Quanta Computer 145015318 Users manual

Contents

1 Checking Out Your Gateway Solo 1450. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Keyboard area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Identifying your model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connecting the AC adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Protecting from power source problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Starting your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Waking up your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Turning off your notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Status indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Using the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Key types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

System key combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Using the EZ Pad touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Using the touchpad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Connecting the modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Connecting to an Ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Broadband Internet connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

3Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

HelpSpot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

HelpSpot Videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Online help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Gateway Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

4 Windows Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

About the Windows environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Using the desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Using the Start menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Identifying Window items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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Working with files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Viewing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Creating folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Copying and moving files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Deleting files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Browsing for files and folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Searching for files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Using the Search utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Working with documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Creating a new document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Saving a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Opening a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Printing a document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

5 Using the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Learning about the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Setting up an Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Accessing your Internet account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Using the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Connecting to a Web site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Downloading files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Using e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Sending e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Checking your e-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

6 Using Multimedia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Using diskettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Using a CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Inserting a CD, CD-RW, or DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69

Creating CDs using your CD-RW or DVD/CD-RW drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Creating data CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Creating music CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

Adjusting the volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Listening to CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Recording and playing audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Playing audio and video files with the Windows Media Player . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Playing a DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Using MusicMatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Playing CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Creating music files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Editing track information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Building a music library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89

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Listening to Internet radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Using advanced features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

7 Sending and Receiving Faxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Setting up your cover page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Sending a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Faxing from programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Receiving and viewing a fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

8 Managing Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Monitoring the battery charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Recalibrating the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Changing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Conserving battery power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Using alternate power sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Changing power modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Changing power settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Changing the power scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Changing alarm options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Changing advanced settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Activating and Using Hibernate Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Changing SpeedStep settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

9Travel tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Radio frequency wireless connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

10 Customizing Your Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Adjusting the screen and desktop settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Adjusting the color depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Adjusting the screen resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Applying a color scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Changing the desktop background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Selecting a screen saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Changing the touchpad settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Programming the multi-function buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Adding and modifying user accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

iii

11 Upgrading Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Adding PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Preventing static electricity discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132

Installing memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133

Replacing the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137

12 Networking Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

The benefits of using a network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Sharing a single Internet connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Sharing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Sharing peripheral devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140

Streaming audio and video files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Playing multi-player games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Example network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Selecting a network connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Wired connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143

Wireless Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Assessing your connection needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Comparing data transfer speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

Using a wireless network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

Using wireless Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

Purchasing additional network equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

HPNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175

Wireless Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176

For more information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176

13 Moving From Your Old Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Transferring software and hardware from your old computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Using the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177

Transferring files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178

Transferring Internet settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179

Reinstalling your old printer or scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180

Reinstalling your old programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181

14 Maintaining Your Notebook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183

Caring for your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183

Creating an emergency startup diskette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185

Protecting your computer from viruses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187

Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

Using Disk Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190

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Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Defragmenting the hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Backing up files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Using the Scheduled Task Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Cleaning your computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Cleaning the exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Cleaning the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

Cleaning the screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

Cleaning the mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

15 Restoring Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Using the Restoration CDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Reinstalling device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202

Updating device drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

Reinstalling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

Reinstalling Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

16 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Safety guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

First steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Software support tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD/CD-RW drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

Device installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

Diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

File management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

Hard drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219

Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

LCD panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

Mouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

PC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

Telephone support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

Before calling Gateway Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

Telephone numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

v

Tutoring and training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232

Self-help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232

Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232

A Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

vi

Checking Out
Your Gateway
Solo 1450

Tips & Tricks T o acce ss the contents of this guide while you a re trav eling,

download an electronic copy from
www.gateway.com/support/manlib/.

1

www.gateway.com

1

Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Solo 1450

Front

LCD panel
release
latch

Speaker

Battery

charge

indicator

Speaker

Power
indicator

Component Icon Description

LCD panel release latch Open the LCD panel by sliding the release latch to the

right.

Speakers Provide audio output. Speakers are disabled while

headphones are connected.

Battery charge indicator The LED shows the battery activity and status.

■

LED green – b atter y is fully charged.

■

LED orange – batter y is cha rging.

■

LED red – battery is low.

■

LED blinking and red – battery is very low.

NOTE: This LED only lights up when the notebook is
plugged in.

Pow er indicator Lights up when the note book is turned on an d shows the

notebook power status.

■

LED on – power is on.

■

LED flashing – notebook is in Standby mode.

■

LED off – power is off or notebook is in Hibernate
mode.

2

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Left side

Left side

drive

Diskette drive
eject button

Modem jack

Ethernet jack

Microphone jack

PC Card
eject button

Headphone jack

PC Card
slot

Diskette

Component Icon Description

Modem jack Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more information, see

“Connecting the modem” on page 26.

Ethernet jack Plug a 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. For more

information, see “Conn ecting to an Ethernet network” on page 27
and “Networking Your Notebook” on page 139.

Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack.

Headphone jack Plug amplified speakers or headphones into this jack.

PC Card eject bu tton Press this eject but ton to remo v e the PC Card from the PC Card

slot. For more information, see “Adding PC Cards” on page 130.

PC Card slot Insert one Type II or Type III PC Card into this slot. For more

information, see “Adding PC Cards” on page 130.

Diskette dr ive Inser t a standa rd 3.5-inch diskette in to this dr ive. For more

information, see “Using diskettes” on page 68.

Diskette drive eject
button

Press the ej ect button t o remove a diskett e from the drive. For
more information, see “Using diskettes” on page 68.

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3

Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Solo 1450

Right side

Battery bay Manual eject hole

CD, CD-RW, DVD,

or DVD/CD-RW

drive

Drive

indicator

Drive eject button

Component Icon Description

Battery bay Insert the battery into this bay. For more inf ormation, s ee

“Changing batteries” on page 103.

CD, CD-RW, DVD, or
combination DVD/CD-RW
drive

Drive indicator Lights up when the computer is accessing the CD,

Drive eject button Press the eject button to open the disc tray. For more

Insert CDs, CD-RWs, or DVDs into this drive. For more
information, see “ U s ing a CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive” on
page 69.

T o det ermine the type of driv e in your noteb ook, exa mine
the drive tray’s plastic cover. A CD Compact Disc logo
indicates a CD dri ve, a CD-R/RW logo indicate s a
recordable/rewritable CD drive, a DVD logo indicates a
DVD drive, and a DVD/CD-R/RW logo indicates a
combination DVD and recordable/rewritable CD drive.

CD-RW, DVD, or combination DVD/CD-RW drive. For
more information, see “Using a CD, CD-RW, or DVD
drive” on page 69.

information, see “ U s ing a CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive” on
page 69.

Manual eject hole Insert a straightened paperclip into this h ole to open the

drive if the drive eject button fails to open it.

