This chapter introduces you to the basic features of your
computer. Read this chapter to learn:
■ How to identify the features of your Gateway Profile
computer
■ How to locate your co mputer’s model and serial
number
■ How to locate the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
■ How to locate the specifications for your computer
■ What accessories are ava ilable for your computer
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Profile
Front
Display
controls
Speaker
2
Microphone
jack
Headphone
jack
Diskette
drive
Vol u me c o n tr o l
buttons
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CD/DVD/
Recordable
drive
Power
button
Speaker
ComponentIconDescription
SpeakersProvide stereo audio output when headphones or amplified
speakers are not plugged in.
Diskette driveUse this drive to store smaller files on diskettes. For more
information, see “Using the diskette drive” on page 74.
Headphone jackPlug headphones into this jack.
Microphone jackPlug a microphone into this jack to record sound.
Front
Volume control
buttons
CD/DVD/Recordable
drive
Power buttonPress this button to turn the power on or off. You can also
Display controlsUse these controls t o enter th e OSD (on-s creen d isplay) a nd
Press these buttons to adjust speaker volume.
Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and
programs, watch DV Ds, and store la rge fil es onto record able
CDs or DVDs. For more information, see “Using the CD or
DVD drive” on page 76 and “Creating CDs and DVDs” on
page 100.
This drive may be a CD, DVD/CD-RW, or DVD-RW drive. To
identify your drive type and for more information about your
drive, see “Identifying drive types” on page 76.
configure the power button to operate in Standby/Resume
mode or Hibernate mode. For mo re information on changing
the power button setting, see “Changing the power scheme”
on page 149.
adjust the computer display settings. For more information
about the computer d isplay and OSD , see “Computer display”
on page 27.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Profile
PS/2
Back
Monitor
out port
Modem
jack
Ethernet
jack
USB ports
Audio
input
jack
Microphone
jack
Audio
output
jack
mouse port
PS/2
keyboard
port
Parallel
port
Serial
port
Monitor
in port
Power
connector
4
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ComponentIconDescription
Back
Monitor (VGA) out
port
Ethernet jackPlug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable or a device (such as a
Audio line in jackPlug an external a udio inpu t source (suc h as a stereo ) into this
PS/2 mouse portPlug a Personal System/2
Parallel portPlug a parallel device (s uch as a printer) into this port . For more
Modem jackPlug a modem cable into this jack.
USB portsPlug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB
Audio line out jackLine out. Plug an external audio output source (such as
Plug an additional monitor into this port.
DSL or cable modem for a broadba nd Internet co nnection) int o
this jack. For more information, see “Using the Internet” on
page 63.
jack so you can record sound on your computer.
®
(PS/2) mou se into t his port.
information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other
peripheral device” on page 31.
Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into these ports. For more information, see “Installing
a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page31.
external sp eakers ) into thi s jack.
Microphone jackPlug a microphone into this jack to record sound.
®
PS/2 keyboard portPlug a Personal System/2
Serial portPlug a serial device (such as a digital camera) into this port.
For more information, see “Ins talling a printer , scanner , or other
peripheral device” on page 31.
Monitor (VGA) in
port
Power connectorPlug the power cable into this connector.
Plug an external video source into this port.
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(PS/2) key board in to this po rt.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Profile
t
t
Right side
PC Card slot
IEEE 1394 por
(4-pin)
IEEE 1394 por
(6-pin)
USB ports
ComponentIconDescription
PC C ard slotInsert a Type I or Type II PC Card into this slot. For more
information, see “Adding and removing PC Cards” on page 212
IEEE 1394 portsPlug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire
(such as a digital video camera) into these 4-pin and 6-pin
IEEE 1394 ports. For more information, see “Installing a printer ,
scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 31.
USB portsPlug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB
Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into these ports. For more information, see “Installing
a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page31.
6
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®
or i.Link®) devices
Identifying your model
ImportantThe labels shown in this section are for informational
purposes only . Label information varie s by model, featur es
ordered, and location.
Gateway model number
The label located underneath the computer case contains information that
identifies your computer model. Gateway Technical Support will need this
information if you call for assistance.
Gateway serial number
You can locate the Gateway serial n umber:
■ Printed on the system label located underneath the computer case.
