Using a wired Ethernet networ k
Using a wired Ethernet network
A wired Ethernet network consists of two or more computer s connected
together through an Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used
in offices around the world and can be used to build computer networks in
the home.
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at
10 Mbps, Fast Ethernet runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at
1000 Mbps. Most home networks are built using Standard or Fast Ethernet
components. Business networks are typically built using Fast or Gigabit Ethernet
components.
To create a wired Ethernet network, you or your electrician must:
■ Install special Ethernet cables in your home or office
Important Check local code requirements before installing Ethernet
cable or other wiring in your home or office. Your
municipality may require you to obtain a permit and hire
a licensed installer.
■ Install an Ethernet card in each of your desktop computers (if your
computers do not already have built-in Ethernet jacks)
■ Install an Ethernet PC Card in each of your notebooks or convertible
tablet PCs (if your notebooks or convertible tablet PCs do not already have
built-in Ethernet jacks)
■ Install an Ethernet router, switch, or hub
Tips & Tricks If you are connecting just two computers (known as a
peer-to-peer wired Ethernet network), you can eliminate
the router, switch, or hub and use a special crossover
cable.
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Example wired Ethernet network
The following is an example of a wired Ethernet network. The network is made
up of a router, a cable or DSL modem, you r com puters, an d cables c onnect ing
each of these components. The router is the central control point for the
network. Attached to the router are all of your computers or Ethernet-ready
devices. Also connected to the router is a cable or DSL modem that provides
access to the Internet.
Cable/DSL modem
Router,
switch,
or hub
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Tips & Tricks To add the abi lity to ac cess a wire less Ether net networ k
to your wired Etherne t networ k, conn ect an acce ss point
to the router, switch, or hub. For more information about
accessing a wireless Ethernet, see “Using a wireless
Ethernet network” on page 214.
www.gateway.com
Using a wired Ethernet networ k
Equipment you need for a wired Ethernet
network
For a wired Ethernet network you need:
■ An Ethernet jack on each desktop computer, notebook, tablet PC, and
convertible tablet PC.
- OR An Ethernet card (also called network interface cards or NICs) installed in
each desktop computer.
- OR An Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook or convertible tablet PC.
■ An Ethernet router. Select a router that gives you the following features:
■ A jack for connecting to a cable or DSL modem.
■ The ability to assign IP addresses to your networked computers
dynamically. This preve nts intruders from seeing the computers over
the Internet.
■ A built-in firewall to protect the computers on your network from
intruders trying to access your data over the Internet.
■ Built-in switching (with enough ports for all computers and devices
on the network) so you will not have to purchase a hub or switch.
■ If you did not purchase a router that includes built-in switching or if the
router does not have enough ports to attach all of your computers, an
Ethernet hub or switch with enough ports for all computers and devices
in the network.
■ Ethernet cable going from each computer to the router, hub, or switch.
Important For best results, all Ethernet co mponents should be ei ther
standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100Mbps or
10/100), or Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps or 10/100/1000).
A mixture of components rated at different speeds will
result in your network running at the speed of the slowest
rated component.
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Using a wireless Ethernet network
A wireless Ethernet network is ideal for creating a home or office network or
adding mobility to an existing wired Ethernet network. A wireless Ethernet
network allows you the freedom to move about your home or office with your
notebook, tablet PC, or convertible tablet PC. For example, you can take your
notebook, tablet PC, or convertible tablet PC from your home office to your
patio without having an Ethernet jack available.
Warning Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation
regulations require wi rel es s devic es to be turne d off while
traveling in an airplane . IEEE 802.1 1a, IEEE802.11b, and
IEEE 802.11g communication devices are examples of
devices that provide wireless communication. For
instructions to turn wireless Ethernet on and off, see
“Turning your wireless Ethernet emitter on or off” on
page 220.
Important If your convertible tablet PC came equipped with an
internal radio frequency wireless device, see “Safety,
Regulatory, and Legal Information” on page 315 for
general wireless regulatory and safety guidelines. To find
out if your convertible tablet PC has an internal wireless
device, check the label (see “Identifying your model” on
page 10) or the device manager.
