Gateway Computer User Manual Download Page 16

Page: 16 / 136

www.gateway.com

Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer

Desktop PC Front

Your computer includes the following components.

Important

Your computer hardware options and port locations may vary from
the illustration below.

Web Site:

Online Support:

Tech Support Hours: 5am to 12pm PST

Model:

S/No:

Memory card
reader (optional)

DVD/CD drive

Headphone jack

Power button/

Power indicator

Hard drive

access indicator

IEEE 1394

ports (optional)

DVD/CD drive

(optional)

Diskette drive

(optional)

USB port
(optional)

USB ports

(optional)

Microphone

Model and serial
number

Gateway help
resources and
Customer Care
information

USB ports (optional)

Summary of Contents for Computer

Page 1: ...Gateway computer User Guide...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ...g safely 20 Reducing eye strain 20 Setting up your computer desk and chair 20 Setting up your computer and computer accessories 21 Sitting at your computer 21 Avoiding discomfort and injury from repet...

Page 4: ...ning your computer 45 Cleaning the exterior 45 Cleaning the keyboard 45 Cleaning the computer display 45 Cleaning the mouse 46 Cleaning CDs or DVDs 47 Restoring your system 47 Preventing static electr...

Page 5: ...g an Ethernet network 85 Installing Ethernet cards and drivers 85 Making sure your broadband connection works 86 Naming the computers and the workgroup 86 Configuring the TCP IP protocol 87 Setting up...

Page 6: ...iv www gateway com...

Page 7: ...Chapter 1 1 Getting Help Using the Gateway Web site Using Help and Support Using BigFix Using Your Computer guide Using Do More With Gateway Using online help Contacting Gateway...

Page 8: ...ully to familiarize yourself with our range of services and support We have highlighted some basic care and safety information to help you keep your computer in good operating condition Gateway stands...

Page 9: ...Gateway s online support is available 24 hours per day 7 days per week and provides the most current drivers product specifications tutorials and personalized information about your computer Visit th...

Page 10: ...rd drive Product Support Click Product Support to view a list of all the products that Gateway supports Downloads Click Downloads then click My Downloads to get the latest software updates for BIOS an...

Page 11: ...eshooters and automated support Use Help and Support to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover and use the many features of your Gateway computer To start Help and Support Cli...

Page 12: ...e and contain the words you entered in the Search box You must be connected to the Internet to search for and access these topics To view a list of your search results click the results header for the...

Page 13: ...s To access the Using Your Computer guide Click Start All Programs then click Gateway Documentation Online help Many programs provide information online so you can research a topic or learn how to per...

Page 14: ...nformation To help you locate Gateway contact information you can find the Gateway Web site Online Support and technical support contact information on the label located on the front of your computer...

Page 15: ...ing Out Your Gateway Computer Identifying features Locating your computer model and serial number Locating the Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity Locating the specifications for your computer Purch...

Page 16: ...tration below Web Site Online Support Tech Support Hours 5am to 12pm PST Model S No Memory card reader optional DVD CD drive Headphone jack Power button Power indicator Hard drive access indicator IEE...

Page 17: ...ort For more information see Installing a printer scanner or other peripheral device on page 32 IEEE 1394 ports optional Plug an IEEE 1394 also known as Firewire or i Link device such as a digital cam...

Page 18: ...rt locations may vary from the illustration below Modem jack Parallel port Serial port PS 2 keyboard PS 2 mouse port Voltage switch Power connector Microphone jack Audio output Line out jack Audio inp...

Page 19: ...a digital camera into this port For more information see Installing a printer scanner or other peripheral device on page 32 Parallel port Plug a parallel device such as a printer into this port For mo...

Page 20: ...nnection into this jack For more information see Learning about the Internet in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive To access this guide click Start All Programs then click...

Page 21: ...mber Gateway Technical Support will need this information if you call for assistance Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of...

Page 22: ...gateway com The eSupport page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed specifications For more information see Using eSupport on page 4 Accessories To order accessories visit t...

Page 23: ...cking up files then removing them from your hard drive Writable CDs can hold as much as 700 MB of data Single layer writable DVDs can hold as much as 4700 MB of data Dual layer writable DVDs hold as m...

Page 24: ...18 www gateway com Chapter 2 Checking Out Your Gateway Computer...

Page 25: ...ed Using your computer safely Protecting your computer from power source problems Turning your computer on and off Adjusting the volume Using the keyboard and the mouse Using the computer display Inst...

Page 26: ...s on windows and by installing a glare screen filter on your monitor Use soft indirect lighting in your work area Do not use your computer in a dark room Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer scre...