4

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Back

Back

Kensington
lock slot

Power
connector

USB
ports

Monitor
port

Parallel
port

Ventilation
fan

Component Icon Description

Kensington™ lock slot Secure your computer to an object by connecting a

Kensington cable lock to this slot.

Power connector Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
USB ports Plug USB (Univers al Serial Bus) devices (s uch as a USB

Iomega™ Zip™ drive, printer, scanner, or camera) into
these ports.

Monitor port Plug an analog VGA monitor into this port.

Parallel port Plug a parallel device (such as a printer) into this port.

Ventilation fan Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert

objects in to these slo ts.

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5

Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Solo 1450

Bottom

Memory

bay

Reset

hole

Ventilation

fan

Hard drive

Battery
bay

Battery
latch

System
label

Component Icon Description

Hard drive Install the hard drive here. For more information, see “Replacing the

hard drive” on page 137.

Battery bay Insert the battery into this bay. For more information, see “Changing

batteries” on page 103.

Battery latch Slide to release the battery.

System labe l Includes th e produc t model numbe r and ser ial number. For more

information, see “Identifying your model” on page 9.

Ventilation
fan

Reset hole Insert a straightened paper clip into this hole to manually restart the

Memory bay Install as m any as two mem ory m odules in to this bay. For more

6

Helps cool internal components. Do not block or insert objects into these
slots.

system.

information, see “Installing memory” on page 133.

www.gateway.com

Ke yboard area

Keyboard

Touchpad

Keyboard area

Multi-function buttons

Power button

Status
indicators

Component Icon Description

Power button Press to turn the power on or off. For more information on

configuring the power button mode, see “Changing power
settings” on page 107.

Multi-function buttons Four multi-function buttons can be assigned to open

applications. By default, these buttons are set to open your
e-mail application, your Web browser, online help, and
another program that you assign. For more information, see
“Multi-function buttons” on page 22.

Status indicators Inf orm y ou wh en a d rive is in use o r whe n a b utt on has been

pressed that affects how the keybo ard is used . For more
information, see “Status indicators” on page 17.

Touchpad Provides all the functionality of a mouse. For more

information, see “Using the EZ Pad touchpad” on page 23.

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7

Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Solo 1450

Component Icon Description

Keyboard A full-sized 86-key keyboard. For more information, see

“Using the keyboard” on page 18.

8

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Identifying y our model

The labels on the bottom of your computer contain information that
identifies your notebook model and its features. Gateway Tec hnical Support
will need this information if you call for assistance.

Important The label shown below is for informational purposes only.

Label information var ies by model.

Insert Solo 1450 Label

The following label indicates your computer contains a wireless
communications dev ice.

Identifying your mo del

Insert Wireless Label

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

Insert Microsoft XP Label

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9

Chapter 1: Checking Out Yo ur Gateway Solo 1450

Accessories

Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your

notebook.

Batteries and automobile/airplane power adapt ers

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. See “Changing batteries” on page 103 for more information about

using a second battery on your notebook.

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.

Peripheral de vices

Y o u can attach devices s uch as a keyboa rd, mouse, printer, or monitor to your

notebook.

10

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 printers to your notebook. 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 28 for

more information about attaching a printer to your notebook.

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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Getting Started

This chapter provides basic information about your Gateway notebook. Read

this chapter to find out:

■ How to con nect th e AC adapter

■ How to start and turn off your notebook

■ How to use the key board

■ How to use the EZ Pad touchpad

■ How to con nect th e modem

■ How to connect to an Ethernet network

■ How to install peripheral devi ces

2

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11

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Connecting the A C 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 pow er f or the first tim e, the battery lif e
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
recalibrating the b attery , se e “Recal ibrating the battery” on
page 102.

To connect the AC adapter:

1 Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.

12

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 be
damaged.

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Connecting the AC adapter

2 Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.

3 Plug the power cord into a wall outlet.

The battery charging indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 2 for the
location of the indicator). If the battery charging indicator does not turn
on, disconnect the adapter from your n otebook 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. The battery charge meters may not show a charge for several
hours. For more information about battery meters on your model, see
“Monitoring the battery charge” on page 100.

5 If the battery meters do 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 A C adapter has dangerous vo ltages that
can cause serious injury or dea th. Contact G ate wa y about
returning defective AC adapters.

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13

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Protecting from power source problems

During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your

computer can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system

damage. Protect your computer and peripheral devices by connecting them

to a surge protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from

reaching your computer.

Warning High voltages can enter your computer through both the

power cord and the modem connection. Protect your
computer by using a surge protector. If you have a
telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a
modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge
protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an
electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the
modem.

14

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Starting your notebook

To start the notebook:

1 Open your notebook by sliding the latch on the front of your notebook

to the right and lifting the LCD panel.

2 Press the power button located above the keyboard.

Pow er b u tt o n

Starting your notebook

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 power settings” on page 107.

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

instructions to set up your notebook.

W aking up your notebook

When you have not used your notebook for several minutes, it may enter 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
“Changing power settings” on page 107.

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15

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Turning off y our notebook

To turn off your notebook:

1 Click Start, then click T urn Off Computer . The Turn Off Computer dialog box

opens.

2 Click Tu rn Off. Windows shuts down and turns off your notebook.

Important If for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer

option in Windows to t urn off your noteboo k, press and
hold the power b utton f or about fiv e seconds, then release
it.

16

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Status indicators

Status indicators inform you when a drive is being used or when a button
has been pressed that affects how the keyboard is used.

Pad lo ck

Caps lock

Scroll lock

Status indicators

Diskette drive

Hard drive

Disc drive

Indicator Icon Description

Caps Lock Caps Lo ck is tur ned on.

Pad Lock Pad Lock is turned on.

1

Scroll Lock Scroll Lock is turned on.

Diskette drive The standard 1.44 MB diskette drive is in use.

Hard drive The hard drive is in use.

Disc dr ive The CD, CD-RW, DVD, or combination DVD/CD-RW drive is in

use.

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17

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Using the keyboar d

Your notebook features a full-size keyboard that functions the same as a

desktop computer keyboard. Many of the keys have been assign ed alternate

functions, including shortcut keys for Windows, function keys for specific

system operations, and the Pad Lock keys for the numeric keypad.

Y ou can attach an external keyboard to the notebook using a USB or PS/2 port.

You do not need to shut down the notebook to connect a keyboard.

Fn key

Application
key

Function/System keys

key

Numeric
keypad

Navigation/Volume keys

Windows
key

Arrow keysWindows

Fn key

18

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Using the keyboard

Key types

Many different key types are located on t he keyboard. Some keys perform
specific actions when pressed by itself and another action when pressed in
combination with another key.

Key type Icon Description

Function keys Press these keys labeled F1 to F12 to perform actions

in programs. For example, pressing F1 may open help.
Each program uses different function keys for different

purposes. Refer to the program documentation to find
out more about the function key actions.

