Gateway E4500d Manual

16www.gateway.com
Chapter 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer
USB flash drive
Use a USB flash drive for storing files or transferring files to another computer.
Uninterruptible power supplies 
A standby, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protects your computer from data loss 
during a total power failure. A UPS uses a battery to keep your computer running 
temporarily during a power failure so you can save your work and shut down your 
computer correctly. A UPS may also provide protection from power...

Chapter 3
17
Getting Started
 Using your computer safely
 Protecting your computer from power 
source problems
 Turning your computer on and off
 Adjusting the volume
 Configuring audio jacks
 Connecting the modem and network
 Installing peripheral devices
8510808.book  Page 17  Thursday, June 30, 2005  7:43 AM 

18www.gateway.com
Chapter 3: Getting Started
Working safely
Before using your computer, read the following recommendations for setting up a safe and 
comfortable work area and avoiding discomfort and strain.
Reducing eye strain
Sunlight or bright indoor lighting should not reflect on the monitor 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...

19www.gateway.com
Working safely
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 a keyboard drawer.
■Use an adjustable...

20www.gateway.com
Chapter 3: Getting Started
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.
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....

21www.gateway.com
Working safely
To set the voltage selection switch:
■Use a tool such as an opened paper clip to slide the voltage selection switch to 
the correct voltage position.
Vo l t a g e
selection
switch
8510808.book  Page 21  Thursday, June 30, 2005  7:43 AM 

22www.gateway.com
Chapter 3: Getting Started
Starting your computer
To start your computer:
1Connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse to your computer. See the setup poster 
for setup instructions.
2Turn on your computer.
3If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions 
to set up your computer.
4Plug in and turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, and see the 
documentation that came with the device for setup instructions.
Waking up your...

23www.gateway.com
Turning off your computer
Turning off your computer
To turn off your computer:
1Click Start, then click Turn Off Computer. The Tu r n  O ff  C o m p u t e r dialog box opens.
2Click Tu r n  O f f. Windows shuts down and turns off your computer.
Wa rn i n g When you turn off your computer, certain components in the power 
supply and system board remain energized. In order to remove all 
electrical power from your computer, unplug the power cord and 
modem cable from the wall outlets. We...

24www.gateway.com
Chapter 3: Getting Started
Restarting (rebooting) your computer
If your computer does not respond to keyboard or mouse input, you may have to close 
programs that are not responding. If closing unresponsive programs does not restore your 
computer to normal operation, you may have to restart (reboot) your computer.
To close unresponsive programs and restart your computer:
1Press CTRL+ALT+DEL. The Task Manager window opens.
2Click the Applications tab, then click the program that is not...

25www.gateway.com
Using the keyboard
Using the keyboard
Standard keyboard
This keyboard is the basic model of keyboard available with your computer.
Press these keys... To...
Function keys Start program actions. Each program uses different function keys for 
different purposes. See the program documentation to find out more 
about the function key actions.
Navigation keys Move the cursor to the beginning of a line, to the end of a line, up the 
page, down the page, to the beginning of a document, or to...