Search utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Contents www.gateway.com

Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Chapter 4: Recovering Your System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

System recovery options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Drivers and applications recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Creating drivers and applications recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Copying drivers and applications recovery files to a network . . . . . . . . .39

Creating discs from recovery files on a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Recovering specific files and software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Recovering your system using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Recovering your system from the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Chapter 5: Using the Internet and Faxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Installing and configuring Microsoft Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Installing Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Configuring Microsoft Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Setting up your cover page template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Sending a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Sending a quick fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Faxing a scanned document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Automatically retry sending a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Automatically canceling a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Chapter 6: Protecting Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Hardware security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Kensington lock slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Data security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

About startup and hard drive passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

www.gateway.com

About Windows XP user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Using McAfee SecurityCenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Using Windows XP Security Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Security updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Windows Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Contents

Chapter 7: Using Drives and Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Playing a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Creating audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Playing music and movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Playing WAV audio files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Playing audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Playing CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Creating audio files and music libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Creating music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Creating and editing videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Editing videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Transferring your video to your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Editing your video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Saving your video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Using Windows Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Manually updating the Media Center Program Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Chapter 8: Networking Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Introduction to Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Using a router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Creating an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Installing Ethernet cards and drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Making sure your broadband connection works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Naming the computers and the workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Configuring the TCP/IP protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Setting up an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Testing your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Sharing resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Sharing drives and printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

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Contents www.gateway.com

Using the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Viewing shared drives and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Mapping a network drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Opening files across the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Copying files across the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Printing files across the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Adding a printer to your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Chapter 9: Customizing Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Changing the colors on your Windows desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Using an extended desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Using a second monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Viewing the display on a television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Modifying television settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Changing the mouse settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Changing power-saving settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Changing advanced power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Activating and using Hibernate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Installing an uninterruptible power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Chapter 10: Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Setting up a maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Scheduling maintenance tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Moving from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Installing your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Installing your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

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Contents

Chapter 11: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Add-in cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Appendix A: Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Contents www.gateway.com

CHAPTER 1

Getting Help

• Using the Gateway Web site

• Using Help and Support

• Using online help

CHAPTER 1: Getting Help www.gateway.com

Thank you for purchasing our computer!

You have made an excellent decision choosing Gateway. We are sure that you

will be pleased with the outstanding quality, reliability, and performance of your

new computer. Each and every Gateway computer uses the latest technology

and passes through the most stringent quality control tests to ensure that you

are provided with the best product possible.

Please read this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with our range of

services and support. We have highlighted some basic care and safety

information to help you keep your computer in good operating condition.

Gateway stands behind our value proposition to our customers—to provide

best-of-class service and support in addition to high-quality, brand-name

components at affordable prices. If you ever have a problem, our

knowledgeable, dedicated customer service department will provide you with

fast, considerate service.

We sincerely hope that you will receive the utmost satisfaction and enjoyment

from your new Gateway computer for years to come.

Thanks again, from all of us at Gateway.

Using the Gateway Web site

Gateway’s online support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and

provides the most current drivers, product specifications, tutorials, and

personalized information about your computer. Visit the Gateway Support

Web site at the address indicated on your system label.

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Using Help and Support

Your computer includes Help and Support, an easily accessible collection of help information, troubleshooters, and automated support. Use Help and Support to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover and use the many features of your Gateway computer.

To start Help and Support:

■ Click Start, then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens.

Using Help and Support

Searching for a topic

You can find help information by clicking a link, performing a search, or browsing the index.

To search for a topic in Help and Support, type a word or phrase (keyword) in

Search box located at the top of any Help and Support screen, then click the

the arrow button.

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

■ Suggested Topics—These topics are located in Help and Support and are

relevant to your search topic.

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

and contain the words you entered in the Search box.

■ Microsoft Knowledge Base—These topics are located on the Microsoft

Web site and contain the words you entered in the Search box. You must be connected to the Internet to search for and access these topics.

To view a list of your search results, click the results header for the type of results you want to view. To view a topic, click the topic name in the Search Results list.

CHAPTER 1: Getting Help www.gateway.com

Getting help in Media Center

If your computer has Windows XP Media Center Edition, you can access online

help or refer to the printed Windows XP Media Center Edition Guide.

To access Media Center help:

1 In the Media Center window,

move the mouse to activate the Media Center tool bar. The tool bar appears at the top of the window.

2 Click the Help icon in the

tool bar.

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Using online help

Many programs provide information online so you can research a topic or learn how to perform a task while you are using the program. You can access most online help information by selecting a topic from a Help menu or by clicking a Help button.

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

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 CD or DVD, you will need to enter these numbers to activate Windows.

CHAPTER 1: Getting Help www.gateway.com

CHAPTER 2

Using Your Computer

•Working safely

• Setting up your computer and computer accessories

• Starting your computer

• Turning off your computer

• Restarting (rebooting) your computer

• Using the keyboard

•Using the mouse

• Adjusting the volume

• Configuring the audio jacks

• Connecting the dial-up modem

• Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network

• Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

CHAPTER 2: Using Your Computer www.gateway.com

Working safely

Before using your computer, read the following recommendations for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain.

Top of screen is not higher than eye level

Screen is perpendicular

Hands and arms

are parallel to the

floor

to your line of sight

Reducing eye strain

Feet are flat on the floor

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

■ Position the computer desk and monitor so you can avoid glare on your

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

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

a dark room.

■ Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods of

time. Look away from your computer occasionally, and try to focus on distant objects.

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Setting up your computer and computer accessories

Setting up your computer desk and chair

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

■ Select a flat surface for your computer desk.

■ Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands and arms are

positioned parallel to the floor when you use the keyboard and mouse. If the desk is not adjustable or is too tall, consider using a keyboard drawer.

■ Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes your weight evenly,

and keeps your body relaxed.

■ Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your

elbow. This position lets your shoulders relax while you type.

■ Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the seat, or use a footrest

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

■ Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower curve of your spine.

You can use a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.

Setting up your computer and computer accessories

■ Set up the monitor so the top is no higher than eye level, the monitor

controls are within reach, and the screen is tilted to be perpendicular to your line of sight.

■ Place your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable distance. You should be

able to reach them without stretching.

■ Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the monitor.

Sitting at your computer

■ Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in

a relaxed position when you type.

■ Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back straight so your

knees, hips, and elbows form right angles when you work.

■ Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.

■ Avoid twisting your torso or neck.

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.

CHAPTER 2: Using Your Computer www.gateway.com

Protecting from power source problems

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.

Warning

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.

Checking the voltage selection

If you set the voltage selection switch

Caution

incorrectly, your system will be damaged.

Make sure this switch is set correctly for

your location before turning on your

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

computer.

moved to 230.

A p ower suppl y is in tegr ate d into you r com puter to pr ovi de pow er to the s yste m board, add-in cards, and peripheral devices. The voltage selection for your location is typically set at the factory. Use the power selection switch on the back of your computer to set the power supply to 115V or 230V. To verify that your system has the correct setting for your environment, check the voltage selection switch.

To set the voltage selection switch:

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

switch to the correct voltage position. For the location of the switch, see your setup poster or hardware reference.

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1 Connect the cables to your computer according to the setup poster.

2 Turn on your computer.

Your computer has a built-in variable

speed fan. In addition, your computer

uses a powerful processor which

produces heat. Both the system fan and

processor can run at different speeds at

times to ensure proper system cooling.

You may notice an increase in the fan noise when the fan is running at high speed and a decrease in the fan noise

when it switches to normal speed.

Waking up your computer

Important

For more information about changing

the power button mode, see “Changing

power-saving settings” on page 114.

Tips & Tricks

3 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen

instructions to set up your computer.

4 Attach and turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners,

and see the documentation that came with the device for setup instructions.

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

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

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Turning off your computer

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

If for some reason you cannot use the

Turn Off Computer option in Windows to

turn off your computer, press and hold

the power button for about five seconds,

Warning

periods.

Important

then release it.

To turn off your computer:

1 Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog

box opens.

2 Click Turn Off. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.

Restarting (rebooting) your computer

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

To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer:

1 Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. The Task Manager window opens.

If your computer does not turn off, press

and hold the power button for about five

seconds, then release it.

Important

2 Click the Applications tab, then click the program that is not responding.

3 Click End Task.

4 Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task Manager dialog box.

- OR -

If your computer does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds, then turn it on again. You are done.

5 Click Start, Shut Down, click the arrow to open the What do you want

the computer to do? list, click Restart, then click OK.

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

CHAPTER 2: Using Your Computer www.gateway.com

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.

Editing buttons

Function keys

Internet buttons

Windows keys Application key Directional keys Numeric keypad

Audio playback buttons

Navigation keys

Indicators

Internet buttons

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 buttons

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

Indicators Show if your N

Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows Start menu. These keys can also be used in combination with other

Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help 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 (N

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

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.

keys to open utilities like F(Search utility), R (Run utility), and E (Explorer utility).

UM LOCK) is turned on.

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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 Internet buttons

Function keys

Audio playback buttons

Using the keyboard

Indicators

Windows keys

Application key

Navigation keys

Numeric keypad

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 buttons

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

Windows keys Press one of these keys to open the Windows

Application key Press this key to access shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows.

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

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

key to activate the function.

Start menu. These keys can also be used in combination with other

keys to open utilities like F(Search utility), R (Run utility), and E (Explorer utility).

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 (N

UM LOCK) is turned on.

CHAPTER 2: Using Your Computer www.gateway.com

Using the mouse

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.