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Using a wireless Ethe rnet network
Wireless Ethe rnet speed and frequenc y
Wireless Ethernet is available at two different speeds and at two different
frequencies. The following table compares the various wireless Ethernet
network types.
Network Type Speed Frequency Advantage s Disadvanta ges
IEEE 802.11a 54 Mbps 5 GHz Less possible
interference than
IEEE 802.11b and
IEEE 802.11g
■
IEEE 802.11b 11 Mbps 2.4 GHz
Large number of
access points already
exist in airports,
college campuse s, and
businesses
■
Compatible with
IEEE 802.11g
networks
■
Longer range (100 to
150 feet) than
IEEE 802.11a
■
IEEE 802.11g 54 Mbps 2.4 GHz
Compatible with
IEEE 802.11b
networks
■
Longer range (100 to
150 feet) than
IEEE 802.11a
■
Shorter range (25 to
75 feet) than
IEEE 802.11b and
IEEE 802.11g
■
Not compatible with
IEEE 802.11b or
IEEE 802.11g
networks
■
Possible interference
from cordless phones
and microwaves
■
Not compatible with
IEEE 802.11a
networks
■
Possible interference
from cordless phones
and microwaves
■
Not compatible with
IEEE 802.11a
networks
Important The speed of a wireless network is related to signal
strength. Signal strength is affected by the distance
between your wireless network devices, by radio
interference, and by inte rference from natura l obstruction s
such as walls, floors, and doors.
The two most common types of wireless Ethernet networks are access point
and peer-to-peer.
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Example access point wireless Ethernet
network
By using an access point, you can join a wireless Ethernet network and access
a wired Ethernet network. The following example shows how an access point
also lets you access the Internet.
The following is an example of an access point wireless Ethernet network. The
network is made up of an access point, a cable or DSL modem, and your
computers. The access point is the central control point for the network.
Attached to the access point is the cable or DSL modem that provides ac cess
to the Internet. Each of the computers or Et hernet-ready d evices c ommunic ate
with the access point using radio waves. If your computer does not have built-in
wireless Ethernet capabilities, you need to add a wireless PCI card (desktop),
PC card (notebook or convertible tablet PC), or USB adapter.
Cable/DSL modem
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Access point
USB wireless
adapter
Tips & Tricks If you want to access a wireless Ethernet network from
your wired Ethernet network, connect an access point to
the router, switch, or hub. For more information about
accessing a wired Ethernet, see “Using a wired Ethernet
network” on page 211.
www.gateway.com
Using a wireless Ethe rnet network
Equipment you need for an access point
wireless Ethernet network
For an access point wireless Ethernet network you need:
■ A wireless Ethernet PCI ca rd installed in each desktop computer
- OR A wireless Ethernet USB adapter attached to each desktop or notebook
computer, or convertible tablet PC
- OR A notebook, tablet PC, or convertible tablet PC with wireless Ethernet
built-in
- OR A wireless Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook or convertible
tablet PC that does not have wireless Ethernet built-in
■ A wireless Ethernet access point to connect your wireless Ethernet network
to the Internet or a wired Ethernet network
Important IEEE 802.11b and IEEE802.11g use the same radio
frequency. IEEE 802.11a uses a different radio frequency
than IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11g. All wireless
Ethernet components must use the same frequency. A
combination of IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b or
IEEE 802.11a and IEEE802.11g components will
not work. Some wireless devices can broadcast and
receive signals on both frequencies.
A mixture of IEEE 802.1 1b and IEEE 802.1 1g components
will result in your network running at the speed of the
slower IEEE 802.11b components.
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Example peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet
network
Use a peer-to-peer (also known as ad hoc) wireless Ethernet netw ork if you are
setting up or joining a temporary computer-to-computer network. This type of
network does not include access into a wired network or the Internet. You can
create this type of network to quickly move files from one c omputer to another.
