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SOLO 1200
User Manual
240 pgs5.81 Mb0
User Manual
6 pgs815.53 Kb0
Table of contents
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Gateway SOLO 1200 User Manual

Contents

1 Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 1200 ..........................1
Front .............................................................2
Left...............................................................3
Right .............................................................4
Back..............................................................6
Bottom ............................................................7
Identifyingyourmodel ................................................8
Accessories ........................................................9
2GettingStarted..................................................11
Protectingfrompowersourceproblems..............................14
Startingyournotebook ..............................................15
Wakingupyournotebook.........................................16
Turningoffyournotebook ............................................17
Switchinguseraccounts .............................................18
Statusindicators ...................................................20
Keys .........................................................23
Systemkeycombinations .........................................24
Multi-functionbuttons ............................................26
UsingtheEZPadtouchpad ..........................................28
Usingthetouchpad ..............................................29
Broadband Internet connections . . . . . ...............................33
Aboutinstallingaprinter,scanner,orotherperipheraldevice................34
3GettingHelp....................................................35
HelpSpotVideos ................................................38
4 Windows Basics ................................................41
AbouttheWindowsenvironment ......................................42
UsingtheStartmenu ............................................44
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Workingwithfilesandfolders .........................................47
Viewingdrives ..................................................47
Creatingfolders .................................................48
Copyingandmovingfilesandfolders ................................49
Deletingfilesandfolders ..........................................51
Browsingforfilesandfolders ......................................53
UsingtheSearchutility ...........................................55
Creatinganewdocument .........................................57
Savingadocument ..............................................59
Openingadocument .............................................60
Printingadocument ..............................................61
Shortcuts..........................................................62
Transferringsoftwareandhardwarefromyouroldcomputer .................63
UsingtheFilesandSettingsTransferWizard..........................63
Transferringfiles.................................................63
TransferringInternetsettings .......................................65
Reinstallingyouroldprinterorscanner...............................66
Reinstallingyouroldprograms .....................................67
5 Using the Internet ...............................................69
AccessingyourInternetaccount ....................................72
UsingtheWorldWideWeb ...........................................73
ConnectingtoaWebsite..........................................74
Downloadingfiles ................................................75
Usinge-mail .......................................................76
Sendinge-mail ..................................................76
Checkingyoure-mail .............................................77
6 Using Multimedia ................................................79
Usingdiskettes .....................................................80
UsingtheCDdrive...............................................81
Adjustingthevolume ................................................83
Recordingandplayingaudio ..........................................87
Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
PlayingCDs ....................................................90
Creatingmusicfiles ..............................................92
Editingtrackinformation...........................................93
Buildingamusiclibrary ...........................................94
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ListeningtoInternetradio .........................................96
Usingadvancedfeatures .........................................97
7 Sending and Receiving Faxes ..................................99
Settingupyourcoverpage ......................................100
Sendingafax .................................................102
Faxingfromprograms...........................................104
Receivingandviewingafax ......................................104
8 Managing Power ...............................................105
Rechargingthebattery .............................................106
Changingbatteries ................................................107
Conservingbatterypower ........................................109
Usingalternatepowersources ....................................109
Changingpowermodes .........................................110
Changingautomaticpowersettings ................................111
9TravelTips.....................................................117
Radiofrequencywirelessconnections .................................118
Files ............................................................119
Security .........................................................119
10 Customizing Your Notebook ...................................121
Adjustingthecolordepth ........................................122
Adjustingthescreenresolution ...................................124
Applyingacolorscheme ........................................125
Changing the desktop background . . ..............................126
Selectingascreensaver ........................................128
Changingthetouchpadsettings ......................................130
Programmingthemulti-functionbuttons ................................131
Allocatingsystemmemory ..........................................131
11 Upgrading Your Notebook .....................................133
AddingaPCCard .................................................134
Preventingstaticelectricitydischarge ..................................136
Installingmemory .................................................137
Replacingtheharddrive ............................................141
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12 Networking Your Computer.....................................143
Sharing a single Internet connection . . . .............................144
Sharingdrives .................................................144
Sharingperipheraldevices........................................145
Streamingaudioandvideofiles ...................................145
Playingmulti-playergames .......................................145
ComponentsofaGatewayConnectedHome.........................147
Selectinganetworkconnection .......................................148
Wiredconnections ..............................................148
Wirelessconnections ............................................149
Assessingyourconnectionneeds ..................................150
Comparingdatatransferspeed ....................................152
Networkshoppinglist ...............................................154
HPNA ........................................................154
Ethernet ......................................................155
WirelessEthernet ...............................................156
Bluetooth .....................................................156
Formoreinformation ...............................................157
13 Maintaining Your Notebook.....................................159
Caringforyourcomputer ............................................159
Creatinganemergencystartupdiskette ................................161
Protectingyourcomputerfromviruses .................................163
Managingharddrivespace ..........................................165
Checkingharddrivespace .......................................165
UsingDiskCleanup .............................................166
Checkingtheharddriveforerrors..................................167
Defragmentingtheharddrive .....................................169
Backingupfiles ................................................171
Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . .............................172
Cleaningtheexterior ............................................174
Cleaningthekeyboard ...........................................175
Cleaningthescreen .............................................175
Cleaningthemouse .............................................175
14 Restoring Software .............................................177
Reinstallingdevicedrivers ...........................................177
Reinstallingdevicedrivers ........................................178
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Updatingdevicedrivers.............................................180
ReinstallingWindows ..............................................181
ReinstallingWindows ...........................................181
Reinstallingprograms ..............................................182
15 Troubleshooting ...............................................185
Troubleshooting ...................................................187
Firststeps ....................................................187
CDdrive .....................................................189
Deviceinstallation ..............................................191
Diskettedrive .................................................191
Filemanagement ..............................................192
Harddrive ....................................................193
Internet ......................................................194
Keyboard.....................................................195
LCDpanel ....................................................195
Memory ......................................................196
Modem ......................................................196
Mouse .......................................................200
Networks .....................................................200
Passwords....................................................200
PCCards.....................................................201
Power .......................................................201
Printer .......................................................202
Sound .......................................................203
Video ........................................................203
BeforecallingGatewayTechnicalSupport ..........................205
Telephonenumbers ............................................206
Tutoringandtraining ...............................................207
Self-help .....................................................207
Tutoring ......................................................207
Training ......................................................208
A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information .....................209
Index..............................................................227
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Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 1200