Scroll wheel

Left button

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.

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To. .. Do this...

Adjusting the volume

Move the pointer on the computer display

Select an object on the computer display

Start a program or open a file or folder

Access a shortcut menu or find more information about an object on the computer display.

Move an object on the computer display.

click

(hold)

click

click,

click, click

click

and drag

click

Move the mouse around on the mouse pad. If you run out of space on your mouse pad and need to move the pointer farther, pick up the mouse, set it down in the middle of the mouse pad, then continue moving the mouse.

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

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

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

Position the pointer over the object. Press the left mouse button and hold it down. Move (drag) the object to the appropriate part of the computer display. Release the button to drop the object where you want it.

For more information about how to adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, right-hand or left-hand configuration, and other mouse settings, see

“Changing the mouse settings” on page 112. For instructions on how to clean

the mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page 119.

Adjusting the volume

For more information about adjusting

the volume, click Start, then click Help

adjusting volume in the Search box,

Help & Support

and Support. Type the phrase

then click the arrow.

You can adjust volume using your speakers’ controls or the Windows volume controls. You can also adjust the volume of specific sound devices in your computer.

To adjust the overall volume using hardware controls:

■ If you are using external speakers, turn the knob on the front of the

speakers.

-OR-

Use the mute and volume control buttons on the keyboard. For more information, see “Using the keyboard” on page 12.

CHAPTER 2: Using Your Computer www.gateway.com

To adjust the overall volume from Windows:

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your

Control Panel is in Category View, click

2 Click/Double-click the Adjust the system volume or Sounds and Audio Devices.

The Sounds and Audio Devices Properties dialog box opens.

3 Click the Vol ume tab.

Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.

4 Drag the Device Volume slider to change the volume or click to select the

Mute check box, then click OK.

To adjust device volume levels:

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your

Control Panel is in Category View, click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.

2 Click/Double-click the Adjust the system volume or Sounds and Audio Devices.

The Sounds and Audio Devices Properties dialog box opens.

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Adjusting the volume

3 Click the Vol ume tab.

4 Click Advanced in the Device volume area.

If the device you want to adjust does not appear in the window, click

Options, Properties, the check box next to the audio device you want to

adjust, then click OK.

5 Drag the volume level and balance sliders for the device you want to

adjust. For more information about the volume controls, click

Help in the

window.

6 Click X in the top-right corner of the window to close it.

CHAPTER 2: Using Your Computer www.gateway.com

Configuring the audio jacks

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

To configure the audio jacks:

Start Ö Control Panel Ö Sounds and

Audio Devices Ö Advanced

Shortcut

1 Connect your audio device(s) to the computer audio jack(s).

2 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

3 Click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices or Sounds and Audio

Devices, then click Advanced under Speaker Settings. The Advanced

Audio Properties dialog box opens.

-OR-

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

4 Configure the audio jacks for your speaker setup.

Connecting the dial-up modem

To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26

AWG or larger telecommunications line

Warning

cord.

Your computer has a built-in 56K modem that you can use to connect to a standard telephone line.

To connect the modem:

1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on 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 Start your computer, then start your communications program.

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Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network

Your computer is equipped with a built-in

Ethernet port. For information about

setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet

network, see “Networking Your

Important

Computer” on page 87.

Your computer has a network jack that you can use to connect to a cable or DSL modem or to a 10/100 wired Ethernet network.

To connect to a cable or DSL 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.

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

Before you install a printer, scanner, or

other peripheral device, see the device

documentation and installation

For more information about installing

peripheral devices, click Start, then click

Help and Support. Type the keyword

installing devices in the Search box,

Important

instructions.

Help & Support

then click the arrow.

Your computer has one or more of the following ports: IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire

or i.Link®), Universal Serial Bus (USB), serial, and parallel. You use these ports to connect peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras to your computer. For more information about port locations, see your hardware reference.

IEEE 1394 and USB ports support plug-and-play and hot-swapping, which means that your computer will usually recognize such a device whenever you plug it into the appropriate port. When you use an IEEE 1394 or USB device for the first time, your computer will prompt you to install any software the device needs. After doing this, you can disconnect and reconnect the device at any time.

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

CHAPTER 2: Using Your Computer www.gateway.com

CHAPTER 3

Using Windows XP

• Using the Windows desktop

• Working with files and folders

• Searching for files

• Working with documents

•Shortcuts

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows XP www.gateway.com

Using the Windows desktop

After your computer starts, the first screen you see is the Windows desktop. The desktop is like the top of a real desk. Think of the desktop as your personalized work space where you open programs and perform other tasks.

For more information about the

Windows desktop, click Start, then click

Help and Support. Type the phrase

Windows desktop in the Search box,

Help & Support

then click the arrow.

Your desktop may be different from this example, depending on how your computer is set up.

The desktop contains the taskbar, the Start button, and the Recycle Bin icon.

Desktop elements

Description

The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of the computer display containing the Start button on the left and a clock on the right. Other buttons on the taskbar represent programs that are running. Click a program’s button on the taskbar to open the program’s window.

The Start button provides access to programs, files, help for Windows and other programs, and computer tools and utilities. Click the Start button, then open a file or program by clicking an item on the menu that opens.

The Recycle Bin is where files, folders, and programs that you discarded are stored. You must empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete them from your computer. For instructions on how to use the Recycle Bin, see “Deleting files and folders” on page 27.

The Windows Security Center icon may appear on the taskbar near the clock. The icon changes appearance to notify you when the security settings on your computer are set below the recommended value or when updates are available. Double-click this icon to open the Windows Security Center. For more information, see “Modifying security settings” on page65.

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Using the Start menu

Using the Windows desktop

For more information about the

Windows Start menu, click Start, then

click Help and Support. Type the phrase

Windows Start menu in the Search

Help & Support

box, then click the arrow.

Shortcut

Start Ö All Programs Ö

You can start programs, open files, customize your system, get help, search for files and folders, and more using the Start menu.

To use the Start menu:

1 Click the Start button on the lower left of the Windows desktop. The Start

menu opens showing you the first level of menu items.

2 Click All Programs to see all programs and files in the Start menu. When

you move the mouse pointer over any menu item that has an arrow next to it, another menu, called a submenu, opens and reveals related files, programs, or commands.

3 Click a file or program to open it.

Adding icons to the desktop

For more information about desktop

icons, click Start, then click Help and

Support. Type the phrase desktop

icons in the Search box, then click the

right-click programÖ Send To Ö

Help & Support

arrow.

Start Ö All Programs Ö

Desktop (create shortcut)

Shortcut

You may want to add an icon (shortcut) to the desktop for a program that you use frequently.

To add icons to the desktop:

1 Click Start, then click All Programs.

2 Right-click (press the right mouse button) the program that you want to

add to the desktop.

3 Click Send To, then click Desktop (create shortcut). A shortcut icon for

that program appears on the desktop.

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows XP www.gateway.com

Identifying window items

For more information about windows,

click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the ke yword window in the Search

Help & Support

box, then click the arrow.

When you double-click the icon for a drive, folder, file, or program, a window opens on the desktop. This example shows the Local Disk (C:) window, which opens after you double-click the Local Disk (C:) icon in the My Computer window.

Title bar

Menu bar

Close Maximize

Minimize

Every program window looks a little different because each has its own menus, icons, and controls. Most windows include these items:

Window item Description

The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top of a window that shows the window title.

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

Clicking the maximize button expands the active window to fit the entire computer display. Clicking the maximize button again restores the window to its former size.

Clicking the close button closes the active window or program.

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

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Working with files and folders

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

Viewing drives

Working with files and folders

For more information about files and

folders, click Start, then click Help and

Support. Type the phrase files and

folders in the Search box, then click the

Help & Support

arrow.

Drives are like file cabinets because they hold files and folders. A computer

almost always has more than one drive. Each drive has a letter, usually Local Disk (C:) for the hard drive and D: for a CD or DVD drive.

To view the drives on your computer:

■ Click Start, then click My Computer.

Hard drives

Disc drive

To see the files and folders on a drive:

■ Double-click the drive icon. If you do not see the contents of a drive after

you double-click its icon, click Show the contents of this drive.

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows XP www.gateway.com

Creating folders

Folders are much like the folders in a file cabinet. They can contain files and other folders.

Files are much like paper documents—letters, spreadsheets, and pictures—that you keep on your computer. In fact, all information on a computer is stored in files.

Folde rs

Files

To create a folder:

Click File ÖNew ÖFolder Ötype name

Shortcut

1 Click Start, then click My Computer on the Start menu.

2 Double-click the drive where you want to put the new folder. If you do

not see the contents of the drive, click Show the contents of this drive.

3 If you want to create a new folder inside an existing folder, double-click

the existing folder. If you do not see the contents of the drive or folder, click Show the contents of this drive or Show the contents of this

folder.

4 Click File, New, then click Folder. The new folder is created.

5 Type a name for the folder, then press ENTER. The new folder name appears

by the folder icon.

For information about renaming folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 34.

Copying and moving files and folders

The clipboard stores whatever you cut or copy until you cut or copy again. Then the

clipboard contains the new information

only. Therefore, you can paste copies of a

file or folder into more than one place,

but as soon as you copy or cut a different

file or folder, the original file or folder is

deleted from the clipboard.

Important

The skills you need to copy and move files are called copying, cutting, and pasting.