System keys Press these colored k ey s in combin ation wit h the F

to perform specific actions.

Navigation keys Press these ke y s to move the cursor t o th e be ginning of

a line, to the e nd of a li n e, up th e pa ge, dow n the pa ge,
to the beginning of a document, or to the end of a
document.

V olume keys Press these colored keys in c ombinati on with the F

to increase or decrease the volume, or mute the sound.

N key Press the FN key in combination with a colored system

F

key (such as
a specific action.

Application key Press for quick access to shortcut menus and help

assistants in Windows.

Windows key Press to open the Windows Start menu. This key can

also be used in combination with other keys to open
utilities like F (Search utility), R (Run utility), and
E (Explorer utility).

Numeric keypad Use these keys to type numbers when the numeric

keypad is turned on. Press
numeric keypad.

Arrow keys Press these keys to move the cursor up, down, right, or

left.

STATUS, STANDBY, or PAUSE) to perform

FN+PAD LOCK to turn on the

N key

N key

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19

Chapter 2: Getting Started

System key combinations

When you press an FN key and a system key at the same time, the notebook

performs the action identified by the colored t ext or icon on the key.

Press and hold F

N while

pressing this system key...

Too...

Display the power statu s box in th e upper left corner of your screen.
The box shows the battery charge level, the BIOS version, and
whether the AC adapter is being us ed. Pres s the key combinati on
again to close this box.

T oggle the notebook screen betw een the LCD , an e xternal monitor ,
or both displays at the same tim e . A monitor m ust be pl ugged in to
the monitor port on the notebook.

Enter Standby mode. Press the power button to leave Standby
mode.

Turn on Pad Lock so you can use the numeric keypad. Press this
key combination again to turn off Pad Lock. The Pad Lock status
indicator appears while this function is turned on.

Pause the text scrolling in a DOS screen. The Scroll Lock status
indicator appears when this function is turned on. Press the key
combination again to continue scrolling. (This function is only
available in some programs.)

Pause e xe cution of a DOS prog ram. (This fu nction is only a vail able
in some programs.)

20

Stop the cur rently r unning D OS program. (This func tion is on ly
available in some programs.)

Mute the sound. Press the key combination again to restore the
sound.

Increase volume.

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Using the keyboard

Press and hold FN while
pressing this system key...

Too...

Decrease volume.

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21

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Multi-function buttons

User-defined
shortcut

Help

Internet

E-mail

Button Icon Press to...

E-mail Open your e-mail program.

Intern et Open your Web browser.

Help Open online help.

User-defined shortcut Open the program you assign to this key.

The multi-function buttons can be assigned different functions than those

listed. For more information, see “Programming the multi-function buttons”

on page 126.

22

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Using the EZ P ad touchpad

The EZ Pad™ consists of a touchpad, two buttons, and a rocker switch.

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

Left
touchpad
button

When you move your finger on the touchpad, the pointer (arrow) on the screen
moves in the sam e directi on.

Rocker
switch

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Right
touchpad
button

Touchpad

23

Chapter 2: Getting Started

You can use the EZ-Pad left and right buttons below the touchpad to select

objects.

You can assign a function to the rocker switch between the touchpad buttons.

This function can be to scroll up or down, maximize or minimize the active

window, or open and close the Start menu. For more information about

programming the rocker switch, see “Changing the touchpad settings” on

page 125.

Using the touchpad

To... Do this...

Move th e po inte r
on the screen.

Select an obj ect
on the screen.

Star t a program
or open a file or
folder.

Move your finger around on the
touchpad. If you run out of sp ac e
and need to move the pointer
farther, lift your f inger, move it to
the middle of the touchpad, then
continue moving your finger.

Position the poin ter over the
object. Press the le ft button below
the touchpad once. This action is
called clicking.

Position the poin ter over the
object. Press the le ft button below
the touchpad twice in rapid
succession. This action is called
double-clicking.

24

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To... Do this...

Using the EZ Pad touchpad

Access a
shortcut menu or
find more
information
about an object
on the screen.

Move an object
on the screen.

Position the poin ter over the
object. Quickly press and release
the right button once. This action
is called right-clicking.

Position the poin ter over the
object. Press the left button and
hold it down, then use the
touchpad to move (drag) the
object to the appropriate part of
the screen. Release th e button to
drop the ob ject where you want it.

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25

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Connecting the modem

Your notebook has a built-in 56K modem.

Caution To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger

telecommunications line cord.

To connect the modem:

1 Insert one end of the mo d e m c ab l e i n t o th e m o de m ja c k on the left

side of the notebook.

26

2 Insert the other en d of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack. The

modem will not work with digital or PBX telephone lines.

3 Start your notebook, then start your communications software.

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Connecting to an Ethernet ne twork

Connecting to an Ethernet netw ork

Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect it to a 10/100
Ethernet network.

To connect to a network:

1 Insert one en d of the network cable into the network jack on the

left side of the notebook.

2 Insert the other end of the network cable into a network wall jack. Ask

your network administrator to help you select the correct network jack.

Your notebook is now physically connected to the network. Your network
administrator can help you log onto your network.

Broadband Internet connections

You can use your notebook’s Ethernet jack for more than just networking.
Many broadband Interne t connections, such as cable modems and DSL
modems, connect to your notebook’s Ethernet jack. For more information,
see “Using the Internet” on page 57 and “Networking Your Notebook” on
page 139.

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Chapter 2: Getting Started

Installing a printer , scanner , or other
peripheral device

Your c omputer has one or more of the following p orts: Universal Serial Bus

(USB) and parallel. These ports are used for connecting peripheral devices such

as printers, scanners, and digital cameras to your computer. For more

information about port locations, see “Checking Out Your Gateway Solo

1450” on page 1.

USB ports supp ort plug-and-play and hot swapping, which means that your

computer will usually recognize such a device whenever you plug it into the

appropriate port. When you use a USB device for the first time, your computer

will prompt you to install any software the device needs. After doing this,

you can disconnect and reconnect the device at any time.

Parallel port devices are not plug-and-play. Refer to the device documentation

for detailed information and installation instructions.

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Getting Help

This chapter tells you about additional information resources ava ilable to help

you use your computer. It includes the following topics:

■ HelpSpot

■

Online help

■ Gateway Web site

™

3

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29

Chapter 3: Getting Help

HelpSpot

Y our computer may include HelpSpot, an easily accessible collection of help

information, troubleshooters, instructional videos, and automated support.

Use HelpSpot to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly

discover and use the many features of your Gateway computer . HelpSp ot also

has an area called Contact Gateway that helps you find the right resource at

Gateway to answer your questions or help solve your problems.

To start HelpSpot:

■ Click Start, then click Help and Support. HelpSpot opens.

30

If this is the first time you have started HelpSpot on your computer, you
may experience a brief wait while HelpSpot builds the help database, then
HelpSpot will display an introductory video.