Page 27: ...ack support Setting up your computer and computer accessories Set up the monitor so the top is no higher than eye level the monitor controls are within reach and the screen is tilted to be perpendicul...

Page 28: ...tion switch on the back of your computer to set the power supply to 115V or 230V To verify that your system has the correct setting for your environment check the voltage selection switch Warning High...

Page 29: ...your computer To start your computer 1 Connect the cables to your computer See the setup poster 2 Turn on your computer 3 If you are starting your computer for the first time follow the on screen ins...

Page 30: ...r more information about changing the power button mode see Changing Power Saving Settings in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive To access this guide click Start All Progra...

Page 31: ...gain As a part of the regular startup process a program to check the disk status runs automatically When the checks are finished Windows starts Adjusting the volume You can use the volume controls to...

Page 32: ...See the program documentation to find out more about the function key actions Internet buttons Press these buttons to launch your Internet home page search or e mail programs Audio playback buttons P...

Page 33: ...tart menu These keys can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities like F Search utility R Run utility and E Explorer utility Application key Press this key to access shortcut menu...

Page 34: ...ration shows the standard mouse As you move the mouse the pointer arrow on the display moves in the same direction You can use the left and right buttons on the mouse to select objects on the display...

Page 35: ...ble clicking Access a shortcut menu or find more information about an object on the computer display Position the pointer over the object Quickly press and release the right mouse button once This act...

Page 36: ...t the modem 1 Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem jack on the back of your computer 2 Insert the other end of the modem cable into a telephone wall jack The modem will not work with digit...

Page 37: ...dem or to a 10 100 wired Ethernet network To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to an Ethernet network 1 Insert one end of the network cable into the network jack on the back of your computer 2 Insert...

Page 38: ...sually recognize such a device whenever you plug it into the appropriate port When you use an IEEE 1394 or USB device for the first time your computer will prompt you to install any software the devic...

Page 39: ...Chapter 4 33 Using Drives and Ports Using the diskette drive Using the memory card reader Using CD or DVD drives...

Page 40: ...other computer 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 then click My Computer Double click the diskette...

Page 41: ...d types The memory card reader supports the following card types Each slot is assigned a different drive letter for example the E and F drives so data can be transferred from one memory card type to a...

Page 42: ...ve a memory card Wait for the memory card reader access indicator to stop blinking then pull the memory card out of the slot Caution To avoid memory card damage or errors while using a memory card ins...

Page 43: ...audio CDs accessing data creating CDs and playing DVDs DVD drive Installing programs playing audio CDs playing DVDs and accessing data DVD RW Installing programs playing audio CDs playing DVDs access...

Page 44: ...tton to close the tray Important Some music CDs have copy protection software You may not be able to play these CDs on your computer Important When you place a single sided disc in the tray make sure...

Page 45: ...burning program on your computer to copy tracks from a music CD to your hard drive copy or create data CDs and DVDs create music CDs create video DVDs and more Tips Tricks For more information about...

Page 46: ...40 www gateway com Chapter 4 Using Drives and Ports...

Page 47: ...intaining Your Computer Caring for your computer Updating Windows Protecting your computer from viruses Cleaning your computer Restoring your system Opening the computer case Adding memory and replaci...

Page 48: ...n storing your computer for an extended period of time unplug AC power Updating Windows Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that helps you to keep your computer up to date Use Windows Up...

Page 49: ...the Norton AntiVirus program to check files and programs that are on diskettes attached to e mail messages or downloaded from the Internet Checking all programs for viruses before installing them Disa...

Page 50: ...r the virus To update Norton AntiVirus 1 Make sure that you are connected to the Internet 2 Click Start All Programs Norton AntiVirus then click LiveUpdate The LiveUpdate wizard opens 3 Follow the on...

Page 51: ...the vents with a damp cloth Be careful not to drip any water into the vents Do not attempt to clean dust from the inside of your computer Cleaning the keyboard You should clean the keyboard occasional...

Page 52: ...ntrol precisely cleaning the mouse will likely improve its accuracy To clean your optical mouse Wipe the bottom of the mouse with a damp lint free cloth To clean your trackball mouse 1 Turn the mouse...

Page 53: ...a product made especially for the purpose Restoring your system All programs that were preinstalled on your computer are available on the backup restore discs that you created with the recovery media...

Page 54: ...static causing surfaces such as carpeted floors plastic and packing foam Remove components from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them Do not lay components on the outside of antist...

Page 55: ...n disconnect the power cord and modem network and all peripheral device cables 3 Press the power button to drain any residual power from your computer 4 Remove the two thumbscrews from the side panel...