Tips & Tricks Toaccessthecontentsofthis guide while you are traveling,
download an electronic copy from www.gateway.com/support/manlib/.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 1200

Front

Cover release latch
Component Description
Cover release latch Open the notebook cover by pressing the release latch.
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Left

Left
PC Card eject button
Component Icon Description
PC Card eject button Press the eject button to remove a PC Card from the
PC Card slot Insert one TypeI, II, or III PC Card into this slot. For
Diskette drive Insert a standard 3.5-inch diskette into this drive. For
Diskettedrive ejectbutton Press the eject button to remove a diskette from the
PC Card slot Diskette drive Diskette drive
eject button
PC Card slot.
more information, see “Addinga PC Card”on page 134.
more information, see “Using diskettes” on page 80.
drive.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 1200

Right

CD drive
CD drive indicator
Component Icon Description
CD drive Insert CDs into this drive. For more information, see
CD drive eject button
“Using the CD drive” on page 81.
Headphone jack
Power indicator
Battery charge indicator
Modem jack
Microphone jack
CD drive indicator Lights up when the computer is accessingthe CD drive. CD drive eject button Press the eject button to open the disc tray. Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.
Headphone jack Plug headphones or amplified speakers into this jack.
Modem jack Plug a modem cable into this jack.
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Component Icon Description
Battery charge indicator The LED shows the battery activity and status.
■
Green – battery is fully charged.
■
Orange – battery is being charged.
■
Red – battery is low.
■
Blinking and red – battery is very low.
■
Blinking and orange – battery is malfunctioning.
Power indicator Lights up when the notebook is turned on and shows
notebook power status:
■
LED on – notebook is ON.
■
LED off – notebook is OFF or in Hibernate.
■
LED flashing – notebook is in Standby.
Right
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 1200