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You can find help information by clicking a link, performing a search, or
browsing the index. To learn about using your Gateway computer, your
mouse, and other tasks, click the

Using your computer link on the HelpSpot

main page.

HelpSpot

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Chapter 3: Getting Help

HelpSpot Videos

HelpSpot contains several short videos to help introduce you to new concepts

or show you how to perform various tasks.

To play a HelpSpot video:

■ T o watch a video in HelpSpot, click Video Tutorials on the HelpSpot home

page, then click a video title. The video plays.

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Online help

Many programs provide information online so you can research a topic or
learn how to perform a task while you are using the program. Most online
help information can be accessed by selecting a topic from a
by clicking a

You can search for information by viewing the help contents, checking the
index, searching for a topic or keyword, or browsing through the online help.

Help button.

Online help

Help menu or

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Chapter 3: Getting Help

Gatewa y Web site

Gateway provides a variety of information on its Web site to help you use

your computer.

34

Visit the Gateway Web site at www.gateway.com

■ Technical documentation and product manuals

■ Technical tips and support, including online chat services

■ Hardware drivers

■ Order status

■ Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

For more information about connecting to the Internet, see “Learning about

the Internet” on page 58.

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for:

Windows
Basics

Read this chapter to get basic information on how to:

■ Use the Windows desktop

■ Manage files and folders

■ Wo r k w i t h d ocum e n t s

■ Use shortcuts

Help and

Support

4

For more information about Windows, click Start, then
click Help and Support.

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Chapter 4: Windows Bas ics

About the Windows en viro nment

After your computer starts, the first screen you see is the Windows desktop.

The desktop is like the top of a real desk. Think of the desktop as your

personalized work space where you open programs and perform other tasks.

Y our deskto p may be different from the example shown below , depending on

how your computer is set up.

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Using the desktop

The desktop contains the taskbar, the Start button, and the Recycle Bin icon.

Desktop elements Descriptio n

The taskbar is the bar at the bottom of the screen
containing the Start butto n on the left a nd a cloc k
on the right. Other buttons on the taskbar
represent programs that are running.

Click a program’s button on the taskbar to open
the program’s window.

The Star t button provides access t o programs,
files, help for Windows and other programs, and
computer tools and utilities.

Click the Start button, then op en a file or prog ram
by cli cki ng ( selecting) an item on t he menu t hat
opens.

Using the desktop

The Recycle Bin is where files, folders, and
programs that you discarded are stored. You
must empty the Recycle Bin to permanently
delete them from y ou r comp uter. For instructions
on how to use the Rec ycle Bin, see “Deletin g files
and folders” on page 45.

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Chapter 4: Windows Bas ics

Using the Start menu

You can sta rt progr ams, ope n files, c ustomiz e your sys tem, get h elp, se arch

for files and folders, and more using the Start menu.

To use the Start menu:

1 Click the Start button on the lower left of the Windows desktop. The Start

menu opens showing you the first level of menu items.

2 To see all programs and files in the Start menu, click All Programs.

When you move the mouse pointer over any menu item that has an
arrow next to it, another menu, or submenu, opens and reveals related
files, programs, or commands.

3 Click a file or program to open it.

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Identifying Window items

When you double-click the icon for a drive, folder, file, or program, a window
opens on the desktop. This example shows the Local Disk (C:) window, which
opens after double-clicking the
window.

Local Disk (C:) icon in the My Computer

Identifying Window ite ms

Title bar

Menu bar

Close
Maximize

Minimize

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Chapter 4: Windows Bas ics

Every program window looks a little different because each has its own menus,

icons, and controls. Most windows include these items:

Window item Description

The title bar is the horizontal bar at the top
of a window th at shows the window tit le.

Clicking the minimize button reduces the
active window to a button on the taskbar.
Clicking the program button in the taskbar
opens the window again.

Clicking the maximize button expands the
active wind ow to fit the ent ire screen. Cli cking
the maximize button again restores the
window to its former size.

Clicking the close button closes the active
window or program.

Clicking an item on the menu bar starts an
action such as Print or Save.

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Working with files and folders

W orking with files and f olders

You c an organize your files and programs to suit your preferences much like
you would store information in a file cabinet. You can store these files in
folders and copy, move, and delete the information just as you would
reorganize and throw away information in a file cabinet.

Viewing drives

Drives are like file cabinets because they hold files and folders. A computer
almost always has more than one drive. Each drive has a letter, usually Local
Disk (C:) for the hard drive and 3½ Floppy (A:) for the diskette drive. Y ou may
also have more drives such as a CD, CD-RW, DVD, or combination
DVD/CD-RW drive.

To view the drives on your computer:

■ Click Start, then click My Computer on the Start menu.

Drives

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Chapter 4: Windows Bas ics

To see the files and folders on a drive:

■ Double-click the drive icon. If you do not see the contents of a drive after

you double-click its icon, click

Creating folders

Folders are much like the folders in a file cabinet. They can contain files and

other folders.

Files are much like paper documents—letters, spreadsheets, and pictures—that

you keep on your computer. In fact, all information on a computer is stored

in files.

Folders

Files

Show the contents of this drive.

To create a folder:

1 Click Start, then click My Computer on the Start menu.
2 Double-click the drive or folder, for example the Local Disk (C:), where you

42

want to put the new folder.
The drive or folder window opens. If you do not see the contents of the

drive or folder, click

Show the contents of this drive.

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Working with files and folders

3 Click File, New, then click Folder. The new folder is created.
4 Type a name for the folder, then press ENTER. The new folder n ame

appears by the folder ico n.

Copying and moving files and f olders

The skills you need to copy and move files are called copying, cutting, and
pasting.

When you copy and paste a file or folder, you place a copy of the file o r folde r
on the Windows clipboard, which temporarily stores it. Then, when you decide
what folder you want the copy to go in (the destination folder), you paste it
there.

When you cut and paste a file or folder, you remove the file or folder from
its original location and place the file or folder on the Windows clipboard.
When you decide where you want the file or folder to go, you paste it there.

Important The clipboard stores whatever you cut or copy until you

cut or copy again. Then the clipboard contains the new
information only. Therefore, you can paste copies of a file
or folder into more than one pla ce, but as soon as y ou copy
or cut a different file or folder, the original file or folder is
deleted from the clipboard.

To copy a file or folder to another folder:

1 Right-click (press the right mouse button) the file or folder that you want

to copy. A pop-up menu opens on th e desktop.

2 Click Copy on the pop-up menu.
3 Open the destination folder.
4 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
5 Click Paste. A copy of the file or folder appears in the new location.

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Chapter 4: Windows Bas ics

To move a file or folder to another folder:

1 Right-click (press the right mouse button) the file or folder that you want

to move. A pop-up menu opens on the desktop.

2 Click Cut on the pop- up menu.
3 Open the destination folder.
4 With the pointer inside the destination folder, right-click.
5 Click Paste. The file or folder you moved appears in its new location and

is removed from its old location.

