Gateway PC User Manual
Contents
1 Computer Basics ................................................1
Controls ...........................................................2
Computerfront ..................................................2
Computerback ..................................................3
Keyboardfeatures ...................................................4
Startingandturningoffyourcomputer ...................................5
Protectingfrompowersourceproblems ..................................6
Usingthemouse ....................................................7
Workingsafely ......................................................9
2GettingStarted..................................................13
3GettingHelp....................................................19
Formoreinformation... .............................................20
HelpSpot ......................................................20
Onlinehelp ....................................................23
GatewayWebsite...............................................24
4 Windows Basics ................................................25
AbouttheWindowsenvironment ......................................26
Desktopcomponents ............................................27
Window components . ............................................29
UsingtheStartmenu ...............................................30
Workingwithfilesandfolders .........................................31
Aboutdrives ...................................................31
Aboutfoldersandfiles ...........................................32
5 Using Your Computer...........................................33
UsingtheCDdrive .................................................34
InsertingaCD..................................................34
Adjustingthevolume ............................................36
Workingwithdocuments .............................................37
Creatinganewdocument.........................................37
Savingadocument ..............................................38
Openingadocument ............................................38
Printingadocument .............................................39
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6 Using the Internet ...............................................41
LearningabouttheInternet ...........................................42
SettingupanInternetaccount .........................................43
AccessingyourInternetaccount ....................................43
UsingtheWorldWideWeb ...........................................44
ConnectingtoaWebsite..........................................45
Downloadingfiles ................................................46
Usinge-mail .......................................................47
Sendinge-mail ..................................................47
Checkingyoure-mail .............................................48
7 Maintaining Your Computer .....................................49
Protectingyourcomputerfromviruses ..................................50
Optimizingandmaintainingyourdata ...................................51
Windowsutilities.................................................51
Windows maintenance . ...........................................52
RunningtheWindowsutilitiesusingHelpSpot .........................53
8 Customizing Your Computer ....................................55
Adjustingthescreenanddesktopsettings ...............................56
AdjustingyoursettingsusingHelpSpot ...............................58
Changingthemousesettings..........................................60
Powermanagement .................................................61
UsingStandbymode .............................................61
Changingpowersettings ..........................................62
Aboutinstallingaprinter,scanner,orotherperipheraldevice ................66
9 Restoring Software ..............................................67
Reinstallingdevicedrivers ............................................68
ReinstallingWindows ................................................69
Reinstallingprograms ................................................69
10 Troubleshooting.................................................71
Safetyguidelines ...................................................72
Firststeps .........................................................72
CDdrive ..........................................................73
CleaningCDs ...................................................74
Computer .........................................................74
Filemanagement ...................................................75
Harddrive .........................................................75
Internet ...........................................................76
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Keyboard .........................................................77
Modem...........................................................77
Monitor...........................................................83
Mouse ...........................................................84
Power............................................................86
Printer ...........................................................86
ScanDisk .........................................................87
Sound ...........................................................87
Beforecallingfortechnicalsupport.....................................88
Technicalsupportresources ..........................................89
A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information......................91
Index..............................................................103
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iv
Computer Basics
This chapter helps you get started with your new computer by:
■ Providing an introduction to your computer features
■ Describing the basic operat ion of your computer
1
1
Controls
The following illustrations show the controls and features on the computer
and the keyboard.
Computer front
CD drive tray
CD drive headphone jack
Headphonejack volume control
CD drive activity light
CD drive manual eject
hole (insert paperclip)
CD eject button
Powerindicatorlight
Power button
2 Computer Basics
Computer back
Power cable connector
Mouse port
Keyboard port
USB ports
Printer (LPT) port
Monitor port
Speakers jack
Microphone jack
Modem jack
Controls 3
Keyboardfeatures
Your system comes with a standard keyboard.
Function keys
Windows keys
■ Function keys start program actions. Refer to the program
Indicator lights
Application
key
Additional keys
Directional
keys
Numeric
keypad
documentation to find out more about the function key actions. Each
program uses different function keys for different purposes.
■ Indicator lights show if your NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK keys
are activated.
■ Additional keys move the cursor up the page, down the page, to the
beginning (home), or to the end of a document.
■ Wind ow s ke ys op en the Windows Start menu.
■ Application key opens a menu for the current program.
■ Directiona l keys move the cursor up, down, right, or left.
■ Numeric keypad types numbers when NUM LOCK is activated.
4 Computer Basics
Starting and turning off your computer
To start your computer:
1 Connect the cables to your computer using the setup poster.
2 Press the power button on your monitor, then press the power button
on your computer.
3 Turn on any peripherals (speakers, printers, scanners, etc.). When the
computer is finished starting, the Windows desktop screen appears.
4 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen
setup instructions.
To turn off your computer:
1 Click Start, then select Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box
opens.
2 Select
Shut down from the drop-down list.
Starting and turning off your computer 5
3 Click OK. Windows shuts down your computer.
If for some reason you cannot use the
shut down your computer , press the power button for about five seconds.
Warning When you shut down your computer the power turns off,
butsome electrical currentstill flows through the computer.
To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, unplug the
power cable and modem cable from the wall outlets.
Shut down option in Windows to
Protecting from power s ource problems
During a power surge, the voltage of electricity coming into your computer
can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage.
Protect your computer and peripherals by connecting them to a surge
suppressor, which will absorb voltage surges and prevent them from reaching
your computer.
Warning High voltagescan enter your computer through the phone
line connected to the modem. Protect your computer by
plugging the telephone line into a surge suppressor with
a modem connection. To further protect your computer
during an electrical storm, unplug both the surge
suppressor from the power outlet and the telephone line
from the phone jack.
During a power failure, an uninterrup table power supply (UPS) supplies battery
power to your computer. Although you cannot run your computer for an
extended period of time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long
enough to save your work and shut your computer down normally.
6 Computer Basics
Using the mouse
The mouse is a device that con trols the pointer and cursor m ovement on
screen. This illustration shows the standard Gateway mouse.
Right button
As you move the mouse, the pointer (arrow) on the screen moves in the same
direction.
Left button
You can use the left and right buttons on your mouse to select objects on the
screen.
Using the mouse 7
For more information on using special features of your mouse and changing
mouse settings, see HelpSpot.
To... Do this...
Move the pointer
on the screen
Selectanobjecton
the screen
Start a program or
openafilefolder
Access a shortcut
menu or find more
information about
an object on the
screen.
click
click
click,
click,
click
click
click
Move the mouse around on the mouse
pad. If you run out of space on your
mousepadandneedtomovethepointer
farther, pick up the mouse, set it down in
the middle of the mouse pad, then
continue moving the mouse.
Position the pointer over the object.
Quicklypress and release the left mouse
buttononce. This action is called clicking.
Position the pointer over the object.
Quicklypress and release the left mouse
button twice. This action is called
double-clicking.
Position the pointer over the object.
Quickly press and release the right
mouse once. This action is called
right-clicking.
Movean object on
the screen.
8 Computer Basics
click
click
and drag
and drag
Positionthe pointeroverthe object.Press
the left mouse button and hold it down.
Move(drag) the object to the appropriate
part of the screen, then release the
button.
Workingsafely
Before using your computer, read the following recommend ations for setting
up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding disco mfort and strain.
Hands and ar ms are
parallel to the floor
Top of monitor is not
higher than eye level
Feet are flat
on the floor
Improvingmonitor legibility and reducing eye strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect off the screen of the
computer monitor or shine directly into your eyes.
■ Position the computer desk and monitor so that you can avoid glare on
your screen and light shining directly into your eyes.
■ Reduce bright light by installing shades or curtains on windows.
■ Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not work on your
computer in a dark room.
■ Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods of
time. Look away from your computer occasionally, perhaps focusing on
a distant object.
Working s afely 9
Setting up yourcomputer table and chair
When you are setting up your computer table and chair, make sure that you
use a computer table that is the appropriate height and use a chair that helps
you maintain good posture, distributes your weight evenly, and keeps your
body relaxed.
■ Select a flat surface fo r your computer table.
■ Adjust the height of the computer table so tha t your ha nds a nd a rms are
positioned parallel to the floor when you use the keyboard and mouse.
■ Position your chair so that the keyboard is at or slightly below the level
of your elbow, letting your shoulders relax while you type comfortably.