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Using a wireless Ethe rnet network
Equipment you need for a peer-to-peer
wireless Ethernet network
For a peer-to-peer wireless Ethernet network you need:
■ A wireless Ethernet PCI ca rd installed in each desktop computer
- OR A wireless Ethernet USB adapter attached to each desktop or notebook
computer or convertible tablet PC
- OR A notebook, tablet PC, or convertible tablet PC with wireless Ethernet
built-in
- OR A wireless Ethernet PC Card installed in each notebook or convertible
tablet PC that does not have wireless Ethernet built-in
For more information
For more information about purchasing equipment for your home or office
Ethernet network, discuss your particular needs with your Gateway
representative. In addition, several books and Internet sites are dedicated to
networking (for example: www.homenethelp.com
information about networking your home or office with wired or wireless
Ethernet.
Help and
Support
For more information about networking, click/tap Start,
then click/tap Help and Support.
Type the keyword networking in the Search box
, then click/tap the arrow.
www.gateway.com
). See these sources for more
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Using your convertible tablet PC
on a network
Installing and confi guring your convertible
tablet PC for Ethernet networking
The Setting Up Your Windows Network guide has been included on your hard
drive. It provides instructions for installing and configuring both wired and
wireless Ethernet networking on your convertible tablet PC. To access this
guide, click/tap
T urning your wireless Ethernet em itter on or
off
Warning Radio frequency wireless communication can interfere
Start, All Programs, then click/tap Gateway D ocumentati on.
with equipment on commercial aircraft. Current aviation
regulations require wi rel es s devic es to be turne d off while
traveling in an airplane . IEEE 802.1 1a, IEEE802.11b, and
IEEE 802.11g communication devices are examples of
devices that provide wireless communication.
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Warning In environments where the risk of interference to other
devices or services is harmf ul or perceived as harmful, the
option to use a wireless device may be restricted or
eliminated. Airports, Hospitals, and Oxygen or flammable
gas laden atmospheres are limited examples where use
of wireless devices m ay be restric ted or eliminat ed. When
in environments where you are uncertain of the sanction
to use wireless devices, ask the applicable authority for
authorization prior to us e or turning on the wireless devic e.
www.gateway.com
Using your convertible tablet PC on a network
To turn the wireless Ethernet emitter on or off:
1 Click/Tap Start, then click/tap Control Panel. The Control Panel window
opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click/tap
Internet Connections
. The Network and Internet Connections window opens.
Network and
2 Click/Double-click/Tap/Double-tap Network Connections. The Network
Connections window opens.
3 Right-click/Button-tap Wireless Network Connection, then click/tap Enable to
turn on the wireless Ethernet emitter or click/tap
wireless Ethernet emitter.
Disable to turn off the
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Moving From
Your Old
Computer
If your new convertible tablet PC is replacing an old
computer, you may have personal data files, Internet
settings, a printer or other peripheral devices, and other
unique computer settings that you want to move from your
old computer to your new one. Read this chapter to learn
about:
■ Using the Files a nd Settin gs Transfer Wizard
■ Transferring Files
■ Transferring Internet Settings
■ Installing your old printer or scanner
■ Installing your old programs
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Chapter 12: Moving From Your Old Computer
Using the Files and Settings
T ransfer Wizard
You can move your data files and personal settings, such as display, Internet,
and e-mail settings, from your old computer to your new one by using the Files
and Settings Transfer Wizard. The wizard also moves specific files or entire
folders, such as My Documents, My Pictures, and Favorites.
To open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard:
■ Click/Tap Start, All Programs, Accessories, Sys tem Tools, then click/tap Files
and Settings Transfer Wizard
.
Help and
Support
For more information about using the Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard, click/tap Start, then click/tap Help and
Support.
Type the keyword using trans fer wiza rd in t he Search
box , then click/tap the arrow.
T ransferring files
You can manually transfer your personal data files by copying them to
removable media, such a s a dis kette , writ able CD, U SB fl ash driv e, or Zip dis k,
or by using a home network. For more information, see “Creating CDs using
Nero Express” on page 136 and “Networking Y our Gateway M275” on page 207.
Finding your files
Many programs automatically save your personal data files in the
My Documents folder. Look in your old computer’s My Documents folder for
personal data files. Use Windows Find or Search to locate other personal data
files. For more information, see “To find files using Find or Sear ch:” on page 224,
or “Searching for files” on page 71.
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Transferring files
To find files in the My Documents folder:
1 In Windows XP, click/tap Start, then click/tap My Documents. The My
Documents win dow ope ns and displays m any of you r saved perso nal data
files. Go to Step 4.
- OR In Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000, double-click the
My Computer icon on the desktop. Go to the next step.
2 Double-click/Double-tap the C:\ drive icon.
3 Double-click/Double-tap the My Documents fo lder. The My Documents
window opens and displays many of your saved p ersonal data files.
4 Copy your personal data files to removable media or to another computer
on your network.
You can often identify different data file types by looking at the file’s extension
(the part of the file name follow ing the last p eriod). Fo r ex amp le, a do cum ent
file might have a .DOC extension and a spreadsheet file might have an .XLS
extension.
File type File usually ends in...
Documents .DOC, .TXT, .RTF, .HTM, .HTML, .DOT
Spreadsheets .XLS, .XLT, .TXT
Pictures .JPG, .BMP, .GIF, .PDF, .PCT, .TIF, .PNG, .EPS
Movies .MPEG, .MPG, .AVI, .GIF, .MOV
Sound and Music .WAV, .CDA, .MP3, .MID, .MIDI, .WMA
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Chapter 12: Moving From Your Old Computer
To find files using Find or Search:
1 In Windows XP, click/tap Start, then click/tap Search. The Search Results
window opens.
- OR In Windows 98, Windows Me, or Windows 2000, click
then click
For Files or Folders. The Search Results window opens.
Start, Find or Search,
2 Use Windows Find or Search to locate data files by file name or file type.
For help on finding files, click/tap
Center
or Help Topics. For more information, see “Searching for files” on
page 71.
Help and
Support
For more information about finding files, click Start, then
click/tap Help and Support.
Type the keyword searching for files in the Search box
the Full-text Search Matches button.
Help, then click/tap Help and Support
, click/tap the arrow, then click/tap
T ransferring Internet settings
You can use different methods to transfer your Internet account from your old
computer to your new one.
Setting up your ISP
224
■ If your current Internet service provider (ISP) software came preinstalled
on your new convertible tablet PC, run that setup program. If it asks to
set up a new account or an existing one, choose to set up an existing
account.
■ If your current ISP software is not preinstalled on your new convertible
tablet PC, locate the original Internet setup program provided by your local
ISP, or contact your ISP to see if they have an updated version of their
software, and install it on your new convertible tablet PC.
■ If you use MSN as your ISP, or if you know your ISP settings, use the
Windows Internet Connection Wizard.
www.gateway.com
Installing your old printe r or scanner
To use the Internet Connection Wizard:
1 Click/Tap Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, then click/tap
New Connection Wizard. The New Connection wizard opens.
2 Configure your Internet settings by following the on-screen instructions.
Help and
Support
For more information about setting up an Internet
connection, click/tap Start, then click/tap Help and
Support.
Type the keyword Internet connection in the Search
box , then click/tap the arrow.
T ransferring your e-mail and address book
See your o ld e-mail p rogram’s onlin e help for informat ion on exporting and
importing e-mail messages and the address book. You can often export all of
your old e-mail messages or address book to recordable media, then import
them into your new convertible tablet PC’s e-ma il program. You may also want
to consider printing the old information or using your old computer to send
the e-mail messages to yourself, then using your new convertible tablet PC to
retrieve the e-mail messages.
T ransferring your Internet shortcuts
You can export and import your old Netscape Navigator bookmarks or
Microsoft Internet Explorer favorites. For more information, see your Internet
browser program’s online help.
Installing your old printer or
scanner
Windows may have built-in support for older printers, scanners, or other
peripheral devices . This me ans you d o not need any addit ional softwar e. Newer
devices, however, usually require your original software installation CDs or
diskettes.
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Chapter 12: Moving From Your Old Computer
If you have trouble after you install the software for your old devices, you can
use System Restore to restore your convertible tablet PC’s previous settings.
Help and
Support
For information about restoring your convert ible tablet PC’s
previous settings, click/tap Start, then click/tap Help and
Support.
Type the keyword System Restore in the Search box
, then click/tap the arrow.
Installing a USB printer or scanner
USB devices may have special installation instructions. See your USB device’s
installation guide.
Installing a parallel port printer
You can usually install parallel port printers by following these steps.
To install your old printer:
1 Shut down and turn off your convertible tablet PC.
2 Connect your parallel port printer.
3 Turn on your printer, then turn on your convertible tablet PC.
4 If Windows detects your printer, install your printer by following the
on-screen instructions. You are finished.
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- OR If Windows does not detect the printer, go to the next step.
5 Click/Tap Start, then click/tap Control Panel. The Control Panel window
opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View , click/tap
Hardware
.
Printers and Other
6 Click/Double-click/Tap/Double-tap the Printers and Faxes icon, then
click/tap
Add a printer. The Add Printer wizard opens.
7 Install your printer by following the on-screen instructions.
www.gateway.com
Installing your ol d programs
Help and
Support
For more information about installing a printer, click/tap
Start, then click/tap Help and Support.
Type the keyword installing a printer in the Search box
, then click/tap the arrow.
See your peripheral device’s user guide for installation information and tips.
Because most installation software is periodically updated, you should also
check the manufacturer’s Web site for software updates.
Installing your old programs
You probably u se some programs that did not come installed on yo ur new
convertible tablet PC, such as personal finance software, graphics programs, or
games.
Spend some time going through your old computer’ s Start
making note of any programs you want to install on your new convertible
tablet PC. Locate your original program installation CDs and installation
guides. Your original CDs and guides should contain any serial numbers or
product ID keys that may be required for program installation and registration.
Remember to check the publisher’s Web site for important program updates.
and Programs menus,
Tips & Tricks If your new convertible tablet PC comes with a newer
version of a program, it is usually better to use the newer
version than to reinstall the old one.
If you have trouble after installing your old programs, you can restore y our
convertible tablet PC’s previous settings using System Restore.
Help and
Support
For more information about restoring your convertible
tablet PC’s previous set tings, clic k/tap Start, the n click/tap
Help and Support.
Type the keyword System Restore in the Search box
, then click/tap the arrow.
www.gateway.com
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Maintaining Y our
Gateway M275
This chapter provides basic information about maint aining
your convertible tablet PC hardware and software. Read
this chapter to learn how to:
■ Care for your convertible tablet PC
■ Protect your convertible tablet PC from viruses
■ Manage hard drive space
■ Back up files
■ Clean your convertible tablet PC
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Chapter 13: Maintain ing Your Gateway M275
Caring for your convertible
tablet PC
To extend the life of your convertible tablet PC:
■ Be careful not to bump or drop your convertible tablet PC, and do not put
any objects on top of it. The case, although strong, is not made to support
extra weight.
■ When transporting your convertible tablet PC, we recommend that you
put it in a carrying case.
■ Keep diskettes, modular drives, and your c onvertible tablet PC away from
magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can erase data on both diskettes and hard
drives.
■ Never turn off your convertible tablet PC when th e hard drive light is on
because data on the hard drive could be lost or corrupted.
■ Avoid subjecting your convertible tablet PC to extreme temperature
changes. The case and LC D pan el can beco me bri tt le and ea sy to bre ak in
cold temperatures and can melt or warp in high temperatures. Damage due
to either extreme is not covered by your w arranty. As a general rule, your
convertible tablet PC is safest at temperatures that are comfortable for you.
■ Keep all liquids away from your convertible tablet PC. When spilled onto
computer components, almost any liquid can result in extremely expensive
repairs that are not covered under your warranty.
■ Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt can clog the
internal mechanisms.
■ Do not block the ventilation fan.
■ When storing your convertible tablet PC for an extended period of time,
unplug AC power and remove the battery after discharging it partway.
Display screen
■ Use only your convertible tablet PC’s pen on the display. Do not write on
the surface with an ink pen or pencil.
■ Nothing heavier than your writing hand should be placed on top of the
display.
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