Page 56: ...e bezel away from the case Continue to loosen the bezel until you can remove it from the front of the case Caution There are cables connected to the back of the bezel When the bezel is loose from the...

Page 57: ...Make sure that all of the internal cables are arranged inside the case so they will not be pinched when you close the case 2 Align the side panel then slide the side panel toward the front of the com...

Page 58: ...52 www gateway com Chapter 5 Maintaining Your Computer Replacing the front bezel To replace the front bezel 1 Align the latch pins with the computer latch holes 2 Press the bezel firmly into place...

Page 59: ...memory To install or replace DIMM memory 1 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in Removing the side panel on page 49 2 For more stability place your computer on its side To avoid scrat...

Page 60: ...mly into the bank The tabs on the sides of the memory module should secure the memory module automatically When the module is secure you hear a click 6 Replace the side panel by following the instruct...

Page 61: ...he menus and submenus then exit from the utility 4 Shut down your computer 5 Remove the side panel by following the instructions in Removing the side panel on page 49 6 For more stability place your c...

Page 62: ...de panel by following the instructions in Replacing the side panel on page 51 11 Reconnect all external cables and the power cord 12 Turn on your computer 13 Open the BIOS Setup utility 14 In the BIOS...

Page 63: ...Chapter 6 57 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting typical hardware and software problems Getting telephone support Using automated troubleshooting systems Getting tutoring and training...

Page 64: ...ch as a keyboard or mouse does not work make sure that all connections are secure Make sure that your hard drive is not full If an error message appears on the screen write down the exact message The...

Page 65: ...flawed or become scratched and cannot be read by the CD or DVD drive If you are trying to play a DVD make sure that you have a DVD drive To identify your drive type see Using the CD or DVD drive on pa...

Page 66: ...he disc label is facing up then try again Try a different disc Occasionally discs are flawed or become scratched and cannot be read by the DVD drive Shut down and restart your computer Clean the disc...

Page 67: ...nt diskette Occasionally diskettes are flawed and cannot be read by the diskette drive Run Error checking on the diskette For more information see Checking the hard drive for errors in Using Your Comp...

Page 68: ...g is IBM compatible The diskette drive LED is lit continuously Remove the diskette from the drive If the light stays on try restarting your computer DVD drives See CD or DVD drives on page 59 File man...

Page 69: ...or checking program For instructions on fixing hard drive problems see Checking the hard drive for errors in Using Your Computer which has been included on your hard drive To access this guide click S...

Page 70: ...Internet This problem can occur when you have typed a URL Web address incorrectly you have lost your Internet connection or your ISP is having technical difficulties Double check the URL or try a dif...

Page 71: ...keyboard character keeps repeating or you see a keyboard stuck or key failure error message Make sure that nothing is resting on the keyboard Make sure that a key is not stuck Press each key to loose...

Page 72: ...ices such as call waiting call messaging or voice mail make sure that all messages are cleared and call waiting is disabled before using the modem Contact your telephone service to get the correct cod...

Page 73: ...ll your telephone service Try connecting with the modem at a lower connection speed If reducing the connect speed lets you connect call your telephone service The telephone line may be too noisy You c...

Page 74: ...Other Hardware 3 Click Double click the Phone and Modem Options icon then click the Modems tab 4 Click your modem then click Properties The Modem Properties dialog box opens 5 Click the Diagnostic tab...

Page 75: ...ut there is no picture Make sure that the monitor is plugged in and turned on If the monitor is turned on the power LED should be lit Adjust the brightness and contrast controls to the center position...

Page 76: ...tor displays a white background The aperture grille allows more light to pass through the screen for brighter colors and greater luminescence The damper wire is a critical part of the overall monitor...

Page 77: ...ng the bottom with a clean damp cloth Make sure that the optical sensor is clean and free of debris If you have a trackball mouse see Cleaning the mouse on page 46 Networks You cannot connect to your...

Page 78: ...t Check the cable between the printer and your computer Make sure that it is connected to the correct port Make sure that the printer is online Many printers have an online offline button that you may...

Page 79: ...for instructions for adding additional memory You see a Printer is out of paper error message After adding paper make sure that the printer is online Most printers have an online offline button that y...

Page 80: ...are from Gateway see the manufacturer s documentation and technical support resources If you have how to questions about using a program see Online Help Printed documentation The Microsoft Windows doc...

Page 81: ...sues www gateway com answers Gateway Customer Care Talk to a Gateway Customer Care representative about a non tutorial technical support question See Before calling Gateway Customer Care on page 74 be...

Page 82: ...puters For more information go to www gateway com answers Training Gateway provides the following computer based training Help and Support For more how to information about Windows click Start then cl...

