Gateway 200arc User Manual

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Finding your specifications
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Finding your specifications
For more information about your notebook, such as memory size, memory type, 
and hard drive size, visit Gateway’s eSupport page at support.gateway.com
. The 
eSupport page also has links to additional Gateway documentation and detailed 
specifications. For more information, see “Using eSupport” on page 44.
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 page 149 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. 
						

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Chapter 1: Checking Out Your Gateway 200
www.gateway.com
Carrying cases
Gateway has large-capacity carrying cases if you need additional space for 
accessories or supplies.
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 227 for 
more information.
Peripheral devices
You can attach devices (such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or monitor) to your 
notebook.
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 35 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.
USB flash drives
Use a USB flash drive for storing files or transferring files to another computer. 
						

							2
13
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
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Safety instructions
Certain precautions should be observed to further reduce the risk of personal 
injury or damage to your notebook.
General tips
■When setting up your notebook for work, place it on a level surface.
■Before you clean your notebook, turn if off, unplug it from its power source, 
and remove the battery. For more information, see “Cleaning your 
notebook” on page 209.
■Do not push objects into air vents or openings of your notebook. Doing 
so can cause fire or electric shock by shorting out interior components.
■When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector, not on the cable itself. 
As you pull out the connector, keep it evenly aligned to avoid bending 
any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable make sure both 
connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
■Use of mobile phones can interfere with the sound system. Your notebook 
operation is not impaired but we recommend that a distance of 12 inches 
(30 cm) be maintained between your notebook and the mobile phone.
■When you move your notebook between environments with very different 
humidity or temperature ranges, condensation may form on or within your 
notebook. To avoid damaging your notebook, allow sufficient time for the 
moisture to evaporate before using your notebook.
■When traveling, do not check your notebook as luggage. You can put your 
notebook through an X-ray security machine, but never put your notebook 
through a metal detector. Be sure to have a charged battery available in 
case you are asked to turn on your notebook. For more information, see 
“Traveling with Your Gateway 200” on page 161.
■When traveling, do not place your notebook in overhead storage 
compartments where it could slide around. For more information, see 
“Traveling with Your Gateway 200” on page 161.
■Do not drop your notebook or subject it to other physical shocks.
■To completely turn off all notebook power, turn your notebook off, remove 
the battery, and disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet.
■The bottom of your notebook can become warm with use. 
						

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Safety instructions
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■Do not apply heavy pressure to your notebook or subject it to strong 
impact. Excessive pressure or impact can cause damage to notebook 
components or otherwise cause malfunctions.
■Some PC Cards can become hot with prolonged use. Overheating of a 
PC Card can result in errors or instability in the card’s operation. Be careful 
when you remove a PC Card that has been used for extended periods.
Using the battery
■Do not carry a battery in your pocket, purse, or other container where 
metal objects (such as car keys) could short-circuit the battery terminals. 
The resulting excessive current flow can cause extremely high temperatures 
and may result in heat damage.
■Protect your notebook, battery, and hard drive from environmental 
hazards such as dirt, dust, food, liquids, temperature extremes, and 
overexposure to sunlight.
■Replace only with a Gateway 200ARC battery to avoid risk of fire or 
explosion. For more information, see “Changing batteries” on page 149.
■Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do 
not dispose of batteries in a fire. They may explode. For more information, 
see “Changing batteries” on page 149.
Using the AC adapter
■Place the adapter in a ventilated area, such as a desktop or on the floor, 
when you use it to run your notebook or to charge the battery. Do not 
cover the adapter with papers or other items that will reduce cooling, and 
do not use the adapter while it is inside a carrying case.
■Make sure that nothing rests on your adapters power cable and that the 
cable is not located where it can be tripped over or stepped on.
■Use only the adapter and power cord approved for use with this notebook. 
Use of another type of adapter may create a risk of fire or explosion.
■If you use an extension cord with your adapter, make sure that the total 
ampere rating of the products plugged into the extension cord does not 
exceed the ampere rating of the extension cord. 
						

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Chapter 2: Getting Started
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Basic safety precautions
When using your notebook and peripheral devices, basic safety precautions 
should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury 
to persons, including the following:
■Do not use your notebook near water. For example, do not use it near a 
bathtub or kitchen sink.
■Avoid using the wired modem or LAN during an electrical storm. There 
may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.
■The cable used with the modem should be manufactured with a minimum 
wire size of 26 American wire gauge (AWG) and an FCC-compliant RJ-11 
modular plug.
■To help avoid the potential hazard of electric shock, do not connect or 
disconnect any cables or perform maintenance or reconfiguration of your 
notebook during an electrical storm.
WarningWhen working with peripheral devices or replacing 
memory modules, always follow installation instructions 
closely. Except for replacing memory or the hard drive, do 
not attempt to service your notebook yourself. (See “Using 
eSupport” on page 44 and “Telephone support” on 
page 262 for service information.) 
						

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Connecting the AC adapter
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Connecting the AC adapter
You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or your notebook’s 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 148.
WarningMake sure that you use the AC adapter that came with your 
notebook or one of the same type purchased from 
Gateway.
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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Chapter 2: Getting Started
www.gateway.com
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.
5If the battery charge meter does not show a full charge after 24 hours, 
contact Gateway Technical Support at support.gateway.com
.
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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Connecting the AC adapter
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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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Chapter 2: Getting Started
www.gateway.com
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 153.
3If you are starting your notebook for the first time, follow the on-screen 
instructions to set up your notebook.
Power button