When you copy and paste a file or folder, you place a copy of the file or folder on the Windows clipboard, which temporarily stores it. Then, when you decide what folder you want the copy to go in (the destination folder), you paste it there.

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

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For more information about copying files

and folders or moving files and folders,

click Start, then click Help and Support.

Type the phrase copying files and

folders or moving files and folders

in the Search box, then click the arrow.

Help & Support

Working with files and folders

To copy a file or folder to another folder:

1 Locate the file or folder you want to copy. For more information, see

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

2 Right-click (press the right mouse button) the file or folder that you want

to copy. A pop-up menu opens on the desktop.

3 Click Copy on the pop-up menu.

4 Open the destination folder.

5 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.

6 Click Paste. A copy of the file or folder appears in the new location.

To move a file or folder to another folder:

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

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

2 Right-click (press the right mouse button) the file or folder that you want

to move. A pop-up menu opens on the desktop.

Deleting files and folders

For more information about deleting files

and folders, click Start, then click Help

and Support. Type the phrase deleting

files and folders in the Search box,

Help & Support

then click the arrow.

3 Click Cut on the pop-up menu.

4 Open the destination folder.

5 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.

6 Click Paste. The file or folder you moved appears in its new location and

is removed from its old location.

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

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

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

To delete files or folders:

1 In My Computer or Windows Explorer, click the files or folders that you

want to delete. For instructions on how to select multiple files and folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 34.

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

page 28.

2 Click File, then click Delete. Windows moves the files and folders to the

Recycle Bin.

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows XP www.gateway.com

To recover files or folders from the Recycle Bin:

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

the files and folders you have thrown away since you last emptied it.

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

to select multiple files and folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 34.

3 Click File, then click Restore. Windows returns the deleted files or folders

to their original locations.

To empty the Recycle Bin:

Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently

erases any files or folders in the bin. These

For more information about emptying

the Recycle Bin, click Start, then click

Help and Support. Type the phrase

emptying Recycle Bin in the Search

files cannot be restored.

Help & Support

box, then click the arrow.

Caution

1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. The Recycle Bin window

opens.

2 Click File, then click Empty Recycle Bin. Windows asks you if you are sure

that you want to empty the bin.

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

Searching for files

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

■ Name or part of a name

■ Creation date

■ Modification date

■ File type

■ Text cont ained in the file

■ Time period in which it was created or modified

You can also combine search criteria to refine searches.

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

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Using the Windows Search utility

Searching for files

For more information about searching

for files and folders, click Start, then click

Help and Support. Type the keyword

searching in the Search box, then click

Help & Support

the arrow.

To find files and folders using the Search utility:

1 Click Start, then click Search. The Search Results window opens. Click All

files and folders.

2 If you want to search by file or folder name, type in all or part of the file

or folder name in the name box in the left pane of the window.

■ If you type all of the name, Search will list all files and folders of

that name.

■ If you type part of the name, Search will list all of the file and folder

names containing the letters you typed.

3 Click Search. When the search is completed, Windows lists the files and

folders whose names contain the text that you searched for.

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

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows XP www.gateway.com

Using advanced search options

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

■ Date the file was created or modified.

■ Size of the file.

■ Type of file, such as a program or a text document.

Browsing for files and folders

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

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

To browse for a file:

For more information about browsing for

files and folders, click Start, then click

Help and Support. Type the phrase files

and folders in the Search box, then

Help & Support

click the arrow.

1 Click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer window opens.

2 Double-click the drive or folder that you think contains the file or folder

that you want to find. If you do not see the contents of a folder, click Show the contents of this drive or Show the contents of this folder.

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

file or folder you want.

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Working with documents

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

Working with documents

Creating a new document

The following examples show how to create, save, open, and print a document using Microsoft WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.

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

To create a new document:

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

WordPad starts and a blank document opens.

WordPad. Similar procedures apply to other programs such as

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

the top of the window to format the document.

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows XP www.gateway.com

Saving a document

For more information about saving

documents, click Star t, then click Help

and Support. Type the keyword saving

in the Search box, then click the arrow.

Help & Support

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

To save a document:

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

Save in

list

File

name

2 Click the arrow button to open the Save in list, then click the folder where

you want to save the file. If you do not see the folder you want, browse through the folders listed below the Save in list.

3 Type a new file name in the File name box.

4 Click Save.

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Opening a document

Working with documents

For more information about opening

documents, click Start, then click Help

and Support. Type the phrase opening

files in the Search box, then click the

Help & Support

arrow.

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

To open a document:

1 Start the program.

2 Click File, then click Open.

3 Click the arrow button to open the Look in list, then click the folder you

want to open. If you do not see the folder you want, browse through the folders listed below the Look in list.

Look in list

Printing a document

For more information about printing

documents, click Start, then click Help

and Support. Type the keyword

printing in the Search box, then click

Help & Support

the arrow.

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

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

To print a document:

1 Make sure that the printer is turned on and loaded with paper.

2 Start the program and open the document.

3 Click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box opens.

4 Set the print options, then click OK. The document prints.

CHAPTER 3: Using Windows XP www.gateway.com

Shortcuts

For more information about Windows

keyboard shortcuts, click Start, then click

Help and Support. Type the phrase

Windows keyboard shortcuts in the

Search box, then click the arrow.

Help & Support

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

To. .. Do this...

Copy a file, folder, text, or graphic Click the item, then press CTRL + C.

Cut a file, folder, text, or graphic Click the item, then press C

Paste a file, folder, text, or graphic Click inside the folder or window where you want to paste the

object, then press C

Select multiple items in a list or window

Select multiple adjacent items in a list or window

Click the first item, press and hold down the C click each of the remaining items.

Click the first item in the list, press and hold down the SHIFT key, then click the last item in the list.

Permanently delete a file or folder Click the file or folder, then press S

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

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

ENTER.

Close the active window or program Press A

LT + F4.

TRL + X.

TRL + V.

TRL key, then

HIFT + DELETE. The file

Switch to a different file, folder, or running program

Press ALT +TAB.

CHAPTER 4

Recovering Your System

• System recovery options

• Drivers and applications recovery

• Recovering your system

Chapter 1: Recovering Your System www.gateway.com

System recovery options

Most computer problems can be solved by following the information in

“Troubleshooting” on page 131 or at the Web address shown on your system

label. Problem solving may also involve re-installing some or all of the computer’s software (also called recovering or restoring your system). Gateway provides everything you need to recover your system under most conditions. A backup copy of your operating system is provided on a CD or DVD, and a backup copy of your factory-installed drivers and applications is saved on a hidden area of your hard drive.

We recommend that you make a backup of your factory-installed software as soon as you get your new Gateway system.

■ “Drivers and applications recovery” on page 36 tells you how to record

(burn) the Drivers and Applications Recovery discs. Using a recovery disc that you have recorded is only one of several ways you can restore your system to working order. Recovery discs let you recover your device drivers and software that came pre-installed on your computer.

If you are still having problems even after you follow troubleshooting steps, you can use Microsoft System Restore to roll back your system to a previous condition when drivers and programs worked correctly.

■ “Recovering your system using Microsoft System Restore” on page 42

describes how to return your system to a previous working condition.

If you are still experiencing problems, you may need to reinstall specific software, such as a device driver.

■ “Recovering specific files and software” on page 41 describes how to

install specific, factory-installed software and device drivers.

Finally, in order to recover your system you may need to reinstall everything, including the operating system, so your computer has its original factory settings.

■ “Recovering your system from the hard drive” on page 43 tells how to

completely reinstall the original factory software.

Drivers and applications recovery

Your computer’s hard drive contains everything you need to completely restore your system, including Windows XP, device drivers, and other programs. You can also restore device drivers or programs by using Drivers and Applications Recovery discs, which you create. You can immediately create the recovery discs (recommended), or you can wait until later.

For more information on creating recovery discs, see “Creating drivers and

applications recovery discs” on page 37.

For more information on using your network to store and create recovery discs, see:

■ “Copying drivers and applications recovery files to a network” on page 39

■ “Creating discs from recovery files on a network” on page 40

www.gateway.com

Creating drivers and applications recovery discs

Drivers and applications recovery

If you are recording to CDs, make sure that they are CD-R and not CD-RW discs. If you are recording to a DVD, make sure

that it is a DVD-R or DVD+R disc, not

Applications CD(s) ÖBurn ISO ÖStart

DVD-RW or DVD+RW discs.

Start Ö All Programs Ö System

Recovery ÖCreate My Drivers-

Important

Shortcut

Creation

You can use drivers and applications recovery discs to restore device drivers or programs. You can create an unlimited number of drivers and applications recovery disc sets. Before you continue, make sure that your computer has a recordable drive. If your computer does not have a recordable drive, see

“Copying drivers and applications recovery files to a network” on page 39.

To record a set of drivers and applications recovery discs:

1 Make sure that you have blank discs ready. Depending on the type of

recordable drive your computer has, you need either several CD-R discs or one DVD-R or DVD+R disc.

2 Click Start, All Programs, System Recovery,

then click Create My Drivers-Applications CD(s). A message asks you if you want to “Burn ISO” (record recovery discs) or “Create ISO” (copy the files to a drive).

3 Click Burn ISO. The Recovery CD/DVD Creator

dialog box opens.

4 Click Start Creation. A message tells you

the number of blank discs that are required for the recovery disc set.

5 Click the type of recordable disc you

want to use.

6 Make sure that you have the appropriate

number and type of blank discs, then insert a blank disc into the recordable drive.

