Gateway m305 schematic

Contents

1 Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 3450. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Left Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Right Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2 Checking Out Your Docking Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Left Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Right Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Connecting to the docking station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Separating from the docking station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Switching user accounts in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Status Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

User buttons and keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Using the touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Connecting to an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Broadband Internet connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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4Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

HelpSpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

HelpSpot Videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

5 Windows Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

About the Windows environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Using the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Identifying Window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Using the Windows XP, Windows Me, o r Windows 2000 Search utility . . . . . .64

Using the Windows 98 Find utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66

Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

6 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

7 Using Multimedia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Using drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Using diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Using the CD/DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

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Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Adjusting the volume in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Adjusting the volume i n Windows M e, Windows 20 00, and Windows 98 . . . . . . . 91

Listening to CDs in Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Me . . . . . . . . . . 93

Listening to CDs in Windows 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Using MusicMatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Creating music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Viewing the display on a television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Capturing video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

8 Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Setting up your cover page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Sending a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

9 Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Changing SpeedStep settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

10 Travel Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

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11 Customizing Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138

Applying a color scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Changing the touchpad settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Programming the user key or Internet button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

12 Upgrading Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Adding PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Changing bay modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156

Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157

13 Networking Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

Using a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Sharing a single Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Sharing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162

Sharing peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

Streaming audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

Playing multi-player games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .163

Introducing the Gateway Connected Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164

Components of a Gateway Connected Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165

Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

Wired connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166

Wireless Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167

Assessing your connection needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168

Comparing data transfer speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170

Network shopping list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

HPNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173

Wireless Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175

14 Moving from Your Old Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Transferring software and hardware from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178

Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

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Reinstalling your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

Reinstalling your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

15 Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

Creating an emergency startup diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Cleaning the screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

16 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

Updating device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

17 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

CD/DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

Device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

Error Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

v

LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228

Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229

PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230

ScanDisk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234

Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .234

Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235

Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236

Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236

Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237

A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

vi

Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 3450

Tips & Tricks T o acce ss the contents of this guide while you a re trav eling,

download an electronic copy from
www.gateway.com/support/manlib/.

1

www.gateway.com

1

Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Solo 3450

Front

Microphone jack

Headphone jack

Component Icon Description

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.

Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack.

Cover release latch Open the notebook cover by sliding the rel ease la tch to

Cover release
latch

the right.

2

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Left Side

Left Side

USB
port

PC Card
eject button

PC Card
slot

Modem
jack

Power
connector

Ethernet/
serial
connector

IEEE 1394
port

Component Icon Description

Modem jack Plug a modem cable into this jack.

Power connector Plug the AC adapter cord into this connector.
Ethernet/serial

connector

IEEE 1394 port Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire or i.Link) cable

USB port Plug USB (UniversalSerial Bus) devices (such as a

PC Card eject button Press the eject button t o remove a PCCard from the PC Card

Plug a 10/100 Ethernet netwo rk cable or serial cab le into th is
jack using the suppl ied con necto r. For more inf ormation, see
“Connecting to an Ethernet network” on page 39, “Installing
a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 41,
and “Networking Your Notebook” on page 161.

into this jack.

keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, or camera) into this port.

slot.

PC Card slot Insert one Type I, II, or Zoom Video PCCard into this slot.

For more information, see “Adding PCCards” on page 152.

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3

Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Solo 3450

Right Side

Ventilation
fan

Component Icon Description

Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components. Do not block.
Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor into this port.

Monitor
port

4

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Back

Kensington lock slot

Component Icon Description

Kensington™ lock slot Secure your computer to an object by connecting a

Kensington cable l ock to this s lot.

Back

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5

Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Solo 3450

Bottom

Battery
release
latch

Memory
bay

Component Icon Description

Battery release latch Slide to release the battery.
Memory bay Install a memory module in this bay.

Battery
Battery

release
latch
Docking
connector

System
identification
label

Battery Insert the battery into this bay.
Docking connector Connect the docking station to this connector.

Warning! P ower is passed through this connection. This
docking connec tion is UL certified f or use onl y with Solo
3450 docking stations.

System identification
label

6

Find the product model number and serial number on
this label .

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Identifying y our model

The label on the bottom of your computer contains informa tion that

identifies your notebook model. Gateway Technical Support will need this

information if you call for assistance.

Important The label shown below is for informational purposes only.

Label information varies by model.

Identifying your mo del

Revision co de and display
type/ processor size

Gateway model
number

Gateway serial
number

00.0X/000XXX X 0.0/XX

Gateway part
number

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7

Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Solo 3450

Accessories

Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your
notebook.

Batteries and automobile/airplane power adapt ers

If you run your notebook on battery power for extended periods, you may
want to buy an additional battery so that you can swap batteries when
necessary.

With an automobile/airplane power adapter, you can save battery power by
plugging your notebook into an automobile cigarette lighter or an airplane
in-flight power receptacle.

Carrying cases

Gateway has large-capacity carrying cases if you need additional space for
accessories or supplies.

External devices

Y ou can attach external devices suc h as a keyboard, mouse, printer, o r monitor
to your notebook or docking station.

Memory

Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of
memory. If your programs are running more slowly than you think they
should, try adding more memory.

Printers

You can attach many types of printers to your computer. The most common
types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white.

Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but usually they are
slower than laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you ca n print pictures,
banners, and greeting cards, as well as documents.

Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but usually they print much
faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when
you are printing large documents.

8

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Checking Out Your Docking Station

The docking station gives you a ccess to ad ditional dri ves and ports no t found
on the notebook.

The docking station also gives y ou a convenient way to attach external device s
such as a monitor, a full-size keyboard , or an AC adapter. Although devices
can be attached directly to the ports and jacks on the notebook, the docking
station lets you make all of those connections in one step.

2

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9

Chapter 2: Checking Out Yo ur Docking Station

Top

Docking
connector

5.25-inch
module bay
release latch

Component Description

Docking connector Connect the notebook to this connector.

Warning! Power is passed through this connection. This
docking connection is UL certified for use only with Solo
3450 notebooks.

3.5-inch mo dule bay rele ase latch Slide to rel ease the module.

3.5-inch
module bay
release latch

5.25-inch module bay release latch Slide to release the module.

10

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Front

Front

5.25-inch
module bay

Component Description

5.25-inch module bay Use this bay for a CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive.
Undock button Press this button to prepare the notebook to be undocked while the

notebook is turned on.

3.5-inch module bay Use this bay for a diskette or second hard drive.

Undock
button

3.5-inch
module bay

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11

Chapter 2: Checking Out Yo ur Docking Station

Left Side

Docking
release
lever

Component Description

Docking rele ase lever Pull to r elease th e notebook from the docking stat ion.
Speaker Provides audio output.

Speaker

12

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Right Side

Right Side

Speaker

Component Description

Speaker Provides audio output.
Docking rele ase lever Pull to r elease th e notebook from the docking stat ion.

Docking
release
lever

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13

Chapter 2: Checking Out Yo ur Docking Station

Back

Kensington
lock slot

TV out
jack

USB port

PS/2 port

Parallel port

Ethern et jack

USB port

Power connector

Component Icon Description

Kensington™ lock slot Secure your computer to an object by connecting a

Kensington cable l ock to this s lot.

TV out j ack Plug a cable into t his jack so t hat you can view your

computer screen on a television. For more information,
see “Viewing the display on a television” on page 107.

®

PS/2 port Plug a PS/2

keyboard or mouse) into this port.

USB ports Plug USB (UniversalSerial Bus) devices (such as a

USB Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printe r , scanner , or c amera)
into these ports.

Parallel port Plug a parallel device such as a printer into this port.

Ethernet jack Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cab le into this ja ck. F or

more information, see “Connecting to an Ethernet
network” on page39 and “Using the Internet” on
page 73.

(Personal System/2) device (such as a

Power connector Plug the AC adapter cord into this connector.

14

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Bottom

Bottom

Docking
release
lever

3.5-inch module bay

5.25-inch module bay

Component Description

Docking rele ase lever Pull to release th e notebo ok from th e docking s tation.

Docking
release
lever

System
identification
label

System identification label Find the product model number and serial number on this label.

5.25-inch module bay Use this bay for a CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive.

3.5-inch module bay Use this bay for a diskette or second hard drive.

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15

Chapter 2: Checking Out Yo ur Docking Station

16

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Getting Started

This chapter provides basic information about your Gateway notebook. Read
this chapter to find out:

■ How to connect the AC adapter

■ How to start and turn off your notebook

■ How to connect to and separate from the docking station

■ Switching user accounts in Windows XP

■ How to use the keyboard and the EZ Pad™ touchpad

■ How to connect the modem

■ How to connect to an Ethernet network

■ How to install peripheral devi ces

3

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17

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Connecting the A C adapter

Y ou can run y our notebook using an AC adapter or the notebook battery . The
battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the AC adapter
right away to fully charge the battery. Allow 24 hours for the battery to fully
charge.

Important If the battery is not fully charged before you use your

notebook on battery pow er f or the first tim e, the battery lif e
may be much shorter than you expect. If the battery life
seems short even after being charged for 24 hours, the
battery may need to be recalibrated. For information, see
“Recalibrating the battery” on page 199.

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

18

Warning 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 the notebook may be
damaged.

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Connecting the AC adapter

2 Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.

-OR­Connect the AC adapter to the docking station if the docking station is

installed.

3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet.

The battery charge indicator turns on. If the battery charge indicator does
not turn on, disconnect the adapter from your notebook and repeat
Step 2. See “Status Indi ca t ors ” on page 28 for the location of the battery
charge indicator.

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19

Chapter 3: Getting Started

4 When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn the

notebook off and leave the notebook connected to AC power for at least
24 hours.

5 If the battery meters do not show a full charge after 24 hours, contact

Gateway Technical Support at www.gateway.com/support/contact.

Warning Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The

AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable
parts inside. The A C adapter has dangerous vo ltages that
can cause serious injury or dea th. Contact G ate wa y about
returning defective AC adapters.

Protecting from power source problems

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 preven ts them from
reaching your computer.

20

Warning High voltages can enter your computer through both the

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

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Starting your notebook

To start the notebook:

1 Open your notebook by sliding the latch on the front of your notebook

to the right and lifting the LCD panel.

2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.

Pow er b u tt o n

Starting your notebook

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21

Chapter 3: Getting Started

The power button is preset to On/Off mode. However, you can also set
it to function in Standby/Resume mode. For instructions on changing
the power button mode, see “Changing power settings” on page 123.

