Gateway E-4610s User Manual

							CHAPTER2
5
Checking Out Your
Computer
Front
Back
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							CHAPTER 2: Checking Out Your Computer
6
Front
DVD/CD drive 
Headphone jack Memory card reader or
diskette drive (optional)
Microphone jack Power button/ power
indicator
USB ports (optional)
IEEE 1394 port (optional)Hard drive activity 
indicator
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ComponentIconDescription
Memory card 
reader or diskette 
drive (optional)Insert a memory card from a digital camera, 
MP3 player, PDA, cellular telephone, or other 
device into the memory card reader. Insert a 
3.5 diskette (floppy) to read from and write to.
Power 
button/power 
indicatorPress this button to turn the power on or off. 
You can also configure the power button to 
operate in Standby/Resume mode or 
Hibernate mode. The power indicator lights 
when the computer is turned on.
USB portsPlug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as 
a USB external drive, printer, scanner, camera, 
keyboard, or mouse) into these ports. For more 
information, see “Installing a printer, scanner, 
or other device” on page 34.
(IEEE 1394) port 
(optional)Plug a IEEE 1394 (also known as FireWire™) 
device (such as a digital camcorder) into this 
6-pin port.
DVD/CD driveUse this drive to listen to audio CDs, install 
games and programs, watch DVDs, and store 
large files onto recordable discs (depending on 
drive type). This drive may be a CD, recordable 
CD, DVD, recordable DVD, Blu-ray, or HD DVD 
drive. For more information about your drive, 
see “Identifying optical drive types” on 
page 27.
Hard drive activity 
indicatorWhen lit, indicates hard drive activity.
Headphone jackPlug powered, analog front speakers, an 
external amplifier, or headphones into this 
jack. This jack is color-coded green.
Microphone jack Plug a microphone into this jack. This jack is 
color-coded pink.
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Back
Telephone jack (optional) PS/2 mouse port
PS/2 keyboard port Audio (line) in/side
speaker jack
Ethernet (network) jackLine out (headphones)/ 
front speaker jack
Microphone jack
USB ports
Modem (line) jack
(optional)Monitor (VGA) port
Parallel port
Serial port Voltage switch Cover release lever
Power connector
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ComponentIconDescription
Cover release leverPull this latch out to release the access panel.
Voltage  switch Make sure this switch is positioned correctly 
for the power in your area.
Power connectorPlug the power cord into this connector.
Audio (line) in/side 
speaker jack (blue)Plug an external audio input source (such as 
a stereo) into this jack so you can record 
sound on your computer. For 5.1 surround 
sound, plug the surround sound side 
speakers to this jack.
Ethernet (network) 
jackPlug an Ethernet network cable or a device 
(such as a cable or DSL modem) into this 
jack. For more information, see “Learning 
about the Internet” in your online User Guide 
and “Connecting to a broadband modem or 
network” on page 15.
Parallel portPlug a parallel device (such as a printer) 
into this port.
PS/2 mouse port 
(green)Plug a PS/2 mouse into this port.
Modem (line) jack 
(optional)Plug a modem cable into this jack. For more 
information, see “Connecting a dial-up 
modem” on page 16.
Line out 
(headphones)/front 
speaker jack (green)Plug headphones or amplified speakers into 
this jack. For 5.1 surround sound, plug the 
surround sound front speaker to this jack.
Microphone jack 
(pink)Plug a microphone into this jack.
USB portsPlug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such 
as a USB printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, 
or mouse) into these ports. For more 
information, see “Installing a printer, 
scanner, or other device” on page 34.
Monitor (VGA) port Plug a VGA monitor cable into this port.
Serial portPlug a serial device into this port.
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PS/2 keyboard port 
(purple)Plug a PS/2 keyboard into this port.
Telephone jack 
(optional)Plug your telephone into this jack.
ComponentIconDescription
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							CHAPTER3
11
Setting Up and Getting
Started
Working safely and comfortably
Preparing power connections
Connecting to a broadband modem or 
network
Connecting a dial-up modem
Starting your computer
Turning off your computer
Restarting (rebooting) your computer
Using the keyboard
Using the mouse
Using optical drives
Using the memory card reader
Using the diskette drive
Adjusting the volume
Installing a printer, scanner, or other device
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12
Working safely and 
comfortably
Before using your computer, follow these general guidelines 
for setting up a safe and comfortable work area and avoiding 
discomfort and strain:
Keep hands and arms parallel to the floor.
Adjust the screen so it is perpendicular to your line of 
sight, and the top of the screen is no higher than eye 
level.
Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
Keep ventilation openings clear of obstructions.
Top of screen is not
higher than eye level
Feet are flat on the floor Hands and arms are
parallel to the floorScreen is perpendicular to 
your line of sight
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Reducing eye strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the 
screen or shine directly into your eyes.
Position the computer desk and monitor so you can 
avoid glare on your screen and light shining directly into 
your eyes. Reduce glare by installing shades or curtains 
on windows and by installing a glare screen filter.
Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use 
your computer in a dark room.
Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the 
monitor.
Avoid focusing your eyes on your screen for long periods 
of time. Every 10 or 15 minutes, look around the room, 
and try to focus on distant objects. 
Setting up your computer desk and chair
When you are setting up your computer desk and chair, make 
sure that the desk is the appropriate height and the chair helps 
you maintain good posture.
Select a flat surface for your computer desk.
Adjust the height of the computer desk so your hands 
and arms are positioned parallel to the floor when you 
use the keyboard and mouse. If the desk is not adjustable 
or is too tall, consider using an adjustable chair to control 
your arm’s height above the keyboard.
Use an adjustable chair that is comfortable, distributes 
your weight evenly, and keeps your body relaxed.
Position your chair so the keyboard is at or slightly below 
the level of your elbow. This position lets your shoulders 
relax while you type.
Adjust the chair height, adjust the forward tilt of the seat, 
or use a footrest to distribute your weight evenly on the 
chair and relieve pressure on the back of your thighs.
Adjust the back of the chair so it supports the lower 
curve of your spine. You can use a pillow or cushion to 
provide extra back support.
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							CHAPTER 3: Setting Up and Getting Started
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Sitting at your computer
Avoid bending, arching, or angling your wrists. Make 
sure that they are in a relaxed position when you type.
Do not slouch forward or lean far back. Sit with your back 
straight so your knees, hips, and elbows form right 
angles when you work.
Take breaks to stand and stretch your legs.
Avoid twisting your torso or neck.
Avoiding discomfort and injury from repetitive 
strain
Vary your activities to avoid excessive repetition.
Take breaks to change your position, stretch your 
muscles, and relieve your eyes.
Find ways to break up the work day, and schedule a 
variety of tasks.
Positioning the computer case
Position the computer case in a location that is easy for you to 
reach. Your case can be positioned either horizontally or 
vertically. With the case in a vertical orientation, you can rotate 
the support base on bottom for more stability.
Preparing power connections
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming 
into your computer can increase to far above normal levels and 
cause data loss or system damage. Protect your computer and 
peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, 
which absorbs voltage surges and prevents them from 
reaching your computer.Warning
High voltages can enter your computer through both the power cord and 
the modem connection. Protect your computer by using a surge protector. If you 
have a telephone or DSL 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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