Page 83: ...Chapter 7 77 Networking Your Computer Introducing networking Creating an Ethernet network Testing your network Sharing your resources Troubleshooting your Ethernet network...

Page 84: ...etwork you can copy files from computer to computer by copying and pasting or dragging and dropping You will no longer waste your time transferring files by using recordable media In addition you can...

Page 85: ...move about with your computer is as important as network speed Your computer has wireless Ethernet for networking Using a wireless Ethernet network A wireless Ethernet network is ideal for creating a...

Page 86: ...ages Disadvantages IEEE 802 11a 54 Mbps 5 GHz Less possible interference than IEEE 802 11b and IEEE 802 11g Shorter range 25 to 75 feet than IEEE 802 11b and IEEE 802 11g Not compatible with IEEE 802...

Page 87: ...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 access to the Internet Each...

Page 88: ...ll one Important IEEE 802 11b and IEEE 802 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 t...

Page 89: ...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 Gigabi...

Page 90: ...t network connect an access point to the router or use a router that has a built in access point such as the Linksys wireless access point router with 4 port switch For more information about accessin...

Page 91: ...ork Installing Ethernet cards and drivers After you have determined the type of Ethernet you are using for your network you need to install Ethernet cards and drivers on the computers that do not have...

Page 92: ...mputer to other users on the network Use a computer name of up to 15 characters with no blank spaces Each computer name must be unique on your network All numeric computer names are not allowed Names...

Page 93: ...router temporarily assign an IP address to a computer on the network IP Address Internet Protocol IP address is a number that uniquely identifies a computer on the network Subnet Mask Subnet mask is...

Page 94: ...u do not have a LAN connection setup click Create a new connection and follow the instructions in the New Connection Wizard 4 Click to select the Internet Protocol TCP IP check box in the This connect...

Page 95: ...procedure for every computer on your network Where to go from here If you are setting up a wireless Ethernet go to Setting up a wireless Ethernet network on page 89 OR If you are setting up a wired E...

Page 96: ...to the WAN port on the wireless access point router and the other end into the DSL or cable modem 3 Plug one end of the power adapter into the AC connector on the router and the other end into a groun...

Page 97: ...To use WEP wired equivalent privacy encryption select Mandatory If you use WEP encryption all computers on your network must use the same WEP encryption See the documentation that came with your acce...

Page 98: ...etwork Connections window opens 4 Right click the Wireless Network Connection icon then click View available wireless networks The Choose a wireless network window opens 5 Click the network you create...

Page 99: ...ity settings as those used by the access point To configure computer settings with WEP security for an access point wireless Ethernet network 1 With the Wireless Network Connection window open click C...

Page 100: ...settings in the Network key and Confirm network key boxes to match those set on the access point OR If the WEP network key is provided automatically then leave the check mark in The key is provided fo...

Page 101: ...y This typically happens when you set the access point s Allow Broadcast SSID to associate to No For more information see Configuring the access point on page 90 To manually add an access point wirele...

Page 102: ...key is not provided automatically click to clear The key is provided for me automatically check box then type the network key settings in the Network key and Confirm network key boxes to match those s...

Page 103: ...on the network and can provide firewall protection for your network as well In addition to a router you need a straight through cable for each computer you want to connect to the network Help and Sup...

Page 104: ...rt is used to connect the router to the DSL or cable modem and is identified by a label or a switch Plug the other end of the cable into the network connector on the computer As each computer is conne...

Page 105: ...omain Name Check with your ISP to see if entries are required in these fields and if so what entries are required Normally leaving the fields blank will work LAN IP Address We recommend that you accep...

Page 106: ...aring an Internet connection Internet sharing lets all computers on the network access the Internet at the same time using one Internet service provider ISP connection Important The Internet setup pro...

Page 107: ...network 1 Make sure that the router or access point is turned on and configured as instructed by your cable or DSL provider 2 Click Start right click Internet then click Internet Properties The Intern...

Page 108: ...102 www gateway com Chapter 7 Networking Your Computer 5 Click Next The Network Connection Type screen opens 6 Click Connect to the Internet then click Next The Getting Ready screen opens...

Page 109: ...ype of Internet connection you are setting up then click Next 9 Click Finish 10 Repeat this procedure for each computer on your network Go to Accessing the Internet on page 103 Accessing the Internet...

Page 110: ...haring drives or folders If you want to share a drive or folder use the following instructions To share drives or folders 1 In My Computer or Windows Explorer right click the drive or folder that you...

Page 111: ...ions OR If you have previously enabled remote file access and you want to share a drive or folder with others on the network network sharing click to select the Share this folder on the network check...

