Gateway Profile 5.5 Manual

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Using the CD or DVD drive
3Gently push the tray in until it is closed.
Playing a CD
Use the music program or Windows Media Player on your computer to:
■Play music CDs
■Create MP3 music files from your music CDs
■Edit music track information
■Use your music files to build a music library
Playing a DVD
A Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is similar to a standard CD but has greater data capacity. 
Because of this increased capacity, full-length movies, several albums of music, or several 
gigabytes of data can fit on a single disc. You can play DVDs with the DVD program or 
Windows Media Player.
Creating CDs and DVDs
You can use the CD and DVD burning program on your computer to copy tracks from a 
music CD to your hard drive, copy or create data CDs and DVDs, create music CDs, create 
video DVDs, and more.
ImportantWhen you place a single-sided disc in the tray, make sure that the label side 
is facing up. If the disc has two playable sides, place the disc so the name of 
the side you want to play is facing up.
Tips & TricksFor more information about playing CDs, see “Playing CDs” in 
Using Your 
Computer 
which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, 
click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
Tips & TricksFor more information about playing DVDs, see “Playing DVDs” in 
Using Your 
Computer 
which has been included on your hard drive. To access this guide, 
click Start, All Programs, then click Gateway Documentation.
Tips & TricksFor more information about creating CDs and DVDs, see “Creating CDs and 
DV D s ”  i n  
Using Your Computer. To access this guide, click Start, All Programs, 
then click Gateway Documentation. 
						

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Chapter 4: Using Drives and Ports
Adding and removing PC Cards
Your computer has one PC Card slot (also known as a PCMCIA card slot). This slot accepts 
Type I and Type II PC Cards.
You do not need to restart your computer when changing most cards because your 
computer supports hot-swapping. Hot-swapping means that you can insert a PC Card while 
your computer is running. If the PC Card does not work after hot-swapping, see the 
PC Card manufacturer’s documentation for further information.
Adding a PC Card
To insert a PC Card:
■Push the card firmly into the PC Card slot with the label side facing the front of 
your computer until the outer edge of the card is flush with the side of your 
computer. 
						

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Adding and removing PC Cards
Removing a PC Card
To remove a PC Card:
1Click the remove hardware icon in the taskbar, then select the PC Card name and 
click
Stop.
-OR-
Turn off your computer.
2Release the eject button by pressing the PC Card eject button once.
3Eject the PC Card by pressing the eject button again.
ImportantIf the remove hardware icon does not appear on the taskbar, click the 
show hidden icons button. 
						

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Chapter 4: Using Drives and Ports 
						

							Chapter 5
49
Networking Your Computer
 Introducing networking
 Creating an Ethernet network
 Testing your network
 Troubleshooting your Ethernet network 
						

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Chapter 5: Networking Your Computer
Introduction to Networking
An Ethernet network consists of two or more computers connected together through an 
Ethernet cable. This connection type is commonly used in offices around the world and 
can be used to build computer networks in the home.
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet is available at three different speeds. Standard Ethernet runs at 10 Mbps, Fast 
Ethernet runs at 100 Mbps, and Gigabit Ethernet runs at 1000 Mbps. Most home networks 
are built using Standard or Fast Ethernet components. Business networks are typically built 
using Fast or Gigabit Ethernet components.
To create an Ethernet network, you or your electrician must install special Ethernet cables 
in your home or office.
Using a router
The most common way to set up an Ethernet network is Dynamic Host Control Protocol 
(DHCP) using a router. A DHCP network configuration uses a router to automatically assign 
IP addresses to each computer or network device.
Example router-based Ethernet network
The following is an example of an Ethernet network. The network is made up of a router, 
a cable or DSL modem, your computers, and cables connecting each of these components. 
The router is the central control point for the network. Attached to the router are all of 
your computers or Ethernet-ready devices. Also connected to the router is a cable or DSL 
modem that provides access to the Internet.
ImportantCheck local code requirements before installing Ethernet cable or 
other wiring in your home or office. Your municipality may require you 
to obtain a permit and hire a licensed installer. 
						