Back

USB ports Parallel port
Ventilation fan
Monitor port
Kensington lock slot
Power connector
Ethernet jack
Component Icon Description
USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a
USB Iomega™ Zip™drive,printer,scanner,or camera) into these ports.
Parallel port Plug a parallel printer into this port.
Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert
objects into these slots.
Monitor port Plug an external (VGA) monitor into this port.
Kensington™ lock slot Secure your computer to an object by connecting a
Kensington cable lock to this slot.
Ethernet jack (optional) Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. For
more information, see “Connecting to an Ethernet network” on page 32 and “Networking Your Computer” on page 143.
Power connector Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
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Bottom

Hard drive
assembly
Certificate of
authenticity
label
Memory
bay
Battery
release
latch
Battery
Bottom
System identification label
Component Icon Description
Hard drive assembly Remove this assembly to replace the hard drive. Certificate of Authenticity
label Memory bay Install a memory module in this bay. Battery release latch Slide to release the battery.
Battery Insert the battery into this bay.
System identification label
Find the registration key for the operating system onthis label.
Find the product model number and serial number on this label.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 1200

Identifying your model

The label on the bottom of your computer contains informa tion that
identifies your notebook model. Gateway Technical Support will need this
information if you call for assistance. Label information varies by model.
Gateway model number
Gateway serial number
Revision code and display type/ processor size
Internal wireless devices
Gateway part number
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Accessories

Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your notebook.
Batteries and automobile/airplanepower adapters
If you run your notebook on battery power for extended periods, you may want to buy an additional battery so that you can swap batteries when necessary.
With an automobile/airplane power adapter, you can save battery power by plugging your notebook into an automobile cigarette lighter or an airplane in-flight power receptacle.
Carrying cases
Gateway has large-capacity carrying cases if you need additional space for accessories or supplies.
External devices
Y ou can attach external devices suc h as a keyboard, mouse, printer, o r monitor to your notebook.
Accessories
Memory
Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphics programs, use a lot of memory. If your programs are running more slowly than you think they should, try adding more memory.
Printers
You can attach many types of printer to your computer. The most common types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white.
Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but usually they are slower than laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you ca n print pictures, banners, and greeting cards, as well as documents.
Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but usually they print much faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are printing large documents.
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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 1200
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Getting Started

This chapter provides basic information about your Gateway notebook. Read
this chapter to find out:
■ How to connec t the AC a dapter
■ How to start and turn off your notebook
■ How to use the keyboard
■ How to use the E Z Pad™ to uchpad
■ How to connec t the mode m
■ How to connec t to a netw ork
■ How to ins tall periphera l devices
Warning Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation regulations require wireless devices to be turned off while traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11b (also known as wireless Ethernet or Wifi) and Bluetooth communication devices are examples of devices that provide wireless communication.
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Important If your system came equipped with an internal radio
frequency wireless device, see “Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information” on page 209 for general wireless regulatory andsafety guidelines. Tofind outif yoursystem has an internal wireless device, check the label (see “Identifying your model” on page 8.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
Connecting the AC adapter
Y ou can run y our notebook using an AC adapter or the notebook battery . The
battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the AC adapter
right away to fully charge the battery. Allow 24 hours for the battery to fully
charge.
Important If the battery is not fully charged before you use your
notebook on battery 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 24 hours, the battery may need to be recalibrated. For information on recalibratingthe battery,see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 173.
To connect the AC adapter:
1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
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Warning Replace the power cord if it becomes damaged. The
replacement cord must be of the same type and voltage rating as the original cord or the notebook may damaged.
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Connecting the ACadapter
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. If the battery charge indicator does not turn on, disconnect the adapter from your notebook and repeat Step 2.
4 When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn the
notebook off and leave the notebook connected to AC power for at least 24 hours.
5 If the battery does not show a full charge after 24 hours, contact Gateway
Technical Support at www.gateway.com/support/contact.
Warning Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The
AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous voltages that can cause serious injury or death. ContactGatewayabout returning defective AC adapters.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Protectingfrom 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.
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Starting your notebook

To start the notebook:
1 Open your notebook by pressing the latch on the front o f your notebook
and lifting the LCD panel.
2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.
Starting your notebook
Power button
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Chapter 2: Getting Started
The power button is preset to On/Off mode. However, you can also set it to function in Standby/Resume mode. For instructions on changing the power button mode, see “Changing automatic power settings” on page 111.
3 If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen
instructions to set up your computer.