Chapter 1: Recovering Your System www.gateway.com

Use a permanent marker to label each

disc “Gateway Driver and Application

Recovery.” As you remove each disc from

the drive, use the marker to label each

disc 1 of x, 2 of x, 3 of x, and so on.

Important

7 Click OK. The program prepares the recovery files, then records the

recovery files to the blank disc(s).

8 If a message tells you to insert another blank disc, remove the completed

disc, then insert a blank disc.

9 When you see the message “The Recovery ISO Image has been created

successfully,” remove the last disc from the drive, then click OK.

10 Store the discs in a safe place for future use. You are done.

www.gateway.com

Copying drivers and applications recovery files to a network

You can copy driver and application recovery files to a network location, so you can burn unlimited sets of drivers and applications recovery discs from a different computer that has a recordable drive.

To copy drivers and applications recovery files to a network:

Start Ö All Programs Ö System

Recovery Ö Create My Drivers-

Applications CD(s) ÖCreate ISO Ö OK

Shortcut

1 Click Start, All Programs, System

Recovery, then click Create My Drivers-Applications CD(s). A message

asks you if you want to “Burn ISO” (record recovery discs) or “Create ISO” (copy the files to a drive).

2 Click Create ISO, then find the network

location you want to save the driver and application recovery files to.

Drivers and applications recovery

Store your recovery (ISO) images in a folder that indicates which computer the files are for. For example, store the files for a Gateway 7200XL in a folder named GW

Tips & Tricks

7200XL Apps Recovery.

3 Click OK. The program prepares the recovery files, then copies them to the

location you specified.

4 When you see the message “The Recovery ISO Image has been created

successfully,” click OK. You are done.

To create discs from the files you just copied, see “Creating discs from recovery

files on a network” on page 40.

Chapter 1: Recovering Your System www.gateway.com

Creating discs from recovery files on a network

Before you continue, make sure that your computer has a recordable drive.

To create recovery discs from recovery files stored on a network:

If you are recording to CDs, make sure

that they are CD-R and not CD-RW discs.

If you are recording to DVDs, make sure

that they are DVD-R or DVD+R discs, not

Use the correct type of blank disc for the

recovery (ISO) file. For example, if the

recovery (ISO) file was created for a DVD,

make sure you use a blank DVD+R or

DVD-RW or DVD+RW discs.

Important

DVD-R disc.

1 Make sure that you have blank discs ready. If the ISO filenames start with

CD, you will need blank CDs. If the ISO filenames start with DVD, you will need blank DVDs.

2 Insert a blank disc into the recordable drive of any networked computer.

You need one blank disc for each recovery (ISO) file.

3 Click Start, then click My Computer.

4 Open the network location

of the recovery files.

5 Double-click the file for the

first disc. Your media burning software opens.

6 Follow the on-screen

instructions of your media burning software to complete the burning of the recovery disc(s).

Use a permanent marker to label each

Important

disc “Gateway Drivers and Applications

Recovery.” As you remove each disc from

the drive, use the marker to label each

disc 1 of x, 2 of x, 3 of x, and so on.

7 When the disc is complete, remove that disc and insert another.

8 Repeat steps 5-7 for each recovery file until each file is recorded onto a

disc. You are done.

Recovering your system

If your hard drive has failed and you

cannot restore the software from the

hard drive, contact Gateway Customer

Care for help. For a fee, Customer Care

may be able to provide a set of recovery

For more help, you can find the Gateway

discs to restore your computer.

Customer Care contact information on

the label located on the front or side of

Important

your computer.

If you have problems with your computer and you need to recover your system, you can restore specific drivers and programs from a set of recovery discs, roll back your system to a previous condition when drivers and programs were working correctly, or reinstall everything from the computer’s hard drive.

■ To selectively restore device drivers or programs, see “Recovering specific

files and software” on page 41.

- OR -

■ To restore your system to a previous condition when software and device

drivers were working correctly, see “Recovering your system using

Microsoft System Restore” on page 42.

- OR -

■ To reinstall everything, see “Recovering your system from the hard drive”

on page 43.

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Recovering specific files and software

You can perform a partial recovery by recovering specific files, such as device drivers and most pre-installed software. If you need to recover software that did not come pre-installed on your system, you need to follow the software’s own instructions for installation.

You can recover specific files using either the Start menu or a drivers and applications recovery disc that you have created.

To recover specific drivers and software:

Start Ö All Programs Ö System

Recovery Ö Application & Driver

Recovery Ö click driver or application Ö

Shortcut

Next Ö Yes .

1 Click Start, All Programs, System Recovery, then click Application &

Driver Recovery. The Application Recovery program opens.

- OR -

Turn on your computer, then insert the drivers and applications recovery disc #1 (if available) into the CD or DVD drive. The Application Recovery program opens.

Recovering your system

2 Click the driver or application you want to install. To select multiple items,

press and hold C

3 Click Next. The items you selected are installed. When the installation is

TRL while clicking each item.

finished, a message asks you if you want to install more drivers or applications.

4 Click Ye s to install more drivers or applications, or click Quit to exit.

5 Store the discs in a safe place for future use. You are done.

6 If your system still has problems, follow the directions in “Recovering your

system using Microsoft System Restore” on page 42.

Chapter 1: Recovering Your System www.gateway.com

Recovering your system using Microsoft System Restore

Before using Gateway System Recovery, you should try Microsoft System Restore to determine whether you can restore your system to a previous condition.

Every time you install new device drivers or software, and every 24 hours (while your computer is turned on), Microsoft System Restore takes a “snapshot” of your system settings and saves it as a restore point. In most cases of hard-to-resolve software problems, you can return to one of these restore points to get your system running again.

To restore using Microsoft System Restore:

F1 Ö Undo changes... Ö Restore my

computer... Ö Next Ö click a date Ö

Shortcut

Next Ö Next

1 Press F1. The Microsoft Windows XP Help and Support Center opens.

2 Click Undo changes to your

computer with System Restore. The Welcome to

System Restore dialog box opens.

3 Click Restore my computer to

an earlier time, then click Next. The Select a Restore Point

dialog box opens.

4 Click a bold date on the

calendar (Step 1 on the screen), then click a restore point in the list (Step 2 on the screen).

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Recovering your system

5 Click Next. The Confirm Restore Point Selection dialog box opens.

6 Make sure that you want to use the restore point you selected, and read

all notices on the screen.

7 Click Next, then follow the on-screen instructions to finish the restoration.

If completing Microsoft System Restore does not solve your problem, restart Gateway System Recovery. See “Recovering your system from the

hard drive” on page 43 for instructions.

Recovering your system from the hard drive

To recover from the hard drive:

Start Ö All Programs Ö System

Recovery Ö System Recovery Ö Yes

Shortcut

1 Get the operating system disc that came with your computer and have it

ready.

2 If you can still run Windows, click Start, All Programs, System Recovery,

System Recovery, then click Ye s . Your computer restarts, then the System

Recovery program starts.

- OR Turn on or restart your computer, then press F11 while your computer is

starting.

3 Insert the Operating System Recovery CD/DVD when prompted. The System

Recovery program starts.

Chapter 1: Recovering Your System www.gateway.com

The Full System Restore option deletes all files on your hard drive except the restore

files. Make sure that you back up all

personal data files before continuing this

After you restore your system, it will

appear with the same files and programs

it had when it shipped from the factory.

You still need to download Windows

updates and antivirus updates to bring

your computer’s software up to date.

Caution

process.

Important

4 Click a system recovery option:

■ Full System Restore (Destructive) reformats the hard drive and

restores the system software as it was when you purchased your computer. This process deletes your data files.

■ Full System Restore with Backup (recommended) moves the

contents of the hard drive to the C:\My Backup folder and installs a new copy of Windows XP. This option saves your existing data files, but all programs must be reinstalled and the program settings reconfigured. You need at least 4 GB of hard drive space to use this restore option.

5 Click Next. The System Restore - Format and Recover dialog box opens. 6 Click Ye s . Files are restored to your hard drive. When file recovery has

finished, the System Restore dialog box opens.

7 Click Restart. Your computer restarts, and Windows finishes its setup and

installation.

CHAPTER 5

Using the Internet and Faxing

• Learning about the Internet

• Setting up an Internet account

•Using the WorldWideWeb

•Using e-mail

• Installing and configuring Microsoft Fax

•Sending a fax

• Receiving and viewing a fax

CHAPTER 5: Using the Internet and Faxing www.gateway.com

Learning about the Internet

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

Internet Servers

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

To determine if you have an Ethernet jack

on your computer, see your computer’s

hardware reference. If you do not have an

Ethernet jack on your computer and

would like to purchase an Ethernet card,

visit the Accessory Store at

accessories.gateway.com

Important

Your computer connects to the Internet through an ISP.

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

If you want to access the Internet you need:

■ A modem—a device that connects your computer to other computers or

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

■ An Internet service provider—a company that provides access to the

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

■ A Web browser—a program that displays information from the World

Wide Web. Microsoft Internet Explorer was included with your computer. For more information, see “Using the World Wide Web” on page 47.

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

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

e-mail” on page 49.

www.gateway.com

Setting up an Internet account

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

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

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

Setting up an Internet account

Accessing your Internet account

For general information about using

Internet accounts, click Start, then click

Help and Support. Type the keyword

ISP in the Search box, then click the

Help & Support

arrow.

