Gateway T-14 Quick Reference Guide

NOTEBOOK

REFERENCEGUIDE

®

Contents

Chapter 1: About This Reference . . . . . . . . . . . 1

About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Accessing your online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Contacting Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Gateway model and serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Notebook . . . . . 5

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Chapter 3: Setting Up and Getting Started . . 15

Working safely and comfortably . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Reducing eye strain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Setting up your computer desk and chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Sitting at your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive strain . .17

Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connecting to a broadband modem or network . . . . . . . . . .20

Connecting the optional dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Restarting (rebooting) your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Using the status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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Contents

Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using the optional fingerprint reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Running the TouchStrip Tutorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Enrolling your fingerprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Using the Fingerprint Control Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Using the password bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Using the fingerprint reader features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Using the optional multimedia panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Using the optional webcam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Adjusting the brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Turning your wireless radio on or off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

IEEE 802.11 wireless network radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Bluetooth radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Chapter 4: Using Drives and Accessories . . . . 51

Using the DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Identifying drive types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Using a DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Inserting a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Removing a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Adding and removing an Express Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Installing a printer or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Connecting a USB device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Viewing the display on a projector, monitor, or television . 59

Adjusting the display properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Using the projector or monitor for a presentation . . . . 62

Chapter 5: Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

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Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Maximizing battery performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Changing notebook power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

Changing the power plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Chapter 6: Traveling with Your Notebook . . . 77

Packing your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Traveling by air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Dial-up modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Additional tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Chapter 7: Maintaining Your Notebook . . . . . 83

Caring for your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Cleaning your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Cleaning the notebook screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Maintaining the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Storing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Cleaning CDs or DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Creating recovery discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Recovering pre-installed software and drivers . . . . . . . . 91

Returning to a previous system condition . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Returning your system to its factory condition . . . . . . . .93

Chapter 8: Upgrading Your Notebook . . . . . . 97

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Adding or replacing memory modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

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Contents

Replacing the hard drive kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

CD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Diskette drive (external) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

DVD drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Express Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Fingerprint reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Modem (cable or DSL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Modem (dial-up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Networks (wired) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Networks (wireless) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Before calling Gateway Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

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Appendix A: Legal Information. . . . . . . . . . . 137

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

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Contents

vi

CHAPTER1

About This Reference

• About this guide

• Accessing your online User Guide

• Gateway contact information

• Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

• For more information

1

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

About this guide

This guide includes information and maintenance instructions
that are specific to your model of Gateway notebook. For all
other notebook information, see your online User Guide.

Accessing your online User Guide

In addition to this guide, your online User Guide has been
included on your hard drive. Your User Guide is an in-depth,
easy-to-read manual that includes information on the
following topics:

• Help and technical support

• Using and customizing Windows and other software

• Using the Internet

• Protecting your files

• Playing and recording media

• Networking

To access your online User Guide:

• Click (Start), All Programs, then click Gateway

Documentation.

Gateway contact information

Contacting Gateway Customer Care

Your Setup Guide contains information about contacting
Gateway Customer Care.

Gateway model and serial number

A label on the bottom of your notebook contains information
that identifies your notebook model and its features. Gateway
Customer Care will need this information if you call for
assistance.

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Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity

The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the
bottom of your notebook includes the product key code for
your operating system.

For more information

For more information about your notebook, visit Gateway’s
Support page at www.gateway.com
on your notebook’s label. The Support page also has links to
additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications.

or the Web address shown

3

CHAPTER 1: About This Reference

4

CHAPTER2

Checking Out Your Notebook

• Front

• Left

• Right

• Back

• Bottom

• Keyboard area

• LCD panel

5

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Front

Battery charge indicator

Power indicator

Headphone jack

Microphone jack

Component Icon Description

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.

Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this

jack. The built-in speakers are turned off when
speakers or headphones are plugged into this
jack.

Power indicator

Battery charge
indicator

■

LED on - Notebook is on.

■

LED blinking - Notebook is in Sleep or Hybrid
Sleep mode.

■

LED off - Notebook is off.

■

LED blue - Battery is fully charged.

■

LED purple - Battery is charging.

■

LED blinking red - Battery charge is very low.

■

LED solid red - Battery is malfunctioning.
Important: This LED only lights up when your
notebook is connected to AC power or the
battery charge is very low.

6

Left

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Ethernet jack

HDMI out jack

(optional)

USB p orts

Ventilation fan

Memory card reader

Wireless network switch

Express Card slot

Component Icon Description

Ethernet jack Plug an Ethernet network cable into this jack.

Memory card
reader

Plug the other end of the cable into a cable
modem, DSL modem, or an Ethernet network
jack. For more information, see “Connecting to a

broadband modem or network” on page 20.

Insert a memory card from a digital camera,
MP3 player, PDA, or cellular telephone into the
memory card reader. For more information, see

“Using the memory card reader” on page 55.

