Gateway Profile 5.5 Manual

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Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity
The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity label found on the back or side of your computer 
includes the product key code for your operating system.
Finding your specifications
For more information about your computer, such as memory size, memory type, and hard 
drive size, see 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 “Gateway Web site” on page 3.
Accessories
To order accessories, visit the Accessory Store at accessories.gateway.com.
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.
Printers
You can attach almost any type of printer to your computer. 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 38 for more information about attaching a 
printer.
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 2: Checking Out Your Gateway Computer
Storage Devices
If you need additional storage space or you want to back up your files, you can add storage 
devices to you computer.
If your computer does not include a recordable CD or DVD drive, you can purchase an 
external drive that plugs into a USB or IEEE 1394 port. You can free up hard drive space 
by backing up files, then removing them from your hard drive. Writable CDs can hold as 
much as 700 MB of data. Single layer writable DVDs can hold as much as 4700 MB of data. 
Dual layer writable DVDs hold as much as 8500 MB of data. For more information about 
using recordable drives, see “Creating CDs and DVDs” on page 45.
If you need to back up your entire system, you probably need a tape backup (TBU) drive. 
TBU drives, like tape recorders, use magnetic tape cartridges to store data. Tape drive 
cartridges can store 2 GB, 20 GB, 40 GB, 130 GB, or more of data.
If you want to increase your internal storage space, try replacing your existing hard drive 
with a larger drive.
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 surges. 
						

							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
 Using the keyboard and the mouse
 Using the computer display
 Installing peripheral devices 
						

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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 display or shine directly into 
your eyes.
■Position the computer desk and display 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 on your display.
■Use soft, indirect lighting in your work area. Do not use your computer in a dark 
room.
■Avoid focusing your eyes on your computer screen for long periods of time. Look 
away from your computer occasionally, and try to focus on distant objects.
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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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 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.
Setting up your computer and computer accessories
■Set up the computer so the top of the display is no higher than eye level, the 
controls are within reach, and the screen is tilted to be perpendicular to your line 
of sight.
■Place your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable distance. You should be able to 
reach them without stretching.
■Set paper holders at the same height and distance as the display.
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. 
						

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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. Protect your 
computer and peripheral devices by connecting them to a surge protector, which absorbs 
voltage surges and prevents them from reaching your computer.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) supplies battery power to your computer during a 
power failure. Although you cannot run your computer for an extended period of time 
with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your computer long enough to save your work and shut 
down your computer normally.
WarningHigh 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 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 computer
Starting your computer
To start your computer:
1Connect the cables to your computer. See the setup poster for more information.
2Press the power button.
3If you are starting your computer for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions 
to set up your computer.
4Turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, and see the 
documentation that came with the device for setup instructions.
ImportantYour computer has a built-in variable speed fan. In addition, your 
computer uses a powerful processor which produces heat. Both the 
system fan and processor can run at different speeds at times to 
ensure proper system cooling. You may notice an increase in the fan 
noise when the fan is running at high speed and a decrease in the 
fan noise when it switches to normal speed.
Power button 
						

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Chapter 3: Getting Started
Waking up your computer
When you have not used your computer for several minutes or have not turned off your 
computer, it may enter a power-saving mode called Standby. While in Standby, the power 
indicator flashes.
If your computer is in Standby mode, move the mouse or press the power button to “wake” 
it up.
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.
Tips & TricksFor more information about changing the power button mode, see 
“Changing Power-Saving Settings” in 
Using Your Computer which 
has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click 
Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
WarningWhen 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 recommend disconnecting the 
power cord and modem cable when your computer will not be used 
for long periods.
For more information about changing the power button mode, see 
“Changing Power-Saving Settings” in 
Using Your Computer which 
has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, click 
Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
ImportantIf for some reason you cannot use the Turn Off Computer option in 
Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button 
for about five seconds, then release it. 
						

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Restarting (rebooting) your computer
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 responding.
3Click End Task.
4Click X in the top-right corner of the Windows Task Manager dialog box.
5If your computer does not respond, turn it off, wait ten seconds, then turn it on again.
As a part of the regular startup process, a program to check the disk status runs 
automatically. When the checks are finished, Windows starts.
ImportantIf your computer does not turn off, press and hold the power button 
for about five seconds, then release it. 
						

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Chapter 3: Getting Started
Using the cord cover
After you have the power cord and peripheral device cables connected to your computer, 
you can install the optional cord cover to make your computer look less cluttered.
To install the optional cord cover:
■Align the tabs on the top of the cover with the slots above the back ports, then 
swing the cord cover’s bottom tabs into the slots on the bottom of the computer 
(view shown from below for clarity).
To remove the cord cover:
■Press the cord cover’s bottom tabs inward, then rotate the cord cover away from 
the computer.
Tips & TricksIf you have difficulty sliding the cover’s bottom tabs into the computer 
slots, press the bottom corners of the cord cover inward while 
pressing the cord cover into place.