Gateway 200 series User Manual

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Finding your specifications
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Finding your specifications
For more information about your computer, such as memory size, memory type, 
and hard drive size, go to the 
See your PC’s configuration link in HelpSpot in 
Windows XP or visit Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com
. The 
eSupport page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed 
specifications.
In Windows XP, view your computer’s serial number by clicking 
Start, Help and 
Support
, then clicking View system serial number. Check your specifications by 
clicking 
Start, Help and Support, then clicking See your PC’s configuration. 
						

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 200ARC
www.gateway.com
You can also find out more about your computer at the Gateway eSupport site. 
Visit support.gateway.com
. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on 
page 43. 
						

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Accessories
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Accessories
Gateway offers accessories that can help you make the most of using your 
notebook. To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at 
accessories.gateway.com
.
Batteries and automobile/airplane power adapters
If you run your notebook on battery power for extended periods, you may want 
to buy an additional battery so you can swap batteries when necessary. See 
“Changing batteries” on page145 for more information.
With an automobile/airplane power adapter, you can save battery power by 
plugging your notebook into an automobile cigarette lighter or an airplane 
in-flight power receptacle.
Carrying cases
Gateway has large-capacity carrying cases if you need additional space for 
accessories or supplies.
Peripheral devices
You can attach devices (such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or monitor) to your 
notebook.
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. See “Adding or replacing memory” on page 237 for 
more information.
Printers
You can attach almost any type of printer to your notebook. The most common 
types are inkjet and laser printers, which print in color or black and white. See 
“Installing a printer, scanner, or other peripheral device” on page 34 for more 
information about attaching a printer to your notebook.
Inkjet printers and cartridges are relatively inexpensive, but they are slower than 
laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you can print pictures, banners, 
and greeting cards, as well as documents.
Laser printers and cartridges are more expensive, but they print much faster 
than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers when you are 
printing large documents. 
						

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 200ARC
www.gateway.com 
						

							2
15
Getting Started
This chapter provides basic information about your 
Gateway notebook. Read this chapter to find out how to:
■Connect the AC adapter
■Start and turn off your notebook
■Identify the status indicators
■Use the keyboard
■Use the EZ Pad touchpad
■Connect the modem
■Connect to an Ethernet network
■Install peripheral devices 
						

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Chapter 2: Getting Started
www.gateway.com
Connecting the AC adapter
You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or the notebook battery. The 
battery was shipped to you partially charged. You should use the AC adapter 
right away to fully charge the battery. Allow 24 hours for the battery to fully 
charge.
To connect the AC adapter:
1Connect the power cord to the AC adapter.
ImportantIf the battery is not fully charged before you use your 
notebook on battery power for the first time, the battery life 
may be much shorter than you expect. If the battery life 
seems short even after being charged for 24 hours, the 
battery may need to be recalibrated. For more information, 
see “Recalibrating the battery” on page 144.
WarningMake sure that you use the AC adapter that came with 
your notebook.
Replace the power cord if it becomes damaged. The 
replacement cord must be of the same type and voltage 
rating as the original cord or your notebook may be 
damaged. 
						

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Connecting the AC adapter
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2Connect the AC adapter to your notebook’s power connector.
3Plug the power cord into a wall outlet.
The battery charge indicator turns on (see “Front” on page 2 for the 
location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery charge indicator 
does not turn on, unplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug it 
back in.
4When you finish using your notebook for the first time, turn your 
notebook off and leave your notebook connected to AC power for at least 
24 hours. The battery charge meter may not show a charge for several 
hours. For more information about the battery charge meter on your 
model, see “Monitoring the battery charge” on page 142.
5If the battery charge meter does not show a full charge after 24 hours, 
contact Gateway Technical Support at support.gateway.com
, then click 
Contact Us.
WarningDo not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The 
AC adapter has no user-replaceable or user-serviceable 
parts inside. The AC adapter has dangerous voltages that 
can cause serious injury or death. Contact Gateway about 
returning defective AC adapters. 
						

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Chapter 2: Getting Started
www.gateway.com
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming into your notebook 
can increase to far above normal levels and cause data loss or system damage. 
Protect your notebook and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge 
protector, which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your 
notebook.
WarningHigh voltages can enter your notebook through both the 
power cord and the modem connection. Protect your 
notebook by using a surge protector. If you have a 
telephone modem, use a surge protector that has a 
modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use a surge 
protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an 
electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the 
modem. 
						

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Starting your notebook
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Starting your notebook
To start your notebook:
1Open your notebook by sliding the latch on the front of your notebook 
to the right and lifting the LCD panel.
2Press the power button located above the keyboard.
The power button is preset to On/Off mode. However, you can also set it 
to function in Standby/Resume mode. For instructions on changing the 
power button mode, see “Changing power settings” on page 149.
3If you are starting your notebook for the first time, follow the on-screen 
instructions to set up your notebook.
Power button 
						

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Chapter 2: Getting Started
www.gateway.com
Waking up your notebook
When you have not used your notebook for several minutes, or if you have 
closed the LCD panel without turning your notebook off, it may enter a 
power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power indicator 
flashes.
If your notebook is in Standby mode, “wake” it up by pressing the power 
button. For more information on changing power-saving settings, see 
“Changing power settings” on page 149.
Turning off your notebook
To turn off your notebook in Windows XP:
1Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off Computer dialog box 
opens.
2Click Tu r n  O f f. Windows shuts down and turns off your notebook.
To turn off your notebook in Windows 2000:
1Click Start, then click Shut Down. The Shut Down Windows dialog box opens.
2Click the arrow button to open the What do you want your computer to do 
list, then click 
Shut down.
3Click OK. Windows shuts down and turns off your notebook.
ImportantIf for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer 
or Shut Down Windows option in Windows to turn off your 
notebook, press and hold the power button for about 
five seconds, then release it.