User Guide
Gateway Profile™ 5/5.5
Contents
1 Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Using eSupport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Help and Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Searching for a topic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Using Your Computer guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 Checking Out Your Gateway Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Finding your specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Working safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Setting up your computer and computer accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sitting at your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Restarting (rebooting) your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Using the cord cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Locking your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Standard keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Multifunction keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Wireless keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Using the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Connecting to a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Computer display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 External controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
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OSD options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4 Using Drives and Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Using the CD or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Inserting a CD or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Playing a CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Creating CDs and DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
5 Maintaining Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Updating Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Cleaning the computer display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Restoring your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Opening the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Closing the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Replacing the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Adding and removing PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Adding a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Removing a PC Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
6 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 CD or DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
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DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
7 Networking Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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Introduction to networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Using a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Creating an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Installing Ethernet cards and drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Making sure your broadband connection works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Naming the computers and the workgroup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Configuring the TCP/IP protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Setting up a wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Setting up a wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Configuring your router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Testing your network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Sharing your resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Sharing an Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Sharing drives and printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Using the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Connecting to hotspots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Troubleshooting Your Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Wired Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Wireless Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
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A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
B Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
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Chapter 1
Getting Help
■Using the Gateway Web site
■Using Help and Support
■Using BigFix
■Using Your Computer guide
■Using Do More With Gateway
■Using online help
■Contacting Gateway
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Thank you for purchasing our computer!
You have made an excellent decision choosing Gateway. We are sure that you will be pleased with the outstanding quality, reliability, and performance of your new computer. Each and every Gateway computer uses the latest technology and passes through the most stringent quality control tests to ensure that you are provided with the best product possible.
Please read this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with our range of services and support. We have highlighted some basic care and safety information to help you keep your computer in good operating condition.
Gateway stands behind our value proposition to our customers — to provide best-of-class service and support in addition to high-quality, brand-name components at affordable prices. If you ever have a problem, our knowledgeable, dedicated customer service department will provide you with fast, considerate service.
We sincerely hope that you will receive the utmost satisfaction and enjoyment from your new Gateway computer for years to come.
Thanks again, from all of us at Gateway.
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Gateway Web site
Gateway's online support is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and provides the most current drivers, product specifications, tutorials, and personalized information about your computer. Visit the Gateway eSupport Web site at support.gateway.com.
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Using eSupport
The eSupport site is divided into six major areas:
■Support Home
■Product Support
■Downloads
■Contact Us
■Account Info
■PC Tools
Each of these areas is represented by a menu across the top of the Web page.
Support Home
Click Support Home, then click All Support Documents to access product documentation, specifications, and guides. You can also browse through the reference area to locate an article specific to the question you have.
Click Support Home, then click General Tutorials to access an extensive library of how-to articles and videos on topics, such as making audio CDs and installing a hard drive.
Product Support
Click Product Support to view a list of all the products that Gateway supports.
Downloads
Click Downloads, then click My Downloads to get the latest software updates for BIOS and driver upgrades. By entering your serial number you get drivers specific to your computer. Click All Downloads to walk through a step-by-step wizard to locate your drivers.
Contact Us
Click Contact Us to access links to technical support with a live technician, including chat and e-mail. Click Call Us to get a list of Gateway telephone numbers for both sales and support. For more information, see “Telephone support” on page 83.
Account Info
Click Account Info to access support for non-technical issues, such as the status of your order or changing your account address.
PC Tools
Click PC Tools to access utilities to help you manage your computer.
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Help and Support
Your computer includes Help and Support, an easily accessible collection of help information, troubleshooters, and automated support. Use Help and Support to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover and use the many features of your Gateway computer.
To start Help and Support:
■Click Start, then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens.
You can find help information by clicking a link, performing a search, or browsing the index.
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Searching for a topic
To search for a topic in Help and Support, type a word or phrase (keyword) in the Search box located at the top of any Help and Support screen, then click the arrow 
button.
For each search, you receive the following search result types:
■Suggested Topics - These topics are located in Help and Support and are relevant to your search topic.
■Full-text Search Matches - These topics are located in Help and Support and contain the words you entered in the Search box.
■Microsoft Knowledge Base - These topics are located on the Microsoft Web site and contain the words you entered in the Search box. You must be connected to the Internet to search for and access these topics.
To view a list of your search results, click the results header for the type of results you want to view.
To view a topic, click the topic name in the Search Results list.
BigFix
BigFix monitors your computer for problems and conflicts. It automatically gathers information about the latest bugs, security alerts, and updates from BigFix sites on the Internet. Whenever BigFix detects a problem, it alerts you by flashing the blue taskbar icon. To fix the problem, click on that icon to open BigFix.
