Summary of the content on the page No. 1
8512243.book Page a Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM
GATEWAY COMPUTER
REFERENCEGUIDE
®
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
8512243.book Page b Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
8512243.book Page i Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM Contents Chapter 1: About This Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . 1 About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Accessing the online User Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Gateway contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Computer . . . . . 5
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
8512243.book Page ii Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM Contents Creating discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Using the memory card reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Memory card types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Using a memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Using the diskette drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Adjusting the volume . . . .
Summary of the content on the page No. 5
8512243.book Page iii Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Using BigFix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Managing hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Checking hard drive space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Deleting unnecessary files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Checking the hard drive for errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Defragmenting the hard driv
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
8512243.book Page iv Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM Contents Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Recovering your system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
8512243.book Page 1 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER1 About This Reference • About this guide • Accessing the online User Guide • Gateway contact information • Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity • For more information 1
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
8512243.book Page 2 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 1: About This Reference About this guide This guide includes information and maintenance instructions that are specific to your model of Gateway computer. Some illustrations in this guide may look different than your computer because hardware options and port locations may vary. For all other computer information, see your online User Guide. For more information For more information about your computer, visit Gateway’s Suppo
Summary of the content on the page No. 9
8512243.book Page 3 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Gateway contact information The label on the top of your computer contains information that identifies your computer model and serial number. Gateway Customer Care will need this information if you call for assistance. Serial number Technical Support telephone number Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of your computer includes the product
Summary of the content on the page No. 10
8512243.book Page 4 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 1: About This Reference 4
Summary of the content on the page No. 11
8512243.book Page 5 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER2 Checking Out Your Computer • Front • Back 5
Summary of the content on the page No. 12
8512243.book Page 6 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Front Power button/ Memory card reader power indicator USB ports DVD/CD drive DVD/CD drive (optional) IEEE 1394/ FireWire™ port Video jack (optional) Diskette or removable hard drive (optional) Audio left jack Headphone jack (optional) Microphone jack Audio right jack (optional) 6
Summary of the content on the page No. 13
8512243.book Page 7 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Component Icon Description Memory card Insert a memory card from a digital camera, reader MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other device into the memory card reader. Optical disc drive Use this drive to listen to audio CDs, install games and programs, watch DVDs, and store large files onto recordable discs (depending on drive type). This drive may be a CD, recordable CD, DVD, recordable DVD, Blu-ray, or HD D
Summary of the content on the page No. 14
8512243.book Page 8 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Back Important Your computer’s hardware options and port locations may vary from this illustration. Voltage switch Case cover thumbscrew Power connector PS/2 keyboard port PS/2 mouse port Parallel port Monitor (VGA) port IEEE 1394/FireWire™ port Ethernet (network) jack USB ports Center/subwoofer jack S/PDIF jack (optional) Surround L/R speaker jack Microphone jack Audio in/side speaker jack Headphone/
Summary of the content on the page No. 15
8512243.book Page 9 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Component Icon Description Monitor (VGA) port Plug a VGA (blue connector) monitor cable into this port. ™ IEEE 1394 port Plug IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire ) devices (such as a digital camcorder) into this 6-pin IEEE 1394 port. For more information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, or other device” on page 33. USB ports Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB printer, scanner, camera, keyboar
Summary of the content on the page No. 16
8512243.book Page 10 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer Component Icon Description Ethernet (network) Plug an Ethernet network cable or a device jack (such as a DSL or cable modem for a broadband Internet connection) into this jack. For more information, see “Learning about the Internet” in the online User Guide. Center/subwoofer Plug your center speaker and subwoofer jack (orange plug) into this jack. For more information, see (optional) “Configuri
Summary of the content on the page No. 17
8512243.book Page 11 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER3 Setting Up and Getting Started • Working safely and comfortably • Preparing power connections • Connecting to a broadband modem or network • Connecting a dial-up modem • Starting your computer • Turning off your computer • Restarting (rebooting) your computer • Using the keyboard • Using the mouse • Using optical drives • Using the memory card reader • Using the diskette drive • Adjusting the volume • Configuring the audio jacks
Summary of the content on the page No. 18
8512243.book Page 12 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Working safely and comfortably Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain: • Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor. • Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye level. • Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
Summary of the content on the page No. 19
8512243.book Page 13 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM www.uk.gateway.com Reducing eye strain Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the monitor screen or shine directly into your eyes. • Position the computer desk and screen so you can avoid glare on your screen and light shining directly into your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains on windows, and by installing a glare screen filter. • Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your com
Summary of the content on the page No. 20
8512243.book Page 14 Monday, February 12, 2007 4:35 PM CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started Sitting at your computer • Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type. • Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right angles when you work. • Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs. • Avoid twisting your torso or neck. Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetit
