This guide includes information and maintenance instructions
that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some
illustrations in this guide may look different than your
computer because hardware options and port locations may
vary. For all other computer information, see the online User Guide.
For more information
For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s
Support page at support.gateway.com
shown on your computer’s label. The Support page also has
links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed
specifications.
or the Web address
Accessing the online User
Guide
In addition to this guide, the User Guide has been included
on your hard drive. The User Guide is an in-depth,
easy-to-read manual that includes information on the
following topics:
•Help and technical support
•Using and customizing Windows and other software
•Controlling audio and video settings
•Using the Internet
•Protecting your files
•Playing and recording media
•Maintaining
To access the User Guide:
•Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway
Documentation.
2
www.gateway.com
Gateway contact information
The label on the side of your computer case contains
information that identifies your computer model and serial
number. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if
you call for assistance.
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Online support:
Tech Support Phone: (U.S.)
Tech Support Hours:
(Canada)
9004394
Microsoft Certificate of
Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the
back or side of your computer includes the product key code
for your operating system. If you ever reinstall Windows from
the installation DVD, you will need to enter these numbers to
activate Windows.
3
CHAPTER 1: About This Reference
4
• Front
• Back
CHAPTER2
Checking Out Your
Computer
5
Front
Optical disc drive
USB port (optional)
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer
Optical disc drive bay
Diskette drive (optional)
Memory card reader (optional)
Power button/power indicator
Hard drive indicator
USB ports (optional)
IEEE 1394 ports (optional)
ComponentIconDescription
Optical disc driveUse this drive to listen to audio CDs, install
USB portsPlug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such
Microphone jackPlug a microphone into this jack. This jack is
games and programs, watch DVDs, and store
large files onto recordable discs (depending
on drive type). This drive may be a CD,
recordable CD, DVD, recordable DVD, Blu-ray,
or HD DVD drive. For more information about
your drive, see the online User Guide.
as a USB external drive, printer, scanner,
camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.
color-coded pink.
6
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ComponentIconDescription
Headphone jackPlug powered, analog front speakers, an
Diskette drive
(optional)
Memory card
reader (optional)
Power
button/power
indicator
Hard drive activity
indicator
IEEE 1394 portsPlug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire®)
external amplifier, or headphones into this
jack. This jack is color-coded green.
Use this drive to read from and write to 3.5"
diskettes.
Insert a memory card from a digital camera,
MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other
devices into the memory card reader.
Press this button to turn the power on or off.
You can also configure the power button to
operate in Standby/Resume mode or
Hibernate mode. The power indicator lights
when the computer is turned on.
Lights when the hard drive is active.
devices (such as a digital camcorder) into
these 6-pin IEEE 1394 ports.
7
Back
illustration.
Your computer includes the following components.
Power connector
Case cover thumbscrew
Audio in/side speaker jack
Surround left/right speaker jack
Ethernet (network) jack
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer
Important
Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this
Voltage switch
Headphone/front
speaker jack
Microphone jack
S/PDIF jack (optional)
Center/subwoofer jack
IEEE 1394/FireWire™ port
PS/2 mouse port
S-Video out jack (optional)
TV tuner (optional)
Tele phone jack
Case cover thumbscrew
USB ports
PS/2 keyboard port
Video card (optional)
Modem (line) jack
ComponentIconDescription
Power connectorPlug the power cord into this
Case thumbscrewRemove this screw before opening
connector.
the case.
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ComponentIconDescription
Audio input (Line in)
jack (blue plug)
-ORSide speaker jack
Surround/Rear
speaker jack
(black plug)
Ethernet (network)
jack
IEEE 1394 portPlug IEEE 1394 (also known as
This jack is user configurable for one
of the following:
Stereo in: Plug an external audio
input source (such as a stereo) into
this jack so you can record sound on
your computer (Default).Stereo out: Plug your side left and
right speakers into this jack.
For more information, see
“Configuring the audio jacks” on
page 26.
Plug your rear right and left
speakers into this jack.
For more information, see
“Configuring the audio jacks” on
page 26.
Plug an Ethernet network cable or a
device (such as a DSL or cable
modem for a broadband Internet
connection) into this jack. For more
information, see “Learning about
the Internet” in the online User Guide.
®
Firewire
camcorder) into this 6-pin IEEE 1394
port. For more information, see
“Installing a printer, scanner, or
other device” on page 26.
