Gateway E-475m Manual

CHAPTER3
13
Setting Up and Getting Started
•Working safely and comfortably
•Connecting the AC adapter
•Connecting the dial-up modem
•Connecting to a broadband modem or 
network
•Starting your notebook
•Turning off your notebook
•Restarting (rebooting) your notebook
•Using the status indicators
•Using the keyboard
•Using the optional fingerprint reader
•Using the smart card reader
•Using the EZ Pad touchpad
•Adjusting the brightness
•Adjusting the volume
•Turning your wireless radio on or off 

CHAPTER3: Setting Up and Getting Started
14
Working safely and 
comfortably
Before using your notebook, 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.
•Place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
•Although notebooks are sometimes called “laptops,” do 
not use your notebook while it rests on your 
unprotected lap....

www.gateway.com
15
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 touchpad. If the desk is not 
adjustable or is too tall, consider using an adjustable 
chair to control your arm’s...

CHAPTER3: Setting Up and Getting Started
16
Connecting the AC adapter
You can run your notebook using an AC adapter or your 
notebook’s main and optional secondary batteries. The 
battery(ies) were shipped to you partially charged. You should 
use the AC adapter right away to fully charge the battery(ies). 
Allow three hours for the battery(ies) to fully charge.
To connect the AC adapter:  
1Connect the power cord to the AC adapter. War ning
Do not attempt to disassemble the AC adapter. The AC adapter...

www.gateway.com
17
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 6 for the 
location of the battery charge indicator). If the battery 
charge indicator does not turn on, complete the 
following steps until it turns on:
aUnplug the adapter from your notebook, then plug 
it back in.
bPress FN+F1 to toggle the status lights on and off.
cMake sure the power cord is firmly attached to the 
AC...

CHAPTER3: Setting Up and Getting Started
18
Protecting from power source problems
During a power surge, the voltage level of electricity coming 
into your notebook can increase to levels 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.
War ning
High voltages can enter your notebook through both the power cord and 
the modem...

www.gateway.com
19
Connecting the dial-up modem
Your notebook has a built-in 56K modem that you can use to 
connect to a standard telephone line.
To connect the modem:  
1Insert one end of the modem cable into the modem 
jack on your notebook.
2Insert the other end of the modem cable into a 
telephone wall jack.  War ning
To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger (for example, 
No. 24 AWG) UL-listed or CSA-certified telecommunication line cord for your 
dialup modem connection.
TipFor the...

CHAPTER3: Setting Up and Getting Started
20
Connecting to a broadband 
modem or network
Your notebook has a network jack that you can use to connect 
to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired Ethernet network.
To connect to a cable or DSL modem or to a wired 
Ethernet network:  
1Insert one end of the network cable into the network 
jack on your notebook.
2Insert the other end of the network cable into a cable 
modem, DSL modem, or Ethernet network jack.
Starting your notebook
To start your notebook:...

www.gateway.com
21
2Press the power button located above the keyboard.
3If you are starting your notebook for the first time, 
follow the on-screen instructions to select the language 
and time zone and to create your first user account.
4Attach and turn on any peripheral devices, such as 
printers, scanners, speakers, and an optional port 
replicator.
5To open the main menu, click Start. From that menu, 
you can run programs and search for files. For more 
information on using Windows, see “Using...

CHAPTER3: Setting Up and Getting Started
22
Waking up your notebook
When you have not used your notebook for several minutes 
or if you close the LCD panel without turning off your 
notebook, it may enter a power-saving mode called Standby. 
While in Standby mode, the power indicator flashes. If your 
notebook is in Standby mode, press the power button to 
“wake” it up.
Turning off your notebook
To turn off your notebook:  
1Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Turn Off 
Computer dialog box...