The memory card reader supports Memory
Stick®, Memory Stick Pro®, Mini Secure
Digital®, MultiMediaCard™,
RS-MultiMediaCard™, Secure Digital™, and
xD-Picture Card™cards.
Important: RS-Multimedia Card and Mini Secure
Digital cards require the use of an adapter that
is available with the media.

HDMI out jack
(optional)

USB ports Plug USB devices (such as a diskette drive, flash

HDMI Plug an HDMI device, such as a high definition

television, into this optional jack. For more
information, see “Viewing the display on a

projector, monitor, or television” on page 59.

drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into these ports.

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Component Icon Description

Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components.

Express Card slot Insert one Type 54 Express Card into this slot. For

Wireless network
switch

Warning: Do not work with the notebook resting
on your lap. If the air vents are blocked, the
notebook may become hot enough to harm your
skin.
Caution: Do not block or insert objects into these
slots. If these slots are blocked, your notebook
may overheat resulting in unexpected shutdown
or permanent damage to the notebook.
Caution: Provide adequate space around your
notebook so air vents are not obstructed. Do not
use the notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface.

more information, see “Adding and removing an

Express Card” on page 57.

Enable or disable the optional IEEE 802.11
wireless network radio and optional Bluetooth
radio. The switch must be in the enable position
to turn either radio on or off using the FN+F2 or
FN+F6 buttons. For more information, see

“Turning your wireless radio on or off” on
page 47.

Warning: Radio frequency wireless
communication can interfere with equipment on
commercial a ircraft. Current aviation reg ulations
require wireless devices to be turned off while
traveling in an airplane. IEEE 802.11 and
Bluetooth communication devices are examples
of devices that provide wireless communication.

8

Right

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DVD drive

USB port

Component Icon Description

DVD drive Insert CDs or DVDs into this drive. For more

USB port Plug a USB device (such as a diskette drive, flash

information, see “Using the DVD drive” on

page 52. To determine the type of drive in your

notebook, examine the drive tray’s plastic cover
and compare the logo to those listed in

“Identifying drive types” on page 52.

drive, printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or
mouse) into this port.

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Back

CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Modem jack

(optional)

Kensington lock slot

Power connector

Monitor port

Component Icon Description

Modem jack
(optional)

Ken sin gton™
lock slot

Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor or projector into this

Power connector Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.

Plug a dial-up modem cable into this optional
jack. For more information, see “Connecting the

optional dial-up modem” on page 21.

Secure your notebook to an object by
connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot.

port. For more information, see “Viewing the

display on a projector, monitor, or television” on
page 59.

10

Bottom

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Battery

Battery

latch

Hard drive bay

Customer care label

Battery lock

Memory
bay

Component Icon Description

Battery latch Slide to release the battery. For more information, see

Battery Provides power when the notebook is not plugged into

Battery lock Slide to unlock the battery. For more information, see

Memory bay Memory modules are located in this bay. For more

“Changing batteries” on page 67.

AC power.

“Changing batteries” on page 67.

information, see “Adding or replacing memory

modules” on page 99.

Hard drive
bay

Customer
Care label

The hard drive is located in this bay. For more
information, see “Replacing the hard drive kit” on

page 103 .

Includes the Customer Care contact information. For
more information, see “Gateway contact information”

on page 2.

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

Keyboard area

Powe r

button

Key boa rd

Speaker

Multimedia panel (optional)

Status indicators

Fingerprint reader
(optional)

Touchpad

Speaker

Component Icon Description

Keyboard Provides all the features of a full-sized, computer

keyboard. For more information, see “Using the

keyboard” on page 26.

Power button Press to turn the power on or off. You can also configure

Speakers Provide audio output when headphones or amplified

Multimedia
panel
(optional)

Touchpad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more

the power button for Sleep/Resume mode. For more
information on configuring the power button mode,
see “Changing advanced settings” on page 74.

speakers are not plugged in.

Use to control playback of CDs and DVDs. The panel
includes a capacitive volume control. For more
information, see “Using the optional multimedia panel”

on page 40.

information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on

page 37.

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Component Icon Description

Fingerprint
reader
(optional)

Status
indicators

Provides enhanced security. For more information, see

“Using the optional fingerprint reader” on page 31.

Inform you when a drive is in use or when a button has
been pressed that affects how the keyboard is used. For
more information, see “Using the status indicators” on

page 25.

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CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Notebook

LCD panel

Component Icon Description

Microphone (optional)

Webcam (optional)

Webcam status indicator (optional)

Microphone
(optional)

Webcam
(optional)

Webcam
status
indicator
(optional)

14

Use to talk through when making Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) calls.
Important: The optional microphone is only available
when purchased with the optional webcam.

Use to let others see who they are communicating with
when making VoIP calls. For more information, see

“Using the optional webcam” on page 41.

Important: The optional webcam is only available
when purchased with the optional microphone.

Turns on when the webcam is turned on.