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

instructions to set up your computer.

W aking up your notebook

When you have not used your notebook for several minutes, it enters a
power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator
flashes. See “Status Indicators” on page 28 for the loc ation of the power
indicator.

If your notebook is in Standby mode, “wake” it up by pressing the power
button. For more information on changing power-saving settings, see
“Changing power modes” on page 122.

T urning off your notebook

To turn off your notebook:

■ In Windows XP, click Start, then click Turn Off Computer, then click Turn

Off

.

- OR ­In Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows 98, click

Shut Down. In the Shut Down Win dows dialog box, select Shut Down , then

click

OK.

If for some reason you cannot use the T urn Off Comp uter or Shut Down
option in Windows to shut down your notebook, try the following:

■ Press and release the power button

■ Press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then

release it

22

Start, then select

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Connecting to the docking s tation

Connecting to the docking station

You can dock your notebook while the notebook is on or off.

To attach your notebook to the docking station:

1 Connect external devices to the ports and jacks on the docking station.
2 Connect the AC adapter to the docking station.
3 Place the front part of the notebook on the two docking station hooks.

4 Press the back part of the notebook down until it clicks fully into the

docking station.

Caution Press down on the ou tsi de edg es of th e no teb ook . D o n ot

press in the middle or you may damage the LCD panel.

Important Once the docking station is connected correctly, the “Dock

Change” message ma y appe ar on y our LCD. Y ou can use
the system once this message disappears.

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23

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Separating from the doc king station

Y ou c an separate your notebook from the docking station while the notebook
is on or off.

T o separate the notebook from the docking station while the notebook is off:

1 Di sconnec t the AC ad apter fr om the d ocking st ation.
2 Pull out the two docking release levers until they click. The notebook will

pop up slightly.

24

3 Tilt the back of the notebook up.
4 Lift the notebook off of the station.
5 Connect the AC adapter to the notebook.

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Separating from the doc king station

To separate the notebook from the docking station while the notebook is on:

Caution Do not detach the notebook if the battery charge is less

than 20%. Instead, turn off your notebook and follow the
procedure “To separate the notebook from the docking
station while the notebook is off:” on page 24.

1 Press the Undock button on front of the docking station for one second.

- OR ­Click

Start, then select Undock Computer. The Undock Computer menu

item appears in the Start menu only while the notebook is docked.
The “Dock Change” message appears on the screen.

2 Pull out the two docking release levers until they click. The notebook will

pop up slightly.

3 Tilt the back of the notebook up.
4 Lift the notebook off of the station.
5 Di sconnec t the AC ad apter fr om the d ocking st ation.
6 Connect the AC adapter to the notebook.

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25

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Switching user accounts in
Windows XP

When you first turn on your notebook, you have the option to add different
user accounts. These user accounts can be customized for each person that
uses the notebook. Y ou can add, delete, or modify existin g user accounts. You
can also switch (change) user accounts without turning off your notebook.

Help and

Support

For more information about adding, deleting, and
modifying your user accounts, click Start, then select Help
and Support.

To add, delete, or modify user accounts in Windows XP:

1 Click Start, select Control Panel , then double-click User Accounts. The User

Accounts window opens.

2 Follow th e on-screen promp ts to add, delete, or modify a use r account.

26

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Switching user accounts in Windo ws XP

To switch user accounts in Windows XP:

1 Click Start, then select Log Off. The Log Off Windows dialog box opens.

2 Click Switch User to switch between your user accounts. The Windows

logon screen opens.

3 Select the user account that you want to activate. When you switch

between users, any programs that were running for the previous user
continue to run.

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27

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Status Indicators

28

This light turns
on...

Pad lock

Caps lock

Scroll lock

When...

Numeric keypad is turned on. For more
information, see “System key combinatio ns” on
page 32.

Caps Lock is turned on.

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Hard
drive

Power

Battery charge

Status Indicators

This light turns
on...

When...

Scroll Lock is turned on.

The notebook is accessing the hard drive.

The notebook is turned on. This indicator shows
the notebook power status:

LED on - notebook is ON.
LED off - notebook is OFF.
LED flashing - notebook is in Standby.

The notebook is monitoring the battery charge:
Green - battery is fully charged or not installed
Amber - battery is being charged.

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29

Chapter 3: Getting Started

Using the keyboar d

Your notebook features a full-size keyboard that has the full functionality of
a desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate
functions, including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for specific
system operations, and the Pad Lock keys for the numeric keypad.

You can attach an external keyboard to the notebook using the USB port on
the notebook or the PS/2 port on the docking station. You do not need to
shut down the notebook to connect the keyboard.

Function ke ys/
System keys

30

F

N key/

Application key

Numeric
keypad

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Windows
key

Arrow keys/
Navigation
keys

Keys

Component Icon Description

Function keys Press these keys , labeled F1 to F12, to perf orm actions

in programs. F or e xam ple, pr essing F1 ma y op en help .
Each program uses differen t function ke ys f or diff erent

purposes. Refer to the prog ram document ati on to fi nd
out more about the function key actions.

Numeric keypad Use these keys to type numbers when the numeric

keypad is turned on. Press F
on the numer ic keypad.

While the numeric keypad is turned on, you can
temporarily return a key to its normal function by
pressing F
m, press F

System keys Press these green-colored keys in combination with

the F

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.