To start BigFix:
■Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click BigFix.
To learn more about using BigFix:
■From the BigFix program, click Help, then click Tutorial.
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Using Your Computer guide
In addition to this guide, the Using Your Computer guide has been included on your hard drive. This guide includes information on using Windows, using the Internet, sending a fax, and changing power-saving settings as well as other topics.
To access the Using Your Computer guide:
■Click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
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. You can access most online help information by selecting a topic from a Help menu or by clicking a Help button.
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.
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Gateway contact information
To help you locate Gateway contact information, you can find the Gateway Web site, Online Support, and technical support contact information on the label located on your computer case.
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Chapter 2
Checking Out Your
Gateway Computer
■Identifying features
■Locating your computer model and serial number
■Locating the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
■Locating the specifications for your computer
■Purchasing accessories
9
Front
Display controls
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diskette drive |
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Microphone |
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Component |
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Speakers |
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Provide stereo audio output when headphones or amplified |
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speakers are not plugged in. |
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Headphone jack |
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Plug headphones into this jack. |
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Microphone jack |
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Plug a microphone into this jack to record sound. |
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Volume control |
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Press these buttons to adjust speaker volume. |
buttons |
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Diskette drive or |
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memory card reader |
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on page 40. |
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Memory card reader: Use this to read from and write to |
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memory cards. For more information, see “Using the memory |
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card reader” on page 41. |
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CD/DVD/Recordable |
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Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and |
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programs, watch DVDs, and store large files onto recordable |
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CDs or DVDs. For more information, see “Using the CD or |
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page 46. |
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This drive may be a CD, recordable CD, DVD, or |
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recordable DVD drive. To identify your drive type and for more |
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information about your drive, see “Identifying drive types” on |
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page 43. |
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Power button |
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Press this button to turn the power on or off. You can also |
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configure the power button to operate in Standby/Resume |
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mode or Hibernate mode. For more information on changing |
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the power button setting, see “Changing Power-Saving |
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Settings” in Using Your Computer which has been included |
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on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start, |
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All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation. |
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Display controls |
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Use these controls to enter the OSD (on-screen display) and |
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adjust the computer display settings. For more information |
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about the computer display and OSD, see “Computer display” |
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on page 34. |
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Back
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Ethernet |
PS/2 |
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mouse port |
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KB/Mouse |
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Modem jack |
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USB ports |
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Component |
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Monitor (VGA) out |
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Plug an additional monitor into this port. |
port (optional) |
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Ethernet jack |
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Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable or a device (such as a |
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DSL or cable modem for a broadband Internet connection) into |
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this jack. For more information, see “Connecting to a wired |
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Ethernet network” on page 33. |
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Audio line in jack |
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Plug an external audio input source (such as a stereo) into this |
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jack so you can record sound on your computer. |
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PS/2 mouse port |
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Plug a Personal System/2® (PS/2) mouse into this port. |
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Parallel port |
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Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port. For more |
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information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other |
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peripheral device” on page 38. |
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KB/Mouse Connect |
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Establishes communication between your wireless keyboard, |
button (optional) |
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wireless mouse, and your computer. For more information, see |
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the Wireless keyboard setup guide. |
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Modem jack |
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Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more information, see |
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“Connecting the modem” on page 33. |
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USB ports |
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Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB |
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Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or |
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mouse) into these ports. For more information, see “Installing |
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a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 38. |
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Audio line out jack |
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Plug an external audio output source (such as external |
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speakers) into this jack. |
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Microphone jack |
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Plug a microphone into this jack to record sound. |
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PS/2 keyboard port |
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Plug a Personal System/2® (PS/2) keyboard into this port. |
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Serial port |
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Plug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into this port. |
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For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other |
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peripheral device” on page 38. |
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Monitor (VGA) in |
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Plug an external video source into this port. |
port |
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Power connector |
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Plug the power cable into this connector. |
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www.gateway.com |
13 |
Right side
PC Card slot
IEEE 1394 port (4-pin)
IEEE 1394 port (6-pin)
USB ports
Component |
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Description |
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PC Card slot |
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Insert a Type I or Type II PC Card into this slot. For more |
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information, see “Adding and removing PC Cards” on page 64. |
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IEEE 1394 ports |
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Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire® or i.Link®) devices |
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(such as a digital video camera) into these 4-pin and 6-pin |
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IEEE 1394 ports. For more information, see “Installing a printer, |
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scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 38. |
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USB ports |
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Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB |
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Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or |
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mouse) into these ports. For more information, see “Installing |
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a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 38. |
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Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of your computer includes the product key code for your operating system.