Identifying your mo del
■ Printed on the customer invoice that came with your computer. The
invoice will also contain your customer ID number.
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back of your
computer includes the product key code for your operating system.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Profile
Finding your specifications
For more information about your computer , such as memory size, memory type ,
and hard drive size, go to the
Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com
links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications. For
more information, see “Using eSupport” on page 36.
My Computer Info link in Help and Support or visit
. The eSupport page also has
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Accessories
Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your
computer. To order accessories, visit the Accessory Superstore at
accessories.gateway.com
Home networking kit
With a home networking kit, you can network, or “link”, two or more
computers in your home. After you have set up a home network, you can access
the files, drives, and printers on linked computers, play multiplayer games, and
even share one Internet connection.
Two types of home networking kits are available. Wireless home networking
kits use radio frequency to link your computers wirelessly. Ethernet home
networking kits use network cabling to link your computers.
Imaging equipment
A digital camera lets you take pictures that you can view and edit on your
computer.
A digital video camera lets you take movies that you can view and edit on your
computer and save to a CD- RW disc.
.
Accessories
A scanner copies an image, such as a graphic or document, then stores the copy
in a file.
You can attach your digital photographs or scanned images to e-mail messages
or post them on a Web site.
Printers
You can attach many types of printers to your computer. The most common
types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. See
“Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 31 for more
information about attaching a printer to your computer.
Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but usually they are
slower than laser printers. Using an inkj et color print er, you can print pictures,
banners, and greeting cards, as well as documents.
Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but usually they print much
faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when
you are printing large documents.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Profile
Storage Devices
If you need additional storage space or you want to back up your files, you
can add storage devices to you comput er.
With a CD-ReWritable (CD-RW) drive, you can free up hard drive space by
backing up files, then removing them from your h ard drive. The inexpe nsive
discs for CD-RW drives can hold as much as 700 MB of data. CD-RW drives
can write to either CD-R or CD-RW discs. You can write to CD-R discs just one
time. You can write to and erase CD-RW discs multiple times. For more
information, see “Creatin g CDs and DVDs” on page 100 .
Iomega Zip drives, like diskette drives, use disks to store data. Zip disks can store
100 MB, 250 MB, or 750 MB of data. You can use a Zip drive to back up files
you do not use so you can remove them from your hard drive. Zip drives also
provide an easy way to transfer files between computers.
If you need to back up your entire system, you probably need a tape backup
(TBU) drive. TBU drives, like tape recorders, use magnetic tape cartridges to store
data. Tape drive cartridges can store 2 GB, 20 GB, 40 GB , or even 130 GB or
more of data.
If you want to increase your internal storage space, replace your existing hard
drive with a larger drive. For more information, see “Replacing the hard drive”
on page 219 .
Memory
Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of
memory . If your programs a re running more slo wly than you think they sho uld,
try adding more memory. For more information, see “Installing or replacing
DIMM memor y” on page 223.
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 compute r correctly. A UPS also provides protection from
power surges. For more information, see “Setting up an uninterruptible power
supply” on page 154.
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Getting Started
Read this chapter to find out how to:
■ Use your computer safely
■ Protect your computer from power source problems
■ Start and turn off your computer
■ Use the keyboard
■ Use the mouse
■ Use the computer display
■ Install peripheral devices
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11
Chapter 2: Getting Started
Top of display is not
Working safely
Before using your computer, read the following recommendations for setting
up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding disco mfort and strain.
Hands and
arms are
parallel to the
floor
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 computer display
or shine directly into your eyes.
■ Position the computer desk and compute r so you can avoid glare on your
computer display 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 computer 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 display for long periods of
time. Look away from your display occasionally, and try to focus on distant
objects.
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Setting up your compu ter 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 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 slightl y below the level o f 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 cur ve of your spine.
You can use a pillow or cushion to provide extra back support.
Working safely
Setting up your computer and computer
accessories
■ Set up your computer so the display is no higher than eye level, the display
controls are within reach, and the display is tilted to be perpendicular to
your line of sight.
■ Place your keybo ard and mou se at a comfort able di stance . You should be
able to reach them without stretching.
■ Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the computer display.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
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.
A voiding discomfort and injury from repetitive
strain
■ Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
■ T ake 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.
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Protecting from power source problems
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.
WarningHigh voltages can enter your computer through both the
power cord and the modem connection. Protect your
computer by using a s urge prot ector. 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. For more
information, see “Setting up an uninterruptible power supply” on page 154.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
Starting your computer
To start your computer:
1 Connect the cables to your computer using the setup poster.
2 Turn on your computer.
16
Power button
3 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen
instructions to set up your computer.
4 Turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, and see the
documentation that came with the device for setup instructions.
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T urning off your computer
Tips & TricksWhen you tur n off your co mputer, certai n compone nts in
the power supply and sy stem 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 recom mend disc onnecting the power cord and
modem cable when your co mputer will not be used fo r long
periods.
To turn off your computer in Windows XP:
1 Click Start, then click Tur n Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box
opens.
2 Click Tu r n O f f . Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.
ImportantIf 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.
Turning off your com puter
To turn off your computer in Windows 2000:
1 Click Start, then click Shut Down . The Shut Down Windo ws dialog box opens .
2 Click the arrow button to open the What do you want your computer to do
list, then click
Shut down.
3 Click OK. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.
ImportantIf for some reason you cannot use the Shut Down 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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Chapter 2: Getting Started
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 clos ing 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:
1 Press CTRL+ALT+DEL, then click Task Manager. The Ta s k M an ager windo w
opens.
2 Click the Applications tab, then click the program that is not responding.
3 Click End Task.
4 If your computer does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds and turn
it on again.
18
ImportantIf your computer does not turn off, press and hold the
power button for about five seconds, then release it.
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Using the cord cover
After you have the power and peripheral device cords connected to your
computer, install the cord cover to make your computer look less cluttered.
To install the 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).
Using the cord cover
Tips & TricksIf you have diffic ulty 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 t he cord cover:
■ Press the cord cover’s bottom tabs inward, then rotate the cord cover away
from the computer.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
Locking your computer
Y ou can install a Kensington™ c able lock to prevent the theft of your computer
or its internal components. While the cable lock is installed, the computer’s
back panel cannot be removed.
To lock your c omputer:
■ Install a cable lock into the Kensington lock slot on the back of your
computer.
20
Kensington lock slot
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Standard keyboard
This keyboard is the basic model of keyboard available with your computer.
Function keysNavigation keys Indicators
Standard keyboard
Windows keysApplication
key
Directional
keys
Numeric
keypad
Press these keys...To...
Function keysStart program actions. Each program uses different function keys for
different purposes. See the program documentation to find out more
about the function key actions.
Navigation keysPress these keys to move the cursor to the beginning of a li ne, to the
end of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning of a
document, or to the end of a document.
IndicatorsShow if your
activated. Press the corresponding key to activate the function.
Windows keysPress one of these keys to open the Windows Start menu. These keys
can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like
NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK keys are
F (Search utility), R(Run utility), and E (Explorer utility).
Application keyAccess shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows.
Directional keysMove the cursor up, down, right, or left.
Numeric keypadUse these keys to type numbers whe n the numeric keypa d (
is turned o n.
NUM LOCK)
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
Multifunction keyboard
This keyboard is the full-featured model available with your computer.
Function keysNavigation keysIndicators
Press these
Windows keysApplication
key
To...
Directional
keys
Numeric
keypad
keys...
Function keysStart program actions. Each program uses different function keys for different
purposes. See the program’s help to learn more about function key actions.
Navigation keysPress these keys to move the cursor to the beginning of a line, to the end
of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning of a document, or
to the end of a document.
IndicatorsShow if your
Press the corresponding key to activate the function.
Windows keysPress this key to open the Windows Start menu. This key can also be used
in combination w it h o ther keys to open utilities like
utility), and
Application keyAccess shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows.
Directional keysMove the cursor up, down, right, or left.
Numeric keypadUse these keys to type numbers when the numeric keypad (
turned on.
NUM LOCK, CAPS LOCK, or SCROLL LOCK keys are activated.
F (Search utility), R (Run
E (Explorer utility).
NUM LOCK) is
22
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