N and the key. For example, to ty pe the letter

N+M.

N key to perform a specific action.

N + NUM LOCK to turn

Using the keyboard

N key Press the FN key in combination with a green-colored

F

system key (such a s P
perform a specific action.

Windows key Press to open the Wi ndows Start menu. This key can

also be used in combination with other keys to open
utilities like F (Search utility), R (Run utility ), and
E (Explorer utility).

Application key Press for quick access to shortcut menus and help

assistants in Windows.

Arrow keys Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right,

or left.

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RT SC, MUTE, or CRT/LCD) to

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

System key combinations

When you press the FN key and a system key at the same time, the notebook
performs an action identified by the green text or icon on the key.

Press and hold F

N while

pressing this system key...

To...

Take a picture of the whole screen, which you can then paste
into a graphics program such as Paint. Pressing A
key combination takes a picture of the active window, which
you can then paste into a graphics program.

Perform an action specif ied by the softwa re currently running.
(This function is only available in some programs.)

Generate the Euro mark.

Open the program you assign to this key combination. For
more information, see “Programming the user key or Internet
button” on page 148.

Toggle the notebook screen between the LCD, an external
monitor, or both at the same tim e . A m oni tor m us t b e p lug ged
into the monitor port on the notebook.

Mute the sound.

LT and this

32

Decrease the speaker volume.

Increase the speaker volume.

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Using the keyboard

Press and hold FN while
pressing this system key...

To...

Enter Standby mode . Press the pow er button to lea ve Standb y
mode.

Decrease t he bright ness of th e LCD scre en.

Increase the brightness of the LCD screen.

Pause the text scrolling in a DOS screen. The Scroll Lock
status indicator turns on when this fun ction is turned on. Press
the key combi nation aga in to contin ue scrol ling. (This function
is only available in some programs. )

Turn on the numeric keypad.

Pause or stop execution of a DOS program. (This function is
only available in some programs.)

Move the cursor to the start of the line. (This function is only
available in some programs.)

Move the cur sor up one screen. (This functio n is only av ailable
in some programs.)

Move the cursor down one screen. (This function is only
available in some programs.)

Move the cursor to the end of the line. (This function is only
available in some pr ograms.)

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

User butt ons and keys

Internet

34

Item Icon Press...

Internet To open your Web browser.

User In combination with the F

assign to this key combination.

For more information, see “Programming the user key or Internet button” on
page 148.

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N key to open the progra m yo u

Using the EZ Pad touchpa d

The EZ Pad™ consists of a touchpad and two buttons.

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

Left
touchpad
button

When you move your finger on the touchpad, the pointer (arrow) on the screen

moves in the sam e directi on.

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Right
touchpad
button

Touchpad

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

You can use the EZ-Pad left and right buttons below the touchpad to select
objects.

Using the touchpad

To... Do this...

Move the pointer
on the scre en.

Select an object
on the scre en.

Start a program
or open a file or
folder.

Access a
shortcut menu or
find more
information
about an object
on the scre en.

Move your finger around on the
touchpad. If you run out of space
and need to move the pointer
farther, lift y our finger, move it to
the middle of the touchpad, then
continue moving your finger.

Position the pointer over the
object. Press the left button
below the touchpad once. This
action is called clicking.

Position the pointer over the
object. Press the left button
below the touchpad twice in
rapid succession. This action is
called double-clicking.

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

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To... Do this...

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

Move an object
on the scre en.

Position the pointer over the
object. Press the left button and
hold it down, then use the
touchpad to move (drag) the
object to the appropriate part of
the screen. Release the button
to drop the object where you
want it .

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Connecting the modem

Your notebook has a built-in V.90 56K modem.

Caution To reduce the risk of fire, us e only a N o . 26 AWG or larger

telecommunications line cord.

To connect the modem:

1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the

left side of the notebook.

Important By design, the door covering the modem jack does not

open fully. Do not force the door past its natural open
position.

38

2 Insert the other en d of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. The

modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.

3 Start your notebook, then start your communications software.

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Connecting to an Ethernet ne twork

Connecting to an Ethernet netw ork

If your notebook has a network j ack, y ou c an conne c t it to a 10/100 Ethernet

network.

To connect to a network:

1 Insert the LAN adapter cable into the network jack on the left side of

the notebook and insert one end of the network cable into the LAN
adapter.

Important The adapter fits only one way into the connector. Do not

force it .

- OR -

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on the
back of the dockin g station.

2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a network wall jack. Ask

your network administrator to help you select the correct network jack.

Your notebook is now physically connected to the network. Your network
administrator can help you log on to your network.

Broadband Internet connections

You can use your computer’s Ethernet jack for more than just networking.
Many broadband Internet connections, such as cable modems and DSL
modems, connect to your computer’s Ethernet jack. For more information,
see “Using the Internet” on page73 and “Networking Your Notebook” on
page 161.

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Installing a printer, scanner, or other peri pheral device

Installing a printer , scanner , or other
peripheral device

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

or i.Link), Universal Serial Bus (USB), and Serial. These ports are used for

connecting periphera l devices such as printers and di gital cameras to your

computer. For more information about port locations, see “Checking Out Y our

Gateway Solo 3450” on page 1 and see “Checking Out Your Docking Station”

on page 9.

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.