Finding your specifications
For more information about your computer, such as memory size, memory type, and hard drive size, see visit Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com. The eSupport page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on page 4.
www.gateway.com |
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Accessories
To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at accessories.gateway.com.
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 almost any type of printer to your computer. The most common types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. See “Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 38 for more information about attaching a printer.
Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but they are slower than laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you can print pictures, banners, and greeting cards, as well as documents.
Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but they print much faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are printing large documents.
USB flash drive
Use a USB flash drive for storing files or transferring files to another computer.
Uninterruptible power supplies
A standby, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protects your computer from data loss during a total power failure. A UPS uses a battery to keep your computer running temporarily during a power failure so you can save your work and shut down your computer correctly. A UPS may also provide protection from power surges.
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Chapter 3
Getting Started
■Using your computer safely
■Protecting your computer from power source problems
■Turning your computer on and off
■Adjusting the volume
■Using the keyboard and the mouse
■Using the computer display
■Installing peripheral devices
17
Working safely
Before using your computer, read the following recommendations for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain.
Hands and arms are parallel to the floor
Top of screen is not higher than eye level
Screen is perpendicular to your line of sight
Feet are flat on the floor
Reducing eye strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the display or shine directly into your eyes.
■Position the computer desk and display 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 on your display.
■Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use 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, and try to focus on distant objects.
Setting up your computer desk and chair
When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make sure that the desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps you maintain good posture.
■Select a flat surface for your computer desk.
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■Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you use the keyboard and mouse. If the desk is not adjustable or is too tall, consider using a keyboard drawer.
■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.
Setting up your computer and computer accessories
■Set up the computer so the top of the display is no higher than eye level, the controls are within reach, and the screen is tilted to be perpendicular to your line of sight.
■Place your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable distance. You should be able to reach them without stretching.
■Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the display.
Sitting at your computer
■Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.
■Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right angles when you work.
■Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.
■Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain
■Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
■Take breaks to change your position, stretch your muscles, and relieve your eyes.
■Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a variety of tasks.
www.gateway.com |
19 |
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 prevents them from reaching your computer.
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.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer during a power failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut down your computer normally.
Starting your computer
To start your computer:
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Connect the cables to your computer. See the setup poster for more information.
Press the power button.
Power button
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3 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your computer.
Important Your computer has a built-in variable speed fan. In addition, your computer uses a powerful processor which produces heat. Both the system fan and processor can run at different speeds at times to ensure proper system cooling. You may notice an increase in the fan noise when the fan is running at high speed and a decrease in the fan noise when it switches to normal speed.
4 Turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, and see the documentation that came with the device for setup instructions.
Waking up your computer
When you have not used your computer for several minutes or have not turned off your computer, it may enter a power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator flashes.
If your computer is in Standby mode, move the mouse or press the power button to “wake” it up.
Tips & Tricks For more information about changing the power button mode, see “Changing Power-Saving Settings” in Using Your Computer which has 
been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start,
All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
www.gateway.com |
21 |
Turning off your computer
Warning When you turn off your computer, certain components in the power supply and system board remain energized. In order to remove all electrical power from your computer, unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall outlets. We recommend disconnecting the power cord and modem cable when your computer will not be used for long periods.
For more information about changing the power button mode, see “Changing Power-Saving Settings” in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click Start,
All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
To turn off your computer:
1
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Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box opens.
Click Turn Off. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.
Important If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer option in Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release it.
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Restarting (rebooting) your computer
If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may have to close programs that are not responding. If closing unresponsive programs does not restore your computer to normal operation, you may have to restart (reboot) your computer.
To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer:
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Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. The Task Manager window opens.
Click the Applications tab, then click the program that is not responding.
Click End Task.
Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task Manager dialog box.
If your computer does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds, then turn it on again.
Important If your computer does not turn off, press and hold the power button for about five seconds, then release it.
As a part of the regular startup process, a program to check the disk status runs automatically. When the checks are finished, Windows starts.
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Using the cord cover
After you have the power and peripheral device cords connected to your computer, you can install the optional cord cover to make your computer look less cluttered.
To install the optional cord cover:
■Align the tabs on the top of the cover with the slots above the back ports, then swing the cord cover’s bottom tabs into the slots on the bottom of the computer (view shown from below for clarity).
Tips & Tricks If you have difficulty sliding the cover’s bottom tabs into the computer slots, press the bottom corners of the cord cover inward while pressing the cord cover into place.
To remove the cord cover:
■Press the cord cover’s bottom tabs inward, then rotate the cord cover away from the computer.
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