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

Using the World Wide Web

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

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

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

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

CHAPTER 5: Using the Internet and Faxing www.gateway.com

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

Link

Web

page

Linked Web

page

Connecting to a Web site

For more information about connecting

to a Web site, click Start, then click Help

and Support. Type the keywords

connecting to Web site in the Search

Help & Support

box, then click the arrow.

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

To connect to a Web site:

1 Connect to your Internet account.

2 Depending on the method you use to connect to your Internet account,

you may need to start your Web browser. Click Start, then click Internet. Your default Web browser opens showing an opening page or welcome screen.

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

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

- OR -

On the current Web page, click a link to a Web site. The Web browser locates the server computer on the Internet, downloads

(transfers) data to your computer, and displays the page on the site that you requested.

on the browser address bar.

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

www.gateway.com

Downloading files

Using e-mail

To protect your computer against viruses,

make sure that you scan the files you download. For more information, see

“Protecting your computer from viruses”

Help & Support

downloading files, click Start, then click

Help and Support. Type the keywords

downloading files in the Search box ,

For more information about

Caution

on page 61.

then click the arrow.

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

to your computer.

To download files or programs from a Web site:

1 Connect to your Internet account.

2 In the address bar, type the address of the Web site that contains the file

or program you want to download, then click GO bar.

- OR -

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

3 Create or locate the folder where you want to store the file on your

computer. For more information, see “Working with files and folders” on

page 25.

4 Click the link on the Web page for the file that you want to download.

5 Follow the on-screen instructions for saving the file in the folder that you

want. A copy of the file is downloaded to your computer. The time that it takes to transfer the file to your computer d epe nds on f ile size and Internet conditions.

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

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

on the browser address

Using e-mail

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

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

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

jdoe@hotmail.com

User name Internet domain name

CHAPTER 5: Using the Internet and Faxing www.gateway.com

Sending e-mail

To send e-mail using Outlook or Outlook Express:

1 Connect to your Internet service provider.

2 Click Start, then click E-Mail. Your default e-mail program opens.

3 Click New.

4 Type the e-mail address of the recipient you want to send e-mail to in the

To box.

5 Type the subject of your e-mail in the Subject box.

6 Type the e-mail message.

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

more information, see the help for your

Tips & Tricks

e-mail program.

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

e-mail address you specified.

Checking your e-mail

For general information about using

e-mail, click Start, then click Help and

Support. Type the keyword e-mail in the

Search box, then click the arrow.

To protect your computer from viruses,

check any e-mail attachments using

McAfee SecurityCenter. For more

information, see “Protecting your

computer from viruses” on page 61.

Help & Support

Tips & Tricks

To check your e-mail using Outlook Express:

1 Connect to your Internet service provider.

2 Click Start, then click E-Mail. Your default e-mail program opens.

3 Click Send/Recv.

4 Double-click the message you want to read.

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

Installing and configuring Microsoft Fax

This chapter describes using Microsoft Fax and your dial-up modem. You cannot send or receive a fax using a cable or DSL modem by following these instructions. Many Internet services exist that let you send or receive faxes using a broadband connection.

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

www.gateway.com

Installing Fax

Installing and configuring Microsoft Fax

Microsoft Fax lets you send and receive faxes using your dial-up modem. When Windows was originally installed on your computer, Fax may not have been installed.

To install Fax:

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

Click/Double-click Add and Remove Programs. The Add or Remove Programs dialog box opens. Click Add/Remove Windows Components.

The Windows Components Wizard opens.

2 Click Fax Services, then click Next.

3 Click Finish to exit the Windows Components Wizard.

4 Click Exit to close the Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP dialog box.

-OR-

Click Close to close the Add or Remove Programs dialog box.

Configuring Microsoft Fax

Configuration Wizard, you may need to

Information and the Phone and Modem

The first time you run the Fax

provide information in the Location

Important

Options dialog boxes.

Before you send your first fax, you need to set up your user information. Your fax cover sheets and fax headers contain this information, some of which is required by law. The Fax Configuration Wizard opens the first time you try to send a fax.

To configure Microsoft Fax:

1 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax, then click

Fax Console. The Fax Configuration Wizard opens.

2 On the Welcome to Fax Configuration Wizard screen, click Next. The Sender

Information screen opens.

CHAPTER 5: Using the Internet and Faxing www.gateway.com

3 Type the information about yourself that you want to appear on your fax

cover page, then click Next. The Select Device for Sending or Receiving Faxes screen opens.

4 Click the arrow to open the Please select the fax device list, then click

the modem you are using to send and receive faxes.

5 If you want the modem to automatically answer the telephone in order

to receive faxes, click the Enable Receive check box.

6 Click Next. The Transmitting Subscriber Identification (TSID) screen opens.

Some fax machines cannot use special

characters such as hyphens. We suggest

using spaces instead of hyphens in

telephone and fax numbers.

Important

7 Type the transmitting fax identifier information. This identifier information

is required by law. You can type as many as 20 characters in the text box. We suggest using eight characters for your identifier name, followed by 12 characters for your telephone number.

8 Click Next.

9 If you set up your computer to receive faxes, type the receiving fax

identifier information, then click Next. This identifier information is required by law and can be the same identifier that you typed in Step 7. The Routing Options screen opens.

10 If you set up your computer to receive faxes, select a folder you want to

store received faxes in and a printer you want to print received faxes on, then click Next. The Configuration Summary screen opens.

11 Click Finish. The fax console opens.

www.gateway.com

12 If the Windows Security Alert dialog box opens, click Unblock.

Setting up your cover page template

Installing and configuring Microsoft Fax

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

To set up your fax cover page template:

1 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax, then click

Fax Cover Page Editor. The Cover Page-Fax Cover Page Editor opens. If the Cover Page Editor Tips dialog box opens, click OK.

■ If you want to include fields that are imported from the Send Fax

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

■ If you want to include text that always appears on your cover page

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

■ If you want to include a logo that appears on your cover page, copy

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

2 To save your cover page template, click File, then click Save As. The Save

As dialog box opens with your personal cover pages folder already in the

Save in list.

3 Type the new cover page template name.

4 Click Save.

CHAPTER 5: Using the Internet and Faxing www.gateway.com

Sending a fax

Sending a quick fax

You can use the Send Fax Wizard to send a simple one-page fax to one or more recipients.

To send a simple fax:

1 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax, then click

Send a Fax. The Send Fax Wizard opens.

2 On the Welcome to Fax Configuration Wizard screen, click Next. The

Recipient Information screen opens.

3 Type the name and fax number of the recipient of your fax.

4 If you need to use the area code for your recipient, click Use dialing rules

to type the full ten-digit fax number.

5 If you want to send your fax to more than one recipient, click Add and type

the name and fax number of the next recipient.

6 When you have added all your recipients, click Next. The Preparing the

Cover Page screen opens.

7 Click the arrow to open the Cover page template, then click the cover

page template you want to use.

8 Type the subject text in the Subject line area.

9 Type the message text in the Note area, then click Next. The Schedule

screen opens.

www.gateway.com

Faxing from programs

Sending a fax

10 Select when you want to send the fax and a priority for the fax, then click

Next. The Completing the Send Fax Wizard screen opens.

11 Click Finish.

12 If the Windows Security Alert dialog box opens (see page 53), click

Unblock.

To fax a document directly from most programs:

1 Open your document in the program it was created in.

2 Click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box opens.

3 Click the arrow button to open the Name list, then click the Fax printer.

4 Click Print. The Send Fax Wizard opens.

5 Complete the wizard by following the instructions in “Sending a fax” on

page 54.

Faxing a scanned document

To fax a document that you have scanned:

1 Scan the document using the program for your scanner.

2 With the scanned file open, click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box

opens.

3 Click the arrow button to open the Name list, then click the Fax printer.

4 Click Print. The Send Fax Wizard opens.

5 Complete the wizard by following the instructions in “Sending a fax” on

page 54.

CHAPTER 5: Using the Internet and Faxing www.gateway.com

Automatically retry sending a fax

You can set up Fax so it continues to try sending your fax if the receiving fax machine is busy. Fax is automatically set up to retry three times at ten minute intervals.

To automatically retry sending a fax:

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

2 If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other

Hardware. Click View installed printers or fax printers. The Printers and

Faxe s window opens.

-OR-

If your Control Panel is in Classic View, double-click the Printers and Faxes icon. The Printers and Faxes window opens.

3 Right-click Fax, then click Properties. The Fax Properties dialog box opens.

4 Click the Devices tab, then click Properties. The Modem dialog box opens.

5 Specify the number of retries and the amount of time between retries.

Canceling a fax

Automatically canceling a fax

6 Click OK.

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

To cancel a fax that has not been sent:

1 If Fax is not open, click Start, All Programs, Accessories,

Communications, Fax, then click Fax Console. The Fax Console opens.

2 Click Outbox, then right-click the fax you want to cancel.

3 Click Delete to cancel the fax.

4 Click Ye s .

If your computer tried to send a fax and failed to connect to a fax machine, you can automatically cancel a failed fax.

To automatically cancel a failed fax:

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.

2 If your Control Panel is in Category View, click Printers and Other

Hardware. Click View installed printers or fax printers. The Printers and

Faxe s window opens.

-OR-

www.gateway.com

If your Control Panel is in Classic View, double-click the Printers and Faxes icon. The Printers and Faxes window opens.

3 Right-click Fax, then click Properties. The Fax Properties dialog box opens.

4 Click the Devices tab, then click Properties. The Modem dialog box opens.

5 Click the Cleanup tab.

6 Click to select the Automatically delete failed faxes after check box and

specify the number of days.