■ Adjust the height of your cha ir so that your knees are slightly higher than
your hips. You can use a foot rest to adjust the height of your knees and
remove the pressure on the back of your thighs.
■ Adjust the back of the chair so that it supports the lower curve of yo ur
spine. You can also use a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.
Setting up your computer and computer accessories
■ Set up the monitor so that the top is no higher than eye level.
■ Place your keyboard a nd mouse at a comfo rtable distance. You should
be able to reach them without stretching.
■ Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the computer
monitor.
Sitting at yourcomputer
■ Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are
in a relaxed position when you type.
■ Do not slouch for ward or lean back too far.
■ Sit with your back straight so that your knees, hips, and elbows form
approximately 90 degre e angles when you work.
■ Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
10 Computer Basics
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain
■ Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
■ Take breaks so that you can change your position, stretch your muscles,
and relieve your eyes.
■ Find ways to break up the work day, scheduling a variety of tasks.
Working safely 11
12 Computer Basics
Getting Started
This chapter helps you get started with your new computer by walking you
through the initial Windows We lcome screens. Set up your system by
following the Setup poster, then start your computer.
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13
To get started:
1 Start your computer. The Windows Welcome window opens.
2 Click
3 You may complete or skip the mouse tutorial.
4 Click to select your time zone from the list, then click
Next on the first Windows Welc ome window. An optional mouse
tutorial opens.
14 Getting Started
Next.
5 Read the End User License Agreement, then select Yes and click Next.
6 Register your copy of Windows with Microsoft by selecting
register online
, then click Next.
Yes, I want to
After completing the registration process, the Get connected to the
Internet window opens.
- OR Do not register you copy of Windows by selecting
register at this time
, then click Next.
No, I do not want to
The Get connected to the Internet window opens.
15
7 Read the information in this window to determine which Internet
connection option you have.
If a special Internet offer was included with your system purchase you
should follow the instructions in your Internet Offer Pack.
- OR If a special Internet offer was not included with your system purchase you
can sign up for the America Online or Gateway.net ISPs by
double-clicking the
America Online or Gateway.net icons on the Windows
Desktop.
8 Click
Next.
16 Getting Started
9 Click Finish to complete the Windows setup and start using your
computer.
17
18 Getting Started
Getting Help
This chapter tells you about additional information resource s available to help
you use your computer.
If these resources do not provide the information you need, technical support
resources are available.
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19
For more information . . .
Gateway has provided these additional resources to help you get the most out
of your Gateway PC.
HelpSpot
HelpSpot is an easily accessible set of Help files, troubleshooters, instructional
videos, and automated support. U se HelpSpot to answer questions about
Windows and to help you qu ickly discover and use th e many feat ures of yo ur
Gateway computer.
To start HelpSpot:
1 Click Start, then select Help, or double-click the Gateway Help & Support
desktop icon.
HelpSpot opens.
20 Getting Help
2 Find help or information by clicking a link, performing a search, or
browsing the index.
3 T o watch an introductory video about HelpSpot, click
the main HelpSpot page, then cl ick the
Introductionto HelpSpot video link.
Gateway Videos on
For more information . . . 21
4 To learn about how to work with documents and programs, use your
mouse, and much more, click the
main page.
Getting Started link on the HelpSpot
22 Getting Help
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 menu or
Help button.
For more information . . . 23
Gateway Web site
Gateway provides a variety of information on its Web site to help you use
your computer.
Visit the Gateway Web site at www.gateway.com for:
■ Technical documentation and product manuals
■ Technical tips and support
■ Hardware drivers
■ A glossary of computer terms
■ Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
For more information about connecting to the Internet, see “Learning about
the Internet” on page 42.
24 Getting Help
Windows Basics
Read this chapter to get basic information on how to:
■ Wo rk on the Windows desktop
■ Wo rk with document and program win dows
■ Manage files and folders
■ Use shortcuts
For more detailed information about Windows, see HelpSpot.
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25
About the Windows environment
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.
My
Documents
My
Computer
Recycle
Bin
Internet
Explorer
Gateway.net
America
Online
HelpSpot
Start button Taskbar
26 Windows Basics
Quick
Links
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