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Computer Basics |
This chapter provides basic information about your Gateway computer. Read this chapter to learn where components and connections are located and how to get started using your new Gateway computer.
Checking out your computer
Front
Component Description Starts your computer. If your computer is not responding to keyboard or mouse commands, shut down the computer by pressing this button and holding it down for five seconds.
Left
Component Description 
Right
Component Description Insert CDs into this drive. The DVD drive reads both CDs and DVDs.
Plug a cable for a USB device (such as a USB keyboard and mouse) into one of these connections.
Back
Getting started
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 peripherals by connecting them to a surge suppressor, which will absorb voltage surges and prevent them from reaching your computer. Because high voltages can also enter your computer through the modem cable, also use a telephone line surge suppressor.
To protect your computer during electrical storms, unplug the modem cable and the AC power adapter.
An uninterruptable power supply (UPS) powers your computer equipment long enough to let you save your work and shut your computer down to protect against data loss during a total power failure.
Connecting and starting the computer
To connect power and start the computer:
Turning off your computer
To turn off your computer:
If for some reason you cannot use the Shut down option in Windows to turn off your computer, press and hold the power button for about five seconds.
Using the mouse
The mouse is a device that controls the pointer and cursor movement on the screen. This illustration shows the standard mouse.
You can use the scroll wheel on the mouse to move through a document. This feature is not available in all programs.
Changing the mouse settings
You can adjust the double-click speed, pointer speed, left-hand or right-hand configuration, and other mouse settings.
To change your mouse settings:
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Buttons lets you change the button configuration and the double-click speed. |
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Pointers lets you customize the appearance of your cursor and pointer. |
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Motion lets you set your pointer speed and pointer trails. |
Using the keyboard
Your USB Multimedia Keyboard has all the functionality of a full-size keyboard in a compact size. Some of the keys have been assigned alternate functions, and a set of multi-function buttons is located above the standard keys.
Keys Description Press these keys to perform program functions. Each program uses different function keys for different purposes. Refer to the software documentation to find out more about the function key actions.
Some Function keys (such as F4 and F10) also perform specific functions when pressed in combination with the Fn key. See Function keys for more information.
These buttons have been programmed to perform specific one-touch functions. Some of buttons keys can be reprogrammed to perform different functions. See Customizing the multi-function buttons for more information on reprogramming the buttons.
Light up when Num Lock, Caps Lock, or Scroll Lock are active.
Press one of these keys to move the cursor up the page, down the page, to the beginning (home), or to the end of a document.
When Num Lock is enabled, use these keys to type numbers. Enable Num Lock by pressing the Num Lock key.
Press one of these keys to move the cursor up, down, right, or left.
Press this key for quick access to shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows.
Press this key to activate the Windows Start menu. This key can be used with other keys on the keyboard to open the Find or Search (F), Run (R), or Explorer (E) programs.
Hold down the Fn key while pressing F8 - F12 to perform the functions indicated in green print. See Function keys for more information.
Multi-function buttons
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Button Press to... Open the program of your choice. See Customizing the multi-function buttons for programming instructions.
Customizing the multi-function buttons
Each multi-function button except for the CD/DVD control buttons can be programmed to open different programs. Use the Multimedia Keyboard program to customize the buttons.
To customize the multi-function buttons:
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You can choose either from predefined selections or you can enter the
path to the program you want the button to launch. Use the Browse
button if you do not know the exact path name.
Function keys
+ Alt key
+ Ctrl key
Accessories
Home networking kit
A home networking kit lets you link two or more computers in your home using your existing telephone lines. After you have set up home networking, you can access the files, drives, and printers on linked computers and even share one Internet connection.
Imaging equipment
A digital camera lets you take pictures that you can view and edit on your computer. A scanner copies an image, such as a graphic or document, and stores the copy in a file. You can view and edit scanner files on your computer. You can attach your digital photographs or scanned images to e-mail messages or post them on a Web site.
Memory
Large programs, such as multimedia games or graphic 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.
Inkjet printers are relatively inexpensive, but they are slower than laser printers. Using an inkjet color printer, you can print color artwork such as pictures, banners, and greeting cards.
Laser printers are more expensive, but they print much faster than inkjet printers. Laser printers are better than inkjet printers for printing large documents.
Uninterruptable power supplies