7 Click OK.

Receiving and viewing a fax

To receive and view a fax:

1 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Fax, then click

Fax Console. The Fax Console opens. When the Fax Console is open, it

detects incoming faxes and stores them in the Inbox.

Receiving and viewing a fax

2 To view a fax, click Inbox, then double-click the fax you want to view. The

fax viewer opens, where you can view and print the fax.

CHAPTER 5: Using the Internet and Faxing www.gateway.com

CHAPTER 6

Protecting Your Computer

• Hardware security

• Data security

• Security updates

CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Computer www.gateway.com

Hardware security

Although you may be able to replace your computer with a call to your insurance agent, you cannot replace the information stored on your computer. Take steps to prevent theft of your computer.

Kensington lock slot

The first step in computer security is preventing your computer from being stolen.

Attach a cable lock to the Kensington lock slot on the back of your computer, then wrap the cable lock to a solid object like a desk or table. You can buy a cable lock at most electronics stores and many department stores.

For the location of the Kensington lock slot, see your hardware reference.

Data security

The second step in computer security is keeping your data safe and secure.

About startup and hard drive passwords

Make sure that you use a password you

can remember. The password feature is very secure, and you cannot bypass it. If you forget your password, you will have

to return your computer to Gateway so

Tips & Tricks

we can reset it.

Use a startup and hard drive password to keep other people from using your computer. You have to enter your password when you turn on your computer or access your files.

These passwords are set in your computer’s BIOS Setup utility. Use a password that you can remember but that would be hard for someone else to guess.

About Windows XP user accounts

Windows lets you set up a user account for each person who uses your computer. When you set up user accounts, Windows sets up a My Documents folder for each account. You can assign a password to each account so only the account owner can access files in the My Documents folder.

www.gateway.com

Data security

For more information about Windows XP user accounts, click Start, then click Help

and Support. Type the phrase user

accounts in the Search box, then click

Help & Support

the arrow.

When you set up a user account, you can also limit the programs that a user can install or run.

Protecting your computer from viruses

A virus is a program that attaches itself to a file on a computer, then spreads from one computer to another. Viruses can damage data or cause your computer to malfunction. Some viruses go undetected for a period of time because they are activated on a certain date.

For more information about protecting

your computer against viruses, click

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

Help & Support

then click the arrow.

Protect your computer from a virus by:

■ Using the McAfee VirusScan program to check files and programs that are

attached to e-mail messages or downloaded from the Internet.

■ Checking all programs for viruses before installing them.

■ Disabling macros on suspicious Microsoft Word and Excel files. These

programs will warn you if a document that you are opening contains a macro that might have a virus.

■ Periodically updating the McAfee VirusScan program to protect against

the latest viruses.

■ Making sure the Windows Security Center is configured to provide you

with the highest level of protection.

For more information about modifying security settings, see “Modifying security

settings” on page 65.

CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Computer www.gateway.com

Your new Gateway computer has McAfee SecurityCenter installed. McAfee SecurityCenter includes the following components:

■ McAfee VirusScan is an anti-virus subscription service. You can use

VirusScan to protect your computer from viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and hybrid attacks.

■ McAfee Personal Firewall Plus blocks unwanted inbound and outbound

Internet traffic to prevent hacker attacks.

■ McAfee Privacy Service protects against online identity theft by blocking

the transmission of personally identifiable information. This service also filters offensive online content (including pop-ups, ads, and web-bugs) and monitors, controls, and logs where children surf.

■ McAfee Spamkiller prevents identified spam from reaching your e-mail

inbox and protects you against known Phishing scams.

Using McAfee SecurityCenter

You received your computer with McAfee VirusScan, McAfee Personal Firewall, and McAfee Spamkiller turned on and McAfee Privacy Service turned off. To turn on the Privacy Service as well as keep the other services turned on, you must connect to the Internet and register McAfee SecurityCenter when prompted.

www.gateway.com

Data security

Starting McAfee SecurityCenter

To start McAfee SecurityCenter:

■ Click Start, All Programs, McAfee, then click McAfee Security Center.

McAfee SecurityCenter opens.

Scanning for and removing viruses

To scan for viruses:

1 Start McAfee SecurityCenter.

2 Click virusscan.

CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Computer www.gateway.com

3 Click Scan My Computer for Viruses.

4 Click the location you want to scan, then select your scan options.

5 Click Scan.

To remove a virus:

To update McAfee SecurityCenter after

the subscription period expires, you must

extend your subscription.

Important

1 If McAfee SecurityCenter finds a virus, follow all on-screen instructions to

remove the virus.

2 Turn off your computer and leave it off for at least 30 seconds.

3 Turn on your computer and rescan for the virus.

Updating your virus definitions

You should update your virus definitions regularly to protect your computer from the latest viruses.

To update your virus definitions:

1 Make sure that you are connected to the Internet.

2 Start McAfee SecurityCenter.

3 Click Update. The McAfee SecurityCenter Updates wizard opens.

4 Click Check Now.

5 If it is time to extend your subscription, an alert appears on your screen.

Click Renew my subscription to extend your subscription and continue updating McAfee SecurityCenter.

www.gateway.com

Using Windows XP Security Center

Windows Security Center helps protect your computer through:

■ a firewall

■ automatic Windows updates

■ third party virus protection software

■ security options in Internet Explorer

Modifying security settings

1 Click Start, Control Panel, then double-click Security Center. The

Data security

To modify security settings:

Windows Security Center dialog box opens.

2 Click Internet Options or Windows Firewall.

3 For more information about the Windows Security Center, click Get help

about Security Center.

CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Computer www.gateway.com

Security updates

To keep your computer secure, you need to keep Windows XP and your computer’s system software up to date.

Windows Update

If a hacker finds a way to bypass the security features built into Windows XP, Microsoft creates a high-priority Windows update to fix the problem. You should update Windows regularly to keep your computer secure.

■ Express—Click Express to download high-priority updates. These updates

include security updates.

■ Custom—Click Custom to download high-priority, Windows software,

and hardware driver updates. These updates include security updates.

www.gateway.com

Security updates

Windows XP Security Center

Use the Windows XP Security Center to schedule automatic updates. Windows can routinely check for the latest important updates for your computer and install them automatically.

To schedule automatic updates:

1 Click Start, Control Panel, then double-click Security Center.

2 Click Automatic Updates. The Automatic Updates dialog box opens.

3 Make your changes to the schedule settings, then click OK.

CHAPTER 6: Protecting Your Computer www.gateway.com

BigFix

Your computer may include BigFix. BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts. It automatically gathers information about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from BigFix sites on the Internet. Whenever BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the blue taskbar icon. To fix the problem, click on that icon to open BigFix.

CHAPTER 7

Using Drives and Ports

• Using the memory card reader

• Using the CD or DVD drive

• Playing music and movies

• Creating audio files and music libraries

• Creating and editing videos

• Creating music CDs and video DVDs

• Using Windows Media Center

CHAPTER 7: Using Drives and Ports www.gateway.com

Using the memory card reader

You can use the optional memory card reader to transfer pictures from a digital camera to your computer. You can also use the memory card reader to transfer data between your computer and a device that uses memory cards, such as a PDA, MP3 player, or cellular telephone. (Your computer’s memory card reader may look different.)

Memory card types

Memory card reader slots

Activity indicator

The memory card reader supports the following card types:

Card Type Slot Insert

Secure Digital

MultiMediaCard

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

Memory Stick

Memory Stick PRO

xD left Label facing up

CompactFlash

IBM Microdrive

™

left Label facing up

area facing up)

™

left Label facing up

right Label facing up

Using a memory card

To avoid memory card damage or errors

while using a memory card, insert only

one memory card in a slot at a time.

Caution

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

To insert a memory card:

1 Insert the memory card into the memory card slot as indicated in the

previous table.

2 To access a file on the memory card, click Start, then click My Computer.

Double-click the drive letter (for example, the the file name.

E: drive), then double-click

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Do not remove the memory card or turn

off the computer while the memory card

reader access indicator is blinking. You

could lose data. Also, remove the

memory card from the reader before you

turn off the computer.

Caution

Using the CD or DVD drive

To remove a memory card:

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

pull the memory card out of the slot.

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

Important

Using the CD or DVD drive

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

Identifying drive types

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

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

CD drive

CD-RW drive

Installing programs, playing audio CDs, and accessing data.

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

DVD/CD-RW drive

DVD drive

DVD+RW

DVD R/RW drive

Double layer DVD+RW

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

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

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

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

Installing programs, playing audio CDs, playing DVDs, accessing data, and recording video and data to CDs and double layer DVD+R discs. Note: To use the double layer capability of the double layer recordable DVD drive, the blank DVDs you purchase must state Double Layer, Dual Layer, or DL. Using other types of blank media will result in less capacity.

CHAPTER 7: Using Drives and Ports www.gateway.com

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

RECORDER

Inserting a CD or DVD

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.

Important

DVD-RAM/-RW Drive

To insert a CD or DVD:

1 Press the eject button on the CD or DVD drive. 2 Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up.

3 Press the eject button to close the tray.

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

Activity indicator (location varies)

Manual eject hole (location varies)

Eject button

Playing a CD

Some music CDs have copy protection

software. You may not be able to play

these CDs on your computer.

Important

A standard Compact Disc (CD) holds an entire album of digital songs, and can be played on a CD player or your computer’s CD drive.