The docking station has a parallel port and the notebook has a serial

connector . Parallel and serial devices are not plug-and-play . Refer to the device

documentation for detailed information and installation instructions.

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Chapter 3: Getting Started

To connect a serial device:

■ Insert the serial adapter cable into the serial connector on the left side

of the notebook and insert one end of the serial cable into the serial
adapter.

Important The adapter fits only one way into the connector. Do not

force it .

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Getting Help

This chapter tells you about additional information resources ava ilable to help
you use your computer, including:

■ HelpSpot

■

Online help

■ Gateway Web site

Tips & Tricks T o acce ss the contents of this guide while you a re trav eling,

™

download an electronic copy from
www.gateway.com/support/manlib/.

4

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Chapter 4: Getting Help

HelpSpot

Y our computer may include HelpSpot, an easily accessible collection of Help
information, troubleshooters, instructional videos, and automated support.
Use HelpSpot to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly
discover and use the many features of your Gateway computer.

To start HelpSpot:

■ Click Start, then select Help and Support. HelpSpot opens.

44

If this is the first time you have started HelpSpot on your computer, you
may experience a brief wait while HelpSpot builds the help database, then
HelpSpot will display an introductory video.

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You can find help information by clicking a link, performing a search, or

browsing the index. To learn about using your Gateway computer, your

mouse, and other topics, click the

Getting Started link on the HelpSpot main

page.

HelpSpot

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Chapter 4: Getting Help

HelpSpot Videos

HelpSpot contains several short v ideos to help introduc e you to new concepts
or show you how to perform various tasks.

To play a HelpSpot video:

■ T o watch a video in HelpSpot, click Video Tutorials on the HelpSpot home

page, then click a video title. The video plays.

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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. Most online

help information can be accessed by selecting a topic from a

by clicking a

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.

Help button.

Online help

Help menu or

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Chapter 4: Getting Help

Gatewa y Web site

Gateway provides a variety of information on its Web site to help you use
your computer.

48

Visit the Gateway Web site at www.gateway.com for:

■ Technical documentation and product manuals

■ Technical tips and support, including online chat services

■ Hardware drivers

■ Order status

■ Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

For more information about connecting to the Internet, see “Using the
Internet” on page 73.

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Windows Basics

Read this chapter to get basic information on how to:

■ Use the Windows desktop

■ Manage files and folders

■ Wo r k w i t h d ocum e n t s

■ Use shortcuts

Help and

Support

5

For more information on Windows, click Start, then select
Help and Support or Help.

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Chapter 5: Windows Bas ics

About the Windows en viro nment

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.

Y our deskto p may be different from the example shown below , depending on
how your computer is set up.

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Using the desktop

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 sc reen
containing the Start butt on on the left a nd a cloc k
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 Star t button provides access t o programs,
files, help for Windows and other programs, and
computer tools and utilities.

Click the Start button, then op en a file or prog ram
by cli cki ng ( selecting) an item on t he menu t hat
opens.

Using the desktop

The Recycle Bin is where files, folders, and
programs that you discarded are stored. Y o u must
empty the Recycle Bin to permanently delete
them from y our computer . Fo r instructions on ho w
to use the Recycle Bin, see “Deleting files and
folders” on page 60.

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Chapter 5: Windows Bas ics

Using the Start menu

You can st art prog rams, ope n files, c ustomiz e your sy stem, ge t help, se arch
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 desk top. The Start

menu opens showing you the first level of menu items.

2 To see all programs and files in the Start menu, click All Programs.

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

3 Click a file or program to open it.

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Identifying Window items

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 double-clicking the

window.

Local Disk (C:) icon in the My Computer

Identifying Window ite ms

Title bar

Menu bar

Close

Maximize

Minimize

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Chapter 5: Windows Bas ics

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 horiz ontal bar at the top
of a window th at shows the window tit le.

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 screen.
Clicking the maximize button again
restores the window to its former size.

Clicking the close button closes the active
window or program.

Selecting an item on the menu bar star ts
an action such as Print or Save.

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Working with files and folders

W orking with files and f olders

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

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 3½ Floppy (A:) for the diskette drive. You may

also have more drives such as a CD/DVD drive.

To view the drives on your computer:

■ In Windows XP, click Start, then select My Computer from the Start menu.

- OR ­In Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows 98, double-click the

Computer

Drives

icon on the desktop.

My

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Chapter 5: Windows Bas ics

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

entire contents of this drive

Show the contents of this drive or View the

.

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Creating folders

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

other folders.

Files are much like pa per documents—letters, spreadsheets, and pictures—that

you keep on your computer. In fact, all information on a computer is stored

in files.

Folders

Files

Working with files and folders

To create a folder:

1 In Windows XP, click Start, then select My Computer from the Start menu.

- OR ­In Windows Me or Windows 2000, double-click the

the desktop.

My Computer icon on

2 Double-click the drive or folder, for example the Local Disk (C:), where you

want to put the new folder.
The drive or folder window opens. If you do not see the contents of the

drive or folder, click

contents of this drive

Show the contents of this drive or View the en tire

(or this folder).

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Chapter 5: Windows Bas ics

3 Select File, then New, then Folder. The new folder is created.
4 Type a name for the folder, then press ENTER. The new folder name

appears by the folder icon.

Copying and moving files and f olders

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 o r folde r
on the Windows clipboard, which 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 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.