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Deleting files and f olders

When you throw away paper files and folders, you take them from the file
cabinet and put them in a trash can. Eventually the trash can is emptied.

In Windows, you throw away files and folders by first moving them to
Windows trash can, called the Recycle Bin, where they remain until you decide
to empty the bin.

You can recover any file in the R ecycle Bin as long as the bin has not been
emptied.

To delete files or folders:

1 In My Computer or Windows Explorer, click the files or folders that you

want to delete. For instructions on how to select multiple files and folders,
see “Shortcuts” on page 55.

2 Click File, then click Delete. Windows moves the files and folders to the

Recycle Bin.

Working with files and folders

To recover files or folders from the Recycle Bin:

1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon. The Recycle Bin window opens and lists

the files and folders you have thrown away since you last emptied it.

2 Click the files or folders that you want to restore. For instructions on how

to select multiple files and folders, see “Shortcuts” on page 55.

3 Click File, then click Restore. Windows returns the deleted files or folders

to their original locations.

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Chapter 4: Windows Bas ics

To empty the Recycle Bin:

Caution Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently erases any files or

1 Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. The Recycle Bin window

opens.

2 Click File, then click Empty Recycle Bin. Windows asks you if you are sure

that you want to empty the bin.

3 Click Yes. Windows permanently deletes all files in the Recycle Bin.

folders in the bin. These files cannot be restored.

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Bro wsing for fil es and folder s

A file or folder that you need is rarely right on top of your Windows desktop.
It is usually on a drive inside a folder that may be inside yet another folder,
and so on.

Windows drives, folders, and files are organized in the same way as a real file
cabinet in that they may have many levels (usually many more levels than
a file cabinet, in fact). So you usually will have to search through levels of
folders to find the file or folder that you need. This is called browsing.

To browse for a file:

1 Click Start, then click My Computer.
2 Double-click the drive or folder that you think contains the file or folder

that you want to find. If you do not see the contents of a folder, click

Show the contents of this folder.

Working with files and folders

3 Continue double-clicking folders and their subfolders until you find the

file or folder you want.

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Chapter 4: Windows Bas ics

Searc hing for files

If you are looking for a particular file or folder or a set of files or folders that

have characteristics in common, but you do not remember where they are

stored on your hard drive, you can use the Search utility to search by:

■ Name or part of a name

■ Creation date

■ Modification date

■ File type

■ Text contained in the file

■ Time period in which it was created or modified

You can also combine s earch criteria to refine searches.

Files and folders found using these utilities can be opened, copied, cut,

renamed, or deleted directly from the list in the results window.

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Using the Searc h utility

To find files and folders using the Search utility:

1 Click Start, then click Search. The Search Results window opens. Click All

files and folders

.

Searching for files

2 If you want to search by file or folder name, type in all or part of the

file or folder name in the name box in the left pane of the window.

■ If you type all of the name, Search will list all files and folders of

that name.

■ If you type part of the name, Search will list all of the file and folder

names containing the letters you typed.

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Chapter 4: Windows Bas ics

3 Click Search. When the search is completed, Windows lists the files and

folders whose names contain the text that you searched for.

4 Open a file, folder, or program by double-clicking the name in the list.

Using advanced search options

Search can find files meeting more criteria than file name. You can select

options to narrow your search by selecting the search options that you want.

You can search by the:

■ Date the file was created or modified.

■ Size of the file.

■ Type of file, such as a program or a text document.

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W orking with documents

Computer documents include word processing files, spreadsheet files, or other
similar files. The basic methods of creating, saving, opening, and printing a
document apply to most of these types of files.

Working with documents

The following examples show how to create, save, open, and print a document
using Microsoft
Microsoft Excel, Microsoft WordPad, and Microsoft Publisher.

For more information about using a program, click

®

Word. Similar procedures apply to other programs such as

Creating a ne w document

Help and

Support

To create a new document:

1 Click Start, All Programs, then click Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word starts

and a blank document opens.

2 Click File, then click New. The New Document pane opens.

For more information about creating a document in
Windows XP, c lick Start, then click Help and Support.

Help on its menu bar.

New
Document
pane

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Chapter 4: Windows Bas ics

3 Click General Templates. The Templates dialog box opens.

4 Click a tab for the type of document you want to create, click a document

template style, then click

OK. The document template opens.

5 Begin composing your document. Use the me nu s and toolbar buttons at

the top of the window to format the document.

Saving a document

After you create a document, you need to save it if you want to use it later.

Help and

Support

To save a document in Microsoft Word:

1 Click File, then click Save. The Save As dialog box opens.
2 In the Save in list, click the folder where you want to save the file.

52

For more information about saving a document in
Windows XP, c lick Start, then click Help and Support.

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3 Type the new file name.

File

folder

File

name

4 Click Save.

Working with documents

Opening a document

T o view, revise, or print an existing document, first you need to open it. Open
the document in the program that it was created in.

Help and

Support

To open a document in Microsoft Word:

1 Click Start, All Programs, then click Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word starts

and a blank document opens.

2 Click File, then click Open.

For more information about opening a document in
Windows XP, c lick Start, then click Help and Support.

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Chapter 4: Windows Bas ics

3 Find the folder you wan t to open in the Look in list.

Look in

list

4 Double-click the document file name. The document opens.

Printing a document

To print a document, you must have a printer connected to your computer

or have access to a network printer. For more information about installing or

using you r printe r, refer to the printer documen tation.

Help and

Support

To print a document in Microsoft Word:

1 Make sure that the printer is turned on and loaded with paper.
2 Star t Microsoft Word and open a document.

54

For more information about printing a document in
Windows XP, c lick Start, then click Help and Support.

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3 Click File, then click Print. The Print dialog box open s.
4 Set the print options, then click OK. The document prints.

Shortcuts

The following table shows a fe w shortc uts tha t yo u ca n use in Windows and
almost all programs that run in W indows. For more information on W indows
shortcuts, see your Windows or program documentation.

To... Do this...

Copy a file, folder, text, or graphic Click the item, then press CTRL + C.
Cut a file, folder, text, or graphic Click the item, then press CTRL + X.
Paste a file, folder , text, or graphic Click inside the folde r or window where y ou want to paste

the object, then press

CTRL + V.

Shortcuts

Select multiple items in a list or in a
window

Select multiple adj ac ent it em s in a lis t
or window

Permanently delete a file or folder Click the file or folder, then press SHIFT + DELETE. The

Rename a file or folder Click the fil e or fol der, press

Close the active window o r program Pre ss
Switch to a different file, folder, or

running program

Click the first item, press and hold down the CTRL key,
then click each of the remaining items.

Click the first item in the list, press and hold down the

SHIFT key, then click th e last it em in the li st.

file is permanently deleted. The file or fold er is not stored
in the Recycle Bin.

F2, type the new name , then

ENTER.

press

ALT + F4.

Press ALT +TAB.