) devices (such as a digital
PS/2 mouse portPlug a PS/2 mouse into this port.
S-Video out jack
(optional)
TV tuner (optional)Plug a video tuner or antenna into
Telephone ja ck
(optional)
Voltage switchThe switch is preset at the factory.
Plug a TV into this optional jack.
this optional jack.
Plug the cord from your telephone
into this jack.
Make sure that this is set to the
correct voltage for your area.
9
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer
ComponentIconDescription
Headphone/analog
speakers jack (green
plug)
-ORFront speakers jack
Microphone jack
(pink plug)
S/PDIF output jack
(optional)
Center/subwoofer
jack
(orange
plug)(optional)
USB portsPlug USB (Universal Serial Bus)
This jack is user configurable for one
of the following:
Headphone: Plug headphones or
amplified speakers into this jack
(Default).
Stereo out: Plug your front left and
right speakers into this jack.
For more information, see
“Configuring the audio jacks” on
page 26.
Plug a microphone into this jack.
Plug an optical cable from an
amplifier or entertainment system
into this jack for digital sound.
Plug your center speaker and
subwoofer into this jack.
For more information, see
“Configuring the audio jacks” on
page 26.
devices (such as a USB Iomega™
Zip™ drive, printer, scanner,
camera, keyboard, or mouse) into
these ports. For more information,
see “Installing a printer, scanner, or
other device” on page 26.
10
PS/2 keyboard portPlug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
Video card (optional)Plug a VGA (blue connector) or DVI
Modem jack
(optional)
(white connector) monitor into a
port on this card, if installed.
Plug a modem cable into this jack.
For more information, see
“Connecting a dial-up modem” on
page 16.
CHAPTER3
Setting Up and Getting
Started
• Working safely and comfortably
• Preparing power connections
• Connecting to a broadband modem or
network
• Connecting a dial-up modem
• Starting your computer
• Turning off your computer
• Restarting (rebooting) your computer
• Using the keyboard
• Using the mouse
• Adjusting the volume
• Configuring the audio jacks
• Installing a printer, scanner, or other device
11
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Working safely and
comfortably
Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines
for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding
discomfort and strain:
•Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor.
•Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of
sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye
leve.
•Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
•Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.
Top of screen is not
higher than eye level
Hands and arms are
parallel to the floor
Screen is perpendicular to
your line of sight
12
Feet are flat on the floor
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Reducing eye strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the
monitor screen or shine directly into your eyes.
•Position the computer desk and screen so you can avoid
glare on your screen and light shining directly into your
eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on
windows, and by installing a glare screen filter.
•Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use
your computer in a dark room.
•Set paper holders at the same height and distance as
the monitor.
•Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for
long periods of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look
around the room, and try to focus on distant objects.
Setting up your computer desk and chair
When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make
sure that the desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps
you maintain good posture.
•Select a flat surface for your computer desk.
•Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands
and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you
use the keyboard and touchpad. If the desk is not
adjustable or is too tall, consider using an adjustable
chair to control your arm’s height above the keyboard.
•Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes
your weight evenly, and keeps your body relaxed.
•Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly
below the level of your elbow. This position lets your
shoulders relax while you type.
•Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the
seat, or use a footrest to distribute your weight evenly
on the chair and relieve pressure on the back of your
thighs.
•Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower
curve of your spine. You can use a pillow or cushion to
provide extra back support.
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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Sitting at your computer
•Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make
sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.
•Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your
back straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right
angles when you work.
•Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.
•Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive
strain
•Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
•Take breaks to change your position, stretch your
muscles, and relieve your eyes.
•Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a
variety of tasks.
Preparing power connections
Protecting from power source problems
War ning
High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord
and the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge protector.
If you have a telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a modem jack.
If you have a cable modem, use a surge protector that has an antenna/cable
TV jack. During an electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the
modem.
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming
into your computer can increase to far above normal levels
and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your computer
and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them
from reaching your computer.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power
to your computer during a power failure. Although you cannot
run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS,
a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your
work and shut down your computer normally.