Important The clipboard stores whate ver y ou cut or cop y 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 pla ce, but as soon as y ou copy
or cut a different file or folder, the original file or folder is
deleted from the clipboard.

To copy a file or folder to another folder:

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

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

2 Select Copy from the pop-up menu.
3 Open the destination folder.
4 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
5 Select Paste. A copy of the file or folder appears in the new location.

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Working with files and folders

To move a file or folder to another folder:

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

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

2 Select Cut from the pop-up menu.
3 Open the destination folder.
4 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
5 Select Paste. The file or folder you moved appears in its new location and

is removed from its old location.

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Chapter 5: Windows Bas ics

Deleting files and f olders

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
Windows trash can, called the Recycle Bin, where they remain until you decide
to empty the bin.

You can recover any file in th e Recycle Bin as long as t he bin has not been
emptied.

To delete files or folders:

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

want to delete. For instructions on how to select multiple files and folders,
see “Shortcuts” on page 72.

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

Recycle Bin.

To recover files or folders from the Recycle Bin:

1 Doubl e-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 Select the files or folders that you want to restore. For instructions on

how to select multiple files and folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 72.

3 Select File, then Restore. Windows returns the deleted files or folders to

their original locations.

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Working with files and folders

To empty the Recycle Bin:

Caution Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently erases an y files or

folders in the bin. These files cannot be restored.

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

opens.

2 Select File, then Empty Recycle Bin. Windows asks you if you are sure that

you want to empty the bin.

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

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Chapter 5: Windows Bas ics

Bro wsing for fil es and folder s

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:

1 In Windows XP, click Start, then select My Computer.

- OR ­In Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows 98, double-click the

Computer

icon on the desktop.

My

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

that you want to find.

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

file or folder you want. (If you do not see the contents of a folder, click

Show the contents of this folder or View the entire contents of this folder.)

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Searc hing 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 in Windows XP,

Windows Me, or Windows 2000, or the Find utility in Windows 98 to search

by:

■ Name or part of a name

■ Creation date

■ Modification date

■ File type

■ Text contained in the file

■ Time period in which it was created or modified

You can also combi ne search criteria to refi ne searches.

Files and folders found using these utilities can be opened, copied, cut,

renamed, or deleted directly from the list in the results window.

Searching for files

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Chapter 5: Windows Bas ics

Using the Windows XP , Windows Me, or
Windows 2000 Search utility

To find files and folders using the Search utility:

1 In Windows XP, click Start, then select Search. The search window opens.

Click

All files and folders.

- OR ­In Windows Me or Windows 2000, click

For Files or Folders. The search window opens.

Start, then select Search, then

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.

64

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

names containing the letters you typed.

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Searching for files

3 Click Search or Search Now . When the sear ch is completed, Win dows 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.

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.

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Chapter 5: Windows Bas ics

Using the Windows 98 Find uti lity

To find files and folders using the Find utility:

1 Click Start, then select Find, then Files or Folders. The Find: All Files dialog

box opens.

2 If you want to search by file or folder name, click the Name & Location

tab, then type in all or part of the file or folder name in the
box.

Named text

66

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

that name.

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

names containing the letters you typed.

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Searching for files

3 Click Find Now. 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.

Using advanced search options

You can find files meeting more criteria than fil e name . You can narrow your

search by clicking the

you want:

■ Date searches for files that were created or modified on a specific date or

during a specific period.

■ Size searches for files of a specific size.

■ Type searches for files of a specific type, such as a program or a text

document.

Date or Advanced tabs and selecting the options that

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Chapter 5: Windows Bas ics

W orking with documents

Documents are commonly 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.

The following examples illustrate the concepts for creating, saving, opening,
and printing a document in Microsoft
Microsoft W ord, similar procedures apply to other programs such as Microsoft
Excel, Microsoft Works, and Microsoft Publisher.

For more information about using a program, select

Creating a ne w document

Help and

Support

To create a new document:

1 Click Start, then select All Programs, then Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word

starts and a blank docu ment opens.

2 Select File, then select New. The New Document pane opens.

For more information on creating a document, click Start,
then select Help and Support or Help.

®

Word. Though these examples use

Help on the menu bar.

New
Document
pane

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Working with documents

3 Click General Templates. The Templates dialog box opens.

4 Click a tab for the type of document you want to create, select a

documen t templ ate styl e, then click

OK. The document template opens.

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

the top of the window to format the document.

Saving a document

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

Help and

Support

To save a document in Microsoft Word:

1 Select File, then Save. The Save As dialog box opens.
2 Select the folder in which you plan to save the file from the Save in list .

For more information on saving a document, click Start,
then select Help and Support or Help.

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Chapter 5: Windows Bas ics

3 Type the new file name.

File

folder

File

name

4 Click Save.

Opening a document

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

Help and

Support

To open a document in Microsoft Word:

1 Click Start, then select All Programs, then Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word

starts and a blank docu ment opens.

2 Select File, then Open.

70

For more information on opening a document, click Start,
then select Help and Support or Help.

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Working with documents

3 Find the folder you wan t to open in the Look in list.

File

folder

File

name

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

Printing a document

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 you r printe r, refer to the printer documen tation.

