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Files
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Files
■Copy your working files from your desktop computer to your notebook 
before you travel.
■If you need to access your desktop computer files from your notebook 
while traveling, set up your desktop computer for remote access. Contact 
your network administrator for more information about remote access.
■Take extra recordable media for transferring files between computers and 
backing up files.
Security
■Get a locking cable for your notebook so you can attach a cable lock and 
leave your notebook in your hotel room while you are away.
■Always keep your notebook with you while waiting in airports, train 
stations, or bus terminals. Be ready to claim your notebook as soon as it 
passes through the x-ray machine in security checkpoints.
■Write down your notebook model number and serial number (see 
“Identifying your model” on page 9) in case of theft or loss, and keep the 
information in a safe place. Also, tape your business card or an address 
label to your notebook and accessories.
■Whoever sits next to you or behind you can see your notebook display. 
Avoid working with confidential files until you can be sure of privacy.
■Use a startup password to restrict access to your notebook.
ImportantUse a password that you can remember, but that is difficult 
for someone else to guess. The password feature is very 
secure, with no easy way to recover a forgotten password. 
If you forget your password, you must return your notebook 
to Gateway for service. Call Gateway Technical Support 
for instructions. 
						

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To create a startup password:
1Restart your notebook. As soon as you see a startup screen, pressF2. 
The BIOS Setup utility opens.
2Open the Security menu.
3Highlight Set Supervisor Password, then press ENTER and follow the 
instructions. You must set the supervisor password in order to set 
the user (startup) password.
4Highlight Set User Password, then press ENTER and follow the 
instructions. This is the password you need to enter at startup.
5Highlight Password on boot and press ENTER.
6Highlight Enabled, then press ENTER.
7Open the Exit menu, highlight Exit Saving Changes, then press ENTER. 
When you start your computer, you are prompted to enter the user 
password you set in Step 4.
Power
■Take your AC power adapter to recharge the battery. If you are traveling 
internationally, take power plug adapters.
■Take a portable surge protector to protect your notebook from power 
surges.
■To get the best performance from your notebook, avoid using the battery 
whenever possible, monitor the battery charge, and use the most efficient 
power management settings.
■For information on conserving battery power, see “Conserving battery 
power” on page 147.
■For information on using alternate power sources, see “Using alternate 
power sources” on page 148.
■For information on monitoring the battery charge, see “Monitoring 
the battery charge” on page 142. 
						

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Additional tips
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Additional tips
■If you plan to use several USB peripheral devices, take a portable USB hub 
to provide additional USB ports.
■Take a network cable if you need to connect to a network. Some hotels 
provide Internet connectivity only through their networks.
■If your notebook has been exposed to cold temperatures, allow it to warm 
to room temperature before turning it on.
■Ta k e  y o u r  System Restoration CDs in case you need to install an additional 
driver or software. 
						

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							10
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Customizing
Yo u r  C o m p u t e r
This chapter provides information about customizing your 
computer by changing settings in Windows. Read this 
chapter to learn how to:
■Change screen and display settings
■Change the background and screen saver
■Adjust the touchpad settings
■Add, change, and switch user accounts in Windows XP 
						

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Adjusting the screen and desktop 
settings
Adjusting the color depth and screen area are two of the most basic display 
settings you may need to change. You can also adjust settings such as the screen 
background and screen saver.
Adjusting the color depth
Color depth is the number of colors your screen displays. Various image types 
require various color depths for optimum appearance. For example, simple color 
drawings may appear adequately in 256 colors while color photographs need 
millions of colors to be displayed with optimum quality.
Windows lets you choose from several color depth settings. We recommend 
that you use the 32-bit True Color setting at all times.
If the color in your images seems “false” or “jumpy,” especially after you have 
played a game or run a video-intensive program, check the color depth setting 
and return it to 32-bit True Color, if necessary.
To change the color depth:
1In Windows XP, click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel 
window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click 
Appearance and Themes.
- OR -
In Windows 2000, click 
Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control 
Panel window opens.
2Click/Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box opens. 
						

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3Click the Settings tab.
4Click the arrow button to open the Color quality or Colors list, then click 
the color depth you want.
5To save your changes in Windows XP, click OK, then click Yes.
- OR -
To save your changes in Windows 2000, click 
OK, then click OK again.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about adjusting display settings in 
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword changing display settings in the 
HelpSpot Search box  , then click 
the arrow. 
						

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Adjusting the screen resolution
You can increase the screen resolution to fit more icons on your desktop, or 
you can decrease the resolution to make reading the display easier. The higher 
the resolution, the smaller individual components of the screen (such as icons 
and menu bars) appear.
To adjust the screen resolution:
1In Windows XP, click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel 
window opens. If your Control Panel is in Category View, click 
Appearance and Themes.
- OR -
In Windows 2000, click 
Start, Settings, then click Control Panel. The Control 
Panel window opens.
2Click/Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box opens.
3Click the Settings tab.
4Drag the Screen resolution or Screen area slider to the size you prefer. 
						

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5To save your changes in Windows XP, click OK, then click Yes.
- OR -
To save your changes in Windows 2000, click 
OK, then click OK again.
Changing the colors on your Windows 
desktop
You can change the colors of Windows desktop items, such as the background 
color and dialog box title bars.
To change desktop colors in Windows XP:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your 
Control Panel is in Category View, click 
Appearance and Themes.
2Click/Double-click the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box opens.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about adjusting screen resolution in 
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword changing screen resolution in the 
HelpSpot Search box  , then click 
the arrow. 
						

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3Click the Appearance tab.
4Click the arrow button to open the Color scheme list, click the color scheme 
you want, then click 
OK. The new colors appear on your desktop.
- OR -
If you want to create a new color scheme as part of a desktop theme:
aClick Advanced. The Advanced Appearance dialog box opens.
bClick the arrow button to open the Item list, then click the item you 
want to change.
cChange the color or font settings for the item.
dClick OK, then click the Themes tab.
eClick Save As, type a name for the new theme, then click OK twice. 
The new colors appear on your desktop.