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Introduction to Networking
Equipment you need for a router-based Ethernet network
For an Ethernet network you need:
■Two or more computers with Ethernet jacks
■One router
■One broadband Internet connection (optional)
■Ethernet cables connecting all of the network equipment
ImportantFor best results, all Ethernet components should be either standard 
Ethernet (10 Mbps), Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps or 10/100), or Gigabit 
Ethernet (1000 Mbps or 10/100/1000). A mixture of components rated 
at different speeds will result in your network running at the speed 
of the slowest rated component.
Tips & TricksWhen buying your router, be sure the model includes everything your 
network needs, including:
■Internet security features - such as a firewall to protect your network 
from unwanted intruders
■4-port switch - to eliminate the need for additional network hardware■DHCP server/dynamic IP address assignment - to automatically 
configure network and IP addresses
Cable/DSL 
modem
Router 
						

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Chapter 5: Networking Your Computer
Creating an Ethernet network
Making sure your broadband connection works
Before you change anything about your home setup, make sure that your broadband 
connection is working correctly. To test the connection, log onto the Internet using your 
current setup. If the connection is not working, contact your Internet service provider.
Naming the computers and the workgroup
To identify this computer on the network:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control 
Panel is in Category View, click 
Performance and Maintenance. The Performance and 
Maintenance window opens.
2Click/Double-click System. The System Properties dialog box opens.
3Click Computer Name.
4Click Change. The Computer Name Changes dialog box opens.
5Type a unique computer name in the Computer name box. This name identifies the 
computer to other users on the network. Use a computer name of up to 15 characters 
with no blank spaces. Each computer name must be unique on your network. 
All-numeric computer names are not allowed. Names must contain some letters.
ImportantIf you do not have a broadband connection already installed, make 
the necessary arrangements with your ISP. Be sure to find out how 
soon after the installation the line will be activated.
ImportantBroadband Internet settings will differ from ISP to ISP. Before you 
begin setting up your network, you should contact your ISP for any 
specific instructions they have for setting up a network.
ImportantYou must give each computer on the network a unique Computer 
Name and the same Workgroup Name. 
						

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Creating an Ethernet network
6Type a name for your workgroup in the Wor kg rou p box. Use a workgroup name of 
up to 15 characters with no blank spaces. The workgroup name must be the same for 
all computers in your network workgroup, and the name must be different than any 
computer name on your network.
7Click OK to close the Computer Name Changes dialog box.
Configuring the TCP/IP protocol
A networking protocol is a language computers use to talk to each other. One of several 
available protocols must be set up on each computer you plan to use on your network. 
We recommend you use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), 
which is widely accepted and compatible for local area networks (LANs), as well as for 
Internet communications.
When networking is set up in Windows XP, TCP/IP is automatically installed as the default 
protocol.
Terms you should know
DHCP - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) lets a router temporarily assign an 
IP address to a computer on the network.
IP Address - Internet Protocol (IP) address is a number that uniquely identifies a computer 
on the network.
Subnet Mask - Subnet mask is a number that identifies what subnetwork the computer 
is located on. This number will be the same on all computers on a home network.
Using a DHCP server
In order to use the TCP/IP protocol on each computer with a router, you must set the 
protocol to “Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server.”
To use a DHCP server:
1Click Start, then click Control Panel. The Control Panel window opens. If your Control 
Panel is in Category View, click 
Network and Internet Connections. The Network and 
Internet Connections window opens.
2Click/Double-click Network Connections. The Network Connections window opens. 
						

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Chapter 5: Networking Your Computer
3Right-click Local Area Connection, then click Properties. The Local Area Connection 
Properties dialog box opens.
- OR - 
If you do not have a LAN connection setup, click 
Create a new connection and follow 
the instructions in the New Connection Wizard.
4Click to select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) check box in the This connection uses the 
following items 
list. If you do not see TCP/IP, drag the scroll bar to see more choices.
5Click Properties. The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box opens.