Waking up your notebook

When you have not used your notebook for several minutes, it enters a
power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator
flashes.
If your notebook is in Standby mode, “wake” it up by pressing the power
button. For more information on changing power-saving settings, see
“Managing Power” on page 105.
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Turning off your notebook

To turn off your notebook:
■ Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer, then 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 notebook, press and hold the power button for about five seconds.
Turning off your notebook
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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Switching user accounts

When you first turn on your notebook, you have the option to add different
user accounts. These user accounts can be customized for each person that
uses the notebook. Y ou can add, delete, or modify existin g user accounts. You
can also switch (change) user accounts without turning off your notebook.
Help and
Support
For more information about adding, deleting, and modifyingyouruser accounts, click Start, then select Help and Support.
To add, delete, or modify user accounts:
1 Click Start, select Control Panel, th en double-click UserAccounts. The User
Accounts window opens.
2 Follow the on-screen prompts to add, delete, or m odify a user account.
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Switching user accounts
To switch user accounts:
1 Click Start, then Log Off. The Log Off Windows dialog box opens.
2 Click Switch User to switch between your user accounts. The Windows
logon screen opens.
3 Select the user account that you want to activate. When you switch
between users, any programs that were running for the previous user continue to run.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Status indicators

Caps lock
Pad lock
Diskette drive
Scroll lock
Hard drive
CD drive
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Status indicators
This light turns on...
1
When...
Caps Lock is turned on.
Pad Lock is turned on.
Scroll Lock is turned on.
The notebook is accessing the diskette drive.
The notebook is accessing the hard drive.
The notebook is accessing the CD drive.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Using the keyboard

Your notebook features a full-size keyboard that has the full functionality of
a desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate
functions, including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for specific
system operations, and the Pad Lock keys for the numeric keypad.
You can attach an external keyboard to the notebook using a USB port. You
do not need to shut down the notebook to connect a USB keyboard.
System keys
Numeric keypad
System keys
Navigation and volume keys
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N key Windows
F
key
Windows key
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Application key
Arrow keys

Keys

Component Icon Description
Function keys Press thesekeys labeledF1 to F12 to perform actions
in programs. For example, pressingF1 mayopen help. Each program usesdifferentfunction keys for different
purposes. Refer to the program documentationto find out more about the function key actions.
Numeric keypad Usethese keysto type numberswhen numeric keypad
is turned on. Press numeric keypad.
System keys Press these green-colored keys in combination with
N key to perform a specific action.
the F
Navigation keys Press these keys to move the cursor to the beginning
of a line, to the end of a line, up the page, down the page, to the beginning of a document, or to the end of a document.
N key Press the FN key in combination with a green-colored
F
system key (such as S specific action.
FN+PAD LOCK to turn on the
TANDBY or PAUSE)toperforma
Using the keyboard
Windows key Press to open the Windows Start menu. These keys
canalsobeusedincombinationwithotherkeysto open utilities likeF (Search utility), R (Run utility), and E (Explorer utility).
Application key Press for quick access to shortcut menus and help
assistants in Windows.
Arrow keys Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right,
or left.
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Chapter 2: Getting Started

System key combinations

When you press the FN key and a system key at the same time, the notebook
performs an action identified by the green text on the key.
Press and hold F
N while
pressing this system key...
To...
Display the power status box in the upper left corner of your screen. The menu shows the battery charge level, the BIOS version,and whether the AC adapter is being used. Press the key combination again to close this box.
Toggle the notebook screen between the LCD, an external monitor, or both at the same time. A monitormust be plugged into the monitor port on the notebook.
EnterStandbymode. Press the power button to leaveStandby mode.
Turn on Pad Lock so you can use the numeric keypad. Press this key combinationagain to turn off Pad Lock.The Pad Lock status indicator lights up while this function is turned on.
Pause the text scrolling in a DOS screen. The Scroll Lock statusindicator appears whenthis function isturned on.Press the key combinationagain tocontinue scrolling.(This function isonlyavailableinsomeprograms.)
Pause execution of a DOS program. (This function is only available in some programs.)
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Stop the currentlyrunningDOS program.(This functionisonly available in some programs.)
Increase the volume.
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