Gateway P-172, P-173, P-68 Quick Reference Guide

Chapter 1: About This Reference . . . . . . . . . . . 1

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Accessing your online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Contacting Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Gateway model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Notebook . . . . . 5

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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 to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . . .18

Connecting the optional dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Using the status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Contents

Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Using the optional fingerprint reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Running the TouchStrip Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Enrolling your fingerprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Using the Fingerprint Control Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Using the password bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Using the fingerprint reader features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

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

Using the optional multimedia panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Using the optional webcam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Adjusting the brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Turning your wireless radio on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

IEEE 802.11 wireless network radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Bluetooth radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Chapter 4: Using Drives and Accessories . . . . 49

Using the DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Using a DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Setting up an optional RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

About RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

RAID 0 for performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

RAID 1 for security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Preparing your notebook for RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Configuring RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Getting help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Using an eSATA (external SATA) hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Removing a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Using an Express Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Installing a printer or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Connecting a USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

www.gateway.com

Connecting an IEEE 1394 device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Viewing the display on a projector, monitor, or television .62

Adjusting the display properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Using the projector or monitor for a presentation . . . . .65

Chapter 5: Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Maximizing battery performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Changing notebook power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Changing the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Chapter 6: Traveling with Your Notebook . . . 77

Packing your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Traveling by air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Chapter 7: Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . 83

Caring for your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Cleaning your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Cleaning the notebook screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Maintaining the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Storing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

iii

Contents

Overclocking the processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . . 89

Using Microsoft System Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Recovering your system to its factory condition . . . . . . 97

Recovering your system using the Windows DVD . . . . . 98

Chapter 8: Upgrading Your Notebook . . . . . . 101

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Adding or replacing memory modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Replacing a hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

CD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Diskette drive (external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Express Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Fingerprint reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Networks (wired) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Networks (wireless) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

www.gateway.com

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Appendix A: Legal Information. . . . . . . . . . . 139

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Contents

CHAPTER1

About This Reference

• About this guide

• Accessing your online User Guide

• Gateway contact information

• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

• For more information

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

To access your online User Guide:

• Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway

Documentation.

Gateway contact information

Contacting Gateway Customer Care

Your Setup Guide contains information about contacting Gateway Customer Care.

Gateway model and serial number

A 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.

www.gateway.com

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.

For more information

For more information about your notebook, visit Gateway’s Support page at www.gateway.com on your notebook’s label. The Support page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.

or the Web address shown

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

CHAPTER2

Checking Out Your Notebook

• Front

• Left

• Right

• Back

• Bottom

• Keyboard area

• LCD panel

Front

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Power indicator

Battery charge indicator

LCD panel release latch

Component Icon Description

Power indicator

Battery charge indicator

LCD panel release latch

Wireless network switch

■

LED on - Notebook is on.

■

LED blinking - Notebook is in Sleep or Hybrid Sleep 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.

Press to open the LCD panel.

Turn the optional IEEE 802.11 wireless network radio and optional Bluetooth radio on or off. For more information, see “Wireless Ethernet Networking” in your online User Guide. Warning: Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere with equipment on commercial a ircraft. Current aviation reg ulations 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.

Wireless network switch

Left

www.gateway.com

Kensington lock slot

USB ports

Ventilation fan

DVD drive

Component Icon Description

Ken sin gton™ lock slot

USB ports Plug USB devices (such as a diskette drive, flash

Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components.

DVD drive Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more

Secure your notebook to an object by connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot.

drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.

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.

information, see “Using the DVD drive” on

page 50. To determine the type of drive in your

notebook, examine the drive tray’s plastic cover and compare the logo to those listed in

“Identifying drive types” on page 50.

Right

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Memory card reader

Express Card slot

Headphone jack

Microphone jack

IEEE 1394 port

Ethernet jack

USB port

Monitor port

eSATA jack

HDMI out jack

Component Icon Description

Memory card reader

IEEE 1394 port (optional)

Express Card slot Insert one Type 54 Express Card into this slot. For

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 58.

The memory card reader supports Memory Stick®, Memory Stick Pro®, Mini Secure Digital®, MultiMediaCard™, RS-MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital™, and xD-Picture Card™ cards.

Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire i.Link®) device (such as a digital camcorder or MP3 player) into this optional 4-pin IEEE 1394 port.

more information, see “Using an Express Card”

on page 59.

Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. The built-in

USB port Plug a USB device (such as a diskette drive, flash

Ethernet jack Plug an Ethernet network cable into this jack.

jack. The built-in speakers are turned off when speakers or headphones are plugged into this jack.

microphone is turned off while an external microphone is connected.

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

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 18.

www.gateway.com

Component Icon Description

HDMI out jack (optional)

eSATA jack (optional)

Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor or projector into this

HDMI Plug an HDMI device, such as a high definition

television, into this optional jack. For more information, see “Viewing the display on a

projector, monitor, or television” on page 62.

eSATA Connect an external SATA hard drive to this

optional jack.

port. For more information, see “Viewing the

display on a projector, monitor, or television” on page 62.

Back

Ventilation fan

Component Icon Description

Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components.

Power connector

Modem jack

Power connector Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.

Modem jack (optional)

Plug a dial-up modem cable into this optional jack. For more information, see “Connecting the

optional dial-up modem” on page 19.

