Gateway SOLO 2150 User Manual

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Contents

1 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Connecting AC power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Starting your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Waking up your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Turning off your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Using function key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Using an external mouse or keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 System status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

2 Using Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19
Adjusting the LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	20
Customizing the multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	20
Using diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21
Using the CD/DVD drive and multimedia features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22
Inserting a CD/DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22
Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22
Listening to audio CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24
Recording and playing audio files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Using the Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	26
Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Connecting the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
Using PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
Using the USB port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32
Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
Changing option bay modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
Upgrading memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
Replacing the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39

i

3 Travel Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

4 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

5 Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Microsoft Windows guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Discover Windows 98 tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 QuickANSWERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Before calling for technical support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Technical support resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

6 Safety, Regulatory, and Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

American users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Canadian users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 European users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Japanese users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Australia and New Zealand users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

ii

Getting Started

1

This chapter provides basic information about your Gateway computer hardware and software. Read this chapter to:

■Learn how to connect power, start the notebook, and turn off the notebook

■Learn how to operate the pointing device and keyboard

■Understand indicators

■Identify all ports, connectors, and buttons

■Learn about available accessories

1

Connecting AC power

Your notebook battery was shipped to you partially charged and ready to use. You may want to use the AC adapter to complete charging the battery while you are checking out some of the features.

Caution Replace the power cord if it becomes damaged. The replacement cord must be of the same type and voltage rating as the original cord.

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 personal injury or death. Contact
	Gateway about returning defective AC adapters.

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

2 Getting Started

2 Plug the AC adapter into the notebook power connector.

3 Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.

Connecting AC power

3

Starting your computer

To start your computer:

1 Slide the latches on the front of your notebook outward and lift the cover.

2Press the power button.

The power button is preset to On/Off mode. You can also set it to function in either Standby/Resume mode or Hibernate mode. For more information on changing the power button mode, see “Changing settings in Windows 98” on page 45.

3The first time you turn on your computer, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the software setup. For information on signing up for an Internet Service Provider (ISP) account, see “Setting up an Internet account” on page 55.

Waking up your computer

■When you have not used your computer for several minutes, it will go into a power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the computer screen darkens and the power indicator light blinks every two seconds. When you are ready to use your computer, “wake” it up by pressing a button or key on the keyboard. For more information on changing power-saving settings, see “Changing power settings” on page 45.

4 Getting Started

Turning off your computer

To turn off your notebook:

1Click Start, then select Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box opens.

2Select Shut down, then click OK. Windows shuts down your computer.

If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse commands and you are unable to use the Shut Down option, press and hold the power button for at least four seconds.

Turning off your computer

5

Using the keyboard

Your notebook features a keyboard that has the same functionality as a desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assigned alternate functions, including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for system operations, and a Pad Lock key that enables the embedded numeric keypad.

A

D C B

AFn combination keys

BNumeric keypad

CWindows key

DFn (function) key

6 Getting Started

Using function key combinations

Press the FN key together with one of the following keys to perform the function:

+ = Function

Combination

key

Combination Key Function

Displays the power status in the upper left corner of the Windows desktop. Press the key combination again to make the power status disappear.

Toggles between the LCD display, external monitor, or both displays at the same time.

Activates Standby mode in Windows 98 and Suspend mode in Windows 95 and Windows NT. Press the power button to bring the notebook out of Standby/Suspend mode.

Activates Pad Lock so you can use the embedded numeric keypad. The Pad Lock status indicator stays lit while this function is enabled.

Activates Scroll Lock so you can scroll through large volumes of text in some applications. The Scroll Lock status indicator stays lit while this function is enabled.

Increases LCD brightness.

Decreases LCD brightness.

Using the keyboard

7

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

Like a mouse, the EZ Pad® touchpad pointing device controls the pointer movements on the display. You can also use an external mouse.

A B C

AEZ Pad touchpad

BLeft EZ Pad button (for left mouse clicks)

CRight EZ Pad button (for right mouse clicks)

8 Getting Started

Mouse and touchpad action equivalents

This touchpad uses one surface for both mouse and wheel actions, which means you can perform all of the wheel mouse actions without using the buttons on the notebook.

When your finger reaches the edges of the touchpad, you can continue to move the pointer and drag objects. You can also move horizontally and vertically without being constrained by the size of the touchpad. This is especially useful when dragging objects and selecting text because there is no need to remove your finger until the action is complete.

To...	...do this:
Move pointer	Slide finger.

Left button click

Tap one finger.

Left button	Double-tap one finger.
double-click

Left button drag	Double-tap and drag.