Help and

Support

To print a document in Microsoft Word:

1 Make sure that the printer is turned on and loaded with paper.
2 Star t Microsoft Word and open a document.
3 Select File, then Print. The Print dialog box opens.
4 Select the print options, then click OK. The document prints.

For more information on printing a document, click Start,
then select Help and Support or Help.

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Chapter 5: Windows Bas ics

Shortcuts

The following table shows a fe w shortc uts tha t yo u ca n use in Windows and
almost all programs that run in W indows. For more information on W indows
shortcuts, see your Windows or program documentation.

To... Do this...

Copy a file, folder, text, or graphic Select the item, then press CTRL + C.
Cut a file, folder, text, or graphic Select the item, then press C
Paste a file, folder , text, or graphic Click inside th e folder or wind ow where you w ant to paste

the object, then press C

Select multiple items in a list or in a
window

Select multiple adj ac ent it em s in a lis t
or window

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

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

Close the active window o r program Press A
Switch to a different file, folder, or

running program

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

Click the first item in the list, press and hold down the

HIFT key, then click the last item in the list.

S

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

then press E

Press A

NTER.
LT + F4.
LT + TAB.

TRL + X.

TRL + V.

TRL key,

HIFT + DELETE. The file

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Using the Internet

This chapter provides information about the Internet and the World Wide
W eb, and tells you how to set up the America Online
you can send and receive e-mail and access other Internet resources.

6

®

Internet service so that

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Chapter 6: Using the Inter net

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 line and signing up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Internet Ser vers

store infor mation so other
computers can access it
from the Internet.

Yo u r com p u ter
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, using a telephone,

DSL, or cable line, to other computers or servers.

■ An I nternet Service Provider – a company that provides access to the

Internet through an ISP server. When you connect to an ISP, the ISP ser ver
lets you access the Internet and yo ur e-mail messages.

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

Wide Web .

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

e-mail messages over the Internet.

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Setting up an Internet acc ount

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). If you have
chosen America Online as an ISP, follow these instructions to set up and
connect to your account. To establish a different ISP service, or to transfer an
existing account to this computer, contact the ISP directly.

If you set up an account with America Online, an Internet e-mail address is
created for you. After completing the setup you are ready to access the
Internet.

Help and

Support

For more information on setting up an Internet account,
click Start, then select Help and Support or Help.

To set up an Internet account with America Online:

1 Select Start, then select All Programs, then America Online.
2 Follow the on-screen instructions. After setting up your account, you can

connect to the Internet and access your e-mail services.

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Chapter 6: Using the Inter net

Accessing your Internet account

Help and

Support

For more information on accessing your Internet account,
click Start, then select Help and Support or Help.

To connect to your America Online Internet account:

1 Select Start, then select All Programs, then America Online.
2 Complete the member name and password information, then click

Connect. The computer dials the Internet account telephone number.

If you are using a service other than America Online, check with your ISP for
the correct procedure for conn ecting.

After connecting, the W eb browser window opens. For information about the
Web and the Web browser, see “Using the World Wide Web” on page 77.

To disconnect from your America Online Internet account:

■ Click X in the top right corner of the America Online program. Your

computer disconnects from the Internet.

Important Make sure that your computer disconnects correctly from

your Internet account. If you do not have an “unlimited
hours” ISP account, you may have to pay for the time that
you are connected, even if you are not at the computer.

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If you are using a service other than America Online, check with your ISP for
the correct procedure for disconnecting.

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Using the W orld 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 p a g e s , which a re 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, which comes installed on your new computer.

Web pages can contain text, animations, music, and other multimedia
features.

A group of related Web p ages is called a Web s it e. You can access Web sites to
shop, track investments, read the news, download programs, and much more.

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

Using the World Wide Web

To learn more about using the Web browser features, select
bar.

Web

page

Link

Linked W eb pag e

Help in the menu

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Chapter 6: Using the Inter net

Connecting to a Web site

After you set up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as
America Online, you can access the many information sources on the World
Wide Web .

Help and

Support

For more information on connecting to a Web site, click
Start, then sele ct Help and Support or Help.

To connect to a Web site:

1 Connect to your Internet account. After the computer connects, a default

opening page or welcome screen opens.

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

Resource Loca tor”) in the browser address bar (for example
www.gateway.com) then click

- 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.

GO on the browser address bar.

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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.

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Downloading files

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

To protect your computer against viruses, make sure that you scan the files
you download. For more information, see “Protecting your computer from
viruses” on page 189.

Using the World Wide Web

Help and

Support

For more inf ormation on downloading fi les, click Start, then
select Help and Support or Help.

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
bar.

- OR ­Click a link on a Web page to navigate to the Web site containing the

file that you want to download.

GO on the browser address

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

computer.

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 created.
A copy of the file is downloaded to your comp uter. The time that it takes

to transfer the file to your computer depends on file 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.

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Chapter 6: Using the Inter net

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 America Online
might have an e-mail address that is similar to this one:

[e-mail]

User name Internet do main name

Sending e-mail

Help and

Support

To send e-mail using America Online:

1 Connect to your America Online account.
2 Click Write.
3 Type the e-mail address of the recipient you want to send e-mail to in

the

Send To box.

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

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For more information on sending e-mail, click Start, then
select Help and Support or Help.

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5 Type the e-mail message.
6 When finished, click Send Now. Your e-mail is sent over the Internet to

the e-mail address you specified.

Checking y our e-mail

Using e-mail

Help and

Support

For more inf o rmation on c hecking your e-mail, c lick Start,
then select Help and Support or Help.

To check your e-mail using America Online:

1 Connect to your America Online account.
2 Click Read.

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

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Chapter 6: Using the Inter net

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Using Multimedia

This chapter provides information on using the multimedia capabilities of
your notebook. Read this chapter to learn how to:

■ Use the diskette drive

■ Use the CD/DVD drive

■ Play CDs and DVDs

■ Use Windows Media Player

■ Use MusicMatch

■ View the display on a television

■ Capture video using the IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire or i.Link) port

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Chapter 7: Using Multim edia

Using drives

This section explains how to use the diskette and CD/DVD drives installed
in the docking station.

CD/DVD activity indicator

CD/DVD eject button

CD/DVD manual eject hole

Diskette
slot

Eject
button

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Using diskettes

The diskette drive uses 3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppy disks).
Diskettes are useful for storing files or transferring files to another computer.

Warning Do not expose diskettes to water or magnetic fields.

Exposure could damage the data on the diskette.

To use a diskette:

1 Insert the diskette into the diskette drive with the label facing up.

Using diskettes

2 To access a file on the diskette in Windows XP, click Start, then select My

Computer

- OR ­To access a file on the diskette in Windows Me, Windows 2000, or

Windows 98, double-click the
file.

, then the drive letter, then double-click the file.

My Computer icon, the drive letter , then the

3 To remove the diskette, press the diskette eject button.

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Chapter 7: Using Multim edia

Using the CD/D VD drive

You can use your computer to enjoy a wide variety of multimedia features,
such as making recordings, listening to audio CDs, and watching DVD movies.

Inserting a CD or DVD

To insert a CD or DVD:

1 Press the eject button on the CD/DVD drive. After the tray opens slightly,

pull the disc tray completely open.

2 Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up, then press down

carefully on the disc until it snaps into place.

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Important When you place a singl e-s ide d dis c in the tray, make sure

that the label side is f ac ing up. If the disc has two pla y ab le
sides, place the disc so that the n ame of th e side y ou w ant
to play is facing up.

3 Push the tray in until it is closed.

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Adjusting the volume in Windows XP

Adjusting the v olume in Windows XP

Y ou c an use the volume controls to a djust the overall volume and the vo lume
of specific sound devices in your computer.

Help and

Support

For more inf ormation on adjusting volu me, click Start, then
select Help and Support.

To adjust the overall volume level using hardware controls:

■ On the keyboard, press the volume system key combinations FN+ and

F

N+ to change the volume, or press the mute system key combination

F

N+MUTE to turn off all sound.

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Chapter 7: Using Multim edia

To adjust the overall volume level from Windows:

1 Click Start, then select Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2 Select Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.
3 Select Adjust the system volu me. The Sounds and Audio Devices Properties

dialog box opens.

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4 On the Volume tab, drag the Device Volume slider to change the volume

or click to select the

Mute check box, then click OK.

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Adjusting the volume in Windows XP

To adjust specific volume levels:

1 Click Start, then select Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens.
2 Select Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices.
3 Select Adjust the system volu me. The Sounds and Audio Devices Properties

dialog box opens.

4 On the Volume tab, click Advanced in the Device volume area. The Master

Volume dialog box opens.

If the device you want to adjust does not appear in the Master Volume
dialog box, select
to adjust, then click

Options, Properties, select the audio device you want

OK.

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Chapter 7: Using Multim edia

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

adjust, then close the window. For more information about the volume
controls, select

6 Click X in the top right corner of the Master Volume dialog box.

Help in the Master Volume dialog box.

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Adjusting the volume i n Windows Me , Windows 200 0, and Windows 98

Adjusting the v olume in Windows Me,
Windows 2000, and Windows 98

Y ou c an use the volume controls to a djust the overall volume and the vo lume
of specific sound devices in your computer.

HelpSpot For more information on adj usting volume , click Start, then

select Help.

To adjust overall volume level:

■ On the keyboard, press the volume system key combinations FN+ and

F

N+ to change the volume, or press the mute system key combination

F

N+MUTE to turn off all sound.

- OR -

■ Click the speaker icon on the taskbar, then drag the slider to change the

volume or click to select the

Mute check box.

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Chapter 7: Using Multim edia

To adjust specific volume levels:

1 Double-click the speaker icon on the taskbar . Th e Volume Control dialog

box opens.

If the device you want to adjust does not appear in the Volume Control
dialog box, select
to adjust, then click

Options, Properties, select the audio device you want

OK.

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

adjust, then close the window. For more information about the volume
controls, select

Help in the Volume Con trol dial og box.

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Listening to CDs in Wi ndows XP, Wi ndows 200 0, and Windows Me

Listening to CDs in Windows XP,
Windows 2000, and Windows Me

Use the Windows Media Player to listen to CDs in Windows XP,
Windows 2000, and Windows Me. For more information about using the
Windows Media Player, select

To play a CD:

1 In sert a CD i nto the C D/DVD dr ive.
2 If a message asks you to chose a CD player, select Windows Media Player .

The Windows Media Player opens.

3 When the med ia player opens, click (play).

Help.

Play

Stop

Previous

Volume

Mute

Next

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