Bottom

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Battery latch

Memory bay

Hard drive bay

Battery

Online Support: Tech Support Phone: Hours: Model: S/No:

Battery lock

Customer care label

Component Icon Description

Memory bay Memory modules are located in this bay. For more

Battery latch Slide to release the battery. For more information, see

information, see “Adding or replacing memory

modules” on page 103.

“Changing the battery” on page 69.

Battery Provides power when the notebook is not plugged into

AC power.

Battery lock Slide to unlock the battery. For more information, see

“Changing the battery” on page 69.

Customer Care label

Includes the Customer Care contact information. For more information, see “Gateway contact information”

on page 2.

Hard drive bay

The hard drive(s) is (are) located in this bay. For more information, see “Setting up an optional RAID” on

page 52 and “Replacing a hard drive kit” on page 106.

www.gateway.com

Keyboard area

Power button

Speaker Speaker

Keyb oard

Multimedia panel

Status indicators

Fingerprint reader

Touchpad

Component Icon Description

Keyboard Provides all the features of a full-sized, computer

Speakers Provide audio output when headphones or amplified

Power button Press to turn the power on or off. You can also configure

keyboard. For more information, see “Using the

keyboard” on page 24.

speakers are not plugged in.

the power button for Sleep/Resume mode. For more information on configuring the power button mode, see “Changing advanced settings” on page 75.

Multimedia panel (optional)

Touchpad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more

Use to control playback of CDs and DVDs. The panel includes a capacitive (touch) volume control. For more information, see “Using the optional multimedia panel”

on page 38.

information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on

page 35.

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Component Icon Description

Fingerprint reader (optional)

Status indicators

LCD panel

Provides enhanced security. For more information, see

“Using the optional fingerprint reader” on page 29.

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.

Optional webcam

Optional webcam status indicatorOptional microphone

Component Icon Description

Microphone (optional)

Webcam (optional)

Webcam status indicator (optional)

Use to talk through when making Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls. Important: The optional microphone is only available when purchased with the optional webcam.

Use to let others see who they are communicating with when making VoIP calls. For more information, see

“Using the optional webcam” on page 39.

Turns on when the webcam is turned on.

CHAPTER3

Setting Up and Getting Started

• Working safely and comfortably

• Connecting the AC adapter

• Connecting the optional 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 EZ Pad touchpad

• Using the optional multimedia panel

• Using the optional webcam

• Adjusting the brightness

• Adjusting the volume

• Turning your wireless radio on or off

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

su rface, s uch as you r la p, a bla nket , ca rpet, o r a s ofa. So ft 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.

Warning

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.

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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.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Connecting the AC adapter

You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or your notebook’s battery. The battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the AC adapter right away to fully charge the battery. Allow three hours for the battery to fully charge.

Warning

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 battery is 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 may need to be recalibrated. For information on recalibrating the battery,

see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 70.

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

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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:

• Unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug

it back in.

• Press FN+F1 to toggle the status lights on and off.

• Make sure the power cord is firmly attached to the

AC adapter.

• 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 2.

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.

Warning

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.

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.

2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable

modem, DSL modem, or Ethernet network jack.

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Connecting the optional dial-up modem

Your notebook may have a built-in 56K modem that you can use to connect to a standard telephone line.

Warning

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 dial-up modem connection.

To connect the modem:

1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the optional

modem jack on your notebook.

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.

Starting your notebook

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

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 Press the latch on the front of your notebook, then lift

the LCD panel.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.

Powe r

button

Tip

For more information about changing the power button mode,

see “Changing advanced settings” on page 75.

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, and speakers.

Tip

For more information about connecting peripheral devices, see

“Installing a printer or other peripheral device” on page 60.

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 Windows” in your online User Guide.

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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 Sleep. While in Sleep mode, the power indicator flashes. If your notebook is in Sleep mode, press the power button to “wake” it up.

Tip

For more information about Sleep mode, see “Changing power mo des” on

page 72.

Turning off your notebook

Putting your notebook into Sleep mode is the easiest way to power down your notebook. Although it does not turn your notebook completely off, it turns off or slows down most system operations to save power. Sleep mode saves your desktop layout so the next time you restore power, the programs are laid out just as you left them. Waking your notebook from a Sleep state is much faster than turning on your notebook after it has been turned completely off.

Hibernate mode is an alternative to Sleep mode. In Hibernate mode, your notebook is turned completely off. When you wake your notebook from Hibernate mode, however, the programs that were running when your notebook entered Hibernate mode are running just as you left them.

To put your notebook to sleep:

• Click (Start), then click (power). The notebook

saves your session and partially shuts down to save power.

-OR-

Press F

N+F3.The notebook saves your session and

partially shuts down to save power.

Tip

You can change the Sleep mode from the standard Sleep mode (default) to Hybrid Sleep. For more information about Sleep mode, see “Changing power

modes” on page 72.

To put your notebook into hibernation:

• Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then

click Hibernate. The notebook saves your session and shuts down to save power.

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

To turn off your notebook:

• Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then

click Shut Down. The notebook turns off.

Important

If for some reason you cannot use the Shut Down 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. 2 Click Start Task Manager. The Windows Task Manager

dialog box opens.

3 Click the program that is not responding. 4 Click End Task. 5 Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task

Manager dialog box.

To restart your notebook:

• Click (Start), click the arrow next to the lock icon, then

click Restart. The notebook turns off, then turns on again.

Important

If your notebook does not turn off immediately, complete the following steps until the notebook turns off:

1. Press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release it.

2. Unplug the power cord and remove the battery for more than 10 seconds.

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