Using the keyboard

9

To...	...do this:
Use smart Edges	Double-tap and drag.
	When your finger stops
	at an edge of the
	touchpad, the pointer
	continues moving
	across the screen.
Scroll up and down	Place finger on right
	edge of the touchpad
	and move up/down.

Changing touchpad properties

Use the following procedure to change EZ Pad properties including pointer size, button assignments, pointer speed and acceleration, scrolling speed, and edge motion.

To customize the EZ Pad touchpad:

1Double-click on the taskbar. The Mouse Properties window opens.

2Click a tab in the Mouse Properties window, then customize the touchpad functions.

To find more help about using the touchpad, click on the taskbar, then select Help.

Using an external mouse or keyboard

You can attach an external mouse or keyboard to the notebook using the PS/2, USB, or serial port. You do not need to shut down the notebook before connecting to an external PS/2 mouse or keyboard.

10 Getting Started

System status indicators

B D

A C E

This light...					turns on when...
A					The hard disk is accessed.
B					The diskette drive, ZIP drive, or CD/DVD
					drive is accessed.
C	A				The Caps Lock is enabled.
D	1				The Pad Lock is enabled.
E					The Scroll Lock is enabled.

Using the keyboard

11

Multi-function buttons

A B C D E F G

Button		Icon		Description
A	Volume controls			Adjust volume. Left button increases volume. Right
				button decreases volume.
B	Mute			Turns off all sound. Press again to turn sound on.
C	E-mail			Launches an e-mail program.
D	Web browser			Launches your Web browser.
E	Help			Launches Help.
F	Shortcut			Launches a program you specify. To program this button
				to launch a specific program, see “Customizing the
				multi-function buttons” on page 20.
G	Power			Turns power on and off. Can also be configured to
				Standby/Resume mode or Hibernate mode. For more

information on mapping the power button to power saving modes, see “To change advanced power management settings:” on page 48.

12 Getting Started

Front

[

A

			C		D
			B
Component			Icon			Description
A	Release latches					Release the LCD panel.
B	Speakers					Provide stereo output.
C	Battery indicator light					Indicates battery charge status:
						■	Green – Battery is fully charged.
						■ Orange – Battery is charging.
D	Power indicator light					Indicates notebook power status:
						■ Steady – Power is on.
						■	Blinking – Notebook is in Standby mode.
						■	Off – Power is off or system is in Hibernate
							(save to disk) mode.

Front 13

Back

A

B C

D

E

F

G H

I

Component

Icon

Description

A

Network jack

Provides an Ethernet 10/100 connection to a

network.

B

Modem jack

Connects the built-in modem to an analog

phone system using a standard telephone

cable.

C

Keyboard or mouse port

Connects your notebook to an external PS/2

keyboard or mouse. With a PS/2 Y-splitter,

you can connect an external mouse and

keyboard at the same time.

D

Parallel port

Connects your notebook to a parallel device,

such as a printer.

E

Serial port

Connects your notebook to a serial device,

such as a serial mouse.

F

External monitor port

Connects your notebook to an external VGA

monitor using an analog video cable.

G

USB port

Connects your notebook to a USB device,

such as a USB scanner.

H

Power connector

Connects your notebook to the Gateway

Solo 2150 AC adapter.

I

Cooling fan outlet

Helps cool internal components.

14 Getting Started

Right side

A B C

I

D

E

F

G

H

J

Component

Icon

Description

A

Diskette drive

Accepts standard 3.5-inch diskettes.

B

Diskette activity light

Indicates diskette activity. While this light is

on, do not eject the diskette.

C

Diskette eject button

Ejects a diskette from the drive.

D

CD/DVD or ZIP drive

The CD/DVD drive accepts all CDs. The

DVD drive also accepts DVDs. The ZIP

drive accepts only ZIP disks.

E

CD/DVD activity light

Indicates CD/DVD activity. While this light

is on, do not open the drive tray.

F

CD/DVD eject button

Ejects the CD/DVD drive tray.

G

CD/DVD manual tray

Lets you open the CD/DVD drive tray

release

manually using a straightened paper clip.

H

Hard drive face plate

Provides access to the hard drive.

I

Microphone In

Connects your notebook to an external

microphone.

J

Speaker

Connects your notebook to external

Out/Headphone jack

speakers or headphones.

Right side

15

Left side

A B C D

Component		Icon		Description
A	Kensington lock slot			Used with a Kensington cable lock to secure your
				notebook to a heavy or immovable object.
B	PC Card slots			Accept one Type III PC Card or two Type I or II PC Cards.
				For more information, see “Using PC Cards” on page 30.
C	PC Card eject			Eject PC Cards from PC card slots.
	buttons
D	Battery bay			Contains the battery for power and for charging.