Page 112: ...Click Start then click Control Panel The Control Panel window opens If your Control Panel is in Category View click Printers and Other Hardware 2 Click Double click the Printers and Faxes icon The Pr...

Page 113: ...shared drives and folders are listed Mapping a network drive After a drive or folder on one computer is mapped as a drive on another computer the contents of the drive or folder can be accessed as if...

Page 114: ...t to open 4 Double click the folder containing the file then double click the file Copying files across the network To copy files across the network 1 Click Start then click My Computer The My Compute...

Page 115: ...any new network obtain information about the network such as the SSID password key and security settings to use and enter that information See Configuring computer settings for an access point on pag...

Page 116: ...8 N N where N is a number you assign between 0 and 254 The first N should be the same for all computers on your network and the second N should be different for all computers on your network The compu...

Page 117: ...nel of the access point Your wireless Ethernet network is running slower than you expect If your wireless Ethernet network is running slower than you expect you should check your network signal streng...

Page 118: ...window and make sure that both the WAP and the WLAN in the computer have matching WEP keys You are in a wireless network but no available networks are listed in the Windows XP Wireless Networking uti...

Page 119: ...Appendix A 113 Safety Regulatory and Legal Information Safety information Regulatory statements Notices...

Page 120: ...e If you are unable to insert the plug into an outlet contact an electrician to install the appropriate outlet If you use an extension cord with this system make sure that the total ampere rating on t...

Page 121: ...receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help Compliance Accessories The accessories associated with this equipment are shielded video cable when an external...

Page 122: ...t page of the transmission the date and time it is sent an identification of the business other entity or other individual sending the message and the telephone number of the sending machine or such b...

Page 123: ...with TV cable TV tuner cards External television antenna grounding If an outside antenna or cable system is to be connected to your Gateway PC make sure that the antenna or cable system is electrical...

Page 124: ...outside antenna system extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits Contact with them could be fatal Reference Grounding component 1 Electric service equipment 2 Po...

Page 125: ...ves the right to make improvements in this manual and the products it describes at any time without notices or obligation Trademark Acknowledgments Gateway and the Black and White Spot Design are trad...

Page 126: ...120 www gateway com Appendix A Safety Regulatory and Legal Information...

Page 127: ...tery replacing 55 bezel removing 50 replacing 52 broadband connection 78 86 connecting 14 buttons See keys and buttons C cable modem 31 81 83 90 97 connecting 14 Caps Lock indicator 27 cards inserting...

Page 128: ...m 14 30 monitor 13 mouse 11 13 14 network 14 31 parallel 13 power 13 power cord 13 printer 11 13 14 PS 2 keyboard 13 PS 2 mouse 13 scanner 11 14 serial 13 telephone 13 USB 11 14 video camera 11 14 Zip...

Page 129: ...omics 20 eSupport 16 using 4 Ethernet connecting 31 installing cards 85 installing drivers 85 jack 31 Ethernet jack 14 Ethernet network creating 85 external audio jack 13 F Fast Ethernet 83 faxes trou...

Page 130: ...3 troubleshooting 65 USB port 11 14 keys and buttons application 27 arrow 27 audio playback 26 directional 27 editing 26 function 26 Internet 26 mouse 28 navigation 26 numeric 27 power 11 Windows 27 L...

Page 131: ...jects 29 MP3 file streaming 78 MP3 player memory cards 35 multimedia adjusting volume 25 playing DVD 39 using DVD drive 37 using Windows Media Player 39 multi player game playing 79 muting sound 25 N...

Page 132: ...nector 14 USB port 11 printing files across network 109 programs closing unresponsive 25 opening 29 PS 2 port keyboard 13 mouse 13 R RAM See memory rebooting computer 25 recordable drive 11 17 creatin...

Page 133: ...rotocol configuring 87 technical support automated troubleshooting 75 eSupport 16 Technical Support 75 tips before contacting 74 tutorial service 75 telephone jack 13 telephone support 74 testing netw...

Page 134: ...emoving with Norton AntiVirus 43 voltage switch 13 volume adjusting 25 adjusting modem 68 controls 25 muting 25 troubleshooting 73 W WAN IP Address 91 99 Web site Gateway 3 Windows file and printer sh...

Page 135: ......

Page 136: ...MAN GEM CONS USR GDE R1 11 04...

Search results

Summary of Contents for Computer

Reviews:

Related manuals for Computer

Brands by name

Popular brands

Gateway Computer, User Manual

Search results

Summary of Contents for Computer

Reviews:

Related manuals for Computer

Brands by name

Popular brands