CHAPTER3

Setting Up and Getting Started

• Working safely and comfortably

• Connecting the AC adapter

• Connecting to a broadband modem or

network

• Connecting the optional dial-up modem

• Starting your notebook

• Turning off your notebook

• Restarting (rebooting) your notebook

• Using the status indicators

• Using the keyboard

• Using the optional fingerprint reader

• Using the EZ Pad touchpad

• Using the optional multimedia panel

• Using the optional webcam

• Adjusting the brightness

• Adjusting the volume

• Turning your wireless radio on or off

15

CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Working safely and comfortably

Before using your notebook, follow these general guidelines
for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding
discomfort and strain:

• Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor.

• Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of

sight.

• Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.

• Although notebooks are sometimes called “laptops,” do

not use your notebook while it rests on your unprotected
lap. Notebook operating temperatures can become quite
high, increasing the risk of burns to your legs. Instead,
use a laptop desk to protect your legs.

• Do not use the notebook on any soft, conforming

su rface, s uch as you r la p, a bla nket , ca rpet, o r a s ofa. So ft
surfaces can block your notebook’s ventilation openings,
leading to overheating, permanent damage to your
notebook, and fire danger. Instead, place your notebook
on a rigid, hard surface, and make sure that you keep the
ventilation openings on the sides clear.

Warning

Do not use your notebook on a soft surface, such as your lap, a
blanket, carpet, or a sofa. You must keep your notebook’s ventilation
openings clear of obstructions, or your notebook may overheat,
increasing the risk of fire and personal injury.

Reducing eye strain

Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the
screen or shine directly into your eyes.

• Position the computer desk and screen 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.

• Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use

your notebook in a dark room.

• Avoid focusing your eyes on your screen for long periods

of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around the room,
and try to focus on distant objects.

• Where feasible, keep your head vertical while looking at

the screen. If you use an external keyboard, raise the
notebook so the top of its screen is no higher than eye
level.

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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.

• Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands

and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you
use the keyboard and touchpad. If the desk is not
adjustable or is too tall, consider using an adjustable
chair to control your arm’s height above the keyboard.

• 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.

Sitting at your notebook

• 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.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

Connecting the AC adapter

You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or your
notebook’s battery. The battery was shipped to you partially
charged. You should use the AC adapter right away to fully
charge the battery. Allow three hours for the battery to fully
charge.

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. Contact Gateway about returning
defective AC adapters.

Caution

Make sure that you use the AC adapter that came with your notebook or
one of the same type purchased from Gateway. 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 your notebook may be damaged.

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 three hours, the

battery may need to be recalibrated. For information on recalibrating the battery,

see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 68.

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

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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 (see “Front” on page 6 for the
location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery
charge indicator does not turn on, complete the
following steps until it turns on:

• Unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug

it back in.

• Press FN+F1 to toggle the status lights on and off.

• Make sure the power cord is firmly attached to the

AC adapter.

• Plug the power cord into a different wall outlet.

4 When you finish using your notebook for the first time,

turn off your notebook and leave your notebook
connected to AC power until the battery charge indicator
turns blue.

Important

If the battery charge indicator does not turn blue after three hours,
contact Gateway Customer Care at the location shown on the Customer
Care label. For more information, see “Gateway contact information” on

page 2.

Protecting from power source problems

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming
into your notebook can increase to levels far above normal
levels and cause data loss or system damage. Protect your

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

notebook and peripheral devices by connecting them to a
surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents
them from reaching your notebook.

Warning

High voltages can enter your notebook through both the power cord and
the modem connection. To protect your notebook and avoid electrical shock, use
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.

Connecting to a broadband modem or network

Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect
to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network.

To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired

Ethernet network:

1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network

jack on your notebook.

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Tip

When using a cable with a sleeve over the plug, pull the sleeve

back to make sure that the plug locks into the jack.

2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable

modem, DSL modem, or Ethernet network jack.

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Connecting the optional dial-up modem

Your notebook may have a built-in 56K modem that you can
use to connect to a standard telephone line.

Warning

To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger (for example, No.
24 AWG) UL-listed or CSA-certified telecommunication line cord for your dialup
modem connection.

To connect the optional modem:

1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem

jack on your notebook.

2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone

wall jack.

Important

The modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.

Starting your notebook

Warning

Do not work with the notebook resting on your lap. If the air vents are
blocked, the notebook may become hot enough to harm your skin.

Caution

Provide adequate space around your notebook so air vents are not
obstructed. Do not use the notebook on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.

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CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started

To start your notebook:

1 Lift the LCD panel.
2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.

Tip

For more information about changing the power button mode,

see “Changing advanced settings” on page 74.

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3 If you are starting your notebook for the first time, follow

the on-screen instructions to select the language and
time zone and to create your first user account.

4 Attach and turn on any peripheral devices, such as

printers, scanners, and speakers.

Tip

For more information about connecting peripheral devices, see

“Installing a printer or other peripheral device” on page 58.

Tip

See the documentation that came with each device for its setup

instructions.

5 To open the main menu, click (Start). From that

menu, you can run programs and search for files. For
more information on using Windows, see “Using
Windows” and “Customizing Windows” in your online
User Guide.