16 Getting Started

Bottom

A G B

C F

D E

Component		Icon					Description
A	Hard drive face plate						Provides access to the hard drive.
B	Memory bay						Memory bay contains one SO-DIMM memory
							module slot.
C	Modular bay latch						Releases the CD/DVD or ZIP drive.
D	Modular bay						Contains a CD/DVD drive or ZIP drive.
E	Battery bay						Holds the battery.
F	Battery release latch						Releases the battery so you can swap it for
							a fully charged battery.
G	System label						Provides system information.

Bottom 17

Accessories

Gateway offers many accessories that can help you make the most of using your Solo notebook:

■Batteries

■Automobile/airplane power adapters

■Memory modules and hard drives

■External keyboards and speakers

■Modem and network cards

■Tape backup units

■Carrying cases

■Printers

■Software

Important For more information on these or other Gateway accessories for your notebook, visit the Gateway Web site at www.gateway.com or call 800-846-2000.

18 Getting Started

Using Your	2
Notebook

This chapter provides information on using your Gateway computer. Read this chapter to find out how to:

■Adjust the display panel angle and brightness

■Use and program the multifunction buttons

■Use the diskette and CD/DVD drives

■Record and play audio files

■View video files

■Connect the modem

■Install PC Cards

■Replace the battery

■Swap drive modules

■Replace the hard drive

19

Adjusting the LCD panel

Your notebook features a color LCD TFT panel that provides sharp resolution and up to 16 million colors.

To adjust the viewing angle of the display:

■ Tilt the display panel forward or backward.

To control display brightness:

■Press the FN key together with the up arrow or down arrow key.

This notebook is shipped with the “Auto dim with battery” feature enabled. Auto dim cuts LCD power 50% when your notebook is operating on battery power. To learn how to disable this feature, see “Changing power settings” on page 45.

Customizing the multi-function buttons

The Multi-function Keyboard utility lets you change the actions of some of the multi-function buttons. For a description of the buttons, see “Multi-function buttons” on page 12.

To program the multi-function buttons:

1Click Start, then select Settings, then Control Panel.

2Double-click the Multi-function Keyboard icon. The Gateway Multi-function Keyboard utility window opens.

3Click the tab for the button to change which program each button starts.

20 Using Your Notebook

Using diskettes

The diskette drive uses 3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppies or floppy disks). Diskettes are useful for saving files for archive purposes or to use on another computer.

Warning Do not expose diskettes to water or magnetic fields.

Exposure could damage the data on the diskette.

To use a diskette:

1Insert the diskette into the diskette drive with the label facing up.

2To access a file on the diskette, use a program to view the drive A: contents, then locate and open the file.

3To remove the diskette, make sure the drive activity light is off, then press the diskette eject button. The diskette is ejected from the drive.

Using diskettes

21

Using the CD/DVD drive and multimedia features

You can use your computer to enjoy a wide variety of multimedia (audio and video) features, such as making recordings, listening to audio CDs, and watching DVD movies.

Inserting a CD/DVD

To insert a CD/DVD:

1Press the eject button on the CD/DVD drive, then pull the disc tray completely open.

2Place the CD/DVD in the tray with the label side up, then press down carefully on the disc until it snaps into place.

3Push the tray in until it closes.

Adjusting the volume

You can use the volume controls to adjust the overall volume and the volume of specific sound devices in your computer.

To adjust overall volume level:

■Click the volume control icon on the taskbar, then drag the slider to change the volume or select the Mute check box to turn off all sound.

- OR -

On the keyboard, press the volume buttons to change the volume, or press the mute button to turn off all sound.

22 Using Your Notebook

To adjust specific volume levels:

1Double-click the volume control icon on the taskbar. The SB AudioPCI 64V Mixer dialog box opens.

2Drag the volume level and balance sliders for the device you want to adjust, then close the window. For more information about the volume controls, select Help in the Volume Control dialog box.

Using the CD/DVD drive and multimedia features

23

Listening to audio CDs

Use the CD/DVD drive and the Windows CD Player to play, pause, fast-forward, rewind, or go to the next or previous track on any audio CD.

To play a CD:

■Insert an audio CD into the CD/DVD drive. The CD Player opens and the CD plays.

If the CD Player does not open automatically when you insert the CD, open it from the Start menu by clicking Start, then selecting Programs,

Accessories, Entertainment or Multimedia, then CD Player. When the CD Player opens, click the (play) button.

If you do not hear the audio or you want to increase or decrease the volume, see “Adjusting the volume” on page 22.

24 Using Your Notebook