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Chapter 4: Windows Bas ics

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Using the
Internet

This chapter provides information about the Internet and the World Wide

W eb, and tells you how to set up the America Online

you can send and receive e-mail and access other Internet resources.

5

®

Internet service so that

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Chapter 5: Using the Inter net

Learning about the Internet

The Internet is a worldwide network of computers linked together to provide

information to people everywhere. The two most popular services on the

Internet are e-mail and the World Wide Web. You can access this network by

connecting your computer to a telephone, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), or

cable line and signing up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Cable and DSL modems, a faster connection known as broad band, use your

TV cable or special telephone lines to connect to your ISP and access the

Internet. Cable and DSL modems connect to your computer through an

Ethernet jack.

Important For the location of your Ethernet jack, see “Left side” on

page 3.

Internet Ser vers

store infor mation so other
computers can access it
from the Internet.

Yo u r com p u ter
connects to the
Internet through
an ISP.

58

ISP Servers

let you connect to
the Internet and
access your e-mail
messages.

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Setting up an Internet acc ount

If you want to access the Internet you need:

■ A modem – a device that connects your computer to other computers

or servers using a telephone, DSL, or cable line.

■ An Internet Service Provider – a company that provides access to the

Internet through an ISP server. When you connect to an ISP, the ISP server
lets you access the Internet and yo ur e-mail messages.

■ A Web browser – a program that displays information from the World

Wide Web .

■ An e-mail program – a program that lets you create, send, and receive

e-mail messages over the Internet.

Setting up an Internet account

Before you can view the information on the World Wide Web, you need to
set up an Internet account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you have
chosen America Online as an ISP, follow these instructions to set up and
connect to your account. To establish a different ISP service, or to transfer an
existing account to this computer, contact the ISP directly.

If you set up an account with America Online, an Internet e-mail address is
created for you. After completing the setup you are ready to access the
Internet.

Help and

Support

For more information on setting up and accessing an
Internet account, clic k Start, then click Help and Supp ort.

To set up an Internet account with America Online:

1 Click Start, All Programs, then click America Online.
2 Follow the on-screen instructions. After setting up your account, you can

connect to the Internet and access your e-mail services.

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Chapter 5: Using the Inter net

Accessing your Internet account

To connect to your America Online Internet account:

1 Click Start, All Programs, then click America Online.
2 Complete the member name and password information, then click

Connect. The computer dials the Internet account telephone number.

If you are using a service other than America Online, check with your ISP for

the correct procedure for conn ecting.

After connecting, the W eb browser window opens. For information about the

Web and the Web browser, see “Using the World Wide Web” on page 61.

To disconnect from your America Online Internet account:

■ Click X in the top right corner of the America Online window. Your

computer disconnects from the Internet.

Important Make sure that your computer disconnects correctly from

your Internet account. If you do not have an “unlimited
hours” ISP account, you may have to pay for the time that
you are connected, even if you are not at the computer.

60

If you are using a service other than America Online, check with your ISP for

the correct procedure for disconnecting.

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Using the W orld Wide W eb

The World Wide Web is a multimedia window to the Internet that gives you
access to millions of information sources.

Information on the Web comes to you on We b p a g e s , which a re electronic
documents that you view using a Web page display program called a browser.
You can use any of the commercially available Web browsers, like Microsoft
Internet Explorer, which comes installed on your new computer.

Web pages can contain text, animations, music, and other multimedia
features.

A group of related Web p ages is called a Web s it e. You can access Web sites to
shop, track investments, read the news, download programs, and much more.

You can explore a Web site or visit other Web sites by clicking areas on a Web
page called links or hyperlinks. A link may be colored or underlined text, a
picture, or an animated image. You can identify a link by moving the mouse
pointer over it. If the pointer changes to a hand, the item is a link.

Using the World Wide Web

To learn more about using the Web browser features, click
bar.

Web

page

Link

Linked W eb pa ge

Help in the menu

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Chapter 5: Using the Inter net

Connecting to a Web site

After you set up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as

America Online, you can access the many information sources on the World

Wide Web .

Help and

Support

For more information on connecting to a Web site in
Windows XP, c lick Start, then click Help and Support.

To connect to a Web site:

1 Connect to your Internet account. After the computer connects, a default

opening page or welcome screen opens.

2 To go to a different Web site, type the address (called a URL for “Universal

Resource Locator”) in the browser address bar (for example

www.gateway.com

- OR ­On the current Web page, click a link to a Web site.
The Web browser locates the server computer on the Internet, downloads

(transfers) data to your computer, and displays the page on the site that
you requested.

), then click GO on the browser address bar.

62

Sometimes Web pages display slowly. The speed that a Web page displays on

your screen depends on the complexity of the Web page and other Internet

conditions. Additionally, the speed of your connection will determine how

fast Web pages display.

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Downloading files

Downloading is the process of transferring files from a computer on the
Internet to your computer.

To protect your computer against viruses, make sure that you scan the files
you download. For more information, see “Protecting your computer from
viruses” on page 187.

Using the World Wide Web

Help and

Support

For more inf ormation on downloadi ng files in Windo ws XP,
click Start, then click Help and Support.

To download files or programs from a Web site:

1 Connect to your Internet account.
2 In the address bar, type the address of the Web site that contains the file

or program you want to download, then click
bar.

- OR ­Click a link on a Web page to navigate to the Web site containing the

file that you want to download.

GO on the browser address

3 Create or locate the folder where you want to store the file on your

computer.

4 Click the link on the Web page for the file that you want to download.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions for saving the file in the folder that

you want.
A copy of the file is downloaded to your comp uter. The time that it takes

to transfer the file to your computer depends on file size and Internet
conditions.

6 Open the folder that you created.
7 Install or view the downloaded file by double-clicking it. If applicable,

follow the instructions provided on the Web site to run or install the
program.

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Chapter 5: Using the Inter net

Using e-mail

E-mail (electronic mail) lets you send messages to anyone who has an Internet

connection and e-mail address. E-mail is usually a free service of your Internet

account.

The Internet never closes, so you can send e-mail messages at any time. Your

e-mail messages arrive at most e-mail addresses in minutes.

An e-mail address consists of a user name, the @ symbol, and the Internet

domain name of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) or company that “hosts”

that user. Your e-mail address is assigned when you sign up for an account

with an ISP. For example, a person with an account with America Online

might have an e-mail address that is similar to this one:

[e-mail]

User name I nter net domain n ame

64

Help and

Support

For more information on using e-m ail i n Wind ow s XP, click
Start, then click Help and Support.

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Sending e-mail

To send e-mail using America Online:

1 Connect to your America Online account.
2 Click Write.
3 Type the e-mail address of the recipient you want to send e-mail to in

the

Send To box.

4 Type the subject of your e-mail in the Subject box.
5 Type the e-mail message.
6 When finished, click Send Now. Your e-mail is sent over the Internet to

the e-mail address you specified.

Checking y our e-mail

Using e-mail

To check your e-mail using America Online:

1 Connect to your America Online account.
2 Click Read.
3 Double-click the message you want to read.

For more information about managing and organizing your e-mail messag es,
see the online help in your e-mail program.

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Chapter 5: Using the Inter net

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Using
Multimedia

This chapter provides information on using the multimedia capabilities of

your notebook. Read this chapter to learn how to:

■ Use the diskette drive

■ Use a CD, CD-RW, DVD, or combination DVD/CD-RW drive

■ Create CDs

■ Adjust the volume

■ Play CDs and DVDs

■ Record and play audio files

■ Use Windows Media Player

■ Use MusicMatch

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

Using diskettes

The diskette drive uses 3.5-inch diskettes (sometimes called floppy disks).

Diskettes are useful for storing files or transferring files to another computer.

Warning Do not expose diskettes to water or magnetic fields.

Exposure could damage the data on the diskette.

To use a diskette:

1 Insert the diskette into the diskette drive with the label facing up.
2 To access a file on the diskette, click Start, My Computer, double-click the

3 To remove the diskette, make sure the diskette drive status indicator is

68

Diskette
slot

drive letter (for example, the A: drive), then double-click the file name.

off (see “Status indicators” on page 17), then press the diskette eject
button.

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Eject
button

Using a CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive

Using a CD , CD-RW, or D VD drive

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

Activity indicator Manual eject hole

Eject button

Inserting a CD, CD-R W , or D VD

To ins ert a CD, CD-RW, or DVD:

1 Press the eject button on the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or combination

DVD/CD-RW drive. After the tray opens slightly, pull the disc tray
completely open.

2 Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up, then press down

carefully on the disc until it snaps into place.

Important When you place a singl e-s ide d dis c in the tray, make sure

that the label side is f ac ing up. If the disc has two playab le
sides, place the disc so that the n ame of th e side y ou w ant
to play is facing up.

3 Push the tray in until it is closed.

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

Creating CDs using your CD-R W or
DVD/CD-RW drive

Creating data CDs

Use Roxio Easy CD Creator to create data CDs. Data CDs are ideal for backing

up important files such as tax records, letters, MP3s, or photos.

To create a data CD:

1 Insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc into your CD-RW drive.
2 If a CD Drive dialog box opens, click Create a CD using Roxio Easy CD

Creator

- OR -

, then click OK. The Project Selector window opens.

If a dialog box does no t open, click

Creator

, then click Project Selector. The Project Selector window opens.

make a data CD dataCD project

Start, All Programs, Roxio Easy CD

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Creating CDs using your CD-RW or DVD/CD-RW drive

3 Move your pointer over make a data CD, then click dataCD projec t. The

Easy CD Creator window opens.

Select Source Files

Source Pane Add

4 Click the arrow button to open the Select Source Files list, then click the

folder where your files are located.

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

5 Click the file you want to record (hold down the CTRL or SHIFT key when

you click to select multiple files) in the Source pane, then click

Add.

72

record

6 After you have added all of your files, click record. The Record CD Setup

window opens.

Start Recording

7 Click Start Recording.

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Creating music CDs

Use Roxio Easy CD Creator to create music CDs from other music CDs or MP3
files.

To create music CDs:

1 Insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc into your CD-RW drive.

Tips & Tricks Most car stereos read CD-R discs, but do not read CD-RW

discs.

2 If a CD Drive dialog box opens, click Create a CD using Roxio Easy CD

Creator

- OR -

, then click OK. The Project Selector window opens.

Creating CDs using your CD-RW or DVD/CD-RW drive

If a dialog box does no t open, click

Creator

make a music CD musicCD project

, then click Project Selector. The Project Selector window opens.

Start, All Programs, Roxio Easy CD

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

3 Move your pointer over make a music CD, then click musicCD project. The

Easy CD Creator window opens.

Select Sour ce Files

74

Source pane

Source pane

Add

4 Click the arrow button to open the Select Source Files list, then click the

folder where your files are located.

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Creating CDs using your CD-RW or DVD/CD-RW drive

5 Click the file you want to record (hold down the CTRL or SHIFT key when

you click to select multiple files) in the Source pane, then click

Tips & Tricks You can add any comb ination of music tracks or MP3 fi le s

to a music CD project. You can add up to 99 tracks and
files, or up to 650 MB (74-minute CD) or 700 MB
(80-minute CD) of tracks and files to a music CD project.

Add.

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record

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

6 After you have added all of your tracks and files, click record. The Record

CD Setup window opens.

7 Click Start Recording.

Start Recording

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Adjusting the volume

Y ou c an use the volume controls to a djust the overall volume and the vo lume
of specific sound devices in your computer.

Adjusting the volume

Help and

Support

For more information about adjusting the volume in
Windows XP, c lick Start, then click Help and Support.

To adjust the overall volume level using hardware controls:

■ On the keyboard, press the volume system key combination FN+ or

F

N+ to change the volume, or press the mute system key combination

F

N+ to turn of f all sou nd.

To adjust the overall volume level from Windows:

1 Click Start, then click Contro l Pane l. The Control Panel window opens. If

your Control Panel is in Category View, click

Devices

.

Sounds, Speech, and Audio

2 Click/Double-click the Ad just the sy stem volume or Sounds and Audio

Devices

. The Sounds and Audio Devices Properties dialog box opens.

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

3 Click the Volume tab.

4 Drag the Device Volume slider to change the volume or click to select the

Mute check box, then click OK.

To adjust specific volume levels:

1 Click Start, then click Contro l Pane l. The Control Panel window opens. If

your Control Panel is in Category View, click

Devices

.

2 Click/Double-click the Ad just the sy stem volume or Sounds and Audio

Devices

78

. The Sounds and Audio Devices Properties dialog box opens.

Sounds, Speech, and Audio

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3 Click the Volume tab.

4 Click Advanced in the Device volume area.

Adjusting the volume

If the device you want to adjust does not appear in the window, click

Options, Properties, the check box next to the audio device you want to

appear, then click

OK.

5 Drag the volume level and balance sliders for the device you want to

adjust, then close the window. For more information about the volume
controls, click

Help in the window.

6 Click X in the top-right corner of the window to close it.

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

Listening to CDs

Use the Windows Media Player to listen to CDs. For more information about

the using the Windows Media Player, click

to listen to CDs. See “Using MusicMatch” on page 85 for more information.

To play a CD:

1 Insert a CD into the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or combination DVD/CD-RW

drive.

2 If a mes sage asks you to chose a CD p layer, click Windows Media Player.

The Windows Media Play er opens.

3 When the med ia player opens, click (play).

Help. Y ou ca n also use Mus icMatch

80

Play

Stop

Previous Mute

Volume

Next

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Recording and pla ying audio

Use the instructions below to make an audio recording by speaking into the
microphone.

Recording and playin g audio

Help and

Support

For more inf ormation about rec ording and pl ay ing audio in
Windows XP, c lick Start, then click Help and Support.

To make an audio recording:

1 Plug a microphone into the Microphone jack on your computer. See “Left

side” on page 3 for the location of the Microphone jack.

2 Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, then click Sound

Recorder

. The Sound Recorder opens.

Rewind Fast

Forward

Play Stop Record

3 Cli ck (record ), then sp eak into the micro phone.
4 When you finish recording, click (stop).
5 Click File, then click Save As. The Save As dialog box opens.
6 Name the rec ording, specify the location where you want to save the

recording, then click

Save. The recording is saved.

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

To play an audio recording in Sound Recorder:

1 Open the S ound Recorder.
2 Click File, then click Open. The Open dialog box opens.
3 Click the file you want to play, then click Open.
4 Play the file by clicking (play), then stop playing the file by

clicking (stop).

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Recording and playin g audio

Playing audio and video files with the
Windows Media Player

The Windows Media Player can play several types of audio and video files,
including WAV, MIDI, MP3, AU, AVI, and MPEG formats. For more
information about using the Windows Media Player, click

To play a file using the Windows Media Player:

1 Click Start, All Programs, then click Windows Media Player.

The Windows Media Play er opens.

Video file
information

Video
screen

Help.

Play

Stop

2 Click File, then click Open. The Open dialog box opens.
3 Click the file you want to play, then click Open.
4 Play the file by clicking (play), then stop playing the file by

clicking (stop).

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

Playing a D VD

A Digital Versatile Di sc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD but has greater data

capacity. Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies, several albums

of music, or several gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc. If your computer

has a DVD drive or combination DVD/CD-R W drive, you c an play DVDs with

the DVD Player program. For m ore information about playing DVDs, click

Help in the DVD player program .

To play a DVD:

1 Make sure that the speakers are turned on or headphones are plugged in

and that the volume is turned up.

2 Turn off your screen saver and standby timers.
3 Click Start, All Programs, DVD Player, then click DVD Player. The D VD Player

video screen and control panel open.

4 Insert a DVD into the D VD drive, then click (play). The DVD plays.
5 To specifically control the DVD or adjust the volume, use the controls

in the DVD player. For more information on using the DVD player, see
its online help.

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Using MusicMatch

Using MusicMatch™, yo u can:

■ Play music CDs

■ Create MP3 music files from your music CDs

■ Use your music files to build a music library

■ Enter music track information

■ Listen to Internet Radio

For more information on using MusicMatch, see its online Help.

Playing CDs

You can use the MusicM atch program to play mu sic CDs.

To play a music CD:

1 In sert the m usic CD i nto the CD , CD-RW, DVD, or combi nation

DVD/CD-RW drive on your computer. The first time you insert a CD, the
Audio CD dialog box opens.

Using MusicMatch

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

2 Click Pla y Audio CD usin g MUSICMA TCH Jukebo x, click Alwa ys do the selected

action

, then click OK. MusicMatch opens, the CD begins playing, and the

names of the music tracks appear in the playlist area.

The next time you insert an audio CD, MusicMatch plays the CD
automatically.

Creating music files

Using MusicMatch, you can copy the tracks from a music CD to your

computer’s hard drive as MP3 files. MP3 (MPEG Layer 3) is a standard for

digitally compressing high-fidelity music into compact files without

noticeably sacrificing quality. MP3 files end in the file extension .mp3.

To create (rip) MP3 files:

1 Open Mus icMatch by clicki ng Start, All Programs, MusicMatch, then

clicking

2 Insert a CD into the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or combination DVD/CD-RW

drive, then click (record). The Recorder window opens.

3 By default all tracks in the track list are selected. Clear the checkbox of

any audio track you do not want to record (rip).

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MusicMatch Jukebox.

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4 Click (REC), then follow the on-screen instructions.

Using MusicMatch

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

Editing track in formation

After you add a CD track as an MP3 file to your music library, you can edit

the track’s information.

To edit track information:

1 In MusicMatch, click My Library. The library window opens.
2 In the library window, right-click the file, then click Edit Track Tag(s). The

E di t Tr a c k Ta g dialog box open s.

88

3 Enter information such as track title, lead artist, album, and genre.
4 Click OK. The new track information appears in the MusicMatch playlist,

music library, and recorder.

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Building a m usic library

Use MusicMatch to build a music library. You can organize your music tracks
by categories, find a track quickly by using the sort features, and add
information to a music file.

You can add music tracks to your music library by:

■ Creating MP3 files – When you create MP3 files from the tracks on your

music CD, MusicMatch automatically adds these files to your music
library.

■ Dragging and Dro pping – Drag a nd drop files from Windows Explorer

or your desktop to the music library.

■ Downloading files from the Internet – When you are connected to the

Internet, MP3 files that you download are automatically added to your
music library.

Using MusicMatch

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

Changing the music library display settings

To change the music library display settings:

1 In MusicMatch, click Options, then click Settings. The Settings window

opens.

2 Click the Music Library tab.

90

3 Click the categories that you want to display in the columns, then

click

OK.

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Listening to Internet radio

Use the Radio feature in MusicMatch to listen to Internet Radio stations.

To listen to an Internet radio station:

1 Connect to the Internet, then open MusicMatch.

2 Click Radio Stations. The Radio window opens.

Using MusicMatch

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Chapter 6: Using Multim edia

3 To select one of the MusicMatch Internet radio stations , click one of the

Popular Stations. You can also choose another Internet radio station by
clicking
Station Selector.

Broadcast Stations, then clicking the appropriate category in the

4 Select a radio station, then click Play. MusicMatch connects to the station

and plays the audio.

Using advanced features

Y ou can a lso use MusicMatch to create your own music CDs and to download

MP3 files to your portable MP3 player. For more information, see the

MusicMatch online Help.

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Sending and
Receiving
Faxes

PhoneTools lets you send and receive faxes using the modem.

Help and

Support

Before you send your first fax, you need to set up you r user information. Your

fax cover sheets and fax headers will contain this information, which is

required by law.

7

For more information about using the fax functions in
Windows XP, c lick Start, then click Help and Support.

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Chapter 7: Sending and Rec eiving Faxes

Setting up y our cover page

To set up your fax cover page:

1 If PhoneTools is not open, click Start, All Programs, PhoneTools, then click

PhoneTools.

94

2 Click Setup, then click General Setup. The General Setup dialog box opens.
3 Click the Customize tab, then type your personal information in the User

boxes.

4 Click the Fax tab, then enter your name and fax number in the Fax

identifier

enter up to 20 characters in the text box. We suggest using eight
characters for your identifier name, followed by 12 characters for your
telephone number.

Important Some fax machines cannot use special characters such

text box. This identifier information is required by law. You c a n

as hyphens . W e sugges t using spa ces instead o f h yphens
in telephone and fax numbers.

5 Click OK.

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