Use the music program or Windows Media Player on your computer to:

■ Play music CDs

■ Create MP3 music files from your music CDs

■ Edit music track information

■ Use your music files to build a music library

For more information about playing CDs, see “Playing music and movies” on

page 73.

www.gateway.com

Playing a DVD

A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD but has greater data capacity. Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies, several albums of music, or several gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc. DVDs can be played on a DVD player or a DVD drive-equipped computer.

For more information about playing DVDs, see “Playing music and movies” on

page 73.

Creating audio and video files

You can create audio and music files, either from scratch or from music CDs. You can also create video files from home video. For more information, see “Creating

audio files and music libraries” on page 77, “Creating and editing videos” on page 81, and “Editing videos” on page 81.

Playing music and movies

Playing WAV audio files

Shortcut

All Programs Ö Accessories Ö

Entertainment Ö Sound Recorder

Click Start Ö

Sound Recorder is a simple Wind ows program that l ets you record and play WAV files. WAV is the most common audio file format used for your Windows system sounds.

To play a WAV audio file in Sound Recorder:

1 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, then click Sound

Recorder. The Sound Recorder opens.

Rewind

Fast Forward

2 Click File, then click Open. The Open dialog box opens.

Play

Record

Stop

3 Click the file you want to play, then click Open.

4 Play the file by clicking (play), then stop playing the file by

clicking (stop).

CHAPTER 7: Using Drives and Ports www.gateway.com

Playing audio and video files

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

Help.

Vide o screen

Double-click file in My Computer

Shortcut

Windows Media Player, click

To play a file using WindowsMedia Player:

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

Windows Media Player opens.

StopPlay

2 Click File, then click Open. The Open dialog box opens.

3 Click the file you want to play, then click Open.

4 Play the file by clicking (play), then stop playing the file by

Video file information

clicking (stop).

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Playing CDs or DVDs

Playing music and movies

Some music CDs have copy protection

software. You may not be able to play

these CDs on your computer.

To watch a DVD you must have a DVD

drive in your computer. If you do not have

a DVD drive and would like to add an

internal or external drive, visit the

accessories.gateway.com.

For more information about playing CDs or DVDs, click Start, then click Help and

Support. Type the phrases playing

CDs or playing DVDs in the Search

Insert CD or DVD Ö Windows Media

box, then click the arrow.

Important

Accessory Store at

Help & Support

Shortcut

Player autoplays disc

You can play CDs using Windows Media Player, and you can play DVDs using Windows Media Player and CyberLink PowerDVD.

A standard Compact Disc (CD) holds an entire album of digital songs, and can be played on a CD player or your computer’s CD drive.

A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD but has greater data capacity. Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies or several albums of music can fit on a single disc. DVDs can be played on a DVD player or a DVD drive-equipped computer.

Playing a CD or DVD using Windows Media Player

Use Windows Media Player to listen to CDs or watch DVDs. For more information about using Windows Media Player, click Help.

To play a CD or DVD:

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

and that the volume is turned up.

2 Insert a CD or DVD into the CD or DVD drive.

3 If a dialog box opens with a list of CD players or DVD players, click

Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens.

- OR -

CHAPTER 7: Using Drives and Ports www.gateway.com

If a dialog box does not open with a list of CD players or DVD players, click Start, All Programs, then click Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens.

Play/pause

Stop

4 Click (play). If you do not hear sound or you want to change the volume,

Vol ume

Mute

see “Adjusting the volume” on page 15.

www.gateway.com

For more information about playing

DVDs using CyberLink PowerDVD, click

Start, All Programs, Cy berLink

PowerDVD, then click PowerDVD Help.

Help & Support

Creating audio files and music libraries

Playing a DVD using CyberLink PowerDVD

To play a DVD using CyberLink PowerDVD:

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

and that the volume is turned up.

2 Click Start, All Programs, CyberLink PowerDVD, then click PowerDVD.

The PowerDVD video screen and control panel open.

3 Insert a DVD into the DVD drive, then click (play). The DVD plays.

To control the DVD or adjust the volume, use the controls in PowerDVD.

Creating audio files and music libraries

Creating music files

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

then click Help and Support. Type the

phrases recording audio or playing

audio in the Search box, then click the

Help & Support

arrow.

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

Recording WAV audio files

Sound recorder is a simple Windows program that lets you record and play WAV files. WAV is the most common audio file format used for your Windows system sounds. For information about playing WAV files, see “Playing WAV audio files”

on page 73.

CHAPTER 7: Using Drives and Ports www.gateway.com

To record a WAV audio file:

Shortcut

All Programs Ö Accessories Ö

Entertainment Ö Sound Recorder

Click Start Ö

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

For the location of the Microphone jacks, see your computer’s hardware reference.

2 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, then click Sound

Recorder. The Sound Recorder opens.

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

Important

these CDs.

Rewind

Fast Forward

3 Click (record), then speak into the microphone.

4 When you finish recording, click (stop).

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

6 Name the recording, specify the location where you want to save the

Play

Record

Stop

recording, then click Save. The recording is saved.

Creating WMA and MP3 music files

Using Windows Media Player, you can copy the tracks from a music CD to your computer’s hard drive as WMA or MP3 files. WMA and MP3 are methods for digitally compressing high-fidelity music into compact files without noticeably sacrificing quality. WMA files end in the file extension WMA, and MP3 files end in the file extension MP3.

To create WMA or MP3 files:

1 Insert a music CD into your CD or DVD drive.

2 If a dialog box opens with a list of CD players, click

Windows Media Player. Windows Media Player opens.

- OR -

www.gateway.com

Creating audio files and music libraries

If a dialog box does not open with a list of CD players, click Start, then click Windows Media Player. The Windows Media Player opens.

3 Click To ol s , Options, then click the Rip Music tab.

4 Click the arrow to open the Format list, then click either mp3 or Windows

Media Audio. For more information on the differences between the two types of files, click Learn more about MP3 formats.

5 Click File, CDs and Devices, Rip Audio CD, then click the drive that

contains the audio CD.

6 Click to clear the check box for any track you do not want to record.

7 Click Rip Music. Windows Media Player records the tracks to your hard

drive as WMA files. A progress bar appears next to each track as it is recorded.

CHAPTER 7: Using Drives and Ports www.gateway.com

Building a music library

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

You can add music tracks to your music library by:

■ Creating MP3 or WMA files—When you create MP3 or WMA files from

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

■ Dragging and Dropping—Drag and drop files from Windows Explorer or

your desktop to the music library.

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

having trouble listening to, or working

with, a downloaded file, try downloading

Caution

the file again.

■ Downloading files from the Internet—When you are connected to the

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

Editing track information

After you add a WMA or MP3 file to your music library, you can edit the track’s information.

To edit track information:

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

Windows Media Player opens.

2 Click the Library tab.

3 Right-click the track you want to edit, then click Advanced Tag Editor. The

Advanced Tag Editor dialog box opens.

4 Enter track information such as Title, Artist, Album, and Genre.

5 Click OK. The new track information appears in the Windows Media Player

library.

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Creating and editing videos

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

Editing videos

Creating and editing videos

For more information about editing

videos, click Start, then click Help and

Support. Type the phrase Windows

Movie Maker in the Search box, then

Help & Support

click the arrow.

Windows Movie Maker is a video capture program that lets you capture and edit full-motion video, single images, and audio through the IEEE 1394 port (optional) on your computer. For more information about using Windows Movie Maker, see its online help.

You may have received additional movie editing software with your computer. For more information about using this software, including additional features not available in Windows Movie Maker, see that program’s online help.

Transferring your video to your computer

To transfer your video to your computer:

1 Connect your video camera to your computer by following the camera

manufacturer’s instructions.

2 If a dialog box opens with a list of video editing programs, click

Windows Movie Maker. Windows Movie Maker opens.

- OR -

If a dialog box does not open with a list of video editing programs, click Start, All Programs, then click Windows Movie Maker. Windows Movie Maker opens.

CHAPTER 7: Using Drives and Ports www.gateway.com

Windows Movie Maker recognizes your camera and the Video Capture Wizard opens.

3 If the wizard does not open, click Capture From Video Device.

4 Complete the screens in the Video Capture Wizard, clicking Next after

each one.

Video files may require a significant

Caution

amount of free hard drive space

depending on your settings. A one hour

tape may require more than 10 GB of

hard drive space for storage with

additional space required for editing.

When you reach the final screen, Windows Movie Maker rewinds the video tape in your camera and captures it onto your hard drive.

For information about the settings in the Video Capture Wizard, click

Learn more about video settings in the wizard, or click Help, then click Help Topics in Windows Movie Maker.

Editing your video

After your video file is captured on your computer, you can edit it. Some of the edits you can make to your video include:

■ Splitting your video into more than one clip or combining two or more

clips into one clip

■ Trimming unwanted material from the beginning or end of your clip

■ Inserting video transitions between clips

■ Adding video effects

■ Adding narration

■ Adding music

■ Adding titles and credits

For information about the editing your video, click Help, then click Help Topics in Windows Movie Maker.

www.gateway.com

Saving your video

After you finish editing your video, you can save it to one of the following places. Under Movie Tasks:

■ Click Save to My Computer to save your movie to your hard drive.

■ Click Save to CD to save your movie to a recordable CD.

■ Click Send in e-mail to send your video as an e-mail attachment.

■ Click Send to the Web to post or send your video to your Web site so

friends and family can watch your video on the Web.

■ Click Send to DV Camera to play your video back to your video camera

so you can record it on tape and view it on your television.