14
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Checking the voltage selection
Caution
If you set the voltage selection switch incorrectly, your system will be
damaged. Make sure this switch is set correctly for your location before turning
on your computer. In the United States, the utility power is supplied at a nominal
115 volts at 60 Hz. The power supply should always be set to this when your
computer is operating in the United States. In other areas of the world, such
as Europe, the utility power is supplied at 230 volts at 50 Hz. If your computer
is operating in an environment such as this, the voltage switch should be moved
to 230.
The power supply, a component built into your computer,
provides power to the system board, add-in cards, and
peripheral devices. The power supply’s voltage selection for
your location is typically set at the factory, but you can change
it to match the electrical service available in your usage area
(such as while in another country). Use the power selection
switch on the back of your computer to set the voltage to
115V or 230V.
To set the voltage selection switch:
1Disconnect your computer’s power cable.
2Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the
voltage selection switch to the correct voltage position.
The switch is located on the back of your computer,
near the power cable connector.
Connecting to a broadband
modem or network
Important
Your computer may be equipped with a built-in Ethernet (network) jack.
For information about setting up a wired or wireless Ethernet network, see the
online User Guide.
You can connect your computer to a cable or DSL modem or
to a wired Ethernet network.
To connect to a broadband modem or to an Ethernet
network:
1Insert one end of the network cable into the network
jackon the back of your computer.
2Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable
modem, DSL modem, or network jack.
15
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Connecting a dial-up modem
War ning
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger
telecommunications line cord.
Your computer may have a 56K modem that you can use with
a standard telephone line to connect to the internet or fax
documents.
To connect the modem:
1Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem
jackon the modem at the back of your computer.
2Insert the other end of the modem cable into a
telephone wall jack. (The modem will not work with
digital or PBX telephone lines.)
3If you want, you can connect a telephone to the PHONE
jack on the modem on the back of your computer.
Starting your computer
16
To start your computer:
1Connect the power, network, mouse, and keyboard
cables to your computer according to the setup poster.
2Press the power button on the front of your computer.
If your computer does not turn on, check the power
cable connections.
Important
Your computer has a built-in, variable-speed fan. In addition,
your computer uses a powerful processor which produces heat and has
its own cooling fan. Both the system fan and processor fan can run at
different speeds at times to ensure correct system cooling. You may
notice an increase in the fan noise when the fan is running at high speed
and a decrease in the fan noise when it switches to normal speed.
3If you are starting your computer for the first time,
follow the on-screen instructions to select the language
and time zone and to create your first user account.
4Attach and turn on any USB or audio peripheral devices,
such as printers, scanners, and speakers. If you need to
attach a peripheral device to the parallel or serial ports,
turn off your computer first. See the documentation
that came with each device for its setup instructions.
www.gateway.com
5To open your computer’s main menu, click (Start).
From that menu, you can run programs and search for
files. For more information on using your computer’s
menus, see “Using Windows” and “Customizing
Windows” in the online User Guide.
Waking up your computer
Tip
For more information about changing the power button mode, see the
“Customizing” chapter in the online User Guide.
When you have not used your computer for several minutes,
it may enter a power-saving mode called Sleep. While in Sleep
mode, the power indicator on the power button flashes.
If your computer is in Sleep mode, move the mouse, press a
key on the keyboard, or press the power button to “wake” it
up.
Turning off your computer
War ning
When you turn off your computer, certain components in the power
supply and system board remain energized. In order to remove all electrical
power from your computer, unplug the power cord and modem cable from
the wall outlets. We recommend disconnecting the power cord and modem
cable when your computer will not be used for long periods.
Important
If for some reason you cannot use the Shut Down option in Windows to
turn off your computer, press and hold the power button for about five seconds,
then release it.
Putting your computer into Sleep mode is the easiest way to
power down your computer. Although it does not turn your
computer completely off, it does turn off or slow down most
system operations to save power, and saves your desktop
layout so the next time you restore power, the programs are
laid out just as you left them. Waking your computer from a
Sleep state is much faster than turning on your computer after
it has been turned completely off.
17
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
To put your computer to sleep:
1Click (Start), then click (power). The
computer saves your session and partially shuts down
to save power.
2To “wake” your computer, press a key on the keyboard
or press the power button.
To turn off your computer:
1Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon,
then click Shut Down. The computer turns off.
2To completely disconnect all power (such as for
servicing internal components), also disconnect the
power cord.
Restarting (rebooting) your
computer
If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse
input, you may need to restart (reboot) your computer.
To restart your computer:
1Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon,
then click Restart. Your computer turns off, then turns
on again.
18
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2If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the
power button until the computer turns off (about five
seconds), then press it again to turn the computer back
on.
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 buttonsPress these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.
Function keysPress these keys to start program actions. Each
Internet buttonsPress these buttons to launch your Internet
program uses different function keys for
different purposes. See the program
documentation to find out more about the
function key actions.
home page, search, or e-mail programs.
Audio playback
buttons
Press these buttons to play your audio files and
to adjust the volume.
19
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
FeatureIconDescription
Navigation keysPress these keys to move the cursor to the
IndicatorsShow if your N
Windows keysPress one of these keys to open the Windows
Application keyPress this key to access shortcut menus and help
Directional keysPress these keys to move the cursor up, down,
Numeric keypadPress these keys to type numbers when the
beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the
page, down the page, to the beginning of a
document, or to the end of a document.
UM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or
SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the
corresponding key to activate the function.
Start menu. These keys can also be used in
combination with other keys to open utilities like
F (Find/Search), R (Run), and E (Computer).
assistants in Windows.
right, or left.
numeric keypad (NUM LOCK) is turned on.
Elite multimedia keyboard features
The keyboard has several different types of keys and buttons.
Your keyboard also has status indicators that show which
keyboard feature is active.
Sleep buttonInternet buttons
Function keys
Audio playback
buttons
Indicators
20
Windows keysApplication keyNumeric keypad
Navigation keys
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FeatureIconDescription
Sleep buttonPress this button to activate your computer’s
Function keysPress these keys to start program actions.
Application buttonsPress these buttons to launch your Internet
Audio playback
buttons
IndicatorsShow if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or
Windows keysPress one of these keys to open the Windows
Application keyPress this key to access shortcut menus and
Editing buttonsPress these buttons to copy, cut, and paste.
Sleep (power-saving) mode.
Each program uses different function keys for
different purposes. See the program
documentation to find out more about the
function key actions.
home page, search for files, or launch the
calculator program.
Press these buttons to play your audio files
and to adjust the volume.
SCROLL LOCK keys are activated. Press the
corresponding key to activate the function.
Start menu. These keys can also be used in
combination with other keys to open utilities
like F (Find/Search), R (Run), and
E (Computer).
help assistants in Windows.
Navigation keysPress these keys to move the cursor to the
Numeric keypadPress these keys to type numbers when the
beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the
page, down the page, to the beginning of a
document, or to the end of a document. Press
the arrow keys to move the cursor.
numeric keypad (N
UM LOCK) is turned on.
21
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Using the mouse
Scroll wheel
Left button
The mouse is a device that controls the pointer movement on
the computer display. This illustration shows the standard
mouse.
As you move the mouse, the pointer (arrow) on the display
moves in the same direction.
Right button
22
You can use the left and right buttons on the mouse to select
objects on the display.
You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through
a document. This feature is not available in all programs.
To...Do this...
www.gateway.com
Move the
pointer on the
computer
display
Select an object
on the computer
display
Start a program
or open a file or
folder
Access a
shortcut menu
or find more
information
about an object
on the display.
Move an object
on the computer
display.
Move the mouse around. If you
reach the edge of your mouse
pad and need to move the
mouse farther, lift the mouse
and place it in the middle of the
mouse pad, then continue
moving the mouse.
Position the pointer over the
object. Quickly press and
release the left mouse button.
This is called clicking.
Position the pointer over the
object. Quickly press and
release the left mouse button
twice. This is called
double-clicking.
Position the pointer over the
object. Quickly press and
release the right mouse button
once. This is called
right-clicking.
Position the pointer over the
object. Press the left mouse
button and hold it down. Move
(drag) the object to the
appropriate part of the
computer display. Release the
button to drop the object
where you want it. This is called
clicking and dragging.
For more information about how to adjust the double-click
speed, pointer speed, right-hand or left-hand configuration,
and other mouse settings, see the “Customizing” chapter in
the online User Guide. For instructions on how to clean the
mouse, see “Cleaning the mouse” on page 63.
23
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Adjusting the volume
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 19.
To adjust the volume from Windows:
1Click (Volume) on the taskbar. The volume control
slider opens.
24
2Click and drag the slider up to increase volume and
down to decrease volume.
3To mute the volume, click (Mute). To restore volume,
click it again.
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