Gateway Laptop User Manual
NOTEBOOK
REFERENCEGUIDE
®
Contents
Chapter 1: About This Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . 1
About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Accessing your online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Gateway model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Notebook . . . . . 5
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started . . 13
Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Sitting at your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . 15
Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Connecting the dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . 20
Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Using the status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
i
Contents
Programming the hotkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Using the optional fingerprint reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Running the TouchStrip Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Enrolling your fingerprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Using the Fingerprint Control Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Using the fingerprint reader features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Using the smart card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Using a privacy filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Adjusting the brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Turning your wireless radio on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
IEEE 802.11 wireless network radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Bluetooth radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Chapter 4: Using Drives and Accessories . . . . . 41
Changing modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Using a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Removing a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Adding and removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Using a port replicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Installing a printer or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . 50
Connecting a USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Connecting an IEEE 1394 device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Viewing the display on a projector or monitor . . . . . . . . . . 52
Viewing the display on a television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Ordering accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Chapter 5: Managing Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Recharging the battery(ies) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
ii
www.gateway.com
Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Replacing the main battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Installing a secondary battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Recalibrating the battery(ies) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Maximizing battery performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Changing notebook power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Changing alarm options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Activating and using Hibernate mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Chapter 6: Traveling with Your Notebook . . . 71
Packing your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Traveling by air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Chapter 7: Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . 77
Caring for your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Cleaning your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Cleaning the notebook screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Maintaining the battery(ies) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Storing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Chapter 8: Upgrading Your Notebook. . . . . . . 83
Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Adding or replacing memory modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
iii
Contents
Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Chapter 9: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
CD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Diskette drive (modular or external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Fingerprint reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Networks (wired) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Networks (wireless) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
iv
www.gateway.com
Appendix A: Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
v
Contents
vi
CHAPTER1
About This Reference
• About this guide
• Accessing your online User Guide
• Gateway contact information
• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
• For more information
1
CHAPTER 1: About This Reference
About this guide
This guide includes information and maintenance instructions
that are specific to your model of Gateway notebook. For all
other notebook information, see your online User Guide.
Accessing your online User Guide
In addition to this guide, your online User Guide has been
included on your hard drive. Your User Guide is an in-depth,
easy-to-read manual that includes information on the
following topics:
• Help and technical support
• Using and customizing Windows and other software
• Using the Internet
• Protecting your files
• Playing and recording media
• Networking
• Maintenance and troubleshooting
To access your online User Guide:
• Click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway
Documentation.
2
www.gateway.com
Gateway contact information
Important
The labels shown in this sect ion are for informational purposes only. Label
information varies by model, features ordered, and location.
Gateway model and serial number
The label on the bottom of your notebook contains
information that identifies your notebook model and its
features. Gateway Customer Care will need this information
if you call for assistance.
Online Support:
Tech Support Phone:
Hours:
Model:
S/No:
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the
bottom of your notebook includes the product key code for
your operating system.
3
CHAPTER 1: About This Reference
For more information
For more information about your notebook, visit Gateway’s
Support page at www.gateway.com
shown on your notebook’s label. The Support page also has
links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed
specifications.
or the Web address
4
CHAPTER2
Checking Out Your Notebook
• Front
• Left
• Right
• Back
• Bottom
• Keyboard area
5
Front
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook
Microphone jack
Speaker
Headphone jack
Speaker
LCD panel release latch
Power indicator
Battery charge indicator
Wireless network switch
Component Icon Description
LCD panel release
latch
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. The built-in
Speakers Provide audio output when headphones or
Power indicator
Battery charge
indicator
Slide to open the LCD panel.
microphone (see “Keyboard area” on page 11)
is turned off while an external microphone is
connected.
amplified speakers are not plugged in.
■
LED on - Notebook is on.
■
LED blinking - Notebook is in Standby mode.
■
LED off - Notebook is off.
■
LED blue - Battery is fully charged.
■
LED purple - Battery is charging.
■
LED blinking red - Battery charge is very low.
■
LED solid red - Battery is malfunctioning.
Important: This LED only lights up when your
notebook is connected to AC power or the
battery charge is very low.
Wireless network
switch
6
Turn the optional IEEE 802.11 wireless network
radio and optional Bluetooth radio on or off. For
more information, see “Wireless Networking” in
your online User Guide.
Warning: Radio frequency wireless
communication can interfere with equipment
on commercial aircraft. Current aviation
regulations require wireless devices to be
turned off while traveling in an airplane.
IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth communication
devices are examples of devices that provide
wireless communication.
www.gateway.com
Component Icon Description
Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this
jack. The built-in speakers are turned off when
speakers or headphones are plugged into this
jack.
Left
Kensington lock slot
Monitor port
USB port
Ventilation fan
IEEE 1394 port
Component Icon Description
Kensington™
lock slot
Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor or projector into
Secure your notebook to an object by
connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot.
this port. For more information, see “Viewing
the display on a projector or monitor” on
page 52.
PC Card
slot
Memory card
reader
USB port Plug a USB device (such as a diskette drive, flash
drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into this port.
Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components.
Warning: Do not work with the notebook
resting on your lap. If the air vents are blocked,
the notebook may become hot enough to harm
your skin.
Caution: Do not block or insert objects into
these slots. If these slots are blocked, your
notebook may overheat resulting in unexpected
shutdown or permanent damage to the
notebook.
Caution: Provide adequate space around your
notebook so air vents are not obstructed. Do
not use the notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or
other similar surface.
7
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook
Component Icon Description
IEEE 1394 port Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or
PC Card slot Insert one Type II PC Card into this slot. For
Memory card
reader
i.Link®) device (such as a digital camcorder or
MP3 player) into this 4-pin IEEE 1394 port.
more information, see “Adding and removing a
PC Card” on page 48.
Insert a memory card from a digital camera,
MP3 player, PDA, or cellular telephone into the
memory card reader. For more information, see
“Using the memory card reader” on page 47.
The memory card reader supports Memory
Stick®, Memory Stick Pro®, Mini Secure
Digital®, MultiMediaCard™,
RS-MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital™, and
xD-Picture Card™cards.
Important: RS-Multimedia Card and Mini
Secure Digital cards require the use of an
adapter that is available with the media.
Right
USB port
Smart card reader
Modular bay
USB ports
Modem jack
Ethernet jack
Component Icon Description
USB ports Plug USB devices (such as a diskette drive, flash
Smart card reader Insert a smart card in this slot for enhanced
drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into these ports.
security. For more information, see “Using the
smart card reader” on page 35.
8
www.gateway.com
Component Icon Description
Modular bay Insert a module such as a CD drive, DVD drive,
Modem jack Plug a dial-up modem cable into this jack. For
Ethernet jack Plug an Ethernet network cable into this jack.
combination DVD/CD-RW drive, multi-format
DVD±RW drive, diskette drive, a second hard
drive, a secondary battery, or a weightsaver
into this bay. For more information, see
“Changing modules” on page 42.
To determine the type of drive in the modular
bay, examine the drive tray’s plastic cover and
compare the logo to those listed in “Identifying
drive types” on page 45.
Important: To order a module other than the
one that came with your notebook, contact
Gateway.
more information, see “Connecting the dial-up
modem” on page 19.
Plug the other end of the cable into a cable
modem, DSL modem, or an Ethernet network
jack. For more information, see “Connecting to
a broadband modem or network” on page 20.
Back
Power connector
S-Video out jack
Component Icon Description
Power connector Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
S-Video out jack Plug an S-Video device, such as a television, into
this jack. For more information, see “Viewing
the display on a television” on page 53.
9
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook
Bottom
Battery latch
Modular bay latch
Customer
care label
Component Icon Description
Online Support:
Tech Support Phone:
Hours:
Model:
S/No:
Main battery
Battery lock
Docking port
Memory
bay/Hard
drive bay
Customer
Care label
Includes the Customer Care contact information. For
more information, see “Gateway contact information”
on page 3.
Modular bay
latch
Slide to release the module. For more information, see
“Changing modules” on page 42.