Creating music CDs and video DVDs

Creating a music CD

Creating music CDs and video DVDs

We recommend that you do not use your

computer for other tasks while creating

If you record copyrighted material on a CD or DVD, you need permission from the copyright owner. Otherwise, you may be violating copyright law and be subject to

payment of damages and other

remedies. If you are uncertain about your

rights, contact your legal advisor.

Important

CDs or DVDs.

To create a music CD using Windows Media Player:

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

Windows Media Player opens.

2 Insert a blank, writable CD into your CD or DVD drive.

3 If a dialog box opens, click Take no action, then click OK.

4 Click the Burn tab. The Select files to burn window opens.

CHAPTER 7: Using Drives and Ports www.gateway.com

5 Click Edit Playlist. The Edit Playlist dialog box opens.

6 Click songs in the left column to add them to the playlist. After all the

songs are added to your list, click OK.

Creating a video DVD

We recommend that you do not use your

computer for other tasks while creating

If you record copyrighted material on a CD or DVD, you need permission from the copyright owner. Otherwise, you may be violating copyright law and be subject to

payment of damages and other

remedies. If you are uncertain about your

rights, contact your legal advisor.

Important

CDs or DVDs.

7 Click Start Burn.

You can use Media Center to record a video DVD.

To create a video DVD using Windows Media Center:

1 Insert a blank, writable DVD-R or DVD-RW disc into your recordable DVD

drive.

2 Press the Start button on the remote control. Media Center starts.

3 Click More Programs, then click Create CD/DVD.

www.gateway.com

Creating music CDs and video DVDs

4 Click Video DVD, then click OK.

5 Follow the on-screen prompts to finish burning the DVD. For more

information, click the Media Center’s Help icon.

CHAPTER 7: Using Drives and Ports www.gateway.com

Using Windows Media Center

If your computer came with Windows Media Center installed and with a Media Center remote control (optional), you can use the remote control to watch TV, videos, and DVDs, to listen to music, and to view photos. (The remote control included with your Media Center may look different.) For detailed setup information, see your Media Center setup poster.

Shortcut buttons

Audio/Video (A/V) control

Numeric keypad/data entry

buttons

Start button

Power button

Transport buttons

Navigation buttons

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Using Windows Media Center

Button(s) Functions

Shortcut buttons Give you direct access to Media Center features.

Start button Opens the Media Center’s main menu.

Audio/Video (A/V)

Control volume levels, volume mute, channel selections, and the DVD menu.

control buttons

Numeric

Lets you enter numbers and characters from the remote control. keypad/data entry button

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

Transport buttons Let you replay recorded (buffered) TV and radio programs and play the CD and

DVD player.

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

back to the previous screen, change the screen display aspect ratio, and get more

information. Press the OK button to make a selection.

To use the Media Center remote control:

1 Press the Start button on the remote control. The Media Center

software starts.

2 Use the remote control navigation buttons to select a Media Center menu

option, then press OK.

Manually updating the Media Center Program Guide

Media Center requires Internet access to

update the Media Center Program Guide.

Make sure that you connect to the

Internet before continuing the manual

Program Guide update instructions.

Start Ö Settings Ö OK Ö TVÖ OK Ö

Guide Ö OK Ö Get guide data Ö OK Ö

Important

Shortcut

Yes Ö OK

You can use the Media Center Guide to view TV program schedules, search for programs by genre, schedule up program recordings, and more. When you first use the Media Center setup wizard, the Program Guide is set up to automatically download program information from your cable or satellite service provider. However, on occasion, you may need to update the Program Guide manually.

To manually update the Media Center Program Guide:

1 Before starting Media Center, make sure that you are connected to the

Internet.

2 Press the Start button on the remote control. Media Center starts.

3 Navigate to Settings, then press OK. The Settings menu opens.

4 Navigate to TV, then press OK.

5 Navigate to Guide, then press OK.

6 Navigate to Get guide data, then press OK. The Guide Data dialog box

opens.

7 Select Ye s , then press OK. Media Center downloads the Program Guide

updates.

CHAPTER 7: Using Drives and Ports www.gateway.com

CHAPTER 8

Networking Your Computer

• Introduction to Networking

•Creating an Ethernet network

• Testing your network

•Sharing resources

•Using the network

• Adding a printer to your network

CHAPTER 8: Networking Your Computer www.gateway.com

Introduction to Networking

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

Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet

Check local code requirements before

installing Ethernet cable or other wiring

in your home or office. Your municipality

may require you to obtain a permit and

Important

hire a licensed installer.

Using a router

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

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

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

www.gateway.com

To add the ability to access a wireless

Ethernet network to your wired Ethernet

network, connect an access point to the router or use a router that has a built-in

Tips & Tricks

access point.

Introduction to Networking

Example router-based Ethernet network

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

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

Cable/DS L modem

Router

For best results, all Ethernet components

Important

should be either standard Ethernet (10

Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or

10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps

components rated at dif ferent speeds will

or 10/100/1000). A mixture of

result in your network running at the

speed of the slowest rated component.

Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet network

For an Ethernet network you need:

■ Two or more computers with Ethernet jacks

■ One router

■ One broadband Internet connection (optional)

■ Ethernet cables connecting all of the network equipment

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

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

unwanted intruders

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

■ DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment to automatically configure

network and IP addresses

CHAPTER 8: Networking Your Computer www.gateway.com

Determining if an Ethernet card is already installed on your computer

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

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If

your Control Panel is in Category View, click Performance and Maintenance.

2 Click/Double-click System, click the Hardware tab, then click Device

Manager. The Device Manager window opens.

3 Click the plus (+) in front of Netwcmork adapters. The Ethernet device

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

Creating an Ethernet network

Installing Ethernet cards and drivers

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

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

Making sure your broadband connection works

If you do not have a broadband

connection already installed, make the

necessary arrangements with your ISP. Be

sure to find out how soon after the

installation the line will be activated.

Broadband Internet settings will differ

from ISP to ISP. Before you begin setting

up your network, you should contact

your ISP for any specific instructions they

have for setting up a network.

Important

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

Naming the computers and the workgroup

You must give each computer on the

network a unique Computer Name and

the same Workgroup Name.

Important

To identify this computer on the network:

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If

your Control Panel is in Category View, click Performance and Maintenance. The Performance and Maintenance window opens.

2 Click/Double-click System. The System Properties dialog box opens.

3 Click Computer Name.

4 Click Change. The Computer Name Changes dialog box opens.

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Configuring the TCP/IP protocol

A networking protocol is a language computers use to talk to each other. One of several available protocols must be set up on each computer you plan to use on your network. We recommend you use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), which is widely accepted and compatible for local area networks (LANs), as well as for Internet communications.

Creating an Ethernet network

5 Type a unique computer name in the Computer name box. This name

identifies the computer to other users on the network. Use a computer name of up to 15 characters with no blank spaces. Each computer name must be unique on your network. All-numeric computer names are not allowed. Names must contain some letters.

6 Type a name for your workgroup in the Workgroup box. Use a workgroup

name of up to 15 characters with no blank spaces. The workgroup name must be the same for all computers in your network workgroup, and the name must be different than any computer name on your network.

7 Click OK to close the Computer Name Changes dialog box.

When networking is set up in WindowsXP, TCP/IP is automatically installed as the default protocol.

Terms you should know

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

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

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

Using a DHCP server

In order to use the TCP/IP protocol on each computer with a router or access point router, you must set the protocol to “Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server.”

To use a DHCP server

1 Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If

your Control Panel is in Category View, click Network and Internet Connections. The Network and Internet Connections window opens.

2 Click/Double-click Network Connections. The Network Connections

window opens.

3 Right-click Local Area Connection, then click Properties. The Local Area

Connection Properties dialog box opens.

- OR -

Gateway GT4015H User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Getting Help

Thank you for purchasing our computer!

Using the Gateway Web site

Using Help and Support

To start Help and Support:

Searching for a topic

Getting help in Media Center

To access Media Center help:

Using online help

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

Using Your Computer

Working safely

Reducing eye strain

Setting up your computer and computer accessories

Setting up your computer desk and chair

Sitting at your computer

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain

Protecting from power source problems

Checking the voltage selection

To set the voltage selection switch:

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

Waking up your computer

Turning off your computer

To turn off your computer:

Restarting (rebooting) your computer

To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer:

Using the keyboard

Premium multimedia keyboard features

Elite multimedia keyboard features

Using the mouse

Adjusting the volume

To adjust the overall volume using hardware controls:

To adjust the overall volume from Windows:

To adjust device volume levels:

Configuring the audio jacks

To configure the audio jacks:

Connecting the dial-up modem

To connect the modem:

Connecting to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network

To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network:

Installing a printer, scanner, or other device

Using Windows XP

Using the Windows desktop

Using the Start menu

To use the Start menu:

Adding icons to the desktop

To add icons to the desktop:

Identifying window items

Working with files and folders

Viewing drives

To view the drives on your computer:

To see the files and folders on a drive:

Creating folders

To create a folder:

Copying and moving files and folders

To copy a file or folder to another folder:

To move a file or folder to another folder:

Deleting files and folders

To delete files or folders:

To recover files or folders from the Recycle Bin:

To empty the Recycle Bin:

Searching for files

Using the Windows Search utility

To find files and folders using the Search utility:

Using advanced search options

Browsing for files and folders

To browse for a file:

Working with documents

Creating a new document

To create a new document:

Saving a document

To save a document:

Opening a document

To open a document: