Gateway 510XL, User Manual

Page: 18 / 272

10
Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer
www.gateway.com
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.
Storage Devices
If you need additional storage space or you want to back up your files, you
can add storage devices to you computer.
With a recordable CD or DVD drive, you can free up hard drive space by backing
up files, then removing them from your hard drive. Writable CDs can hold as
much as 700 MB of data. Writable DVDs can hold as much as 4700 MB of data.
For more information about using recordable drives, see
“Creating CDs and
DVDs” on page 95 .
If you need to back up your entire system, you probably need a tape backup
(TBU) drive. TBU drives, like tape recorders, use magnetic tape cartridges to store
data. Tape drive cartridges can store 2 GB, 20 GB, 40 GB, 130 GB, or more of
data.
If you want to increase your internal storage space, try replacing your existing
hard drive with a larger drive. For more information about installing a larger
drive, see
“Replacing the hard drive” on page 197 .
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.
Uninterruptible power supplies
A standby, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protects your computer from
data loss during a total power failure. A UPS uses a battery to keep your
computer running temporarily during a power failure so you can save your work
and shut down your computer correctly. A UPS may also provide protection
from power surges. For information about setting up a UPS, see
“Setting up an
uninterruptible power supply” on page 132 .