Battery latch Slide to release the main battery. For more
information, see “Changing batteries” on page 59.
Main battery Provides power when the notebook is not plugged
into AC power.
Battery lock Slide to unlock the main battery. For more
information, see “Changing batteries” on page 59.
Docking port Connect the optional port replicator to this port.
Warning: Power is passed through this port. This
docking connection is certified to UL 1950 for use only
with port replicators designed for your Gateway
notebook.
Memory
bay/Hard
drive bay
■
Install a memory module into this bay. For more
information, see “Adding or replacing memory
modules” on page 85.
■
The hard drive is located in this bay. For more
information, see “Replacing the hard drive kit” on
page 89.
10
www.gateway.com
Keyboard area
Microphone
Hotkey
Status indicators
Keyboard
Optional fingerprint reader
Tou chpa d
Power button
Component Icon Description
Keyboard Provides all the features of a full-sized, computer
Status
indicators
Hotkey Opens the Control Panel by default. You can program
keyboard. For more information, see “Using the
keyboard” on page 24.
Inform you when a drive is in use or when a button
has been pressed that affects how the keyboard is
used. For more information, see “Using the status
indicators” on page 23.
this button to start a different program. For more
information, see “Programming the hotkey” on
page 29.
Microphone Record audio through this microphone. This
microphone is turned off while an external
microphone is connected. For the location of your
microphone jack, see “Front” on page 6.
Power button Press to turn the power on or off. You can also
configure the power button for Standby/Resume
mode. For more information on configuring the
power button mode, see “Changing advanced
settings” on page 67.
11
CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook
Component Icon Description
Touchpad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more
Fingerprint
reader
(optional)
information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on
page 36.
Provides enhanced security. For more information,
see “Using the optional fingerprint reader” on
page 30.
12
CHAPTER3
Setting Up and Getting Started
• Working safely and comfortably
• Connecting the AC adapter
• Connecting the dial-up modem
• Connecting to a broadband modem or
network
• Starting your notebook
• Turning off your notebook
• Restarting (rebooting) your notebook
• Using the status indicators
• Using the keyboard
• Using the optional fingerprint reader
• Using the smart card reader
• Using the EZ Pad touchpad
• Adjusting the brightness
• Adjusting the volume
• Turning your wireless radio on or off
13
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Working safely and comfortably
Before using your notebook, 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.
• Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
• Although notebooks are sometimes called “laptops,” do
not use your notebook while it rests on your
unprotected lap. Notebook operating temperatures can
become quite high, increasing the risk of burns to your
legs. Instead, use a laptop desk to protect your legs.
• Do not use the notebook on any soft, conforming
surface, such as your lap, a blanket, carpet, or a sofa.
Soft surfaces can block your notebook’s ventilation
openings, leading to overheating, permanent damage
to your notebook, and fire danger. Instead, place your
notebook on a rigid, hard surface, and make sure that
you keep the ventilation openings on the sides clear.
War ning
Do not use your notebook on a soft surface, such as your lap,
a blanket, carpet, or a sofa. You must keep your notebook’s ventilation
openings clear of obstructions, or your notebook may overheat,
increasing the risk of fire and personal injury.
Reducing eye strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the
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 notebook in a dark room.
• Avoid focusing your eyes on your screen for long
periods of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around
the room, and try to focus on distant objects.
• Where feasible, keep your head vertical while looking
at the screen. If you use an external keyboard, raise the
notebook so the top of its screen is no higher than eye
level.
14
www.gateway.com
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.
Sitting at your notebook
• 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.
15
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Connecting the AC adapter
You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or your
notebook’s main and optional secondary batteries. The
battery(ies) were shipped to you partially charged. You should
use the AC adapter right away to fully charge the battery(ies).
Allow three hours for the battery(ies) to fully charge.
War ning
Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The AC adapter has no
user-replaceable or user-serviceable parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous
voltages that can cause serious injury or death. Contact Gateway about
returning defective AC adapters.
Caution
Make sure that you use the AC adapter that came with your notebook
or one of the same type purchased from Gateway. Replace the power cord if
it becomes damaged. The replacement cord must be of the same type and
voltage rating as the original cord or your notebook may be damaged.
Important
If the main and optional secondary batteries are not fully charged before
you use your notebook on battery power for the first time, the battery life may
be much shorter than you expect. If the battery life seems short even after being
charged for three hours, the battery(ies) may need to be recalibrated. For
information on recalibrating the battery(ies), see “Recalibrating the battery(ies)”
on page 61.
16
To connect the AC adapter:
1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
www.gateway.com
2 Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power
connector.
3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The battery
charge indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 6 for the
location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery
charge indicator does not turn on, complete the
following steps until it turns on:
a Unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug
it back in.
b Press FN+F1 to toggle the status lights on and off.
c Make sure the power cord is firmly attached to the
AC adapter.
d Plug the power cord into a different wall outlet.
4 When you finish using your notebook for the first time,
turn off your notebook and leave your notebook
connected to AC power until the battery charge
indicator turns blue.
Important
If the battery charge indicator does not turn blue after three
hours, contact Gateway Customer Care at the location shown on the
Customer Care label. For more information, see “Gateway contact
information” on page 3.
17
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming
into your notebook can increase to levels far above normal
levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your
notebook and peripheral devices by connecting them to a
surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents
them from reaching your notebook.
War ning
High voltages can enter your notebook through both the power cord and
the modem connection. To protect your notebook and avoid electrical shock,
use 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.
18
www.gateway.com
Connecting the dial-up modem
Your notebook has a built-in 56K modem that you can use to
connect to a standard telephone line.
War ning
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger (for example,
No. 24 AWG) UL-listed or CSA-certified telecommunication line cord for your
dialup modem connection.
To connect the modem:
1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem
jack on your notebook.
Tip
For the location of the modem jack on an optional port replicator,
see the port replicator user guide.
2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a
telephone wall jack.
Important
The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.
19
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Connecting to a broadband modem or network
Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect
to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network.
To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired
Ethernet network:
1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network
jack on your notebook.
Tip
For the location of the network jack on an optional port replicator,
see the port replicator user guide.
2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable
modem, DSL modem, or Ethernet network jack.
Starting your notebook
War ning
Do not work with the notebook resting on your lap. If the air vents are
blocked, the notebook may become hot enough to harm your skin.
Caution
Provide adequate space around your notebook so air vents are not
obstructed. Do not use the notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface.
To start your notebook:
1 Slide the latch on the front of your notebook, then lift
the LCD panel.
20
www.gateway.com
2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.
Tip
For more information about changing the power button mode,
see “Changing advanced settings” on page 67.
3 If you are starting your notebook for the first time,
follow the on-screen instructions to select the language
and time zone and to create your first user account.
4 Attach and turn on any peripheral devices, such as
printers, scanners, speakers, and an optional port
replicator.
Tip
For more information about connecting peripheral devices, see
“Installing a printer or other peripheral device” on page 50.
Tip
See the documentation that came with each device for its setup
instructions.
5 To open the main menu, click Start. From that menu,
you can run programs and search for files. For more
information on using Windows, see “Using Windows”
and “Customizing Your Notebook” in your online User
Guide.
21
CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
Waking up your notebook
When you have not used your notebook for several minutes
or if you close the LCD panel without turning off your
notebook, it may enter a power-saving mode called Standby.
While in Standby mode, the power indicator flashes. If your
notebook is in Standby mode, press the power button to
“wake” it up.
Tip
For more information about Standby mode, see “Changing power
modes” on page 63.
Turning off your notebook
To turn off your notebook:
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
notebook.
Important
If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off option in Windows
to turn off your notebook, press and hold the power button for about
five seconds, then release it.
Restarting (rebooting) your notebook
If your notebook does not respond to keyboard, touchpad, or
mouse input, you may have to close programs that are not
responding. If closing unresponsive programs does not
restore your notebook to normal operation, you may have to
restart (reboot) your notebook.
To close unresponsive programs on your notebook:
1 Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. The Windows Task Manager dialog
box opens.
2 Click the program that is not responding.
3 Click End Task.
22
Loading...